HERTOGENBOSCH, The Netherlands, May 8, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- At its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders today, Van Lanschot NV set out its profit forecast for 2002 in greater detail. With the publication of the annual figures for 2001 on March 15, 2002, the Bank stated that - barring unforeseen circumstances - it expected further growth in operating profit after taxation and in earnings per ordinary share for 2002. Van Lanschot has now detailed its profit forecast by saying that - barring unforeseen circumstances - this rise will be in line with its medium-term objective of increasing earnings per ordinary share by approximately 12% each year.
"The first months of the year have shown continued growth in the Bank's core activities and a further increase in the number of private and corporate target group accounts," said Mr. H. Heemskerk, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of Van Lanschot NV. "Income from securities commission remains under pressure, but this is more than offset by interest income and higher insurance commission. Furthermore, strict cost control will continue to be at the heart of our policy." During the General Meeting, Mr. Heemskerk also announced that Van Lanschot will soon open a Representative Office in Hong Kong to strengthen the Bank's international private banking activities even more. The office will focus on high net-worth individuals in the Far East. The Bank will of course devote special attention to individuals from a Dutch or Belgian background. Van Lanschot will announce the results for the first six months of 2002 on Friday, August 23, 2002, before opening of the stock exchange.
F. van Lanschot Bankiers NV is the oldest independent Dutch bank with a history dating back to 1737. The bank focuses on three target groups: high net-worth individuals, medium-sized businesses (including family businesses) and institutional investors. Van Lanschot stands for high-quality services founded on integrated advice, personal service and customized solutions. Van Lanschot NV is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Market.