Fortis holding statement on Belgian court ruling

• Press Release
• Source: FORTIS
• On Tuesday November 18, 2008, 12:31 pm EST

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM--(MARKET WIRE)--Nov 18, 2008 --
Fortis holding welcomes the ruling by the judge in summary proceedings today.

The ruling by the judge in summary proceedings today means that Fortis holding can continue preparations for the General Meetings of Shareholders planned for 1 and 2 December. At those meetings, Fortis holding will provide insight in the developments of the previous months as announced in the agenda published on 8 November 2008.

The court ruling is published on www.fortis.com.

Fortis holding (Fortis SA/NV and Fortis N.V.) will, after the conclusion of the deal with BNP Paribas, include only (1) international insurance activities, (2) a 66% stake in a structured credit portfolio entity and (3) financial assets and liabilities of various financing vehicles.

The international insurance activities (Fortis Insurance International) are located in UK, France, Hong Kong, Luxembourg (Non-Life), Germany, Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine, and in joint ventures in Luxembourg (Life), Portugal, China, Malaysia, India and Thailand.

Fortis holding is therefore no longer involved in any banking activities, and once the deal with BNP Paribas is concluded, will concern only international insurance activities.

Press Contacts:

Brussels: +32 (0)2 565 35 84 Utrecht: +31 (0)30 226 32 19

Investor Relations:

Brussels: +32 (0)2 565 53 78 Utrecht: +31 (0)30 226 65 66

This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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     Press Contacts:
     Brussels: +32 (0)2 565 35 84
     Utrecht: +31 (0)30 226 32 19
      
     Investor Relations:
     Brussels: +32 (0)2 565 53 78
     Utrecht: +31 (0)30 226 65 66