The solid support of Emporiki Bank for the further growth of its subsidiary in Bulgaria is conveyed by Emporiki Bank’s Vice-Chairman and CEO, Mr. Alain Strub, during his contacts within the framework of his two-day visit to Sofia

In particular Mr. Strub met with the Governor of Bulgaria National Bank (BNB), Mr. Ivan Iskrov and the Deputy Governor Mr. Rumen Simeonov, as well as the Minister of the Regional Development, Mr. Rossen Plevneliev, with whom he discussed the significant perspectives of Bulgaria’s economy as a member-state of the EU and was updated on the recent course of the country’s economy and the measures implemented to shield the country against the unstable world economic environment.

Furthermore, Mr. Strub had the opportunity to meet with His Excellency the French Ambassador, Mr. Etienne de Poncins, as well as with important clients of Emporiki Bank Bulgaria, thus further strengthening the existing relations. At the same time, during his visit at the Bank’s headquarters and branches in Sofia, Mr. Strub assured the top management and employees about the constant support of Emporiki Group to its international subsidiaries.

Within the framework of his contacts, Mr. Strub confirmed that the further growth of the Group’s international subsidiaries is part of the basic strategic choices of Emporiki Bank Group, according to the Restructuring and Development Plan 2009-2013. He stressed that Emporiki Bank Group enjoys the full support of its majority shareholder, Crédit Agricole, which, amongst others, allows to all international subsidiaries to leverage on the strong synergies in all sectors with the mother Group, which is one of the largest financial organizations in the world.

It is worth noting that Emporiki Bank Bulgaria, despite the adverse economic environment, achieved a 120% increase in its loans portfolio and a 43% increase in its deposits portfolio during the last two years. In 2009 the branches of Emporiki’s network in Bulgaria increased to 28 (from 23 in 2007. Moreover, Emporiki’s subsidiary in Bulgaria is advancing its operations by migrating to a brand new core banking system and it has established Business Centers dedicated exclusively to the service of its growing business customer base.

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Press contact:
Christina Dimoudi
Tel. no.: 210 328 2706
E-mail: dimoudi.c@emporiki.gr