The Board will propose to the shareholders that they re-elect as non-executive directors Richard Delbridge and Klaas Westdijk for a three-year term and Jan Slechte for a one-year term only, as in 2007 he will reach the age limit set by the Board. Baron Daniel Janssen reaching in 2006 this age limit is no longer eligible for re-election.

The Board will also propose that the shareholders appoint Aloïs Michielsen as non-executive director for a three-year term.

Baron Janssen joined the Fortis Board of Directors in 1999, after Fortis acquired Générale de Banque, where he had been a non-executive director for many years. Since then, the Board has benefited greatly from Baron Janssen's extensive international business and management experience. The Board would like to express its deep gratitude to Baron Janssen for the significant contribution he has made to the development of Fortis and to the Board's undertakings.

A Belgian national, Aloïs Michielsen (64) qualified as a civil engineer (UCL - Belgium) and has a degree in Applied Economic Sciences. He will become non-executive Chairman of the Board of Solvay S.A. on 9 May 2006, at the same time relinquishing his current position as Chairman of Solvay's Executive Committee. Mr Michielsen has spent his entire career working for the Solvay Group, with various responsibilities before joining the Executive Committee in 1990 and becoming its Chairman in 1998.

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 39 billion (28/02/2006), Fortis ranks among the twenty largest financial institutions in Europe. Our sound solvency position, our presence in 44 countries and our dedicated, professional workforce of 57,000 enable us to combine global strength with local flexibility and provide our clients with optimum support. More information is available on www.fortis.com