categorically denies that it has ever been involved in any "deceptive banking practices". European Union sanctions On 16 June 2008, the European Union imposed further unilateral sanctions against Iran. These sanctions will include the European Union freezing the assets of Bank Melli, in response to Tehran's refusal to suspend its uranium enrichment program. After the lifting of sanctions BMI was the first Iranian bank to be reconnected to Swift. Subsidiaries Sadad data company In 1999, Sadad Data Company was registered at Companies Registration Office and Non-commercial Enterprises under the number 151478 for an indefinite period of time. Publishing company of BMI After assignment of right to publish banknotes to BMI, a limited organization was created to publish the date of issue on banknotes. This organization evolved along with development of BMI; it was known as "BMI Printing House". This printing house, which was founded by the name of "printing shop" in 1938, gradually became one of the most prestigious printing houses in the country and in the Middle East. The printing needs of branches of BMI were also fulfilling throughout the country in addition to providing print services to government agencies. Printing company of BMI received the publication license from Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in order to allow publication of book and magazine; so it renamed "BMI Printing and Publishing Company". National Development Group The National Development Group's investment is a conglomerate company (cluster company). Which is accepted on the Tehran Stock Exchange and this cluster company consists of several holding companies (parent company) which includes the following companies 1- Seydko Cement Industries 2- Holding food industry in Behshahr 3- Holding the Iranian Power Plant 4- Holdings of Iran Transfo Group 5- Tangible rubber holding 6- Pharmaceutical holding 7. National Development Investment 8- Arak Petrochemical Industries Shareholders of National Development Group Investment Company: The National Bank of Iran owns 71 percent of the company's shares. Other shareholders of the company are as follows Pension fund and disability pension 8% Sector Capital Management Services 2% Tedbir Investment Company 1% Iran Insurance Company 1% Eurasian Economy Tadbirgaran Company 1% Brokerage of BMI Currency Exchange Company of BMI Pouya Pioneer Capital Development Corporation Pouya Future Design and Development Company See also Bank Markazi Iran Mir Business Bank in Russia Economy of Iran Islamic Banking Banking and Insurance in Iran References External links Bank Meli Web site (Persian) Bank Melli Web site