Crédit Agricole Private Equity performed strongly in 2005, investing some €190 million, creating Exitis, and introducing an innovation fund, LCL Innovation 1, and two venture funds, CACI 2 and Mezzanis 2. It is now breaking further ground with the launch of two new activities:

• Capenergie, the first venture fund dedicated to renewable energies, totalling €100 million,

• Meridiam Infrastructure, with a target of €400 million in equity and quasi-equity financing for infrastructures financed by private-public partnerships.

In parallel, the CACI 2 (Later-Stage Financing and LBO) and Mezzanis 2 (Mezzanine) funds, both sponsored to the tune of €140 million by Crédit Agricole S.A., Predica and Crédit Agricole Regional Banks, will be discontinued in July 2006.

The launch of these investment vehicles underscores Crédit Agricole Private Equity's intention to focus on asset management.

With these new activities and the continuous development of each of its business lines, Crédit Agricole Private Equity is aiming to double its annual investment under management or supervision to €3 billion, thereby becoming a leading private equity player.

About Crédit Agricole Private EquityCrédit Agricole Private Equity is an AMF-accredited asset management subsidiary of Crédit Agricole S.A., specialising in private equity investment in non-listed companies. A team of 30 investors operating in several areas (Later-Stage Financing & LBO, Venture Capital, Secondary Market, Mezzanine, Renewable Energies and PPP infrastructures), manages €1.4 billion through venture and innovation funds. Crédit Agricole Private Equity provides advice and support for business managers implementing growth plans.www.ca-privateequity.com