Standard & Poors raise its long-term credit rating on BCV from A- to A with stable outlook

Rating agency Standard & Poors has today announced its decision to raise its long-term credit rating on BCV from A- to A and its short-term rating from A-2 to A-1, both with stable outlook.

Lausanne, 27. January 2006 January 2006 – Rating agency Standard & Poors has today announced its decision to raise its long-term credit rating on BCV from A- to A and its short-term rating from A-2 to A-1, both with stable outlook.

BCV's management welcomes this announcement, and regards it as a fair reflection of its efforts over the last three years in terms of refocusing on core businesses and enhancing operational and financial performance.

The rating upgrade also represents a significant vote of confidence in BCV as it implements a new organisation aimed at boosting its growth potential.

Contact(s)

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

Wilhelm Blaeuer, Investor relations
Phone + 41 21 212 20 71
E-mail

This press release is being issued outside the trading hours of the SIX, Swiss Exchange in order to comply with the principles of ad hoc disclosure pursuant to the SIX listing rules.