B2B Trust CEO named to Canada's Top 40 Under 40(TM)

TORONTO, June 7 /CNW Telbec/ - B2B Trust and Laurentian Bank are pleased to announce that François Desjardins, President and Chief Executive Officer of B2B Trust and Executive Vice President of Laurentian Bank, has been named a recipient of Canada's Top 40 Under 40(TM) for 2009.

"On behalf of everyone at B2B Trust and Laurentian Bank of Canada, I would like to congratulate François on this great achievement," said Réjean Robitaille, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laurentian Bank of Canada. "François has been a part of the Laurentian Bank family for almost 20 years, which is a true testament to the dedication he has for this company. In his capacity as President and CEO of B2B Trust, I have personally witnessed his strong leadership skills and clear vision, which has contributed to B2B Trust's remarkable results year after year."

François began his career in the retail branch network of Laurentian Bank in 1991. Quick to learn the business, he held a number of management positions and climbed through the ranks at Laurentian Bank, making his mark by leading the Telebanking Centre, which earned him the title of Vice President at the age of 29. In 2004, François was named President and Chief Executive Officer of B2B Trust, and in 2005, he assumed the role of Executive Vice President for Laurentian Bank.

Under his leadership at B2B Trust, François refocused the organization by developing well-defined and forward-thinking strategies that have yielded exceptional results. In the past five years, B2B Trust's revenue has increased by over 25%, net profit is up 81%, and the company contributes close to 30% to Laurentian Bank's net income. B2B Trust is poised for continued growth as evidenced by an increase in its workforce of nearly 10% since 2005.

Canada's Top 40 Under 40(TM) is a prestigious national award program, which annually honours 40 Canadians in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors under the age of 40. The program - now in its 15th year - is managed by founding sponsor, The Caldwell Partners International.

François and his peers were selected from over 1,200 nominees by an independent Advisory Board, comprised of 25 business leaders from across Canada. Honourees were chosen on five key criteria: vision and leadership; innovation and achievement; impact; community involvement and contribution; and strategy for growth.

About B2B Trust

B2B Trust provides advisors with superior banking products and services for distribution to their clients across Canada. B2B Trust is the leading third-party supplier of investment and RRSP loans, a premier supplier of wholesale deposit products, and a long-time provider of self-directed accounts, banking services and broker mortgages. B2B Trust's suite of products and services are available nationally with the head office located in Toronto and regional sales representation across Canada. The company is a federally chartered trust company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Laurentian Bank of Canada. The website address is www.b2btrust.com.

For further information: Lisa An, Veritas Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Manon Stébenne, Laurentian Bank, [phone] ext. 8232, [email protected]