KIEV, Feb. 5 - Fitch Ratings announced it has placed Pravex-Bank's (Pravex) Long-term foreign currency Issuer Default rating (IDR) of 'B-' (B minus), Support rating of '5', and National Long-term rating of 'BBB(ukr)' on Rating Watch Positive.

This follows the Feb. 4, 2008 announcement that Intesa Sanpaolo (rated 'AA-' (AA minus)/'F1+'/Outlook Stable) has agreed to purchase a 100% share in Pravex. Pravex's other ratings are affirmed at Short-term IDR 'B' and Individual 'D/E'.