Tokyo, February 13th 2013 - Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (“SMBC", President and CEO: Takeshi Kunibe) and Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. (“Garanti Bank”, President and CEO: Ergun Ozen) announced today the signing of a Co-operation Agreement on banking and financial services in Turkey on February 12, 2013.

The aim of the partnership is to work together to develop business with export credit agencies, provide financial advisory services for project finance and structured finance, and promote Japanese business in Turkey by enhancing banking services to Japanese companies operating in the region.

Garanti Bank is a member of the Doğuş Group, one of the largest Turkish conglomerates, and the second largest private bank in Turkey with total assets of US$102 billion and a distribution network comprising over 936 branches and offices and more than 17,000 employees.

SMBC has been increasing its presence in Turkey since opening a representative office in Istanbul in 2012, and this alliance will serve to strengthen our business base and enhance our ability to support the activities of our clients in Turkey.

Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker