According to the initial unaudited and unconsolidated financial results of the Baltic Investment Group Bank AS (BIG), the company\'s loan portfolio grew by 109% in 2005 to 454.5 million kroons.

The volume of BIG assets grew in the same period by 110% to 536.3 million kroons. The more than doubling of loan volumes was financed chiefly through increases in the supplementary issue of debt instruments, bank loans and equity capital.

The number of BIG bonds increased over the year by 141%, the volume of bank loans by 85% and the bank\'s own capital by 80%. 2005 also saw the capitalisation of BIG\'s reserves, as a result of which the company\'s share capital increased to 80 million kroons.

The audited and consolidated financial results for 2005 will be published by BIG in April 2006.

2005 was a very successful financial year for BIG, as it was for the banking sector in Estonia as a whole. Rapid economic growth and the development of the company increased demand for BIG\'s loan services.

Operating under the BIG trademark, the Baltic Investment Group Bank AS is the biggest specialised lender to private clients in the Baltic States after universal banks and leasing firms. In September of last year BIG received a permit to operate as a credit institution - a banking licence.

BIG\'s goal is to provide both private and business clients with fast, attentive and flexible financial services. BIG currently has 11 branches throughout Estonia.

BIG\'s debt securities are listed on the Tallinn Stock Exchange.

Further information:

Targo Raus
Chairman of the Board
Phone: 630 9938
E-mail: targo.raus@big.ee