In response to the article published today, October 17th, 2006 on the website www.capital.gr titled ''Proton Discusses with Caisse d'' Epargne'' and in accordance with the provisions of Capital Markets Commission rule 5/204/2000, as in force and Article 281 of the Regulation of the Athens Exchange, PROTON ΒΑΝΚ 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''Epargne 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.