The Minister of Economy and Finance, Roberto Gualtieri he expressed, also on behalf of the Government, "great satisfaction for the outcome of the Shareholders' Meeting which with a practically unanimous vote and unprecedented participation decreed the success of the transformation, recapitalization and relaunch of Banca Popolare di Bari".

The transaction, carried out according to logic and conditions consistent with market criteria, marks a turning point compared to a past on which the necessary investigations are underway. It forms part of a broader project to relaunch the economy and support families and businesses in southern Italy, also through the synergies and new opportunities offered by the leading role that is assumed by the Banca del Mezzogiorno-Mediocredito Centrale and from the advantages connected to the proximity to the territory and to its knowledge.

"The wide attendance at the Shareholders' Meeting and the very wide consensus received give an account of the sense of responsibility of the shareholders and of the wide sharing of this project by the local communities", Highlighted Gualtieri.

"The structures of the MEF, the Bank of Italy, the Extraordinary Commissioners and the European authorities contributed to the successful outcome of the operation, which I thank for the commitment and professionalism shown. Thanks also to the local institutions and the social and productive forces of Bari and Puglia for the commitment shown in the common objective of defending and strengthening a fundamental safeguard for the development of the local economy"Continued the minister.

"Finally, I emphasize how the Central Deposit Guarantee Fund and the Italian banking system have played a fundamental role in solving this crisis, once again showing high cohesion capacity and willingness to intervene in times of difficulty to support the country system."Concluded Minister Gualtieri.