Institutional Investor Survey Reveals Europe's Most Shareholder-Friendly Companies

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 14, 2009) - Institutional Investor (www.iimagazine.com) announces the winners of 2009 Europe's Most Shareholder-Friendly Companies ranking, the magazine's fourth annual survey of European companies that are the most responsive to shareholders.

France's BNP Paribas scores the highest among banks in the Financial Institutions sector covered in this year's ranking of European companies. BNP beats out competitors UniCredit, the Italy-based banking organization operating in 22 European countries, and Spain's Banco Santander, the largest bank in the euro area, which place second and third, respectively.

Other first-place winners include BASF in Chemicals, BMW in Autos & Auto Parts and Nokia Corp. in Telecommunications Equipment.

Votes were tallied from more than 300 analysts and portfolio managers at over 200 financial Institutions with over $2.4 trillion invested in European equities. These asset management professionals chose the companies that provide outstanding shareholder relations in 28 industry sectors within seven categories.

The complete sector-by-sector ranking of the leading firms can be found on Institutional Investor's Web site, www.iimagazine.com.

About Institutional Investor

Now entering its fifth decade, Institutional Investor has consistently distinguished itself among the world's foremost financial publications with ground-breaking journalism and incisive writing that provides "must read" intelligence for a global audience. Three editions of the magazine are published: Americas, International and Asia. In addition, throughout the year Institutional Investor offers a host of proprietary research and rankings that serve as respected industry benchmarks, informing and influencing its carefully targeted circulation base throughout the year. For more information visit www.iimagazine.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Michele Bickford mbickford@iiresearchgroup.com (212) 224-3360