The heterobimetallic complex I, [LV(mu-O)(mu-OAc)(2)MnL] (where L = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate), has been synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystal structural analysis of 1 gave the following parameters : C24H29B2N13O5-VMn, Cmc2(1), a = 13.364(2) Angstrom, b = 17.353(3) Angstrom, c = 14.132(3) Angstrom, Z = 4, V = 3289.9(16) Angstrom(3). An analysis of the structure, optical and resonance Raman spectroscopies, and magnetic measurements indicates that a V-IV=O ... Mn-II valence formulation is the best description of the ore-bridged core in 1, although other resonance forms must also contribute.