Postbank - Fortis's joint venture with An Post - has just opened its new head office in Dun Laoghaire in south Dublin. The move brings 50 jobs to the town. Postbank has also announced the opening of its latest branch in Dun Laoghaire Post Office. Jos Clijsters, CEO of Fortis Retail Banking and Donal Connell, Chief Executive of An Post, joined Margaret Sweeney, Chief Executive of Postbank for the inaugurations.

Postbank's new head office in West Pier Business Campus, Dun Laoghaire, is a clear demonstration of the company's commitment and growing presence in Ireland. Established only five months ago, Postbank has over 180 employees based at its core operations and customer contact centre in Athlone and at supporting post offices across the country. Postbank financial products and services are already available at over 270 participating post offices nationwide.

Speaking at the launch of Postbank's new head office, Jos Clijsters, CEO of Fortis Retail Banking said: "Fortis is a firm believer in postal financial services, as is shown by our success with the Belgian Post and now with this joint venture with An Post in Ireland. We will continue to provide our Irish customers with access to new financial products and services, and look forward to the continued success and growth of Postbank in Ireland."

Postbank Chief Executive, Margaret Sweeney said: "We are delighted to have our head office in Dun Laoghaire, which is a key centre of business in Ireland. Postbank's approach is to make financial services more accessible throughout Ireland. In the current market, people want straightforward, transparent banking and insurance services that offer value for money - which is what Postbank offers through its community-based service in participating post offices."

Donal Connell, Chief Executive of An Post said: "Post offices have a proud history of providing services by people whom the public know and trust. Postbank is a great opportunity to provide banking and insurance services through post offices around the country and we look forward to its continued growth.''

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 50.9 billion (15/10/2007), Fortis ranks among the fifteen 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 at www.fortis.com.

Postbank is a community based bank operating through the An Post local post office network and backed by the major international financial services provider Fortis. Postbank offers simple, straightforward financial products and services that are good value for money through the post office network. Postbank Ireland Limited, trading as Postbank, is regulated by the Irish Financial Regulator. The bank's website is www.postbank.ie.

An Post is a major Irish commercial organisation, with over 9,600 employees offering a diverse range of postal and retail services. As Ireland's largest retail network, it is uniquely placed to meet the needs of its customers in over 1,300 Post Offices throughout Ireland. An Post is one of the largest handlers of financial transactions in Ireland. The company also delivers 3 million letters every working day.