At a ceremony attended by President Hipolito Mejia yesterday, the Leon Jimenes family announced the creation of the Banco Leon, which will represent a union between the Banco Profesional and the newly-acquired Banco Nacional de Credito (Bancredito). Carlos Guillermo Leon, president of the Leon Financial Group, told the attending dignitaries that the family has faith in the future of the Dominican Republic and confidence in the people who will guide this newest financial institution. The Leon Jimenes family is better known for its Marlboro cigarette, Aurora cigar and Presidente beer operations.