| In accordance with provisions of the Code of Best Practice for Warsaw Stock Exchange Listed Companies, the Ljubljana Stock Exchange Rules and the applicable legislation, Nova KBM d.d. hereby publishes the following announcement: Nova KBM is implementing measures to improve its performance and capital position The Supervisory Board of Nova KBM was yesterday informed of the action plan for the improvement of the Bank's capital adequacy. The activities aimed at increasing the Bank's Core Tier I capital ratio to at least 9 percent are being implemented intensively and are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Among the issues discussed at the meeting of the Supervisory Board were the results of the Bank for the first eight months of the year and other topics relevant to the current business environment. In addition, the Supervisory Board consented to the Bank taking a shareholding in the company Intereuropa. In spite of the difficult market conditions, the Bank is performing well and is continuing to strengthen its relations with customers and other stakeholders. The liquidity position of the Bank remains robust. The Management Board is focused on boosting confidence in the Bank, enhancing its reputation, and improving its performance. The new strategy, which is currently being drafted, as well as the implementation of organisational restructuring and streamlining across all business areas are some of the measures the Management Board has undertaken in order to better deal with future challenges. Based on the decision made at the previous meeting of the Supervisory Board, the action plan for the improvement of the capital adequacy of the Bank has been amended and presented to supervisors, in addition to being sent to the Bank of Slovenia. According to the amended action plan, the Bank will meet the minimum Core Tier I capital ratio requirement of 9 percent by the end of the year. »The action plan for the improvement of the Bank’s capital adequacy envisages the implementation of a number of measures and activities. We strongly believe in the success of our work, and we expect the accomplishment of capital raising activities to result in enhanced reputation and improved performance of the Bank«, said Ale¹ Hauc, President of Nova KBM’s Management Board. The activities aimed at improving the Bank’s capital position are being carried out as planned. As for the procedures for the sale of Zavarovalnica Maribor, the Bank is in the process of receiving indicative proposals, after which potential investors will be required to submit their binding offers, with the sale expected to be completed by the end of the year. The work related to a potential redemption of subordinated instruments and capital raising is being carried out too. The operations of the Bank continued to be affected by adverse market conditions and the stagnation of economic activities, causing an increased number of companies to face difficulties in repaying their debts. At the meeting, the Supervisory Board consented to the Bank taking a shareholding in the company Intereuropa by converting a part of its loans into equity. Following the debt-to-equity swap, Nova KBM will have a 4.3% shareholding in Intereuropa. On this occasion, the Chairman of Nova KBM’s Supervisory Board, Peter Kukovica, pointed out: »Being committed to the principles of sound and responsible corporate governance, Nova KBM closely monitors the activities of its customers. The Supervisory Board supports the decisions of the Management Board that have a positive effect on the restructuring of the loan portfolio and the performance of the Bank in general. The impact of any such decision on the operations of the Bank's customers is taken into consideration as well«. The Bank's preliminary results for the first nine months of the year will be released at the end of October, in accordance with the rules governing the provision of information by public limited companies and the Bank's financial calendar. This announcement will be published on the Bank's website (www.nkbm.si) from 4 October 2012 onwards. | |
