Alpha Bank, positive results for the year 2009

Yannis S. Costopoulos, The President of the Group, said: "In 2009," Alpha Bank "was faced with the challenges of economic environment with foresight and competence".

The success of the release of valuable rights in the amount of 982 million Euros, has significantly strengthened balance sheet, and has boosted our confidence to face the impact of continuing difficult conditions in the Greek market macro.

The introduction of a strict program of fiscal consolidation could negatively affect growth for a short term, but we are sure that will bring permanent medium term benefits for the Greek economy and prospects for our business throughout South East Europe".

With regard to Albania, the value of deposits reached 375 million Euros and increased lending by capturing a volume of 335 million euro portfolio.

Net profit at the end of 2009 marked the value of 6481 million Euros. 'Alpha Bank in Albania operates in 47 branches across the country, and also has presence in major commercial centers established recently.

A network of 62 ATMs and over 1,100 handsets that receive payments with the card business support the business of debit and credit cards.

During 2009, the bank increased its base of business customers and individuals with 58%.

Loans to individuals and small businesses had increased, and also deposits of this segment (19%), compared with the end of the year 2008.

The bank's main focus for 2010 is the retail business, with strong attention to excellent customer service, products tailored to the customer and entering them easily in all distribution channels.

Mr. Mantzounis, Executive General Director of "Alpha Bank", stated: "In the early 2010's, our main goal is to address short-term impact of the debt crisis of the Greek government in our marginal fond ration".

We must also effectively address the effects of the heavy steps that Greek government has taken, which may reduce opportunities for clients to meet their obligations for repayment of loans.

These last two years the main focus is given to strengthening the bank's balance sheet, which has placed us in particularly strong position to meet these challenges. The introduction of additional measures to consolidate the basis of cost must preserve the profit this year in anticipation of normalization of the government debt, which in turn will bring an immediate benefit to our business. "

Source:ekonomia-ks.com/31 March 2010