On Thursday, November 27, 2008 the Latvian branch of Balti Investeeringute Grupi Pank AS (BIGBANK) started operations. The branch will start operations under the trade name BIGBANK. Opening the branch allows BIGBANK to expand it's operations in Latvia allowing to start also issuing term deposits in addition to consumer credits. BIGBANK does not plan to offer any other bank services. “Opening a branch in Latvia is a natural continuation in the development of BIGBANK as it allows to unify the product portfolio of the bank and utilise the synergy of the same trade mark”, said Targo Raus, CEO of BIGBANK. Until now, BIGBANK operated in Latvian market through a subsidiary SIA Baltijas Izaugsmes Grupa established in 1996 specialising in consumer credits only. The loan portfolio of Latvian subsidiary amounted to 996 million kroons as of the end of Q3 which forms 41.5% of the total loan portfolio of BIGBANK. Additional information: Targo Raus CEO targo.raus@big.ee Tel:+372 735 0923