About 300 guests attended the elite event among which was the Deputy Prime Minister of Economic Development Daniela Bobeva, top managers of UniCedit and many clients and partners of the Bank

UniCredit Bulbank, the biggest bank in Bulgaria, marked the 50th anniversary since the establishment of the Bank whose successor it is by organizing the concert “Overture to Perfection”. The guests highly appreciated the performance of the opera singers of one of the most prestigious stages in the world Arena di Verona, Italy. Among of the guests were the Deputy Prime Minister of Economic Development Daniela Bobeva, Ivan Iskrov, governor of BNB, top managers of UniCredit as well as clients and partners of the Bank.

Before the beginning of the concert the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated UniCredit Bulbank on the anniversary. “UniCredit Bulbank is always ready to make us a pleasant surprise. I have not prepared a speech. I will improvise and this is why my words will come from my heart. The Bulgarian bank sector would not be the same without UniCredit Bulbank. We know that many of the best professionals in the bank sector have started out on their career from this Bank”, said Ms Bobeva.

She congratulated Levon Hampartzoumian, the CEO of UniCredit Bulbank, on having succeeded in dealing with the crisis in the most difficult years, turning it into a symbol of stability. “As in human life, the 50th anniversary of an institution is a very important moment. We look back and realize that what does not kill us makes us stronger. So, I wish UniCredit Bulbank to be even stronger in the next 450 years”, said Bobeva.

“In a few minutes we will crown this 50th anniversary of UniCredit Bulbank with the glorious music of the Arena di Verona. But before the music begins, I would like to thank Deputy Prime Minister Daniela Bobeva, our valued clients and other distinguished guests who have joined us for this occasion. It is always enjoyable to celebrate solid accomplishment in this uncertain world. And that is what we can celebrate today as we honor the 50th anniversary of UniCredit Bulbank and the 14th anniversary of UniCredit Bulbank partnership”, said Giuseppe Vita, Chairman of UniCredit. He said that the bank had achieved continued success because it anticipated changes in the banking and business worlds and because it had led the way in technological innovation that served changing customer needs. “As a chairman of UniCredit Group, I can testify to the continuing importance of being alert to changing times – and of navigating new terrains”, said Vita.

He confirmed that Bulgaria played an important part in these results as a strategic country for UniCredit, essential to its status as a leading European bank. “Our Group will continue to invest here and work towards building on the success of Bulgarians within the EU”, concluded Vita.

Levon Hampartzoumian, the CEO of UniCredit Bulbank, also greeted the guests and thanked the team of the bank for its professionalism. “We are happy to be on the top, being number one in the most important indexes for a bank. We will continue working to become stronger, more efficient and to support economic growth by financing successful projects”, said Hampartzoumian.

Last year Arena di Verona Foundation marked the 100th anniversary of the famous opera festival - a whole century of wonderful music on the first open-air opera stage in Italy.

The marvelous arena dates back to Roman times. The festival itself expresses the Italian history and creativity, contributing to the universal language of music which overcomes all boundaries.

UniCredit has been a major partner of the important cultural institution for 21 years.

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