Raiffeissen Bulgaria increased equity capital by 136,908,100 leva (70 mln euros) following a decision of the bank's owner – Raiffeissen International Bank Holding.

The capital was increased from 173,165,352 leva (88.538 mln euros) to 310,073,452 leva (158.538 mln euros) via issue of 136,908,100 new shares with a face value of 1 lev each, and as of September 30, the bank's capital resources reach 594.5 mln leva (303.963 mln euros).

The increase aims to support the bank's dynamic development on the Bulgarian market. Assets reached 4.62 bln leva (2.362 mln euros) in 2007 H1, which is up 52.46% compared with same period in 2006. The bank's market share on this indicator grew to 9.79%, which ranks it number three in the country.

At the end of June the credit portfolio stood at 2.618 bln leva (1.338 bln euros). Deposits by physical persons and legal entities grew 42.68% to 2.799 bln leva (1.431 bln euros).

Profit after taxes stands at 43.40 mln leva (22.190 mln euros), according to the September 30 report. This is 30% higher than the respective period a year ago.

The bank opened 18 new offices in H1, with which the number of branches throughout the country reaches 128. More than 2,300 people work in the institution, 500 of them have been employed this year.