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PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The Thunderbirds and title sponsor FBR (NYSE: FBR), announced Wednesday, Aug. 29 a four-year extension of the investment bank's title sponsorship of the FBR Open through 2012.

"We are thrilled to have FBR on board for another four years as our title sponsor," said Thunderbirds Big Chief Pat McGinley.

"From a tournament perspective, FBR has been an outstanding partner. More importantly, FBR has had a huge impact on this community. Since October 2003, when FBR became the title sponsor, we've raised more than $25 million for charities -- including $7.8 million in 2007, the highest single-season amount ever announced on the PGA TOUR. In addition, the 2007 FBR Open pumped over $180 million into Arizona's economy."

As the title sponsor, FBR will continue to be the primary television advertiser on the network broadcast.

"The FBR Open has been a very important component of growing our brand and building important customer relationships," said Eric Billings, Chairman and CEO, Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc.

"When you can top it all off by giving significant monies to charity, it makes the return from our involvement an even better one. We thank the Thunderbirds and the entire greater Phoenix community for making this tournament the great success it has been. We have been made to feel right at home and look forward to extending that feeling into the future."

"The PGA TOUR is absolutely delighted that FBR has extended its title sponsorship through 2012," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.

"FBR has had a tremendous impact on the tournament and its charitable outreach in working with the Thunderbirds. Now, in addition to claiming the biggest galleries each year on TOUR, the FBR Open has the distinction of becoming a leader in charitable giving. We are proud of the outstanding work FBR and the Thunderbirds have done."

FBR's original five-year agreement was signed in October 2003. It marked the first time The Thunderbirds had invited a national corporation to become a title sponsor in the event.

About The FBR Open

The FBR Open is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has raised more than $53 million for charities. Annually sporting by far the largest crowds for any golfing event in the world, the FBR Open has gained legendary status for being a unique stop on the PGA TOUR. The 2008 edition will mark the 73rd playing of the event, and the fifth as the FBR Open, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR.

The 2008 FBR Open, known as "The Greatest Show on Grass," will be held at the TPC Scottsdale from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3 , 2008.