EXHIBIT 99
| OLD KENT
Old Kent Financial Corporation
|
|
| News Release |
| NYSE: | OK |
| FOR RELEASE: | IMMEDIATE |
| DATE: | NOVEMBER 30, 1999 |
| CONTACT: | ALBERT T. POTAS |
| (616) 771-1931 |
OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORPORATION
ADDED TO S&P 500 INDEX
Grand Rapids, Michigan - -- On November 29, 1999, Standard & Poor's announced that it
would add Old Kent Financial Corporation to the S&P 500 Index effective with the close of trading
on December 1, 1999. Standard & Poor's selects companies for inclusion in the S&P 500 Index
based on an extensive screening process that includes a rigorous analysis of the financial and
operating condition of the company and the trading activity and ownership characteristics of the
company's outstanding common stock. Companies selected for the S&P 500 Index represent
important industry segments within the U.S. economy. The S&P 500 Index is a market-value
weighted index. It contains 500 different common stocks and is a leading benchmark for
performance measurement of the U.S. equity markets.
In reacting to the announcement, David J. Wagner, Chairman, President and CEO of
Old Kent Financial Corporation, said "the inclusion of Old Kent in this prestigious index comprised
of America's leading enterprises is an honor. We are pleased by this recognition and believe that it
acknowledges Old Kent's commitment to shareholder value and its consistent, long-term record of
achievement and growth."
Old Kent is a financial services company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a
40 year history of consecutive increases in annual per share earnings and dividends. It operates over
250 banking offices in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana as well as over 150 mortgage lending sites
located throughout the United States. At September 30, 1999, Old Kent had total assets of
approximately $17.6 billion.
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