February 13, 2007	Tuesday	Muharram 24, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12: The Privatisation Commission has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI)’s from reputed firms or consortium of firms to act as financial advisor for the privatisation of SME Bank Ltd.

According to a handout, the SME Bank Ltd is a scheduled commercial bank engaged in the business of banking with the objective of supporting and developing a small and medium enterprises sector in Pakistan by providing necessary financial assistance and its business support services on sustainable basis.

The SME Bank Ltd was granted business commencement certificate on April 16, 2005, which became effective from the date of its issue.

The bank is operating through a network of 27 branches, including 13 commercial banking branches.

The Privatisation Commission has asked the interested parties to submit EoIs, with a non-refundable processing fee of US$1000 or equivalent Pak Rupees not later than Feb 26.

Pursuant to the receipt of the formal EoIs, interested parties will be provided with the request for proposal (REP) package, including a letter of invitation (LOI), terms of reference (TORs), transaction profile and other relevant information or instructions on the submission of technical and financial proposals.