News Releases

Harris Announces Intent to Purchase Villa ParkTrust and Savings Bank
Acquisition Further Expands Harris' Community Banking Network in the Growing Western ChicagoSuburbs

CHICAGO, July 7, 2005 – Harris Bankcorp, Inc. and its parent, BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), today announced a definitive agreement to purchase Edville Bankcorp, Inc. and its subsidiary Villa Park Trust and Savings Bank (Villa Park Bank).

Founded in 1922, Villa Park Bank is a privately held community bank with US $288 million in assets and US $263 million in deposits as of March 31, 2005. Headquartered in Villa Park, Illinois, the bank has two locations in the DuPage County region. The purchase price is US $65.5 million. The impact of the transaction on BMO cash earnings per share will be neutral in year one and modestly accretive in year two.

"Villa Park Bank is a well-regarded community bank with two desirable locations in DuPage County that nicely complement our existing expansion plans in the Chicagoland area," said Frank Techar, President and CEO, Harris Bankcorp, Inc. "We look forward to welcoming new customers and employees and extending the convenience and wider range of Harris products and services to customers in these communities."

The transaction is expected to close in the fall of 2005, subject to receipt of regulatory approval. Following the closing of this transaction, the acquisition will increase Harris' network to 173 locations in the Chicagoland area with an additional 19 branches in Northwest Indiana, with more than 500 ATMs in the region. With additional new branches planned, Harris is on track to reach 200 locations throughout the Chicagoland area (excluding Northwest Indiana) over the next few years.

"We are proud to be joining an organization that is committed to being the Midwest's leading personal and business bank whose goal is t o focus on its customers and their needs," said William Stege, President and Chairman of the Board, Villa Park Bank. "Harris' strong focus on community banking, community involvement and customer service will serve our communities well."

Harris is an integrated financial service organization that provides more than 1.5 million personal, business, corporate and institutional clients with banking, lending, investing, financial planning, trust administration, portfolio management, family office and wealth transfer services. Harris is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO). For more information, please visit www.harrisbank.com.

Harris is a trademark used by various financial service providers in the BMO Financial Group, a marketing name used by Bank of Montreal. Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A. and The Harris Bank N.A. Members FDIC. Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc (HBIS). Securities are provided by Harris Nesbitt Corp (HNC), a registered broker dealer, member NYSE, NASD and SIPC and Harrisdirect LLC, a registered broker dealer, member NASD and SIPC. HBIS, HNC and Harrisdirect are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Products offered by < abbr title="Harris Bancorp Insurance Services">HBIS, HNC and Harrisdirect are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May Lose Value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition on any bank loan or service. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc., an SEC registered investment advisor. Family office services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are also offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.