Fortis

Profile

Fortis is an integrated financial services provider active in the fields of banking and insurance. With a market capitalization of EUR 23.6 billion (30/06/2004) and over 52,000 employees, Fortis ranks in the top 20 of European financial institutions.

In its home market, the Benelux countries, Fortis occupies a leading position which it aims to develop and bolster. Fortis is drawing on the expertise it has acquired in its home market to realize its European ambitions via growth platforms. Fortis also operates successfully worldwide in selected activities. In specific countries in Europe and Asia it effectively exploits its know-how and experience in bancassurance.

Sustainable economic growth and social responsibility are important considerations for the way in which Fortis operates. Fortis' commitment to the welfare of its millions of customers means the company is deeply rooted in the local community.

Fortis is listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg and has a sponsored ADR programme in the United States.

Mission

Fortis aims to be a leading, efficient, customer-oriented financial services provider.

Strategy

To strengthen its position as a leading, Benelux-based financial services provider with European ambitions, Fortis has set itself the following priorities:

- to provide excellent services at attractive margins;
- to improve efficiency;
- to achieve economies of scale;
- to fully optimize its portfolio of activities;
- to strenghten its performance and ris management systems.

Objectives

- to accumulate, manage and preserve customers’ financial assets
- to provide customers with top-quality, fast and effective service
- to conduct business in a socially responsible manner
- to be an attractive employer
- to create sustainable economic value for its shareholders
- to optimize its capital invested
- to achieve growth of net operating profit per share of at least 12%
- to produce a return on equity of at least 15%
- to maintain strict cost control