Disposal
September 25 2008 - 2:02AM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number : 2639E
IRF European Fin Investments Ltd
25 September 2008
IRF European Finance Investments Ltd
25 September 2008
IRF European Finance Investments Ltd
('IRF' or the 'Company')
IRF sells interest in Proton Bank
IRF confirms that it has sold 10 million shares in Proton Bank for a gross sales price of EUR65 million. The consideration for this
disposal is in the form of cash. Following IRF's disposal of these shares in Proton Bank, IRF holds approximately 2.9 million shares in
Proton Bank, representing an interest of approximately 4.65%.
Ms. Angeliki Frangou, Chairman of IRF stated "IRF took advantage of an opportunity to sell these shares in Proton at a 10% premium to
the market closing price as of 24 September 2008. Given the significant volatility affecting financial institutions, we determined to
dispose of a significant portion of our investment in Proton".
IRF originally acquired a 28% interest in the Proton Group in June of 2006. Subsequently, Proton Group merged with Omega Bank, and
IRF's interest in the merged entity was reduced to approximately 20%. The proceeds from the sale will be retained by the Company for future
acquisitions or investments.
For further information:
IRF European Finance Investments Ltd
Angeliki Frangou, Chairperson Tel: +30 (0) 210 428 0560
Numis Securities Limited
Nick Westlake (Nomad) Tel: +44 20 7260 1000
Alex Ham (Broker)
About IRF
IRF was formed to invest in the financial services industry throughout Europe with a primary focus on credit institutions and insurance
companies in South Eastern Europe. IRF's current strategy is the acquisition of financial institutions having valuations which do not
reflect their potential and where marketing and operational efficiencies are possible. IRF currently owns a 10.1% interest in Marfin
Investment Group ('MIG').
About Proton Bank
Proton Bank is a full-service financial services institution, including retail and investment banking as well as the provision of
specialized corporate advisory and investment services. Proton Bank has 28 branches in Greece and is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange
under the symbol "PRO". It has a market capitalisation of approximately EUR369.8 million; in the financial year ended 31 December 2007,
Proton had assets of approximately EUR2.37 billion and made a post tax profit of EUR20.8 million.
About MIG
MIG invests in private equity, privatisations and infrastructure projects and principally operates in Greece, Cyprus and South East
Europe. It has a market capitalisation of approximately EUR3.74 billion; in the financial year ended 31 December 2007, MIG had assets of
EUR6.87 billion and made a post tax profit of EUR330.4 million.
Forward-looking statements
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to a number of
risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements. IRF assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update the information contained herein except as required by
law.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
DISPUUPPBUPRPGC
Irf European Finance Inv... (LSE:IRF)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024
Irf European Finance Inv... (LSE:IRF)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024