Supported by its main shareholder UniCredit Bank Austria, the Bulgarian bank prepares for capital increase later this year

The net profit of UniCredit Bulbank for 2009 is BGN 194.753 mln. The bank will pay in the state budget BGN 22 mln. as taxes, which makes it the biggest tax payer in the financial sector in Bulgaria.

The achieved excellent financial results despite the economic crises and the stable financial position of the bank during the year, allow UniCredit Bulbank to distribute the profit as dividends to its shareholders. The decision was taken today at the regular annual general shareholders meeting.

“This dividends distribution will in no way affect negatively the capital ratios, as the bank, supported by its main shareholder UniCredit Bank Austria, prepares in the third quarter of 2010 increase of the capital at the amount, respective of the amount with is being currently distributed as dividend”, announced Emilia Palibachiyska, member of the Management Board of UniCredit Bulbank and CFO of the bank.

The assets of UniCredit Bulbank reached BGN 11.5 billion, which is an increase of 4.6% in comparison with 2008. Thus UniCredit Bulbank confirmes its number one positions on the market in terms of assets, deposits and loans to companies and individuals with respectively 16.3%, 14.8% and 14.8% market share.

The deposits from clients reached BGN 6.24 billion at the end 2009. Half of those are deposits of individuals. This is an increase of 6.5% in the total deposits, while the increase for the banking sector in 3.7%.

The total loan portfolio of the bank increased with 3.4% to BGN 7.775 billion, with BGN 7.518 billion a year ago. The company loans represent 71% of those and increased with 5.6% to BGN 5.531 billion. Thus UniCredit Bulbank remained true to its promise to support the Bulgarian enterprises in the tough environment. The mortgage loans for individuals increases with 6.4% to BGN 1.425 billion.

Despite the difficult economic environment the profitability and efficiency of UniCredit Bulbank remained stable. ROA and ROE were respectively 1.7% and 12.9%, while the capital adequacy ratio is 16.7%. All three indicators are above the ratios for the banking sector in Bulgaria.

The Annual Report for 2009 can be found on Financial Reports

For additional information:

UniCredit Bulbank, Identity and Communications

Viktoria Blajeva, тел: 02/9264 993, wjlj/ebwjepwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch

Ekaterina Ancheva: тел: 02/9264 963, Flbufsjob/bodifwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch