(17/10/2005) FORTIS withdraws from bidding process on Banca Comerciala Romana

Fortis has today informed the Romanian authorities that it is no longer interested to participate in the process to select a candidate for the privatisation of Banca Comerciala Romana. In view of the further bidding process, Fortis will not make any further comment on its decision. Fortis is an integrated financial services provider active in the fields of banking and insurance. With a market capitalization of EUR 31.3 billion (30/09/2005) and around 55,000 employees, Fortis ranks in the top 20 of European financial institutions. In its home market, the Benelux countries, Fortis occupies a leading position which it aims to develop and bolster. Fortis is drawing on the expertise it has acquired in its home market to realize its European ambitions via growth platforms. Fortis also operates successfully worldwide in selected activities. In specific countries in Europe and Asia it effectively exploits its know-how and experience in bancassurance. Fortis is listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg and has a sponsored ADR programme in the United States. More information is available on www.fortis.com

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