Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. Sponsored Catamaran Okalys Wins First Series of the Challenge Julius Baer 2008

GENEVA, 6 May 2008 - Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. today announced that Okalys, a high performance D35 catamaran sponsored by the bank, has won the first race series in the Julius Baer Challenge 2008. The series, which took place this weekend, comprised three days of fierce competition in "Grand prix Chopard".

Okalys, which is owned by Nicolas Grange, was captained by the French yachtsman, Loïc Peyron. Challenge Julius Baer consists of an eight race sailing regatta series taking place from May through September on Lake of Geneva.

Serge Robin, General Manager and CEO, Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. said: "Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. is proud to be a sponsor of Okalys high performance team, which focuses on precision and excellence - characteristics that are important to Merrill Lynch as we focus on further growing our onshore business in Switzerland. The crews and the boats entered for the Challenge Julius Baer are amongst the top Lake Geneva regatta specialists."

Nicolas Grange, President of Lake Geneva's Multihulls Association commented: "We are pleased to have Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. as a co-sponsor and thrilled to have won the first regatta series of Challenge Julius Baer 2008. For this year, our objectives remain very high. After our victories in the Challenge in 2005 and 2006 as well as our two Bol d'Or victories in 2005 and 2007, we are aiming at a third Bol d'Or victory this year. Looking at the participants' extremely high level of expertise, competition will undoubtedly be intense. But despite these fierce competitions, the objective of the Challenge is to preserve a spirit of friendship back on land. "

Notes to Editors