News Releases

Looking for a better business banking experience? Talk to BMO.

TORONTO, December 18, 2008 – BMO Bank of Montreal is actively looking for opportunities to help customers with their business lending needs, says Frank Techar, President, Personal & Commercial Banking, Canada, BMO Financial Group.

“We have a strong balance sheet and a strong Tier 1 capital ratio,” said Mr.Techar. “We continue to hire the best commercial bankers in the business, and they are actively winning over new customers in every community that we serve.”

In the fourth quarter of 2008, BMO increased its business loans in the $1 million to $5 million range by 12% year over year in Canada, and increased its market share. BMO ranks second in Canadian business banking market share at 19.84%, and aims to become the number one lender in the country.

“Because of our strong balance sheet and consistent underwriting standards, we tend to attract commercial customers during economic downturns,” Mr. Techar said. “We have gained a reputation for working together with our customers through the different phases of the credit cycle. In today's economic environment, we are continuing to apply our consistent approach in order to make credit available to Canadians and their businesses.

“Our message to Canadians is clear: Come in to one of our branches. We'll sit down with you, listen to you and help you make sense of it all.”

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