London – Reuters (LSE: RTR; NASDAQ: RTRSY) today announced it has signed a global enterprise-wide agreement with Fortis to supply premium desktops, latest transaction systems, content and real-time pricing.

The agreement is the first global deal for the latest generation Reuters 3000 Xtra (version 5.0) allowing Fortis to deploy a total 750 positions of the flagship desktop of which 450 positions will replace the Telerate desktop, Active8.

Fortis Merchant Banking will now use the Reuters Market Data System (RMDS) platform in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, replacing the Telerate Trading Room System (TRS). The bank will extend the use of RMDS to offices globally making this the largest migration yet from Telerate systems and products onto their Reuters equivalent.

Christopher Hagman, Managing Director, Reuters Global Sales and Service Operations, said: “We are delighted that Fortis has decided to use Reuters products right across its enterprise. This deal embeds Reuters content, data, and real-time pricing into Fortis backed by our RMDS platform. It cements an already established relationship with Fortis adding in, for the first time, access to our transaction products.”

Antoine Meyers, Head of Project Management, Process & Support, Fortis, said: “We are pleased to be using the latest generation Reuters 3000 Xtra at Fortis backed by the benefits of the Reuters Market Data System. The scalability and openness of RMDS are vital requirements for Fortis to cope with aggressive business growth targets in all asset classes.”

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Contact:

Steve Clarke
Reuters Media Relations
Tel: +44 207 542 6865
Mob: +44 7990 56 6865
steve.clarke@reuters.com

About Reuters

Reuters (www.reuters.com), the global information company, provides indispensable information tailored for professionals in the financial services, media and corporate markets. Its trusted information drives decision making across the globe based on a reputation for speed, accuracy and independence. Reuters has 15,300 staff in 89 countries, including staff from the acquisition of Telerate in June 2005. It also includes 2,300 editorial staff in 189 bureaux serving 128 countries, making Reuters the world's largest international multimedia news agency. In 2005, Reuters revenues were £2.4 billion.

Reuters and the sphere logo are the trade-marks of the Reuters group of companies.

About Fortis

Fortis is an international financial services provider engaged in banking and insurance. It offers personal, business and institutional customers a comprehensive package of products and services through its channels, in collaboration with intermediaries and through other distribution partners. With a market capitalisation of EUR 37.34 billion (31/01/2006), Fortis ranks among the twenty largest financial institutions in Europe. Its sound solvency position, presence in 44 countries and dedicated and professional workforce of 56,000 enable it to combine global strength with local flexibility and provide clients with optimum support. Merchant Banking is a division of Fortis Bank and manages the global relationships with banks, institutional investors, fund managers, professional traders and large international corporate accounts. Merchant Banking offers a wide range of financial products, advisory services and other customized solutions. More information is available on www.fortis.com