Paris, 18 November 2009

Crédit Agricole Private Equity is launching an innovations mutual fund (Fonds Communs de Placement dans l'Innovation or FCPI) known as LCL Innovation 2009. LCL Innovation 2009 is the tenth FCPI that has been managed by Crédit Agricole Private Equity since 2000 for the retail customers of LCL. It will be marketed until 21 December 2009.

In addition, Crédit Agricole Asset Management (CAAM), the Crédit Agricole Group's asset management subsidiary, has decided to delegate to Crédit Agricole Private Equity management of the portion of the CAAM Innovation 10 FCPI fund dedicated to innovative companies. CAAM Innovation 10 is being marketed until 23 December to the retail customers of Crédit Agricole's Regional Banks.

These two funds enable subscribers to take part in the development of innovative European SMEs (60% of assets) while making income tax savings of up to €6,000.

They are invested in developing sectors such as electronics, telecommunications, software, Internet services and biotechnology as well as the clean tech sector.

The Venture Capital unit at Crédit Agricole Private Equity is a major player in financing innovative SMEs. With a staff of 11 professionals, the unit manages €400 million in equity investments in young companies with high-growth potential in information technology and life sciences.