AIB welcomes the State's intention to further sell part of its shareholding in the Group

Following the announcement by the Department of Finance regarding its intention to sell shares in AIB Group plc, Colin Hunt, Group Chief Executive said:

"We welcome this decision by the Minister for Finance, Mr Paschal Donohoe TD, that will lead to a further divestment of the State's shareholding in AIB Group plc. It is an important development in the process of returning the State's investment in the Group.

AIB owes the Irish taxpayer an immense debt of gratitude for its support during the financial crisis.  The Group's robust balance sheet, its digital capability and the scale of its operations means it will continue to play a key role in supporting the Irish economy and our customers.

The focus of our strategy is to grow and strengthen the Group to ensure we continue generating sustainable returns for all our shareholders."

Ends

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Forward Looking Statements 

This document contains certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of AIB Group and certain of the plans and objectives of the Group. These forward looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward looking statements sometimes use words such as 'aim', 'anticipate', 'target', 'expect', 'estimate', 'intend', 'plan', 'goal', 'believe', 'may', 'could', 'will', 'seek', 'continue', 'should', 'assume', or other words of similar meaning. Examples of forward looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the Group's future financial position, capital structure, Government shareholding in the Group, income growth, loan losses, business strategy, projected costs, capital ratios, estimates of capital expenditures, and plans and objectives for future operations. Because such statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. These are set out in the Principal risks on pages 50 to 53 in the Annual Financial Report 2020 and updated on page 36 of the Half-Yearly Financial Report 2021. In addition to matters relating to the Group's business, future performance will be impacted by direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and by Irish, UK and wider European and global economic and financial market considerations. Any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Group speak only as of the date they are made. The Group cautions that the list of important factors on pages 50 to 53 of the Annual Financial Report 2020 is not exhaustive. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and events when making an investment decision based on any forward looking statement.

Figures presented may be subject to rounding.