The Managements of National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank announce the following:

As with any venture, difficulties also arise in the merger of large banks of equal status, regarding various sectors.

Efforts are in process to overcome these difficulties in a spirit of understanding and good faith.

The objective of the two banks is the establishment of a strong Greek bank with a European structure that will operate with the private·financial criteria of the modern banking market. This is dictated by the interests of the National Economy, the shareholders and the staff of the two banks.