Fortis Statement on market speculation

In response to exceptional market speculation, Fortis feels it necessary to issue the following statement.

 

On Friday 11 July, the Fortis Board discussed and re-confirmed the adequacy of the measures as disclosed on 26 June and did not envisage any additional capital increase.

 

The Board further requested, unanimously, that Count Maurice Lippens continues to serve as Chairman of the Board.

 

The Dutch market regulator AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) has today sent to Fortis a request for information in the frame of decisions disclosed on 26 June and 11 July 2008. Fortis will obviously cooperate with the authorities and respond to this request for information.

In addition, Fortis reaffirms its earlier statements made on 26 June about its operational performance for the second quarter of 2008. Details on these results will be published on 4 August 2008.

 

Fortis is an international provider of banking and insurance services to personal, business and institutional customers. We deliver a total package of financial products and services through our own high-performance channels and via intermediaries and other partners. Fortis ranks among Europe's top 20 financial institutions.  Together with ABN AMRO, we have a presence in over 50 countries and a dedicated, professional workforce of more than 85,000. All this makes us a leader in financial services in Europe, a top 3 private banker and a top tier asset manager. More information is available at www.fortis.com.