VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 24, 2012) - BMO Bank of Montreal today announced the appointment of Christine Cooper as Regional Vice President, Corporate Finance Division, with BMO Bank of Montreal in British Columbia.

Mrs. Cooper is accountable for the growth and success of the Corporate Finance Division in B.C. through industry-leading client advocacy, portfolio, risk and market management, loan underwriting, real estate and dealership finance, asset-based lending, treasury management and financial advisory services.

Previously Mrs. Cooper was Vice President, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island District for BMO Bank of Montreal where she was accountable for executing strategy and driving profitable business growth for BMO's retail and commercial banking network in the two provinces with over 300 employees and 27 branches. Mrs. Cooper earned a BA in economics and business from Wheaton College in Illinois and an MBA in financial services from Dalhousie University.

"Throughout her career, Christine has demonstrated a commitment to customer service while leading her teams to superior performance," said James Kelsey, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Finance, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Christine's commercial experience and proven track record make her an ideal leader for this senior corporate finance position."

"My corporate finance colleagues and I look forward to helping entrepreneurial companies and business leaders achieve their financial objectives while contributing to British Columbia's economic growth," said Mrs. Cooper. "In addition, BMO recently announced that it was making $10 billion in financing available for businesses across the country over the next three years. We are definitely open for business and our local bankers are armed with limits to make lending decisions right here in B.C."

"Further growth in business investment would help support continued strength in the B.C. economy," said Robert Kavcic, Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "Growth in the province is expected to moderate, with cooling residential construction and government spending combined with the impact of modest U.S. economic growth. While this environment has led to understandable caution in recent months, relatively strong corporate finances and supportive financial conditions should help capital spending in the coming year."

About BMO Corporate Finance Division

The Corporate Finance Division at BMO Bank of Montreal provides mid-sized companies with a single point of access to an integrated suite of commercial and capital products and financial options including treasury management, senior debt, underwriting and syndications, asset-based lending, and advice on mid-market mergers and acquisitions. BMO Corporate Finance has access to BMO Financial Group's offices in Latin America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, and correspondent banking relationships in 120 countries worldwide. Corporate Finance offers proven cross border arrangements, working with partners at BMO Capital Markets and BMO Harris in the United States.

Publication Contributing Sources

• Market Wire