Best bank - Tatra Bank
Best debt house - Slovenska Sporitelna
Tatra Bank is the third-largest bank in the Slovak Republic and, while it has not been quite as profitable as competitors such as Slovenska Sporitelna, it has also not been bailed out by the government because of bad loans. In 2002, the bank grew strongly, with assets increasing by 17%, return on equity reaching 28%, and a cost-income ratio of 59%. The bank has a strong record in capital markets activity, particularly in the corporate sector. It has granted a e2 billion credit line to Kronospan Slovakia, as well as arranging syndicated loans for Slovenke elektrarne and Zeleznicna spolocnost. It was also lead manager with JPMorgan of the largest ever Slovakian corporate issue, by Slovak Railways, for e170 million.
Slovenska Sporitelna, Erste Bank's subsidiary in Slovak Republic, wins our best debt house award. It is the clear leader in bond trading on the Bratislava exchange. It has also arranged syndicated loans for Volkswagen, Orange and Istrodeza; as well as long-term financing for the building of the Millennium Tower II in Bratislava.