MIZUHO FINANCIAL GROUP

On August 20, 1999, IBJ, Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank (DKB) and Fuji Bank agreed to consolidate their operations to form the Mizuho Financial Group. On September 29, 2000, the holding company, Mizuho Bank Group Holdings (http://www.mizuho-fg.co.jp/english/) was formed.

On April 1, 2002, the Mizuho Financial Group completed its corporate split and merger process. The group’s core companies comprise of Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (consumer banking), Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. (corporate banking), Mizuho Securities Co., Ltd. (wholesale securities and investment banking) and Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. (trust banking).

Mizuho will establish itself as Japan’s leading financial services company; powerful, unbiased, and open to any customer who seeks quality service. It will offer top-quality financial services and products in such areas as banking, securities, asset management, trust services, and other businesses.

M&A Business

The investment banking businesses of IBJ, DKB, and Fuji Bank have consolidated into Mizuho Securities (http://www.mizuho-sc.com/english/). The M&A team in Mizuho Securities comprises over 100 professionals, and is the largest and most well-regarded among all Japanese financial institutions.

In the U.S., M&A business of Mizuho has been consolidated under Bridgeford in order to enhance operational flexibility and take advantage of Bridgeford’s established presence in the market. In line with this objective, Bridgeford became a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuho Securities in March 2002. Bridgeford is the platform for all U.S.-based M&A business for the entire Mizuho Financial Group.

According to Thomson Financials since 2001, the Mizuho Financial Group has been ranked highly in mergers and acquisition relating to Japanese involved transactions in terms of both deal volume and value.