BATA INTERNATIONAL

Each Bata company listens to the local consumers and clearly identify their footwear needs.

* Employs more than 40,000 people

* Operates 4,600 retail stores

* Manages a retail presence in over 50 countries

* Runs 40 production facilities across 26 countries

Bata has a truly international team whose diversity of ideas and exchange of expertise, creates an environment that stimulates people to think beyond their immediate national markets.

It is Bata culture to provide equality of opportunity, to promote on merit and to provide employees with on-going training opportunities to build new skills.

BATA CONDUCT

Bata companies have a tradition of being good corporate citizens and seek to contribute to the well-being of the countries and communities where they operate.

Bata strives to develop long-term partnerships with its suppliers and business associates.

Each Bata company around the world is committed to ensuring that operations are conducted ethically.

Bata has a worldwide reach, with operations across the 5 continents managed by 4 regional MBUs (Meaningful Business Units).

Bata are committed to expanding the Bata chain as rapidly as possible. The aim is to have a chain of 100 stores in prime metropolitan sites all over the country by 2010.

SHOE CARE TIPS

- Waterproofing and Stainproofing

A protective spray is an excellent way to protect your shoes from water, snow, mud, and spills. The best way to protect your shoes is to wipe the leather with a damp cloth, following the instructions on the protector spray. Spray your shoes before wearing, and on a regular basis thereafter.

- Wear and Tear Prevention

If you plan to use your shoes frequently, you may want to consider a trip to the shoe repair shop. It's a smart idea to have shoe taps and possibly rubber soles put on new shoes as a way to postpone the gradual wearing out process that comes with normal use. Think of your shoes as tire on a car, the tread will wear after many miles and may need replacing...

- Maintenance

Finally, we highly recommend cleaning your shoes on a regular basis, depending on frequency of use. The cleaning method depends on the shoe's material.

Leather can be polished and conditioned with a leather lotion applied with a soft cloth.

Suede looks best when brushed; although special suede brushes are available, a clean toothbrush works just as well.

Fabric should be sprayed with a stain guard.

In addition, shoes-- particularly those made of soft nappa leather-- benefit greatly from shoe trees, or shoe keepers. These are wooden instruments which are inserted in the shoe, and they help to retain the shape and mold of the shoe. Shoe Trees can help to prolong the life of a shoe by 4 or 5 years.