CBCF Citizens Banking

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Republic Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ:RBNC), today announced that the Company has been named by Working Mother magazine as one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" for the sixth year in a row. "We are proud to be recognized again, as one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers," commented Dana M. Cluckey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Bancorp. "This ranking is significant to Republic since 75% of our workforce is female and it exemplifies the strong value we place on our exceptional work-life policies and outstanding employee and family benefits programs. By providing flexible solutions to our employees to facilitate their balance of work and home life, they are more focused in providing customer service that exceeds expectations," added Mr. Cluckey. Republic Bancorp Inc., with $6.3 billion in assets, is the third largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan and the 81st largest bank holding company in the country. Its subsidiary, Republic Bank, serves customers in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana with 90 retail, commercial and mortgage banking offices and 90 ATMs. Republic has consistently been the #1 Small Business Administration bank lender based in Michigan and one of the Midwest's top retail mortgage lenders. Republic was named as the 17th Best Company to Work For by FORTUNE magazine (marking the 6th year on FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list) and named to Working Mother magazine's list of "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" for the sixth year in a row. On June 27, 2006, Republic Bancorp Inc. and Citizens Banking Corporation (NASDAQ:CBCF) announced that they have agreed to merge Republic into Citizens to create the new Citizens Republic Bancorp with over 270 branches and ATMs throughout the Midwest. The transaction is projected to close in the fourth quarter of 2006, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. Information about Republic Bancorp Inc.'s financial results and its products and services, including on-line banking and mortgage applications can be accessed at http://www.republicbancorp.com/ . DATASOURCE: Republic Bancorp Inc. CONTACT: Debra A. Hanses, Exec. V.P., Corporate Human Resources, +1-989-725-2166, , Kristine D. Brenner, Director of Investor Relations, +1-989-725-7337, , both of Republic Bancorp Inc. Web site: http://www.republicbancorp.com/

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