MARFIN FINANCIAL GROUP HOLDINGS S.A. announces the following: The Boards of Directors of the affiliated companies EGNATIA BANK S.A. and MARFIN BANK S.A., during their meetings held on 4.7.2006, and the Board of Directors of the associated LAIKI BANK (GREECE) S.A., -a subsidiary of POPULAR BANK PUBLIC COMPANY LTD, in which MARFIN FINANCIAL GROUP HOLDINGS S.A. participates with a percentage of 10,4%, during its meeting held on 28.6.2006 resolved upon the commencement of the merger procedure through the absorption of MARFIN BANK S.A. and LAIKI BANK (GREECE) S.A. by EGNATIA BANK S.A.. The 31st of December 2006 is the date of transformation. On the merger the provisions of L. 2515/1997 and L. 2166/1993 as well as the provisions of C.L. 2190/1920 and commercial legislation in general will apply. Moreover the Board of Directors of the affiliated companies INVESTMENT BANK OF GREECE S.A., which after the receipt of the approvals and clearances, as required by law, will become a subsidiary of MARFIN BANK S.A., and EGNATIA FINANCE S.A. (a securities brokerage firm), during their meetings held on 30.6.2006, resolved upon the commencement of the merger procedure through the absorption of EGNATIA FINANCE S.A. by INVESTMENT BANK OF GREECE S.A.. The transformation date was set to the 30th of June 2006.On the merger the provisions of L. 2515/1997 and L. 2166/1993 as well as the provisions of C.L. 2190/1920 and commercial legislation in general will apply.