Banca dell'Artigianato e dell'Industria: Board of Directors approves the definitive plan for a capital increase to be submitted for approval by the Shareholders' Meeting.

Brescia, March 23, 2005 - PWith the press release dated January 12, 2004, notice was given of approval by the Board of Directors of Banca dell'Artigianato e dell'Industria of plans to increase capital by a maximum of approximately EUR 80.9 million, to be offered as an option to BAI shareholders. At today's meeting, the Board approved the definitive proposal for a capital increase that will be submitted to the BAI Shareholders' Meeting, which has been scheduled for this March 30. According to the proposal, the capital increase of the abovementioned amount will take place in multiple tranches, with the Board having the power to determine the terms and implementation procedures for each tranche.

For more information, contact:

Tiziana Camozzi
Servizio Comunicazione istituzionale
Telephone 02 80637471
Email: camozzi.tiziana@creval.it