GB00_erste lage_E - Erste Group

It is our conviction that the Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the net assets and
financial position of the Group as of 31 December 2000 and 31 December 1999, and of the results
of its operations and its cash flows for the financial years then ended in accordance with
International Accounting Standards (IAS).
Under Austrian commercial law, an audit of the Group Management Report has to be conducted
and it has to be certified whether the legal requirements for the exemption from the preparation
of consolidated accounts according to Austrian law (Section 59a Austrian Banking Act) are met.
We confirm that the Management Report is consistent with the Consolidated Financial Statements
and we further certify that the legal requirements for exemption from the preparation of consolidated
accounts according to Austrian law are met.
Vienna, 27 March 2001
Sparkassen-Prüfungsverband
Auditing Agency
Wolfgang Riedl mp Klaus Goschler mp
Public Accountant Audit Director
EIDOS Wirtschaftsberatung GmbH
Public Accountants and Tax Advisors
Erich Kandler mp Claudia Fritscher-Notthaft mp
Public Accountant Public Accountant
Erste Bank 2000 129