Apple Bank For Savings Receives Regulatory Approval To Acquire 29 Branches From Emigrant Savings Bank

MANHASSET, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Apple Bank for Savings, the third largest state-chartered savings bank in New York, announced today that it has received approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the New York State Department of Financial Services to acquire 29 branches and the related deposit accounts and services from Emigrant Savings Bank.

Under the terms of the transaction, Apple Bank is purchasing approximately $3.2 billion in deposits, representing most of Emigrant's retail branch network. Emigrant will retain its offices located on East 42^nd Street in Manhattan and in Ossining, New York and its Internet-based accounts, representing approximately $5 billion in deposits.

The closing of the transaction is expected to be completed in April. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Upon completion of the transaction, which was announced on July 20, 2012, Apple Bank's total assets will increase from approximately $9.8 billion to $13 billion, with 79 branches in greater New York.

Alan Shamoon, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Apple Bank, said, "The Emigrant branch acquisition is a good strategic fit for Apple Bank that significantly improves the scale and critical mass of our branch network. The addition of Emigrant's long-term customer base with complementary demographics will strengthen our presence in a market we have been successfully serving for 150 years."

"We will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for Emigrant customers, including keeping Emigrant deposit products very similar to the way they are now. We are excited to offer our customers greater convenience, access to a greatly expanded network of branches and an extensive range of deposit and loan services. Customers can continue to expect the high level of personalized service delivered by the same professional and responsive bankers they have come to trust," Shamoon continued.

Apple Bank traces its New York origins back to 1863 and has remained one of the nation's strongest financial institutions throughout the most recent financial crisis. Shamoon said, "By staying the course with conservative and prudent banking practices, we have remained consistently profitable with almost no non-performing loans in one of the most challenging economic environments in history. A large part of our success has come from our long-term commitment to neighborhood branch banking -- putting our customers and their best interests first in all of the communities we serve."

As of December 31^st, 2012, Apple Financial Holdings, Inc., the Bank's parent company, reported total capital and reserves of $816 million. The Bank's balance sheet is comprised of high-quality loans and securities, and its capital ratios, including total risk-based capital of 26%, are among the strongest in the industry. 

SOURCE Apple Bank for Savings