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Harris Bank Plans to Consolidate Illinois Charters    

June 4, 2004, Chicago, IL  – Harris Bank is filing an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for approval of a plan to consolidate 25 of its Illinois bank charters into one national bank charter, Harris N.A., with headquarters to be located in downtown Chicago at 111 W. Monroe Street.  Consolidation is subject to receipt of regulatory approval and is expected to be completed in February 2005.

Charter consolidation is a regulatory initiative by Harris to simplify its structure, with no impact on Harris’ community banking model and operating philosophy.  Harris will continue its long-standing commitment to personal service, community banking and local leadership.  Harris customers will be able to manage their accounts just as they do today.  Local presidents and boards will remain focused on building business and strengthening ties with local neighborhoods through continued involvement in community relations activities.

Harris, with $30 billion in assets, is one of the largest community bank networks in Illinois, a nationally recognized provider of private client and personal trust services and a premier Midwest mid-market corporate bank.  Harris serves individuals and businesses throughout nine Chicagoland regions, each with local Harris leadership.  Customers have access to more than 450 Harris ATMs free of charge, and nearly 160 full-service locations throughout Chicagoland.  Harris Bank is wholly owned by BMO Financial Group, a highly diversified financial services institution.  Please visit www.harrisbank.com and www.bmo.com for more information.

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Contact:

Maeve Kiley, Harris Bank
312/293/8905, maeve.kiley@harrisbank.com

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