News Releases

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS and MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN--(Marketwired - June 13, 2013) - BMO Harris Bank, a strong supporter of the Chicago Blackhawks, salutes the Chicago Blackhawks as they face off against the Boston Bruins; it's the first time the teams have met in the Cup final and the first time since 1978 the teams have played each other in the post season.

"The last time the 'Hawks and Bruins met in the playoffs, inflation was closing in on a double-digit rate, long-term interest rates sat above 8 per cent and admission to sporting events cost about 20 per cent of what it does today," said Robert Kavcic, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets.

"A lot has changed since the last time the 'Hawks were in the Stanley Cup final just three years ago," noted Mr. Kavcic. "America's recovery from the Great Recession has progressed, with the unemployment rate falling more than 2 percentage points and home prices have found a bottom."

Momentum has been building in the markets and economy, added Brent Schutte, Market Strategist for BMO Private Bank. "The Dow Jones Industrial Average has surged nearly 50 per cent since the 'Hawks won the Cup three years ago, and auto sales are running at a seasonally adjusted rate of 15.24 million, compared to 11.7 million in 2010."

"Our five-year partnership with the Chicago Blackhawks has been an important part of our overall efforts to support leading Chicago-based organizations," said Justine Fedak, Senior Vice President and Head of Brand, Advertising and Sponsorships for BMO Financial Group, North America. "This Chicago team has been virtually unbeatable in 2013, and we will continue to cheer them on in their quest to cap off an outstanding season with a Stanley Cup victory."

The Blackhawks and BMO Harris have been strong partners for five years. BMO's advertising campaign features Chicago Blackhawks players, part of their ongoing multi-year sponsorship of the team. The new advertising includes two 30-second spots airing throughout the Chicagoland area.

BMO Harris Bank partners with the Chicago Blackhawks to help find solutions for their customers. "Ice Bank" features Chicago Blackhawks Forward Patrick Sharp, helping new BMO Harris employees with their skating skills. In "Defense," the Blackhawks Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook share BMO Harris' commitment to helping customers by having a little friendly pushing and shoving over who gets to help a customer in line. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR1Wi1rx2e0; www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao9QddhiDHc

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $555 billion as at April 30, 2013, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.