B2B Trust signs distribution agreements with Industrial Alliance and
Industrial Alliance Pacific for investment loans

TORONTO, March 23 /CNW Telbec/ - B2B Trust, a subsidiary of Laurentian Bank of Canada, has signed agreements with Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Industrial Alliance Pacific Insurance and Financial Services Inc. for the distribution of segregated fund investment loans. Under the terms of the new agreements, B2B Trust will offer its Investment Loan Program to Canadian investors for the purpose of investing in Industrial Alliance's and Industrial Alliance Pacific's segregated funds offered through licensed financial advisors and insurance agents.

B2B Trust supplies investment and RRSP loan programs to advisors and agents across the mutual fund and insurance sectors, as well as through dealers and managing general agencies (MGAs). Segregated fund investment loans are offered exclusively through distribution alliances with leading insurance companies across Canada, including Industrial Alliance and Industrial Alliance Pacific.

"With the insurance industry being one of the fastest-growing fields in Canada, B2B Trust is pleased to add Industrial Alliance and Industrial Alliance Pacific to its list of Distribution Alliances," says Al Spadaro, Vice President, Business Development at B2B Trust. "Through these new programs, B2B Trust is able to provide greater options and flexibility to managing general agencies and insurance agents with products tailored to the insurance industry, such as loans for investment in segregated funds. We look forward to working with Industrial Alliance and Industrial Alliance Pacific to further service the needs of advisors in the segregated fund market."

"In order to maximize investment possibilities for our clients and business partners, Industrial Alliance and Industrial Alliance Pacific have added the B2B Trust Investment Loan Program to our internal investment loan program," said Jacques Potvin, Vice-President of Marketing, Individual Insurance and Annuities at Industrial Alliance. "The expertise and flexible loan solutions that B2B Trust provides make them a great fit for us."

About Industrial Alliance

Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company that offers a wide range of life and health insurance products, savings and retirement plans, RRSPs, mutual and segregated funds, securities, auto and home insurance, mortgage loans and other financial products and services. The fourth largest life and health insurance company in Canada, Industrial Alliance is at the head of a large financial group, which has operations in all regions of Canada, as well as in the United States. Industrial Alliance contributes to the financial well-being of over three million Canadians, employs more than 3,400 people and manages and administers over $58 billion in assets. Industrial Alliance stock is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IAG. Industrial Alliance is among the 100 largest public companies in Canada.

About Industrial Alliance Pacific

Industrial Alliance Pacific Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company whose origins date back to 1912. Its primary mission is to provide financial protection to its insured and their beneficiaries in the event of death, disability or illness, and to help clients achieve financial independence at retirement while fulfilling their lifelong dreams.

To carry out this mission, Industrial Alliance Pacific offers a wide selection of life and health insurance products, savings and retirement plans, RRSPs, mutual and segregated funds, mortgage loans, and other financial products and services. Industrial Alliance Pacific is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and operates in Canada, mainly in the Western provinces and in Ontario, as well as in the Western United States.

About B2B Trust

B2B Trust provides advisors with superior financial 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. This vast array of products is highly regarded by the 15,000 financial advisors doing business with B2B Trust. 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 b2btrust.com.

(R) B2B TRUST is a registered trademark of B2B Trust.

For further information: Lisa An, Veritas Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Manon Stébenne, Laurentian Bank, Senior manager, Medias and Public Relations, [phone] ext. 8232, [email protected]; Jacques Carrière, Industrial Alliance, Vice-President, Investor Relations, [phone], cell: [phone], [email protected], website: www.inalco.com