This initiative marks the first step in a process of close cooperation with a business rooted in the city to further develop and implement the concept of soft mobility. “We are delighted to take on this project with BGL BNP Paribas, which is actively promoting the cause of soft mobility in its business. The move also backs up efforts to raise awareness and encourage the citizens of our city and the people who work here to use alternatives to their cars for personal transport, and to adopt more environment-friendly behaviour,” says Luxembourg Mayor Paul Helminger.

The project is also a natural continuation of the many initiatives BGL BNP Paribas has taken to promote sustainability and consolidate its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. By teaming up with the City of Luxembourg to install a “vel’oh!” rent-a-bike site on its land, the bank is again demonstrating its readiness to take concrete action, continuing efforts to reduce its ecological footprint and promote employee health at the workplace. As Thierry Schuman, a member of the BGL BNP Paribas Management Board, explains, “For our bank, the decision to take part in this pioneering initiative was natural. It reflects the respect for the environment that we have long promoted within the bank, and offers simple solutions with immediate benefits, while reinforcing the move to soft mobility that will in time become part of our daily life.”

François Bausch, First Deputy Mayor in charge of mobility, adds “We are convinced that this project will be welcomed by the clients and staff of BGL BNP Paribas. And we’re confident, too, that it will spark interest among other businesses in our city, which will also want to contribute to environmental protection through support for this simple, flexible and very ecological means of transport.”

Appendix: Signing ceremony (Left to right: Roby Thill, Thierry Schuman, Paul Helminger, François Bausch)

Photo: BGL BNP Paribas; Copyright: BGL BNP Paribas

About the City of Luxembourg

The City of Luxembourg is keeping its promises of dynamism: clean and safe, the streets welcome visitors and users looking for a good restaurant, a welcoming terrace, a luxury store or a quality shop. Information for getting there, as a complement to the City Tourist Office, can be delivered by the Hotcity terminals, intelligent relays on phones and laptop computers. At night, the City of Luxembourg opens its heart and is wrapped in warm lights in the streets of the Old Town, Grund and the Centre for a charming escapade in a human-sized capital. Cultural life offers whatever you desire: concerts, festivals, exhibitions, cultural events etc. are on offer throughout the year, responding to the most demanding cultural desires.

The City of Luxembourg is also a “euregional” economic centre, at the centre of the Greater Region of SaarLorLux. A workplace for thousands of cross-border workers, the City welcomes them in ultra-modern business centres and districts with an extensive and accessible public transport network. Coming to Luxembourg to visit, to work or to live also means giving yourself a moment of life, a comfortable break, rich with discoveries, sensations and emotions. Live in tune with the heartbeat of our City! www.vdl.lu

About BGL BNP Paribas

BGL BNP Paribas (www.bgl.lu) is one of the largest banks in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with a balance sheet totalling EUR 52.8 billion at 30 June 2009. Now a leader on its domestic market, it offers an especially wide range of financial products to individuals, professionals, private banking clients and businesses. BGL BNP Paribas is Luxembourg’s number-one provider of banking services to professionals and small- and medium-size companies, and number two in services for individuals. It is also the leader for bancassurance.

About BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas (www.bnpparibas.com) is one of the 6 strongest banks in the world according to Standard & Poor's. With a presence in 85 countries and more than 205,000 employees, 165,200 of which in Europe, BNP Paribas is a global-scale European leader in financial services. It holds key positions in its three activities: Retail Banking, Investment Solutions and Corporate & Investment Banking. The Group benefits from its four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. BNP Paribas also has a significant presence in the United States and strong positions in Asia and the emerging markets.

* Within its peer group