Braving new territory, being ahead of the curve in technology and innovation have been at the core of Unibanco's history. These traits were even more evident during the past decade, bringing about remarkable growth rates. Acquisitions, strategic partnerships and organic growth allied to differentiated products and leading-edge technology contributed to strengthen Unibanco's leadership in Brazil's financial markets. Some recent examples:

Unibanco embraced its responsibility in promoting education and culture by creating, in 1990, the Instituto Moreira Salles.

 

- In 1991 Unibanco launches the 30 Hours concept, reframing client services into a new era.

 

- When few even mentioned conservation initiatives, the bank in 1992 launched Unibanco Ecologia, a project aimed at advancing social responsibility focused on the environment.

 

- In 1995 Unibanco innovated again, signing up an alliance with Microsoft, IBM and Compaq, successfully inviting Bill Gates to become the bank's spokesperson in the marketing campaign.

 

- Also in 1995, the bank embarks into the consolidation that followed the Real Plan by acquiring the part of the assets of Banco Nacional S.A.

 

- Unibanco acquires 50% of Fininvest in 1996 and becomes one of the pioneers in consumer financing sector.

 

- In 1997 Unibanco is the first Brazilian bank to list its stock in the United States.

 

- Detecting a wave of the future ahead of competitors, Unibanco enters the microcredit market in 1998, with RioCred.

 

- First Brazilian financial institution to offer internet banking services, in 1999.

 

In 2000, Unibanco cuts the "ribbons" to the first fully virtual Brazilian bank, the Banco1.net.

 

The bank in 2001 establishes partnerships with Ponto Frio and Magazine Luiza, launching in Brazil the trend of bank-managed consumer finance companies of retail store chains.

 

In partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Unibanco in 2002 consolidates its presence in the microcredit segment, with Microinvest.

 

- In 2003 and 2004, there were strategic deals, such as the partnership in Tricard with Grupo Martins. The acquisition of Creditec, the well-managed global offer and reverse stock split, the acquisition of Hipercard and BNL, the partnership with the Sonae Group, the inclusion of Unibanco's stock in the IBrX-50 index, the sale of the stake in Credicard and a sweeping organizational restructuring, concentrated in the past year.

 

- The inclusion of the Units in the Ibovespa Index and the acquisition of the remaining shares of Dibens are the 2005 highlights.

- In 2006, Unibanco established partnerships with Grupo VR, Grupo Ipiranga and Banco Cruzeiro do Sul. Unibanco is Latin America's first bank with Moody´s investment grade in the issuance of local currency debt settled offshore in foreign currency. Still this year, Unibanco adopted Equator Principles 2 and made an increase of its respective corporate capital through the issuance of new shares in, increasing the liquidity of Unibanco?s shares in the Brazilian stock market by means of having a quotation value accessible to small investors.

 

All these initiatives will certainly play a part in helping Unibanco produce ever-higher results.