Standard & Poor’s improves the outlook to “positive”

BPER informs that today the rating agency Standard & Poor’s has improved the outlook on BPER to “positive” from “stable” and affirmed long and short term ratings at BB-/B.

The “positive” outlook reflects the opinion of the rating agency that more favorable economic conditions in Italy could help bolster BPER's asset quality and profitability over the next two years. Stronger-than-expected economy activity should help bring about a more rapid recovery of private sector creditworthiness, particularly for domestic companies. Even though Standard & Poor’s anticipates that these improvements will be gradual, they will progressively benefit BPER's asset quality and, in particular, foster a greater reduction in inflows of new problematic assets.

The original text of the press release published by Standard & Poor’s is available on the rating agency’s web site (www.standardandpoors.com).