The Agricultural Life and Health Insurance company, of the Agricultural Bank of Greece Group, realized profits increased by 23% over the first semester of 2000, as compared to the first semester of 1999, reaching 1.700 billion GRD.Over the same period, first year individual premium production (classic and Unit Linked) increased by 37%, while the total new individual and group insurance production rose by 20%.Concurrently with the continuous improvement of financial figures, the company's management proceeds to the realization of the investment plan and has already announced the following:The acquisition of a majority stock package of an Investment Services company, owned by the Piraeus Bank Group by 40%. The new company will contribute to the promotion of Agricultural Life investment programs, as well as the design and promotion of special mutual funds supporting Unit Linked products.The location in Germany of a support group for the operation launch of the branch office there, where the two companies are already active through Freedom of Services provision.The constitution of a company in Romania, which is progressing concurrently with the activation of the mother bank there. As regards the operation of the companies in Cyprus, the establishment plans have already been approved and are in the implementation phase. Regarding Bulgaria, Skopje and Turkey, the consultant's proposals, which were submitted after examination of the local markets, are being studied.E-commerce activities. An entrepreneurial scheme is being created presently involving the Agricultural Bank of Greece and the Group's Insurance companies.The new programs promoted by the company since July include:a.The Unit Linked investment program with compound premium or lump sum payment, also offered as a ?Program for Children?.b.The Unit Linked supplementary investment program involving periodic payments for those already insured through other Company programs.c.The Banklinked investment program which will be sold over the Bank's counters.