First Niagara Targets May 18th for Completion of HSBC Branch Acquisition

More Than 200 Branch Locations to be Available to Customers Across Upstate New York

1,200 Employees to Join First Niagara Team

BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Niagara Bank, N.A. announced today that the company expects to complete its pending HSBC Bank, USA, N.A. branch acquisition on May 18, 2012, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Upon completion of the transaction, First Niagara will virtually double its New York State branch network to more than 200 locations and add more than 1,200 employees to its workforce.

When the HSBC acquisition is completed, First Niagara will have nearly 430 retail locations, $30 billion in total deposits, $38 billion in assets and more than 6,000 employees serving consumers, businesses and communities across New York State, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

"At First Niagara, we pride ourselves on the strong, personal relationships that we develop with our customers. Those relationships are based on clear and regular communication," said Mark Rendulic, First Niagara Executive Vice President, Retail Banking. "Given the multi-faceted nature of this transaction, we haven't been able to give our customers the level of information that we would typically provide. But, we are pleased to now begin to regularly do that with the appropriate and necessary clarity as to what this transaction means to them in the weeks and months ahead." 

What Can Customers Expect?

Beginning next week and continuing through May 18^th, customers will receive regular written updates regarding how their accounts will transition to First Niagara. In mid-April, customers will receive a customized package of information with specific details about their new accounts. No changes will take place to any customer accounts prior to May 18^th. First Niagara continues to collaborate with HSBC to ensure all of its new customers and employees benefit from a smooth and successful transition.

"Most importantly, while the name on the branches will change to First Niagara, customers can expect to see the same friendly faces and will receive the same outstanding service," said Rendulic. "We are thrilled to have so many talented HSBC employees joining our team. They have a proven track record of delivering for their customers and they well understand the needs of the communities and customers they serve."

Enhanced Branch Network

"Our expanded branch network will provide our new HSBC customers, as well as current First Niagara customers, with more convenient access to their bank than ever," according to Rendulic. "In each of our markets across Upstate New York, you'll never be more than a short drive to a First Niagara branch. With more than 200 locations across the State, our distribution network will be consistent with our market leadership position."

Due to the close proximity of a number of the branches being acquired, the company has identified 35 locations that will be consolidated with a nearby facility, most within one mile from each other. In order to ensure a smooth customer experience, all consolidations will take place over several months. Existing First Niagara locations to be consolidated will be closed simultaneous with the May 18th completion of the transaction. Most HSBC locations that will ultimately be closed will continue to operate for a month, or in some cases longer, beyond the completion of the transaction to better ensure a smooth transition for customers. No action is required on the part of HSBC or First Niagara customers, all of whom will receive notification in advance of any transition.

First Niagara customers with any questions about the transition of their accounts are encouraged to stop by any First Niagara branch and ask to speak to a manager during business hours, or call the bank's Customer Contact Center at 1-800-421-0004 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.

HSBC customers with any questions about the transition of their accounts are encouraged to stop by their HSBC branch and ask to speak to a manager during business hours, or call HSBC Customer Service at 1-800-975-4722.

Please visit www.firstniagara.com for a map of the expanded First Niagara branch network upon completion of the HSBC branch acquisition.

Looking Ahead

"Be assured that we are fully committed to ensuring the transition to First Niagara will be smooth and seamless and that our relationship bankers will be even better positioned to meet our customers' financial needs," said Rendulic. "Our team is ready to go. We're excited to make great things happen for our customers and our communities."

Branches to be consolidated

To find other First Niagara locations within the vicinity of the impacted branch, click on the links below.