News Release

Harris™ Consolidates Illinois Banking Charters
Chicagoland Banks now operate as Harris N.A.

CHICAGO, June 1, 2005 – Harris™ is pleased to announce it successfully completed the consolidation of its 26 Chicagoland Harris Bank charters into one charter, Harris N.A., regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency.

Harris™ announced in June 2004 that it would make this change, in order to simplify its operating structure and improve its ability to carry out its strategic growth plans. The consolidation did not change Harris’™ community banking model or operating philosophy.

“Consolidating our charters allows us to continue our long-standing commitment to personal service, community banking and local leadership,” said Chuck Tonge, Harris™ Vice Chairman. “Our customers continue to be able to transact business with us as they always have and, in fact, we look forward to improving our service to them under this structure.

“At the same time, a unified charter structure will make it easier for us to execute our growth plans, including the integration of any future acquisitions we may make,” Tonge continued.

Harris™ local presidents and boards will now focus on building business and strengthening ties with local communities. Harris™ will maintain its nine Chicagoland regions in order to make the most of its commitment to deep local roots while taking advantage of the strengths and efficiencies inherent in a larger organization.

Harris N.A. is one of the largest community banking networks in Illinois and is part of an integrated financial service organization that provides more than 1.5 million personal, business, corporate and institutional clients with banking, lending, investing, financial planning, trust administration, portfolio management, family office and wealth transfer services. For more information, please visit www.theharris.com.

Contact:  Jen Dillon
                   (312) 461-6970

Harris™ is a trade name used by various financial service providers in the BMO Financial Group, a marketing name used by Bank of Montreal. Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A. and The Harris Bank N.A.. Members FDIC. Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc (HBIS). Securities are provided by Harris Nesbitt Corp (HNC), a registered broker dealer, member NYSE, NASD and SIPC and Harrisdirect LLC, a registered broker dealer, member NASD and SIPC.  HBIS, HNC and Harrisdirect are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Products offered by HBIS, HNC and Harrisdirect are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May Lose Value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition on any bank loan or service. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blaney, Inc., an SEC registered investment advisor.  Family office services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc.  Investment advisory services are also offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC, an SEC registered investmentadvisor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.

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