The Japan Times WORLD EYE REPORTS GERMANY'S RHINE-MAIN REGION
©THE JAPAN TIMES	Thursday, October 25, 2001

Why these bankers are signing a happy tune At first glance, Eurohypo's Wolfgang Groth and Wennemar von Bodelschwingh wear the trappings of success with much pride, as can be expected from one of Germany's biggest and most profitable mortgage banks. Heads of the treasury and capital markets departments respectively, Groth and von Bodelschwingh are key components of the banks' continuing robust results. With total assets of 73.48 billion euro (as of December 31, 2000), Eurohypo now stands as one of Germany's strongest and most resilient mortgage banks.

Wolfgang Groth (r) and Wennemar von Bodel - schwingh (l) are leading the bank's innovative strategies

One of the components of the Deutsche Bank empire, Eurohypo has displayed a Midas touch in business. With offices in the major European centers of Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Warsaw and Stockholm -- it has successfully embarked on a strong program of "Europeanization". "We have had a clear strategy in building a solid European network for the bank," explains Groth. "Being a European mortgage bank means being actively involved in all major European centers, and I think we have done a very successful job in positioning ourselves." In its core business of financing large commercial properties in Germany and abroad, the bank has continuously recorded higher margins and commission income.

The bank's greatest strength has always lain in its adaptability to changes within its industry. As von Bodelschwingh points out: "The game is up for the traditional mortgage bank of today. The industry is evolving and now everyone is looking for his own strengths and solutions. Within our organization, we have done an exemplary job in anticipating the changing landscape -- and our profitability reflects this." Thanks to its cross-sector structure, Eurohypo is in a position to offer its clients a combination of traditional mortgage banking activities, along with a range of services that include fund management, private placements, project development, property financing and real estate management.

When conversing with Groth and von Bodelschwingh one realizes that Eurohypo never stands still. Masters in addressing meticulous details while not losing sight of a grander vision, the two have been solid pillars for the long-term prospects of the bank. When asked what key element needs to be addressed next, they unanimously respond with: "global awareness for the bank".

Steps are already being taken, as they point out: "We have seen a good response for the Pfandbrief (bond issues) abroad, especially in Asia. We have been to Japan, China and Taiwan. The central banks have been very receptive, as well as the many large investment houses."

"In these regions, they are very keen to look at different products. If you can give them real added value -- and by added value we don't just mean significant spread, but also assured security -- then you will always be interesting for those investors," they add.

More than just a superior product, the real appeal of Eurohypo for investors lies in its stability. A combination of solid structure, continued growth prospects and a management team that is a master of its craft, Eurohypo is showing the mortgage bank sector what it takes to be a winner.