OREANDA-NEWS. December 18, 2007. International Moscow Bank (IMB) is getting to the final stage of re-branding process, which started in May 2007 when the decision to change the brand name for UniCredit Bank was made by the Board of Directors, IMB's press service reported. In December 2007, Bank of Russia approved registration of the new version of the Bank’s Charter and new license extension with the new trademark identification. The Federal Tax Service, therefore, has made relevant amendments in the United State Legal Entities List.

UniCredit Bank brand introduction to the Russian market is the final stage of the Group integration process. The new logo and brand device symbolize strength, dynamism, leadership, trustworthiness, serenity and globality of the banking structure.

In January starts the large-scale re-branding advertising campaign to introduce the UniCredit Bank brand to the general public all over Russia. Its slogan sounds as: "Making the Future together with you!" and reflects the mission and general values of the UniCredit brand, guiding all members of the Group in their daily activity: reciprocity, trust, respect, transparency, freedom and fairness.

The slogan and creative concept of the UniCredit Bank brand launch on the Russian market have been worked out by the international advertising agency Euro RSCG Moradpour, while all kinds of placements of federal and regional scale will be made by the media-buying agency MediaCom.

By February 2008, the Bank also plans to fulfill the re-fitting of all its branches in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian regions. The unified brand device in all countries of presence as well as unique international opportunities provided by the Group will let Russian customers feel themselves at home in 16 countries of Europe.

From December 18, 2008, for example, IMB clients will be able to withdraw cash from ATM’s of all banks — members of UniCredit Group, on unified conditions. Debit cardholders, therefore, will get cash free of charge in 15 000 ATM’s all over Europe.

"Re-branding of IMB signifies its total integration into UniCredit Group," states IMB Management Board member Eduard Issopov. "Among the advantages of UniCredit Group there are experience, technologies, organized infrastructure, product range, standards — everything that is essential for successful retail business development. It provides our clients with significant advantages, such as ability to use ATM's of all banks — members of the Group in 16 countries of Europe on the same conditions as in ATM's of our Bank. I can say that none of the banks, operating in Russia, provides an opportunity to use so many ATM’s abroad on such favourable conditions."

Russia as one of the world's economic growth leaders has a strategic meaning for UniCredit Group. In 2008 UniCredit Bank will actively develop all business segments, benefiting from IMB long-term business experience and advantages of being a member one of the leading European financial groups. The Banks sets for itself a strategic goal to be ahead of the market growth rates due to active network development and proposing a clear value proposition leveraging on top-notch skills.

UniCredit Bank will, in particular, continue to grow the retail client base by developing its product range, offering special programmes for corporate customers’ employees and penetrating into the mass market segment. The major tasks in terms of corporate business development are retaining and expanding the existing large corporate client base and exploiting mid-market in Russian regions. Among the Bank’s priorities for the coming year are expansion of distribution network up to over than 100 outlets and leveraging on UniCredit Group strengths.

"I am convinced that the Year 2008 will be another year of success for us," says the Acting President of IMB Management Board Helmut Bernkopf. "We are entering the New Year not only with a new brand name, but also with new plans, goals and colossal expectations. What we are going through now is, no doubt, a very important moment not only for us, but also for the Russian banking market in general."