March 4, 2004

BERKELEY, Calif. - The University of California, Berkeley intercollegiate athletics department has agreed to a landmark five-year corporate partnership with Bank of the West. The agreement extends Bank of the West as the preferred bank for the Golden Bears through 2009. Enhancements added to the partnership establish Bank of the West as the presenting partner of the Memorial Stadium video board, which will be titled "Bear Vision."

"This partnership is a milestone for the Cal Athletics department," Director of Athletics Steve Gladstone said. "For Golden Bear Athletics to continue the tradition of excellence and path to national prominence, we need the support of Bank of the West and other corporate partners."

Don McGrath, CEO of Bank of the West, said the partnership not only supports Cal Athletics, but offers his company significant benefits as well.

"The visible association with the University of California, Berkeley athletics has tremendous value for Bank of the West," McGrath said. "It is smart business for our bank to have this relationship."

"We recognize and appreciate the tradition, loyalty, continued excitement and success that Cal Athletics adds to Bay Area communities. The shared bear logo and attractive demographics of Cal Alumni make this partnership the right fit for Bank of the West."

San Francisco-based Bank of the West operates 295 branches in California, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Nevada and Idaho. The full-service commercial bank, third largest among those based in California, has 84 locations in the Bay Area.