News Releases

BMO Nesbitt Burns announced today two key appointments in its Mergers and Acquisitions Group to enhance its advisory services in Canada and the United States.

Geoff Belsher has been appointed Head of North American M&A and Executive Managing Director. Mr. Belsher, to be based in Chicago, also becomes Head of the U.S. M&A practice and will be responsible for strengthening the group's presence south of the border.

The firm has also hired Andre Hidi as Executive Managing Director and Head of Canadian Mergers and Acquisitions. Mr. Hidi, who replaces Mr. Belsher, will be based in Toronto and will lead a team of nearly 20 professionals.

"The appointments of Geoff and Andre marks a significant step toward building an integrated North American M&A practice that offers our clients disciplined and unparalleled advisory services," said Tom Milroy, Vice-Chair and Global Head of Investment & Corporate Banking, BMO Nesbitt Burns.

"Andre brings an outstanding track record to our organization. With Geoff on board in Chicago, we have strengthened our team of senior professionals across a full product offering," Mr. Milroy added.

Mr. Hidi began his career 16 years ago in the M&A department of Morgan Stanley. Since then, he has held senior positions in global investment banking firms, most recently as co-CEO of Salomon Smith Barney Canada and CEO of Smith Barney Canada. Mr. Hidi holds an MBA from Stanford University and a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Toronto.

Since joining BMO's Canadian M&A team in Toronto in 1997, Mr. Belsher has worked on numerous significant transactions and cross-border deals. In 2001, Mr. Belsher was appointed head of Canadian M&A. Prior to joining BMO, Mr. Belsher spent 15 years as a corporate securities lawyer with Blake Cassels & Graydon.

About BMO Nesbitt Burns

BMO Nesbitt Burns is a full-service investment bank offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a broad range of products and services including investment and corporate banking, treasury services, market risk management, institutional investing and research. BMO Nesbitt Burns is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO). For more information, please visit www.bmo.com.

-30-