First Citizens Bank to Open First Office in Annapolis, Maryland

November 14, 2005

RALEIGH, N.C. - First Citizens Bank will open its first Maryland office in Annapolis on Monday, Nov. 21.

“First Citizens’ customer-focused approach to banking is ideal for a vibrant community such as Annapolis ,” said John Francis, the bank’s Mid-Atlantic region executive. “This new office provides our company with an excellent opportunity to continue our growth, while maintaining our commitment to exceptional service and strong long-term financial relationships.”

The bank has renovated office space in a building at 1967 West St. in the Parole section of the city. The new branch is near Anne Arundel Medical Center and the Annapolis Mall.

“First Citizens’ focus on small businesses, medical and professional clients, as well as retail customers, is a great fit for the Annapolis area,” said Matthew Pipkin, the bank’s Maryland area executive. “We are excited about moving into Maryland and working to build longstanding partnerships in the community.”

Pipkin, a 15-year banking veteran, will oversee the bank’s entry and business development efforts in Annapolis. The office will be staffed with a full-service commercial, business and retail banking team.

Initial hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. , and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office features a walk-up ATM and offers a complete line of financial services including loans, leasing, deposit accounts, factoring, business and retail banking.

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., First Citizens Bank operates 337 branches in more than 200 cities and towns in Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia . In addition to Annapolis, First Citizens recently opened its first office in Nashville, Tenn.

The bank’s parent company, First Citizens BancShares (NASDAQ: FCNCA), has more than $14 billion in assets. BancShares’ other bank subsidiary, IronStone Bank, has 50 offices in Georgia, Florida, Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. For more information about First Citizens and its services, call toll-free 1-888-FC DIRECT (1-888-323-4732) or visit the bank’s Web site, firstcitizens.com.


Barbara Thompson
(919) 716-2716
First Citizens Bank