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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 9, 2012) -

Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release.

BMO Nesbitt Burns today celebrates its 100^th anniversary, a major milestone for one of the largest wealth advisory firms in Canada.

"This is a truly momentous occasion for our organization," said Jacques Ménard, Chairman, BMO Nesbitt Burns and President, BMO Financial Group, Quebec. "We take pride in our heritage and have remained committed to the highest standards in helping our clients reach their financial objectives."

"Through its expertise and dedication, BMO Nesbitt Burns has continually evolved throughout the years to meet the needs of our clients and adapt to industry and market changes," continued Mr. Ménard. "Our firm, along with its predecessors, has demonstrated its strength and endurance as a market leader throughout key world events, including the Great Depression, two World Wars and various market conditions."

Investment firm Nesbitt Thomson was established in May 9, 1912 with the objective of assisting the development of electric utilities and, during the First World War, focused on raising money for the war effort through the issuance of Victory Bonds. The company grew to become a household name and, in 1987, was acquired by BMO Financial Group, the first bank/broker merger in the Canadian financial services sector.

In 1994, the firm joined forces with Burns Fry Ltd. to create BMO Nesbitt Burns. Today BMO Nesbitt Burns has almost 1,400 investment advisors serving the needs of more than 200,000 individuals and businesses across Canada.

"From its inception, our firm has always held an unwavering belief in the power of the client-advisor relationship," said Charyl Galpin, Co-Head, Private Client Division, BMO Nesbitt Burns. "Our business thrives on helping our clients reach their life goals, which is why building trusted and meaningful relationships is such a critical priority for us."

"A large part of our success is based on the hard working individuals that make up our team," said Richard Mills, Co-Head, Private Client Division, BMO Nesbitt Burns. "Our organization remains unified in our drive, passion, focus and commitment to delivering an extraordinary client experience."

For more information on BMO Nesbitt Burns, visit: www.bmo.com/nesbittburns.

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About BMO Nesbitt Burns

Backed by the experience, stability and resources of BMO Financial Group, BMO Nesbitt Burns is a full-service investment firm with an extensive network of approximately 1,400 Investment Advisors at 76 branches across Canada. The origins of BMO Nesbitt Burns' predecessor firms date back to 1912. In 1987, BMO Bank of Montreal acquired Nesbitt Thomson, then one of Canada's oldest and most respected investment houses. In 1994, BMO Bank of Montreal also acquired Burns Fry, one of the largest dealers of Canadian equities and debt securities. Nesbitt Thomson and Burns Fry then merged to become BMO Nesbitt Burns.

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