The French group CREDIT AGRICOLE has launched a friendly takeover bid of €3.1 billion (23.5 euros per share) for 100% of the EMPORIKI BANK (net receipts from banking of €826.3 million out of net profits of €76 million in 2005 and with net profits of €76 million; 373 agencies). CREDIT AGRICOLE already owns 9% of the fourth largest Greek bank's capital.