Marfin Financial Group announces its decision to acquire 50,1% of SBM Bank of Estonia at a price of about Euro 6,5m. The participation of Marfin F.G. will be effected through an equivalent share capital increase of SBM Bank at a price of approximately 1x book value and will be completed until 12-6-06 following the required approval from the Central Bank of Estonia. With this investment Marfin F.G. enters the Baltic countries market, the economies of which have very high growth rates. The economy of Estonia with a minimum public debt, is growing by 7% per annum whilst in the banking sector, although loan margins are equivalent with Greece the budgeted NPLs are close to zero. Estonia is a member of EU and its currency has a locked range with euro. Main areas of economic activity are construction, technology, transportation and services. Marfin F.G.'s management intends to coordinate the expansion of the Group internationally with the management of LAIKI CYPRUS in order to achieve the biggest possible synergies. After the finalization of the new expansive business plan of SBM Bank, Marfin FG will announce in detail the expected positive contribution of this investment to its financial results.