Fitch assigns "B+" rating to the expected bonds of Kazakhstan ATFBank

/REUTERS, London, April 5, 04/ - Fitch Ratings, the international rating agency, has today assigned JSC ATF Bank's ("ATF") forthcoming senior notes an expected Long-term 'B+' rating. The rating is in line with ATF's Long-term 'B+' rating. The ratings are contingent upon receipt of final documents conforming materially to information already received and the final ratings will be confirmed at that time. The noteholders' claims will rank at least pari passu with the claims of all other unsecured and unsubordinated creditors of ATF, except as otherwise provided for by law. In addition, there is a cross default clause and a negative pledge clause, although some securitisation of the bank's assets is permitted. Were such a deal to be undertaken, Fitch comments that the nature and the extent of any over- collateralisation would be assessed by the agency for any potential impact on unsecured creditors. There are also other covenants, which, among other factors, limit distributions by ATF and transactions that are not made at fair market value. ATF was established in 1995 and is the fourth largest bank in Kazakhstan by assets, with total assets of USD662 million at end-2003. However, in a banking sector dominated by three banks, it held only c.6% of the system's assets. It services the borrowing, FX and settlement needs of a diverse range of domestic corporates (both SMEs and larger companies), and is growing its retail business. ATF's ratings are Long-term 'B+' (Stable Outlook), Short-term 'B', Individual D' and Support '4'. Contact: Alexander Giles, London, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7417 6330; Philip Smith, London, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7417 4340. [2004-04-05]