Citizens Bank Named No. 1 SBA Lender for the Second Year in a Row

FLINT, Mich., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Citizens Republic Bancorp (Nasdaq: CRBC) announced today that Citizens Bank was ranked the No. 1 Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in dollars in Michigan for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, with $30.0 million in SBA loan approvals. Citizens also ranked No. 1 in Preferred Lender Program (PLP) loans approved during the year.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050421/DETH014LOGO )

"We are very proud to be ranked No. 1 on the SBA's lists for the second year in a row. This demonstrates our consistent commitment to supporting small businesses across Michigan," said Tom Zernick, Head of SBA lending at Citizens Bank. "PLP lending status is granted to lenders based on excellent performance and production history with the SBA. As a preferred lender, Citizens Bank has the ability to approve SBA loan applications in-house on behalf of the SBA. This delegated underwriting provides for extremely fast loan approvals and expedited loan closings."

Richard Temkin, SBA's Michigan District Director, said, "I want to commend Citizens Bank for its great commitment to SBA lending. For the second year in a row Citizens has lent more dollars to Michigan small businesses than any other lender. This is a testament to their commitment to Michigan and the communities they serve."

SBA loans can be used for a variety of purposes including: permanent working capital, equipment purchases, building expansion and acquisition, business acquisition, debt refinance and revolving credit needs.

Zernick added that the benefits of SBA lending include: lower down-payment requirements, which in turn, preserves cash for working capital; longer amortizations, which helps clients with improved cash flow; and, no balloon notes that provide access to long-term permanent capital.

Corporate Profile

Citizens Republic Bancorp (NASDAQ: CRBC) 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 231 offices and 267 ATMs. Citizens Republic Bancorp is the largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan with roots dating back to 1871. Citizens Republic is the 42nd largest bank holding company headquartered in the United States with $12.3 billion in assets. More information about Citizens Republic Bancorp is available at www.citizensbanking.com.

SOURCE Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc.