Bank of the Ozarks Completes Purchase of Superior Branch in Marshall.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 1998--Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (NASDAQ: OZRK) has completed its purchase of the Marshall branch of Superior Federal Bank, F.S.B. The acquisition includes the branch bank building and related assets including all deposits and certain loans. Marshall is the county seat and largest community in Searcy County. Bank of the Ozarks acquired more than 3,000 deposit accounts, totaling over $16 million in deposits. Superior employees in Marshall will remain with Bank of the Ozarks when the branch reopens on Monday, August 24 as Bank of the Ozarks' second office in Marshall.

"We are excited about the continuing growth potential for Searcy, Boone and Newton Counties," said George Gleason, chairman and chief executive officer of Bank of the Ozarks. "Our north Arkansas branches in Marshall and Harrison have experienced excellent growth and we are pleased to offer former Superior customers in Marshall additional banking services. Starting Monday, August 24, customers will have the availability of 24 hour banking with an ATM in Marshall plus complete loan services through our Marshall lending staff including Joe Willis who manages the Marshall operations."

Former Superior customers in Marshall have been mailed new checks, ATM cards and VISA Check cards from Bank of the Ozarks.

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. trades on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "OZRK." The company owns two state chartered subsidiary banks and one federal savings bank operating 19 branches in fourteen communities throughout northern, western and central Arkansas. The Company's corporate offices are located at 12615 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas, telephone [phone].

    CONTACT:  Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock
               Randy Oates, 501/978-2220