Webster to List Common Shares On the New York Stock Exchange

Sep 23, 2002
WATERBURY, Conn., Sep 23, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Webster Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:WBST), the holding company for Webster Bank, today announced that it plans to list its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the new ticker symbol "WBS". Trading is expected to begin on the NYSE on Thursday, October 17, 2002.

"As a regional financial services provider with growing, diversified lines of business, Webster stock is of interest to an increasing number of shareholders," said James C. Smith, Webster chairman and chief executive officer. "In light of that growth and diversification, and with our increasing market capitalization, we believe that shareholders will be well served by our being part of the NYSE."

"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."

Until trading begins on the NYSE, Webster's common stock will continue to trade on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "WBST".

Webster Financial Corporation is the holding company for Webster Bank and Webster Insurance. With $12 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 http://www.websteronline.com.

Statements in this press release regarding Webster Financial Corporation's business that are not historical facts are "forward looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statement, see "Forward Looking Statements" in the Company's Annual Report for the most recent fiscal year.

CONTACT:
Webster Financial Corporation
Media:
Arthur House, 203/578-2391
ahouse@websterbank.com
Clark Finley, 203/578-2429
cfinley@websterbank.com
Investor:
James M. Sitro, 203/578-2399
jsitro@websterbank.com

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