Small Business Resources, Business Advice and Forms from AllBusiness.com

Associated Banc-Corp announces proposed merger.

GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 1995--H.B. Conlon, chairman and chief executive officer for Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ/NMS), and Beryl G. Pascavis, chairman and chief executive officer of the $211 million asset Greater Columbia Bancshares Inc., today announced the signing of a letter

of intent under which Associated would acquire Greater Columbia Bancshares and its subsidiary, The First National Bank of Portage, in a stock-for-stock merger transaction.

The transaction, which is contingent on approval by regulatory authorities and the shareholders of Greater Columbia Bancshares, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 1996.

Associated's Chairman H.B. Conlon said, ``We are delighted to have The First National Bank of Portage, a strong community banking organization with 10 offices in South Central Wisconsin, join our other Wisconsin offices, in addition to the recently announced proposed merger with F&M Bank Reedsburg.''

Greater Columbia's Chairman Beryl Pascavis commented, ``Associated brings a strong community banking philosophy with a broad array of banking products and systems that will assist us in better servicing our growing customer base.''

Portage is the largest city in Columbia County which is located directly north of Dane County, home to Wisconsin's state capitol. The First National Bank Portage is also the largest bank in the City of Portage and Columbia County.

The $3.4 billion Associated Banc-Corp is headquartered in Green Bay. The diversified multibank holding company currently has over 85 banking locations in Wisconsin and northern Illinois offering a variety of financially related products and services to complement its traditional line of banking products.

CONTACT: Associated Banc-Corp

Brian R. Bodager, 414/433-3171

Joseph B. Selner, 414/433-3203

or

Greater Columbia Bancshares Inc.

Beryl G. Pascavis, 608/742-4115

In addition, make sure to read these articles: