BPOP Popular Inc

Popular, Inc. and New York Mets Sign Five-Year Partnership Banco Popular to Become the Official Bank of the Mets and Enable Community Outreach Opportunities PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla., March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The New York Mets and Popular, Inc. (NASDAQ:BPOP), a financial holding company with over $44 billion in assets and parent company to Banco Popular, have entered into a five-year agreement to be the official bank of the New York Mets. The agreement marks the largest sports marketing partnership in the institution's 112-year history. The agreement includes substantial advertising and community outreach opportunities for Banco Popular including the operation of all ATM's at Shea Stadium. In addition, Banco Popular will play a large role in the Mets' community outreach efforts. The bank will co-sponsor the Mets' summer reading program with the New York Public Library, institute a game-day busing program that provides round-trip transportation between Washington Heights, the Bronx and Shea Stadium, and spearhead a large ticket distribution program to community organizations. Banco Popular will also introduce a Mets ticket offer to individuals who open a new account at any of its branch locations in the New York area. "We are excited to have Banco Popular as our partner and believe the synergies will enhance our commitment to the community," said Jeff Wilpon, Senior EVP and COO of the New York Mets. "The Mets organization values the impact that this partnership will have on the community and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Banco Popular to further this mission." "All of us at Banco Popular feel very excited about this new partnership with the New York Mets. We have always believed that sports play an important role in the development of communities, and youth in particular," said Richard L. Carrion, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Popular Inc. "We have actively supported baseball-related initiatives for many years and strongly believe it's a great way to reach out to all the communities we serve in the United States and beyond. Popular is now in the Major Leagues." As part of the agreement, the bank will have a significant amount of signage at Shea, including the entire back side of the scoreboard, a permanent sign on the front of the scoreboard, branding on all ATM's in the stadium, and branding on the tarpaulin cover and a half inning of signage behind home plate. "We are thrilled about our partnership with the Mets, an organization whose commitment and dedication to the community, closely mirrors ours," said Michele Imbasciani, New York Region Executive, Banco Popular. "Banco Popular has been serving this marketplace for nearly 45 years and this collaboration will serve to further strengthen the communication of our vision to fans, small businesses and customers that we remain dedicated to helping them achieve their aspirations." Popular, Inc., is a complete financial services provider with operations in Puerto Rico, the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. The Corporation has always been committed to meeting the needs of retail and business clients through innovation, and to fostering growth in the communities it serves. Popular was named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2005 by FORTUNE Magazine and through Banco Popular, ranks among the top 10 Small Business Administration lenders in the country. Media Contacts: Teruca Rullan Senior Vice President, Global Communications Popular, Inc. 17-679-3596 Frances Del Valle, Euro RSCG Magnet on behalf of Banco Popular 212-367-6859 DATASOURCE: New York Mets; Popular Inc. CONTACT: Teruca Rullan, Senior Vice President, Global Communications, Popular, Inc., +17-679-3596, ; Frances Del Valle, Euro RSCG Magnet on behalf of Banco Popular, +1-212-367-6859,

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