Romandino: the best of French-speaking Switzerland in one equity basket

BCV and Bilan magazine are proud to announce the launch of the Romandino, a new equity basket composed of the most attractive stocks that French-speaking Switzerland has to offer. This product, to be issued on 4 July, represents the best of the vibrant regional economy.

Lausanne, Switzerland, 20 June 2006 – BCV and Bilan magazine have teamed up to launch an innovative financial product based on the leading companies in French-speaking Switzerland. The Romandino is a basket comprising equities issued by both mature companies like Nestlé and SGS as well as young companies like ADB.

Bilan, a magazine well known for its coverage of local companies, is helping develop a product that will give them further positive exposure. The magazine will report on the basket's performance throughout its one-year lifetime.

BCV will be responsible for putting together the equity basket, issuing the certificates, and ensuring a liquid secondary market. The Bank welcomes this opportunity to enhance the profile of companies in its home region.

Romandino’s stock selection is based on the results of a survey of financial analysts specializing in the Swiss market. The basket includes the following equities: ADB, Adecco, Edipresse, Givaudan, Galenica, Logitech,Nestlé, Publigroupe, Richemont, SGS and Temenos

Basket weightings have been optimized to minimize volatility on the basis of modern portfolio theory. The subscription period will run from 21 June 2006 to 3 July 2006. The certificates (security number 2 597 358) will be issued on 4 July 2006 and denominated in Swiss francs. They will sell for CHF 100.00 each and will mature in one year. Listing will be requested on the main market of SWX Swiss Exchange.

Contact(s)

Gilles Corbel, Head of Structured Products
Phone +41 21 212 40 29
E-mail

Stéphane Benoit-Godet, Associate Editor-in-Chief, Bilan
Phone +41 79 217 15 83
E-mail

Christian Jacot-Descombes, Press Officer
Phone + 41 21 212 28 61
E-mail

The above text is a translation of the original French document entitled "Romandino : le meilleur de la Suisse romande dans un seul panier d’actions"; only the French version is authoritative.