Helaba Starts Successfully Into 2009

FRANKFURT, Germany - Group Pre-Tax Results Rise in Q1 (First Quarter) 2009 to EUR 86 Million - Operating Results Significantly Increased - Brenner: “We want to be available for our customers even in the crisis.”

Helaba Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen started well into 2009, despite the persisting financial market crisis and the severe recession in the real (non-monetary) economy. The institution achieved a pre-tax Group result of EUR 86 million. Compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, this result represents a positive swing of EUR 100 million. After taxes, the Helaba Group attained a profit of EUR 62 million (Q1 2008 EUR -11 million). Net interest income, before risk provisioning, fell to EUR 230 million (-12.2 %). Loan-loss provisioning rose to EUR -25 million. Further charges are likely in the course of 2009. Net commission income at EUR 55 million was just above the corresponding figure for the first quarter of 2008. The trading result improved - due not least to the higher contributions from money dealings and the narrowing spreads throughout all asset classes and maturity ranges - from EUR -82 million to EUR -13 million. The figures now available for April and May of the current fiscal year show a sustained improvement in this position. The operating earnings of the Bank rose considerably, from EUR 247 million to EUR 337 million, whilst administrative expenses were reduced by EUR 10 million to EUR 251 million.

The balance sheet structure in the first quarter 2009 hardly changed, compared with that at 31.12. 2008. As before, the proportion of loans and advances to customers made up almost 50 % of the balance sheet total of EUR 186 billion.

Hans-Dieter Brenner, the Chairman of Helaba’s Board of Managing Directors is satisfied with the result but warns against to much optimism. At the present point in time, he is not prepared to make an earnings forecast for 2009. “Although market conditions are generally difficult, Helaba’s operating activity continues to develop positively. This is not least the result of our intensive links to the real economy, which generates a high proportion of direct customer business. The deep recession is tending to erode the creditworthiness of customers. These so-called “rating migrations” lead under Basel II to higher equity requirements for loans. However, we aim to be available for our customers even in the present crisis, and for this, with a current Group core capital ratio of 8.7 percent (31.3.09), we also have the capacity to act. All the same, we keep the effects of these rating migrations on our new business possibilities constantly in sight.

Balance sheet development Helaba Group as of Q1/2009 according to IFRS 31.03.2009 31.12.2008 Changes In EURm. In EURm. In EURm. in % Loans and advances to customers incl. cash reserve 17,504 17,875 -371 -2.1 Loans and advances to customers 90,727 90,957 -230 -0.3 Value allowances on loans and advances -1.054 -1,040 -14 -1.3 Trading assets 53,062 51,487 1,575 3.1 Positive fair value of banking book derivatives 4,141 4,097 44 1.1 Non-current financial assets incl. companies valued using the equity method 16,406 16,207 199 1.2 Property, tangible assets, intangible assets 2,683 2,706 -23 -0.8 Tax asset 489 456 33 7.2 Other assets 2,382 1,827 555 30.4 Total assets 186,340 184,572 1,768 1.0 Liabilities to banks 32,955 33,965 -1,010 -3.0 Liabilities to customers 43,027 41,884 1,143 2.7 Securitized liabilities 40,986 40,601 385 0.9 Trading liabilities 53,608 53,469 139 0.3 Negative fair value of banking book derivatives 3,451 3,400 51 1.5 Provisions 1,016 1,017 -1 -0.1 Tax liabilities 266 275 -9 -3.3 Other liabilities 1,729 757 972 >100.0 Subordinated debt 4,610 4,529 81 1.8 Equity 4,692 4,675 17 0.4 Total liabilities 186,340 184,572 1,768 1.0

Earnings situation Q1/2009 according to IFRS Q1/2009 1/4 2008 Change In EURm. In EURm. In EURm. in % Net interest income 230 262 -32 -12.2 Loan loss provisions -25 -17 -8 -47.1 Net interest income after risk provisioning 205 245 -40 -16.3 Net commission income 55 53 2 3.8 Net trading income -13 -82 69 84.1 Net income from hedging activities / derivates -2 -50 48 96.0 Net income from non-current financial assets (incl. measurement at equity 0 -6 6 100.0 Other operating income 92 87 5 5.7 Administrative expenses -251 -261 10 3.8 Group net profit before tax 86 -14 100 >100.0 Income tax expense -24 3 -27 >-100.0 Group profit/loss 62 -11 73 >100.0

Ratings of Helaba Moody’s FitchRatings Standard & Investors Poor’s Service Corp. Long-term liabilities AA2 A+ A Current liabilities P-1 F1+ A-1 Public sector mortgage bonds AAA AAA AAA Mortgage bonds AAA AAA -

Press and Communication MAIN TOWER - Neue Mainzer Strasse 52-58 60311 Frankfurt am Main www.helaba.de Tel.: +49-69-9132-2192 Wolfgang Kuss E-mail: wolfgang.kuss@helaba.de

Source: Helaba Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen

Press and Communication, MAIN TOWER - Neue Mainzer Strasse 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main - Tel.: +49-69-9132-2192. Wolfgang Kuss, E-mail: wolfgang.kuss at helaba.de