Marfin Popular Bank Public Co Ltd, rated A3 by Moody's and BBB+ by Standard & Poor's, launched yesterday an inaugural euro 750 million 3-year transaction under its EMTN programme. The issue was 1,94 times oversubscribed.
The bond yield is 29 basis points over 3-month Euribor and will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. AnnouncementThe Joint book runners were Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and HSBC. The co-leads of the transaction were Alpha Bank, National Bank, Unicredito, Raiffeisen, DZ and LBBW.

As of today, Thursday May 24 2007, the Annual Report for the Year 2006, is available at the corporate site (www.ethniki-asfalistiki.gr) to the information of the investing public and the shareholders, according to the decision 5/204/14.11.2000, as amended by decision 7/372/15.2.2006 of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission. The Annual Report is also available at "THE ETHNIKI" offices, 103-105 Syngrou Avenue, Athens.
For any further information please contact with the Shareholders Dept, tel. No. 210-9099305, 210-9099653.

ROKAS Group of companies released today Thursday 24/5/2007 its consolidated financial results for Q1 2007 that were prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards.
Consolidated turnover for Q1 2007 stood at Euro 12.5 mil. over Euro 14 mil. in the respective period last year, decreased by 10.4%. This decrease is due to the decrease of sales in the business unit of electromechanical equipment, contrary to the energy business unit, the sales of which increased by 11%, participating by 87% in the consolidated turnover over 70% last year.
Consolidated profitability improved significantly due to the increase of the energy sector participation in the Group's sales, business unit that operates with higher profit margins. Consolidated gross profit increased in the first quarter of 2007 by 23.2% standing at Euro 5.8 mil. over Euro 4.7 mil in the respective period in 2006, whereas gross profit margin stood at 46.2% of total sales over 33.6% in the first quarter of 2006, increased by 12.6 units.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) stood in the first quarter of 2007 at Euro 7.8 mil. over Euro 7.9 mil. in 2006, whereas earnings before interest and taxes (ΕΒΙΤ) stood at Euro 5.7 mil. increased by 6.3% compared to the first quarter of 2006.
Earnings before taxes (ΕΒΤ) increased by 13.4% and stood at Euro 5.6 mil. over Euro 5 mil. in 2006, increase that is mainly attributed to the Group's increased financial income in the first quarter of 2007. Finally, earnings after taxes and minority rights (ΕΑΤΑΜ) stood at Euro 4.8 mil. over Euro 2.9 mil. significantly increased by 66.1% that is due, apart from the above reasons, to the decrease of the consolidated tax liabilities.

ATEbank announces that the B.o.D. which was elected by the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 23-5-2007, constituted as follows:
Executive members:
- Miliakos Dimitriοs, Chairman-Governor.
- Drougas Vassilios, Vice Chairman-Deputy Governor.
- Varagis Panagiotis, Vice Chairman-Deputy Governor.
Non executive members:
- Konstantinides Grigorios.
- Drossos Panagiotis.
- Katsaounis Ioannis.
- Beredimas Vassilios.
- Alexiades Grigorios.
- Tsagarakis Ioannis.
Independent non-executive members:
- Revithis Sotirios.
- Balios Nikolaos.
Thereafter it was resolved that the Bank's Audit Committee will be composed as follows:
- Revithis Sotirios, Chairman.
- Balios Nikolaos, Member.
- Tsagarakis Ioannis, Member.

ATEbank announces that its Annual Ordinary General Shareholders' Meeting was held on May 23, 2007. Present at the Bank's General Meeting were 39 Shareholders (in person or by proxy) representing a total of 704,423,394 shares i.e. 77.80 % of the Bank's paid up share capital, and adopted the following resolutions:
1. Approved the Board of Directors' Report on the annual financial statements for the year 2006.
2. Approved the annual financial statements and the Auditors' Report for the year 2006, as well as a dividend distribution of euro 0.09 per share for the year 2006. As ex-dividend date was determined the 29th of May, 2007. The dividend payment will commence on June 6, 2007.
3. Approved the consolidated annual financial statements of the ATEbank's Group of companies and the Auditors' Report for the financial year 2006.
4. Approved the discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the Auditors from any liability for the year 2006.
5. Elected the audit firms KPMG Kyriakou Certified Auditors S.A. and BAKER TILLY HELLAS S.A. for the purpose of auditing the Bank's financial statements and the Group of companies' consolidated financial statements for the year 2007.
6. Approved the remuneration received by the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, non executive members and the Secretary of the Bank's Board of Directors for the year 2006 and pre-approved their remuneration for the year 2007.
7. Approved the remuneration received by the members of the Audit Committee for the year 2006 and pre-approved it for the year 2007.
8. Ratified the election of Mr P. Drossos as a new member of the Board of Directors in replacement of the resigned member Mr Ch. Dimitriou.
9. Elected new Board of Directors and determined the independent - non executive members, in accordance with the provisions of the law 3016/2002, as currently in force. The composition of the new Board of Directors is as follows: -Miliakos Dimitrios, -Drougas Vassilios, -Varagis Panagiotis, -Konstantinides Grigorios, -Drossos Panagiotis, -Revithis Sotirios (independent non executive member), -Katsaounis Ioannis, -Balios Nikolaos (independent non executive member), -Beredimas Vassilios
- Alexiades Grigorios, -Tsagarakis Ioannis.
10. Approved the renewal of the insurance contract between ATEbank and ATE Insurance covering the members of the BoD and the administrative executives on liability towards third parties.
11. Approved the permission to the members of the BoD and Bank's executives to participate in the B.o.D. or in the management of ATEbank's Group of companies or in companies pursuing similar or related goals.
12. The A.G.M. has been informed about the B.o.D. decisions related to the acquired stake in MINDBANK Romania and AIK BANKA Serbia.

We would like to inform you that the Ordinary General Meeting of the Shareholders of IASO SA, which was convened today, May 23rd 2007, at 12.00 noon time at the Company?s offices, at Maroussi Attika, 37-39 Kifissias Avenue (Ground flour, new Hall) and at which were present or represented 263 shareholders, representing 21.361.583 shares and votes out of a total of 44.075.500 shares, i.e. a percentage of 48.40% of the capital share of the Company, resolved on the following issues:
1. On the first item of the agenda, the General Meeting approved with 17.955.292 votes (out of a total of 21.361.583), i.e. percentage 84.05% of the present voting shareholders, the Annual Financial Statements (Corporate and Consolidated) for the financial year that ended on 31.12.2006, as well as the Management Report thereon, drafted by the Board of Directors and the Chartered Auditor.
2. On the second item of the agenda, the General Meeting released the members of the Board of Directors from any liability for their actions during the financial year that ended on 31.12.2006 with 15.820.602 votes (out of a total of 21.361.583), i.e. percentage 74.06% of the present voting shareholders. During this voting, the members of the Board of Directors voted only with 2.304.334 shares, owned by them, while 2.134.690 shares, which had authorized members of the Board of Directors, abstained.
3. On the third item of the agenda the General Meeting unanimously resolved on the release of the Chartered Auditor from any liability for his actions during the financial year that ended on 31.12.2006, i.e. with a percentage of 100% of the present voting shareholders.
4. On the fourth item of the agenda the General Meeting unanimously resolved, i.e. with a percentage of 100% of the present voting shareholders, the distribution of dividend equal to 0.30 Euro per share. Beneficiaries of the dividend deriving from the profits of the financial year that ended on 31.12.2006 are the holders of company shares at the closing of the transactions in ATHEX on Thursday 24th of May 2007. Starting on Friday, 25th of May 2007, the share shall be traded without the right for payment of dividend for the financial year 2006. The payment of the divided shall take place through National Bank of Greece, starting from Monday, 4th of June 2007.
5. On the fifth item of the agenda the General Meeting elected unanimously, i.e with a percentage of 100% of the present voting shareholders, as ordinary chartered auditor for the financial year 2007 Mr. Konstaninos Petrogiannis, and as substitute Mr. Markos Fratzis, both members of SOL S.A and resolved also unanimously that their remuneration shall be defined by the Supervisory Council, as per the provisions of law.
6. The discussion on the sixth item of the agenda, in reference to the decrease of the share capital with a decrease of 1.00 Euro of the nominal value of the share, for the purposes of a proportional and real distribution of it to the shareholders, as well as in reference to the amendment of article 5 of the Articles of Association of the Company, was annulled due to the lack of the necessary extraordinary quorum, as per the provisions of law and the Articles of Association. The General Meeting, after a relevant suggestion by the shareholders, shall be held at a later stage and after the decision of the Capital Market Commission on the issues related to the resolutions of the after-postponement Extraordinary General Meeting of the Shareholders dated 11.04.2007.
7. On the seventh item of the agenda, the General Meeting unanimously approved, i.e. with a percentage of 100% of the present voting shareholders, the granting of permit, according to article 23§1 of C.L. 2190/1920, to the members of the Board of Directors and the Managers for their participation to the Board of Directors or the Management of subsidiary companies.

On May 23, 2007, the presentation of VIOHALCO, to the Institutional Investors Association took place, regarding the Company?s development and activities, as well as the analysis of its prospects. VIOHALCO, participates in more than 90 companies, which are active in the manufacture of steel products, copper and aluminium processing, the production of cables and real estate development.
In 2006, VIOHALCO continued its positive development, achieving a consolidated turnover amounting to euro 3.274 mil. higher by 40%, in comparison with 2005, an improvement due to the increase of sales and higher metals prices. The consolidated profits before taxes, interest and depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to euro 404 mil., higher by 85%, the consolidated profits before taxes and minority rights amounted to euro 227 mil., higher by 281%, in comparison with those of 2005 and the profits after taxes and minority rights amounted to euro 113 mil. or euro 0,57 per share, marking an increase of 460%. Higher capacity of the production units, as a result of the significant investments, effected throughout the last years, contributed to the increase of the sales volume, which, combined with the increase in metals prices, led to a significant increase of the turnover. The decrease of the production cost, due to the investments, as well as better profit margins, had a favorable effect on the results of 2006.
The companies of the VIOHALCO Group, have an intense export orientation and continuously enhance their presence abroad. As a result of this, more than two thirds of the turnover is achieved abroad, while Group exports correspond to 9% approximately of the total Greek exports.
The on-going investments of the Group's companies, in technology and equipment, aim at the increase of productivity, the reduction of costs and the improvement of product quality. The protection of the environment and the improvement of the safety and health conditions in the plants, are always a fundamental concern of the companies? management.
Finally, VIOHALCO has started a development programme, regarding its remarkable real estate holdings, aiming at the creation of a constant income source, enhancing its income from industrial activities.

Further to a weekly newspaper's release under title: "Sale of the 49% of FBBank?", ATEbank announces:
1. There has been no decision taken concerning the sale of shares it holds in FBBank (49%).
2.It is firmly denied that ATEbank has assigned to any Consultant the project of searching for a potential buyer for the 49% of FBBank's shares.
3. ATEbank, in compliance to its obligations towards the Supervisory Authorities and its shareholders, always notifies in time its business decisions.

LAMDA Development S.A. announces that today, the 24th of May 2007 the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders was held at the Athens Hilton Hotel. At the General Meeting were present 32 shareholders representing 30.153.744 shares that is 68,485% of the 44.029.950 total common registered shares. The General Meeting reached the following decisions:
1. The Company's Financial Statements for the fiscal year starting on January 1st, 2006 and ending December 31st, 2006, the Board of Director's Report, the Report in accordance to article 11a of Law 3371/2005 and the Auditor's Report, were approved by 30.153.744 votes, i.e. majority 100,00% of votes represented at the Meeting .
The dividend payment for the fiscal year 2006 was approved, that amounts to euro 0.23 per share. Shareholders of the Company, possessing shares at the end of the trading session of the Athens Exchange on Tuesday 29 May, are entitled to receive the dividend. From Wednesday 30 May 2007, ex date for the right, company shares will be trading in the Athens Exchange without the dividend right. Payment of the dividend will commence on Thursday the 7th of June 2007, by EFG Eurobank Ergasias, as follows: 1. Through the DSS operators, in accordance to articles 329 of the Athens Exchange Rulebook and 39 of the CSD Rulebook. 2. Through the branch network of EFG Eurobank Ergasias, for those shareholders that have requested an exception from their operator to the DSS or have their shares in the special account of their investor's shares securities account kept with DSS, or for those shares kept in accounts of not appeared shareholders. 3. The shareholders who, for various reasons, were not able to receive dividend through their operators will be able to receive the dividend from 14 June 2007, through the branch network of EFG Eurobank Ergasias. In cases 2 & 3 mentioned above, it will be possible until 31.12.2012 to receive the dividend by providing the DSS account information and their ID. The dividend can be collected by a third person, provided that he/she has been so authorized in writing by the beneficiary shareholder and the authenticity of the signature of the shareholder has been certified by any competent authority. Dividends not collected within five years are cancelled in favor of the Greek State. In addition, a total fee of 450.000 euros was approved, already accounted for in the financial results of the fiscal year 2006 and it will be distributed to the members of the managerial team.
2. Member of the Board of Directors and the Auditors were released from all liability for compensation for the fiscal year starting on January 1st, 2006 and ending December 31st, 2006 by 30.153.744 votes, i.e. majority 100,00% of votes represented at the Meeting .
3. Appointed to carry out the audit for the fiscal year starting January 1st, 2007 and ending December 31st, 2007 30.153.744 votes, i.e. majority 100,00% of votes represented at the Meeting, were as regular auditor Mr. Michalatos Konstantinos (license SOEL 17701) and Mr. Riris Kyriakos (license SOEL 1211) as substitute, of the audit Company "PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS S.A.". Their remuneration for 2007, was approved at a total amount of euro 91.000,00.
4. A new Board of Directors was elected to serve for five years, by 30.152.284 votes, i.e. majority 99,995% of votes represented at the Meeting, compromise of the existing eight members Messrs. Apostolo Tamvakakis, Evangelo Chronis, George Papageorgiou, Emmanuel Leonard Bussetil, Peter Kalantzis, Dimitrio Papalexopoulo, Fotio Antonato, Spiridona Theodoropoulo, and the two new members Messrs. George Gerardo and Achillea Konstantakopoulo. Independent non executive members appointed by the Meeting, were Messrs Dimitrios Papalexopoulos, Spiridon Theodoropoulos, George Gerardos, and Achilleas Konstantakopoulos.
5. The remuneration of the Board of Directors (articles 23a and 24 of C.L. 2190/1920) was approved by 30.152.284 votes, i.e. majority 99,995% of votes represented at the Meeting, as follows:
Fiscal year 2006:
- Remuneration of Executive Board Members, total amount of euro 379.406,26.
Fiscal year 2007:
- Remuneration of Executive Board Members, total amount of up to euro 395.000,00.
- Annual remuneration of each Board Member, amount of euro 7.000,00.
- Annual remuneration of each member of the Audit Committee, amount of euro 1.000,00.
- Annual remuneration of each member of the Compensation Committee, amount of euro 1.000,00.
- Annual remuneration of each member of the Succession Planning & Corporate Governance Committee, amount of euro 1.000,00.
6. The acquisition by the Company of own shares, in accordance with article 16 par.5 and following of C.L. 2190/1920, was approved by 30.153.744 votes, i.e. majority 100,00% of votes represented at the Meeting. Specifically, the Company is entitled to purchase within period of 12 months, of up to 10% of the total shares, at a minimum purchase price of euro 2 and a maximum purchase price of euro 18 per share. To compute the 10% ratio of the total outstanding shares, the already purchased shares that the Company holds have been taken into account. Moreover, the Company is willing to conform to article 5 of the Committee Regulation 2273/2003, in relation to the price and the volume of the purchases, thus to article 6 par.1 of the same Regulation.

LAMDA Development S.A. notifies, that the new Company's Board of Directors, for five years service, following its election and the designation of its independent members by the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders dated 24th May, 2007, was composed as a body the same date, as follows:
- Apostolos Tamvakakis, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, executive member.
- Evangelos Chronis, Vice President, non executive member.
- George Papageorgiou, executive member.
- Fotios Antonatos, non executive member.
- Emmanuel Leonard Bussetil, non executive member.
- Peter Kalantzis, non executive member.
- Spiridon Theodoropoulos, independent non executive member.
- Dimitrios Papalexopoulos, independent non executive member.
- George Gerardos, independent non executive member.
- Achilleas Konstantakopoulos, independent non executive member.

By implementation of the provisions of article 16 par. 5 of L. 2190/1920, P.D. 14/1193 and article 290 par. 1 and 2 of the Athens Exchange regulation, LAMDA Development S.A. announces that the as at 24/05/2007 Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders approved the purchase of own shares according to the following terms:
1. Maximum number of shares to be purchased: 4.380.967 shares (that is 10% of shares outstanding including the purchased 22.028 shares).
2. Maximum purchase price: 18 euro/ share.
3. Minimum purchase price: 2 euro/ share.
4. Transaction period during which the Company will conduct the purchase: 12 months, from the 25th May, 2007 until the 24th May, 2008.

Greek Postal Savings Bank S.A. in its practice of providing correct and timely information to investors and pursuant to articles 11and 18 of the law 3371/2005 and to article 278 of the Athens Stock Exchange Rulebook, announces that its Ordinary General Assembly of Shareholders was held on Thursday, May 24th, 2007, at 11:00 hours, in Athens, at the "Athens Imperial Classical Hotels", 1 Achilleos & Meg. Alexandrou Str., Karaiskaki Sq. The General Assembly was attended, in person or proxy, by 101 shareholders, representing 100.124.128 shares and votes, out of a total of 140.866.770 shares and votes, namely 71,08%. The General Assembly of shareholders took the following decisions:
1st item. The General Assembly approved the Annual Financial Statements and Summary Financial Statements, prepared on the basis of I.F.R.S., for the fiscal year commencing on January 1st, 2006 until December 31st, 2006, together with the relevant Auditors` and Board of Directors` Reports.
Also, approved the dividend payment of Euro 0,60 per share. Those being Greek Postal Savings Bank Shareholders at the closing of the Athens Exchange trading session on Friday, May 25th, 2007, shall be entitled to the dividend of fiscal year 2006. The ex-dividend day will be Tuesday, May 29th, 2007, (shares will be traded without the 2006 dividend entitlement) and the dividend payout start day will be Tuesday, June 5th, 2007.Dividends will be paid according to article 329 of the Regulation of the Athens Stock Exchange and the specific provisions of the Regulation of the Central Securities Depository S.A.
2nd item. The General Assembly approved the release of the members of the Board of Directors and the Auditors from any liability for indemnity with respect to the terminated fiscal year commencing on January 1st, 2006 until December 31st, 2006.
3rd item. The General Assembly approved of fees and remuneration payments to the members of the Board of Directors for the terminated fiscal year, commencing on January 1st, 2006 until December 31st, 2006.
4th item. The General Assembly decided the preliminary approval of the remuneration to be paid to members of the Board of Directors for the fiscal year of 2007 expanding until the next Annual General Assembly of Shareholders.
5th item. The General Assembly approved granting permission, pursuant to article 23, companies law 2190/1920 "re: Societes Anonymes", to members of the Board of Directors and Officers of the Bank to participate in the Board of Directors or in the management of other companies having similar purposes, to subsidiaries and participating concern companies.
6th item. The General Assembly elected the Audit Firm "PRICE WATERHOUSE COOPERS, Business Solutions Α.Ε." as Certified Auditors to audit the Financial Statements of the fiscal year commencing on January 1st, 2007 until December 31st, 2007 and in particular Mr. Konstantinos Mixalatos of Ioannis (Rec.no. 17701) and Mr. Sourmpis Dimitrios of Andreas (Rec.no. 16891), as Regular Certified Auditors as well as Mr. Riris Kyriakos of Georgios (Rec.no. 12111) and Mr. Goutis Basilios of Christos (Rec.no. 10411) as Substitute Certified Auditors. The General Assembly also approved their remuneration.
7th item. Remaining subjects were not discussed.

MORGAN STANLΕY, shareholder of S&B Industrial Minerals S.A., with its letter on 22/05/2007, announced to the company that on 17/05/2007 MORGAN STANLEY & CO INTERNATIONAL Ltd controlled by MORGAN STANLΕY acquired shares of S&B. Hence total participation of MORGAN STANLΕY over the total voting rights, based on articles 7 and 8 of the presidential decree 51/1992, reached 10,151% from 9,850%. The aforementioned percent includes the participation of MORGAN STANLEY & CO INTERNATIONAL Ltd, i.e. 10,151% while the participation of MORGAN STANLΕY over the total voting rights of S&B Industrial Minerals S.A. shares remained zero.
According to MORGAN STANLEYs statement, the above shares were purchased on behalf of various funds of LANSDOWNE PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. One of these funds, Lansdowne European Equity Fund Limited, alone exceeds the 5% of the company s total share (announcement on May 16, 2007).

HELLENIC EXCHANGES S.A. HOLDING, CLEARING, SETTLEMENT AND REGISTRY announces that today, May 24th 2007, the Repetitive General Meeting of shareholders of the Company was held at the historic trading floor of Athens Exchange. 215 shareholders representing 35,816,768 common registered shares, i.e. 50.97% of the 70,271,463 total common registered shares participated. The General Meeting took the following decisions:
1. On item one, shareholders present and voting, representing 35,815,138 shares out of a total 35,816,768, 100.00%, approved the share capital reduction of the company by the amount of Euro 35,135,731.50, through a reduction in the par value of each share by Euro 0.50 and payment of the respective amount to shareholders. Monday July 2nd is the ex-date for the right to the share capital return in the amount of Euro 0.50 per share. The payment date is Thursday July 12th 2007.
2. On item two, shareholders present and voting, representing 35,815,138 shares out of a total 35,816,768, 100.00%, approved the modification of Article 5 (re share capital) of the Articles of Association of the Company.
3. On item three, shareholders present and voting, representing 33,071,854 out of a total 35,816,768, 92.34%, approved the distribution of shares to executives of the companies of the Group in the form of a stock option plan.

The Board of Directors of the company VETERIN S.A. announces that on Friday 01/06/2007 the trading of the 163,433,370 new Common Registered shares of VETERIN S.A., that were issued from the share capital increase of the company VETERIN S.A. due to merger by absorption of the companies LAMDA DETERGENT S.A., EBIK S.A. and ELPHARMA S.A. will commence on the Athens Stock Exchange.
The commencing trading price of the shares of the (absorbed - listed) company VETERIN S.A. on the Athens Stock Exchange will be specified by the Athens Stock Exchange Regulation, in combination with Decision No. 35 of the Capital Market Committee.
It is noted that the exchange ratio for the shareholders of the merging companies is as follows: each shareholder of LAMDA DETERGENT S.A. will exchange 1 share they own with 1.56324382 new Ordinary Registered Shares of VETERIN S.A., with a nominal value of 0.30 Euro each. Each shareholder of ΕΒΙΚ S.A. will exchange 1 share they own with 1.50822857 new Ordinary Registered Shares of VETERIN S.A., with a nominal value of 0.30 Euro each. Each shareholder of ELPHARMA S.A. will exchange 1 share they own with 0.89671033 new Ordinary Registered Shares of VETERIN S.A., with a nominal value of 0.30 Euro each. Finally, each shareholder of VETERIN S.A. will exchange 1 share they own with 0.79064823 new Ordinary Registered Shares of VETERIN S.A., with a nominal value of 0.30 Euro each.
Following the approval of the merger through Decision Ref. No. K2-7289/24.05.2007 by the Ministry of Development, the share capital of VETERIN S.A. amounts to 49,030,011 Euro and is divided into 163,433,370 Ordinary Registered Shares, with a nominal value of 0.30 Euro each.
During its session on 23.05.2007 the BoD of the Athens Stock Exchange approved the listing of the 163,433,370 new shares to the Athens Stock Exchange.
The document of Law 3401, Article 4, which was drafted with regard to the merger and was taken into consideration by the BoD of the Capital Market Committee on 17/05/2007 (conduct date of the BoD of the Capital Market Committee) is available to the public from 25/0572007 through the Athens Stock Exchange and the company offices of VETERIN S.A. (34 Pentelis Street, 17564, Paleo Faliro). Moreover, a copy of the document of Law 3401, Article 4, will be posted on the Athens Stock Exchange website at www.ase.gr, and to the company's VETERIN S.A. website at www.veterin.gr.
For more information, Shareholders may contact Companies' Investor Relations Office during office hours (Tel: 210 9460400, Investor Relations Officer).

The Board of Directors of Blue Star Maritime S.A. is pleased to announce that Blue Star Group significantly improved its financial results for the first quarter of 2007. Revenue stood at Euro 28.45 mln against Euro 21.18 mln in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 34.3%. Earnings before taxes, investing and financial results, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew to Euro 3.79 mln against Euro 1.46 mln (159.6% increase) while Losses after tax and minority interests stood at Euro 1.85 mln reduced considerably from Euro 2.05 mln in the same period of previous year.
The Group's key financials for the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006 were:
Contributing to the growth in revenue was the marked improvement in load factors across the Cyclades routes, where, total volumes carried increased both in passengers and private vehicles as well as in freight units. The percentage increase of the volumes carried exceeded the percentage increase of the executed sailings. Contributing to the increase in revenue was also the deployment of car ? passenger ferry Diagoras, which was acquired in July 2006, during the first quarter to the Dodecanese Island?s routes and the increase in yield obtained per passenger and vehicle carried following the partial liberalization of the pricing policy in the Greek domestic market routes in May 2006 and the introduction by our Group of a flexible commercial policy matching supply and demand.
Lastly, the improvement in load factors across the Greece ? Italy routes, also contributed to the revenue growth, where by executing 39% fewer sailings, after the redeployment of vessel Blue Star 1 in the North Sea route, the Group has significantly improved the volumes carried and revenue per sailing compared to the same period last year.
Operational profitability for the Group (EBITDA) was more than doubled mainly due to the significant revenue growth, the reduction in the price of fuel oil compared to the same period of last year and also the deployment of vessels on routes on which they can be fully exploited year-round.
Lastly, it is worth noting that in the course of the first quarter of 2007 the Losses after Taxes and Minority Interests were reduced despite the fact that during the current period there was no extraordinary profit from vessels? sale, which in the course of the first quarter of 2006 stood at Euro 1 mln approximately. This confirms the Group?s significantly improved performance in the present period.
As regards the Balance Sheet and the Cash Flow Statement, it is worth noting that the Group improved its cash position compared to 31/12/2006, although the first quarter is traditionally the slowest in terms of both volumes and revenue, owing to the seasonal nature of tourism. The sound management of Group?s assets and mainly of its receivables and payables, contributed to this improvement.
The most important developments in our Group in the course of the first quarter of 2007 were:
In January 2007, the vessel Blue Star 1 has been redeployed from the Greece-Italy route to the Scotland-Belgium route in the North Sea. Based on the performance of the route, Blue Star Ferries Management expects that the redeployment of the vessel in the North Sea will further enhance the financial results of the Group. Blue Star 1 commenced its service on the route on 29th January, 2007.
In March 2007, our Group was voted ?Best Shipping Company for traveling to the Greek Islands? by readers of Voyager magazine for second consecutive year. Our Group was specifically awarded top votes by the readers of the magazine across the categories of: Feeling of safety, Cleanliness, Quality of Service, Cabins.
Total volumes for the Group, for the first quarter stood at 544,349 passengers, 76,084 private vehicles and 38,545 freight units. Compared to the same period of last year, total volumes carried grew by 14.1% in passengers, by 18.5% in private vehicles and by 29.6% in freight units.
Following the positive developments presented earlier, in terms of financial results as well as regarding the developments on traffic volumes, the Group?s management considering the full year operation of vessel Diagoras, the redeployment of vessel Blue Star 1 to the North Sea route, the application of a flexible pricing policy in the Greek domestic market and at the same time awaiting a better summer traffic compared to last year and that the price of fuel oil will remain lower compared to last year, expects a further improvement in the financial results of the current year.
Lastly, it should be noted that the Group?s management will continue to examine the development of new routes or the strengthening of the existing ones in the International and Greek domestic market, through the acquisition or building of modern conventional vessels, provided that suitable market conditions develop.
The Consolidated and Company Interim Financial Statements will be published in the press and will be posted on the Athens Exchange and Group (www. bluestarferries.com) websites tomorrow, Friday 25th May, 2007.

The Company HELLENIC EXCHANGES S.A. HOLDING, CLEARING, SETTLEMENT & REGISTRY (HELEX) announces that, the Repetitive General Meeting of shareholders of May 24th 2007, approved, among others, the reduction of the share capital of the company by the amount of Euro 35,135,731.50, through a reduction in the par value of each share by Euro 0.50 and payment of the respective amount to shareholders.
Shareholders of the Company possessing shares at the end of the trading session of Athens Exchange on June 29th 2007 are entitled to receive the special dividend. Monday July 2nd 2007 is set as the ex date for the right. Consequently, from that day forward company shares will be trading in ATHEX without the right to the special dividend. Payment of the special dividend will commence on Thursday July 12th 2007.
HELEX (as successor to the Central Securities Depository - CSD) will credit the accounts of the operators, who will in turn pay the beneficiaries. For those shareholders, whose shares are in the special account, payment will be effected through HELEX (CSD) (17 Acharnon St. & Mavrokordatou Square, 10438 Athens, Tel. +30-210 5214100) on working days, from 09:00 to 16:00.