National Bank of Canada Discloses Loans to Telecommunications Sector

Montreal, 25 October 2000 - 

National Bank of Canada revealed the volume of loans granted to its clients in the telecommunications sector, including the cable industry.

Total loans to this sector amounted to CDN $448 million, corresponding to 1% of the Bank's total volume of loans and acceptances.

Over 97% of the loans made to the telecommunications sector are to companies in Canada. Moreover, nearly two-thirds of these loans were granted to "investment grade" companies, as defined by credit rating agencies, while the remainder was granted to companies with a very good credit record.

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group whose mission is to provide 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 all the investment banking services required by large corporations. 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 $70 billion and, together with its subsidiaries, it employs over 17,000 people. The Bank's shares are listed on the Toronto stock exchange.

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Information:

Jean Robillard
Media Relations and
Financial Communications Officer
Public Relations Department
Tel: (514) 394-6990
jean.robillard@bnc.ca
www.nbc.ca



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