For Immediate Release
November 11, 2008

Contact:
Jim Cole, Bank of the West
(415) 399-8268
E-mail: jim.cole@bankofthwest.com
Web Site: https://www.bankofthewest.com/

SAN FRANCISCO (November 11, 2008) - To help small business owners and mid-size companies manage and grow, Bank of the West is promoting a suite of financial products aimed directly at this important market segment.

The 3 Frees of Business Banking, which runs through December 12, offers a bundle of three free products: a business checking account package, online banking using the bank’s WebDirect service and one order of business checks, all at no cost. Customers may also qualify for a special money market account, loan products as well as customized cash management services to accommodate the needs of a growing business.

“We are committed to serving small business customers and providing them with the right banking tools to help drive their success,” said Bank of the West Executive Vice President Michelle Di Gangi, head of small- and medium-size business banking. “Our relationship bankers really understand the fundamentals of this market segment. In addition to sharing our knowledge and expertise, we want new business customers to experience our distinctive customer service that sets us apart from our competitors.”

About Bank of the West
With $63.7 billion in assets, Bank of the West is one of the largest commercial banks headquartered in the Western U.S. Serving nearly 4 million consumer and business customers, the bank has more than 700 branch banking locations and commercial banking offices in 19 states and emphasizes personalized customer service. Bank of the West's holding company, BancWest Corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas, a leading global financial services institution and one of the world's three strongest banks according to Standard & Poor's. More information is available at www.bankofthewest.com.

NOTE: Wolfe News Wire is an online posting service providing news from noteworthy companies and organizations. We do not collect or share information re: visitors to our site. Members of the media and other visitors are invited and encouraged to share these news items by utilizing the "ShareThis" link or email tool above. Click the side logos to view background info and past news items from a specific company or organization. For more info, please contact Wolfe PR at info@wolfenews.com or (520) 207-9581. Thank you!