Webster Establishes Relief Fund for Earthquake/Tsunami Victims

Jan 04, 2005

WATERBURY, Conn., Jan 4, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Webster Bank, N.A., a subsidiary of Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS), announced today it has established an account for the American Red Cross International Response Fund and has started the fund with an initial $10,000 contribution. Webster employees are also contributing to the fund, and contributions will be accepted at all Webster branches in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island from any person or group who would like to help the victims.

"This is a global tragedy of unprecedented scope. Just as people from around the world offered support to Americans after September 11, 2001, we want to be part of the American response to our neighbors in Asia. The world community shares their grief and seeks to start the recovery process with them," said Webster Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James C. Smith. "By accepting contributions at all Webster branches, we seek to make it convenient for those who would like to contribute to the relief efforts."

Contributions should be made payable to the American Red Cross International Response Fund.

Webster Financial Corporation is the holding company for Webster Bank, National Association and Webster Insurance. With $17.8 billion in assets, Webster provides business and consumer banking, mortgage, insurance, financial planning, trust and investment services through 148 banking offices, 285 ATMs, telephone banking and the Internet. Webster Bank owns the asset-based lending firm Webster Business Credit Corporation, the insurance premium finance company Budget Installment Corp., and Center Capital Corporation, an equipment finance company headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut.

For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websteronline.com.

SOURCE: Webster Bank, N.A.

Webster Bank
Media:
Meghan Thompson, 203-578-2287
mthompson@websterbank.com
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Terry Mangan, 203-578-2202
tmangan@websterbank.com