The agreements for the new credit facilities were officially presented today by EIB, UniCredit Bulbank and UniCredit Leasing

The European Investment Bank extends a total of 110 million euro to UniCredit for financing investment projects of small and medium-sized Bulgarian companies. UniCredit Bulbank receives financing in the amount of 60 million euro and UniCredit Leasing – 50 million euro.

The agreements for the new credit facilities were officially presented today by Michael O'Halloran, Head of Division of Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus Unit on the part of the European Investment Bank, Levon Hampartzoumian, Chief Executive Officer of UniCredit Bulbank and Rumen Ivanchev, executive director of UniCredit Leasing.

“The current loans are a continuation of the successful cooperation with both UniCredit Bulbank and Unicredit Leasing following on from five previous credit lines totalling EUR 200 million to Unicredit Bulbank and one of EUR 80 million to UniCredit Leasing. All these facilities were successfully allocated and disbursed to SMEs and Mid-Caps.”, commented Michael O'Halloran.

UniCredit Bulbank will use the funds extended by EIB for financing investment projects and for working capital financing of small and medium-sized enterprises. The loans will be disbursed with a term ranging from 2 to10 years and for larger infrastructural projects – up to 15 years. The loans will be provided at lower interest rates for the end beneficiaries.

"Providing additional possibilities for financing of small and medium companies at preferential terms and conditions is crucial for the development of Bulgarian economy", commented Levon Hampartzoumian.

UniCredit Leasing will use the credit facility of 50 million euro from the European Investment Bank for financing of small and medium-sized enterprises with less than 250 employees, as well as enterprises with staff of up to 3000 employees. The sectors which can benefit from better conditions are energy, environmental protection, infrastructure, business development, industry, tourism, services etc. The funds provided by EIB will not be available for use for acquisition of certain vehicles and luxurious assets such as yachts and aircrafts.

European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union and is owned by the EU Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

UniCredit Bulbank

UniCredit Bulbank is the largest Bulgarian bank with assets totaling 12.7 billion Bulgarian lev as of the end of December 2012. The bank provides services to more than one million citizens and households, private clients, small and medium enterprises, large local and international companies etc.

UniCredit Leasing

As a member of UniCredit Group and being one of the largest financial institutions in Europe, UniCredit Leasing has substantially reinforced and expanded its business in order to create a truly international leasing network. With more than 2,800 employees in 17 countries, nowadays UniCredit Leasing is an indisputable leader in the developing markets in Central and Eastern Europe.

More information for clients:

UniCredit Bulbank, Call Centre

Phone: 0700 1 84 84

More information for media:

UniCredit Bulbank, Identity & Communications Department

Viktoria Blajeva, Phone: + 359 2 9264 993, wjlj/ebwjepwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch

Ekaterina Ancheva, Phone: + 359 2 9264 963, flbufsjob/bodifwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch

Magdalena Ivanova, Phone: + 359 2 9232 528, nbhebmfob/jwbopwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch