Greek banks, four times less profitable than BCR

The Greek lenders posted profits totaling €65.5 million for the first nine months of 2007, while BCR's profits amounted to €219 mln.

The largest local lender with Greek capital, Bancpost, controlled 77.56 percent by one of the largest companies listed on the Greek stock exchange, EFG Eurobank Ergasias SA, posted €14.5 mln in profits in the first three quarters of 2007, more than five times higher year-on-year. The bank has 231 retail units and 18 wholesale centers, according to company representatives.

The second largest lender with Greek capital, Alpha Bank, posted €23.3 mln in profits for January-September, 16.8 percent lower year-on-year. Alpha Bank has a 101 units network and is to expand to 125 units by the end of the year.
There are a further five banks with Greek capital operating on the local market.