Mr. Bader Abdul-Muhsen Al-Mukhaizeem - Chairman & Managing Director - Kuwait Finance House Group said that KFH Group total profit for the first three quarters of the current year approximated KD 281.4 million (equivalent to $985.3 million) (after expenses and before depositors' profit distribution) while net profit to shareholders reached KD 106.4 million (equivalent to $372.5 million) and the earnings per share for this period amounted to 46.6 Fils. Total assets for the period reached KD 11.091 Billion (equivalent to $38.8 Billion) thus representing an increase by KD 548 million (equivalent to $1.9 Billion) i.e. 5% increase compared to the same period last year. Total deposits volume as of the end of the third quarter amounted to KD 7.015 Billion (equivalent to $24.6 Billion), thus representing an increase by KD 682 million (equivalent to $2.4 Billion) i.e. 11% over the same period last year. Net profit for the three months ended September 30 2009 reached KD 34.3 Million (equivalent to $120.1 Million) with an increase of KD 1.5 Million (equivalent to $5.3 Million) over the second quarter with an increase of 5%. Earnings per share reached 15.1 fils for the third quarter of 2009 compared to 14.4 fils for the second quarter of 2009 with an increase of 5%. Mr. Al-Mukhaizeem added in a press release that these results were achieved despite the difficult conditions which the area markets are experiencing due to the continuation of the impacts of the financial crises on global markets. Accordingly KFH Group has adopted a policy that aims to reinforce KFH Group financial position enabling KFH Group to withstand these impacts. We hope that the worst part of the crisis has passed whether locally or globally. Mr. Al-Mukhaizeem indicated that KFH Group has continued its efforts to provide the necessary financing services to local companies according to the applied professional rules and regulations on the basis that KFH Group is fully aware of the size of the financial crises and aims to mitigate the impact thereof on the national economy. KFH Group believes that all efforts must be combined to preserve the national economy and overcome the impacts thereof. With regards to the international expansion policy, success achieved and additions made Mr. Al-Mukhaizeem emphasized that KFH Group is executing its plans to enter several GCC, regional and global markets based on well planned steps, taking into consideration the current circumstances and the current and future market developments. KFH Group has succeeded recently in obtaining a business license in Germany and intends to open its first branch shortly. KFH Group has increased its branches in view of the significant demand in the Malaysian market for Islamic finance services. KFH Group has participated in several major real-estate and industrial projects in both Malaysia and China and succeeded to expand to the nearby markets such as Singapore and Australia. As for the Gulf region, Mr. Al-Mukhaizeem considered that KFH Group obtaining the license to operate Saudi Arabia through the incorporation of an investment bank with a capital RS 500 Million is considered as the most significant event on the regional level this year as it is considered as a qualitative addition to the activities of KFH Group in Saudi Arabia following the incorporation of "Baitak" Real Estate company with a capital of RS 2.5 Billion. Several major real estate development projects are being executed in the eastern region and other major cities in the kingdom. He indicated that KFH - Bahrain is continuing to execute its major projects i.e. Durrat Al-Bahrain which is considered as one of the major real estate development projects in the region with investments approximating US$ 4 Billion in addition to the commercial and residential project "Diyar Al-Muharraq" Mr. Al-Mukhaizeem reaffirmed the strategic value of the local market and KFH Group's commitment to raise its market share in all fields and activities, achieve distinction in providing competitive products and services, expand its customer base and continue its leading social role. He also pointed out that the prizes awarded to KFH Group reflect its leading position and success in numerous markets and disciplines namely noted is the Best Bank Award in Kuwait and GCC region, Most Valuable Banking Brand in the Middle East and topped by the "World's Most Trusted Islamic Bank". Mr. Al-Mukhaizeem conveyed his sincere thanks and appreciation - after God Almighty - to all customers, employees and shareholders for their valuable contribution to KFH Group's success. Commenting on these results, Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, MD and CEO of KFH-Bahrain, said "KFH - Bahrain's business, in varying sectors, are continuing steadily with strength. We are looking forward to engaging in new projects, that God willing, will increase the economic growth in the Kingdom". He also pointed out "KFH - Bahrain is continuing to expand its network of branches as its customer base has increased significantly in the past few years, which in turn, has encouraged KFH - Bahrain to develop new systems that improve the quality of our banking services".