Western Financial Group Announces Acquisition of Historic Lacombe Brokerage

/THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ANY UNITED STATES NEWS SERVICE OR OTHERWISE IN THE UNITED STATES./

HIGH RIVER, AB, Feb. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Western Financial Group ("Western") is proud to announce the acquisition today of Brown & Ward Insurance Ltd., a long-time leader in insurance services in the City of Lacombe, Alberta.

Owned and operated by Lorne and Heather Rye, Brown & Ward has been in business since 1938. The company will continue to operate with the same friendly staff from the same historic location at 5024 - 51 Street under the Western Financial Group banner.

"The only difference our customers will see is access to a wider variety of products and services at very competitive prices," said Lorne Rye. "This move means we're joining a strong network with an excellent offering, including financial services such as banking."

Western will build on Brown & Ward's reputation for old-fashioned client service and customer satisfaction. Current and future customers will benefit from Western's larger scale and breadth, and its dedication to delivering value.

"We're very happy to welcome Lorne and Heather and their team to our growing Western network," said Scott Tannas, President and CEO of Western Financial Group. "We're looking forward to rolling out a greater variety of services to our residential and commercial clients in and around Lacombe and we are truly excited to be a part of this thriving community. To me, Lacombe's proud heritage and brilliant future are as good an example as you can find of the true Alberta spirit. It is an honour to see Western's name grace the lovely old building on 51 Street, and you can count on us to be good neighbours as we grow in step with the city."

About Western Financial Group

Western Financial Group is a western Canada based, diversified, financial services company serving more than 600,000 customers. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western provides insurance, banking and investment products and services through more than 120 office locations, the internet (www.westernfinancialgroup.ca) and other distribution channels. With a skilled team of approximately 1,500 employees, and backed by the strong resources of its owners, Western is committed to building the strongest financial services company in western Canada.

Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Desjardins Group, the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest in the world.

This press release is not for distribution to any United States news service or otherwise in the United States.

James Savage
Executive Vice President
Corporate Communications and Brand Marketing
Western Financial Group
403-652-2663 x338
[email protected]