Bank of the Ozarks Announces Plans For Two Conway Offices.

Business Editors

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2002

Bank of the Ozarks (Nasdaq:OZRK) has announced plans for two offices in Conway. The first office is expected to open in Faulkner Square at 803 Harkrider. The Bank has executed a lease and is filing an application

Bank of the Ozarks has also signed a contract to acquire a site at the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Highway 64 west. Plans are to build a full-service banking facility that will offer multiple drive-in teller lanes, an ATM and complete loan services. Subject to obtaining regulatory approval, the bank hopes to open in a temporary facility at this location while construction of a permanent office is in process.

Commenting on the opening of these offices, John C. Stanton, President of the Banks' Conway Division said, "We are moving ahead quickly to open in Conway. We are in the process of hiring an experienced team of banking professionals that will bring Bank of the Ozarks' brand of hometown personal service to Conway. I am particularly pleased that we were able to acquire these two excellent locations, which will be very convenient for many customers. We are continuing to look for one or more additional sites in Conway."

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. is a bank holding company with $871 million in total assets as of December 31, 2001, and trades on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "OZRK". The Company owns a state-chartered subsidiary bank that currently conducts banking operations primarily through 28 offices in 19 communities throughout northern, western and central Arkansas. The Company can be contacted at (501) 978-2265 or P.O. Box 8811, Little Rock, AR 72231. The Company's website is www.bankozarks.com.