First Citizens Announces the Purchase of The National Bank of South Carolina Branch in Inman, S.C.

Columbia, SC – September 12, 2007 – First Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Inc., a subsidiary of First Citizens Bancorporation, Inc., and The National Bank of South Carolina (NBSC) announce the signing of a definitive agreement by which First Citizens Bank will purchase deposits and certain other assets of the NBSC office in Inman, South Carolina.

J.B. Schwiers, executive vice president of First Citizens and the bank’s division executive for the upstate, stated that the two banks will work together closely to ensure a smooth transition for the customers and associates of the branch office.

First Citizens shares National Bank of South Carolina’s commitment to relationship banking and to the local communities we serve.  The Inman location is a good strategic fit into our existing branch network that covers Spartanburg County including Landrum, Boiling Springs, and Lyman. We are excited to expand our presence in the upstate and to bring our ‘We’re on it’ service approach to the citizens of Inman. 

Pending regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2007.

About First Citizens

First Citizens Bancorporation, Inc. is the parent company of First Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Inc., and The Exchange Bank of South Carolina, Inc. First Citizens Bank offers services in commercial and retail banking through its 166 offices in South Carolina and Georgia. As of June 30, 2007, First Citizens Bancorporation had total consolidated assets of $6.08 billion. For more information, visit the First Citizens web site at www.firstcitizensonline.com .