2013-03-12 13:46:53 -

Interest rates charged to retail borrowers by SpareBank 1 SMN are to rise by up
to 0.30 percentage points. The rate increase will apply to new loans as from 20
March 2013, and to existing borrowers as from the beginning of May. The bank
will concurrently raise its interest rates to corporate borrowers with effect
from April 2013.

The rate increases are rooted in a wish to further strengthen the bank's equity
capital. This is in keeping with government signals of a tighter regulatory
framework for Norwegian banks.

Trondheim, 12 March 2013

Contact persons at SpareBank 1 SMN:
Executive Director, Finance, Kjell Fordal on (47) 905 41 672
Head of Corporate Communications, Hans Tronstad on (47) 941 78 322

About SpareBank 1 SMN
SpareBank 1 SMN is the region's leading financial services group.   It leads the
retail and corporate market, and is positioned in 43 localities across the
region's municipalities with a total of 51 offices.
We aim to be the recommended bank for customers in Trøndelag and in Møre and
Romsdal. Being a local, independent savings bank we feel a special
responsibility for stimulating growth and prosperity in the region. We base our
business on closeness to our customers, good accessibility, a full product range
and comprehensive financial advisory services.
Our head office is in Trondheim. The Group employs about 1,200 staff and
includes the following subsidiaries: SpareBank 1 SMN Finans, EiendomsMegler 1
Midt-Norge, Allegro Finans and SpareBank 1 SMN Regnskap. It is the largest
shareholder in BN Bank with a 33% stake.
SpareBank 1 SMN is one of six owners of SpareBank 1 Gruppen. For further
information, visit our website at www.smn.no.
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl
(Norwegian Securities Trading Act)




This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of 
Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: 
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and 
    other applicable laws; and 
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and 
     originality of the information contained therein. 
    
Source: SpareBank 1 SMN via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1684705]