THE FINAL FOUR GET GRILLED BY SOME OF THE WORLD'S TOP EXECUTIVES AND TWO GET FIRED IN THE PENULTIMATE EPISODE OF NBC'S "THE APPRENTICE" (DECEMBER 9, 9-10PM ET)

THE FINAL TWO WORK ALONGISDE GENWORTH FINANCIAL TO ORGANIZE AND EXECUTE A CHARITY BASKETBALL CLASSIC AND THE TRUMP POLO CUP

NEW YORK -- December 7, 2004 -- In the most eventful "Apprentice" yet, this week's penultimate episode (December 9, 9-10pm ET) features the dreaded interview process followed by fireworks in the boardroom and the firing of two candidates. The second half of the episode sends the final two on their last task and ends in a surprising cliff-hanger leading up to the three hour finale December 16 (8pm-11pm ET).

Donald Trump chooses four influential business executives to grill the final four candidates: Alan Jope, COO Unilever North America; Dawn Hudson, President Pepsi-Cola North America; Ace Greenberg, Chairman Bear-Stearns; and Robert Kraft, Owner, New England Patriots. Combined their companies gross more than $80 billion and employ half a million people. They each report back to Trump on their opinions of the final four.

The two remaining candidates receive their final assignments -- one to organize The Genworth Trump Polo Cup in Greenwich, CT., while the other works with the NBA to produce and run The Genworth Charity Basketball Classic featuring 12 NBA stars. The proceeds for the Polo match will be donated to The Alzheimer's Association, and the Basketball Classic will benefit "Read to Achieve." The final two candidates each will select three former "firees" from a group of six to help assist in their task.

Both finalists face managerial difficulties and struggle to motivate their new employees. Last minute pitfalls arise involving Tony Bennett and Chris Webber. Both teams must find a way to problem solve and salvage their events.

"Even as the largest IPO of 2004, we compete in a crowded space," said Buzz Richmond, senior vice president of Brand Marketing for Genworth Financial, a leading consumer insurance and investment company that spun off from GE earlier this year. "Appearing on The Apprentice is a great way for us to get our name out in front of millions of households in a concentrated period of time. It also allows us to provide meaningful support for two charities that support causes we feel very strongly about, which sends an important message about what we stand for as a new company."

About Genworth Financial:

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) is a leading insurance holding company, serving the lifestyle protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage needs of more than 15 million customers, with operations in 20 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K and more than a dozen other European countries. For more information, visit www.genworth.com

"The Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump and Jay Bienstock are executive producers. Conrad Riggs and Kevin Harris are co-executive producers.