Turk Ekonomi Bankasi (Turkish Economy Bank), abbreviated TEB, was founded in 1927 by private capital holders as a regional bank under the name of Kocaeli Bankasi T.A.S. in Izmit, Turkey. In 1981, the Bank was purchased by a group who changed the name of the Bank to Türk Ekonomi Bankasi in 1982. The Bank has been reputed for its successful management and cautiousness since, being active in commercial and private banking. In March 2005, TEB has signed a joint venture agreement with the French BNP Paribas SA, one of the largest financial associations in the world. TEB is aggressively expanding its retail network in Turkey since and has more than 240 branches as of 2Q 2007. Mr. Varol Civil is the CEO of the bank. TEB has also two other subsidiaries outside Turkey. TEB NV (The Economy Bank) in the Netherlands, and TEB Sh.A. in Kosovo.