DALMATINSKA BANKA AMONG TOP CROATIAN BANKS

( Editorial: --> 2499 ) ZADAR, May 8 (Hina) - With a net profit of 21.2 million kuna (US$ 3.5 million) higher than in 1996, Dalmatinska Banka definitely ranks among the top Croatian banks, management board chairman Zdravko Bubalo told a Zadar news conference on Friday. The bank's equity increased by a third and the kuna and foreign currency savings by 49% in 1997, which Bubalo described as a "strategic" year for Dalmatinska Banka. Bubalo particularly stressed the high amount of the bank's primary capital, which provided more than sufficient security against any unforeseen blows. Answering reporters' questions, Bubalo said the well-known tycoon and biggest shareholder in Dubrovacka Banka, Miroslav Kutle, did not hold any shares in Dalmatinska Banka. Discussing the Croatian banking system, Bubalo predicted the smaller banks would be forced by market conditions to merge. Dalmatinska Banka is already conducting negotiations with some banks in this respect, he said. He would not specify which banks were involved. (hina) as/mrb 081751 MET may 98