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Bank 'optimistic' despite loss Bank 'optimistic' despite loss
(30 minutes later)
Northern Bank has reported a loss of £7.5m for the third quarter of 2009.Northern Bank has reported a loss of £7.5m for the third quarter of 2009.
The bank made an operating profit of £15.5m, but had to set aside £23m to cover loans it thinks might not be repaid.The bank made an operating profit of £15.5m, but had to set aside £23m to cover loans it thinks might not be repaid.
Actual write offs for the year to date are much lower at £5.3mActual write offs for the year to date are much lower at £5.3m
Chief Executive Gerry Mallon said there was room for "cautious optimism" as the provision for potential losses has reduced in this quarter.Chief Executive Gerry Mallon said there was room for "cautious optimism" as the provision for potential losses has reduced in this quarter.
The bank said its total lending grew by 1%, including mortgage growth of 11% year on year.The bank said its total lending grew by 1%, including mortgage growth of 11% year on year.
Total income for the third quarter of 2009 was £51.7m.
Mr Mallon said that with the economy still in recession conditions remain "challenging" for consumers and for businesses.
The crash in property values is still a drag on the bank with a large amount of the potential loan losses concentrated in that sector.
Northern Bank began in 1809 as a Belfast-based banking company known as the Northern Banking Partnership.Northern Bank began in 1809 as a Belfast-based banking company known as the Northern Banking Partnership.
It was acquired by the Danske Bank Group in 2005, the largest bank in Denmark and a major player in Scandinavian financial markets.It was acquired by the Danske Bank Group in 2005, the largest bank in Denmark and a major player in Scandinavian financial markets.
It has 83 branches in Northern Ireland employing around 1800 people.It has 83 branches in Northern Ireland employing around 1800 people.