Sofia, August 25 (Independent News) – At least eight foreign banks may bid for the majority stake in Bulgaria’s DZI Bank. Until now, the following foreign banks have stated their interest in the acquisition of DZI Bank: the National Savings and Commercial Bank of Hungary (OTP), which owns another Bulgarian bank – DSK Bank; the Belgian KBC Group NV; the Italian Intessa; the Greek Alpha Bank, and Euronbank, which owns also the Bulgarian Post Bank; the Austrian Raiffeisen, International and Volksbank; a French bank, which is still unknown by name. The foreign banks, which are already operating on the Bulgarian market, would get the chance for a substantial expansion of their market share by acquiring DZI Bank. For newcomers, the DZI Bank would offer an exceptional vehicle for entering a profitable market. DZI Bank is Bulgaria's 11th biggest bank in terms of assets. At the end of the first half of 2006, DZI Bank reported a net profit of EUR 416,000. Its assets stood at EUR 562 million. The bank has 21 branches. The Bulgarian Contract EOOD owns 70 percent of DZI Bank. The owner of Contract, Emil Kyulev, was assassinated almost a year ago. Currently Contract is managed by Kyulev's widow, Vessela Kyuleva. Another 19.88 percent of DZI Bank is held by Bank Austria Kreditanstalt.