MONTREAL, January 17, 2002 - Laurentian Bank subsidiary B2B
Trust is proud to announce that it has reached an agreement with
ClaringtonFunds Inc., one of Canada's highest rated mutual fund
companies. Under the terms of this transaction, B2B Trust will
supply investment loans to Clarington, who will distribute them
under its own brand name to complement its group of fund products.
This agreement fits into B2B Trust's commercial strategy to extend
its reach across Canada.
"We are happy about this new business relationship with a
company renowned for its world-famous financial advisor network,"
explained Michel Pelletier, Co-Chief Operating Officer of B2B
Trust. "This agreement reflects Clarington's goal of better
answering the needs of its clients and B2B Trust is proud to
satisfy these expectations."
"Finally, a product that serves the interests of all parties
that is surprisingly easy to understand. We are delighted and
honoured to be associated with B2B Trust in presenting this
opportunity to the investing public" said Terry Stone, CEO and
founder of ClaringtonFunds.
About B2B Trust
B2B Trust is a federally chartered regulated financial
institution and technology infrastructure company that supplies
generic and complementary banking and financial products to
independent financial advisors, non-bank financial institutions and
retailers across Canada. Its head office is located in Toronto. The
portfolios of loans, deposits and assets under administration are
valued at more than $9 billion. The address of B2B Trust's Web site
for independent financial advisors is www.natlink.com.
About ClaringtonFunds Inc.
Founded in 1996, ClaringtonFunds Inc. is a mutual fund company
that has enjoyed one of the most rapid growth rates in Canada, with
$2.5 billion in assets in 32 funds. The company has offices in
Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.