Western Financial Group Declares Dividends

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

HIGH RIVER, AB, March 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Western Financial Group ("the Company") announced today that it will provide the following dividend:

First Preferred Shares Series 5:  (WES.PR.C):  A dividend of $4.50 per share to be payable on April 16, 2012 to the shareholders of record as of March 30, 2012.

All dividends are designated as "eligible dividends" for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.

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.

Arlene Beggs, Assistant to the President
Western Financial Group
403-652-2663
[email protected]