Société Générale to cut Russian exposure

Société Générale CEO Frédéric Oudéa,

Société Générale: Faced with mounting loan-loss provision, France’s Société Générale yesterday announced that it was to reduce its Russian exposure. Its experiences in Russia are in stark contrast to its overall performance; the announcement came as the French bank said as it posted a near tripling of net profit in Q4. Chief Executive Frédéric Oudéa told a press conference that it would reduce funding for  its Russian operations by a further €400m ($454 million) this year, leaving them increasingly dependent on ruble bond issues for financing.”The Russian issue will be more difficult [this year], but will be under control,”  he said. “For the rest, we are expecting improved results in all businesses.”