The Bank operates as a global provider of banking products and services channeled through an extensive network of 70 branches, Islamic banking, a financial institution, a leasing and an insurance company in Lebanon. In addition to branches in Cyprus, Bahrain, Iraq, and a rep office in Canada as well as a subsidiary in Africa The Bank offers: retail, corporate, investment and Islamic banking, leasing, micro-finance, insurance and SME funding. The Bank is a pioneer in e-banking, Mobile/Phone banking, has a wide network of ATMs and POS, an advanced Call Centre The Bank furnishes quality standards in capital markets and private banking products, traded on both domestic and international markets. Bank is an active participant in the co-management of sovereign Eurobonds issues and is considered a major market maker on the Lebanese fixed income securities market. The Bank has its in-house research division providing publications on local and global economic matters The Bank is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Lebanon Transaction: Sale of 64% ownership for ~$525 - 575mn. Considerations -An economy that showed perfect negative correlation to economies all across the globe during the recent crisis, during which banking industry assets and income grew significantly, due to the influx of funds from all over the world looking for a safe haven -An industry without a single case of bankruptcy during the past 30yrs and without a single bank requiring any bailout funds during the recent crisis -An industry known to have the most advanced retail banking segment in the whole Arab world and a very solid and up-to-date banking technology -Acquire a solid large reputable entity that will open the door to acquire local or regional smaller banks and capitalize on synergies -Opportunity to expand in Islamic banking in GCC/MENA and in African markets through the Bank's subsidiaries