Garanti Group Romania registered EUR 106.9 mil. consolidated revenues in 2012, seeks further growth in the local market

Garanti Romania, one of the most dynamic and innovative financial groups in the local market, registered EUR 106.9 mil. consolidated revenues in 2012, an increase of over 8% compared to 2011. Last year, Garanti Group Romania's consolidated assets reached EUR 1.8 bln. 

All three Garanti non-banking institutions registered profit in 2012: Garanti Credite de Consum - EUR 2.3 mil. (10% growth YOY), Garanti Leasing - EUR 2.3 mil. (almost double YOY), Garanti Credite Ipotecare -  EUR 2,2 mil (a 20% increase YOY). In 2013, they will continue to focus on increasing the profits, while at the same time further developing their portfolios.

Despite the fact that in 2012, the European environment influenced the overall performance of the local economies, banking systems included, operational revenues of Garanti Bank Romania reached EUR 81.7 mil, an increase by 25% compared to the previous year. The profit before provisions was in an amount of EUR 36.6 mil, more than double of 2011 figure. In order to take precaution measures for the current and  future impact of the volatile economic conditions of the local and international markets, last year the bank increased upfront provisions by additional EUR 25 mil., by undertaking a more prudential approach, resulting in a loss of EUR 21.6 mil. Nevertheless, Garanti Bank is confident in further growth in the local market and registered a strong and profitable January 2013. 

"The Group's operations performed very well in 2012, and we took measures to ensure a healthy growth on the long term through a more prudential credit risk management. We are confident that we will tackle 2013 with great success and we seek further development in the local market”, said Ufuk Tandogan, General Manager Garanti Bank Romania.

The above average market performance of the bank, as well as the constant support from the main shareholder, Turkiye Garanti Bankasi, determined Fitch to upgrade the Long-term Issuer Default Rating for Garanti Bank Romania to "BBB-" from "BB+” with a stable outlook. Also, Garanti Bank Romania increased its share capital by EUR 20 million through cash subscription, the total equity investment of Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. (TGB) in the development of the local subsidiary reaching EUR 245.7 million.

Last year, the bank's loan portfolio rose to EUR 1 bln., a 10% increase from 2011, most of which were loans to SMEs. The bank continues to have a strong presence in the cards market with a number 225,000 debit and credit cards. In 2012, the bank increased its national presence by reaching 240 smart ATMs, the widest smart ATM network in Romania. The number of POS also surpassed 7,400, while the number of branches remained constant at 78.

In 2012, Turkiye Garanti Bankasi posted a consolidated net profit of TL 3.36 billion (1.5 billion euros*). While the bank's consolidated total assets reached TL 179.8 billion (77.5 billion euros*, its contribution to economy through cash and non-cash lending totaled TL 123.9 billion (53.4 billion euros*).

* Exchange rate: 1 euro = 2.3210 TL