Fortis is planning to divest some businesses and attract external capital for others to help fund its acquisition of ABN Amro and strengthen its capital base, and is in exclusive talks on a deal that will boost its solvency “substantially”, according to the Belgo-Dutch group’s chief executive.

Jean-Paul Votron said in Fortis’ full-year results statement today: “With respect to the funding of the ABN Amro transaction, we have slightly adjusted the targeted financing mix. Divestitures and outside participation in the capital of some of our businesses will form a substantial part of the completion of the financing and strengthening of our capital position.