News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 18, 2012) - BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO), has been named the "Best Equity House Canada" by Thomson Reuters' International Financing Review (IFR) in the 2012 Americas Review of the Year.

Recipients of the awards are judged on how they have adapted to the trends driving economic activity, noteworthiness of deal rosters and achievement of strategic goals.

"Our ability to coordinate across our entire firm effectively has been the key to our strategy. This allows us to develop innovative solutions for our clients' most complex problems and execute consistently at a high standard. We are grateful that so many clients across a range of industries and geographies have chosen us to lead their transactions," said Peter Miller, Head of Equity Capital Markets, Canada, BMO Capital Markets.

"In an unusually consolidated market, one bank has managed to separate itself from the competition - not because of the size of its balance sheet, but thanks to its overall investment banking platform. For consistent success in leading large transactions for key clients, BMO Capital Markets is deserving of IFR's Canada Equity House of the Year," said Stephen Lacey, U.S. Editor, International Financing Review.

About International Financing Review

Since 1974, IFR has been the world's leading source of capital markets intelligence, providing senior investment banking professionals with unbiased, industry-leading commentary and analysis to help inform their deal-making decisions. For the past 17 years, IFR has recognized and rewarded achievement in the capital markets through its prestigious annual Awards. These Awards are the most coveted form of recognition for excellence within the industry, with ceremonies held in London, New York and Hong Kong. More information on IFR Awards can be found at www.ifrawards.com.

About BMO Capital Markets

BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service North American financial services provider, with 2,300 employees operating in 29 offices worldwide, including 16 in North America and offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of investment and corporate banking products and services. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group, one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with total assets of $525 billion and more than 46,000 employees as at October 31, 2012.