News

    TSX Symbol: ETC

    TORONTO, Feb. 5 /CNW/ - Equitable Group Inc. today announced the
successful completion of its planned leadership transition with the
appointments of Andrew Moor as the Company's President and Chief Executive
Officer and Geoffrey Bledin as Vice Chairman. Both appointments are effective
March 1, 2007.
    Mr. Moor is an accomplished and respected business executive with more
than 25 years of leadership experience. He has held senior positions with a
number of leading private and public organizations in the residential
mortgage, financial services and manufacturing industries. Most recently, he
was President and CEO of Invis Inc., Canada's largest residential mortgage
brokerage business. Previously, he was President of SMED International.
Mr. Moor is Vice Chair of the Canadian Institute of Mortgage Brokers and
Lenders, and a Trustee of Sleep Country Canada Income Fund. He has an MBA from
the University of British Columbia and a B.Sc(Eng) from the University of
London.
    Mr. Bledin has served with distinction as Equitable's President and Chief
Executive Officer since 1990 and among his many accomplishments, led the
Company through its successful initial public offering in 2004.
    "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Andrew to
his new position," said Austin Beutel, Chairman. "Over the course of the past
10 months, we have diligently reviewed the qualifications of many very
suitable candidates for this important role. Andrew stood out based on his
rich and varied business experience and tremendous knowledge of Canada's
residential mortgage lending industry. We are convinced that Andrew will build
on what Geoffrey so ably started and take Equitable to the next level,
supported by our committed Board and management teams.
    "It also gives me great pleasure to thank Geoffrey for his outstanding
leadership over the past 16 years. Geoffrey will provide full-time support to
Andrew this year to ensure a seamless transition and although Geoffrey will be
stepping back from day-to-day management, his wise counsel will be available
to us long term."
    Said Mr. Moor: "Equitable has a tremendous track record, many valued
partners, a strong team and proven processes for profitable growth. I intend
to nurture these advantages and stay true to Equitable's growth strategies. At
the same time, I am convinced there are significant opportunities to further
advance our niche positions and I will work diligently with our Board and the
team to realize our full potential."
    Said Mr. Bledin: "Andrew is a great choice to lead Equitable. He brings
the enthusiasm, drive and skills the Company needs to ensure its long-term
progression. With his intimate knowledge of our industry and obvious
leadership skills, I foresee a very short acclimatization period and I look
forward to supporting Andrew in any way I can."

    About Equitable Group

    Equitable Group Inc. provides first mortgage financing through its
wholly-owned subsidiary, The Equitable Trust Company. It also offers
Guaranteed Investment Certificates to depositors as a nationally-licensed
deposit-taking institution. Equitable Trust was founded in 1970, and by
following a prudent, results-driven approach, Equitable has become a lead in
its primary niches: alternative single family dwelling as well as multi-unit
residential mortgage lending. The common shares of Equitable Group Inc. are
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol of "ETC." For
more information visit www.equitablegroupinc.com.

    Certain forward-looking statements are made in this news release,
including statements regarding possible future business. Investors are
cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties
detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with
Canadian regulatory authorities. Many factors could cause actual results,
performance or achievements to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Equitable does not undertake to update any
forward-looking statements, oral or written, made by itself or on its behalf.

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