Fortis opens Acquisition and Leveraged Finance office in Milan (16/10/2006)

Andrea Rigamonti has joined the Acquisition and Leveraged Finance Group to take responsibility of the Italian Market from Milan.

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He will have a particular focus on the mid-cap market segment and is expected to build a team of experts in the coming months.

Fortis has a strong presence in Italy with particular focus on middle market enterprises via its business branches and well developed specialised finance units such as project finance, energy, factoring and leasing etc.

Andrea will report to Geert Lippens, Global Head of the Acquisition and Leveraged Finance group, based in Rotterdam.

Andrea joins from Banca Intesa, where he had responsibility for the Mid Corporate Acquisition Finance sector.

Geert Lippens commented: "We are very excited to start up the business in Italy. Our strategy for the Italian market is a natural extension of our pan-European network operations. Fortis ALF's strategy for Italy is to support and develop relations with financial sponsors active in the middle market segment. We are very pleased with the arrival of Andrea who brings tremendous experience and market knowledge to our group”.

One recent appointment to Fortis Madrid Acquisition and Leveraged Finance team is Jésus Trigueros who joins from the synidication desk of HBOS in London.

About Fortis, Merchant Banking and Acquisition & Leveraged Finance

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 41,6 billion (30/09/2006). 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

Merchant Banking is the international wholesale bank of Fortis. As a focused and worldwide organisation, we provide tailored financial services to corporate and institutional clients. We are active in several areas, including treasury, fixed income, energy, commodities and equities (including derivatives and structured
products), corporate finance, capital markets, cash management, asset financing, project finance, private equity and structured credits. Merchant Banking is specialised in the areas of fund administration, global custody, securities lending and clearing services.

Fortis Acquisition and Leveraged Finance has a dedicated staff of more than 50 professionals and support staff providing acquisition and leveraged finance solutions for financial sponsors in Europe and the US from offices in London, New York, Paris, Madrid, Brussels, Rotterdam, Milan, Düsseldorf/Frankfurt, Istanbul.