Fortis Bank welcomes new deal with BNP Paribas

Brussels, 7 March 2009

Fortis Bank acknowledges the efforts made by BNP Paribas, the Belgian government and Fortis holding to come to a new deal, confirming1 BNP Paribas as the future majority owner of Fortis Bank, alongside the Belgian state2, and the Luxembourg State in our affiliate BGL.

‘We welcome the new deal with BNP Paribas,’ comments Fortis Bank CEO Filip Dierckx. ‘Going forward with BNP Paribas will allow us, the bank and its highly motivated staff, to build a future within a truly European financial company for the benefit of our customers. Since October last year, the Board of Directors – taking responsibility for its millions of customers, its 38,000 employees and its shareholders – has been preparing for this decision. Once this deal will become finally approved, the bank will be ready to roll out integration initiatives, while guaranteeing seamless service for our customers.’

Through this transaction, BNP Paribas will strengthen its position as an integrated bank in Europe, with new, high-quality franchises and two new domestic markets. In retail banking, the financial group will become the leading bank in the euro-zone in terms of deposits. BNP Paribas also joins the top five in asset management, and becomes the euro-zone’s leading private bank.



Fortis Bank provides a total package of banking services to personal, business and institutional customers through its own channels and via other partners. The bank has built up a strong presence in the European retail banking market, operating through a variety of distribution channels. It offers financial services to companies, institutional clients and high net worth individuals and provides integrated solutions to enterprise and entrepreneur. Fortis Bank employs 38,000 people.

Fortis Merchant Banking press release