The Romanian Commercial Bank (BCR), part of Austrian group Erste, has reported a net profit of 382.74 million RON (103.6 million euro) in the first quarter of 2008, up 82.4% than in the same period last year. BCR turnover rose but the number of bank employees was slightly down as compared to late 2007, reaching 9638 employees.

BCR's operational income grew 48.5% from 196.3 million euro to 267.1 million euro.

BCR executive head Manfred Wimmer said the bank was proud of the positive effect the bank transformation process had over the general development of the bank.