In the first half of the year 2003, AS Balti Investeeringute Grupp (BIG) earned net profit exceeding 5 million kroons, which is 25% more than in the same period last year.

In the first six months, BIG's total volume of loans increased by 17.7% as compared to last year, now totaling 111.7 mln kroons. In the loan portfolio, the proportion of loans for legal persons increased considerably. In the first half of the year, BIG granted loans in the total amount of 50.7 mln kroons, which is 14% more than in the same period in 2002.

The bond portfolio has increased by 8.1% in the first six months of 2003, now amounting to 65.3 mln kroons.

Compared to the end of last year, BIG's balance sheet total has gained close to 16 mln kroons, reaching EEK 146.4 million.

AS Balti Investeeringute Grupp was founded in Tartu in 1992. With about 3100 clients, BIG is the greatest lender of money to private persons in the Baltic States after banks and leasing companies. In 1993, the company expanded to Tallinn, in 1994 to Pärnu and in November of 2002 - to Rakvere. The first foreign branch was established in Riga in 1996. The name of the subsidiary is AS Baltijas Izaugsmes Grupa and its main areas of operation are similar to those of the parent company.

Further information:

Targo Raus
AS Balti Investeeringute Grupp
Chairman of the Management Board
Phone: (07) 377 370