Byblos Bank Launches Visa Infinite Card
VIP Card with Unparalleled Privileges


Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, June 30, 2008:
Byblos Bank launched the Visa Infinite Card during a press conference held on June 30, 2008, at Byblos Bank Headquarters in Ashrafieh. Were present Mrs. Joumana Chelala, Head of Consumer Banking Division, a number of the Bank’s managers and employees, Mr. Tony Gougassian, Visa International Area Manager, and Mr. Walid Rizk, Visa International Manager for Lebanon and Syria.

 “Visa Infinite is a high-end card dedicated to VIP people”, said Elie Abou Khalil, Head of Group Retail Products Development. Whether the client is looking to book a flight, charter a yacht, purchase tickets to a sell-out event or source an exciting gift, Byblos Bank makes it all possible with the Visa Infinite Card, designed to cater to the needs of VIP clients.

Mr. Georges Fares, Head of Group Cards Products highlighted the unique characteristics of Visa Infinite Card that distinguish its holder thanks to unparalleled advantages such as:

•A round-the-clock service.
•Access to more than 500 Airport VIP lounges across the world.
•High ceiling on purchases and cash withdrawals.
•Access to an exclusive concierge service.
•Access to exclusive travel offers to the most prestigious tourist destinations around the world (coordination of all travel details to help clients spare time and expenses re organizing the trip and getting separate travel insurance).
•Global insurance up to USD 1 million for the holder and his family.

And he added: “The Visa Infinite Card is an addition to the large array of cards specially designed by Byblos Bank to meet the needs of the different segments. Like all Byblos Bank cards, the Visa Infinite allows its holder to benefit from the Cards’ Loyalty Program that consists of collecting points and exchanging them against exciting and valuable gifts”.

In addition, this card gives its holder a privileged treatment in different places around the world especially in the most prestigious hotels, sport clubs, restaurants and SPAs.

Byblos Bank always proves its will to fulfill the requirements of its clients and strives to constantly offer them new products and personalized services in order to meet their expectations as it is their “Bank for Life”.

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For more information, please call:
Ms Dalila Saade
Group Media Relations
PR & Communication
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: isfeir@byblosbank.com.lb
 

Byblos Bank Gives Its Voice to Nature and Sponsors "Sur Les Sentiers Du Liban"


Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, June 05, 2008:
In the occasion of the World Environment Day, Byblos Bank confirmed its engagement to preserve Lebanese natural landscapes. For that purpose, the Bank sponsored "Sur les Sentiers du Liban", a project conceived by Pierre Bared, a Lebanese citizen and photographer of natural landscapes who dreams of crossing Lebanon on foot, from North to South, in order to raise the awareness of the Lebanese citizens towards the beauty of nature and Lebanese villages, seen through the lens of his camera.

The passion of the photographer and the strategy of the Bank concurred, giving birth to this project. For the first time in Lebanon, Pierre Bared will cross Lebanon on foot during a month, from June 6 till July 6, 2008, through a mountainous pathway that stretches out from Kobeyate in the North till Marjeyioune in the South, crossing several other Lebanese villages.

It is to note that the project is insured by ADIR Insurance & Reinsurance that does not miss any occasion to contribute to the protection of the environment in order to insure a better future.

The objectives of this project are numerous notably to show Lebanese citizens the beauty of the country’s landscapes and villages and incite them to preserve its forests, raising awareness on protecting the environment and urge them to a responsible action when they are in the nature.

Byblos Bank always encouraged projects related to nature and Lebanese villages. In fact, it is to remind that the Bank broadcasts "Hayda Lebnan", a TV documentary describing in every episode a Lebanese village as well as its characteristics and the traditions of its inhabitants.

In her speech given during the press conference held at Byblos Bank’s Head office, Mrs. Nada Tawil, Head of the Group Communication Department declared that: ” Byblos Bank is proud of the initiatives it takes with the aim of protecting the Lebanese environment. We can recall the environmental campaigns that were launched years ago namely, “A Cedar Tree to Preserve Your Roots” and “Plant a Tree”. Preserving the environment is every company’s and citizen’s responsibility if we want to leave a rich heritage for the future generations”.

From his side, Pierre Bared shared with the audience the details of this solitary walking trip and expressed his determination to take the challenge in order to raise awareness among Lebanese citizens.
Byblos Bank is a Bank committed to the nature and to Lebanon; therefore, the Bank always encourages initiatives and projects aimed at preserving the Lebanese environment.

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Ingrid Sfeir
Media Relations
PR & Communication
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: isfeir@byblosbank.com.lb
 

Byblos Bank Launches Kafalat Loan Campaign at 0% Interest
0% Interest Rate for Projects Full of Interest

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, June 02, 2008:
Byblos Bank launched in May its Kafalat campaign aimed at providing support and necessary financing to small and medium enterprises (SME's) looking to grow their activities and to new entrepreneurs willing to launch their own enterprise in the framework of the Bank's strategy to promote the Lebanese economy and participate in creating new job opportunities.

The campaign was launched through newspapers and billboards titling “0% interest rate for projects full of interest” along with radio spots and interviews giving more information on the loan, its characteristics and benefits. Radio interviews also broadcasted live success stories and gave auditors to possibility to participate in competitions to win valuable prizes.

With Byblos Bank Kafalat loans, you can benefit from loans at 0% interest rate for the sectors of industry, agriculture, tourism, handicraft, technology, IT and cinematography in order to offer financing, technical and professional assistance.

Because it is deeply concerned with the Lebanese economy and one of its main objectives is to make it prosper, Byblos Bank was the first Bank in Lebanon to offer Kafalat Loan back in 1999 to reinforce Lebanon's economy, end the rural exodus and encourage SME's to grow and increase their benefits.

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Ingrid Sfeir
Media Relations
Group Communication Department
Byblos Bank Group
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: dsaade@byblosbank.com.lb
 

Byblos Bank Sponsors "Lebanon: Country of Love and Peace"
Child's Week for the 24th consecutive year

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, May 02, 2008:
A poster showing a little girl holding the Lebanese flag as well as a pigeon symbolizing peace announced the Child's Week theme: Lebanon, country of love and peace. For the 24th consecutive year, Byblos Bank sponsored the Child's Week that took place from February 4 till March 26, 2008 in Jbeil. This annual meeting is aimed at encouraging children to prove and reveal their talents in many fields like arts, culture and education. Competitions were held on 12 April, 2008 and Byblos Bank will distribute scholarships to winners in order to encourage their talents.

The program of this event organized by APPEL (Association for the Protection of the Lebanese Children) for the public and private schools' students, with the support of Byblos Bank, comprised many competitions, among which rhythmic dances, poetry, painting on ceramic, animated songs and drawing, evolving around "Lebanon: Country of Love and Peace" theme.
The jury was composed of artists, professionals and personalities from the region who were keen on encouraging children and fulfill them.

Representatives of the Regional Management in Jbeil / Keserwan, Jbeil / Kesrwan branch managers as well as members of the APPEL, represented by Ms. Suzanne Oueis, attended the event and encouraged the participants.

The distribution of prizes will be held in a later time.

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Byblos Bank Present at the City Kids Exhibition at Forum de Beyrouth

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, April 02, 2008:
Byblos Bank, the only bank present at the City Kids exhibition held at Forum de Beyrouth from April 26 till May 1st, aimed at building closer ties with parents and children and confirming one more time its role of Your Bank for Life.

Byblos Bank prepared an out of the ordinary setting: a lively, colored and interactive stand where children enjoy their time with clowns and eat cotton candies balloons in hands; parents can get more information on Byblos Bank's products by asking the Bank’s employees, notably about the saving plan "Insure Your Child's Education" and the Cool Card.

Through its presence in this exhibition, Byblos Bank aims at getting closer to families and children in order to accompany them from their early age and to help parents to guarantee them a stable and sure future. Products displayed are the saving plan "Insure Your Child's Education" and the Cool Card.

"Insure Your Child's Education" is a saving plan through which parents can save money for their children. This plan is provided with a life insurance cover whose sole and ultimate beneficiary is the child. Parents can start saving from the birth of their child starting $25 per month; payments can be paid quarterly, semi annually and annually. Parents have also the choice to decrease or increase these payments or even boost their savings with exceptional premiums.

The Cool Card is specially conceived for cool youngsters. Byblos Bank created this card to enable them to establish themselves financially and to be updated on all the banking innovations. The use of the Cool Card is very practical since aside from the possibility to withdraw cash money for free from Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), to use the card round the clock and to benefit from a Personal Identification Number (PIN) inserted in the ATM's to withdraw money, youngsters benefit from numerous advantages i.e discounts in shops and restaurants and the chance to enter exciting draws and win cool gifts.

Byblos Bank's motto "Your Bank for Life" is not a succession of words but a series of concrete actions taken in order to stay close to clients, guide them and accompany them through all the stages of their lives.

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Ingrid Sfeir
Media Relations - PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: isfeir@byblosbank.com.lb
 

Arab Trade Finance Program Grants Byblos Bank a Credit Line of USD 25 Million

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, March 18, 2008:
The Arab Trade Finance Program (ATFP) and Byblos Bank S.A.L. inked today an agreement for a USD 25 million credit line in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. The agreement was signed by Dr. Jassem Manaei, Chairman-Chief Executive, on behalf of the Program, and Dr. Francois S. Bassil, Chairman-General Manager, Byblos Bank S.A.L.

By virtue of this agreement, the program will grant Byblos Bank a credit line of USD 25 million, extended for the purpose of financing trade operations, notably import and export of various goods and products between Lebanon and other countries.

Dr. François S. Bassil stressed the importance of the role played by the Program through the services and facilities provided with regards to the positive effect that will contribute to promote and develop the volume of trade transactions between Arab countries and to raise the competitiveness level of Arab producers and exporters. He also praised the cooperation and agreement between Byblos Bank and the Program's administration.

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Isabelle Naoum
Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 9611335465
Fax: 9611339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb

Byblos Bank Contributes to the Reforestation of Lebanon
1.5 hectares of trees already planted in Rechmaya

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, March 07, 2008:
Byblos Bank has confirmed again having green hands and is contributing to the reforestation of the Lebanese regions. Thanks to its clients and in recognition of their efforts, Byblos Bank could plant the first set of trees, i.e 750 trees over 1.5 hectares, in Rechmaya, in March 2008, within its "Exchange Your Points and Plant a Tree" campaign, launched in December 2007. The campaign is still under way and the second set of trees is to be planted in November 2008.

"Exchange Your Points and Plant a Tree" is a campaign aimed at planting trees in certain regions in Lebanon that were devastated by flames during summer 2007. Every holder of a Byblos Bank Credit Card (MasterCard, VISA, Lira, USD, EURO Classic, Gold, Platinum, Military and Mother's Card) can contribute by exchanging 350 Loyalty Card Points for a tree. With every dollar spent with Byblos Bank cards, a point is cumulated. Points accumulated are exchanged for valuable gifts chosen from the Cards Loyalty Program Booklet. To plant a tree, you just have to accumulate 350 points. A contribution certificate is then delivered to you in your name.

This new Byblos Bank campaign launched in partnership with the AFDC (Association for Forests Development and Conservation) carries a national and environmental message and targets every committed Lebanese nostalgic of the green Lebanon. The idea of the campaign was born after the multiple fires that devastated the green areas in Lebanon in 2007. Therefore, Byblos Bank decided to contribute to the reforestation of Lebanon with one main objective, the preservation of the environment and the nature of Lebanon with the participation of its clients.

When the 350 points are accumulated, the client can visit one of the Bank’s 73 branches or call the Bank’s Customer Service in order to exchange his / her points against a tree.
The word "environment” has always been on Byblos Bank’s agenda; it's in this perspective that the Bank launched the "Plant a Cedar to Preserve Your Roots" campaign in December 2004 whereby a cedar is planted in the name of every Lebanese expatriate who opens a bank account in Byblos Bank. An ecological day was organized as part of this campaign during which a group of expatriates gathered at the Chouf natural reserve where around 200 cedars were planted in their names.

Flash back in the 90's, Byblos Bank was the first Lebanese bank to launch an environmental campaign aiming at increasing the Lebanese awareness of sea pollution problems; the campaign was titled: عمول منيح وما تكب بالبحر

Byblos Bank never stops taking initiatives but the objective remains the same: the prosperity of the Lebanese economy as well as the well-being and the satisfaction of its clients.

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Isabelle Naoum
Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb
 

Byblos Bank's "Volant d'Or" Rewards Best Cars Sales for Used and New Car Loans
In recognition of their agents’ efforts in selling Byblos Bank Auto Loans

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, February 06, 2008:
Byblos Bank organized on Friday, February 1st, 2008 at Le Pavillon Royal, BIEL, the “Volant d’Or” dinner reception to reward dealers and agents of used and new cars who deal with the Bank, in recognition of their efforts in selling Byblos Bank Auto Loans in 2007.

A panel of regional managers, branch managers and staff from various Byblos Bank branches, notably the employees of the Consumer Loans and the Detail Development Units, were present at the “Volant d’Or” reception along with a group of cars salesmen and women from various dealers of used and new cars.

In his opening speech, Mr. Elie Abou Khalil, Head of Retail Product Department highlighted that in 2007, Byblos Bank was able to maintain its place among the leading banks in the banking consumer services and remains the first bank in this sector with a 38% increase of turnover.

From her side, Mrs. Georgina Eid Dinar, Head of Consumer Loan Unit noted that "despite the challenges and obstacles encountered this year and the difficult situations we faced, Byblos Bank was able to reach more objectives than expected thanks to the efforts made as well as the strong will of the Lebanese people no matter how hard the circumstances”. She added that: “The year 2007 was marked with dynamism in the cars sector. Indeed, Byblos Bank registered a 55% growth rate in terms of car loans. Byblos Bank's slogan is: "Integrity, mutual respect, team work and ethical and professional values". Our objective for the year 2008 is to always offer the best products and services and to continuously develop our systems and programs in order to better serve our clients who are our main priority.

Valuable prizes were distributed to salesmen and agents who achieved the best selling performances in Auto Loans.

For the category of the Best Sales Team for New Cars, BUMC, agent of Toyota and Lexus cars in Lebanon, maintained its first place for the third consecutive year. Mr. Ghassan Bejjani, branch manager – BUMC Hazmieh, received the “Volant d’Or” for the third consecutive time as Best Salesperson for new cars.

For the category of the Best Sales Team for Used Cars, "Auto Kino" represented by Sirs. Habib, Milad and Ziad Nehme won the "Volant d'Or 2007", thus maintaining its first place. As for the category of the best salesperson, it was Hanna Abi Hanna, from Ets. Rabih Michel Khoury at Jounieh who won the "Volant d'Or 2007" prize for the first time

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Isabelle Naoum
Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb

Byblos Bank launches the Mother's Card for the New Year
An innovative idea from Byblos Bank, a card designed for the mother in you.

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, January 14, 2008:
For the New Year, Byblos Bank launches its Mother's Card, a credit card dedicated to the mother in you. Because you are special and very dear to our hearts, Byblos Bank gave you a thought especially for the New Year and decided to devote to you a large part of its innovations. Therefore, the Bank decided to favor them with this card that gives them a special treatment.

With the Mother's Card, you can benefit from many advantages notably the possibility to have your children's picture or the pictures of your loved ones on the card. Furthermore, you can automatically enter the Mother's Card Loyalty Program that enables you to receive many gifts for you or your children from different shops and outlets. By virtue of this Program, every dollar you spend with the card will make you win a point. You can then redeem points that you accumulate for lots of valuable gifts. And if you are looking for a gift idea, the Mother's Card is the ideal solution to surprise and impress your friends and relatives.

Being the first Bank to have launched retail products back in 1991, Byblos Bank accompanies you through all the stages of your life in order to meet all your financial needs. The Bank studies and creates all its products with the objective of being up to date and going hand in hand with the development, change and evolution of its clients' lifestyle.

Because its strategy lies in pleasing the needs of all categories of clients, Byblos Bank always strives to create, innovate and study the market in order to satisfy its clients. This is the main commitment to which the Bank devotes itself; Byblos Bank works non-stop in order to always meet its clients' expectations and thus, remain their Bank for Life.  .

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For more information, please call:
Isabelle Naoum
Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Tel: 961 1 335465
Fax: 961 1 339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb

 

EIB Grants Byblos Bank a Credit Line of USD 87 Million
For the Second Time, Byblos Bank benefits from a Global Loan Agreement without State Guarantee–under the EIB-FEMIP program sponsored by the European Union

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, December 27, 2007:
The European Investment Bank (“the EIB”) finalized with Byblos Bank on December 20, 2007 the signing and execution of the second Global Loan (GL) agreement for an amount of USD 87 million without the State Guarantee.

The overall objective of the Loan agreement is to promote economic growth and sustainable employment in all the productive sectors of the Lebanese economy.

The Global Loan proceeds shall be on-lent to fund 50% of the eligible costs of eligible sub-projects undertaken by eligible promoters in eligible sectors. The remaining 50% of the above eligible costs will be financed –if any- by Byblos Bank at its discretion.

The eligible promoters are the small and middle enterprises “SMEs” having less than 500 employees and Net Fixed assets less than EUR 75 million.

The eligible sectors are the productive economic sectors; namely Industry, Tourism, Health, Higher Education, IT and Knowledge-Based, Energy, and Telecommunications.

The eligible sub-projects are investments: a) that intend to expand, modernize or rehabilitate existing assets; b) that started three and a half years ago and were completed not more than six months ago; c) that will be implemented during the course of three years; d) that are compliant with Lebanese environmental legislation and with related EU-directives as may be appropriate; e) that require medium to long term financing (above 5 years) ranging between USD 100,000 and USD 15 million; and f) that have proven their economic, technical and financial feasibility.

The eligible costs are a) the purchase of new tangible fixed assets including the purchase of land if the land is directly associated with the sub-project and if it represents a maximum of 25% of the total eligible sub-project costs b) the permanent increase in working capital resulting from the new investment to be adequately demonstrated and to be capped at maximum 20% of the total eligible sub-project costs and c) the refinancing of incurred costs of used or existing fixed assets associated with the sub-project and which have not already been financed by the EIB or by Byblos Bank.

It is worth mentioning that Byblos Bank was the first private bank in the Near East and the second in the Mediterranean Partner Countries to have benefited from the EIB early 2006 from a Global Loan Agreement without the State Guarantee for USD 60 million.

These initiatives by Byblos aim to boost the competitiveness of the Lebanese SMEs, to promote further their growth and thus job creation by providing them with adequate long term financing at affordable fixed prices to carry out their long term investments.

This agreement is the third accomplishment made during the past two years and is the result of the strategic cooperation that started several years ago with the EIB. Aside from the first and now the second Global Loan Agreements, the EIB has also committed to invest in Byblos Ventures (holding) S.A.L our private equity investment company which will have a capital base up to USD 50 million to be invested into the capital of well identified local and regional SMEs to strengthen their equity base and their growth potential.

As a longstanding partner of Lebanon with a history of cooperation going thirty years back, the European Investment Bank proved once again its continued commitment toward the reconstruction of Lebanon and continued support for its recovery process amidst the difficult times the country is currently facing.

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For more information, please call:
Isabelle Naoum
Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: +961 1 335465
Fax: +961 1 339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb

 

Byblos Bank Going Green to Reforest Lebanon
Plant a Tree with the Byblos Bank Cards Loyalty Program

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, December 3, 2007:
It's on a Green note that Byblos Bank closes the year 2007 with its new "Exchange Your Points and Plant a Tree" campaign. At the end of this year, the Bank decided to go for green fingers and to turn black into green.

"Exchange Your Points and Plant a Tree" is a campaign aimed at planting pines and olive trees in certain regions in Lebanon. Is concerned every person holding a Byblos Bank Credit Card (MasterCard, VISA, Lira, USD, EURO Classic, Gold, Platinum, Military and Mother's Card). In fact, this campaign is a part of the Byblos Bank Cards Loyalty Program whereby every dollar spent with Byblos Bank Cards allows the client get one point; the accumulated points are exchanged into valuable gifts chosen from the Cards Loyalty Program Booklet. To plant a tree, you just have to accumulate 350 points. A contribution certificate will be delivered to you in your name.

This new Byblos Bank campaign launched in partnership with the AFDC (Association for Forests Development and Conservation) carries a national and environmental message and targets every committed Lebanese nostalgic of the green Lebanon. The idea of the campaign was born after the multiple fires that devastated the green areas in Lebanon. Therefore, Byblos Bank decided to contribute to the reforestation of Lebanon with one main objective, the preservation of the environment and the nature of Lebanon with the participation of its clients.

When points are accumulated, the client can visit one of the Bank’s 73 branches or call the Bank’s Customer Service in order to exchange his / her points against a tree. The client will then receive a certificate proving that a tree has been planted in one of Lebanon's forests.

The word "environment” has always been on Byblos Bank’s agenda; it's in this perspective that the Bank launched the "Plant a Cedar to Preserve Your Roots" campaign in December 2004 whereby a cedar is planted in the name of every Lebanese expatriate who opens a bank account in Byblos Bank. An ecological day was organized as part of this campaign during which a group of expatriates gathered at the Chouf natural reserve where around 200 cedars were planted in their names.

Flash back in the 80's, Byblos Bank was the first Lebanese bank to launch an environmental campaign aiming at increasing the Lebanese awareness of sea pollution problems; the campaign was titled: عمول منيح وما تكب بالبحر

Byblos Bank never stops taking initiatives but the objective remains the same: the prosperity of the Lebanese economy as well as the well-being and the satisfaction of its clients.

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Isabelle Naoum
Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb

 

Byblos Bank Closes Successfully a 200-Million Dollar Subordinated Debt Convertible into Common Shares
The First & Only Capital Market Transaction by a Lebanese Bank on the International Capital Market in 2007

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, November 20, 2007:
Byblos Bank announced on Tuesday November 20, 2007 during a press conference held at the Bank’s head office, that the Bank has successfully closed a 200-million dollar subordinated debt convertible into common shares.

The tenor of this subordinated debt is 5 years during which the subscribers can ask every 3 months to convert their subordinated debts into Byblos Bank common shares for the price of USD 2.25 per share.

During his speech given for the occasion, Dr. Bassil stressed the importance of this transaction, considered as groundbreaking for the following reasons:

- This is the first and only capital market transaction by a Lebanese bank on the international capital market during 2007
- It is the first time that a Lebanese bank issues a debt instrument convertible into common shares upon the approval of monetary and supervisory authorities.
- The transaction took place at a very difficult moment for Lebanon showing confidence in Byblos Bank and the Lebanese banking sector in general, despite the adverse political circumstances in the country
- Byblos Bank was able to attract leading international institutional investors as well as local investors - The transaction contributed significantly to the substantial improvement in the balance of payments until 4 October 2007 and to consolidating the private funds of Byblos Bank that will reach around USD 900 Million assisting the Bank in pursuing its expansion abroad in search for new market.
- The placement was effected directly by Byblos Bank without the assistance of an international investment bank or any other placement agent.

Dr. Bassil also noted that “the transaction was approved by a substantial majority of Byblos Bank shareholders (81.41%) with no shareholder voting against it”. He also extended his thanks to the Central Bank of Lebanon for the support and flexibility provided in structuring the transaction and assisting Byblos Bank.
 

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Isabelle Naoum
Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb

 

Cooperation Agreement between Byblos Bank and South BIC
Signature of a Protocol to Develop the Agricultural and Services Sectors

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, October 29, 2007:
Byblos Bank, represented by Ms. Joumana Chelala, Deputy Head of Group Consumer Banking Division and Mr. Majdi Hammoud, Regional Director of the South region, signed a cooperation agreement with South BIC represented by Mr. Karim Hammoud, General Manager. This protocol is aimed at encouraging and supporting the small and medium enterprises as to the financing and professional training. Were present during the signature Mrs. Dolly Hatem, Head of Kafalat and Small Business Lending Unit at Byblos Bank, Mr. Elie Abou Khalil, Head of Retail Products Development at Byblos Bank, Miss Rita Karam, Coordinator of Services and Accounting at South BIC and many other representatives of Byblos Bank.

South BIC is a Center owned by the Chamber of Trade and Commerce of Sidon and the South region, the Municipality of Sidon and the Hariri Institution. It is presided by the Chamber of Trade and Commerce, co-financed by the European Union and supported by the Ministry of Economy and Trade. This Center, first of its kind in the South region, aims at adopting and sponsoring the small and medium enterprises and providing them with assistance, consultancy services and training in the technical and industrial know-how notably in the marketing and sales, technology, accounting and other fields. One of the Center's objectives is also to help these enterprises in how to provide the necessary financing to their projects. The Center also organizes several training activities in different fields to these small and medium enterprises. South BIC is currently erecting a 6000m2 building, still under construction, for the incubation of newly starting enterprises.

In details, this protocol is intended to facilitate and speed the process of obtaining subsidized loans for these small and medium companies from Byblos Bank in cooperation with South BIC, in return of a guarantee from Kafalat. It is also aimed at developing the industry sectors of the enterprises and providing them with trainings.

Byblos Bank was always a pioneer in supporting national industries and tourist activities in Lebanon and this is the reason why it concentrates its interests and makes all efforts to push the small and medium enterprises to develop because Byblos Bank believes that the development of these enterprises will directly contribute in Lebanon's prosperity and will boost its economy.

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Isabelle Naoum
Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465 Fax: 01/339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb
 

Byblos Bank Sponsors the USJ Faculty of Dentistry Rally Paper

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh, October 26, 2007:
Byblos Bank sponsored the USJ- Faculty of Dentistry Rallye Paper on Saturday, October 26. This Rallye, organized for the fourth consecutive year in a row, gathered 200 students.

The participants followed an itinerary that led them towards "ARZ JEIJ" passing by Naher el Kaleb, and stopped at Byblos Bank's new branch in Jbeil where they had to answer a questionnaire concerning the Bank and Byblos Bank's Cool Card.

The Rally winners received their prizes during a ceremony that took place at "L-Bar" in Monot on Thursday, October 25th during which Byblos Bank presented a $ 500 check to the 3rd winning car.

Byblos Bank's initiative falls within its expansion plan aiming at getting closer to its clients especially youngsters as well as familiarizing them with its newest products notably the Cool Card, a credit card especially designed for young people that can be used 24 / 7 in shops, restaurants, coffees …

Byblos Bank wanted to introduce the "Cool Card" among young people in order to give them the chance to have their first credit and banking experience. This way, the Bank would be able to widen its base of clients, go hand in hand with the modernization taking place nowadays in all countries, participate in the development of the baking sector in Lebanon and be a pioneer as always in the products targeting consumers of all ages.

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Isabelle Naoum
Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb
 

Byblos Bank Syria Opens Three New Branches: in Aleppo, Tartous and Lattakia

Byblos Bank Syria Headquarters - October 10, 2007:
Byblos Bank Syria has recently announced the opening of three new branches in Aleppo, Tartous, and Lattakia. Three Iftars were organized for this occasion in Lattakia at View Hotel, in Tartous at Chahine Hotel and in Aleppo at Sheraton Hotel. The receptions were attended by personalities from the political, diplomatic and industrial sectors as well as by Byblos Bank Syria clients.

Byblos Bank Syria seeks to have an efficient presence in all districts and to provide the best banking services and products in order to effectively contribute to the growth of Syria as well as the well-being of its people. In a very short period, the Bank opened six branches in Chaalan, Mezze, Homs, Tartous, Lattakia and Aleppo and this, according to a national expansion plan aiming at providing the biggest possible segment of the Syrian society with its services, in all the country.

This national expansion comes in line with the development of Byblos Bank Syria on the regional and international levels knowing that Byblos Bank is present in Iraq, notably in Erbil, in Armenia, in Europe (Paris, Brussels, London and Limassol), in Africa (El-Khartoum) and the Gulf (Abu Dhabi), and the Headquarters in Lebanon.

Not very long time ago, Byblos Bank launched its Retail programs and products in the Syrian market: Auto Loan, Personal Loan, cards in addition to the Housing Loan launched at the beginning of the year. These programs and products are important for they play an efficient role in the development of the Syrian economy, encouraging the investment and consumption activities and widening the middle class base in the country.

It is worth noting that the products and banking services of Byblos Bank Syria are not only designed to respond to the client's needs (individuals or institutions) but also to contribute effectively to the growth of the country, the modernization of its economy and the enhancement of the quality of living of its Syrian citizens. .

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For more information, please call:
Mrs. Isabelle Naoum Head of PR & Communication Unit
Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Phone: 01/335465
Fax: 01/339441
Email: inaoum@byblosbank.com.lb
 

Cyprus Branch: Important Legal Notification

September 2007:
The data contained in international credit transfers and separately requested express credit transfers, is forwarded to the beneficiary’s banks via the worldwide payment service, the Belgium based Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT). For the system security reasons, SWIFT has operating centers in Europe and the USA and as a result personal data is transferred to the USA.
These data may be accessed by the US Authorities pursuant to local applicable laws for the purposes of combating terrorism.
 

Byblos Bank Opens a New Branch in Erbil
Opeartions Started since May 16 at Byblos bank - Erbil Branch

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh. September 18, 2007:
Byblos Bank S.A.L. has recently announced the opening of its branch in Erbil, Iraq. As a branch of Byblos Bank S.A.L., Erbil branch activities will cover commercial and correspondent banking services including payments, letters of credit, letters of guarantee, and documentary collections.

The branch, located at Street 60, near the Sports Stadium in Erbil, started operations on May 16, 2007 with an approximate staff of 15 employees split between Iraqi nationals and Lebanese. The newly open Erbil Branch will benefit from the know-how and expertise of Byblos Bank S.A.L. and will use the same IT platform and all advanced and flexible banking systems in function at the Group level. All operations will be centralized at the Group’s Head office in Beirut and will benefit from the state of the art technologies escorting the Bank’s expansion.

An official source at the Bank highlighted that Iraq wasn’t a new experience for Byblos Bank. During the 1960s and 1970s, Byblos had dealings with major Iraqi traders and industrialists and Banks. “Erbil will be our gateway to Iraq, which we consider to be a market of tremendous potential. Today, Erbil and indeed Kurdistan, is a safe area to operate in, hence the start of our operations there. We are also following our Lebanese, Arab and European clients who have established a presence in Erbil, to service them”, explained the source.

Byblos Bank is the first Lebanese bank to open in Erbil and serve individuals and companies whether local or international. Byblos Bank plans to increase its branch network first in Kurdistan and subsequently in all of Iraq in the coming years. Expanding in the international market is not new to Byblos Bank as the Bank already has a strategic presence in Europe since 1976 (Byblos Bank Europe), Limassol, Cyprus since 1984 (branch), Sudan since 2003 (Byblos Bank Africa), in Syria since 2004 (Byblos Bank Syria), in Abu Dhabi since 2005 (Representative Office), and Armenia (Byblos Bank acquired a 100% stake in ITB Armenian bank in 2007).

For more information, please call:

Laurent Hawat AGM - Head of International Banking Phone: 01-334950

Isabelle Naoum Head of Corporate Communications 01-335465

Byblos Bank Acquires Armenian ITB Bank
A 100% Stake in ITB to Better Consolidate Strategic Expansion

Byblos Tower, Ashrafieh. September 10, 2007:
Byblos Bank S.A.L. recently announced its acquisition of a 100% stake in ITB (International Trade Bank), a bank incorporated in Armenia with 4 branches. The newly-acquired bank will be operated as an independent subsidiary of the Byblos Bank Group. The Armenian bank’s activities will cover corporate, real restate, commercial and retail businesses.

This expansion move comes within Byblos Bank’s strategy of diversifying its assets and revenues and thus expanding overseas. “Venturing into new markets isn’t new to us”, declared Semaan Bassil, Byblos Bank’s Vice Chairman and General Manager, “after Europe, Sudan, Syria, the UAE, and Iraq, we are now moving into Armenia for several reasons”. He highlighted that “Armenia in itself represents a very significant market with high potentials especially for retail and commercial activities which are two main lines of business highly important to Byblos Bank”. Another reason behind this bold move in the region is the need to serve the Armenian Diaspora which is present in the USA, Europe, Lebanon, Syria and other parts of the world.

Byblos Bank is the only Lebanese bank to operate in Armenia and will mainly focus on commercial and retail activities there.

With the above acquisition, Byblos Bank will now be present in 9 overseas countries, including 4 countries in Europe since 1976 (Byblos Bank Europe is operating in Belgium, France, and the UK), in addition to a branch in Limassol, Cyprus since 1984, a subsidiary in Khartoum, Sudan since 2003 (Byblos Bank Africa), a subsidiary in Syria since 2005 (Byblos Bank Syria is operating presently through 5 branches), a Representative Office in Abu Dhabi, UAE since 2005, a Branch in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq since May 2007 and now in Armenia.

Byblos Bank Launches its Cards Loyalty Program
The Best Deal for Card Users: A Point for Every Dollar Spent
Free Mobile Talk, Free Gasoline and Free Trips against Your Points

Byblos Bank Tower, Achrafieh, August 9th, 2007:  
On Thursday 9 August 2007, Byblos Bank SAL launched its Cards Loyalty Program under the title of: “Why Pay Cash?” during a press conference that gathered for the first time around the same table representatives from the two competitive international institutions MasterCard and Visa. The conference was attended by merchants taking part in the program, the press and representatives from Byblos Bank.

In her opening speech, Mrs. Joumana Chelala, Head of Marketing, Sales and Retail Products Department welcomed the attendees and talked about the role that Byblos Bank plays as a bridge builder and about its commitment towards the community it works with. Following were the words given by Mr. Elie Abou Khalil, Head of Retail Products Development Department and Mr. Georges Fares, Head of Cards Unit at Byblos Bank where they talked about the technicalities of the program explaining the best possible way to benefit from it. Mr. Abou Khalil and Mr. Fares explained that against each dollar or its equivalent spent on the card the client is awarded one point, noting that since the customer is paying for his purchases anyways, and with the card he bears no charges when using his card, so Why Pay Cash when he can benefit from additional free gifts after accumulating his points. The Byblos Bank Cards Loyalty Program is very flexible and gives the client the possibility to choose what he wants to redeem. If he chooses free travel tickets, he can select the airline he wants to travel with, if he wins gasoline, he can fuel up his car in any gas station he selects, and if he chooses free talk minutes on his mobile it doesn’t matter if his line is prepaid or postpaid or the operator.

The program gifts vary between hotel accommodation, sports equipment, electronics, and beauty treatments, but on top of all free gasoline liters, free talk minutes on the mobile phone and free travel tickets.

Then Mr. Abu Ghazaleh from Visa and Mr. Lawson gave separate speeches (enclosed).

At the end of the conference, a draw took place where 20 valuable gifts from the Loyalty Program were distributed to the winners.

Byblos Bank Cards’ Loyalty Program: Why Pay Cash?
 

Byblos Bank's Tartous Branch Starts Operations
Fifth Branch in Syria for a Wider Service

Beirut, July, 2007:  
After the opening of its branches in Mazzeh, Chaalan, Homs and Aleppo, Byblos Bank Syria launched the activities of its new branch in Tartous to be closer to its client base, wherever they are and thus facilitate their transactions and banking activities.

This new move comes within our strategic goal of expanding in the Syrian territories in an effort to better serve our clients in different regions by offering them world-class services, value and economic benefits.

Byblos Bank Syria strives to be effectively present in all districts in the country. It has therefore deployed efforts to inaugurate 4 branches in Syria in 10 months and has lately opened its fifth branch in Tartous. Byblos Bank is committed to contributing to the development of the private sector in Syria in order to assist the country in exploiting all its agricultural, industrial, and tourist potentials.

Byblos Bank Syria aims at becoming one of the major commercial banks active in the Syrian economic sector, at being effectively present in all districts and at offering the best banking products and services to answer the ambitions of the Bank’s shareholders and employees striving to take an efficient part in the expansion of Syria and the well-being of its people.
The Bank will rely on the experience of the mother bank, Byblos Bank S.A.L. (Lebanon), that dates back to more than half a century in order to strongly invest itself in providing a wide range of banking products and services for individuals and corporations, answering the needs of Syrian nationals and taking part in the development of the Syrian economy.

Byblos Bank Syria is owned and managed 41.5% by Byblos Bank S.A.L. A 51% stake was acquired by Syrian investors. The OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) Fund for International Development has joined in the capital with 7.5%. This partnership falls in line with Byblos Bank’s strategy to bring along added value institutional partners; this partnership will bring to Byblos Bank Syria potentially long term funding for needed important projects.
 

Byblos Bank Launches the Military Card
In honor of the security forces’ sacrifices and a gift on Army’s Day

Beirut, July 12th, 2007:  
“In recognition of the big sacrifices the Lebanese security forces are making for Lebanon and in order to honor the Army on the occasion of Army’s Day on August 1st, Byblos Bank launched the Military Card, a credit card especially designed for the military bodies i.e. the army, internal security forces, state security forces and general security forces and for their families too”, declared Mrs. Joumana Chelala, Head of Marketing, Sales and Retail Products Department at Byblos Bank.

Mrs. Chelala explained: “Our products reflect our values, mission and concerns. We had previously confirmed our concern for the country on several occasions and in many situations, whether through the TV advertisement “Ana Loubnani” or through our contribution to the construction of the country with the Fidar Bridge and other issues. Today we are confirming it more and more by launching this credit card as we believe that a country cannot be without its army and the security forces that protect it”.

It is to be noted that the Military Card is free for life as a token of honor for the army and security forces; it is also available in US dollars and in Lebanese Pounds. Moreover, the Lebanese Pound card has additional features since its holder doesn’t bear any exchange fees in Lebanon as an encouragement to the Lebanese currency.

From another part, the Military Card can be used in Lebanon and abroad and offers various benefits like the re-issuance of a substitution card should the original one be lost, and the issuance of a free statement of account; the holder also has the possibility to request a statement of account through the internet. Byblos Bank offers to all card holders a complete SMS service: a message sent to card holders at each use of their card and a message informing of monthly balance and payment due, and more.

In addition, security forces have special discounts. The Military Card allows its holder to get several discounts in points of sales in Lebanon; the card holder can take the Military Card discount booklet from any of Byblos Bank branches.

In addition to its special features, the Military Card enjoys all benefits of other Byblos Bank credit cards; hence, if the card holder buys his airplane ticket with the Military Card, he can get a free travel insurance covering medical expenses outside Lebanon, trip cancellation fees, trip delay fees, children’s personal accidents, and delay or lost of luggage.

Mrs. Chelala concluded by saying: “The Military Card designed for the Lebanese security forces is our token of recognition for their loyalty”.
 

Byblos Bank Group Acquires Financial Studio Solution for Global Basel II compliance
Basel II implementation lays solid foundation for future enterprise-wide risk framework

Beirut/Ghent , June 2007  
Byblos Bank Group recently announced that it has acquired the Financial Studio Solution from Financial Architects (FinArch), the international provider of Finance Resource Planning (FRP) platform for the finance industry, as the core platform to answer the Bank’s capital management requirements.

Byblos will implement the Basel II Accord in all entities of the group in Lebanon (including foreign branches in Cyprus and Erbil and the Rep Office in Abu Dhabi), Europe (Belgium, France and UK), Sudan and Syria to ensure Basel II compliance within regulatory deadlines. The Bank will start with the implementation of the Standardized Approach for Pillars 1 and 2 calculations with the intention to move gradually to more advanced methodologies.

Byblos Bank started a software evaluation project in 2006, where the project evaluation team led by Philippe Saleh, Head of Risk Management, assessed the competing proposals and workshop exercises, on the basis of their functional coverage and expertise in the areas of risk management and regulatory reporting for capital adequacy under Basel II.

Philippe Saleh comments “The Bank is strategically expanding overseas and needs to be equipped with necessary tools to support and enhance the Group risk management practices. In this respect, we have found with FA the solution that seemed to be the most adapted to our environment with the flexibility and ease of integration of the Financial Studio. The scalability of the solution is essential to envisage future capital calculations based on more advanced approaches, while the solution allows to keep the Finance and Risk management infrastructures in line. Our selection has also encompassed the good relationship of FA with our European subsidiary (Byblos Bank Europe in Brussels) for the delivery of the financial reports.

Frédéric Simons, VP Regional Business Development comments: “Financial Studio offers high scalability in terms of volume and functionality and thus makes the perfect solution for Byblos Bank. This contract also demonstrates FinArch’s further commitment to the Middle East region. We are very pleased with Byblos Bank’s confidence in our company, to provide them with a sophisticated risk management platform.”

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About Byblos Bank SAL Established in Byblos-Lebanon in 1950, Byblos Bank Group is a leading universal financial institution focused on domestic and selective regional markets while striving to offer world-class service to customers, value-creation to shareholders, fulfilment to employees, and economic benefits to the communities in which it operates. Throughout more than 57 years of growth, Byblos Bank Group was able to expand with the largest best-spread network of 74 branches in Lebanon, and with a strategic presence in Europe and Africa. The Bank’s aggressive expansion plan was coupled with a sharp concern to apply best banking practices and operational excellence. In its strive for excellence, Byblos Bank oriented itself on the international banking community in general and benchmarked on the EU in particular and focused on implementing corporate Governance, Basel II requirements and other international standards.

www.byblosbank.com

About FinArch

FinArch (Financial Architects nv), with offices in the major financial centres worldwide, is a global value leader in providing a new generation of financial management software. The concept of the platform and the integrated approach of the different modules enable innovative financial institutions to quickly implement tactical solutions meeting the overall strategic objectives in financial reporting.

 FinArch provides a unique blend of domain expertise, operational services, and technology solutions that accelerate and facilitate financial institutions’ ambition to implement a cost effective and reliable financial management platform.

FinArch is also positioned as a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Basel II software applications.

www.finarch.com

For more details, please contact:
 

Philippe Saleh Assistant General Manager Head of Corporate Risk Management Byblos Bank SAL The Netherlands Tower- Charles Malek Avenue- Ashrafieh Beirut – Lebanon P.O.Box 11, 5605 Riad El Solh | Beirut 1107 2811 - Lebanon Phone: +961 1 217 773  e-mail: psaleh@byblosbank.com.lb

Frédéric Simons VP Regional Development Financial Architects nv Verlorenbroodstraat 122 B-9820 Merelbeke Belgium Phone: +32 (0)9 272 64 10

For Expatriates: Prove Your Attachment to Lebanon
“Our love of Lebanon will supersede all confessional, political, and ideological affiliations”

Dear Expatriate,

Be the first to prove your love and attachment for Lebanon, be among the firsts to support its economy and bring back hope and investments. This is the time to think of your roots and your children’s: apply for our Housing Loan and take advantage of the very special conditions offered with the lowest fixed rates ever and without any file fees.

Now more than ever, your involvement in Lebanon and support to its economy are needed; the strength and power of our nation is built on the loyalty and integrity of its people whether in Lebanon or abroad.

If you live abroad with your heart still beating for Lebanon and if you believe that your commitment can make a difference today, call 01/ 20 50 50 or log on www.byblosbank.com.lb to book for yourself the special Expat Housing Loan offer and be part of Lebanon’s unity.

Byblos Bank S.A.L.
 

Dr. François Bassil Inaugurates the Fidar Bridge Back to Traffic
After 9 Months of Hard Work, Byblos Bank Offers a Completely New Bridge to the People of Lebanon

Byblos Bank Tower, Ashrafieh, June 7th, 2007:  
After nine months of hard work, the reconstruction of Fidar Bridge, undertaken by Byblos Bank finally reached its end. On this occasion, Dr. François Semaan Bassil gave a speech on the 7th of June 2007, in which he stressed on the tenacity of the Lebanese who never feel defeated. He recalled the many attacks and suffering that Lebanon endured over the years, and stressed the moral and financial support offered by Byblos Bank in this regards. Moreover, he extended his thanks to all those who collaborated with the Bank in order to fulfill this achievement, confirming that the Lebanese people are supposed to help each other for better or worse. Dr. Bassil stressed as well on the importance of the region on the historical level, and its special place in the hearts of the Lebanese people. Finally, he called upon every Lebanese citizen to be a bridge of dialogue and communication with others, because « this is our mission… and this is our land”.
 

Agenda for Byblos Bank Dividend Payment.

Please find below the final Agenda for Byblos Bank dividend payment, May 4th, 2007:  
 

	Common Shares	Priority Shares(*)	Preferred Shares
Last Trading Date to receive dividends	May 10,2007	May 10,2007	May 10,2007
Ex Dividend Date	May 11,2007	May 11,2007	May 11,2007
Record Date	May 15,2007	May 15,2007	May 15,2007
Payment Date	May 16,2007