BRUSSELS, Belgium, Jan. 4, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- In line with its stated intention to reduce its shareholding in Assurant over time, Fortis today announces that it intends to launch a bond issue, mandatorily exchangeable into up to 23 million Assurant common shares or the cash value thereof at maturity of the bonds.The bond offering will be launched subject to various factors, including market conditions.
The bonds are intended to be offered and sold in the United States under Rule 144A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.
Neither the bonds nor the shares which may be delivered at maturity have been, or will be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or the availability of an applicable exemption from the registration requirements.
http://hugin.info/134212/R/974824/143241.pdf
-0- Press: Brussels: +32 (0)2 565 35 84 Utrecht: +31 (0)30 226 32 19 Investor Relations: Brussels: +32 (0)2 510 53 91 Utrecht: +31 (0)30 226 32 20