MANAMA, 17 July 2007 — Bahrain’s Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) has reported a profit of $212.9 million for the first six months of 2007, as compared to $167 million during the same period last year. Operating income grew 27 percent to $243.4 million. Assets were worth $8.32 billion at the end of June. All core businesses contributed to overall profitability. The company, with an authorized capital of $2.1 billion, continues to be one of the most strongly capitalized financial institutions within the region.