National Bank Financial Group increases its commitment to tennis in Canada
through 2013

Extends presenting sponsorship of Rogers Cup to include Toronto , adds pro events

TORONTO , Dec. 1 /CNW/ - Tennis Canada announced Tuesday that National Bank Financial Group has become the new presenting sponsor for Rogers Cup in Toronto and has renewed its presenting sponsorship for the same tournament in Montreal . Financial terms were not disclosed but the deal will extend through the 2013 events.

"National Bank has been synonymous with tennis at all levels in Quebec and a wonderful partner for us," said Michael S. Downey, president and chief executive officer, Tennis Canada . "Our common philosophy extends to more than a simple partnership as it will bring significant support to our sport. National Bank understands not only the importance of our two marquee events, but also the need to grow the game and provide opportunities for future Canadian stars."

In addition to supporting the two flagship tennis events in Canada , a new $25,000 women's Challenger event will be created in Toronto .

"National Bank is proud to extend its partnership with Tennis Canada and help grow the magnificent sport of tennis at all levels of competition," said Neil Glasberg, senior vice-president, Personal and Commercial Banking, Central, Western and Atlantic Canada , National Bank Financial Group. "Since 2005, through our involvement with tennis in the community, we have grown a wonderful partnership that acts as a best practice among sport and business circles. National Bank is excited to work with Tennis Canada and contribute in the development of the sport over the next four years and we look forward to joining the Rogers Cup event in Toronto ."

The partnership between Tennis Canada and National Bank started in 2005 and has always extended beyond the staging of Rogers Cup. As the main sponsor of a development circuit made up of five professional tournaments in Quebec , tennis fans in many regions of the province are given the opportunity to see high-level tennis while young Canadian talent is able to hone their craft on home soil. National Bank has also helped young athletes reach their full potential on the international tennis circuit by providing performance grants. The creation of the National Bank Excellence Fund has offered a total of $250,000 over five years to encourage Canadian athletes to pursue their quest of excellence.

"We are thrilled to extend our tremendous partnership with National Bank in Toronto ," said Karl Hale , tournament director, Rogers Cup presented by National Bank in Toronto . "The addition of National Bank to our tournament will strengthen what is already one of the most popular tennis events on Tour."

The stars of the ATP World Tour return to Rexall Centre in Toronto from August 7-15, 2010 for Rogers Cup presented by National Bank while the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour descends on Uniprix Stadium in Montreal from August 14-22, 2010. Last year, each of the Top 10 players competed in the Canadian stops. Elena Dementieva won Rogers Cup in Toronto and Andy Murray captured Rogers Cup presented by National Bank in Montreal .

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada , which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2009, is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. National Bank has close to $135 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 17,772 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA:TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

About Tennis Canada

Founded in 1890, Tennis Canada is a non-profit, national sport association responsible for leading the growth, promotion and showcasing of tennis in Canada . Tennis Canada owns and operates two of the premier events on the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tours; Rogers Cup men's and women's events that rotate annually between Rexall Centre in Toronto and Uniprix Stadium in Montreal . In addition, Tennis Canada owns and operates six professional ITF sanctioned events and financially supports six other professional tournaments in Canada . Tennis Canada operates national training centres at the Centre of Excellence in Toronto and at Uniprix Stadium in Montreal . Tennis Canada is a proud member of the International Tennis Federation, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympics Committee and the International Wheelchair Tennis Association, and serves to administer, sponsor and select the teams for Davis Cup, Fed Cup, the Olympic Games and all wheelchair, junior and senior national teams. Tennis Canada invests its surplus into tennis development. For more information on Tennis Canada please visit our Web site at: www.tenniscanada.com.

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For further information: Media Contacts: Michael Cvitkovic, Director, Communications and Media Relations, Toronto Office, [phone], [email protected]; Louis-Philippe Dorais, Director, Communications and Marketing, Montreal office, [phone] ext. 232, [email protected]; Denis Dubé, Director, Public Relations, National Bank Financial Group, [phone], [email protected]