NIB and SpareBank 1 Østfold Akershus finance SME lending in Norway
The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) has signed a NOK 200 million (approx. EUR 17.9 million) seven-year loan agreement with SpareBank 1 Østfold Akershus for on-lending to small and medium-sized enterprises in the Østfold and Akershus counties.
“Small and medium-sized companies create most of the jobs in the Nordic-Baltic region, but they rarely have the financing options open to larger firms. Lending through SpareBank 1 Østfold Akershusis an efficient way to get long-term funding to the businesses building the local economy in Eastern Norway,” says André Küüsvek, President and CEO of NIB.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the business community in Østfold and Akershus. This agreement gives us access to long-term financing that strengthens our ability to support local businesses as they invest, develop and create new jobs. This contributes to growth and value creation in the region, which is an important part of our role as a regional savings bank,” says Arild Bjørn Hansen, CEO of SpareBank 1 Østfold Akershus.
SpareBank 1 Østfold Akershus traces its roots back to 1835 and is today one of the largest regional savings banks in Eastern Norway. With around 280 employees and a strong local presence, the bank is an important financing partner for small and medium-sized enterprises in Østfold and Akershus.
The region has a diverse and export-oriented business sector, with strong clusters in industry, maritime activities, logistics, agriculture and emerging green industries. Through financing, advisory services and its community dividend programme, the bank supports investment, employment and value creation in local communities.
SpareBank 1 Østfold Akershus is part of the SpareBank 1 Alliance, a partnership of 12 independent savings banks that share common technology, product development and branding.
Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) is the international financial institution of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. NIB strengthens the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the Nordic-Baltic region. The Bank is headquartered in Helsinki with a regional hub in Riga. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/Aaa, with S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s.
For further information, please contact
Jim Dahlström, Senior Banker, +358 10 618 0334, Jim.Dahlstrom@nib.int
Iiris Anttalainen, Communications Officer, at +358 10 618 0257, Iiris.Anttalainen@nib.int
