WATERBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 17, 2002--Webster
Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS), the holding company for Webster
Bank, commenced trading its common stock on the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") under the new ticker "WBS".
Previously, Webster's shares traded on the NASDAQ National Market
under the symbol "WBST". James C. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer was joined on the podium at the exchange by NYSE Chairman and
CEO Richard A. Grasso, members of Webster's management team and family
as he commenced today's trading with the ringing of the opening bell.
"The New York Stock Exchange is proud to welcome Webster Financial
Corporation," said NYSE Chairman and CEO Dick Grasso. "We look forward
to our partnership with Webster Financial and to providing their
shareholders with the visibility and liquidity that the NYSE's auction
market provides."
"This is an historic day for Webster, our customers and our
shareholders," stated James C. Smith. "We appreciate the tremendous
role the New York Stock Exchange plays in national and international
business. By forming a relationship with NYSE, Webster is finding a
way to increase our visibility, gain access to global capital and
create greater shareholder value."
Photos of Webster officials ringing the opening can be found via
Associated Press/New York (212.621.1902), Reuters America
(646.223.6285) and Bloomberg Photo (212.893.3420).
A live feed of the opening bell can be accessed by fiber line at
"Waterfront #1630".
Webster Financial Corporation is the holding company for Webster
Bank and Webster Insurance. With $13 billion in assets,
Connecticut-based Webster Bank provides business and consumer banking,
mortgage, trust and investment services through more than 100 banking
offices, 210 ATMs and the Internet (www.websteronline.com). Webster
Financial Corporation is majority owner of Chicago-based Duff &
Phelps, LLC, a leader in valuation and financial advisory services to
middle-market companies, and Webster Bank owns Center Capital
Corporation, an equipment leasing and financing company headquartered
in Farmington, Connecticut and Webster Trust Company, N.A.
For more information on Webster, including past press releases and
the latest Annual Report, visit the Webster Bank website at
www.websteronline.com.
Contact:
Webster Financial Corporation
Media:
Art House, 203/578-2391
James M. Sitro, 203/578-2399