TORONTO, Feb. 1 /CNW/ - Scotiabank announced today that approximately 118 million common shares as well as all of the special shares, series C and first preference shares, series X were tendered to Scotiabank's offer (the "Offer") to acquire DundeeWealth Inc. ("DundeeWealth").  The Offer expired at 12:01 a.m. ET today.

"The completion of this transaction brings the strengths of DundeeWealth and Scotiabank together," said Chris Hodgson, Group Head, Scotiabank Global Wealth Management.  "We are committed to building on our individual strengths in serving clients, providing value to our shareholders and offering employees a great place to work. In the days ahead, we will be working closely with David Goodman and the DundeeWealth team to provide a seamless transition for our stakeholders."

Scotiabank has taken up and accepted for payment all of the shares tendered.  Payment to depositing DundeeWealth shareholders will be made by the depositary as soon as practicable.  Scotiabank now owns approximately 120 million common shares (representing 97.06% of the issued and outstanding common shares) and all of the issued and outstanding special shares, series C, special shares, series F and first preference shares, series X.  All of the special shares, series D were converted into common shares prior to expiry of the Offer.

Scotiabank will acquire the remaining common shares pursuant to the compulsory acquisition procedures of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), as described in its take-over bid circular.  Upon the completion of such compulsory acquisition, Scotiabank will apply to de-list the common shares from the Toronto Stock Exchange.

"This is an exciting stepping stone for DundeeWealth in our pursuit of international exposure, growth and recognition," said David Goodman, President and CEO of DundeeWealth. "By remaining focused on the same ambitions of entrepreneurialism and independent thinking that have guided our past, we move forward confidently into the future with the support of a new partner. DundeeWealth's relationship with Scotiabank offers our shareholders immediate value and a strong promise for the future."

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve some 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $526 billion (as at October 31, 2010), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

About DundeeWealth Inc.

DundeeWealth is a Canadian wealth management company majority owned by Scotiabank. With $83.3 billion in fee earning assets under management, DundeeWealth provides diversified wealth and investment management solutions which include alternative and tax-advantaged products and advisory services to financial advisors, institutions, corporations and foundations. It supports innovative wealth management through a network of independent financial advisors who operate under the DundeeWealth brand across Canada. Its award winning family of select hedge funds and mutual funds, Dynamic Funds®, managed by Goodman & Company, Investment Counsel Ltd., is also available outside of Canada through distribution platforms in Europe and the United States.