FORTUNE Magazine Names Bear Stearns 'Most Admired' Securities Firm

    Business Editors

    NEW YORK, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2005--Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. announced today that it has been recognized as the "Most Admired" securities firm in FORTUNE magazine's "America's Most Admired Companies" survey. The annual survey is a prestigious ranking of employee talent, quality of management and business innovation. This marks the second time in the past three years that Bear Stearns has achieved this top distinction.
    "I am incredibly proud that we are the "Most Admired" in the industry once again," said James E. Cayne, chairman and chief executive officer of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. "This accomplishment substantiates my belief that our commitment to clients, the strength of our culture, and the quality of our people truly sets Bear Stearns apart from our peers."
    The rankings are based on a survey of 10,000 executives, directors, and securities analysts, who rate companies in each industry on various criteria such as long-term investment value, financial soundness, and social responsibility. Bear Stearns' strength in quality of products and services has been increasingly recognized, with the company receiving a #1 rank in this year's poll. The company was rated #1 in use of corporate assets for the third consecutive year. Overall, Bear Stearns has been one of the top two "Most Admired" securities firms over the past three years.
    Founded in 1923, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. is a leading worldwide investment banking and securities trading and brokerage firm, and the major subsidiary of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE:BSC). With approximately $46.1 billion in total capital, Bear Stearns serves governments, corporations, institutions and individuals worldwide. The company's business includes corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions, institutional equities and fixed income sales, trading and research, private client services, derivatives, foreign exchange and futures sales and trading, asset management and custody services. Through Bear, Stearns Securities Corp., it offers prime broker and broker dealer services, including securities lending. Headquartered in New York City, the company has approximately 11,000 employees worldwide. For additional information about Bear Stearns, please visit the firm's Web site at http://www.bearstearns.com.

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CONTACT: Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Elizabeth Ventura, 212-272-9251 or Jane Slater, 212-272-3933

KEYWORD: NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING PUBLISHING SOURCE: Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.

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