RIYADH, 11 October 2004 — Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), one of Saudi Arabia’s largest lenders, said it increased its net income by 32 percent to SR1.162 billion ($309.9 million) in the first nine months of the year. Earnings per share grew by SR6.21 to SR25.82, the bank said in a statement on the official bourse Web site late on Saturday. Loans and advances rose 32.9 percent and 16 percent respectively, it said without giving details. Total assets rose 13.7 percent to SR56.1 billion. Shares in Banque Saudi Fransi, which is 31.1 percent owned by Credit Agricole Indosuez, closed on Saturday at SR585, a touch below its life high of SR606.75 reached on Sept. 21.