December 14, 2004…TIB-The Independent BankersBank announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Southeast Bankcard Association, Inc. (SEBA) by merger. The acquisition significantly increases TIB’s card processing volumes, in turn creating economies that will allow TIB to provide improved efficiencies, service levels and product offerings for customer banks across the country.

“We believe this acquisition will help customers of both organizations realize greater economies of scale. In keeping with that philosophy, we continue to scan the horizon for opportunities to assist community banks in delivering quality card products to their retail and commercial customers.” noted Pat Gray, Executive Vice President/Operations and Technology for TIB.

Gray continued, “Whether that is with regard to additional card and/or merchant portfolio acquisitions, ATM solutions, stored value card applications or other new products that may evolve within the industry, we want to make sure that community banks with which we do business are well-positioned to compete in this rapidly changing arena.”

Following the acquisition, the acquired entity, which will be known as “BankersBank Card Services Company,” will continue to provide the same products and services currently offered by SEBA and will remain in Georgia. In addition, SEBA customer banks will enjoy a wider range of card-related product options, such as the “no-liability” credit, merchant and stored value card programs that are popular with community banks today.

Based in Lawrenceville, Georgia, SEBA has been a significant source of credit, merchant and debit card products and services for banks and thrifts for more than 30 years. “We are very pleased to become part of an institution that enjoys the reputation that TIB has cultivated over the last two decades,” noted Jim Schwartz. “This is one of those rare opportunities that truly represents a win-win situation for all of the parties involved – SEBA, TIB and the customer banks served by both organizations.”

At the time of the acquisition, SEBA served financial institutions representing over half a million credit and debit card accounts. Following the acquisition, the surviving entity, BankersBank Card Services Company, will rank among the nation’s largest credit card and merchant card providers.

TIB is one of the nation’s largest bankers’ banks, providing correspondent banking services to independent community financial institutions in more than 40 states across the country. With offices in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana and California, TIB is owned by over 400 community banks. TIB can be found on the internet at www.tibsite.com.