The jury ranked 1st in all categories of the competition the SME Programme “Together in Europe” and the European Competence Centre

The three banks from UniCredit Group in Bulgaria who will merge with one another to form UniCredit Bulbank received the grand prize “Financial product of the year” for their contribution to the Bulgarian economy in the area of efficient utilisation of the European funds. The award “Financial product of the year” was given in a challenging competition in all categories to the program “Together in Europe” for SME clients of the banks and to the European Competence Centre.

The award was presented personally by the Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivailo Kalfin to the CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Bulbank Levon Hampartzoumian during the international exhibition “Banks, Investments and Money”. “I present you with this award for best financial product in Bulgaria with even greater gratification since I personally unveiled the European Competence Centre and I am exceptionally pleased with its development”, said Ivailo Kalfin.

The specialized program “Together in Europe” is targeted towards the increase of competitiveness of the small and medium enterprises in Bulgaria in the context of the joining of the country to the EU. The program “Together in Europe” of the banks from UniCredit Group answers the necessity of a competent financial partner. This partner not only finances but also consults the Bulgarian firms in the inevitable process of bettering their competitiveness. The loans under the “Together in Europe” program have maximum term of 7 years and grace period of up to one year with a simplified and speed up procedure concerning the consideration and decision making. The loan amount depends on the investment needs of the firm. The interest rate is competitive and depends on the loan amount, term, collateral and the enterprise rating under Moody International. The expert support of the consultants continues after the provision of the financing. The Moody specialists and the bank consultants provide guidance to the following actions until the successful finalising of the investment intentions. This follow-up analysis decreases the credit and management risk of the enterprise and increases the opportunities for assimilation of subsidies under programs of the European Union.

The European Competence Centre (ECC) of the banks from UniCredit Group in Bulgaria offers preliminary consulting regarding the possibility for financing of projects with the EU funds or other national programs. Following the experience of UniCredit Group in Central and Eastern Europe ECC assists current and potential clients – companies and municipalities – in the better and on time orientation regarding the ways of receiving financial support, contributes to the process of preliminary assessment of the project and offers complete solutions in close collaboration with the relevant business units in the banks.