Fortis awarded 'Bank of the Year in Western Europe'

The Banker, an international magazine from the Financial Times Group, has awarded Fortis 'Bank of the Year in Western Europe' for the first time. Fortis was also elected as 'Bank of the Year in Belgium' for the fifth time in six years. Previous winners of the Western Europe award have included BNP Paribas (2006), Grupo Santander (2005), and Royal Bank of Scotland (2004). During the awards ceremony in London on 28 November, CEO Jean-Paul Votron will receive the award from Stephen Timewell, The Banker's Editor-in-Chief. The award highlights that Fortis is the natural financial partner to do business with at home and abroad. It also confirms the fantastic performance achieved over the past year by the company's management and employees. "Fortis is delighted to be named 'Bank of the Year in Western Europe'. This award is particularly pleasing coming in the same year that we've succeeded in our acquisition of ABN AMRO. However, the credit goes to our 60,000 employees around the world who have consistently delivered an exceptional performance across both banking and insurance achieving our key financial and strategic targets. Our strong customer focus and our decision to grow our business in Europe and selectively in Asia and North America have also proven successful. Together with ABN AMRO we will become de facto the No. 5 bank in the Eurozone, the No. 3 Private Bank in Western Europe and a top tier European asset manager." says Jean-Paul Votron, CEO Fortis. Fortis is an international financial services provider engaged in banking and insurance. We offer our personal, business and institutional customers a comprehensive package of products and services through our own channels, in collaboration with intermediaries and through other distribution partners. With a market capitalisation of EUR 48.5 billion (31/10/2007), Fortis ranks among the 15 largest financial institutions in Europe. Our sound solvency position, our presence in more than 50 countries and our dedicated, professional workforce of 60,000 enable us to combine global strength with local flexibility and provide our clients with optimum support. More information is available on www.fortis.com Press Contacts: Brussels: +32 (0)2 565 35 84 Utrecht: +31 (0)30 226 32 19 Investor Relations: Brussels: +32 (0)2 565 53 78 Utrecht: +31 (0)30 226 65 66