Franz Hörl, analyst at Erste Group, received the StarMine Award as the best stock picker in Europe scoring 29.9%, based on the objective performance of the recommendations. He was awarded "No. 1 Stock Picker Overall" in the category "Developed Europe".

The StarMine Analyst Award is conducted annually by Financial Times and Thomson Reuters. The best analysts are awarded in different categories. The score is calculated relative to the return on a market capitalization-weighted portfolio of all stocks covered by the analyst.

"This is an outstanding, remarkable and well deserved international success for Franz, congratulation! It also confirms the overall strength and recognition of our Erste Group Research team", comment Fritz Mostböck, Head of Group Research.

Franz Hoerl has worked in Erste Group's research team since 2006. His previous professional experience includes financial advisory at KPMG and Investkredit. Franz has a Master's degree in international economics from the Leopold Franzens University in Innsbruck and is a CFA charterholder.

A detailed overview of Erste Group Research materials and weekly updates is available on: www.research.erstegroup.com

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