Successful Start of the Process to Sell WestLB AG

FRANKFURT, October 28, 2010 - With the closing of the deadline today for expressions of interest in the
acquisition of WestLB AG, the internationally active German commercial bank,
the first step in the formal sales process has been completed. The level of
expressions of interest received was robust and included a number of
well-known strategic and financial investors from Germany and abroad. The
expansive and international invitation to the bidding process followed the
criteria set by the European Union. Interested parties will shortly enter the
next phase of the open, transparent and non-discriminatory bidding process.

"Today's result represents an encouraging start to the bidding process
for WestLB, which runs in parallel to the ongoing potential merger
discussions between WestLB and BayernLB," commented Friedrich Merz, the
official Sales Agent. "The potential bidders have already invested a
substantial amount of time and resources in preparing for this process. This
confirms the attractiveness of the core WestLB bank to investors. After an
initial review of the expressions of interest, we are confident that a
solution for WestLB can be found that is agreeable to all relevant parties
and meets the 2011 year-end deadline set by the EU-Commission."

    For further information, contact:

    Brunswick Group GmbH
    Thomas Knipp, Senior Partner
    M: +49-172-680-05-37
    tknipp@brunswickgroup.com

    Christine Graeff, Partner
    M: +49-174-327-88-86
    cgraeff@brunswickgroup.com

    Mayer Brown
    Friederike Hartmann
    Director Marketing & Business Development
    T: +49-69-7941-1045
    M: +49-160-9019-2756
    fhartmann@mayerbrown.com

For further information, contact: Brunswick Group GmbH, Thomas Knipp, Senior Partner, M: +49-172-680-05-37, tknipp at brunswickgroup.com. Christine Graeff, Partner, M: +49-174-327-88-86, cgraeff at brunswickgroup.com. Mayer Brown, Friederike Hartmann, Director Marketing & Business Development, T: +49-69-7941-1045, M: +49-160-9019-2756, fhartmann at mayerbrown.com