MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(MARKET WIRE)--Sep 18, 2008 -- National Bank Financial Group (Toronto:NA.TO - News) announced today that it has acquired Retirement Option Group, a full service securities broker specializing in personal financial planning.

Retirement Option Group's $1.5 billion in assets under management will enable National Bank Financial Group to strengthen its presence in the Quebec market and its position as a wealth management leader in Quebec.

"This is our fourth and largest transaction since the beginning of 2008. We have once again confirmed that our Financial Group is always on the lookout for new growth opportunities," said Luc Paiement, Executive Vice-President - Wealth Management and Co-Chief Executive Officer of National Bank Financial.

"I am very enthusiastic about joining the ranks of National Bank Financial Group. Uniting the talents of Retirement Option Group employees with those of the Bank will enable clients to benefit from a wider range of tools and services adapted to the reality of today's financial markets," added Richard Dorval, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Retirement Option Group, who will join the National Bank Financial Group team as Special Advisor to Management and Strategic Advisor - Retirement Planning and Solutions.

National Bank Financial Group acquired Toronto-based Aquilon Capital Corp. and Quebec-based Everest Financial Group in February 2008 and Manitoba-based Bieber Securities in May.

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group that provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. National Bank has close to $122 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 17,232 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA: TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

The telephone number provided below is for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives.

     Contacts:
     National Bank Financial Group
     Denis Dube
     Senior Manager - Public Relations Department
     514-394-8644