Regarding the news for changes in the shareholders structure of Makedonska Banka released in some media, several journalists called the National Bank looking for additional information.

Skopje, 15 June 2001

Press release of the NBRM

Regarding the news for changes in the shareholders structure of Makedonska Banka released in some media, several journalists called the National Bank looking for additional information.

According to Article 11 Paragraph 1 from Law on Banks (“Official Gazette of RM” No. 63/2000), relating to acquiring shares, gradually or in total, which total cumulative, nominal amount equals 10%, 20%, 33%, 50% and 75% of the total number of shares with managing right with the bank, a prior approval by the National Bank is needed, no matter whether the shares are acquired by one or by more related persons. According to that, for each modification in the ownership structure of shares with managing right with the bank, which do not exceed the amount of 10% per individual shareholder and persons in reliance with him, no prior approval by the National Bank is needed.

According to the documents that Makedonska Banka AD Skopje submitted to the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia, it is stated that all purchases/sales of shares do not exceed the amount of 10% per individual.

Regarding the issues for the money background of the shares’ buyers and in accordance with the Laws, other institutions are responsible for investigations if indications for suspicion are present.

However, relating the issues of competence for carrying out the decisions brought by the Constitutional Court, we would like to ask the journalists to turn to the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Macedonia for further information.