Milan, 1 July 2008  –  With reference to press reports about partnership transactions between Sopaf and Fingruppo, Sopaf wishes to make clear that it has reviewed, in its role as an investment company, various dossiers, including the Fingruppo – Hopa dossier.

The review has remained at a hypothetical stage that has not led to any conclusion.

At present, there is no foreseeable development nor has there been any consideration in the least of a capital increase whether in cash or with the exchange of own shares.

***

For further information:

Alberto Ciaperoni                                             Laura La Ferla 
Marco Stella                                                    PMS- Manager, Milan Office
Sopaf S.p.A.                                                    Tel: +39 (02) 48000250
Tel: +39-02-7214-2424                                   mob. +39 329 4705000
e-mail: investor.relations@sopafgroup.it            e-mail: l.laferla@pmsgroup.it