In response to the letter received by the Athens Exchange with Ref.No. 37185/25-7-2006 regarding the article titled "Caisse d'Epargne Approaches Proton Bank and the Bank of Attica", published in the "Chrimatistirio" newspaper on July 25th, Proton Bank states that:
1) The Bank has never received a cooperation proposal from, or on behalf of, Caisse d'Epargne, whereas it is implicit that it has no means of knowing the intentions of Caisse d'Eparge regarding its (rumored) interest in the Greek market.
2) Within the strategic framework for its dynamic development, business expansion and reinforced presence in the sector, Proton Bank closely follows and studies all possibilities and forms of cooperation, which may substantially contribute to the materialization of this strategy through the appropriate business actions, which will add value to Proton and its shareholders.
3) Proton reiterates its commitment, which in any event is its obligation, to provide all relevant information to its shareholders in the event that there are further developments with respect to any cooperation with any domestic or international institution or investor.