BRUSSELS, Belguim, Aug. 17, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Fortis Bank is pleased to announce that it has opened branches in Copenhagen (Denmark) and Stockholm (Sweden), reinforcing its European network of business centres to a total of 121 in 18 countries. The two new business centres will provide business services to medium-sized enterprises, targeting internationally active companies with complex financial needs. In particular, they will focus on businesses seeking multiple banking services, such as international credit facilities, international cash management, treasury products, factoring, trade finance, export and project finance, trust services and, subsequently, leasing.
Karel De Boeck, CEO Fortis Commercial & Private Banking, comments: "These openings are in line with Fortis' pan-European expansion strategy. We are very pleased to extend our offering of cross-border financial solutions for the enterprise and the entrepreneur to the Scandinavian countries, going where our customers go. Fortis aims to become the preferred non-domestic bank for internationally operating companies in Scandinavia."
The Danish team is headed by Christian B. Andreasen, who joined Fortis in December 2005. He previously held corporate responsibilities at other domestic banks in Denmark, including Forstaedernes Bank A/S and Jyske Bank A/S
The address of the Copenhagen branch is Gothersgade 49, 3rd floor, DK -- 1123 Copenhagen K, Denmark. Telephone: Office + 45 32 71 1900 Christian B. Andreasen + 45 32 71 1901 Fax: + 45 32 71 1918 Email: christian.andreasen@fortis.com.
The Swedish team is headed by Thomas Wrangdahl, who joined Fortis early in 2006, having previously been Head of Export & Project Finance at HSH Nordbank, Nordic Area.
The address of the Stockholm branch is Birger Jarlsgatan 25, Box 7763, SE-103 96 Stockholm, Sweden. Telephone: Office + 46 85 05 37 550 Thomas Wrangdahl + 46 85 05 37 551 Fax: + 46 85 05 37 568 Email: thomas.wrangdahl@fortis.com
Please visit our website www.fortisbusiness.com for more information.
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 EUR36.2 billion (31/07/2006), Fortis ranks among the twenty largest financial institutions in Europe. Our sound solvency position, our presence in 50 countries and our dedicated, professional workforce of 58,000 enable us to combine global strength with local flexibility and provide our clients with optimum support. More information is available on www.fortis.com