National Bank offers $60,000 purse to International Bromont

Montreal, 17 June 2003 - 

The National Bank will be offering a $60,000 purse to the best equestrians at the World Cup on June 22 in Bromont. This is the Bank's seventh consecutive year participating in this prestigious event.

"The National Bank's involvement in the International Bromont has become a tradition. Our affiliation with this event is easy to explain: the International Bromont is a successful sporting event that enjoys huge public support. It is also extremely well organized and one of the symbols of the Eastern Townships, attracting a large number of visitors to the region. Above all, however, the equestrian sport inspires such noble values as courage, discipline, determination, sportsmanship and fair play, all of which we share wholeheartedly. They are what make equestrian sport so fascinating and unique," enthused Tony Meti, National Bank Senior Vice-President – Commercial Banking and International.

The World Cup, which brings together top riders, caps off a week of activities that include a series of equestrian competitions that draw thousands of spectators from Quebec and abroad. Last year, over 50,000 people attended the International Bromont trials, generating over $3.5 million in revenue for the Eastern Townships.

Founded in 1976 in the wake of the Montreal Olympic Games, the International Bromont, now in its 28th year, is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in North America.

About the National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. The National Bank has assets of over $75 billion and, together with its subsidiaries, employs over 17,000 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA:TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

Information (the telephone number and e-mail address provided below are for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives):

Denis Dubé
Manager, Public Relations Department
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-8644
E-mail: denis.dube@bnc.ca