11.2 percent to €704 million and profit before tax rise by 22
percent to €354 million in 2008, according to the latest figures
released by the UniCredit group.
stated that operating costs had increased, however, from €243
million to €250 million, driven primarily by expansion in the CEE
markets.
Net interest income at UniCredit Leasing was positively affected
by strong re-pricing, which started in early 2008, the company
said.
Fees and other declined by nearly 3 percent, primarily due to
the higher weight of finance leasing in some countries. The company
did note, however, that it had seen a good growth in its insurance
products offering.