The net loan portfolio of AS Balti Investeeringute Grupp (BIG) grew by 42% in 2004, reaching 228.3 million kroons.

According to Targo Raus, Chairman of the Board of BIG, the net loan portfolio's growth and subsequent good economic results were based on the strong foundation of the enterprise's productive activities on the market of smaller and consumer loans, as well as its successful expansion strategy.

"The decision to expand the sales network has been justified in every manner. Our client base has increased by almost 30% in one year, surpassing 4500 clients. For instance, the number of clients from Northern Estonia increased in our portfolio by about 40% in 2004," Raus elaborated on the upsides of expanding.

In 2004 BIG continued its strategy of actively expanding the sales network. In the beginning of the year, representations were opened in Tallinn at the Lasnamäe Centrum and ÿlemiste Centre, and in July - in Narva at the Narva Centrum.

In September, the Latvian subsidiary company Baltijas Izaugsmes Grupa expanded its presence in Riga and Liepaja to Daugavpils.

In 2004 BIG issued a total of 237 million kroons in loans, an increase of almost 52% compared to the previous year, and earned 31.6 million kroons of net profit. The volume of issued bonds rose by 77%, reaching 123 million kroons.

AS Balti Investeeringute Grupp is the largest specialised lender of money to private persons in the Baltic States after banks and leasing companies. The goal of the enterprise is to provide both private and business customers with fast, attentive and flexible financial services.

Additional information:

Targo Raus
Chairman of the Board
Phone: 6309 938