GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 1, 2004--Associated
Banc-Corp (NASDAQ:ASBC) has received three key regulatory approvals to
permit its previously announced acquisition of First Federal Capital
Corp (NASDAQ:FTFC), the companies announced today.
The companies have scheduled a meeting of First Federal
shareholders on Oct. 20 to approve the proposed transaction. First
Federal is expected to mail its proxy statement describing the
proposal in detail, along with voting materials, on Sept. 16 to First
Federal shareholders of record as of Sept. 10.
The Federal Reserve, the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions all granted their
approvals within the last three weeks.
"Our integration planning activities to date have reinforced our
confidence in the benefits of this combination. First Federal and
Associated are both solid companies, and each brings significant
strengths to the combined organization," Associated President and CEO
Paul Beideman said.
Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., is a
diversified multibank holding company with total assets of $15.5
billion. It announced its agreement to acquire First Federal on April
28, 2004. Associated has more than 200 banking offices serving more
than 150 communities in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. It will
have approximately 300 offices following the acquisition. The company
offers a full range of traditional banking services and a variety of
other financial products and services. More information about
Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.AssociatedBank.com.
Statements made in this document that are not purely historical
are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes any statements regarding
management's plans, objectives, or goals for future operations,
products or services, and other measures of performance.
Forward-looking statements are based on current management
expectations and, by their nature, are subject to risks and
uncertainties. These statements may be identified by the use of the
word "will," or similar expressions. Outcomes related to such
statements are subject to numerous risk factors and uncertainties
including those listed in the company's Annual Report filed on Form
10-K.
CONTACT: Associated Banc-Corp
Joe Selner, 920-491-7120 (Investors)
Jon Drayna, 920-491-7006 (Media)
SOURCE: Associated Banc-Corp