For BMO, this transaction increases value to our shareholders and will allow us to redeploy capital to higher-return businesses and to concentrate our attention on our goal of becoming the leading personal and commercial bank in the U.S. Midwest.

185

Bill's track record of success, client focus and experience in leading a wide range of our businesses in both Canada and the United States have prepared him to provide strong enterprise-wide leadership in the role of chief operating officer.

178

Each of our client operating groups enjoyed solid increases in net income, with business volumes up year-over-year.

173