KIEV, Jan. 15 - Germany's Commerzbank invested EUR 950 million in the development of its Ukrainian subsidiary bank Forum in 2008 and intends to provide it with financial support in 2009 as well, Forum Chairman Yaroslav Kolesnyk told Interfax.

"From the moment the [purchase of a controlling stock interest in Forum was] finalized, Commerzbank has invested EUR 950 million in Forum Bank's strategic and operating activities. Central and Eastern Europe are some of the most high-priority markets for Commerzbank, therefore the parent bank intends to provide us with further financial support. If the need arises, Forum Bank will receive a sufficient amount of support from the parent bank in 2009," he said.