As part of the partnership agreement, MCB will continue to be responsible for managing relationships with the many merchants that already accept the American Express Card and for enrolling new merchants in Mauritius to accept American Express at their establishments.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Philippe Forget, Deputy Chief Executive Banking of MCB said: "MCB has always been at the forefront of technology. We were the first bank to issue credit cards in Mauritius and today, we are proud to introduce yet another market first. The launch of locally issued American Express cards is an exciting milestone in our growing relationship with American Express."

"We are delighted to have formed a partnership with MCB. We believe that the American Express Green and Gold Cards that we are promoting in Mauritius will be two of the best credit card products on the market. They offer a unique package of benefits designed to meet the needs of today's consumers and business travellers who appreciate innovation and world-class customer service." Seamus Smith, Vice President & General Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa for American Express Global Network Services.

MCB and American Express have had a merchant acquiring partnership in Mauritius since 2003.

Powering Financial and Lifestyle Needs
MCB American Express Cards have been designed to meet the needs of consumers in the country and around the globe and include many features and benefits that are new to the market. The American Express Green and Gold Cards contain several core benefits associated with the American Express brand and products around the world.

• World-Class Customer Service: American Express Cardmembers will have a dedicated team of professionals ready to provide 24-hour customer service in Mauritius and around the world. Cardmembers will always feel at home in any of the 2,200 American Express Travel Service offices, which can assist in everything from making travel arrangements to providing free, emergency card replacement usually within 24 hours at home and 48 hours virtually anywhere in the world.
   
• Lifestyle Benefits: These American Express Cards will meet the lifestyle needs of a wide range of consumers. They are accepted for payment at supermarkets, retailers, hotels and restaurants in Mauritius and over 200 countries and territories around the world.
   
• Peace of Mind: These American Express Cards will also include a range of insurance programs that can protect Cardmembers at home or traveling abroad, such as purchase protection, extended warranty cover, emergency medical insurance, travel accident and travel inconvenience. When travelling to European countries, the American Express Cards can support the application for a Schengen visa at no extra cost to the Cardmember. In addition, the American Express Global Assist service provides emergency medical and legal referrals and can help with passports or visas in foreign countries. When travelling around the world Cardmembers enjoy comprehensive travel insurance benefits and support such as insurance in case of luggage delay or loss or flight delay.

The MCB American Express Green and Gold Credit Cards are available to both clients and non clients of the bank. Consumers can apply for a card at any of the 42 Branches of MCB throughout Mauritius and Rodrigues. American Express is also accepted in more than 200 countries and can be also used to withdraw cash at more than 800,000 ATMs located in Mauritius and around the world.

About MCB
Established in Mauritius since 1838, the MCB is the largest bank in Mauritius with 40% market share. By far the largest company listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius -- with 25.1% of total market capitalisation -- MCB is the sole local institution to be part of The Banker's Top 1000 World Banks. The MCB Group is a major regional player with operations in Mauritius, South Africa, Seychelles, Madagascar, Maldives, Mayotte, Mozambique, Reunion Island and France. MCB is a pioneer in bringing innovative products, services and solutions to the markets in which it operates.

About American Express
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company, founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, and business services. Since 1996 American Express has been aggressively pursuing a strategy of opening its merchant network and card product portfolio to third party issuers around the world. By leveraging its global infrastructure and the powerful appeal of the brand, American Express has gained even broader reach for its network worldwide. American Express has now established more than 120 partnerships in more than 125 markets.

Contacts:
Atalia Da Silva
+44 207 976 4604
atalia.m.dasilva@aexp.com

Keri Buster
212.640.6193
keri.k.buster@aexp.com