Free cash flow above target range – fourteenth consecutive dividend increase proposed

BEKB | BCBE has again achieved a good result in 2010. Annual profit before taxes was up 2.9 percent to CHF 159.9 million (prior year CHF 155.4 million). Annual profit increased for the eightteenth time in a row. The bank has set itself a long-term financial goal: it aims to achieve free cash flow amounting from CHF 800 million to 1 billion within ten years (from 2003 until 2012). After eight years, added value with a total of CHF 1,030 million is beyond the target range. Due to the positive operative result 2010 and the bank's solid foundation, the fourteenth dividend increase in a row from CHF 4.80 to CHF 5.10 per share will be proposed to the stockholders at the annual General Meeting.

Jean-Claude Nobili, CEO, will reach the age limit in the course of this year and, after 34 years, will retire from operational activities. BEKB | BCBE's Board of Directors has nominated Hanspeter Rüfenacht, born in 1958, as new CEO. Hanspeter Rüfenacht joined BEKB | BCBE in 1999 and is vice CEO and Head of Counselling and Sales. As of 1 January 2012, the Executive Board is composed as follows: Hanspeter Rüfenacht, CEO and Head of Counselling and Sales; Stefan Gerber, Head of Major Customers and Solothurn region; Johannes Hopf, Head Production and Operations; Alois Schärli, Head of Finances.

The detailed report on BEKB | BCBE's 2010 annual financial statements will be given as part of the annual press conference on 17 March 2011 in Bern. The General Meeting of Stockholders will take place on 17 May 2011 in Bern.

Curriculum vitae of Hanspeter RüfenachtPublication date: 10.03.2011