Fortis Bank has taken note of the announcement of a new agreement between the Belgian government, Fortis holding and BNP Paribas.

Fortis Bank acknowledges this announcement as an important step to further clarify the Banks future ownership and the realisation of the industrial plan with BNP Paribas.

Fortis Bank reconfirms the statements made last week regarding a strong solvency and the full commitment of the new Board of Directors.]

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.

At present, the Belgian State has through the "Société Fédérale de Participations et Investissements" (SFPI) a shareholding of 99,93% in the bank. On 10 October 2008, an agreement has been signed between SFPI, Fortis holding and BNP Paribas. According to the terms of this agreement, BNP Paribas will take a participation of 75% in Fortis Bank whereas the SFPI will keep a shareholding of 25%. However, this transaction still needs to be closed and implemented.