FLINT, Mich., May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Citizens Bank has completed its successful merger integration with Republic Bank. This culminates the merger and integration activities that began with the announcement of the deal between Citizens Banking Corporation and Republic Bancorp Inc. in June 2006 to create Citizens Republic Bancorp.
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"The successful integration of operations is a result of the extensive planning and months-long preparation conducted by everyone on the Citizens Republic team," said William R. Hartman, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Republic Bancorp. "I couldn't be more proud of our staff for completing this merger in such an efficient manner, while ensuring minimal impact to our valued clients.
"We are pleased to offer the best features of Republic and Citizens to enhance the products and services available to our consumer and business clients," said Hartman. "Our newly integrated operations provide the foundation to provide the comprehensive financial solutions they need in the months and years to come."
Accompanying the integration of Republic Bank into the Citizens family is a new advertising campaign and web site (http://www.citizensbanking.com/). The redesigned web site has many new features, including:
-- An enhanced Branch and ATM locator function;
-- A new Tools and Education section that provides valuable calculators
and helpful financial information; and,
-- A reorganization of the information available about Citizens Bank's
financial services to make it easier for clients to find what they are
seeking.
The advertising campaign focuses on the "new" Citizens Bank, with print, radio and television ads that emphasize the combined strengths of Citizens and Republic. The new campaign highlights the benefits to clients resulting from the integration of operations and expanded products and service offerings, such as:
-- More small business solutions;
-- More lending power;
-- More business capabilities; and,
-- More wealth management tools.
Citizens Republic Bancorp is a diversified financial services company providing a wide range of commercial, consumer, mortgage banking, trust and financial planning services to a broad client base. Citizens Republic serves communities in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio as Citizens Bank and in Iowa as F&M Bank, with 241 offices and 269 ATMs. Citizens Republic Bancorp is the 2nd largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan with roots dating back to 1871. Citizens Republic is the 45th largest bank holding company headquartered in the United States with $13.3 billion in assets. More information about Citizens Republic Bancorp is available at http://www.citizensbanking.com/.
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