HERTOGENBOSCH, The Netherlands, Jan. 9, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Van Lanschot NV's net profit as well as earnings per ordinary share rose some 9% in 2003. Net profit -- which rose 4.1% to (Eur) 53.3 million in the first six months of 2003 -- will exceed (Eur) 100 million for the year as a whole. Such a high profit on ordinary activities is a first in Van Lanschot's history. Mr H.J. Baeten, chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of Van Lanschot, made this announcement during the New Year's gathering for the bank's employees. "I am very pleased that the bank managed to increase income further in what was a difficult year economically. Cost reductions, too, contributed substantially to the positive development of the result", says Mr Baeten. "Our focus on specific target groups and the bank's own identity once again proved to be profitable, as we succeeded in further increasing the number of private and corporate accounts in the past year."
When the 2003 half-year figures were published, Van Lanschot already expressed its expectation that -- barring unforeseen circumstances -- earnings per ordinary share for 2003 would exceed those of 2002 ((Eur) 3.25).
Financial calendar for 2004
Van Lanschot NV will publish its annual figures for 2003 on Friday, 19 March 2004 (before opening of the stock exchange). The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Wednesday, 12 May 2004, during which the current chairman of the Board of Managing Directors, Mr H.J. (Harry) Baeten (60), will step down to retire after nearly 35 years of service. He will be succeeded by Mr F.G.H. (Floris) Deckers (53), who joined the Board of Managing Directors on 1 January 2004. The half-year figures for 2004 will be published on Friday, 20 August 2004 (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 comprehensive advice, personal service and customised solutions. Van Lanschot NV is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Market.
The press release can be downloaded from the following link: http://hugin.info/133415/R/930259/127467.pdf