Press Release

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill., Nov. 8, 2004 – More than 3.5 tons of paper were recycled recently by HSBC - North America as part of a large-scale effort to recycle paper products branded with the financial service firm’s former name, Household International.

As part of the company’s name change to HSBC, the company-led recycling program included items such as stock letterhead and personalized items, including business cards, that contained the Household brand. The company shredded and recycled 3.7 tons of paper material during a 12-day effort that took place October 6-14.

"The recycling program was an innovative way to help the environment," said Lisa Sodeika, senior vice president, HSBC – North America. "We successfully combined an environmentally-friendly solution to our rebranding efforts."

In addition to the recycling effort, the company donated to community organizations office supplies that were destined for trash bins due to the company’s HSBC name change. "Household-branded" office supplies were collected during early October at 15 HSBC locations throughout the United States. Donated supplies included boxes of notepads, calculators, as well as pens, pencil pouches, shirts, and pencils were donated to nonprofit organizations in eight major cities.

Donations generated through the rebranding drive benefited organizations that focus on education and youth. Community groups that benefited from the supplies included the "Read Columbus Read" program in Columbus, Ohio, a program that encourages low-income and minority students to increase the amount of recreational time they devote to reading and using computers.

The office supply donation and paper recycling program took place in conjunction with HSBC’s three "Make A Difference Day" volunteer initiatives, a national day of community service.

Sodeika noted, "Employee-led programs like this are part of HSBC’s leading role in creative partnerships with community groups."

The HSBC brand now extends across the majority of former Household businesses located in the U.S. and Canada. The rebranding, which commenced in late September, marked the final step in the integration of the two companies. Those businesses previously operating under the Household name are now called HSBC. The company’s consumer lending business retained the HFC and Beneficial brands but are accompanied now by the endorsement signature, "Member HSBC Group."

About HSBC - North America
HSBC - North America includes all of HSBC’s U.S. and Canadian businesses, including the former Household businesses, and has assets approaching $300 billion. The company’s businesses serve more than 60 million customers in five key areas: personal financial services, consumer finance, commercial banking, private banking, and corporate investment banking and markets. Financial products and services are offered under the HSBC, HFC and Beneficial brands. For more information, visit: www.hsbcnorthamerica.com.

Media contacts:
Kathleen Rizzo Young
HSBC
716-841-5003
kathleen.rizzo.young@us.hsbc.com

James Pieper
HSBC
847-564-7665
james.e.pieper@us.hsbc.com

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