MARFIN FINANCIAL GROUP comments on an article published today in "CHRIMATISTIRIO" newspaper as follows:
1. Our firm position is that mergers / consolidation of banks in order to create bigger entities serve shareholders' and personnel's interests by achieving higher capital adequacy and better opportunities for operational development and strategic expansion.
2. As it has already been announced, the merger between MARFIN BANK and LAIKI BANK HELLAS with EGNATIA BANK is currently underway. Several alternative scenaria for further consolidation within the expanded Group of MARFIN F.G. which also includes LAIKI BANK CYPRUS are being currently considered. At the present stage and under this context no decision has been taken or will be taken until mid-September. However until a decision is reached none of the alternative scenaria can be ruled out.
3. The information that MARFIN F.G. and DUBAI FINANCIAL are jointly planning to acquire a bank in an emerging market within Eastern Europe is inaccurate.