An Allstate Financial Distributor - U.S. Bancorp - Hits Milestone $1 Billion in Life and Annuity Assets with Allstate.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- Allstate Financial now has more than $1 billion in life and annuity assets under management with U.S. Bancorp Investments and U.S. Bancorp Insurance Services, L.L.C. (USBII). USBII, a distributor of Allstate Financial, sells Allstate Financial fixed and variable annuities as well as simplified life insurance products through their financial consultants and financial specialist program.

"This milestone speaks highly of the type of relationship our companies have been able to form and diligently maintain," said Rob Shore, president, Allstate Financial Institutions Division. "Our companies share the same goal, to provide quality products and dedicated service to customers, but it's how we get there that counts in this competitive marketplace. We believe our companies have the right components in place for a strong, successful program that will help both of us grow today and into the future."

According to John Mueting, vice president and strategic account manager, Allstate Financial Institutions Division, Allstate Financial worked previously with several financial institutions that were acquired by U.S. Bancorp over the past 10 years. Over that time, there were approximately $560 million in assets under management related to Allstate Financial products. However, in late 2002, Allstate and USBII entered into a more strategic relationship and assets under management increased by $440 million in just 15 months.

Mueting attributes this remarkable growth to a variety of factors, including support from top management at both companies; strong distribution and wholesaling support; service; and joint communication on sales force initiatives such as training; marketing collateral, product line launches and even input on product design.

According to Melissa Gaustad, chief marketing officer, USBII, the company is excited about the sales progress their representatives have made. "This milestone is significant because it demonstrates the value that these relationships can bring to the customer," said Gaustad. "We take great pride in our relationship with Allstate and we're looking forward to a future of continued mutual growth."

U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Insurance Services, LLC, are subsidiaries of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB). With assets of $190 billion, U.S. Bancorp is the 6th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,315 banking offices and 4,565 ATMs in 24 states and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is home of the Five Star Service Guarantee which assures customers of certain key banking benefits and services through U.S. Bank or customers will be paid for their inconvenience. Visit U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Insurance Services, L.L.C. on the web at www.usbank.com.

Investment products and services are available through U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., member NASD and SIPC, an investment advisor and a brokerage subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp.

Insurance products, including annuities, are available through U.S. Bancorp Insurance Services, L.L.C., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., in Montana U.S. Bancorp Insurance Services of Montana, Inc., and in Wyoming U.S. Bancorp Insurance & Investments, Inc. All are licensed insurance agencies and subsidiaries of U.S. Bancorp. Policies are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies and may not be available in all states.

NOT A DEPOSIT                            NOT FDIC INSURED
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             NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
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      MAY LOSE VALUE                       NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK
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The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate helps individuals in more than 16 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through more than 12,900 exclusive agencies and financial specialists in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate(R). Encompass(SM) and Deerbrook(R) Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, annuity, retirement, banking and investment products through distribution channels that include Allstate agencies, independent agencies, worksite, financial institutions and broker-dealers.