Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ehud Olmert met last night  with a delegation of Israeli and foreign investment bankers and of senior managers from Credit Suisse, which – in recent years – issued stock for Dor-Alon USA, led Teva's bond issue, advised the Government on various privatization issues and was involved in the privatization of El Al.

Credit Suisse Executive Board Vice-Chairman Adebayo O. Ogunlesi said the delegation was impressed at positive economic developments in Israel and the good business opportunities that they presented.  He noted that Credit Suisse wanted to become a significant player in the Israeli capital market and said that to this end Credit Suisse was considering unifying all of its activities in Israel under one roof, expanding its activities and opening a local branch by the end of the year.

Acting Prime Minister Olmert said that he was pleased to hear the foregoing: "There is no doubt that when such a company is seriously considering investing – and expanding its activities – in Israel that this creates momentum and leads other foreign companies to invest."  He added that the Government is determined to assist such companies in investing here and in encouraging growth and competition.