The Chairman of the Board of Directors, General Manager of First National Bank, Mr. Rami El Nimer announced on the 16th of February 2009 the launching of FNB Group after the accomplishment of the Bank of a possession and ownership transfer operation of the shares owned by each of CFC Company specialized in retail loans and MECG Company specialized in the private & investment banking.

   For this purpose, El Nimer held a press conference in Phoenicia Hotel in the presence of the President of CFC Company, Mr. Salah Osseiran, Managers of the said Bank and of CFC and MECG Companies and journalists.

   The Marketing Manager of First National Bank, Mr. Maher Mezher, opened the conference by stressing on the importance of the accomplishments achieved by FNB within a short period of time

   El Nimer added that, 'our choice to own CFC and MECG was based on a vision for the future and the market needs'. Such transaction helped us strenghthen our presence in the retail lending sector through CFC sal and in the investment management sector through MECG sal. The First National Bank became a financial group able to provide a wide variety of integrated services. The customers of the FNB and the associated companies are the first beneficiaries of this new position since our services became faster, better and more comprehensive'.

   Afterwards, Mr. Salah Osseiran, President of CFC Company, declared that this transaction occurred in a smooth manner reflecting the cooperation and trust that existed between FNB and CFC since the beginning.

   Mr. Osseiran added that the birth of FNB Group will provide this group with the opportunity to mark a fast and stable rythm in growth and expansion at all levels.

   Afterwards, Mr. Salah Osseiran, President of CFC Company, declared that this transaction occurred in a smooth manner reflecting the cooperation and trust that existed between FNB and CFC since the beginning.

   Mr. Osseiran added that the birth of FNB Group will provide this group with the opportunity to mark a fast and stable rythm in growth and expansion at all levels.