FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


Report of Foreign Private Issuer


Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For July 30, 2007

Commission File Number: 001-14624

ABN AMRO HOLDING N.V.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Gustav Mahlerlaan 10
1082 PP Amsterdam
The Netherlands

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F __X__
Form 40-F _____

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):            

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):      X      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes  _____
No __X_­_
 
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _____
 

 
ABN AMRO HOLDING N.V.
 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Item
   
1.
 
ABN AMRO reports first half 2007 results:
Strong operating performance in conditions of corporate uncertainty
30 July, 2007
     
The information contained in this report is incorporated by reference into the registration statements on Form S-8 with Registration Nos. 333-81400, 333-84044, 333-128621, 333-128619, 333-127660 and 333-74703, the registration statements on Form F-3 with Registration Nos. 333-137691 and 333-104778 and the registration statements on Form F-4 with Registration Nos. 333-108304 and 333-143666.

This document shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. Any statement in this announcement that expresses or implies our intentions, beliefs, expectations or predictions (and the assumptions underlying them) is a forward-looking statement. These statements are based on plans, estimates and projections, as they are currently available to the management of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. (“ABN AMRO”). Forward-looking statements therefore speak only as of the date they are made, and we take no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could therefore cause actual future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward looking statement. Such factors include, without limitation, the outcome of the offers for our business by Barclays PLC (“Barclays”) and the Consortium; the completion of our proposed disposition of LaSalle; the conditions in the financial markets in Europe, the United States, Brazil and elsewhere from which we derive a substantial portion of our trading revenues; potential defaults of borrowers or trading counterparties; the implementation of our restructuring including the envisaged reduction in headcount; the reliability of our risk management policies, procedures and methods; the outcome of ongoing criminal investigations and other regulatory initiatives related to compliance matters in the United States and the nature and severity of any sanctions imposed; and other risks referenced in our filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information on these and other factors, please refer to Part I: Item 3.D “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US
 

 
Securities and Exchange Commission and to any subsequent reports furnished or filed by us with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof, and the companies assume no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.

Additional Information

The offer launched by the consortium of Fortis, RBS and Santander is under consideration by the ABN AMRO boards.  ABN AMRO will, in the near future but at the latest by August 6, 2007, file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 in which it will advise the ABN AMRO shareholders that it expresses no opinion and remains neutral toward such offer and its reason(s) for such position.  The ABN AMRO boards request the ABN AMRO shareholders to defer making a determination on whether to accept or reject such offer until they have been advised of ABN AMRO’s position with respect to the offer.

Barclays has filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form F-4 which contains a prospectus.  Barclays expects to file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission amendments to such Registration Statement as well as a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and other relevant materials.  In addition, ABN AMRO expects that it will file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 and other relevant materials. Such documents, however, are not currently available.

INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ ANY DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL OFFER IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

Investors will be able to obtain a free copy of such filings without charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) once such documents are filed with the SEC. Copies of such documents may also be obtained from Barclays and ABN AMRO, without charge, once they are filed with the SEC.

The publication and distribution of this document and any separate documentation regarding the intended Offer, the making of the intended Offer and the issuance and offering of Barclays ordinary shares may, in some jurisdictions, be restricted by law. This document is not being published and the intended Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in or into any jurisdiction in which the publication of this announcement and the making of the intended Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of that jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this announcement should inform themselves of and observe any of these restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of that jurisdiction.



Signatures
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 

   
ABN AMRO HOLDING N.V.
 
 
 
Date:
  July 30, 2007
 
By:
  /s/ Dies Donker
 
       
Name:
Dies Donker
       
Title:
Head of Investor Relations
 
             
           
           
      By:   /s/ Willem Nagtglas Versteeg  
        Name: Willem Nagtglas Versteeg  
        Title: Company Secretary  


 
Item 1
 
 
  Further information can be obtained from:
Press Relations:     +31 20 628 8900
Investor Relations: +31 20 628 7835
   
  This press release is also available on the
Internet: www.abnamro.com

 
Amsterdam, 30 July 2007
ABN AMRO reports first half 2007 results:
Strong operating performance in conditions of corporate uncertainty

 
·
Increase in first half operating result
 
o
Reported revenue growth of 12.6%; adjusted (see footnote and page 4 for adjustments) operating revenue growth of 14.3% driven by increases in all Business Units (BUs), supported by a strong performance of the BU Global Markets
 
o
Reported operating expenses up 14.0%; adjusted operating expenses up 8.6%, well below the growth in revenues
 
o
Reported operating result up 9.1%, reported efficiency ratio up 0.9%; adjusted operating result up 29.1%, leading to a 3.6 percentage-point improvement in the adjusted efficiency ratio to 68.5%
 
o
Reported profit for the period down 1.4%; adjusted profit for the period up 13.4% to EUR 2,390 mln, despite higher taxes and loan loss impairments, as a result of a strong performance of the BUs Asia, Latin America and Europe, supported by Global Markets and Transaction Banking
 
o
BU Global Markets profit for the period EUR 730 mln, an increase of 94.1%

 
·
Second quarter operating result increased further
 
o
Reported operating income up 4.6%; adjusted operating income up 3.1%, driven by the BUs Europe and Latin America, supported by further growth in Global Markets and Global Clients
 
o
Reported operating expenses down 4.0%; adjusted operating expenses up 3.5%
 
o
Reported operating result increased 30.9%; adjusted operating result up 2.2% following a strong first quarter
 
o
Antonveneta results below expectations; actions and initiatives reinforced to improve revenue growth

 
·
Well on track to beat the 2007 EPS target of EUR 2.30 on an adjusted basis
 
o
Core tier 1 ratio 6.12% and tier 1 ratio 8.17%, well above the year-end targets of 6% and 8%
 
o
Interim dividend 2007 of EUR 0.58, up 3 cents or 5.5%

Chairman’s statement
“We are well on track to deliver an EPS of at least EUR 2.30 on an adjusted basis as the change in the organisational structure implemented in 2006 created the conditions for improvement in our performance. Further execution of the initiatives set for 2007 (growth, efficiency, and acceleration of action plans) led to a strong second quarter, which was otherwise marked by conditions of uncertainty for ABN AMRO. The improvement has been driven by our strong local client relationships and the commitment of our staff to deliver. The increase in the interim dividend reflects the improvement in the operational performance in the first half as well as some caution for the second half results due to the current corporate uncertainty. We continue to be well on track to deliver our 2007 EPS target.”

(in millions of euros)
 
year to date 
   
quarterly 
 
   
2007
 
 
2006
   
% change
   
% change2
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
% change2
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
   
% change2
 
Total operating income
   
10,653
     
9,461
     
12.6
     
14.2
     
5,446
     
5,207
     
4.6
     
4.2
     
4,830
     
12.8
     
13.1
 
Total operating expenses
   
7,690
     
6,745
     
14.0
     
15.1
     
3,766
     
3,924
      (4.0 )     (4.3 )    
3,466
     
8.7
     
8.4
 
Operating result
   
2,963
     
2,716
     
9.1
     
11.9
     
1,680
     
1,283
     
30.9
     
30.4
     
1,364
     
23.2
     
25.2
 
Loan impairment
   
886
     
720
     
23.1
     
24.1
     
483
     
403
     
19.9
     
17.4
     
400
     
20.8
     
18.3
 
Operating profit before tax
   
2,077
     
1,996
     
4.1
     
7.5
     
1,197
     
880
     
36.0
     
36.3
     
964
     
24.2
     
28.0
 
Net operating profit
   
1,666
     
1,679
      (0.8 )    
3.5
     
946
     
720
     
31.4
     
33.8
     
913
     
3.6
     
10.2
 
Discontinued operations (net)
   
554
     
573
                     
210
     
344
                     
301
                 
Profit for the period
   
2,220
     
2,252
      (1.4 )    
3.8
     
1,156
     
1,064
     
8.6
     
10.8
     
1,214
      (4.8 )    
1.2
 
Net profit attributable to shareholders
   
2,165
     
2,219
      (2.4 )    
2.8
     
1,130
     
1,035
     
9.2
     
11.4
     
1,216
      (7.1 )     (1.1 )
Earnings per share (euros)
   
1.17
     
1.18
      (0.8 )            
0.61
     
0.56
     
8.9
             
0.65
      (6.2 )        
EPS from continuing operations (euros)
   
0.87
     
0.88
      (1.1 )            
0.50
     
0.37
     
35.1
             
0.49
     
2.0
         
                                                                                         
Efficiency ratio
    72.2 %     71.3 %                     69.2 %     75.4 %                     71.8 %                
   
1)  
all figures exclude the consolidation effect of controlled non-financial investments (see annex 2)
2)  
% change at constant foreign exchange rates (see annex 2)
The difference between reported and adjusted figures are gains on disposals (income Q2 06: EUR 208 mln gross and net; discontinued Q1 07: EUR 97 mln gross and net; discontinued Q2 07: EUR (4) mln gross and net; income Q2 07: EUR 77 mln gross, EUR 72 mln net), restructuring charges (expenses Q2 06: EUR 72 mln gross, EUR 55 mln net; discontinued Q2 06: EUR (12) mln gross, EUR (8) mln net), provision for the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation (expenses Q1 07: EUR 365 mln gross, EUR 275 mln net) and transaction-related advisory fees (expenses Q2 07: EUR 81 mln gross, EUR 60 mln net). Please also refer to page 4.

The results of LaSalle are reported as ‘discontinued operations’ in 2006 and 2007. For a further breakdown of the profit from discontinued operations net of tax we refer to Annex 3, note 11.
 

 
Contents:


Letter to the shareholders
page 3
   
   
First half year 2007 analysis
page 5
   
   
Annex 1: Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
page 38
                and Additional Information
 
   
   
Annex 2: Use of non-GAAP financial measures
page 39
   
   
Annex 3: Interim Financial Report
page 41
   
   
Report on review of interim financial information
page 67

2

 
Dear shareholder,

The first half of this year has seen momentous events for ABN AMRO and it is against this backdrop that I am pleased to report the strong operating performance of the Group. In 2006 we implemented changes to the Group’s organisational structure, and we identified 2007 as ‘a year of delivery’. These changes have resulted in improved operational performance in 2007, and the delivery of earnings growth.

These results demonstrate the strengths of our strong local client relationships, the dedication and resilience of our staff, and the robustness of our businesses. At the start of this year we called 2007 ‘a year of delivery’. Delivery is defined as earnings per share of at least EUR 2.30 on an adjusted basis. In the first six months of this year we have delivered reported earnings per share of EUR 1.17 and adjusted earnings per share of EUR 1.26, and we can conclude that we are well on track to deliver at least the EUR 2.30 on an adjusted basis, which we committed to at the start of this year.

The increase in profitability is the result of a significant improvement in the operating performance as delivered on the three key themes of growth, efficiency and the acceleration of the action plan. This performance is underpinned by the breadth and depth of our global banking businesses, which provides an established platform for developing further growth.


1. Growth

The three key growth areas are Brazil, Asia and Italy.

In Brazil we saw a continuation of the benign economic environment and a continuation of declining interest rates, driving strong loan growth. The good performance in Brazil was underpinned by a further improvement in the efficiency ratio, resulting in the BU Latin America being the third largest profit contributor after the BU Netherlands and the BU North America.

In Asia we realised strong operating momentum as profit for the period increased to EUR 224 mln, resulting in a significant contribution to the Group’s profit for the period. We also continued to build our consumer and commercial operations further in selected markets through for instance the acquisition of Prime Bank in Pakistan, one of our focus countries, and further branch openings in India, where we currently have 28 branches. We also received approval for local incorporation in China.

Antonveneta has been part of the Group for a year now. The plans to transform Antonveneta’s consumer bank are well on their way. Most branches have been refurbished, new service concepts such as Preferred Banking will be introduced in the third quarter, and new employees have been recruited. The position of the commercial bank will be further strengthened as we roll out the ABN AMRO product suite. The private bank is being built, with another two branches having recently been opened, bringing the total to nine. The results of the first half of 2007 reflect the time and effort it has taken to rebuild Antonveneta, but the initiatives launched provide us with the comfort that Antonveneta will deliver a strong increase in its operating performance in the second half of 2007.


2. Efficiency

Good progress has been made to reduce the efficiency ratios of the constituent parts of the Group to levels in line with their respective peers.

A return to profitability of the BU Europe has been one of the highest priorities in 2007 and I am very pleased with the progress made in this respect. The BU Europe had its third consecutive quarter of profitability driven by upgraded service to Financial Institutions, a key client group to ABN AMRO, further growth in our successful private investor products, and continued growth in the Eastern European activities. In addition, tight cost control and capital discipline have secured the base for the BU Europe, which is well on track to meet the Group’s targeted return on assigned risk capital.

The steps taken to improve the operational efficiency of the BU North America have successfully been executed. The reduction of the workforce was accelerated and finalised in the second quarter. The early signs of improved efficiency are already visible in the results of BU North America including LaSalle (further details on LaSalle can found in Annex 3, note 11). On 23 April 2007 we announced an agreement to sell LaSalle for USD 21 bln to Bank of America, a decision that was validated by the Supreme Court on 13 July.
 
3

 
This transaction will be consummated once regulatory approval has been granted. The results for LaSalle are therefore reported in discontinued activities.

The BU Netherlands showed further improvement in its efficiency ratio to 65.6% in the first half of 2007, and, despite the current uncertainty surrounding ABN AMRO, delivered a strong net operating result driven by intensified client coverage and improved client satisfaction rates.


3. Acceleration of existing initiatives

The BU Global Markets has delivered an impressive turnaround in terms of both efficiency and profitability. We believe the improvement results from a focus on more value-added structured products and participation choices in terms of product availability and geographic presence. The efficiency ratio of the BU Global Markets of 68.3% is now in line with the Group, and compares favourably with the 90.9% efficiency ratio of 2005, at the end of which the BU Global Markets was created. The BU Global Markets’ operating profit in the first half of 2007 is almost three times that for the full year 2005.

The shift in business mix of the BU Global Clients away from the traditional loan products to fee-driven products, as initiated some years ago, resulted in a clear improvement in the build-up of earnings. Currently, 78% of earnings are from non-interest income, resulting in a higher quality of income and a lower dependence on capital. As a result, the BU Global Clients has achieved a strong improvement in its return on assigned risk capital, and is now meeting its 2007 return target of 20%.

The announced measures to improve the cost efficiency and productivity in Group Functions were expected to affect more than 500 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) members of staff, mainly at head office. The headcount reduction started in the first quarter and we are on track to deliver this reduction.

We continued to divest non-core assets in the first six months of the year as we finalised the sale of the Private Clients activities in Miami and Uruguay. Furthermore, we announced the sale to Mellon Bank N.A. of ABN AMRO's 50% share in ABN AMRO Mellon Global Securities Services B.V., the joint venture company established by ABN AMRO and Mellon in 2003, aimed at providing global custody and related services to institutions outside North America, to Mellon Bank N.A. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2007.

The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) announced on 26 July 2007 that it has lifted its directive regarding compliance deficiencies at ABN AMRO. The Directive, along with the Order to Cease and Desist from the US regulators, was put in place in December 2005. It is gratifying to see the DNB recognising the positive outcome of the steps we have taken across ABN AMRO. We have not only strengthened the compliance environment within the bank but are also building one of the strongest anti-money laundering and compliance organisations in the financial services industry. We are committed to continuing to operate at the forefront of compliance best practice.

The year 2007 will be a year of delivery in many ways. At this point in time the outcome is uncertain, but I have no doubt that the strengths and values of ABN AMRO will provide strong returns to shareholders of ABN AMRO in 2007 and well beyond. We are delivering on our commitment to improve the operating performance of the Group. This improvement to date has been and will be achieved in sometimes difficult times marked by corporate uncertainty, and is driven by the commitment of our staff to deliver, continuing strong local client relationships and resilience of the businesses. I would like to thank all our employees and clients for making more possible.

Yours sincerely,



Rijkman Groenink
 
4

 
Financial summary

ABN AMRO Group
 
(in millions of euros)
 
year to date
   
quarterly
 
   
2007
 
 
2006
   
% change
   
% change2
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
% change2
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
   
% change2
 
Net interest income
   
4,784
     
4,467
     
7.1
     
8.6
     
2,446
     
2,338
     
4.6
     
3.2
     
2,247
     
8.9
     
8.2
 
Net fees and commissions
   
2,872
     
2,602
     
10.4
     
12.4
     
1,504
     
1,368
     
9.9
     
10.1
     
1,310
     
14.8
     
15.8
 
Net trading income
   
1,937
     
1,479
     
31.0
     
31.1
     
938
     
999
      (6.1 )     (5.4 )    
654
     
43.4
     
43.6
 
Results from fin. transactions
   
628
     
320
     
96.3
     
100.9
     
330
     
298
     
10.7
     
11.7
     
229
     
44.1
     
51.4
 
Results from equity holdings
   
138
     
124
     
11.3
     
12.8
     
62
     
76
      (18.4 )     (18.9 )    
74
      (16.2 )     (16.5 )
Other operating income
   
294
     
469
      (37.3 )     (35.9 )    
166
     
128
     
29.7
     
30.5
     
316
      (47.5 )     (46.4 )
Total operating income
   
10,653
     
9,461
     
12.6
     
14.2
     
5,446
     
5,207
     
4.6
     
4.2
     
4,830
     
12.8
     
13.1
 
Total operating expenses
   
7,690
     
6,745
     
14.0
     
15.1
     
3,766
     
3,924
      (4.0 )     (4.3 )    
3,466
     
8.7
     
8.4
 
Operating result
   
2,963
     
2,716
     
9.1
     
11.9
     
1,680
     
1,283
     
30.9
     
30.4
     
1,364
     
23.2
     
25.2
 
Loan impairment
   
886
     
720
     
23.1
     
24.1
     
483
     
403
     
19.9
     
17.4
     
400
     
20.8
     
18.3
 
Operating profit before tax
   
2,077
     
1,996
     
4.1
     
7.5
     
1,197
     
880
     
36.0
     
36.3
     
964
     
24.2
     
28.0
 
Income tax expense
   
411
     
317
     
29.7
     
28.4
     
251
     
160
     
56.9
     
48.0
     
51
                 
Net operating income
   
1,666
     
1,679
      (0.8 )    
3.5
     
946
     
720
     
31.4
     
33.8
     
913
     
3.6
     
10.2
 
Discontinued operations (net)
   
554
     
573
                     
210
     
344
                     
301
                 
Profit for the period
   
2,220
     
2,252
      (1.4 )    
3.8
     
1,156
     
1,064
     
8.6
     
10.8
     
1,214
      (4.8 )    
1.2
 
Net profit attributable to shareholders
   
2,165
     
2,219
      (2.4 )    
2.8
     
1,130
     
1,035
     
9.2
     
11.4
     
1,216
      (7.1 )     (1.1 )
Earnings per share (euros)
   
1.17
     
1.18
      (0.8 )            
0.61
     
0.56
     
8.9
             
0.65
      (6.2 )        
EPS from continuing operations (euros)
   
0.87
     
0.88
      (1.1 )            
0.50
     
0.37
     
35.1
             
0.49
     
2.0
         
Efficiency ratio
    72.2 %     71.3 %                     69.2 %     75.4 %                     71.8 %                
1) all figures exclude the consolidation effect of controlled non-financial investments (see annex 2)      
             
2) % change at constant foreign exchange rates (see annex 2)            
             

 
 
30 Jun 07
 
30 Jun 06
 
% change
         
31 Mar 07
 
% change
     
31 Dec 06
 
% change
     
Staff (FTE) (*)
 
110,324
 
105,608
 
4.5
         
107,819
 
2.3
     
106,999
 
3.1
     
(in billions of euros)
                                             
Total assets (*)
 
1,120.1
 
986.0
 
13.6
         
1,054.6
 
6.2
     
987.1
 
13.5
     
Group capital
 
41.5
 
44.6
 
(7.0
)
 
 
 
 
46.9
 
(11.5
)
 
 
45.1
 
(8.0
)
 
 
Risk-weighted assets (*)
 
294.3
 
300.2
 
(2.0
)
       
283.3
 
3.9
     
280.7
 
4.8
     
(*) Total assets and risk-weighted assets are including discontinued operations. FTE are including LaSalle, however excluding Bouwfonds and AAMG.    
 

Core tier 1 ratio
6.12
%
5.99
%
           
6.25
%
       
6.18
%
       
BIS tier 1 ratio
8.17
%
8.16
%
           
8.44
%
       
8.45
%
       
BIS capital ratio
10.52
%
10.76
%
           
11.30
%
       
11.14
%
       
 
The figures in the press release have not been subject to audit

 
Figures are excluding consolidation effect of controlled non-financial investments, also referred to as private equity investments
 
All figures are stated excluding the consolidation effect of controlled non-financial investments. The consolidation effect is the impact per line item of these investments, which are consolidated under IFRS. We believe that combining the temporary holdings in private equity investments active in different types of business other than our financial business does not provide a meaningful basis for discussion of our financial condition and results of operation. We refer to Annex 2 for a further discussion of the use of these non-GAAP financial measures. We have presented in Annex 2, and investors are encouraged to review, reconciliations of the figures excluding the consolidation of private equity investments and including the consolidation effects of our controlled private equity holdings.
 
Figures at constant foreign exchange rates
 
In addition to the actual growth measures, we have explained variances in terms of ‘constant foreign exchange rates’ or ’local currency’. These variances exclude the effect of currency translation difference. We refer to Annex 2 for a further discussion of the use of these non-GAAP financial measures.
 
Revised interim financial statements
 
This press release includes a set of interim financial statements as required under IFRS. These statements have been included as Annex 3 to this press release and include a consolidated income statement, consolidated balance sheet, a consolidated statement of changes in equity and a consolidated cash flow statement as well as the relevant accompanying notes to these statements.
 
Reporting adjustments
 
For comparison reasons the figures by BU have been adjusted to reflect the following (earlier announced) changes: BU Global Clients is reported in the regions; the International Diamonds & Jewellery Group is included in Group Functions (previously BU Private Clients) and BU Asset Management includes Asset Management France (previously in BU Private Clients).

5


To aid the analysis of the reported figures, we have made adjustments to the reported figures for the following items in 2006 and 2007. The adjusted figures throughout this press release therefore exclude the following items:

Second quarter 2006
Gross (EUR mln)
 
Net (EUR mln)
 
Gain from the sale of K&H (income)
208
 
208
 
Services restructuring charge (expenses)
72
 
55
 
Services restructuring charge (discontinued)
(12)
 
(8)
 
         
First quarter 2007
Gross (EUR mln)
 
Net (EUR mln)
 
Provision for DOJ investigation (expenses)
365
 
275
 
Gain on the sale AAMG (discontinued)
97
 
97
 
         
Second quarter 2007
Gross (EUR mln)
 
Net (EUR mln)
 
Gain on sale of Private Clients Miami (income)
77
 
72
 
Transaction-related advisory fees (expenses)
81
 
60
 
Adjustment to gain on the sale AAMG (discontinued)
(4)
 
(4)
 

Please note that the net operating income of LaSalle is presented as part of ‘results from discontinued operations’ in 2006 and 2007. For a further breakdown of the profit from discontinued operations net of tax, we refer to the Interim Financial Report for the period ended 30 June 2007, note 11, as included in Annex 3.


First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

Operating income
The Group’s operating income increased by 12.6% on the back of increases across all Business Units (BUs) except Group Functions. The regions include the results from the BU Global Clients. Adjusted operating income increased 14.3% as the Group’s main growth engines, the BUs Latin America and Asia, showed significant growth, underpinned by a strong performance in the BUs Global Markets and Global Clients. The broad-based regional client revenue growth is the result of a consistent focus on our strong local relationships across the various regions, combined with our ability to offer a wide and competitive product suite to our mid-market clients. The BU Europe’s EUR 483 mln increase in revenues, for example due to further focus on the Financial Institutions client segment, was particularly noteworthy.

Operating expenses
Operating expenses rose by 14.0%. Adjusted operating expenses increased by 8.6% as higher revenues resulted in higher bonus accruals incurred in the BU Europe and Global Markets. Furthermore, the continued growth of our Asian activities, including new branch openings, resulted in EUR 156 mln higher costs. Excluding bonus accruals, adjusted operating expenses were up only 1.5%, against adjusted revenue growth of 14.3%, reflecting strong cost control as well as further benefits from the Group’s continuing Services programme.

Operating result
The reported improvement in operating result was 9.1%. The adjusted operating result was up 29.1% to EUR 3,332 mln due to an improved performance across all the regional Client BUs, underpinned by further improvement of the operational performance of the BU Global Markets and Transaction Banking. This resulted in an improvement of the adjusted efficiency ratio of 3.6 percentage points to 68.5%.

Loan impairments
Provisions increased EUR 166 mln to EUR 886 mln, EUR 729 mln of which were in the consumer portfolio and EUR 157 mln in the commercial portfolio. The increase was due to further strong growth in the Brazilian high-margin retail and loan portfolios in the BU Latin America, as well as to the reclassification at Antonveneta between loan impairment and net interest income in respect of interest on impaired loans (as announced with the third quarter 2006 results), which was not applied in the first half of 2006.
 
6


 
Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations include the net-of-tax operating results from ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, LaSalle and Bouwfonds non-mortgage.

Profit for the period
The Group’s reported profit for the period decreased by 1.4%. However, the adjusted profit for the period went up by 13.4% to EUR 2,390 mln.

Risk-weighted assets
Continued active capital management, including through securitisations and loan sale, resulted in a EUR 5.9 bln decrease in risk-weighted assets (RWA) to EUR 294.3 bln.
 
Net profit attributable to  
ABN AMRO shareholders
Net profit attributable to shareholders was EUR 2,165 mln. Minority interest went up by EUR 22 mln to EUR 55 mln.

Return on equity
Return on equity for the first half was 17.8%, below the target of 20%. We expect to meet the 20% return on equity target for the full year 2007, including expected book profits on disposals.

Capital ratios
In the first half of 2007, we completed a EUR 1 bln share buy-back programme via the repurchase of 31.6 mln shares. The tier 1 ratio was 8.17%, 1 basis point higher than at 30 June 2006. The core tier 1 ratio was 6.12%, an increase of 13 basis points. The total capital ratio stood at 10.52%, a decrease of 24 basis points.

Dividend
The interim dividend is 5.5% higher at EUR 0.58 and will be payable in cash only. For those shareholders who would like to elect to have the cash dividend invested in stock, ABN AMRO will facilitate the process by buying stock in the open market by means of a Dividend Reinvestment Programme (DRIP). Further details on the DRIP can be found on our website: www.abnamro.com.

Half year update
The results from the BUs Global Markets, Global Clients and Transaction Banking are reported in the regions. In order to track progress against previously communicated targets, please see further disclosure on the BUs Global Clients and Global Markets on pages 34-37.

 
The BU Global Markets’ revenues were up by EUR 596 mln or 28.0% to EUR 2,722 mln, a record first half, due to continued strong growth in all asset and product classes. Tight cost control resulted in a market-leading 8.1 percentage-point improvement in the efficiency ratio for the first half 2007 to 68.3%, excluding the Services restructuring charge in 2006. The ratio is in line with the Group’s efficiency ratio, and an overall contribution to the profit for the period of the Group of 30.6% in the first six months.

 
The BU Global Clients’ revenues increased by EUR 343 mln or 29.4%, outpacing market growth, a very strong performance driven by strong client relationships, which resulted in many cross-border transactions. Good cost control resulted in an operating result that more than doubled and a return on assigned risk capital above the target set for 2007.

 
Transaction Banking was one of the main drivers behind the growth in operating result and profit for the period of the Group. The growth in Transaction Banking product revenues reflects client confidence in our Payments and Trade business. This has allowed us to close a number of large, multi-year deals around the world, creating good revenue growth while keeping costs flat. We continue to win major awards for innovation, due to our focus on building client-driven solutions that address our clients’ working capital needs.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

Operating income
Total operating income grew by EUR 239 mln or 4.6%. Adjusted operating income increased 3.1%, due to further growth in the BUs Latin America, Europe,
 
7


 
Asia, and Private Equity, partly offset by a EUR 209 mln decline in Group Functions and disappointing revenues at Antonveneta. The BU Latin America increased revenues by 13.2%, mainly on the back of continued strong growth in the Brazilian retail loan portfolio at improved margins. Revenue growth in the BU Europe was driven by a further increase in client activity in Global Markets products. The BU Asia grew its revenues by 7.9%, driven by strong Global Markets, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and equity capital markets (ECM) revenues. Group Functions revenues declined due to lower Asset and Liability Management (ALM) and proprietary trading results. The revenue growth expected at Antonveneta did not materialise.
 
Operating expenses
Total operating expenses were 4.0% lower. Adjusted operating expenses rose 3.5%. This increase was driven by higher personnel costs (including bonus accruals).

Operating result
The operating result increased 30.9% on a reported basis. The adjusted operating result increased 2.2% following a very strong first quarter, due to healthy increases in the operating result in the BUs Latin America, Asia, Europe, Global Clients and Global Markets, partly offset by a lower result in Group Functions. The adjusted efficiency ratio remained almost unchanged at 68.6%.

Loan impairments
The provisioning level for the Group increased by EUR 80 mln due to continued growth of the high-margin Brazilian retail and consumer loan portfolios in the BU Latin America.

Taxes
The effective tax rate of continuing activities was 21.0% compared with 18.2% in the previous quarter.

Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations included the net-of-tax operating results from ABN AMRO Mortgage Group and LaSalle.

Profit for the period
The reported profit for the period was up by 8.6%. Adjusted profit for the period was down by 7.6% due to a higher tax rate, higher provisions, and a slightly lower contribution from LaSalle.

Return on equity
Return on equity for the second quarter was 18.4%.

Risk-weighted assets
As at 30 June 2007, the Group’s RWA increased by EUR 11.0 bln to EUR 294.3 bln as a result of increases in the BU Netherlands and Group Functions.


Recent developments

Department of Justice investigation

As previously disclosed, the United States Department of Justice has been conducting a criminal investigation into the Bank’s dollar clearing activities, OFAC compliance procedures and other Bank Secrecy Act compliance matters. The Bank has cooperated and continues to cooperate fully with the investigation. Although no written agreement has yet been reached and negotiations are ongoing, the Bank has reached an agreement in principle with the Department of Justice that would resolve all presently known aspects of the ongoing investigation.

Under the terms of the agreement in principle, the Bank and the United States would enter into a deferred prosecution agreement relating to the issues that are the subject of the current criminal investigation. In the deferred prosecution agreement, the Bank would waive indictment and agree to the filing of an information in the United States District Court charging it with certain violations of federal law based on information disclosed in an agreed factual statement. The Bank would also agree to continue cooperating in the United States’ ongoing investigation and to settle all known civil and criminal claims currently held by the United States for the sum of USD 500 mln. The precise terms of the deferred prosecution agreement are still under negotiation.
 
8

 
In consideration for the foregoing provisions, as well as the Bank’s extensive remedial actions to date and its willingness to demonstrate future good conduct and full compliance with all applicable federal laws, the United States would recommend to the United States District Court that the prosecution of the Bank under the information be deferred for a fixed period. At the end of that fixed period, provided the Bank is in full compliance with all of its obligations under the deferred prosecution agreement, the United States would seek dismissal with prejudice of the information filed against the Bank. The precise terms of the deferred prosecution agreement and agreed factual statement are still under negotiation.


Recent developments related to the offers for ABN AMRO

On 30 May 2007, ABN AMRO acknowledged receipt of the proposed offer made by Fortis, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Santander (the Consortium), details of which have been published on 29 May 2007 by the Consortium. In response to the announcement by the Consortium, the Supervisory Board formed a Transaction Committee (the Transaction Committee) composed of the members of the Special Committee, being Arthur Martinez, chairman of the Supervisory Board, André Olijslager, vice-chairman of the Supervisory Board, and Rob van den Bergh. The Transaction Committee will liaise with the Managing Board and key staff and advisers of the bank on an ongoing basis on all matters with respect to the recommended offer by Barclays PLC (Barclays) for ABN AMRO as announced on 23 April 2007 and with respect to the proposed offer as announced on 29 May 2007 by the Consortium.

On 2 July 2007, it was announced that in their announcement of 23 May 2007, Barclays and ABN AMRO had indicated that Barclays' Offer Documentation would be published in July, subject to the satisfaction of all pre-conditions specified in the original press release dated 23 April 2007. Good progress continued to be made in relation to the pre-conditions, documentation and regulatory change of control approvals. Since the regulatory review processes relating to the documentation were not yet completed, the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) agreed an extension so that an announcement on the availability of the formal Offer Documentation could take place on or before 23 July 2007. On 19 July 2007, Barclays announced that the AFM had agreed a further extension so that an announcement on the formal offer documentation being available can be made on or before 6 August 2007.

On 13 July 2007, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled in respect of ABN AMRO's appeal against the provisional injunction imposed by the Enterprise Chamber on 3 May 2007 restraining ABN AMRO from completing the sale of LaSalle to Bank of America without approval of its shareholders. The ruling of the Supreme Court confirmed that the sale of LaSalle is not subject to the approval of ABN AMRO shareholders. This transaction will be consummated once regulatory approval has been granted.

On 18 July 2007, ABN AMRO acknowledged that it had received a revised proposed offer from the Consortium, which it would discuss with representatives of the Consortium. Under the terms of the Merger Protocol dated 23 April 2007, ABN AMRO would also discuss with Barclays their offer and the implications of the Consortium's revised proposed offer. ABN AMRO confirmed that its Managing and Supervisory Boards will act in the best interests of all stakeholders, including shareholders, and will assess the proposed offers in a fair and transparent manner. ABN AMRO also confirmed that it has no intention of making any major asset disposals at the current time.

On 20 July 2007, the Managing Board of ABN AMRO confirmed it had received advice from the Dutch Central Works Council and the opinion of the European Staff Council regarding the proposed merger with Barclays. In accordance to the legal limitations of its mandate, the advice of the Dutch Works Council is restricted to the local jurisdiction of the Netherlands. The advice is positive. The European Staff Council had been asked to provide an opinion on the proposed merger with Barclays in so far as it would impact activities in Europe. The opinion of the European Staff Council is also positive.

On 23 July 2007, ABN AMRO confirmed that it had received a proposal for a revised offer from Barclays (the Revised Barclays Offer) and noted that the Consortium had formally launched its offer for ABN AMRO. The Revised Barclays Offer includes amended offer terms and has introduced a significant cash element, together with a mix-and-match alternative. The proposed strategic cooperation between Barclays and China Development Bank further enhances the growth opportunities of the combined group in the attractive Asian market and can result in creation of additional long-term value for ABN AMRO shareholders. ABN AMRO welcomed the opportunity for shareholders to consider two competing proposals on a level playing field. As announced previously, ABN AMRO confirmed that its Managing and Supervisory Boards will act in the best interests of all stakeholders, including shareholders, and will assess both offers in a fair and transparent manner.

9


Other recent developments

On 8 June 2007, ABN AMRO won the Financial Times Sustainable Bank of the Year award for achieving world-class standards in sustainable banking. In addition to this overall award, ABN AMRO India won the global Emerging Markets Sustainable Bank of the Year award for its leadership role in India. ABN AMRO formalised its drive for sustainable development about ten years ago, in recognition of the fact that a wide range of global issues shape our societal and business environment. These include climate change, energy and fresh water constraints, poverty, environmental degradation and respect for human rights. These are issues that raise many challenges and opportunities, not just for society at large, but also for our organisation, employees, clients, shareholders, suppliers and the environment. In addition, ABN AMRO announced its intention to become carbon neutral by the end of next year.

On 8 June 2007, ABN AMRO announced that it would acquire the branch network of Taitung Business Bank in Taiwan following a government auction. The acquisition will add significant scale to ABN AMRO’s Taiwan franchise where it is already a top-three foreign bank. Under the terms of the sale, ABN AMRO is entitled to relocate the majority of 32 branches to prime locations for its mass affluent and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) client base, allowing tailoring to fit the bank's mid-market strategy. After closure of the acquisition, the total number of branches in Taiwan will be 37.

On 15 June 2007, ABN AMRO announced that its share buy-back programme of EUR 1 bln had been completed. A total number of 31,646,434 shares were bought at an average price of EUR 31.60. The share buy-back programme was announced on 8 February 2007 and started on 12 February 2007. As stated previously, ABN AMRO will continue to neutralise the 2006 final stock dividend. As announced on 26 April 2007, all dividend payments will be in cash as from the interim dividend 2007.
 
On 3 July 2007, ABN AMRO inaugurated ABN AMRO Bank (China) Co., Ltd, the locally incorporated entity of the bank in China, headquartered in Shanghai, after having recently received approval from the China Banking Regulatory Commission for local incorporation in China. This will facilitate ABN AMRO’s ambitious growth and expansion plans into renminbi (RMB)-denominated banking services in China. To support this growth, ABN AMRO has more than tripled its registered share capital to RMB 4 bln from RMB 1.3 bln.

On 5 July 2007, it was announced that Mellon Bank N.A. (Mellon) had agreed to purchase ABN AMRO's 50% share in ABN AMRO Mellon Global Securities Services B.V., the joint venture company established by ABN AMRO and Mellon in 2003 aimed at providing global custody and related services to institutions outside North America. The transaction – which is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory and other approvals – is expected to close during the third quarter 2007.

ABN AMRO continues to be engaged in the Bank Secrecy Act compliance issues and related written agreement described in previous press releases. Investigations have had, and will continue to have, an impact on ABN AMRO’s operations in the US, including procedural limitations on expansion and the powers otherwise exercisable as a financial holding company. Regarding this matter the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) announced on 26 July 2007 that, based on the result of its validation of all of ABN AMRO's actions taken in respect of DNB's Order of 19 December 2005, ABN AMRO has complied with the directive as well as with its obligations under the Financial Services Act. Therefore the directive is terminated with immediate effect. Further progress and implementation of ABN AMRO's actions will be monitored in the course of DNB's regular supervisory processes.
 
10

 
The BU Netherlands
 
(in millions of euros)
 
   year to date   
   
      quarterly      
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
 
Net interest income
   
1,730
     
1,609
     
7.5
     
892
     
838
     
6.4
     
812
     
9.9
 
Net fees and commissions
   
499
     
486
     
2.7
     
242
     
257
      (5.8 )    
216
     
12.0
 
Net trading income
   
360
     
360
     
0.0
     
170
     
190
      (10.5 )    
184
      (7.6 )
Other operating income
   
112
     
138
      (18.8 )    
37
     
75
      (50.7 )    
98
      (62.2 )
Total operating income
   
2,701
     
2,593
     
4.2
     
1,341
     
1,360
      (1.4 )    
1,310
     
2.4
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,773
     
1,767
     
0.3
     
902
     
871
     
3.6
     
917
      (1.6 )
Operating result
   
928
     
826
     
12.3
     
439
     
489
      (10.2 )    
393
     
11.7
 
Loan impairment
   
206
     
176
     
17.0
     
101
     
105
      (3.8 )    
91
     
11.0
 
Operating profit before tax
   
722
     
650
     
11.1
     
338
     
384
      (12.0 )    
302
     
11.9
 
Income tax expense
   
154
     
146
     
5.5
     
69
     
85
      (18.8 )    
62
     
11.3
 
Net operating income
   
568
     
504
     
12.7
     
269
     
299
      (10.0 )    
240
     
12.1
 
Discontinued operations (net)
   
2
     
91
             
2
     
0
             
41
         
Profit for the period
   
570
     
595
      (4.2 )    
271
     
299
      (9.4 )    
281
      (3.6 )
                                                                 
Efficiency ratio
    65.6 %     68.1 %             67.3 %     64.0 %             70.0 %        

   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
           
31 Mar 07
   
% change
   
31 Dec 06
   
% change
 
Staff (FTE)
   
22,515
     
22,609
      (0.4 )            
22,317
     
0.9
     
22,213
     
1.4
 
(in billions of euros)
                                                               
Total assets
   
215.8
     
189.8
     
13.7
             
204.7
     
5.4
     
206.3
     
4.6
 
Risk-weighted assets
   
90.0
     
79.2
     
13.6
             
86.8
     
3.7
     
81.2
     
10.8
 

Note: staff, total assets and risk-weighted assets are based on 'continuing operations'
 
As of 1 January 2007 the BU Netherlands (BU NL) includes the Global Clients Netherlands activities. The 2006 results have been restated accordingly.

First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

·
Total operating income grew by 4.2% to EUR 2,701 mln. This increase came on the back of a substantial increase in net interest income in the consumer and commercial client businesses, ALM transactions, as well as a solid contribution from Global Markets on the back of improved market conditions and organic growth, partly offset by a lower contribution from Global Clients Netherlands.

 
The liability side drove the 7.5% increase in net interest income. Consumer savings volumes grew by 1.6% with market share remaining stable above 20%, while commercial savings volumes went up by 8.1%. Margins on consumer and commercial savings products also improved.

 
Solid economic expansion helped drive healthy loan growth, with average loan volumes for the consumer and commercial client business increasing by 5.9%. Double-digit volume growth in commercial loans (including current accounts) was partly offset by lower margins as a result of the increased cost of funding. Consumer loan volumes were slightly lower, with margins under pressure in an increasingly competitive market. The market share in consumer loans, excluding mortgages, fell back slightly to just below 25%.

 
The mortgage portfolio increased by 4.5% to EUR 81 bln. The overall mortgage market in the Netherlands is contracting as a result of the stagnation in the number of building permits for housing, as well as rising mortgage interest rates. The impact of the housing transactions trend is partly offset by the size of the average mortgage amount, which reflects the increase in average house prices of approximately 6% year-on-year. Rising mortgage rates drove a decline in refinancings. Despite continued intense competition, ABN AMRO’s market share in new mortgage production improved from 11.8% to 13.1%. This gain came on the back of the successful launch of the Florius label, which is aimed at the independent broker channel. Margins on the mortgage portfolio remained under pressure.

 
The contribution from Global Clients was slightly lower as the results of the first half of 2006 had benefited from a number of large transactions that did not recur in the first half of 2007.

·
Total operating expenses were stable at EUR 1,773 mln. Excluding the Services restructuring charge in 2006 of EUR 34 mln (EUR 25 mln net), total operating expenses increased by 2.3%, well below the increase in operating income. This good expense control reflects management’s continued focus on costs, in the face of the impact of the new collective labour agreement (CLA) and higher performance-related bonuses.
 
11

 
·
The operating result increased by 12.3% to EUR 928 mln and the efficiency ratio improved by 2.5 percentage points to 65.6%. Excluding the Services restructuring charge in 2006, the increase in operating result was 8.0%, and the efficiency ratio improved by 1.2 percentage points.

·
Provisions increased by 17.0% to EUR 206 mln, or 48 basis points of average RWA. This increase was mainly due to two substantial additions in the corporate clients portfolio. Provisions in the consumer portfolios decreased.

·
Net operating profit increased by 12.7% to EUR 568 mln.

·
Discontinued operations (net) included the first half 2006 results of Bouwfonds non-mortgage, the sale of which was finalised in the fourth quarter of 2006.

·
RWA increased by 13.6% to EUR 90.0 bln, mainly due to organic growth of the loan and mortgage portfolios as well as the reallocation of existing RWA relief programmes to the Group.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

·
Total operating income decreased by 1.4% to EUR 1,341 mln, with good growth in net interest income being offset by a decline in non-interest income. Client satisfaction in the BU NL improved.

Net interest income grew by 6.4% to EUR 892 mln, driven by growth in loan volumes and deposit balances at overall stable margins and ALM transactions. Although commercial loans saw volume growth and lower margins, the inverse took place in consumer loans. Savings volumes, on the business as well as the retail side, saw continued growth at slightly better margins.

Non-interest income declined mainly due to lower advisory fees in Global Clients Netherlands, as well as a somewhat lower contribution from Global Markets mainly due to lower volatility in the equity markets.

Mortgages showed a 13.7% increase in new production on the back of the successful introduction of the Florius brand. However, margins remained under pressure.

·
Total operating expenses increased by 3.6% to EUR 902 mln mainly as a result of the impact of the new CLA and new marketing campaigns.

·
The operating result declined by 10.2% to EUR 439 mln and the efficiency ratio increased by 3.3 percentage points to 67.3%.

·
Provisions decreased by 3.8% to EUR 101 mln, as an increase in the corporate clients portfolio was offset by lower Incurred But Not Identified (IBNI) provisions. Delinquencies in the consumer portfolio continued to decrease. Expressed as a percentage of average RWA, provisions decreased by 4 basis points to 46 basis points of average RWA. For the second half of 2007, provisions are expected to decline from the level seen in the first half.

·
The effective tax rate for the BU NL was down by 1.7 percentage points to 20.4%.

·
Net operating profit declined by 10.0% to EUR 269 mln.
 
12

 
The BU Europe including Antonveneta
 
(in millions of euros)
 
   year to date   
   
      quarterly      
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
 
Net interest income
   
920
     
767
     
19.9
     
476
     
444
     
7.2
     
399
     
19.3
 
Net fees and commissions
   
543
     
672
      (19.2 )    
265
     
278
      (4.7 )    
386
      (31.3 )
Net trading income
   
1,069
     
539
     
98.3
     
553
     
516
     
7.2
     
150
         
Results from fin. transactions
   
32
     
40
      (20.0 )    
19
     
13
     
46.2
     
72
      (73.6 )
Results from equity holdings
   
4
     
0
             
3
     
1
             
0
         
Other operating income
   
39
     
47
      (17.0 )    
21
     
18
     
16.7
     
20
     
5.0
 
Total operating income
   
2,607
     
2,065
     
26.2
     
1,337
     
1,270
     
5.3
     
1,027
     
30.2
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,956
     
1,829
     
6.9
     
991
     
965
     
2.7
     
964
     
2.8
 
Operating result
   
651
     
236
     
175.8
     
346
     
305
     
13.4
     
63
         
Loan impairment
   
163
     
55
     
196.4
     
92
     
71
     
29.6
     
23
         
Operating profit before tax
   
488
     
181
     
169.6
     
254
     
234
     
8.5
     
40
         
Income tax expense
   
128
     
156
      (17.9 )    
82
     
46
     
78.3
     
86
      (4.7 )
Profit for the period
   
360
     
25
             
172
     
188
      (8.5 )     (46 )        
                                                                 
Efficiency ratio
    75.0 %     88.6 %             74.1 %     76.0 %             93.9 %        

   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
     
31 Mar 07
   
% change
   
31 Dec 06
   
% change
 
Staff (FTE)
   
18,459
     
17,959
     
2.8
       
18,204
     
1.4
     
18,067
     
2.2
 
                                                           
(in billions of euros)
                                                         
Total assets
   
504.8
     
403.4
     
25.1
       
470.4
     
7.3
     
402.8
     
25.3
 
Risk-weighted assets
   
73.5
     
73.8
      (0.4 )      
75.5
      (2.6 )    
73.8
      (0.4 )
 
In order to facilitate the analysis, we have split the BU Europe into two parts: the BU Europe excluding Antonveneta, and Antonveneta.

The BU Europe excluding Antonveneta
 
(in millions of euros)
 
   year to date   
   
      quarterly      
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
 
Net interest income
   
289
     
235
     
23.0
     
164
     
125
     
31.2
     
126
     
30.2
 
Net fees and commissions
   
280
     
381
      (26.5 )    
137
     
143
      (4.2 )    
244
      (43.9 )
Net trading income
   
1,023
     
501
     
104.2
     
527
     
496
     
6.3
     
130
         
Results from fin. transactions
   
20
     
17
     
17.6
     
22
      (2 )            
51
      (56.9 )
Results from equity holdings
   
5
     
0
             
4
     
1
             
0
         
Other operating income
   
0
     
0
             
3
      (3 )             (4 )        
Total operating income
   
1,617
     
1,134
     
42.6
     
857
     
760
     
12.8
     
547
     
56.7
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,323
     
1,184
     
11.7
     
693
     
630
     
10.0
     
634
     
9.3
 
Operating result
   
294
      (50 )            
164
     
130
     
26.2
      (87 )        
Loan impairment
   
3
      (2 )            
10
      (7 )             (2 )        
Operating profit before tax
   
291
      (48 )            
154
     
137
     
12.4
      (85 )        
Income tax expense
   
48
     
23
     
108.7
     
42
     
6
             
4
         
Profit for the period
   
243
      (71 )            
112
     
131
      (14.5 )     (89 )        
                                                                 
Efficiency ratio
    81.8 %     104.4 %             80.9 %     82.9 %             115.9 %        

   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
     
31 Mar 07
   
% change
   
31 Dec 06
   
% change
 
Staff (FTE)
   
8,916
     
8,245
     
8.1
       
8,793
     
1.4
     
8,460
     
5.4
 
                                                           
(in billions of euros)
                                                         
Total assets
   
450.4
     
354.7
     
27.0
       
416.9
     
8.0
     
351.3
     
28.2
 
Risk-weighted assets
   
32.7
     
35.8
      (8.7 )      
34.5
      (5.2 )    
33.7
      (3.0 )
 
As of 1 January 2007, the BU Europe included the Global Clients Europe activities. The 2006 results have been restated accordingly.


First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

·
Total operating income increased by 42.6% as revenues benefited from strong client revenue growth across Corporates and Financial Institutions sectors and a strong performance across all products. The largest growth driver for Corporates and Financial Institutions revenues were record Structured Finance product revenues.

Financial Institutions also benefited from increased Equities and private investment products (PIP) revenues (particularly in Germany and Switzerland). Strong revenues, in particular from volatility products, supported Equities’ improved performance in the first half 2007. Equities was ranked highly in
 
13

 
the Thomson Extel Pan-European survey in the first half 2007, and was voted the top house for pan-European Economics for the fifth consecutive year.

Increased Financial Markets and M&A revenues also contributed to the growing momentum of the client franchise.

A significant increase in Transaction Banking revenues for Corporates was supported by new product initiatives in Western Europe and continued expansion of our Eastern European franchise.

Key deals included high-profile mandates such as the EUR 2.5 bln merger between NYSE and Euronext, in which we acted as financial and strategic adviser to Euronext. We were sole financial adviser and broker, and joint bookrunner, for Iberdrola in their EUR 17.1 bln public offer for Scottish Power. We were lead manager of the GBP 396 mln Peterborough PFI transaction in the UK, capitalising on our innovative structuring capabilities. We were also financial adviser to Unibail Holding on their EUR 28.5 bln cross-border merger with Rodamco Europe, which created the largest network of prime shopping centres across Europe.

·
Total operating expenses increased by 11.7%. Excluding the 2006 Services restructuring charge of EUR 46 mln (EUR 35 mln net), operating expenses increased by 16.3%. This was attributable to higher bonus accruals reflecting the significant increase in revenues. In the first half of 2007, the number of FTEs increased compared with the first half of 2006 due to the inclusion of Risk, Audit and Compliance FTEs that were previously reported in Group Functions. This did not result in additional costs.

·
The operating result increased by EUR 344 mln to a positive result of EUR 294 mln. Excluding the Services restructuring charge, the operating result increased by EUR 298 mln. This resulted in an efficiency ratio of 81.8%, an improvement of 18.6 percentage points.

·
Provisions totalled EUR 3 mln in the first half 2007, compared with a net provision release of EUR 2 mln in the first half of 2006.

·
The first-half 2007 effective tax rate was 16.5%. This relatively low tax rate was due to tax credits realised in the first half of 2007, and is not deemed sustainable.

·
Profit for period increased by EUR 314 mln to a profit of EUR 243 mln. Excluding the Services restructuring charge, profit for the period increased by EUR 279 mln.

·
Focus on tight capital discipline, including participation in Group-wide securitisation programmes and asset sales, resulted in an 8.7% decrease in RWA.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

·
Total operating income increased by 12.8% due to increased client flows and a further increase across all products.
 
Total client revenues in the BU Europe grew compared with the first quarter, with Corporates revenues growing significantly due to increased Structured Finance, Equities and M&A revenues.
 
Financial Institutions revenues also grew on the back of increased Structured Finance and Equities revenues, with continued growth of the institutional derivatives business. These offset a weakened performance in Financial Markets due to a shift in market conditions.

Transaction Banking revenues increased for both Financial Institutions and Corporates largely due to the strong growth achieved through our continued focus on Eastern European markets, in particular Russia, Romania, Poland and Kazakhstan.

Key deals included the first Romanian leu-denominated bond issue from the European Investment Bank and acting as sole financial adviser to Alcatel-Lucent on the EUR 1.7 bln contribution of transport, security and satellite divisions to Thales.

·
Total operating expenses increased by 10.0% mainly due to higher bonus accruals following the strong increase in revenues.
 
14

 
·
The operating result improved by 26.2% to EUR 164 mln, and the efficiency ratio improved by 2 percentage points to 80.9%.

·
Provisions were EUR 10 mln, compared with a EUR 7 mln provision release in the first quarter. This reflected the trend in the credit cycle. Although credit quality is expected to remain strong, the current low provisioning level is not deemed sustainable over the longer term.

·
Although the BU Europe benefited from tax credits in both the first and second quarter of 2007, the net impact of these was less pronounced in the second quarter. The effective tax rate increased by 22.9 percentage points to 27.3%.

·
Profit for the period decreased by EUR 19 mln to a profit of EUR 112 mln, as a result of the higher tax credit received in the first quarter 2007.

·
RWA decreased by 5.2% due to strong capital management.

The BU Europe is expected to maintain strong client revenue momentum in the second half of 2007. However, it is not expected that the BU Europe’s first half exceptional performance will be fully replicated in the second half, partly due to the current corporate uncertainty, and also because tax credits in the first half of 2007 are not expected to recur in the second half. The BU Europe is already profitable, in line with its full-year commitments.


About the BU Europe

The BU Europe serves three client bases, corporates and financial institutions, which account for 98% of operating income, and consumer clients. The BU Europe also includes a large part of the BU Global Markets infrastructure and approximately 75% of the BU Europe’s first half 2007 revenues were Global Markets products. Overall results have therefore been, and will continue to be, impacted by market volatility going forward.

The BU Europe continues to focus on accelerating the growth of the client franchise. Increased Structured Finance, Equities and M&A revenues all show that this strategy is bearing fruit. Strong client revenues in all products are supported by areas of particular excellence. These include the PIP franchise in Germany and Switzerland, and ABN AMRO’s leading record in sustainability, which is driven by new products such as the eco-markets business.

The BU Europe continues to invest in the dynamic economies of Eastern Europe. A new branch has been opened in Slovakia to meet strong client demand for local support. Our presence in Poland and Turkey has also grown to improve our client service and competitive advantage by providing global excellence combined with local intimacy. The consumer banking franchise in Kazakhstan and Romania is expanding, building on our offering to emerging and mass affluent clients. Overall, this has helped the increased revenue contribution from the European network outside the UK, compared with 2006.
 
15

 
Antonveneta
 
(in millions of euros)
 
   year to date   
   
      quarterly      
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
 
Net interest income
   
631
     
532
     
18.6
     
312
     
319
      (2.2 )    
273
     
14.3
 
Net fees and commissions
   
263
     
291
      (9.6 )    
128
     
135
      (5.2 )    
142
      (9.9 )
Net trading income
   
46
     
38
     
21.1
     
26
     
20
     
30.0
     
20
     
30.0
 
Results from fin. transactions
   
12
     
23
      (47.8 )     (3 )    
15
             
21
         
Results from equity holdings
    (1 )    
0
              (1 )    
0
             
0
         
Other operating income
   
39
     
47
      (17.0 )    
18
     
21
      (14.3 )    
24
      (25.0 )
Total operating income
   
990
     
931
     
6.3
     
480
     
510
      (5.9 )    
480
     
0.0
 
Total operating expenses
   
633
     
645
      (1.9 )    
298
     
335
      (11.0 )    
330
      (9.7 )
Operating result
   
357
     
286
     
24.8
     
182
     
175
     
4.0
     
150
     
21.3
 
Loan impairment
   
160
     
57
     
180.7
     
82
     
78
     
5.1
     
25
         
Operating profit before tax
   
197
     
229
      (14.0 )    
100
     
97
     
3.1
     
125
      (20.0 )
Income tax expense
   
80
     
133
      (39.8 )    
40
     
40
     
0.0
     
82
      (51.2 )
Profit for the period
   
117
     
96
     
21.9
     
60
     
57
     
5.3
     
43
     
39.5
 
                                                                 
Efficiency ratio
    63.9 %     69.3 %             62.1 %     65.7 %             68.8 %        
                                                   
   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
           
31 Mar 07
   
% change
   
31 Dec 06
   
% change
 
Staff (FTE)
   
9,543
     
9,714
      (1.8 )            
9,411
     
1.4
     
9,607
      (0.7 )
                                                                 
(in billions of euros)
                                                               
Total assets
   
54.4
     
48.7
     
11.7
             
53.5
     
1.7
     
51.5
     
5.6
 
 
Antonveneta stand-alone

(in millions of euros)
 
   year to date   
   
      quarterly      
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
 
Net interest income
   
637
     
572
     
11.4
     
315
     
322
      (2.2 )    
290
     
8.6
 
Net fees and commissions
   
263
     
291
      (9.6 )    
128
     
135
      (5.2 )    
142
      (9.9 )
Net trading income
   
46
     
38
     
21.1
     
26
     
20
     
30.0
     
20
     
30.0
 
Results from fin. transactions
   
26
     
43
      (39.5 )     (2 )    
28
             
40
         
Results from equity holdings
    (1 )    
0
              (1 )    
0
             
0
         
Other operating income
   
39
     
47
      (17.0 )    
18
     
21
      (14.3 )    
24
      (25.0 )
Total operating income
   
1,010
     
991
     
1.9
     
484
     
526
      (8.0 )    
516
      (6.2 )
Total operating expenses
   
589
     
556
     
5.9
     
299
     
290
     
3.1
     
287
     
4.2
 
Operating result
   
421
     
435
      (3.2 )    
185
     
236
      (21.6 )    
229
      (19.2 )
Loan impairment
   
160
     
57
     
180.7
     
82
     
78
     
5.1
     
25
         
Operating profit before tax
   
261
     
378
      (31.0 )    
103
     
158
      (34.8 )    
204
      (49.5 )
Income tax expense
   
109
     
187
      (41.7 )    
46
     
63
      (27.0 )    
109
      (57.8 )
Profit for the period
   
152
     
191
      (20.4 )    
57
     
95
      (40.0 )    
95
      (40.0 )
                                                                 
Efficiency ratio
    58.3 %     56.1 %             61.8 %     55.1 %             55.6 %        
 
The results in the Antonveneta table at the top of the page are the reported results as included in the consolidation of the bank. These results include the impact of purchase accounting on the Antonveneta stand-alone results as presented in the table directly above. Please note that the purchase accounting impacts result from the valuation of intangible assets (amounting to EUR 1,194 mln) and fair-value adjustments of principally financial assets and liabilities. The intangible assets are amortised over a period of approximately eight years under operating expenses. The fair-value adjustments are substantially amortised through net interest income over a period ranging from one to eight years dependent on the duration of the respective assets and liabilities and/or adjusted realised gains on sales of related assets and liabilities.
 

The analysis below is based on results of Antonveneta on a stand-alone basis.

First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

·
Total operating income increased by 1.9% to EUR 1,010 mln as a result of a EUR 65 mln increase in net interest income.

The increase in net interest income was partly due to a EUR 41 mln reclassification between loan impairment and net interest income in respect of interest on impaired loans (as announced with the third quarter 2006 results, due to an alignment of accounting principles), which was not applied in the first half of 2006. Overall lending volumes remained stable, while mortgage revenues increased.

Net fees and commissions were down by EUR 28 mln as fees were aligned to market rates and margins on investment products were lowered slightly, and are expected to drive volume growth going forward.
 
16


 
Results from financial transactions were down by EUR 17 mln, despite a EUR 22 mln gain on the sale of part of the Italease stake in the first half of 2007, driven by a EUR 15 mln negative revaluation of the investment portfolio and higher than average capital gains realised in 2006. Excluding the reclassification effect, the gain on the sale of a stake in Italease, and the investment portfolio revaluation, total operating income was down 2.9%. Operating income is expected to accelerate in the second half of 2007.

·
Total operating expenses were up 5.9% to EUR 589 mln, partly due to a EUR 18 mln increase in integration costs. Personnel costs remained stable. A changed Italian law led to a change in the methodology for provisioning for post employment benefits, resulting in a EUR 17 mln release.

·
The operating result decreased by 3.2% to EUR 421 mln resulting in an efficiency ratio of 58.3%, a 2.2 percentage-point increase. Excluding the reclassification effect, the integration costs, the post employment benefits release, and the investment portfolio revaluation, the operating result was down by 14.0%.

·
Provisions increased by EUR 103 mln to EUR 160 mln. Excluding the reclassification and a EUR 46 mln release of IBNI recorded in 2006, provisions increased by EUR 16 mln.

·
Profit for the period decreased by EUR 39 mln to EUR 152 mln.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

·
Total operating income decreased by EUR 42 mln to EUR 484 mln mainly due to a decrease in results from financial transactions on the back of a EUR 22 mln gain on the sale of the Italease stake booked in the first quarter and a negative EUR 15 mln revaluation of the investment portfolio.

Net interest income declined by EUR 7 mln as a new client account with lower margins was introduced and because spreads tightened. Excluding the gain on the sale of the Italease stake in the first quarter and the revaluation of the investment portfolio, total operating income was almost stable.

·
Total operating expenses were up by 3.1%, mainly due to an increase in compliance and control costs as well as investments in new initiatives. A EUR 17 mln post employment benefits release resulted in a decrease in personnel costs. Excluding the post employment benefits release, operating expenses went up by 9.0%.

·
The operating result decreased by 21.6% to EUR 185 mln. Excluding the gain on the sale of a stake in Italease, the post employment benefits release, and the negative investment portfolio revaluation, the operating result was down 14.5%.

·
Provisions increased by EUR 4 mln to EUR 82 mln. A new credit approval process is expected to generate a lower provisioning level in the second part of the year.

·
Profit for the period was down by EUR 38 mln to EUR 57 mln.


Further investments made in the client base and actions taken to attract new customers have not yet resulted in an expected pick-up in revenues and therefore it is uncertain whether Antonveneta will meet the stated EUR 500 mln profit for the period on a stand-alone basis. However, the profit for the period is expected to be higher than the 2006 full year stand-alone profit of EUR 413 mln. The initiatives undertaken are expected to result in a significant improvement of the operating performance in the second half of the year. The initiatives taken are:

In the consumer bank:
·
Increase staffing levels in understaffed branches (300 hirings made in first half)
·
Further grow our exposure in consumer credit products and mortgages
·
Start a campaign to sell Antonveneta products (consumer credit products, insurance) through third-party channels
·
Introduce new, successful Global Markets and Asset Management products
 
17

 
In the commercial bank:
·
Re-price corporate loans in order to drive volume growth and increased penetration
·
Increase the sale of Global Markets products to Antonveneta clients, for instance in Structured Lending
·
Real estate divestments

Other areas:
·
Realign Antonveneta funding programmes to Group
·
Increase the sale of PIP products
·
Introduce new and faster credit approval process (both in consumer and in commercial) and a more active collection and management of past due portfolio, leading to lower provisions
 
18


The BU North America

(in millions of euros)
 
   year to date   
   
         quarterly         
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
% change1
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
% change1
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
   
% change1
 
Net interest income
   
110
     
49
     
124.5
     
141.6
     
56
     
54
     
3.7
     
5.4
     
55
     
1.8
     
7.6
 
Net fees and commissions
   
160
     
105
     
52.4
     
67.0
     
51
     
109
      (53.2 )     (51.0 )    
63
      (19.0 )     (10.3 )
Net trading income
   
106
     
96
     
10.4
     
19.3
     
49
     
57
      (14.0 )     (11.6 )    
62
      (21.0 )     (15.8 )
Results from fin. transactions
   
2
      (18 )                    
26
      (24 )                     (7 )                
Other operating income
   
13
     
15
      (13.3 )     (4.0 )    
2
     
11
      (81.8 )     (80.9 )    
5
      (60.0 )     (56.0 )
Total operating income
   
391
     
247
     
58.3
     
70.5
     
184
     
207
      (11.1 )     (9.1 )    
178
     
3.4
     
9.6
 
Total operating expenses
   
434
     
370
     
17.3
     
26.2
     
192
     
242
      (20.7 )     (19.0 )    
211
      (9.0 )     (4.1 )
Operating result
    (43 )     (123 )                     (8 )     (35 )                     (33 )                
Loan impairment
    (17 )     (17 )                     (2 )     (15 )                    
6
                 
Operating profit before tax
    (26 )     (106 )                     (6 )     (20 )                     (39 )                
Income tax expense
    (45 )     (132 )                     (25 )     (20 )                     (80 )                
Net operating income
   
19
     
26
      (26.9 )     (18.5 )    
19
     
0
                     
41
      (53.7 )     (48.0 )
Discontinued operations (net)
   
549
     
518
     
6.0
     
14.5
     
197
     
352
      (44.0 )     (42.6 )    
273
      (27.8 )     (23.6 )
Profit for the period
   
568
     
544
     
4.4
     
12.9
     
216
     
352
      (38.6 )     (37.0 )    
314
      (31.2 )     (26.8 )
                                                                                         
Efficiency ratio
    111.0 %     149.8 %                     104.3 %     116.9 %                     118.5 %                
                                                                                         
1) % change at constant foreign exchange rates (see annex 2)                     
                                                                           
   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
                   
31 Mar 07
   
% change
           
31 Dec 06
   
% change
         
Staff (FTE)
   
14,007
     
15,199
      (7.8 )                    
14,429
      (2.9 )            
14,914
      (6.1 )        
                                                                                         
(in billions of euros)
                                                                                       
Total assets
   
174.1
     
152.5
     
14.2
                     
161.5
     
7.8
             
156.2
     
11.5
         
Risk-weighted assets
   
67.8
     
70.3
      (3.6 )                    
60.5
     
12.1
             
67.6
     
0.3
         
 
Note: staff, total assets and risk-weighted assets are including LaSalle, however excluding AAMG
 
As of 1 January 2007, the BU North America (BU NA) includes the Global Clients North America activities. The 2006 results have been restated accordingly.

On 22 January 2007, ABN AMRO announced the sale of ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc. (AAMG), its US-based residential mortgage broker origination platform and residential mortgage servicing business, to Citigroup. Closing of this transaction occurred on 28 February 2007.

On 23 April 2007, ABN AMRO announced the sale of ABN AMRO North America Holding Company, which principally consists of the retail and commercial banking activities of LaSalle Bank Corporation (LaSalle) to Bank of America for USD 21 bln in cash. The sale of LaSalle is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2007 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Under the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between ABN AMRO and Bank of America, ABN AMRO is not entitled to a dividend in respect of the 2007 results. If the cumulative US GAAP result of LaSalle for the last three quarters of 2007 is less than USD 600 mln (or a pro rata proportion thereof if the transaction is settled before the year-end), the sale price will be reduced with the difference.

ABN AMRO has hedged the US dollar risk of the net proceeds of the sale of LaSalle as of July 2007.

The gain on the sale of AAMG, the two months of results of AAMG, and the results of LaSalle are reported as discontinued operations.

Due to the sale of LaSalle, the continuing operations of the BU NA now essentially comprise the North American Global Markets and Global Clients operations. The continuing operations include the global overhead costs allocated to LaSalle that will continue to be incurred by ABN AMRO in the short term. The current corporate uncertainty may affect the results in the second half of 2007.

Please note that all comparisons below are at constant exchange rates (percentages as in the table above) in order to facilitate comparison.

First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

·
Total operating income increased by 70.5% to EUR 391 mln, mainly as a result of strong growth across the Global Markets activities. Global Markets successfully capitalised on improved market conditions, including in equities through the Principal Strategies M&A side, volatility trading and commission revenues, and the successful introduction and expansion of Strategic Credit Trading which gained from stronger deal flow and volatility movements.

·
Total operating expenses increased by 26.2% to EUR 434 mln, partly as a result of inter-regional Global Markets cost allocations that did not affect North America in 2006, and higher bonuses.
 
19

 
·
At the operating result level, the loss was reduced by EUR 80 mln to a loss of EUR 43 mln, and the efficiency ratio improved by 38.8 percentage points to 111.0%.

·
Provisions were unchanged at a net release of EUR 17 mln.

·
Net tax credits decreased by EUR 87 mln to a net tax credit of EUR 45 mln.

·
Net operating income fell by 18.5% to EUR 19 mln.

·
Discontinued operations were EUR 549 mln in the first half of 2007 and EUR 518 mln in the first half of 2006.

The commercial banking operations of LaSalle saw continued loan growth partly offset by lower spreads. The operating income of LaSalle’s retail banking operations were flat, as rising interest rates led on the asset side to lower home equity loan growth, and on the liability side to core deposits falling as a percentage of total deposits, as customers increasingly shifted funds into higher-yielding types of accounts. The BU NA successfully executed the previously announced FTE reduction.

·
Profit for the period increased by 12.9% to EUR 568 mln.

·
The BU NA successfully executed on its efficiency improvement plan. Total FTE for the BU NA as per 30 June 2007 was 14,007, down from 14,914 as per 31 December 2006.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

·
Total operating income decreased by 9.1% to EUR 184 mln, as Global Markets revenues fell back slightly from the excellent first quarter, mainly due to lower activity in Equities and structured products.

·
Total operating expenses decreased by 19.0% to EUR 192 mln, mainly as a result of lower allocated costs.

·
At the operating result level, the loss was reduced by EUR 27 mln to a loss of EUR 8 mln, and the efficiency ratio improved by 12.6 percentage points to 104.3%.

·
Provisions increased by EUR 13 mln from a net release of EUR 15 mln to a net release of EUR 2 mln.

·
Net tax credits increased by EUR 5 mln to a net tax credit of EUR 25 mln.

·
Net operating income increased by EUR 19 mln to EUR 19 mln.

·
Discontinued operations were EUR 197 mln in the second quarter of 2007. This compares with EUR 352 mln in the first quarter of 2007. Both quarters included the results from the discontinued operations of LaSalle, and the first quarter also included two months of results, of EUR 17 mln, from the discontinued AAMG operations as well as the gain on the sale of AAMG. The gain on the sale of AAMG was reported as EUR 97 mln in the first quarter of 2007. In the second quarter of 2007 an adjustment for transaction-related expenses of EUR 4 mln was booked, leading to an adjusted book gain on the sale of AAMG of EUR 93 mln.

The commercial banking operations of LaSalle saw net interest income decline by 4% as the low growth in deposit volumes and essentially flat loan volumes were offset by lower spreads. LaSalle’s retail operations realised a significant increase in operating profit on the back of revenue growth and lower expenses. Retail revenues improved by 3%, mainly on the back of growth in core deposits and fee income, the positive impact of which more than offset a small decline in loan volumes at lower spreads.

·
Profit for the period decreased by 37.0% to EUR 216 mln.

20

 
The BU Latin America

(in millions of euros)
 
      year to date   
   
         quarterly         
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
% change1
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
% change1
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
   
% change1
 
Net interest income
   
1,744
     
1,477
     
18.1
     
18.5
     
918
     
826
     
11.1
     
6.9
     
741
     
23.9
     
18.5
 
Net fees and commissions
   
251
     
262
      (4.2 )     (2.7 )    
111
     
140
      (20.7 )     (22.9 )    
111
     
0.0
      (2.9 )
Trading income / results fin. trans.
   
233
     
98
     
137.8
     
129.7
     
180
     
53
                     
45
                 
Results from equity holdings
   
22
     
36
      (38.9 )     (38.6 )    
12
     
10
     
20.0
     
16.0
     
23
      (47.8 )     (50.0 )
Other operating income
   
37
     
26
     
42.3
     
43.5
     
16
     
21
      (23.8 )     (28.6 )    
14
     
14.3
     
5.7
 
Total operating income
   
2,287
     
1,899
     
20.4
     
20.6
     
1,237
     
1,050
     
17.8
     
13.2
     
934
     
32.4
     
26.5
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,234
     
1,129
     
9.3
     
9.6
     
650
     
584
     
11.3
     
7.3
     
559
     
16.3
     
11.5
 
Operating result
   
1,053
     
770
     
36.8
     
36.7
     
587
     
466
     
26.0
     
20.6
     
375
     
56.5
     
48.9
 
Loan impairment
   
436
     
381
     
14.4
     
15.1
     
246
     
190
     
29.5
     
24.3
     
208
     
18.3
     
12.8
 
Operating profit before tax
   
617
     
389
     
58.6
     
57.8
     
341
     
276
     
23.6
     
18.1
     
167
     
104.2
     
93.9
 
Income tax expense
   
235
     
85
     
176.5
     
154.6
     
136
     
99
     
37.4
     
20.3
      (5 )                
Profit for the period
   
382
     
304
     
25.7
     
30.7
     
205
     
177
     
15.8
     
16.8
     
172
     
19.2
     
28.8
 
Efficiency ratio
    54.0 %     59.5 %                     52.5 %     55.6 %                     59.9 %                
                                                                                         
1) % change at constant foreign exchange rates (see annex 2)                                                    
                                                                                         
   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
                   
31 Mar 07
   
% change
           
31 Dec 06
   
% change
         
Staff (FTE)
   
29,467
     
27,522
     
7.1
                     
28,912
     
1.9
             
28,205
     
4.5
         
                                                                                         
(in billions of euros)
                                                                                       
Total assets
   
49.2
     
35.0
     
40.6
                     
44.6
     
10.3
             
39.4
     
24.9
         
Risk-weighted assets
   
28.6
     
23.0
     
24.3
                     
25.9
     
10.4
             
24.2
     
18.2
         
 
As of 1 January 2007, the BU Latin America (BU LA) includes the Global Clients Latin America activities. The 2006 results have been restated accordingly.

Please note that all comparisons below are at constant exchange rates (percentages as in the table above) in order to facilitate comparison.


First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

·
Total operating income increased by 20.6%, driven by continued strong growth of the Brazil loan portfolio, gains in the ALM portfolio, as well as a EUR 48 mln (EUR 31 mln net) gain on the sale of a 3.64% stake in Brazilian credit analysis provider Serasa. Excluding the Serasa gain, operating income increased by 18.2%. Strong loan growth is expected to continue in the second half of the year.

The relative contribution from Brazil to total operating income of the BU LA was unchanged at 95%. The macro-economic conditions in Brazil reflect continued stability, a decrease in interest rates, and a strong local currency. In May, Brazil’s long-term sovereign credit rating moved to within one notch of an investment grade rating. The results of Banco Real continued to benefit from Brazil’s economic strength.

The Brazilian retail banking line of business, which comprises households and SMEs, grew by 18%, fuelled by a 30% increase in the retail loan portfolio at lower net interest margins. The decline in overall retail net interest margins was the result of lower margins in both households and SMEs, as well as the fact that growth in the SME portfolio was higher than in the higher margin households portfolio. Average balances in the SME credit portfolio, which accounted for 51% of the total retail loan portfolio, grew by 37%. Average balances in the households loan portfolio, which accounted for 49% of the total retail loan portfolio, increased by 24%, supported by the introduction of new credit products and refined credit analysis tools.

Total operating income of the Aymoré consumer finance activities was impacted by a EUR 26 mln second quarter recognition of origination commissions paid. Excluding this impact on commissions, Aymoré saw revenues increase by 8% on the back of continued strong loan growth that was partly offset by a decline in net interest margins. Origination costs continued to go up in an increasingly competitive market.

Commercial banking, including the results formerly reported under Global Clients, realised revenue growth of 29% mainly on the back of accelerated loan growth and investment banking activities.

·
Total operating expenses increased by 9.6%, partly reflecting the impact of the new collective labour agreement (CLA) that came into effect in September 2006, as well as higher bonus accruals. Excluding the Services charge in the second quarter of 2006 of EUR 12 mln (EUR 8 mln net), total operating expenses increased by 10.8%.
 
21

 
·
The operating result improved by 36.7% and the efficiency ratio improved by 5.5 percentage points to 54.0%. Excluding the Serasa gain and the 2006 Services charge of EUR 12 mln (EUR 8 mln net), the operating result improved by 28.8% and the efficiency ratio improved by 3.7 percentage points to 55.1%.

·
Provisions increased by 15.1% to EUR 436 mln, equivalent to 329 basis points of average RWA, reflecting continued strong loan growth.

·
Operating profit before tax grew by 57.8%. Excluding the Serasa gain and the 2006 Services charge, the increase in operating profit before tax was 41.8%.

·
The effective tax rate increased by 16.2 percentage points to 38.1%, as 2006 tax credits did not recur. The appreciation of the Brazilian real relative to the US dollar led to a hedge-related tax charge of EUR 51 mln compared with a hedge-related tax charge of EUR 36 mln in the first half of 2006.

·
Profit for the period grew by 30.7% to EUR 382 mln.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

·
Total operating income of the BU LA increased by 13.2%, on the back of continued strong growth in the Brazilian retail loan portfolio, improved margins, gains on the sale of securities, and the Serasa book gain. Excluding the Serasa gain, total operating income grew by 8.9%.

The operating income of the Brazilian retail banking line of business increased by 9% on the back of 5% growth of the overall retail loan portfolio at improved margins, and because growth in the households portfolio was higher than in the lower margin SME portfolio. The households loan portfolio grew by 7%, while the SME loan portfolio saw an increase of 3%.

Total operating income of the Aymoré consumer finance activities was impacted by a EUR 26 mln second quarter recognition of origination commissions paid. Excluding this impact on commissions, Aymoré saw revenues increase by 8% on the back of continued strong loan growth, partly offset by increased origination costs.

Commercial banking revenues grew by 23% driven by sustained loan growth.

·
Total operating expenses increased by 7.3%, partly as a result of higher performance-related bonuses.

·
The operating result increased by 20.6% and the efficiency ratio improved by 3.1 percentage points to 52.5%. Excluding the Serasa gain, the operating result improved by 10.9% and the efficiency ratio improved by 0.9 percentage points to 54.7%.

·
Provisions increased by 24.3% to EUR 246 mln, equivalent to 360 basis points of average RWA compared with 303 basis points of average RWA reported in the first quarter. The increase was partly due to the fact that the first quarter of 2007 benefited from the sale of a non-performing loan (NPL) portfolio, but also due to higher delinquencies in consumer finance. Excluding the impact of the NPL sales, provisions remained stable in absolute terms. For the second half of 2007, provisions, expressed as a percentage of average RWA, are not expected to come down from the level seen in the second quarter.

·
Operating profit before tax increased by 18.1%. Excluding the Serasa gain, operating profit before tax grew by 1.7%.

·
The effective tax rate was 39.9%, an increase of 4.0 percentage points. The further appreciation of the Brazilian real against the US dollar led to a hedge-related tax charge of EUR 30 mln compared with a hedge-related tax charge of EUR 20 mln in the first quarter.

·
Profit for the period increased by 16.8% to EUR 205 mln.

22

 
The BU Asia
 
(in millions of euros)
 
      year to date   
   
         quarterly         
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
% change1
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
% change1
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
   
% change1
 
Net interest income
   
340
     
282
     
20.6
     
26.8
     
185
     
155
     
19.4
     
19.8
     
135
     
37.0
     
39.9
 
Net fees and commissions
   
499
     
325
     
53.5
     
61.3
     
290
     
209
     
38.8
     
39.8
     
158
     
83.5
     
88.8
 
Trading income / results fin. trans.
   
333
     
192
     
73.4
     
84.3
     
138
     
195
      (29.2 )     (28.1 )    
109
     
26.6
     
33.9
 
Results from equity holdings
   
34
     
44
      (22.7 )     (19.3 )    
17
     
17
     
0.0
     
0.0
     
22
      (22.7 )     (21.8 )
Other operating income
   
0
     
29
                      (4 )    
4
                     
13
                 
Total operating income
   
1,206
     
872
     
38.3
     
45.8
     
626
     
580
     
7.9
     
8.8
     
437
     
43.2
     
48.0
 
Total operating expenses
   
808
     
652
     
23.9
     
29.8
     
412
     
396
     
4.0
     
4.7
     
320
     
28.8
     
32.3
 
Operating result
   
398
     
220
     
80.9
     
93.1
     
214
     
184
     
16.3
     
17.8
     
117
     
82.9
     
90.8
 
Loan impairment
   
109
     
85
     
28.2
     
36.6
     
56
     
53
     
5.7
     
6.0
     
49
     
14.3
     
18.0
 
Operating profit before tax
   
289
     
135
     
114.1
     
128.7
     
158
     
131
     
20.6
     
22.5
     
68
     
132.4
     
143.2
 
Income tax expense
   
65
     
48
     
35.4
     
41.5
     
41
     
24
     
70.8
     
72.1
     
25
     
64.0
     
68.8
 
Profit for the period
   
224
     
87
     
157.5
     
176.9
     
117
     
107
     
9.3
     
11.4
     
43
     
172.1
     
186.5
 
Efficiency ratio
    67.0 %     74.8 %                     65.8 %     68.3 %                     73.2 %                
                                                                                         
1) % change at constant foreign exchange rates (see annex 2)                                                        
                                                                           
   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
                   
31 Mar 07
   
% change
           
31 Dec 06
   
% change
         
Staff (FTE)
   
17,738
     
12,809
     
38.5
                     
15,354
     
15.5
             
14,141
     
25.4
         
                                                                                         
(in billions of euros)
                                                                                       
Total assets
   
80.2
     
72.5
     
10.6
                     
75.2
     
6.6
             
69.8
     
14.9
         
Risk-weighted assets
   
17.9
     
16.0
     
11.9
                     
18.3
      (2.2 )            
16.5
     
8.5
         
 
As of 1 January 2007, the BU Asia includes the Global Clients Asia activities. The 2006 results have been restated accordingly.

First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

The year-on-year comparison of operating income and profit was positively impacted by the fair-market value changes of the stake in Korean Exchange Bank (KEB) (a positive EUR 30 mln in the first half of 2007 and a negative EUR 20 mln in the first half of 2006). Although the fair-market value change is a part of regular income, it creates substantial volatility in income.

·
Total operating income increased by 38.3%, or EUR 334 mln, to EUR 1,206 mln, driven by strong growth in consumer and commercial banking.

Consumer revenues grew by 24.8%, driven by continued growth of the Van Gogh Preferred Banking (VGPB) and credit card businesses. VGPB growth was particularly strong in Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. Total Assets under Administration (AuA) of VGPB clients in Asia grew by 20.5%. The operating income also improved due to significant growth in the Consumer Finance business. In particular, the credit card business in Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the overall Consumer Finance business in India showed strong improvements. The total number of credit cards in Asia increased by 12.3% to 2.9 mln.

The commercial business showed exceptional growth of 64.5%, driven by significant M&A and Equity Capital Markets (ECM) transactions executed in the Philippines, Australia, Malaysia, the UAE and Hong Kong. The Global Markets business continued its strong growth, notably via the ATV equity-linked transaction closed in June. In addition, cash management within Transaction Banking and the Commercial SME and FIPS growth initiatives are gaining momentum and are growing at healthy rates.

China and India are two of the BU Asia’s key countries and are a major focus of our growth efforts:

In China, revenue increased by 75.8%, showing that our recent investments are indeed leading to growth in revenues. In the Consumer business, VGPB revenues grew by 83.8% and AuA increased by 111.0% from last year. The Commercial business saw steady growth in its loan portfolio, and experienced higher interest margins and higher commission income as a result of increasing asset sizes.

India continued its strong performance this year, as revenues grew by over 39.1% in the first half of 2007. Consumer revenues grew by 53.9%, primarily due to continued growth in the credit card and personal loan portfolios, complemented by aggressive growth in deposit accounts and distribution of third-party mutual funds and insurance products. The Commercial business continued to show strong growth, riding on a healthy deal pipeline and on an annuity business with more than 3,000 SME and large corporate clients. Highlights include the closing of landmark deals in M&A advisory (Tata-Corus, Suzlon-Repower), ECM (Cairns IPO) and Corporate Banking mandates (Cadbury). The microfinance business in India continued to be a huge success as it now reaches 460,000 households through 27 microfinance institutions across 17 states in India.
 
23

 
·
Total operating expenses increased by 23.9% to EUR 808 mln as a result of continued investments in new branches, new staff hirings and increased bonus accruals in line with increased revenues. Since the end of the second quarter 2006, we have opened 13 branches across China, India and Pakistan bringing the total number of branches in Asia to 83, and to 152 including the Prime Bank acquisition.

·
The operating result improved by 80.9% to EUR 398 mln. The efficiency ratio improved from 74.8% in the first half of 2006 to 67.0% in the first half of 2007.

·
Provisioning increased by EUR 24 mln to EUR 109 mln reflecting strong growth in the consumer finance businesses, particularly in India and Indonesia. We are seeing continued improvement in Taiwan.

·
Profit for the period increased by 157.5% to EUR 224 mln.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

The quarter-on-quarter comparison of operating income and profit was negatively impacted by the fair-market value changes of the stake in KEB (a loss of EUR 23 mln in the second quarter of 2007 and a gain of EUR 53 mln in the first quarter of 2007).

·
Total operating income increased by 7.9% driven primarily by strong M&A, ECM and Global Markets revenues. Excluding the fair-market value change of KEB, operating income increased 23.1%.

The consumer business grew by 16.3%, mainly due to strong performances in Greater China, Singapore, India and UAE. In particular, the VGPB businesses in Greater China, Singapore and India and the credit card businesses in India and UAE are showing strong growth.

The commercial business grew by 38.8% quarter-on-quarter, driven by M&A, ECM and Global Markets revenues. Global Markets continued to show strong revenue momentum on the back of high volumes throughout the Asian equity markets as shown by the ATV equity-linked transaction in June. Commercial SME revenues were up by 100.0% from the first quarter as the build-out in Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Pakistan is gaining traction, while India and Taiwan continue to grow at a healthy rate.

·
Total operating expenses increased by 4.0%, primarily driven by new staff hirings and investments to support future growth across the region.

·
The operating result increased by 16.3% to EUR 214 mln.

·
Provisioning increased by EUR 3 mln to EUR 56 mln, primarily driven by a EUR 6 mln increase in IBNI provisions.

·
Profit for the period increased by 9.3% to EUR 117 mln.


Recent developments

On 3 July 2007, ABN AMRO inaugurated ABN AMRO Bank (China) Co., Ltd, the locally incorporated entity of the bank in China, headquartered in Shanghai, after having recently received approval from the China Banking Regulatory Commission for local incorporation in China. This will facilitate ABN AMRO’s ambitious growth and expansion plans into RMB-denominated banking services in China. To support this growth, ABN AMRO has more than tripled its registered share capital to RMB 4 bln from RMB 1.3 bln.

On 8 June 2007, ABN AMRO announced that it would acquire the branch network of Taitung Business Bank in Taiwan following a government auction. The acquisition will add significant scale to ABN AMRO’s Taiwan franchise where it is already a top three foreign bank. Under the terms of the sale, ABN AMRO is entitled to relocate the majority of 32 branches to prime locations for its mass affluent and SME client base. After closure of the acquisition, the total number of branches in Taiwan will be 37.


Update on the integration of Prime Bank (Pakistan)
We have made considerable progress on the Prime Bank integration, achieving key milestones as scheduled, in particular in the IT, Finance, Communication, HR and Compliance areas. The amalgamation
 
24

 
date, subject to final regulatory approvals, is scheduled for 1 September 2007. Starting from that date, the two banks are expected to operate as a single organisation in Pakistan.

 
25




The BU Private Clients

(in millions of euros)
 
year to date   
   
quarterly         
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
% change1
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
   
% change
   
% change1
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
   
% change1
 
Net interest income
   
242
     
257
      (5.8 )     (5.3 )    
123
     
119
     
3.4
     
3.7
     
128
      (3.9 )     (3.4 )
Net fees and commissions
   
343
     
307
     
11.7
     
13.1
     
175
     
168
     
4.2
     
4.6
     
146
     
19.9
     
21.4
 
Net trading income
   
37
     
36
     
2.8
     
2.5
     
17
     
20
      (15.0 )     (14.5 )    
27
      (37.0 )     (37.0 )
Other operating income
   
119
     
34
                     
99
     
20
                     
13
                 
Total operating income
   
741
     
634
     
16.9
     
18.4
     
414
     
327
     
26.6
     
27.6
     
314
     
31.8
     
34.1
 
Total operating expenses
   
457
     
455
     
0.4
     
1.4
     
233
     
224
     
4.0
     
4.4
     
226
     
3.1
     
4.0
 
Operating result
   
284
     
179
     
58.7
     
61.6
     
181
     
103
     
75.7
     
77.9
     
88
     
105.7
     
111.6
 
Loan impairment
    (3 )    
10
                     
0
      (3 )                    
9
                 
Operating profit before tax
   
287
     
169
     
69.8
     
72.9
     
181
     
106
     
70.8
     
72.8
     
79
     
129.1
     
135.7
 
Income tax expense
   
61
     
48
     
27.1
     
27.7
     
31
     
30
     
3.3
     
3.7
     
23
     
34.8
     
36.1
 
Profit for the period
   
226
     
121
     
86.8
     
90.8
     
150
     
76
     
97.4
     
100.1
     
56
     
167.9
     
176.6
 
Efficiency ratio
    61.7 %     71.8 %                     56.3 %     68.5 %                     72.0 %                
                                                           
1) % change at constant foreign exchange rates (see annex 2)                        
                         
                                                                           
   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
                   
31 Mar 07
   
% change
           
31 Dec 06
   
% change
         
Staff (FTE)
   
3,081
     
3,026
     
1.8
                     
3,140
      (1.9 )            
3,212
      (4.1 )        
(in billions of euros)
                                                                                       
Assets under Administration
   
150
     
133
     
12.8
                     
148
     
1.4
             
142
     
5.6
         
Total assets
   
19.2
     
18.5
     
3.8
                     
19.2
     
0.0
             
18.6
     
3.2
         
Risk-weighted assets
   
8.3
     
8.0
     
3.8
                     
8.1
     
2.5
             
7.7
     
7.8
         

Please note that from 1 January 2007 the results from the former International Diamonds & Jewellery Group are reported in Group Functions, and the results from Asset Management France are reported in the BU Asset Management. For the purpose of comparison, the 2006 results have been restated. As from 1 January 2007, the BU Private Clients includes the results of Vermogensgroep, the acquisition of which was completed in November 2006.

In the second quarter of 2007, ABN AMRO completed the sale of its Latin American Private Banking operations in Miami and Uruguay, including the Latin American portfolios in Switzerland and Luxembourg, to Itausa, the Brazilian holding company that has a controlling stake in Banco Itaú Financeira S.A., for a book profit of EUR 77 mln gross (EUR 72 mln net). Furthermore, the BU Private Clients successfully continued its organic growth expansion plans in core countries, marked by the opening of the first Private Clients branch in Rio de Janeiro, Private Clients’ second branch in Brazil.


First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

·  
Total operating income increased by 16.9% to EUR 741 mln. Excluding the gain on the sale mentioned above, total operating income increased by 4.7%. This was mainly driven by an 11.7% increase in net fees and commissions as a result of higher volumes in non-interest related products, such as stocks, investment funds and structured products. This is the result of continued focus on shifting the asset mix towards more profitable products.

These positive results were partly offset by a 5.8% decrease of net interest income to EUR 242 mln, due to strong pressure on margins as a result of high interest rates, particularly in the special savings account product.

Furthermore, we see strong revenue increases in our growth markets such as Asia and Brazil, as a result of continued investments.

·  
Total operating expenses were flat at EUR 457 mln, as a result of better cost management across all the regions. Lower costs in Western Europe were offset by investments in growth markets.

·  
The operating result increased by 58.7%. Excluding the gain on the sale mentioned above, the operating result increased by 15.6% to EUR 207 mln.

·  
Provisions decreased by EUR 13 mln to a net release of EUR 3 mln due to a release of IBNI provision.

·  
Profit for the period increased by 86.8%. Excluding the gain on the sale mentioned above, profit for the period increased by 27.3% to EUR 154 mln.

·  
Assets under Administration increased from EUR 133 bln at the end of June 2006 to EUR 150 bln at the end of June 2007, mainly reflecting higher net asset values due to improved financial markets, net new assets inflow and the inclusion of Vermogensgroep (EUR 3.6 bln). The sale of the operations in Miami and Uruguay had a negative impact of EUR 2.4 bln.
 
26

 
Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007
 
·  
Total operating income increased by 26.6%. Excluding the gain on the sale mentioned above, operating income increased by 3.1% to EUR 337 mln, predominantly driven by an increase in commissions due to higher performance and brokerage fees.
 
·  
Total operating expenses increased by 4.0% to EUR 233 mln as a result of investments in the expansion of the businesses in the Netherlands and in growth areas in Asia and Brazil.
 
·  
The operating result increased by 75.7%. Excluding the gain on the sale mentioned above, the operating result was flat at EUR 104 mln.
 
·  
Profit for the period increased by 97.4%. Excluding the gain on the sale mentioned above, profit for the period increased by 2.6% to EUR 78 mln.
 
·  
Assets under Administration increased from EUR 148 bln at the end of March 2007 to EUR 150 bln at the end of June 2007 despite the sale of the operations in Miami and Uruguay.
 
27

 
The BU Asset Management
(in millions of euros)
   
year to date  
                 
quarterly
             
 
2007
 
2006
 
% change
 
% change 1
 
Q2 2007
 
Q1 2007
 
% change
 
% change1
 
Q2 2006
 
% change
 
% change1
 
Net interest income
  (7 )   (10 )           (3 )   (4 )           (6 )        
Net fees and commissions
 
460
   
390
   
17.9
   
18.4
   
241
   
219
   
10.0
   
10.5
   
210
   
14.8
   
14.7
 
Net trading income
 
1
   
4
                (1 )  
2
               
0
             
Other operating income
 
31
   
32
    (3.1 )  
0.0
   
17
   
14
   
21.4
   
22.1
   
2
             
Total operating income
 
485
   
416
   
16.6
   
17.3
   
254
   
231
   
10.0
   
10.5
   
206
   
23.3
   
23.4
 
Total operating expenses
 
316
   
269
   
17.5
   
18.4
   
165
   
151
   
9.3
   
9.7
   
137
   
20.4
   
20.9
 
Operating profit before tax
 
169
   
147
   
15.0
   
15.4
   
89
   
80
   
11.3
   
11.9
   
69
   
29.0
   
28.4
 
Income tax expense
 
43
   
39
   
10.3
   
10.0
   
21
   
22
    (4.5 )   (4.5 )  
23
    (8.7 )   (10.0 )
Profit for the period
 
126
   
108
   
16.7
   
17.3
   
68
   
58
   
17.2
   
18.1
   
46
   
47.8
   
47.6
 
Efficiency ratio
  65.2 %   64.7 %               65.0 %   65.4 %               66.5 %            
                               
1) % change at constant foreign exchange rates (see annex 2)            
                               
 
30 Jun 07
 
30 Jun 06
 
% change
 
31 Mar 07
 
% change
 
 
31 Dec 06 
 
% change
 
Staff (FTE)
 
1,846
   
1,730
   
6.7
   
1,837
   
0.5
   
1,630
   
13.3
 
                                           
(in billions of euros)
                                         
Assets under Management
 
211
   
180
   
17.2
   
209
   
1.0
   
193
   
9.3
 
Total assets
 
1.6
   
1.2
   
33.3
   
1.7
    (5.9 )  
1.4
   
14.3
 
Risk-weighted assets
 
1.0
   
0.5
   
100.0
   
0.9
   
11.1
   
0.9
   
11.1
 
 
Please note that the results from Asset Management France (previously included in the BU Private Clients) were transferred to the BU Asset Management as from the start of 2007. For the purpose of comparison, the 2006 figures have been restated.


First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

Please note that the comparisons below are affected by the EUR 28 mln (gross and net) gain on the sale of the Asset Management operations in Curacao, completed in the first quarter of 2006.

·  
Total operating income increased by 16.6% to EUR 485 mln. Excluding the gain on the sale mentioned above, total operating income increased by 25.0%, mainly due to increased net fees and commissions.

The 17.9% increase in commission income was related to the higher Asset under Management (AuM) levels, higher performance fees and higher fee levels on existing products. A continuous and successful focus on tailored solutions for our clients also resulted in a shift in the asset mix towards more profitable products. In addition, returns on seed capital positions, which are reported in the other operating income line, were considerably higher than in 2006, contributing to the overall improvement in revenues.

·  
Total operating expenses increased by 17.5% to EUR 316 mln, mainly due to higher personnel costs and bonus accruals.

·  
Operating profit before tax increased by 15.0%. Excluding the gain on the sale mentioned above, the operating profit before tax increased by 42.0% and the efficiency ratio improved by 4.1 percentage points to 65.2%.

·  
Profit for the period increased by 16.7% to EUR 126 mln. Excluding the gain on the sale mentioned above, profit for the period increased by 57.5%.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

·  
Total operating income increased by 10.0% to EUR 254 mln. This result was mainly due to higher fees and commissions, which increased by EUR 22 mln, driven by higher AuM growth and performance fee income, as core products showed continued improved performance.

·  
Total operating expenses increased by 9.3% to EUR 165 mln mainly driven by higher personnel costs.

·  
The operating profit before tax increased by 11.3% to EUR 89 mln from EUR 80 mln. The efficiency ratio improved by 0.4 percentage points to 65.0%.

·  
Profit for the period increased by 17.2% to EUR 68 mln.
 
28


Assets under Management

As at 30 June 2007, Assets under Management (AuM) amounted to EUR 210.6 bln compared with EUR 208.7 bln at the end of March 2007. This change in AuM can be explained by EUR 2.7 bln in net outflows and EUR 3.7 bln market appreciation along with positive currency effects of EUR 0.9 bln. The AuM level at Artemis continued to grow strongly. The asset mix is stable compared with the first quarter of 2007 with 46% equities, 36% fixed income and 18% cash and other.
 
29

 
The BU Private Equity
(in millions of euros)
           
year to date    
                     
quarterly 
             
     
20071
     
20061
   
% change
   
Q2 2007
   
Q2 20071
   
Q1 20071
   
% change
   
Q2 20061
   
% change
 
Net interest income
   
18
     
7
     
157.1
      (84 )    
6
     
12
      (50.0 )    
1
       
Net fees and commissions
   
3
     
6
      (50.0 )    
0
     
0
     
3
              (1 )      
Results from fin. transactions
   
282
     
249
     
13.3
     
168
     
184
     
98
     
87.8
     
154
     
19.5
 
Other operating income
   
3
     
9
      (66.7 )    
12
     
3
     
0
              (11 )        
Net sales private equity holdings
   
0
     
0
             
1,390
     
0
     
0
             
0
         
Total operating income
   
306
     
271
     
12.9
     
1,486
     
193
     
113
     
70.8
     
143
     
35.0
 
Operating expenses
   
51
     
49
     
4.1
     
328
     
27
     
24
     
12.5
     
14
     
92.9
 
Goods and materials priv. equity holdings
   
0
     
0
             
979
     
0
     
0
             
0
         
Total operating expenses
   
51
     
49
     
4.1
     
1,307
     
27
     
24
     
12.5
     
14
     
92.9
 
Operating result
   
255
     
222
     
14.9
     
179
     
166
     
89
     
86.5
     
129
     
28.7
 
Loan impairment
   
0
     
20
             
0
     
0
     
0
             
5
         
Operating profit before tax
   
255
     
202
     
26.2
     
179
     
166
     
89
     
86.5
     
124
     
33.9
 
Income tax expense
    (20 )     (26 )            
3
      (10 )     (10 )             (12 )        
Profit for the period
   
275
     
228
     
20.6
     
176
     
176
     
99
     
77.8
     
136
     
29.4
 
                   
                   
1) all figures exclude the consolidation effect of controlled non-financial investments (see annex 2)           
                                                       
   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
   
 
       
31 Mar 07
   
% change
   
31 Dec 06
   
% change
 
Staff (FTE)
   
83
     
105
      (21.0 )                
85
      (2.4 )    
93
      (10.8 )
(in billions of euros)
                                                                       
Risk-weighted assets
   
2.5
     
2.4
     
4.2
                     
2.4
     
4.2
     
2.4
     
4.2
 
 
As announced with the first quarter 2007 results, ABN AMRO transferred, at the end of the second quarter, the investment management function of most of the businesses of the BU Private Equity (BU PE) to an independent management company with the objective to invest in mid-market buy-out opportunities in the Dutch, UK and Nordic markets. ABN AMRO sold the majority of the shares in this management company to the respective members who now have independent operational and commercial authority over all its activities. Concurrently, ABN AMRO made a long-term commitment to fund the ongoing investment programme of the management company. The ownership of the existing investments and therefore the economic interest in these investments has not changed.

Under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the income statements and balance sheets of companies in which the Group has a controlling interest are consolidated. As a result of the above-mentioned structural change in control within BU PE, the portfolio of investments managed by the independent management company will no longer be consolidated as of the next quarter, but instead will be carried at fair value with value changes directly impacting the profit and loss account. The investments have been revalued to fair value at the end of the second quarter. The step-up to fair value amounted to EUR 108 mln.

The BU PE operates through two lines of business (LoB): the Buy-out LoB and the Corporate Investments LoB.

In the second quarter of 2007, the BU PE made a total of EUR 104 mln of new investments, primarily in the Buy-out LoB. The BU PE also executed a number of divestments and refinancings, also primarily in the Buy-out LoB, for a total amount of EUR 114 mln in gross proceeds.

As a result of investments, divestments, fair value changes of EUR 70 mln, and EUR 13 mln of currency and other effects, the value of the portfolio of the BU PE increased from EUR 2,213 mln to EUR 2,286 mln. At the end of the second quarter, the BU PE's portfolio consisted of EUR 1,803 mln of buy-out investments, EUR 443 mln of Corporate Investments and EUR 40 mln of listed shares. The portfolio managed by the Corporate Investment business on behalf of the BU Netherlands increased from EUR 116 mln to EUR 119 mln.

Please note that the results analysis below is based on figures excluding the consolidation effect of controlled investments, whereby uncontrolled investments are held at fair-market value and controlled investments are held at such investment's net asset value plus goodwill.


First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

·  
Total operating income increased by 12.9% to EUR 306 mln, mainly due to the loss of control over the management company and the resulting loss of control over the investments, resulting in the recording of a fair value step-up of EUR 108 mln as described above.
 
30


·  
Total operating expenses increased by EUR 2 mln to EUR 51 mln. This was mainly due to higher accrual for incentive compensation and provisions taken for reorganising the strategic focus of the BU PE.

·  
The operating result increased by EUR 33 mln to EUR 255 mln.

·  
Provisions decreased by EUR 20 mln to zero.

·  
Profit for the period increased by EUR 47 mln to EUR 275 mln.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

·  
Total operating income increased by EUR 80 mln to EUR 193 mln, as a result of higher unrealised fair-market value step ups of the investment portfolio (resulting from the transfer of the management function as described above) of EUR 108 mln being partly offset by lower realised returns from exited consolidated investments.

·  
Total operating expenses increased by EUR 3 mln to EUR 27 mln, due to higher staff costs.

·  
The operating result increased by EUR 77 mln to EUR 166 mln.

·  
Profit for the period increased by EUR 77 mln to EUR 176 mln.
 
31

 
Group Functions, including Services 
(in millions of euros)        
year to date
              quarterly        
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
   
Q2 2007
   
Q1 2007
 % change 
   
Q2 2006
   
% change
 
Net interest income
    (313 )    
29
            (207 )     (106 )           (18 )      
Net fees and commissions
   
114
     
49
     
132.7
     
129
      (15 )          
21
       
Net trading income
   
4
     
138
              (37 )    
41
           
59
       
Results from fin. transactions
   
70
     
0
              (45 )    
115
            (14 )      
Results from equity holdings
   
51
     
27
     
88.9
     
20
     
31
      (35.5 )    
20
       
Other operating income
   
3
     
221
             
0
     
3
             
213
       
Total operating income
    (71 )    
464
              (140 )    
69
             
281
       
Total operating expenses
   
661
     
225
     
193.8
     
194
     
467
      (58.5 )    
118
     
64.4
 
Operating result
    (732 )    
239
              (334 )     (398 )            
163
         
Loan impairment
    (8 )    
10
              (10 )    
2
             
9
         
Operating profit before tax
    (724 )    
229
              (324 )     (400 )            
154
         
Income tax expense
    (210 )     (47 )             (94 )     (116 )             (71 )        
Net operating income
    (514 )    
276
              (230 )     (284 )            
225
         
Discontinued operations (net)
   
3
      (36 )            
11
      (8 )             (13 )        
Profit for the period
    (511 )    
240
              (219 )     (292 )            
212
         
                                                   
   
30 Jun 07
   
30 Jun 06
   
% change
           
31 Mar 07
     
% change
   
31 Dec 06
   
% change
Staff (FTE)
   
3,128
     
4,649
      (32.7 )          
3,541
      (11.7 )    
4,524
      (30.9 )
                                                                 
(in billions of euros)
                                                               
Total assets
   
71.7
     
82.0
      (12.6 )            
70.0
     
2.4
     
74.5
      (3.8 )
Risk-weighted assets
   
4.7
     
8.0
      (41.3 )            
4.9
      (4.1 )     (0.1 )        
           
Note: staff, total assets and risk-weighted assets are including discontinued operations                                     
 
Please note that as from 1 January 2007, Group Functions includes the results from the International Diamonds & Jewellery Group (ID&JG). For the purpose of comparison, the 2006 figures have been restated.

Please find below the major items in the first half of 2006 and the first half of 2007 that affected the results:
 
Half year 2006
Gross (EUR mln)
Net (EUR mln)
Gain from sale stake K&H Bank (Q2; income)
208
208
Services release (Q2; expenses)
 (23)
(15)
     
Half year 2007
Gross (EUR mln)
Net (EUR mln)
DOJ provision (Q1; expenses)
365
275
Transaction related advisory fees (Q2; expenses)
81
60

The Futures business was sold to UBS in the third quarter of 2006. In the first half of 2006, the Futures business contributed EUR 118 mln in operating income and EUR 84 mln in operating expenses.


First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

·  
Total operating income decreased by EUR 535 mln to a negative EUR 71 mln. Excluding the gain on the sale of K&H and the income contribution of the Futures business, operating income decreased by EUR 209 mln. The fall can largely be explained by lower Asset & Liability Management (ALM) income and lower proprietary trading results for the Global Markets activities reported in Group Functions. The lower ALM income was due to higher funding costs as a result of higher euro and US dollar interest rates, lower returns on the investment portfolio as a result of the flattening yield curve, and marked-to-market losses on capital and risk hedging (CDS portfolio) as the result of credit spreads tightening.

·  
Total operating expenses increased by EUR 436 mln to EUR 661 mln. Excluding the items mentioned above (including the expenses of the Futures business in the first half of 2006), operating expenses increased by EUR 51 mln. Staff numbers declined by 1,521 FTEs due to the transfer of part of the audit, risk and compliance functions to the regions and as a result of reductions related to the measures, announced in 2006, aimed at improving the efficiency and productivity of Group Functions.

·  
The operating result decreased by EUR 971 mln to a negative EUR 732 mln. Excluding the items mentioned above (including the operating result of the Futures business in the first half of 2006), the operating result decreased by EUR 260 mln.

·  
Provisioning decreased by EUR 18 mln to a release of EUR 8 mln.
 
32


·  
Tax expenses declined by EUR 163 mln to a net credit of EUR 210 mln.

·  
Discontinued operations include certain revenues and expenses, largely stranded costs, related to the sale of LaSalle.

·  
Profit for the period decreased by EUR 751 mln to a loss of EUR 511 mln. Excluding the items mentioned above (including the profit of the Futures business in the first half of 2006), profit for the period decreased by EUR 166 mln.


Second quarter 2007 compared with first quarter 2007

·  
Total operating income decreased by EUR 209 mln to a negative EUR 140 mln, mainly due to lower ALM results and lower proprietary trading results. The lower ALM income was due to higher funding costs as a result of higher euro and US dollar interest rates and lower returns on the investment portfolio as a result of the flattening yield curve.

·  
Total operating expenses decreased by EUR 273 mln to EUR 194 mln. Excluding the EUR 365 mln provision for the DOJ settlement in the first quarter and EUR 81 mln transaction-related advisory fees in the second quarter, expenses increased by EUR 11 mln.

·  
The operating result increased by EUR 64 mln to a negative EUR 334 mln. Excluding the expense items mentioned above, the operating result decreased by EUR 220 mln.

·  
Provisioning decreased by EUR 12 mln to a release of EUR 10 mln.

·  
Tax expenses turned from a net credit of EUR 116 mln in the first quarter to a net credit of EUR 94 mln in the second quarter.

·  
Net operating income increased by EUR 54 mln to a negative EUR 230 mln. Excluding the items mentioned above, net operating income decreased by EUR 161 mln.

·  
Discontinued operations include certain revenues and expenses related to the financing and real estate transactions of the LaSalle business that are part of the Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between ABN AMRO and Bank of America. Global overhead charges allocated to LaSalle that continue to be incurred by ABN AMRO are included in the operating expenses of the continued operations.

·  
Profit for the period increased by EUR 73 mln to a loss of EUR 219 mln.


Recent developments

In 2006, ABN AMRO announced measures to improve the cost efficiency and productivity in Group Functions. The improvement in operational efficiency will be achieved by focusing on efficiency and productivity that will affect more than 500 FTEs, mainly at head office. In the fourth quarter we took a restructuring charge of EUR 29 mln. The headcount reduction has started in the first quarter and we are on track to deliver the reduction of 500 FTEs.

33


The BU Global Markets
(in millions of euros)
       
year to date
       
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
 
Net interest income
   
325
     
143
     
127.3
 
Net fees and commissions
   
598
     
547
     
9.3
 
Net trading income
   
1,813
     
1,392
     
30.2
 
Results from fin. transactions
    (25 )    
18
         
Other operating income
   
11
     
26
      (57.7 )
Total operating income
   
2,722
     
2,126
     
28.0
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,859
     
1,675
     
11.0
 
Operating result
   
863
     
451
     
91.4
 
Loan impairment
    (1 )    
9
         
Operating profit before tax
   
864
     
442
     
95.5
 
Income tax expense
   
134
     
66
     
103.0
 
Profit for the period
   
730
     
376
     
94.1
 
                         
Efficiency ratio
    68.3 %     78.8 %        
 
Note: The 2006 figures include the results of the Futures business, which was sold in the third quarter of 2006

The BU Global Markets (BU GM) has returned record revenues for a third consecutive quarter, and a record half year, driven by continued momentum across the franchise (products and regions). This resulted in a market leading 8.1 percentage-point improvement in efficiency ratio for the first half of 2007, excluding the EUR 50 mln (EUR 38 mln net) Services charge booked in the first half of 2006, and an overall contribution to the Group adjusted operating result of 25.8% in the first six months.

·
The business is well ahead of the full year 2007 commitment of a 75% efficiency ratio (68.0% in the second quarter of 2007, 68.3% in the first half of 2007)
·
All businesses, except proprietary trading, demonstrated outperformance compared with 2006, with results confirming the benefits of a continued shift to a more structured product set, as well as last year’s product and geographic participation choices
·
Growth has been supported by tight ongoing cost control and reinforced by the further embedding of a high-performance culture
·
These factors combined have consolidated the BU Global Markets’ significantly improved peer position and leave the business well placed to deliver further gains


First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

·  
Total operating income grew by 28.0% across all business lines and regions reflecting ABN AMRO’s global franchise. Proprietary Trading was the only business line with lower revenues. The three principal businesses all delivered record first half revenues:

Equities: revenues were up by 44% as increased cash and derivative client flows continued to be supported by well-diversified risk taking. Highlights included rapid growth in retail as well as institutional equity derivatives businesses, especially in equity exotics, volatility, equity-linked and Securities Finance.

Financial Markets: revenues increased by 25%, with the core business performing well, in particular credit and alternatives. Highlights of the second quarter included a second innovative Collateralised Debt Obligation (CDO) of natural catastrophe risk, which demonstrated the close co-ordination of the Credit and Alternatives, Structured Credit Marketing and the Financial Institutions Solutions Groups.

Structured Finance: revenues rose by 52%, securing a top-two position in European debt. Emerging markets was a clear area of outperformance as the business delivered a series of asset-backed securitisation transactions for clients, closing deals in the second quarter in Brazil, Russia, Turkey and South Africa, among others.

·  
Total operating expenses were up 11.0% at EUR 1,859 mln driven in large part by higher bonus accruals on the back of significantly improved performance. Excluding the Services restructuring charge in 2006, total operating expenses increased by 14.4%.
 
34


·  
The operating result improved by 91.4% to EUR 863 mln. Excluding the Services restructuring charge, the operating result improved by 72.3%. The contribution of the BU GM to the Group’s adjusted operating result increased from 17.3% in the first half of 2006 to 25.8% in the first half of 2007.

The efficiency ratio improved by 11 percentage points to 68.3%. Excluding the Services restructuring charge, the efficiency ratio improved by 8.1 percentage points. The BU GM is already meeting its targeted efficiency ratio of 75% in 2007, despite the current corporate context.

·  
Provisions showed a small release of EUR 1 mln.

·  
Taxes increased by EUR 68 mln to EUR 134 mln.

·  
Profit for the period increased by 94.1% to EUR 730 mln.

Continued investment in our market leading units, combined with a demonstrated ability to execute the necessary remedial actions in lower-performing businesses and a strong pipeline, provide a robust platform for the BU GM going forward despite the current corporate uncertainty.


About the BU Global Markets

Managed as an integrated business, the BU GM encompasses the markets activities of the ABN AMRO Group, comprising Equities, Financial Markets, and Structured Finance. Equities comprise cash and derivatives sales and trading, research and corporate broking (Hoare Govett). Financial Markets covers macro-products (rates and foreign exchange), credit and alternatives, and local markets. Structured Finance includes fixed income origination, structuring and financing (both leveraged and high grade).

The results of the BU GM’s Equities, Financial Markets and Structured Finance activities are reported in the regional Client BUs, while proprietary trading is reported in Group Functions.

35

 
The BU Global Markets
(in millions of euros)
       
year to date
       
   
2007
   
2006
   
% change
 
Net interest income
   
328
     
292
     
12.3
 
Net fees and commissions
   
780
     
587
     
32.9
 
Net trading income
   
394
     
294
     
34.0
 
Results from fin. transactions
   
14
     
1
         
Other operating income
    (6 )     (7 )        
Total operating income
   
1,510
     
1,167
     
29.4
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,137
     
994
     
14.4
 
Operating result
   
373
     
173
     
115.6
 
Loan impairment
   
2
      (5 )        
Operating profit before tax
   
371
     
178
     
108.4
 
Income tax expense
   
45
      (2 )        
Profit for the period
   
326
     
180
     
81.1
 
Efficiency ratio
    75.3 %     85.2 %        
 
As of 1 January 2007 the results of the BU Global Clients (BU GC) are reported in the regional BUs to further drive close cooperation and synergies between the BU GC and the regions. Please note that the operating income of BU GC includes revenues from the sale of Global Markets products to the BU GC client base. This means there is overlap between the operating income of the BU GC and the BU Global Markets.

The BU GC had a very strong first half. It closed a large number of complex structured financial transactions for clients and, according to the Dealogic Investment Banking Strategy Review, is estimated to have grown significantly faster than the industry average. Underlying these results are a higher quality income stream and improvements in the BU GC’s cost base and efficiency ratio.

·
Total operating income rose 29.4%, outpacing the market
·
Record profit for the period of EUR 326 mln exceeded total profit for the full year 2006, and currently represents 13.7% of the overall Group’s adjusted profit for the period
·
Record increase in M&A and ECM revenues


First half 2007 compared with first half 2006

The comparison below was impacted by the fair-market value adjustments of the stake in Korean Exchange Bank (KEB) (negative EUR 20 mln in 2006 and positive EUR 30 mln in 2007), and the Services restructuring charge of EUR 19 mln (EUR 14 mln net) in the first half of 2006.

·  
Total operating income increased by 29.4% to EUR 1,510 mln. Excluding the fair-market value adjustments of KEB, total operating income increased 24.7%.
   
  The strong first-half results reflect continued diversification in the product mix from traditional loan products to fee-driven products, which has resulted in strong growth in primary and secondary capital markets products. M&A and ECM related revenues grew by 70%, the biggest increase ever. The first half of 2007 was also marked by several cross-border transactions, resulting from strong client relationships in Brazil, India and China (among others), and often driven by industry knowledge and M&A dialogue. The performance in the Financial Sponsors sector was noteworthy, showing continuing growth in its global market share, despite a reduced size of wallet available in the Netherlands.
   
  Notable transactions in the first half included:
   
  In Financial Institutions (FI), ABN AMRO advised on the acquisition by Groupe Banque Populaire of 60.93% of Foncia (listed on Euronext Paris) against a cash payment of EUR 800 mln from the founder and current CEO, and his family holding company. This operation marked Group Banque Populaire’s first step into the real estate market while also aligned with the bank’s strategy to diversify its product portfolio into non capital-intensive services.
 
36


  In Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT), ABN AMRO acted as joint financial adviser to Binariang GSM Sdn Bhd in its acquisition of Maxis Communications Berhad, one of the largest listed companies in Malaysia. The offer valued Maxis at USD 11.7 bln, making it the largest ever corporate transaction in Malaysia, and the second largest telecom acquisition and largest buy-out in Asia (ex-Australia).
   
  In Energy & Resources (E&R), ABN AMRO acted as sole financial adviser and broker, and joint bookrunner, to Iberdrola in the EUR 17.1 bln acquisition of Scottish Power. ABN AMRO was also the mandated lead arranger and joint book runner of the bridge financing facility, which represents a milestone achievement for the Power and Utility sector.
   
  Also in E&R, ABN AMRO, acting as sole lead arranger, successfully priced the largest corporate bond offering ever in Latin America for Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), the fourth largest integrated oil company in the world. This multi-tranche USD 7.5 bln offering positioned our Structured Finance team (which includes capital markets) at the top of the Latin American and Emerging Market league tables.
   
  In Global Industries, ABN AMRO acted as mandated lead arranger and book runner for the Porsche acquisition financing transaction, representing the second largest ever financing raised in the European syndicated loan market, and the largest syndicated facility ever led by ABN AMRO, won on the back of a strong and long standing relationship with Porsche.
   
  These transactions contributed to ABN AMRO ranking 13th in Dealogic's first-half Investment Banking Strategy Review. ABN AMRO was also the fastest-growing bank, with an estimated 47% increase in Global Investment Banking revenues compared with the first half of 2006, versus an industry average of 19%. This performance is particularly notable given ABN AMRO’s limited participation in the US capital and advisory markets, the largest in the world.
   
·  
Total operating expenses increased by 14.4%. Excluding the Services restructuring charge, total operating expenses increased by 16.6%. This increase was mainly due to a higher bonus accrual as a result of higher revenues.

·  
The operating result increased by EUR 200 mln. Excluding the fair-market value adjustments of KEB and the Services restructuring charge, the operating result increased by 61.8% to EUR 343 mln.

·  
Provisions increased by EUR 7 mln to a net charge of EUR 2 mln.

·  
Tax increased by EUR 47 mln to EUR 45 mln. In the first half of 2006, a number of client-driven transactions with positive tax implications resulted in a net tax credit.

·  
Profit for the period increased by EUR 146 mln to EUR 326 mln. Excluding the fair-market value adjustments of KEB and the Services restructuring charge, profit for the period increased by 38.3% to EUR 296 mln.


About the BU Global Clients

Responsibility for the Mergers & Acquisitions and Equity Capital Markets products for all clients of ABN AMRO falls under the BU GC. In line with its mandate to make innovation and product expertise available to the mid-market clients of the regional Client BUs, the BU GC has driven a significant increase in M&A and ECM revenues generated from the regional Client BUs’ clients by deploying its own M&A and ECM resources to the regional Client BUs. To fully reflect the value generated by the BU GC, all ECM and M&A revenues, whether generated by regional or large corporate clients, are included in the results of the BU GC as of 1 January 2007. The 2006 results have been restated accordingly.

The five client industry groups served are Financial Institutions (FI); Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT); Energy & Resources (E&R); Financial Sponsors and Merchant Banking (FS&MB); and Global Industries (including Automotive, Consumer and Global Industrials).

37

 
Annex 1
 
This is an announcement pursuant to article 9b paragraph 1 of the Dutch Securities Markets Supervision Decree (Besluit toezicht effectenverkeer 1995).

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. Any statement in this announcement that expresses or implies our intentions, beliefs, expectations or predictions (and the assumptions underlying them) is a forward-looking statement. These statements are based on plans, estimates and projections, as they are currently available to the management of ABN AMRO. Forward-looking statements therefore speak only as of the date they are made, and we take no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could therefore cause actual future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward looking statement. Such factors include, without limitation, the consummation of our proposed merger with Barclays; the conditions in the financial markets in Europe, the United States, Brazil and elsewhere from which we derive a substantial portion of our trading revenues; potential defaults of borrowers or trading counterparties; the implementation of our restructuring including the envisaged reduction in headcount; the reliability of our risk management policies, procedures and methods; the outcome of ongoing criminal investigations and other regulatory initiatives related to compliance matters in the United States and the nature and severity of any sanctions imposed; and other risks referenced in our filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information on these and other factors, please refer to Part I: Item 3.D "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and to any subsequent reports furnished or filed by us with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof, and the companies assume no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.

Additional Information

The offer launched by the consortium of Fortis, RBS and Santander is under consideration by the ABN AMRO boards. ABN AMRO will, in the near future but at the latest by August 6, 2007, file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 and advise the ABN AMRO shareholders (i) whether it recommends acceptance or rejection of such offer, expresses no opinion and remains neutral toward such offer, or is unable to take a position with respect to such offer and (ii) the reason(s) for its position with respect to such offer. The ABN AMRO boards request the ABN AMRO shareholders to defer making a determination on whether to accept or reject such offer until they have been advised of ABN AMRO’s position with respect to the offer.
Barclays has filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form F-4 which contains a prospectus. Barclays expects to file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission amendments to such Registration Statement as well as a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and other relevant materials. In addition, ABN AMRO expects that it will file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 and other relevant materials. Such documents, however, are not currently available.
 
INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ ANY DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL OFFER IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
 
The publication and distribution of this document and any separate documentation regarding the intended Offer, the making of the intended Offer and the issuance and offering of Barclays ordinary shares may, in some jurisdictions, be restricted by law. This document is not being published and the intended Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in or into any jurisdiction in which the publication of this announcement and the making of the intended Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of that jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this announcement should inform themselves of and observe any of these restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of that jurisdiction.

38

 
Annex 2
 
Use of non-GAAP financial measures

Constant foreign exchange rates

Throughout the discussion of the operating results in the press release, the financial results and performance compared to the prior period, both in euros and percentage terms, are given in euros. We may also, where deemed significant, explain variances in terms of ’constant foreign exchange rates’ or ‘local currency’. Both ’constant foreign exchange rates’ and ‘local currency’ exclude the effect of currency translation differences and is a non-GAAP financial measure which, unlike actual growth, cannot be derived directly from the information in the financial statements. ’Local currency’ performance is measured for single currency volume differences. Management assesses, in part, the underlying performance of our individual businesses by separating foreign exchange translation effects throughout the income statement so as to understand the underlying trend of the business performance. The adjustments relate in particular to the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates used in translating results reported by our BUs North America and Latin America in US dollar and Brazilian real into euros, as well as the various currencies making up BU Asia. Management believes that the exclusion of these items provides a better understanding of the underlying operational performance of our businesses during such periods. Fluctuations in exchange rates are outside of the control or influence of management and may distort the analysis of underlying operating performance of our businesses during the periods under review. External stakeholders, such as business analysts, also use these measures. However, we recognise that these measures should not be used in isolation and, accordingly, we begin our analysis in the press release on the performance of the bank and of the BUs with the comparable GAAP actual growth measures that reflect all the factors that affect our business.
We calculate the comparable constant foreign exchange rate performance by multiplying the local currency volumes over the period to be compared with the average monthly exchange rates of the previous period being compared. For example, the volumes of the year ended 31 December 2006, are multiplied by the average monthly exchange rates of 2005 to compare with the results of the 2005 on a constant basis.

Consolidation effect controlled non-financial investments

IAS 27 requires the consolidation of private equity investments over which we have control, including non-financial investments managed as private equity investments. However, as a practical matter, our private equity business is managed separately from the rest of our banking business and management does not measure the performance of our banking business based on our consolidated results of operations. Our private equity business involves buying equity stakes in unlisted companies over which we can establish influence or control, and managing these shareholdings as an investor for a number of years with a view to selling these with a profit. The companies in which we have these temporary holdings are active in different types of business other than the financial industry. We believe that combining these temporary holdings with our core banking business does not provide a meaningful basis for discussion of our financial condition and results of operations.
 
In the presentation of the tables in this press release, in order to understand our performance, we have removed the effects of a line-by-line consolidation in the income statement of the private equity holdings of our Business Unit Private Equity. The results excluding the consolidation effect include the ‘de-consolidated’ holdings based on the equity method. Similarly, in the presentation of our consolidated results of operations and in the segment discussion of our Business Unit Private Equity, we have removed the effects of consolidation of our private equity holdings from the various line items of the income statement and classified only the net operating profit of these investments under ‘Results from financial transactions’. The measures excluding the effects of consolidation of our private equity holdings are non-GAAP financial measures. Our management refers to these non-GAAP financial measures in making operating decisions because the measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our operational performance. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures facilitate management’s internal comparisons to our historical operating results and comparisons to competitors’ operating results. In accordance with applicable rules and regulations, we have presented, and investors are encouraged to review, reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measures, i.e., reconciliations of our results excluding the consolidation effects of our private equity holdings to our results including those effects in this Annex.

39


The following table provides an overview of the income statement reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure ‘Group excluding consolidation effect’ to ’Group including consolidation effect’, the latter being fully compliant with IFRS.

Reconciliation of income statement to Group income statement including consolidation of
consolidated non-financial investments

   
first half year 2007     
   
first half year 2006
 
(in millions of euros)
 
Group
   
cons.
   
Group
   
Group
   
cons.
   
Group
 
   
(excl.
   
effect
   
(incl.
   
(excl.
   
effect
   
(incl.
 
   
cons.
         
cons.
   
cons.
         
cons.
 
   
effect)
         
effect)
   
effect)
         
effect)
 
Net interest income
   
4,784
     
-190
     
4,594
     
4,467
     
-156
     
4,311
 
Net fees and commissions
   
2,872
     
0
     
2,872
     
2,602
     
0
     
2,602
 
Net trading income
   
1,937
     
3
     
1,940
     
1,479
     
-2
     
1,477
 
Result from financial transactions
   
628
     
39
     
667
     
320
     
1
     
321
 
Result from equity participations
   
138
     
1
     
139
     
124
     
0
     
124
 
Other operating income
   
294
     
0
     
294
     
469
     
19
     
488
 
Net sales private equity holdings
   
0
     
2,783
     
2,783
     
0
     
2,634
     
2,634
 
Total operating income
   
10,653
     
2,636
     
13,289
     
9,461
     
2,496
     
11,957
 
Operating expenses
   
7,690
     
666
     
8,356
     
6,745
     
610
     
7,355
 
Goods & materials private equity holdings
   
0
     
1,949
     
1,949
     
0
     
1,855
     
1,855
 
Total operating expenses
   
7,690
     
2,615
     
10,305
     
6,745
     
2,465
     
9,210
 
Operating result
   
2,963
     
21
     
2,984
     
2,716
     
31
     
2,747
 
Loan impairment
   
886
     
0
     
886
     
720
     
0
     
720
 
Operating profit before tax
   
2,077
     
21
     
2,098
     
1,996
     
31
     
2,027
 
Income tax expense
   
411
     
21
     
432
     
317
     
31
     
348
 
Net operating profit
   
1,666
     
0
     
1,666
     
1,679
     
0
     
1,679
 
Discontinued operations (net)
   
554
     
0
     
554
     
573
     
0
     
573
 
Profit for the period
   
2,220
     
0
     
2,220
     
2,252
     
0
     
2,252
 
 
 
 40
 


 
 
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

Annex 3









ABN AMRO Holding N.V.


Interim Financial Report for the period
ended 30 June 2007



41

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    




 
Consolidated income statement for the 6 months ended 30 June / 3 months ended 30 June
 
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
   
(in millions of euros)
 
Net interest income 4
   
4,594
     
4,311
     
2,356
     
2,166
 
Net fee and commission income 5
   
2,872
     
2,602
     
1,504
     
1,310
 
Net trading income 6
   
1,940
     
1,477
     
939
     
654
 
Results from financial transactions 7
   
667
     
321
     
314
     
230
 
Share of result in equity accounted investments 18
   
139
     
124
     
70
     
74
 
Other operating income 8
   
294
     
488
     
166
     
333
 
Income of consolidated private equity holdings 24
   
2,783
     
2,634
     
1,390
     
1,388
 
Operating income
   
13,289
     
11,957
     
6,739
     
6,155
 
 
                               
Personnel expenses 9
   
4,281
     
3,596
     
2,183
     
1,843
 
General and administrative expenses
   
3,449
     
3,195
     
1,590
     
1,637
 
Depreciation and amortisation
   
626
     
564
     
294
     
289
 
Goods and materials of consolidated private equity
    holdings 24
   
1,949
     
1,855
     
979
     
1,003
 
Operating expenses
   
10,305
     
9,210
     
5,046
     
4,772
 
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 17
   
886
     
720
     
483
     
400
 
Total expenses
   
11,191
     
9,930
     
5,529
     
5,172
 
 
                               
Operating profit before taxes
   
2,098
     
2,027
     
1,210
     
983
 
Income tax expense 10
   
432
     
348
     
264
     
70
 
Profit from continuing operations
   
1,666
     
1,679
     
946
     
913
 
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax 11
   
554
     
573
     
210
     
301
 
Profit for the period
   
2,220
     
2,252
     
1,156
     
1,214
 
 
                               
                                 
Attributable to:
                               
Shareholders of the parent company
   
2,165
     
2,219
     
1,130
     
1,216
 
Minority interests
   
55
     
33
     
26
      (2 )
 
                               
Earnings per share attributable to the shareholders
    of the parent company (in euros) 12
                               
From continuing operations
                               
Basic
   
0.87
     
0.88
     
0.50
     
0.49
 
Diluted
   
0.86
     
0.88
     
0.50
     
0.49
 
From continuing and discontinued operations
                               
Basic
   
1.17
     
1.18
     
0.61
     
0.65
 
Diluted
   
1.16
     
1.18
     
0.61
     
0.64
 

Numbers stated against items refer to the notes.


42

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    


 
Consolidated balance sheet
 
   
30 June 2007
   
31 December
2006
 
   
(in millions of euros)
 
Assets
           
Cash and balances at central banks
   
14,485
     
12,317
 
Financial assets held for trading 13
   
248,925
     
205,736
 
Financial investments 14
   
101,701
     
125,381
 
Loans and receivables — banks 15
   
183,338
     
134,819
 
Loans and receivables — customers 16
   
441,904
     
443,255
 
Equity accounted investments 18
   
1,591
     
1,527
 
Property and equipment
   
3,798
     
6,270
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets 19
   
7,140
     
9,407
 
Assets of businesses held for sale 11
   
84,442
     
11,850
 
Accrued income and prepaid expenses
   
9,822
     
9,290
 
Other assets
   
22,913
     
27,212
 
Total assets
   
1,120,059
     
987,064
 
 
               
Liabilities
               
Financial liabilities held for trading 13
   
159,709
     
145,364
 
Due to banks
   
254,299
     
187,989
 
Due to customers
   
354,260
     
362,383
 
Issued debt securities 20
   
191,160
     
202,046
 
Provisions
   
7,951
     
7,850
 
Liabilities of businesses held for sale 11
   
80,380
     
3,707
 
Accrued expenses and deferred income
   
8,710
     
10,640
 
Other liabilities
   
22,053
     
21,977
 
Total liabilities (excluding subordinated liabilities)
   
1,078,522
     
941,956
 
Subordinated liabilities 21
   
14,707
     
19,213
 
Total liabilities
   
1,093,229
     
961,169
 
 
               
Equity
               
Share capital
   
1,085
     
1,085
 
Share premium
   
5,257
     
5,245
 
Treasury shares
    (2,213 )     (1,829 )
Retained earnings
   
19,843
     
18,599
 
Net gains not recognised in the income statement
   
709
     
497
 
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company
   
24,681
     
23,597
 
Equity attributable to minority interests
   
2,149
     
2,298
 
Total equity
   
26,830
     
25,895
 
Total equity and liabilities
   
1,120,059
     
987,064
 
 
               
Credit related contingent liabilities 22
   
57,614
     
51,279
 
Committed credit facilities 22
   
151,607
     
145,418
 

Numbers stated against items refer to the notes.

43

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    


 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the 6 months ended 30 June
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in millions of euros)
 
Share capital
           
Balance at 1 January
   
1,085
     
1,069
 
Dividends paid in shares
   
-
     
5
 
Balance at 30 June
   
1,085
     
1,074
 
 
               
Share premium
               
Balance at 1 January
   
5,245
     
5,269
 
Share-based payments
   
70
     
57
 
Dividends paid in shares
    (58 )     (86 )
Balance at 30 June
   
5,257
     
5,240
 
 
               
Treasury shares
               
Balance at 1 January
    (1,829 )     (600 )
Share buy back
    (1,241 )     (600 )
Utilised for dividends paid in shares
   
412
     
600
 
Utilised for exercise of options and performance share plans
   
445
     
112
 
Balance at 30 June
    (2,213 )     (488 )
 
               
Retained earnings
               
Balance at 1 January
   
18,599
     
15,237
 
Profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company
   
2,165
     
2,219
 
Cash dividends paid
    (469 )     (420 )
Dividends paid in shares
    (586 )     (458 )
Other
   
134
     
114
 
Balance at 30 June
   
19,843
     
16,692
 
 
               
Net gains/(losses) not recognised in the income statement
               
Currency translation account
               
Balance at 1 January
   
408
     
842
 
Transfer to income statement relating to disposals
   
-
      (7 )
Currency translation differences
   
284
      (261 )
Subtotal — Balance at 30 June
   
692
     
574
 
                 
Net unrealised gains/(losses) on available-for-sale assets
               
Balance at 1 January
   
364
     
1,199
 
Net unrealised gains/(losses)
    (114 )     (849 )
Net (gains)/losses reclassified to the income statement
    (302 )     (154 )
Subtotal — Balance at 30 June
    (52 )    
196
 
                 
Cash flow hedging reserve
               
Balance at 1 January
    (275 )     (795 )
Net unrealised gains/(losses)
   
231
     
407
 
Net (gains)/losses reclassified to the income statement
   
113
     
51
 
Subtotal — Balance at 30 June
   
69
      (337 )
Net gains/(losses) not recognised in the income statement at 30 June
   
709
     
433
 
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company at 30 June
   
24,681
     
22,951
 

 

44

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    


 
Consolidated Statement of changes in equity for the 6 months ended 30 June (continued)
 

   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in millions of euros)
 
Minority interests
           
Balance at 1 January
   
2,298
     
1,931
 
Additions / Reductions
    (190 )    
66
 
Acquisitions / Disposals
   
-
     
19
 
Profit attributable to minority interests
   
55
     
33
 
Currency translation differences
    (18 )     (46 )
Other movements
   
4
      (39 )
Equity attributable to minority interests at 30 June
   
2,149
     
1,964
 
                 
Total equity at 30 June
   
26,830
     
24,915
 


45

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for 6 months ended 30 June

 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in millions of euros)
 
Cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
    (146 )     (2,027 )
Cash flows from operating activities from discontinued operations
    (9,254 )     (842 )
Cash flows from investing activities from continuing operations
    (2,738 )     (13,967 )
Cash flows from investing activities from discontinued operations
   
9,373
     
1,264
 
Cash flow from financing activities from continuing operations
   
7,761
     
6,341
 
Cash flow from financing activities from discontinued operations
    (146 )    
93
 
Movement in cash and cash equivalents
   
4,850
      (9,138 )
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
   
4,872
     
6,043
 
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June
   
9,722
      (3,095 )

 
 
2007
   
2006
 
Determination of cash and cash equivalents:
           
Cash and balances at central banks
   
15,644
     
8,588
 
Loans and receivables – banks
   
12,724
     
5,879
 
Due to banks
    (18,646 )     (17,562 )
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June
   
9,722
      (3,095 )


46

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    


 
Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement and Balance Sheet
 
(unless otherwise stated, all amounts are in millions of euros)
 
1
Basis of presentation
 
This interim financial report for the period ended 30 June 2007 is prepared in accordance with IAS 34 – Interim Financial Reporting. It does not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. for the year ended 31 December 2006 as included in the Annual Report 2006. ABN AMRO’s 2006 consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union (‘EU’) and do not utilise the portfolio hedging carve out permitted by the EU. Accordingly, the accounting policies applied by the Group comply fully with IFRS.  In preparing this interim financial report, the same accounting principles and methods of computation are applied as in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2006 except for the changes stated below. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods have been made.  This interim financial report is unaudited.
 
Changes in accounting policies
 
In the first quarter we have revised the presentation of interest income and expense related to trading activities. Trading book interest is no longer separated out and reported within the net interest income line, but in the net trading income line. Trading income now comprises gains and losses on financial instruments held for trading, both realised and unrealised, interest income and dividends as well as the related funding costs. The change in presentation reflects new guidance available in IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosure which replaces the disclosure requirements previously included in IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation whereby the requirements to disclose interest data are now restricted to that relating to activities not held at fair value.


2
Developments
 
ABN AMRO North America Holding Company
 
On 22 April 2007, ABN AMRO entered into an agreement to sell  ABN AMRO North America Holding Company, which principally consists of the retail and commercial banking activities of LaSalle Bank Corporation ("LaSalle") to Bank of America. ABN AMRO's North American Asset Management businesses and certain businesses within ABN AMRO's North American Global Markets and Global Clients operations do not form part of the sale. On 13 July 2007 the Supreme Court’s ruling confirmed management’s view that no shareholder approval was required to execute the sale.  The sale is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007.
 
Under the sale and purchase agreement the sale price is USD 21 billion. In addition, the sale and purchase agreement articulates that an amount of USD 6 billion of debt, on the basis of the US GAAP financial report of LaSalle, is converted into equity  and that ABN AMRO is not entitled to a dividend in respect of the 2007 results.  If the cumulative US GAAP result of LaSalle for the period 1 April 2007 until 31 December 2007 (or a proportion thereof if the transaction is settled before the year end), is less than USD 600 million, the sale price will be reduced with the difference.
 
The asset and liabilities of ABN AMRO North America Holding Company are presented as assets of businesses held for sale and liabilities of businesses held for sale respectively. The net result of these discontinued operations for the period to 30 June 2007 is presented as profit from discontinued operations net of tax. For more details on the presentation of discontinued operations please refer to note 11 of this interim financial report.
 
The transaction is expected to be settled in the fourth quarter. We currently estimate the gain on the sale to be in the range of EUR 7 billion to EUR 7.5 billion.
 
ABN AMRO Capital
 
During the quarter, ABN AMRO sold a majority of the shares of AAC Capital Holdings B.V., the management company of certain private equity investments held by the Group, to the executives of the management company. Also as part of the sale, the Bank transferred all power to govern the financial and operating policies of the management company and all investment decisions related to a significant portion of the Group’s private equity investments (the Dutch, Nordic and UK business of ABN AMRO Capital) resulting in the loss of control over these investments to a management company outside of ABN AMRO. The ownership of the underlying investments and therefore the economic interest in the investments has not changed. The loss of control over the management company resulted in the concerned investments to no longer be consolidated in the financial statements of the Group.  As of the date of the transaction the investments are recognised and carried at fair value with changes through income. This transaction has resulted in a gain from financial transactions of EUR 108 million.


47

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

Update on status of US Department of Justice investigation

As previously disclosed, the United States Department of Justice has been conducting a criminal investigation into the Bank’s dollar clearing activities, OFAC compliance procedures and other Bank Secrecy Act compliance matters. The Bank has cooperated and continues to cooperate fully with the investigation. Although no written agreement has yet been reached and negotiations are ongoing, the Bank has reached an agreement in principle with the Department of Justice that would resolve all presently known aspects of the ongoing investigation.

Under the terms of the agreement in principle, the Bank and the United States would enter into a deferred prosecution agreement relating to the issues that are the subject of the current criminal investigation. In the deferred prosecution agreement, the Bank would waive indictment and agree to the filing of an information in the United States District Court charging it with certain violations of federal law based on information disclosed in an agreed factual statement. The Bank would also agree to continue cooperating in the United States’ ongoing investigation and to settle all known civil and criminal claims currently held by the United States for the sum of USD 500 million. The precise terms of the deferred prosecution agreement are still under negotiation.

In consideration for the foregoing provisions, as well as the Bank’s extensive remedial actions to date and its willingness to demonstrate future good conduct and full compliance with all applicable federal laws, the United States would recommend to the United States District Court that the prosecution of the Bank under the information be deferred for a fixed period. At the end of that fixed period, provided the Bank is in full compliance with all of its obligations under the deferred prosecution agreement, the United States would seek dismissal with prejudice of the information filed against the Bank. The precise terms of the deferred prosecution agreement and agreed factual statement are still under negotiation.

Main acquisitions
 
Prime Bank Ltd (Pakistan)

On 5 March 2007 ABN AMRO entered into agreements to acquire a controlling interest of 93.4% in Prime Bank, Pakistan. Through the subsequent tender offer for all remaining shares of Prime Bank that expired on 29 March 2007 ABN AMRO obtained additional shares representing 2.8%, bringing the total stake in Prime Bank to 96.2%.  The transactions were closed on 5 April 2007. The total consideration paid amounts to EUR 176 million. The provisional goodwill arising from the acquisition was calculated at EUR 163 million.

The preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired, including newly identifiable assets resulting from the acquisition, and (contingent) liabilities assumed, using their fair values at the acquisition date and the resulting goodwill is based on provisional fair values of assets acquired and (contingent) liabilities assumed, and may be adjusted during the period up to one year after acquisition as more information is obtained about these fair values.

Private Equity

Major new buy-out investments in the second quarter in 2007 were:
§
OyezStraker (UK, stationary and office suppliers)
§
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres (UK, aircraft tyre manufacturer)

Major new buy-out investments in the first quarter 2007 were:
§
Sdu (Netherlands, publishing)
§
Baarsma Wine Group (Netherlands, wine distribution)
§
Vetus den Ouden (Netherlands, nautical equipment)
§
T.G.I. Friday’s Ltd. (UK, restaurants)


Main Disposals
 
Private Banking operations in Miami and Montevideo
 
In April 2007, BU Private Banking disposed of its operations in Miami and Montevideo. Banco Itaú, a privately owned bank with its headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil, acquired these operations through an auction process. The profit recognised on the sale, included in other operating income, amounted to EUR 72 million after tax.
 
ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc.
 
On 28 February 2007 ABN AMRO closed the sale of ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., its US-based residential mortgage broker origination platform and servicing business, which includes ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, InterFirst and Mortgage.com, to Citigroup. Citigroup purchased approximately EUR 7.8 billion of net assets, of which approximately EUR 2.1 billion consist of ABN AMRO Mortgage Group's mortgage servicing rights associated with its EUR 170 billion mortgage servicing portfolio. The profit on the sale amounted to EUR 93 million after tax and is included in Profit from discontinued operations net of tax (see note 11 for more details).
 

48

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

Private Equity

There were no major divestments in the second quarter 2007.

Major divestment in the first quarter 2007 was:
Holiday Park Ltd. / Beach Equity Ltd. (UK, leisure).

 
3           Segment reporting
 
Segment information is presented in respect of the Group’s business. The primary presentation, business segments, is consistent with the Group’s management and internal reporting structure applicable in the financial year.

Measurement of segment assets, liabilities, income and results is based on the Group’s accounting policies. Segment assets, liabilities, income and results include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Transactions between segments are conducted at arm’s length.

As of 1 January 2007, the results of product BU Global Clients are being reported in the regional BUs. This has been done to further drive close cooperation and synergies between the product focused BU Global Clients and the regions. In addition Asset Management France and the International Diamonds and Jewelry Group have been transferred from BU Private Clients to BU Asset Management and Group Functions respectively. The comparative segment figures of 2006 have been restated.

Business segments
Below the business segments are described. In the ‘Business review’ chapter of the 2006 Annual Report more detailed descriptions of the activities of these segments are included.

Netherlands
BU Netherlands serves a diverse client base that comprises consumer and commercial clients. BU Netherlands offers a broad range of investment, commercial and retail banking products and services via its multi-channel service model consisting of a network of branches, internet banking facilities, a customer contact center and ATMs throughout the Netherlands. BU Netherlands focuses increasingly on mass affluent customers and commercial mid-market clients. BU Netherlands also comprises the ABN AMRO Mortgage Group including the former Bouwfonds mortgage activities.

Europe (including Antonveneta)
BU Europe provides its consumer and commercial clients with a range of financial products and services. BU Europe combines activities in 27 countries: 23 countries in Europe (excluding the Netherlands) along with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Egypt and South Africa.

Antonveneta is rooted in northeastern Italy, and focuses on consumer and commercial mid-market clients.

North America
The core of BU North America is LaSalle Bank, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. BU North America serves a large number of clients, including small businesses, mid-market companies, larger corporates, institutions, non-profit entities and municipalities in the US and Canada. BU North America offers a broad range of investment, commercial and retail banking products and services through a network of branches and ATMs in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. BU North America focuses increasingly on mass affluent customers and commercial mid-market clients. While based in the US Midwest, BU North America reaches further through an expanding network of regional commercial banking offices across the US. The activities of ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc. were sold in the first quarter of 2007.

On 22 April 2007, ABN AMRO entered into an agreement to sell ABN AMRO North America Holding Company, which principally consists of the retail and commercial banking activities of LaSalle Bank Corporation ("LaSalle") to Bank of America. For further disclosure on this sale please refer to note 2 and note 11 of this interim financial report.
 
Latin America
BU Latin America has a presence in nine Latin American countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela, with the presence of Banco Real representing the majority of the operations. In Brazil, Banco Real is a retail and commercial bank, offering full retail, corporate and investment banking products and services. It operates as a universal bank offering financial services through an extensive network of branches, points-of-sale and ATMs. BU Latin America also has a strong presence in the Brazilian consumer finance business through its Aymoré franchise, focused on vehicle and other consumer goods financing.


49

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

Asia
ABN AMRO has been operating for well over 100 years in several Asian countries including Indonesia, China, Singapore and Japan. BU Asia now covers 16 countries and territories and is extending its branches and offices network. BU Asia’s client base includes commercial clients as well as consumer and private banking clients.

Private Clients
BU Private Clients offers private banking services to wealthy individuals and institutions with EUR 1 million or more in net investable assets. In the past few years, BU Private Clients built up an onshore private banking network in continental Europe through organic growth in the Netherlands and France, and through the acquisition of Delbrück Bethmann Maffei in Germany and Bank Corluy in Belgium.

Asset Management
BU Asset Management is ABN AMRO’s global asset management business. BU Asset Management operates in 26 countries worldwide, offering investment products in all major regions and asset classes. Its products are distributed directly to institutional clients such as central banks, pension funds, insurance companies and leading charities. Funds for private investors are distributed through ABN AMRO’s consumer and private banking arms, as well as via third-party distributors such as insurance companies and other banks. The institutional client business represents just over half of the assets managed by BU Asset Management. Consumer and third-party clients account for a further 30%, and the remainder is in discretionary portfolios managed for BU Private Clients.

Private Equity
The business model of ABN AMRO’s Private Equity unit – branded as ABN AMRO Capital – involves providing capital and expertise to non-listed companies in a variety of sectors. By obtaining, in most cases, a majority stake, Private Equity gains the ability to influence the company’s growth strategy and increase its profitability. It then aims to sell its shareholding at a profit after a number of years. Private Equity specialises in European mid-market buyouts, but also manages a portfolio of investments in Australian buyouts, non-controlling and controlling shareholdings in small to medium sized Dutch companies (‘participaties’), and dedicated media and telecom sector investments. It operates from seven offices across Europe and Australia.

As a result of the sale of the majority of the shares in AAC Capital Holdings B.V. to the management of this company, as described in note 2 of this interim financial report, the Group will only act as an investor for these investments going forward and will no longer participate actively in the management of the acquired investments.

Group Functions
Group Functions provides guidance on ABN AMRO’s corporate strategy and supports the implementation of the strategy in accordance with our Managing for Value methodology, Corporate Values and Business Principles. By aligning and uniting functions across ABN AMRO’s BUs and geographical territories, Group Functions also facilitates Group-wide sharing of best practices, innovation and positioning to public authorities, and binds the bank together in both an operational and cultural sense.

Group Functions includes Group Asset and Liability Management, which manages an investment and derivatives portfolio in order to manage the liquidity and interest rate risks of the Group. Group Functions also holds the Group’s strategic investments, proprietary trading portfolio, the International Diamonds & Jewelry Group and records any related profits or losses.


50

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

Business segment information – for the 6 months ended 30 June 2007
 
   
Nether-
lands
   
Europe
   
North
America
   
Latin
America
   
Asia
   
Private
Clients
   
Asset
Manage-
ment
   
Private
Equity
   
Group
Functions
   
Total
Group
 
                                                             
Net interest income
   
1,730
     
920
     
110
     
1,744
     
340
     
242
      (7 )     (172 )     (313 )    
4,594
 
Net fee and commission income
   
499
     
543
     
160
     
251
     
499
     
343
     
460
     
3
     
114
     
2,872
 
Net trading income
   
360
     
1,069
     
106
     
50
     
311
     
37
     
1
     
2
     
4
     
1,940
 
Result from financial transactions
   
11
     
32
     
2
     
183
     
22
     
4
     
22
     
321
     
70
     
667
 
Share of result in equity accounted investments
   
23
     
4
     
-
     
22
     
34
     
-
     
4
     
1
     
51
     
139
 
Other operating income
   
78
     
39
     
13
     
37
     
-
     
115
     
5
     
4
     
3
     
294
 
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,783
     
-
     
2,783
 
Operating income
   
2,701
     
2,607
     
391
     
2,287
     
1,206
     
741
     
485
     
2,942
      (71 )    
13,289
 
 
                                                                               
Operating expenses*
   
1,773
     
1,956
     
434
     
1,234
     
808
     
457
     
316
     
2,666
     
661
     
10,305
 
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
   
206
     
163
      (17 )    
436
     
109
      (3 )    
-
     
-
      (8 )    
886
 
Total expenses
   
1,979
     
2,119
     
417
     
1,670
     
917
     
454
     
316
     
2,666
     
653
     
11,191
 
 
                                                                               
Operating profit before taxes
   
722
     
488
      (26 )    
617
     
289
     
287
     
169
     
276
      (724 )    
2,098
 
Income tax expense
   
154
     
128
      (45 )    
235
     
65
     
61
     
43
     
1
      (210 )    
432
 
Profit from continuing operations
   
568
     
360
     
19
     
382
     
224
     
226
     
126
     
275
      (514 )    
1,666
 
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
   
2
     
-
     
549
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3
     
554
 
Profit for the period
   
570
     
360
     
568
     
382
     
224
     
226
     
126
     
275
      (511 )    
2,220
 

 
*
The operating expenses in BU North America and in BU Group Functions include an amount of EUR 98 million and EUR (23) million respectively of global overhead costs allocated to LaSalle, but not considered discontinued.
 

51

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    


 
Business segment information – for the 6 months ended 30 June 2006

 
   
Nether-
lands
   
Europe
   
North
America
   
Latin
America
   
Asia
   
Private
Clients
   
Asset
Manage-
ment
   
Private
Equity
   
Group
Functions
   
Total
Group
 
                                                             
Net interest income
   
1,609
     
767
     
49
     
1,477
     
282
     
257
      (10 )     (149 )    
29
     
4,311
 
Net fee and commission income
   
486
     
672
     
105
     
262
     
325
     
307
     
390
     
6
     
49
     
2,602
 
Net trading income
   
360
     
539
     
96
     
94
     
205
     
36
     
4
     
5
     
138
     
1,477
 
Result from financial transactions
   
54
     
40
      (18 )    
4
      (13 )    
3
     
1
     
250
     
-
     
321
 
Share of result in equity accounted investments
   
16
     
-
     
-
     
36
     
44
     
1
     
-
     
-
     
27
     
124
 
Other operating income
   
68
     
47
     
15
     
26
     
29
     
30
     
31
     
21
     
221
     
488
 
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,634
     
-
     
2,634
 
Operating income
   
2,593
     
2,065
     
247
     
1,899
     
872
     
634
     
416
     
2,767
     
464
     
11,957
 
 
                                                                               
Operating expenses*
   
1,767
     
1,829
     
370
     
1,129
     
652
     
455
     
269
     
2,514
     
225
     
9,210
 
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
   
176
     
55
      (17 )    
381
     
85
     
10
     
-
     
20
     
10
     
720
 
Total expenses
   
1,943
     
1,884
     
353
     
1,510
     
737
     
465
     
269
     
2,534
     
235
     
9,930
 
 
                                                                               
Operating profit before taxes
   
650
     
181
      (106 )    
389
     
135
     
169
     
147
     
233
     
229
     
2,027
 
Income tax expense
   
146
     
156
      (132 )    
85
     
48
     
48
     
39
     
5
      (47 )    
348
 
Profit from continuing operations
   
504
     
25
     
26
     
304
     
87
     
121
     
108
     
228
     
276
     
1,679
 
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
   
91
     
-
     
518
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (36 )    
573
 
Profit for the period
   
595
     
25
     
544
     
304
     
87
     
121
     
108
     
228
     
240
     
2,252
 

 
*
The operating expenses in BU North America include an amount of EUR 73 million of global overhead costs allocated to LaSalle, but not considered discontinued.
 

 

52

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

Business segment information – for the 3 months ended 30 June 2007
 
 
   
Nether-
lands
   
Europe
   
North
America
   
Latin
America
   
Asia
   
Private
Clients
   
Asset
Manage-
ment
   
Private
Equity
   
Group
Functions
   
Total
Group
 
                                                             
Net interest income
   
892
     
476
     
56
     
918
     
185
     
123
      (3 )     (84 )     (207 )    
2,356
 
Net fee and commission income
   
242
     
265
     
51
     
111
     
290
     
175
     
241
     
-
     
129
     
1,504
 
Net trading income
   
170
     
553
     
49
     
28
     
159
     
17
      (1 )    
1
      (37 )    
939
 
Result from financial transactions
    (2 )    
19
     
26
     
152
      (21 )    
3
     
14
     
168
      (45 )    
314
 
Share of result in equity accounted investments
   
8
     
3
     
-
     
12
     
17
     
-
     
2
     
8
     
20
     
70
 
Other operating income
   
31
     
21
     
2
     
16
      (4 )    
96
     
1
     
3
     
-
     
166
 
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,390
     
-
     
1,390
 
Operating income
   
1,341
     
1,337
     
184
     
1,237
     
626
     
414
     
254
     
1,486
      (140 )    
6,739
 
 
                                                                               
Operating expenses*
   
902
     
991
     
192
     
650
     
412
     
233
     
165
     
1,307
     
194
     
5,046
 
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
   
101
     
92
      (2 )    
246
     
56
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (10 )    
483
 
Total expenses
   
1,003
     
1,083
     
190
     
896
     
468
     
233
     
165
     
1,307
     
184
     
5,529
 
 
                                                                               
Operating profit before taxes
   
338
     
254
      (6 )    
341
     
158
     
181
     
89
     
179
      (324 )    
1,210
 
Income tax expense
   
69
     
82
      (25 )    
136
     
41
     
31
     
21
     
3
      (94 )    
264
 
Profit from continuing operations
   
269
     
172
     
19
     
205
     
117
     
150
     
68
     
176
      (230 )    
946
 
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
   
2
     
-
     
197
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
11
     
210
 
Profit for the period
   
271
     
172
     
216
     
205
     
117
     
150
     
68
     
176
      (219 )    
1,156
 

 
*
The operating expenses in BU North America and in BU Group Functions include an amount of EUR 56 million and EUR (12) million respectively of global overhead costs allocated to LaSalle, but not considered discontinued.
 

 

53

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    


 
Business segment information – for the 3 months ended 30 June 2006
 
   
Nether-
lands
   
Europe
   
North
America
   
Latin
America
   
Asia
   
Private
Clients
   
Asset
Manage-
ment
   
Private
Equity
   
Group
Functions
   
Total
Group
 
                                                             
Net interest income
   
812
     
399
     
55
     
741
     
135
     
128
      (6 )     (80 )     (18 )    
2,166
 
Net fee and commission income
   
216
     
386
     
63
     
111
     
158
     
146
     
210
      (1 )    
21
     
1,310
 
Net trading income
   
184
     
150
     
62
     
81
     
102
     
27
     
-
      (11 )    
59
     
654
 
Result from financial transactions
   
54
     
72
      (7 )     (36 )    
7
      (1 )    
-
     
155
      (14 )    
230
 
Share of result in equity accounted investments
   
8
     
-
     
-
     
23
     
22
     
1
     
-
     
-
     
20
     
74
 
Other operating income
   
36
     
20
     
5
     
14
     
13
     
13
     
2
     
17
     
213
     
333
 
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,388
     
-
     
1,388
 
Operating income
   
1,310
     
1,027
     
178
     
934
     
437
     
314
     
206
     
1,468
     
281
     
6,155
 
 
                                                                               
Operating expenses*
   
917
     
964
     
211
     
559
     
320
     
226
     
137
     
1,320
     
118
     
4,772
 
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
   
91
     
23
     
6
     
208
     
49
     
9
     
-
     
5
     
9
     
400
 
Total expenses
   
1,008
     
987
     
217
     
767
     
369
     
235
     
137
     
1,325
     
127
     
5,172
 
 
                                                                               
Operating profit before taxes
   
302
     
40
      (39 )    
167
     
68
     
79
     
69
     
143
     
154
     
983
 
Income tax expense
   
62
     
86
      (80 )     (5 )    
25
     
23
     
23
     
7
      (71 )    
70
 
Profit from continuing operations
   
240
      (46 )    
41
     
172
     
43
     
56
     
46
     
136
     
225
     
913
 
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
   
41
     
-
     
273
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (13 )    
301
 
Profit for the period
   
281
      (46 )    
314
     
172
     
43
     
56
     
46
     
136
     
212
     
1,214
 

 
*
The operating expenses in BU North America include an amount of EUR 36 million of global overhead costs allocated to LaSalle, but not considered discontinued.
 


54

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    
 
4           Net interest income
 
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
Interest income
   
15,437
     
13,560
     
7,893
     
6,827
 
Interest expense
   
10,843
     
9,249
     
5,537
     
4,661
 
Total
   
4,594
     
4,311
     
2,356
     
2,166
 

Interest income and interest expense no longer includes interest on the trading book as well as the associated interest on funding. The 2006 comparatives have been reclassified accordingly.

5           Net fee and commission income
 
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
Fee and commission income
                       
Securities brokerage fees
   
768
     
944
     
411
     
456
 
Payment and transaction services fees
   
974
     
909
     
508
     
443
 
Asset management and trust fees
   
784
     
697
     
415
     
358
 
Fees generated on financing arrangements
   
170
     
102
     
101
     
65
 
Advisory fees
   
305
     
190
     
168
     
98
 
Insurance related commissions
   
85
     
76
     
41
     
35
 
Guarantee fees
   
106
     
97
     
55
     
48
 
Other fees and commissions
   
261
     
136
     
138
     
93
 
Subtotal
   
3,453
     
3,151
     
1,837
     
1,596
 
 
                               
Fee and commission expense
                               
Securities brokerage fees
   
41
     
200
     
19
     
103
 
Payment and transaction services fees
   
166
     
135
     
87
     
71
 
Asset management and trust fees
   
75
     
76
     
53
     
39
 
Other fees and commissions
   
299
     
138
     
174
     
73
 
Subtotal
   
581
     
549
     
333
     
286
 
Total
   
2,872
     
2,602
     
1,504
     
1,310
 

The decline in securities brokerage fees mainly results from the sale of the futures business in the second half 2006.

6           Net trading income
 
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
Interest instruments trading
   
556
     
598
     
265
     
186
 
Foreign exchange trading
   
404
     
347
     
168
     
231
 
Equity and commodity trading
   
980
     
532
     
506
     
237
 
Total
   
1,940
     
1,477
     
939
     
654
 


55

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    


7           Results from financial transactions
 
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
Net gain from the disposal of available-for-sale debt securities
   
317
     
92
     
196
     
38
 
Net gain from the sale of available-for-sale equity investments
   
65
     
43
     
59
     
41
 
Dividend on available-for-sale equity investments
   
18
     
22
     
11
     
18
 
Net gain on other equity investments
   
387
     
273
     
179
     
203
 
Hedging ineffectiveness
   
20
     
65
     
4
     
30
 
Other
    (140 )     (174 )     (135 )     (100 )
Total
   
667
     
321
     
314
     
230
 

The net gain on other equity investments includes gains and losses arising on investments held at fair value and the result on the sale of consolidated holdings of a private equity nature. In the second quarter of 2007 a gain of EUR 108 million was recognised as a result of the change of control of certain private equity investments (refer to note 2 – Developments – for more details on this transaction).
 
8           Other operating income
 
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30 J
une 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
Insurance activities
   
54
     
54
     
21
     
28
 
Leasing activities
   
33
     
25
     
17
     
12
 
Net income on disposal of operating activities and equity accounted investments
   
82
     
248
     
78
     
208
 
Other
   
125
     
161
     
50
     
85
 
Total
   
294
     
488
     
166
     
333
 

In the second quarter of 2007 a gain of EUR 77 million was recognised in the line Net income on disposal of operating activities and equity accounted investments relating to the sale of Private Banking operations in Miami and Montevideo (refer to note 2 – Developments – of this interim financial report). In the second quarter of 2006 the profit recorded on the sale of K&H Bank to KBC Bank of EUR 208 million was recorded in this line.

9           Personnel expenses
 
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
Salaries (including bonuses and allowances)
   
3,253
     
2,682
     
1,639
     
1,295
 
Social security expenses
   
405
     
372
     
221
     
205
 
Other employee costs
   
623
     
542
     
323
     
343
 
Total
   
4,281
     
3,596
     
2,183
     
1,843
 

The increase in personnel expenses in the first half of 2007 is mainly caused by an increase in performance related bonuses compared to the comparable period in 2006.
 
10           Income tax expense
 
The effective tax rate on operating profit from continuing operations for the first half year 2007 is 20.7% compared to a nominal tax rate in the Netherlands of 25.5%. Over the full year 2006 the effective tax rate was 17.7%.
 
The effective tax rate on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the nominal tax charge in the Netherlands. The reasons for the deviation in the first half year of 2007 are mainly tax credits received by the Group and tax-exempt gains. The effective tax rate in the first half year of 2007 is higher than over the full year 2006 as a result of relatively higher tax credits and higher tax-exempt income over the full year 2006 compared to the first half year of 2007.
 

56

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

11           Profit from discontinued operations net of tax and assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale

On 22 April 2007, ABN AMRO entered into an agreement to sell ABN AMRO North America Holding Company, which principally consists of the retail and commercial banking activities of LaSalle Bank Corporation ("LaSalle") to Bank of America. ABN AMRO's North American Asset Management businesses and certain businesses within ABN AMRO's North American Global Markets and Global Clients operations do not form part of the sale. The sale is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007. The results of the business under the sale agreement are presented as profit from discontinued operations net of tax. The relating assets and liabilities have been presented as assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale as of this quarter.

Also the results of the national residential mortgage line of business (ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc.), a subsidiary of ABN AMRO LaSalle Bank Midwest are presented as discontinued operations. The sale transaction closed on 28 February 2007.

The comparatives of 2006 furthermore include ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc. and Bouwfonds non-mortgage.

Income statement of discontinued operations:

   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
                         
Operating income
   
1,688
     
2,023
     
835
     
1,011
 
Operating expenses
   
970
     
1,217
     
496
     
601
 
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
   
45
     
41
     
31
     
30
 
Operating profit before tax
   
673
     
765
     
308
     
380
 
Gain recognised on disposal
   
147
     
-
      (7 )    
-
 
Profit from discontinued operations before tax
   
820
     
765
     
301
     
380
 
Income tax expense on operating profit
   
212
     
192
     
94
     
79
 
Income tax expense on gain on disposal
   
54
     
-
      (3 )    
-
 
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
   
554
     
573
     
210
     
301
 

The operating expenses relating to LaSalle as included in the table above and below have been adjusted for the certain global overhead charges from the Group to LaSalle that are considered to be fixed in the short run. Despite the sale of LaSalle the Group will remain to incur these costs. These global overhead charges have as a result been presented as operating expenses from continuing operations. For the year-to-date 2007 period the amount is EUR 75 million and for the comparative period in 2006 the amount is EUR 73 million. The amount for the second quarter of 2007 is EUR 44 million and for the comparative period in 2006 EUR 36 million.

The table below provides a further breakdown of the operating result and gain on disposal of discontinued operations. In our segment disclosure note the ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc. results are included in BU North America. The LaSalle results are included in BU North America and BU Group Functions and the Bouwfonds non-mortgage results are included in BU Netherlands.

   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
LaSalle
                       
Operating income
   
1,617
     
1,559
     
835
     
770
 
Operating expenses
   
928
     
941
     
498
     
457
 
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
   
45
     
39
     
31
     
31
 
Operating profit before tax
   
644
     
579
     
306
     
282
 
Gain recognised on disposal
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Profit from discontinued operations before tax
   
644
     
579
     
306
     
282
 
Income tax expense on operating profit
   
202
     
131
     
94
     
44
 
Income tax expense on gain on disposal
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
   
442
     
448
     
212
     
238
 
 
                               


57

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    


   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
Bouwfonds non-mortgage
                       
Operating income
   
-
     
290
     
-
     
145
 
Operating expenses
    (2 )    
154
      (2 )    
84
 
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
   
-
     
2
     
-
      (1 )
Operating profit before tax
   
2
     
134
     
2
     
62
 
Gain recognised on disposal
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Profit from discontinued operations before tax
   
2
     
134
     
2
     
62
 
Income tax expense on operating profit
   
-
     
43
     
-
     
21
 
Income tax expense on gain on disposal
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
   
2
     
91
     
2
     
41
 
 
                               
ABN AMRO Mortgage Group Inc.
                               
Operating income
   
71
     
174
     
-
     
96
 
Operating expenses
   
44
     
122
     
-
     
60
 
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
   
-
     
2
     
-
     
-
 
Operating profit before tax
   
27
     
52
     
-
     
36
 
Gain recognised on disposal
   
147
     
-
      (7 )    
-
 
Profit from discontinued operations before tax
   
174
     
52
      (7 )    
36
 
Income tax expense on operating profit
   
10
     
18
     
-
     
14
 
Income tax expense on gain on disposal
   
54
     
-
      (3 )    
-
 
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
   
110
     
34
      (4 )    
22
 
 
                               
Total profit from discontinued operation net of tax
   
554
     
573
     
210
     
301
 



58

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    


The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are as follows:

   
30 June
2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Assets
           
Cash and balances with central banks
   
1,193
     
14
 
Financial assets held for trading
   
1,199
     
104
 
Financial investments
   
22,991
     
132
 
Loans and receivables – banks
   
1,584
     
53
 
Loans and receivables – customers
   
48,723
     
4,532
 
Property and equipment
   
2,447
     
1,012
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
   
50
     
2,449
 
Accrued income and prepaid expenses
   
465
     
62
 
Other assets
   
5,790
     
3,492
 
Assets of businesses held for sale
   
84,442
     
11,850
 
 
               
Liabilities
               
Financial liabilities held for trading
   
195
     
-
 
Due to banks
   
10,029
     
973
 
Due to customers
   
46,457
     
2,397
 
Issued debt securities
   
16,860
     
-
 
Provisions
   
122
     
22
 
Accrued expenses and deferred income
   
858
     
71
 
Other liabilities
   
1,859
     
244
 
Subordinated liabilities
   
4,000
     
-
 
Liabilities of businesses held for sale
   
80,380
     
3,707
 
 
               
Net assets directly associated with disposal businesses
   
4,062
     
8,143
 

At 30 June 2007 these balances mainly consist of LaSalle. At 31 December 2006 these balances mainly consisted of ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc.


59

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

12           Earnings per share
 
The calculations for basic and diluted earnings per share are presented in the following table.
 
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
Profit for the period attributable to shareholders of the parent company
   
2,165
     
2,219
     
1,130
     
1,216
 
Profit from continuing operations attributable to shareholders of the parent company
   
1,618
     
1,658
     
923
     
920
 
Profit from discontinued operations attributable to shareholders of the parent company
   
547
     
561
     
207
     
296
 
 
                               
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (in millions)
   
1,854.8
     
1,877.6
                 
Dilutive effect of staff options (in millions)
   
11.4
     
8.3
                 
Conditional share awards (in millions)
   
7.3
     
1.9
                 
Diluted number of ordinary shares (in millions)
   
1,873.5
     
1,887.8
                 
 
                               
From continuing operations
                               
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in euros)
   
0.87
     
0.88
     
0.50
     
0.49
 
Fully diluted earnings per ordinary share (in euros)
   
0.86
     
0.88
     
0.50
     
0.49
 
 
                               
From continuing and discontinued operations
                               
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in euros)
   
1.17
     
1.18
     
0.61
     
0.65
 
Fully diluted earnings per ordinary share (in euros)
   
1.16
     
1.18
     
0.61
     
0.64
 
 
                               
Number of ordinary shares outstanding (in millions)
   
1,855.4
     
1,892.0
                 
Net asset value per ordinary share (in euros)
   
13.30
     
12.13
                 
Number of preference shares outstanding (in millions)
   
1,369.8
     
1,369.8
                 
Return on average shareholders’ equity (in %)
    17.8 %     19.7 %                

In the return on average shareholders’ equity the average shareholders’ equity is determined excluding net unrealised gains/losses on available-for-sale assets and cash flow hedging reserve not recognised in the income statement.

13           Financial assets and liabilities held for trading
 
   
30 June
 2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Financial assets held for trading
           
Interest-earning securities
   
75,458
     
60,290
 
Equity instruments
   
53,107
     
40,112
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
120,360
     
105,334
 
Total
   
248,925
     
205,736
 
 
               
Financial liabilities held for trading
               
Short positions in financial assets
   
42,233
     
45,861
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
117,476
     
99,503
 
Total
   
159,709
     
145,364
 


60

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

14           Financial investments
 
   
30 June
 2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Interest-earning securities available-for-sale
   
94,406
     
117,558
 
Interest-earning securities held-to-maturity
   
2,775
     
3,729
 
Equity investments available-for-sale
   
1,269
     
1,866
 
Equity investments designated at fair value through income
   
3,251
     
2,228
 
Total
   
101,701
     
125,381
 
 
15           Loans and receivables – banks
 
This item is comprised of amounts due from or deposited with banking institutions.
 
   
30 June
 2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Current accounts
   
11,257
     
9,473
 
Time deposits placed
   
12,036
     
15,396
 
Professional securities transactions
   
155,684
     
105,969
 
Loans to banks
   
4,364
     
3,986
 
Subtotal
   
183,341
     
134,824
 
Allowances for impairment 17
    (3 )     (5 )
Total
   
183,338
     
134,819
 

The movements during the year are mainly due to an increase in professional securities transactions in the UK.

16           Loans and receivables – customers
 
This item is comprised of amounts receivable, regarding loans and mortgages balances with non-bank customers.
 
   
30 June
 2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Public sector
   
6,179
     
11,567
 
Commercial
   
162,420
     
180,262
 
Consumer
   
125,056
     
135,484
 
Professional securities transactions
   
119,387
     
93,716
 
Multi-seller conduits
   
32,612
     
25,872
 
Subtotal
   
445,654
     
446,901
 
Allowances for impairment 17
    (3,750 )     (3,646 )
Total
   
441,904
     
443,255
 

The amount receivable held by multi-seller conduits is typically collateralised by a pool of customer receivables in excess of the amount advanced, such that the resulting credit risk is mitigated.
 

61

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

17           Loan impairment charges and allowances
 
   
2007
 
Balance at 1 January
   
3,651
 
Loan impairment charges:
       
New impairment allowances
   
1,254
 
Reversal of impairment allowances no longer required
    (241 )
Recoveries of amounts previously written off
    (127 )
Total loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
   
886
 
 
       
Amount recorded in interest income from unwinding of discounting
    (17 )
Currency translation differences
   
54
 
Amounts written off (net)
    (631 )
Disposals of businesses and discontinued operations
    (230 )
Unearned interest accrued on impaired loans
   
40
 
Balance at 30 June
   
3,753
 

All loans are assessed for potential impairment either individually and / or on a portfolio basis. The allowance for impairment is apportioned as follows:
 
   
30 June
2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Commercial loans
   
2,470
     
2,344
 
Consumer loans
   
1,280
     
1,302
 
Loans to banks
   
3
     
5
 
Total
   
3,753
     
3,651
 

18           Equity accounted investments
 
   
30 June
2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Banking institutions
   
1,488
     
1,436
 
Other activities
   
103
     
91
 
Total
   
1,591
     
1,527
 

   
2007
 
Balance at 1 January
   
1,527
 
Movements:
       
Purchases
   
25
 
Reclassifications
    (23 )
Sales
    (1 )
Share in results
   
139
 
Dividends received
    (49 )
Currency translation differences
    (3 )
Other                                                                                                                        
    (24 )
Balance at 30 June
   
1,591
 

62

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

19           Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
   
30 June
2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Goodwill
   
4,946
     
4,714
 
Goodwill of private equity
   
287
     
2,436
 
Software
   
945
     
959
 
Other intangibles
   
962
     
1,298
 
Total
   
7,140
     
9,407
 

Compared to 31 December 2006 goodwill increased by EUR 232 million. EUR 163 million is attributable to the acquisition of Prime Bank Ltd (Pakistan) on 5 April 2007 (see note 2 - Developments) and EUR 63 million to the acquisition of the remaining outstanding shares (5.42%) in Banco Sudameris Brasil S.A. by Banco Real on 13 March 2007.

The decrease of goodwill of private equity investments by EUR 2.1 billion is a result of the deconsolidation of private equity investments (refer to note 2 of this interim financial report).

Impairment testing of goodwill
Goodwill has been allocated for impairment testing purposes to individual cash-generating units within the business.  Within the €5,233 million total carrying amount of goodwill and goodwill of private equity, €4,399 million of goodwill allocated to the Antonveneta cash-generating unit is the only significant individual carrying amount.  The remaining €834 million of goodwill is allocated across multiple cash-generating units whose recoverable amounts are assessed independently of one another.

During the second quarter of 2007, we identified that the half-year financial performance of the Antonveneta cash-generating unit was lower than previously forecasted.  We considered the reduced financial performance an indicator of goodwill impairment and therefore tested the goodwill attributable to the Antonveneta cash-generating unit for impairment.

In an impairment test, it is assessed whether the recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is the higher of the cash-generating unit’s fair value less cost to sell and the cash generating unit’s value in use.  The higher recoverable amount of Antonveneta at 30 June 2007 is the fair value less cost to sell.  As there is no observable market price for the Antonveneta cash-generating unit, fair value has been estimated using an earnings multiple approach.  This approach multiplies a current best estimate of forecasted earnings by a price-earnings ratio.  Our approach multiples Antonveneta’s forecasted net profit figure for 2007 by the average applicable earnings multiple of observed transactions within the Italian banking market during the past two years.
 
Management’s test resulted in the recoverable amount of Antonveneta marginally exceeding the carrying amount. As a result no impairment charge was recorded. The outcome of the impairment test is sensitive to both the earnings multiplier and the forecasted earnings itself.
 
20           Issued debt securities
 
   
30 June
2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Bonds and notes issued
   
114,139
     
117,122
 
Certificates of deposit and commercial paper
   
42,568
     
56,375
 
Cash notes, savings certificates and bank certificates
   
1,841
     
2,269
 
Subtotal
   
158,548
     
175,766
 
Commercial paper issued by multi-seller conduits
   
32,612
     
26,280
 
Total
   
191,160
     
202,046
 


63

      
        
      
      
          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

21           Subordinated liabilities
 
Issued liabilities qualify as subordinated debt if claims by the holders are subordinated to all other current and future liabilities of, respectively, ABN AMRO Holding N.V, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and other Group companies. These liabilities qualify as capital, taking into account remaining maturities, for the purpose of determining the consolidated capital adequacy ratio for the Dutch central bank.
 
The maturity profile of subordinated liabilities is as follows:
 
   
30 June
2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Within one year
   
1,057
     
1,372
 
After one and within two years
   
1,556
     
1,833
 
After two and within three years
   
1,471
     
3,496
 
After three and within four years
   
779
     
1,323
 
After four and within five years
   
23
     
937
 
After five years
   
9,821
     
10,252
 
Total
   
14,707
     
19,213
 
 

Total subordinated liabilities include EUR 2,027 million (December 2006: EUR 6,122 million) which qualify as tier 1 capital for capital adequacy purposes. Another EUR 4,000 million of subordinated liabilities which also qualify as tier 1 capital is presented as liabilities of businesses held for sale in connection with the sale agreement of LaSalle.
 
22           Commitments and contingent liabilities
 
Loan and banking commitments
 
The contractual amounts of commitments and contingent liabilities are set out by category in the following table. The amounts for commitments are presented on a fully advanced basis. Guarantees and letters of credit represent the maximum accounting loss that would be recognised at the balance sheet date if the relevant contract parties completely failed to perform as contracted.
 
   
30 June
2007
   
31 December
2006
 
Contingent liabilities with respect to guarantees granted
   
51,925
     
46,026
 
Contingent liabilities with respect to irrevocable letters of credit
   
5,689
     
5,253
 
Committed credit facilities
   
151,607
     
145,418
 

Many of the contingent liabilities and commitments will expire without being advanced in whole or in part. This means that the amounts stated do not represent expected future cash flows. Additionally, guarantees and letters of credit are supported by varying levels of collateral.
 
Other contingencies
 
Legal proceedings have been initiated against the Group in a number of jurisdictions, but on the basis of information currently available, and having taken legal counsel, the Group is of the opinion that the outcome of these proceedings net of any related insurance claims is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position and the consolidated profit of the Group.
 

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          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

23           Capital adequacy
 
To monitor the adequacy of capital the Group uses ratios established by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). These ratios measure capital adequacy (minimum 8% as required by BIS) by comparing the Group’s eligible capital with its balance sheet assets, off-balance sheet commitments and market and other risk positions at weighted amounts to reflect their relative risk. The market risk approach covers the general market risk and the risk of open positions in currencies and debt and equity securities primarily in the trading book. Assets are weighted according to broad categories of notional risk, being assigned a risk weighting according to the amount of capital deemed to be necessary to support them.
 
Tier 1 capital consists of shareholders’ equity and qualifying subordinated liabilities less goodwill and some intangible assets. Tier 2 capital represents additional qualifying subordinated liabilities, taking into account the remaining maturities. Core tier 1 capital is tier 1 capital excluding preference shares.
 
The Group’s capital adequacy level was as follows:
 
   
Balance sheet / unweighted
amount
 
Risk weighted amount, including
effect of contractual netting
   
30 June 2007
 
31 December 2006
 
30 June 2007
 
31 December 2006
Balance sheet assets (net of provisions):
               
Cash and balances at central banks
 
14,485
 
12,317
 
504
 
296
Financial assets held for trading
 
248,925
 
205,736
 
-
 
-
Financial investments
 
101,701
 
125,381
 
9,237
 
14,142
Loans and receivables – banks
 
183,338
 
134,819
 
7,978
 
7,215
Loans and receivables – customers
 
441,904
 
443,255
 
141,468
 
161,584
Equity accounted investments
 
1,591
 
1,527
 
988
 
943
Property and equipment
 
3,798
 
6,270
 
3,519
 
4,419
Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
7,140
 
9,407
 
1,196
 
2,801
Assets of businesses held for sale
 
84,442
 
11,850
 
48,237
 
6,978
Accrued income and prepaid expenses
 
9,822
 
9,290
 
3,800
 
3,794
Other assets
 
22,913
 
27,212
 
3,627
 
6,776
(Sub)total
 
1,120,059
 
987,064
 
220,554
 
208,948
Off-balance sheet positions and derivatives:
               
Credit-related commitments and contingencies
 
209,221
 
196,697
 
53,050
 
53,336
Credit equivalent of derivatives
         
15,606
 
13,960
Insurance companies and other
         
416
 
379
Subtotal
         
69,072
 
67,675
Total credit risks
         
289,626
 
276,623
Market risk requirements
         
4,699
 
4,081
Total risk-weighted assets
         
294,325
 
280,704

 
The following table compares actual capital with that required for supervisory purposes.
 
   
30 June 2007
   
31 December 2006
 
   
Required
   
Actual
   
Required
   
Actual
 
Total capital
   
23,546
     
30,959
     
22,457
     
31,275
 
Total capital ratio
    8.0 %     10.52 %     8.0 %     11.14 %
 
                               
Tier 1 capital
   
11,773
     
24,037
     
11,228
     
23,720
 
Tier 1 capital ratio
    4.0 %     8.17 %     4.0 %     8.45 %
 
                               
Core tier 1
   
     
18,010
     
     
17,336
 
Core tier 1 ratio
   
      6.12 %    
      6.18 %

 

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          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

24           Private equity investments
 
Private equity investments are either consolidated or held at fair value.
 
Consolidated private equity holdings
 
Investments of a private equity nature that are controlled by the Group are consolidated. Such holdings represent a wide range of non-banking activities. Personnel and other costs relating to production and manufacturing activities are presented within goods and material expenses of consolidated private equity holdings. The impact of consolidating on the income statement these investments is set out in the table below. The results of operations from the investments, deconsolidated on 30 June 2007, have continued to be included in the results of operations in this quarter and the transaction as described in Note 2 of this interim financial report will impact the consolidated income statement as of the next quarter.
 
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
6 months
ended 30
June 2006
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2007
   
3 months
ended 30
June 2006
 
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
   
2,783
     
2,634
     
1,390
     
1,388
 
Other income included in operating income
    (174 )     (161 )     (85 )     (78 )
Total operating income of consolidated private equity holdings
   
2,609
     
2,473
     
1,305
     
1,310
 
 
                               
Goods and material expenses of consolidated private equity holdings
   
1,949
     
1,855
     
979
     
1,003
 
Included in personnel expenses
   
294
     
275
     
142
     
138
 
Included in administrative costs
   
236
     
232
     
111
     
112
 
Included in depreciation and amortisation
   
136
     
103
     
48
     
53
 
Total operating expenses
   
2,615
     
2,465
     
1,280
     
1,306
 
Operating profit before tax of consolidated private equity holdings
    (6 )    
8
     
25
     
4
 


The assets and liabilities of these consolidated holdings are included in the Group balance sheet. Given the non-banking nature of the underlying activities the main lines impacted are goodwill, property and equipment, other assets and issued debt securities. The total assets of the remaining consolidated entities at 30 June 2007 were EUR 1,700 million (31 December 2006: EUR 4,537 million) excluding goodwill.
 
25           Subsequent events
 
ABN AMRO Mellon Global Securities Services

On 5 July 2007, Mellon Bank N.A. has agreed to purchase ABN AMRO’s 50% share in ABN AMRO Mellon Global Securities Services B.V., the joint venture company established by the shareholders in 2003 to provide global custody and related services to institutions outside North America.  The transaction, which is subject to certain conditions including regulatory and other approvals, is expected to close during the third quarter 2007. After the close ABN AMRO Mellon will become part of The Bank of New York Company and Mellon Financial Corporation.  ABN AMRO Mellon is presented as held for sale in the balance sheet.

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          UNAUDITED        
      
        
      
    

REPORT ON REVIEW OF INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
To the Supervisory Board and Managing Board of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

 
Introduction
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed interim financial report consisting of the consolidated balance sheet of ABN AMRO Holding N.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands (the “Company”) as at 30 June 2007 and the related interim condensed consolidated statements of income, changes in equity and cash flows for the three- and six-month period then ended and condensed explanatory notes (as set out in annex 3, further referred to as interim financial report). Company’s management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of this interim financial report accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards applicable to interim financial reporting as adopted by the European Union (“IAS 34”). Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim financial report based on our review.
 
Scope of Review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements 2410, “Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity”. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
 
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying interim financial report is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34.


Amsterdam, 30 July 2007


for Ernst & Young Accountants




Signed J.J. Nooitgedagt

 


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