PRESS RELEASE
On the request of Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. -Italy for the acquisition of 100% of the capital of Veneto Bank sh.a. - Albania

Pursuant to the provisions of law no. 9662, dated 18.12.2006 'On banks in the Republic of Albania', as amended (law on banks), and the Regulation 'On licensing and exercising of the activity by banks and branches of foreign banks in the Republic of Albania', approved by decision no. 14, dated 11.03.2009 of the Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania, as amended (licensing regulation), Intensa Sanpaolo - Italy submitted a request to the Bank of Albania to approve the transfer of the holding of the entire capital of the Veneto Bank sh.a. The European Central Bank has given its no-objection for the realization of this transaction.

The request and the endorsing documentation for the approval of the transfer of the control from Veneto Bank sh.a. - Albania, to Intesa Sanpaolo Bank - Italy is reviewed in accordance with the provisions of the law on banks and the licensing regulation.

The Bank of Albania publishes this announcement in compliance with the requirements of the licensing regulation.