Fortis, Royal Bank of Scotland et Santander (ci-après "les Banques") ont pris note ce jour de l'offre de Barclays sur ABN AMRO recommandée par ABN AMRO.
Une réunion avait été prévue ce jour à 14 h 30 avec ABN AMRO pour permettre aux Banques de présenter leurs propositions à ABN AMRO afin qu'elles puissent être prises en considération parallèlement à l'offre de Barclays.
La proposition des Banques portait également sur la banque LaSalle. Au vu de la décision d'ABN AMRO de vendre la banque LaSalle à Bank of America, les Banques souhaitent comprendre les circonstances dans lesquelles cette cession pourrait être annulée. Les Banques demandent à pouvoir disposer de cette information aujourd'hui. En conséquence, les Banques considèrent qu'il n'est pas approprié de rencontrer ce jour ABN AMRO.
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This announcement is made pursuant to article 9b(1) of the Dutch Decree on the Supervision of the Securities Trade 1995 (the "Decree"). Any possible transaction would be subject to approval of competent regulatory authorities in relevant jurisdictions.
In connection with a potential transaction involving ABN AMRO, the Banks may be required to file relevant documents with the SEC. Such documents, however, are not currently available. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ ANY DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL TRANSACTION IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors will be able to obtain a free copy of such documents without charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) once such documents are filed with the SEC. Copies of such documents may also be obtained from each Bank, without charge, once they are filed with the SEC.
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.
