Sale of FINSOE stake owned by Banca MPS

Bologna, Siena 17 April 2008 - The Boards of Directors of Holmo, Finsoe, and BancaMonte dei Paschi di Siena have decided to give mandates to their respective GeneralManagers to negotiate and finalise sale of the entire Finsoe shareholding owned by BancaMPS, which accounts for 13% of Finsoe’s entire share capital.

The purchase will be made partly by Holmo and in part by Finsoe itself.

The agreement concerning the deal – which is expected to be signed in the next fewweeks – will conclude on a mutually agreed basis the phase of partnership between Holmoand Banca MPS concerning Finsoe, whilst also confirming the positive relationshipbetween the Bank and Holmo’s cooperative-shareholder base.