Atlantic Bank of New York Completes Acquisition of Allied Irish Banks, plc Retail Branch.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2003

Atlantic Bank of New York announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of the Allied Irish Banks, plc (AIB) 405 Park Avenue Retail Branch and related business. The acquisition provides Atlantic Bank with attractive market opportunities to expand its retail presence and increase its share of the consumer, small- to mid-size business and not-for-profit organization market segments.

Atlantic Bank expects to complete the integration of the Park Avenue branch systems in mid-December and will continue operating the branch with many of the same staff members that have become so well regarded and trusted for the personalized service they have provided to AIB's customers and communities. In addition to the branch business acquisition, Atlantic Bank has been designated by Allied Irish Banks, plc as its Preferred Provider of branch banking services in the New York area.

Established in 1926, Atlantic Bank of New York is one of the top 20 commercial banks serving the New York area. With over $3.0 billion in assets, Atlantic Bank is a full-service commercial bank providing a comprehensive range of financial services to small- and mid-sized businesses, commercial real estate investors and consumers. The Bank operates 22 branch offices in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, Westchester, Dutchess and Boston. Atlantic Bank is a member of the NBG Group (NYSE:NBG), which has more than $57 billion in assets and operates in 17 countries. Additional information is available on the bank's website at www.abny.com.