Credit Agricole announces plans to transform Lukas

Under strategic plans announced by Credit Agricole, its subsidiary Lukas will within the next two years be transformed into what is described by Puls Biznesu as a universal bank. Credit Agricole, owner of a 75% stake in Lukas, plans to make the bank the main element in a capital group consisting of Lukas Bank, credit agency Lukas, leasing fund Europejski Fundusz Leasingowy (EFL), and insurance company Europa. According to Lukas general manager Mariusz Lukasiewicz, "In co-operation with Credit Agricole we will develop bancassurance, focusing on services for small and medium-sized companies." The company will retain the name Lukas for its banking and credit agency services. But according to Lukasiewicz, another name is being considered for its new customer service operations. (Puls Biznesu, p. 8) K.K.