Intesa Sanpaolo Bank sees profit in 2009

• The Italian bank last year loaned EUR 5 million loans under the "First Home" program

According to a press release by the institution, in 2009 "Intesa Sanpaolo" Bank posted a net profit, as well as increased its loan portfolio by 27%. The assets of the Italian bank have passed the 3 billion lei mark (EUR 766 million), at the end of last year, up 9% over the similar period of 2008. The net operating income of the bank increased 15% over 2008, to 168 million lei (40 million Euros).

Nicola Calabró, CEO of "Intesa Sanpaolo" Bank, said: "In an economic environment that is as competitive and difficult as can be, the bank managed to raise new funds from the market, and at the same time lend money to support the activity and development of companies and individuals".

"Intesa Sanpaolo" Bank last year saw its customer deposits increase to 1.09 billion lei (EUR 257 million). Retail customer deposits doubled, from 294 million lei to 582 million lei. At the same time, deposits of corporate customers increased 50%, from 328 million lei to 495 million lei.

The total amount of loans granted by the Italian bank has surpassed 2.33 billion lei (EUR 550 million), a 27% increase, far above the average of the domestic banking system for 2009, the press release states.

"Intesa Sanpaolo" Bank last year granted loans worth EUR 5 million as part of the government program "First Home" alone.

Riccardo Parasporo, general deputy manager of "Intesa Sanpaolo" Bank, said: "Last year, the bank increased its market share, both in terms of loans and deposits raised from customers. This positive evolution was the result of the synergy with our parent-bank - the Intesa Sanpaolo group, as well as thanks to the diversification of our client portfolio and our ability to adapt to the market and to our customers" nature".

At the same time, the bank has added another 96 units to its network, as well as added 864 new employees, at the end of last year.

Intesa Sanpaolo Bank is part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group.