BANK OF MONTREAL ADDS INITIALS TO SUBSIDIARIES
By Adnews Staff
Bank of Montreal will use the initials BMO to link its subsidiary companies under the name BMO Financial Group. The alteration is part of a new branding program the Toronto-based financial services company is implementing. The BMO initials, pronounced "bee-mo" according to the company, will be added to existing Bank of Montreal branch signs and to the names of companies such as BMO Nesbitt Burns and BMO Mutual Funds. The bank's "m-bar" logo has also been updated to include a red circle. The branding will be phased in as existing branches are renovated and new branches are built. The new name and logo will also appear on stationery, forms and in-branch materials as inventory is replenished. An integrated advertising campaign including television, print and Web materials will begin in the fall to promote the changes. In English Canada advertising for Bank of Montreal is done by Vickers & Benson Arnold. In Quebec, the bank uses Cossette Communication-Marketing.