Let $H$ be a full Hilbert bimodule over a $C^*$-algebra $A$. We show that the Cuntz–Pimsner algebra associated to $H$ is exact if and only if $A$ is exact. Using this result, we give alternative proofs for exactness of reduced amalgamated free products of exact $C^*$-algebras. In the case in which $A$ is a finite-dimensional $C^*$-algebra, we also show that the Brown–Voiculescu topological entropy of Bogljubov automorphisms of the Cuntz–Pimsner algebra associated to an $A,A$ Hilbert bimodule is zero.
AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 46L08. Secondary 46L09; 46L54