The ratings on Rabobank Nederland--the trading name of Coöperative Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank b.a.--and its subsidiaries reflect the group's extremely sound business and financial profiles, and low risk profile. Rabobank Nederland continues to work to bolster its strong market position in The Netherlands, despite tight competition and a subdued economic environment. It is also focusing on improving its operating performance, limiting the cost of risk to very low levels, and maintaining high capitalization. The main challenge for Rabobank Nederland is to find ways to expand internationally in its core business lines, and to widen its product range while maintaining its low-risk and stable earnings profile. Recent diversification activities include the creation of a 37% stake in insurer Eureko B.V. (A-/Positive/--), the acquisition
