Bancherul - BANCI / ENGLISH / Fortis announces further initiatives to improve dialogue with shareholders

Fortis announces that its increased communications efforts will be continued through the organisation of information meetings with shareholders. These meetings will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands in the second half of August.

As announced earlier, Fortis recognises the need to further intensify the dialogue with its shareholders. CEO Herman Verwilst has stated repeatedly that one of his priorities is restoring confidence in the company and reconnecting with all shareholders. On 19 July a special website was launched to adddress questions of shareholders and customers. So far, more than 40,000 people have visited the Fortis website and 2,500 questions have been asked. Over time this site will be further developed and further filled with information of interest to our shareholders.

In its meeting of today, the Board of Directors discussed several proposals to intensify the dialogue with the investor community. The Board came to the conclusion that information meetings with shareholders are a very efficient and expedient way to achieve this. Such events are an excellent opportunity to give information, answer questions, and exchange views. The meetings will be held in the second half of August 2008 in both Belgium and the Netherlands. The exact times and locations will be announced shortly.

Fortis is currently exploring additional ways to improve the dialogue with shareholders. New initiatives in this respect will be announced in due course.