DIE ERSTE österreichische Spar-Casse ... - ERSTE Stiftung

oesterreichischen Sparkassen AG. If Erste Group Bank and Erste Bank der oesterreichischen
Sparkassen AG are unable to comply with such covenants and undertakings, the Republic of
Austria is entitled to enforce compliance with the terms of the agreements by taking legal
action and to levy contractual penalties. Agreements entered into with the Republic of Austria
could therefore adversely affect the business of Erste Group Bank and Erste Bank der
oesterreichischen Sparkassen AG.
The loss of key staff may have a material adverse effect on the business of the Erste
Group
Erste Group’s key personnel, including members of the Management Board and other senior
managers of the Erste Group members have a material influence on the development and
implementation of the Erste Group's strategies. Loss or failure to recruit and keep key
personnel could have a material adverse effect on Erste Group's business.
Risks relating to the Notes
The Notes may not be a suitable investment for all investors
The decision of potential investors to subscribe to the Notes should be based on an
assessment of their personal circumstances and income, investment expectations, and
awareness of the long-term nature of the investment. Investors should be clear about whether
the Notes meet their needs. If investors do not understand the risks associated with the Notes
or the terms of the Notes or are unable to assess the risk associated with them, they should
seek expert advice before making an investment decision.
Prospective investors intending to invest in Notes must determine the suitability of this
investment in light of their own circumstances. In particular, prospective investors should:
(i) have sufficient knowledge and experience to make a meaningful evaluation of the
relevant Notes, the merits and risks of investing in the relevant Notes and the information
contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus or any applicable supplement;
(ii) have access to, and knowledge of, appropriate analytical tools to evaluate, in the
context of their personal financial situation, an investment in the relevant Notes as well as the
impact such investment will have on their overall investment portfolio;
(iii) have sufficient financial resources and liquidity to bear all of the risks of an
investment in the relevant Notes, including where principal or interest is payable in one or
several currencies, or where the currency for principal or interest payments is different from
the potential investor’s currency;
(iv) understand thoroughly the terms of the relevant Notes and be familiar with the
behaviour of relevant indices and financial markets; and
(v) be able to evaluate (either alone or with the help of a financial adviser) possible
scenarios for economic trends, interest rates and other factors that may affect their
investment and their ability to bear the respective risks.
Some Notes are complex financial instruments which may be purchased by investors as a
way to reduce risks or enhance yields by adding well understood, measured, and appropriate
risks to their overall portfolios. Prospective investors should not invest in Notes that are
complex financial instruments unless they have the expertise (either alone or with the help of
a financial adviser) to evaluate how the Notes will perform under changing conditions, the
resulting effects on the value of such Notes, and the impact such an investment may have on
their overall investment portfolios.
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