News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 9, 2013) - BMO Harris Investment Management Inc. ("BHIMI"), the investment management arm of BMO Harris Private Banking and the manager of the BMO Harris Private Portfolios, today announced changes to reduce the risk ratings of BMO Harris Canadian Growth Equity Portfolio, BMO Harris Canadian Corporate Bond Portfolio, BMO Harris U.S. Equity Portfolio, BMO Harris International Equity Portfolio and BMO Harris Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (each, a "Portfolio" and collectively, the "Portfolios").

BHIMI assigns an investment risk rating to each Portfolio to provide investors with information to help determine whether a Portfolio is suitable for them. The methodology used to determine the risk rating of each Portfolio is based on the methodology recommended by the Fund Risk Classification Task Force of The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (the "IFIC Task Force"). In addition to using the methodology recommended by the IFIC Task Force, we may take into account other qualitative factors in making our final determination of each Portfolio's risk rating. The investment risk rating for each Portfolio is reviewed at least annually as well as if there is a material change in a Portfolio's investment objective or investment strategy.

The risk rating of each of the Portfolios listed below has changed to align better with the risk level of each Portfolio. "BHIMI reviews the risk ratings of its Portfolios regularly and chose to revise the risk ratings for these five Portfolios to align them more appropriately to the level of risk needed for the Portfolios to achieve their investment objectives," said Richard B. Mason, Chief Executive Officer, BHIMI.

The investment objectives, investment strategies and management of each of the Portfolios will not change as a result of the change in risk rating. The change to each risk rating of each Portfolio listed below will be reflected in the BMO Harris Private Portfolios' updated simplified prospectus, which will be filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each province of Canada on or about July 12, 2013.

About BMO Harris Private Banking

Backed by the stability and resources of BMO Financial Group, professionals at BMO Harris Private Banking are responsible for the successful management of wealth by providing expert advice and highly personalized services in banking, investment management, estate, trust, succession planning and philanthropic services - all in a coordinated and confident approach. With 34 offices across Canada, including Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, BMO Harris Private Banking is able to service clients in a variety of languages.

BMO Harris Private Portfolios are offered by BMO Harris Investment Management Inc., a financial services firm and separate legal entity from Bank of Montreal.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the simplified prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

For more information on BMO Harris Private Portfolios, please visit www.bmo.com/harrisprivatebanking.