News

/THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE
    SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES./TORONTO, March 4 /CNW/ - Equitable Group Inc. (TSX:ETC) today announced
the introduction of a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP") that will enable
eligible shareholder participants to automatically reinvest dividends in
additional common shares of the Company.
    "Our dividend reinvestment program is designed to benefit our
shareholders and our company over the long term," said Andrew Moor, President
and CEO. "By participating, shareholders increase their equity stake - without
transaction fees -and will see their funds put back to work to capitalize on
the earnings growth opportunities available in our markets. As a shareholder,
I am participating in the DRIP because I believe reinvestment provides the
best potential long term return on my capital."
    Shareholders who elect to participate will see all or a portion of their
dividends reinvested in additional common shares at the average market price
on the applicable dividend payment date. The average market price is the
volume weighted average trading price of common shares on the TSX for five
trading days immediately following the dividend payment date.
    The full text of the DRIP, a detailed Q&A in relation to its operation
and an enrollment form are available on the Company's website at
www.equitablegroupinc.com.
    Equitable has a well-established track record of quarterly dividend
payments. It declared its most recent dividend of $0.10 per share payable on
April 3 2009, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 13,
2009. To reinvest the April 3, 2009 dividend, Computershare Trust Company of
Canada must receive the signed enrollment form by Monday, March 9, 2009.
    Beneficial shareholders who hold their shares through a nominee, such as
a broker or investment dealer, and who wish to participate in the DRIP should
contact their nominee to enquire about enrollment.
    Before participating, shareholders are advised to read the complete text
of the DRIP and to consult their advisers about potential tax implications. At
present, only Canadian residents can participate.

    About Equitable Group Inc.

    Equitable Group Inc. is a leading niche mortgage lender. Its primary
business is first mortgage financing, which it offers through The Equitable
Trust Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary. Founded in 1970, Equitable Trust
is a federally regulated trust company. It serves single family, small and
large commercial borrowers and their mortgage advisors, as well as the
investing public as a provider of Guaranteed Investment Certificates.
Equitable's non-branch business model, valued relationships with third-party
mortgage professionals and deposit-taking agents, and disciplined lending
practices have allowed the Company to grow profitably and efficiently for many
years. 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. Certain material assumptions are applied by
the Company in making forward-looking statements, including without
limitation, assumptions regarding its continued ability to fund its mortgage
business at current levels, a continuation of the current level of economic
uncertainty that affects real estate market conditions, continued acceptance
of its products in the marketplace, as well as no material changes in its
operating cost structure and the current tax regime. 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. See the MD&A for further information on forward-looking
statements.

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