News releases

Dec 7, 2011

THIS MEDIA RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Option exercised in full to provide aggregate gross proceeds of $115 million

HALIFAX, Dec. 7, 2011 /CNW/ - Bell Aliant Inc. ("Bell Aliant") (TSX: BA) announced today that its subsidiary, Bell Aliant Preferred Equity Inc. (the "Company"), has closed the sale of 4,600,000 4.55% Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Series C Preferred Shares (the "Series C Preferred Shares") at a price of $25.00 per Series C Preferred Share for total gross proceeds of $115 million. This follows the Company's previously announced bought deal public offering led by RBC Capital Markets, Scotia Capital and BMO Capital Markets, and includes the exercise in full by the syndicate of underwriters of their over-allotment option. The Series C Preferred Shares begin trading on the TSX under the symbol "BAF.PR.C" today.

The Series C Preferred Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirement of such Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

About Bell Aliant
Bell Aliant Inc. (TSX: BA) is one of North America's largest regional communications providers and the first company in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology with its FibreOP™ services. Through its operating entities, Bell Aliant serves customers in six Canadian provinces with innovative information, communication and technology services, including voice, data, Internet, video and value-added business solutions. Bell Aliant's employees deliver the highest quality of customer service, choice and convenience.  For more information, visit www.bellaliant.ca.