FORTIS (EBR:FORB) Fortis Statement On Fortis Ping An Asset Management Partnership

FORTIS (EBR:FORB) In order to provide clarity to the market and in the context of the current severe market disruption and the ongoing uncertainty in the global capital markets, Fortis announces that it expects not to be able to complete the asset management partnership with Ping An.

Fortis Investments will remain, as at present, 100% owned by Fortis group. Fortis Investments has expanded both its investment capabilities and its operational platforms, successfully integrating ABN AMRO Asset Management in the second quarter of 2008. It is now one of the world's leading asset managers in terms of both size and investment offering. Fortis Investments already has a substantial presence in Asia and will continue to follow its existing growth plan for the region.





Fortis is an international provider of banking and insurance services to personal, business and institutional customers. We deliver a total package of financial products and services through our own high-performance channels and via intermediaries and other partners. We have a presence in over 50 countries and a dedicated, professional workforce of more than 65,000. More information is available at www.fortis.com.



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



LINK: http://hugin.info/134212/R/1255763/273775.pdf

FORTIS

http://www.fortis.be

ISIN: BE0003801181

Stock Identifier: XBRU.FORB

US: PINKSHEETS:FORSY