OREANDA-NEWS. February 26, 2008. Brysam Global Partners announced that is has acquired 9,9% of Vozrozhdenie’s ordinary shares. This makes it one of Vozrozhdenie’s significant shareholders. The US based private equity firm specializes in consumer financial services in emerging markets, reported the press-centre of Bank Vozrozhdenie.

“This investment directly aligns with our strategy of focusing on consumer financial services in emerging markets,” said Mr. Willumstad, Brysam’s co-founder and managing partner. “We are pleased to partner with Vozrozhdenie as it continues to develop at the forefront of the Russian financial services industry and builds upon its excellent reputation in corporate governance and transparency. Vozrozhdenie has a clear strategy and an enviable track record of strong performance in serving retail and small business customers. We look forward to working with Vozrozhdenie as the Bank increases its momentum in the consumer banking market and strengthens competition in the Russian financial services industry, while creating long-term value for shareholders.”

“Vozrozhdenie welcomes the support of Brysam, not only as a valued shareholder, but as a source of deep industry knowledge and advice in improving our services to our customers and in our own operations.” said Mr. Orlov, Chairman of the Management Board of Vozrozhdenie Bank. “I greatly respect the knowledge and experience of Brysam’s team and have asked Mr. Willumstad to stand for election to our Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in June this year. I am very pleased to be able to say that he has agreed to join the board. Bob Willumstad will be an excellent addition to our Board and we look forward to his contributions.”

Brysam Global Partners is a specialized private equity firm that invests in financial services with a focus on consumer opportunities in emerging markets where it can leverage its management and operational expertise. Established in 2007, Brysam Global Partners was created to fill a need in the investment arena for experienced operating management in financial services. Brysam adds value by creating business models that develop and increase profitability and value. In addition to making investments from its own capital and investor funds, Brysam will co-invest with financial institutions and private equity firms. Brysam is led by Robert B. Willumstad, non-executive Chairman of AIG and former President and Chief Operating Officer of Citigroup, and Marge Magner, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Global Consumer Group.

Vozrozhdenie Bank, a community bank for companies and individuals, was founded in 1991. (General License from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation # 1439, March 24, 2003.) Among the Top 30 Russian Banks in the Central Banks rating, its network includes 169 offices and 550ATMs in 20 regions of Russia. The Bank provides more than 1,150,000 individual and 49,000 corporate clients with a range of services, from savings accounts, payment handling, payroll management, to mortgages, bank cards and business and consumer loans.