BANCO POPULAR (Net profits of EUR 303.7 million in the first half of 2002), and third largest bank in Spain, intends to strengthen its presence in Portugal by acquiring BNCI - BANCO NACIONAL DO CREDITO IMMOBILIARIO, of which 60% of capital is owned by Americo Amorim. Before this deal, the Portuguese business man reinforced his position in BANCO POPULAR by acquiring 20% of the EL MONTE and CAJA BAVAJOZ savings banks in Spain.