CitiFinancial Announces Plans to Rebuild Pensacola, Florida, Customer Service Center Damaged by Hurricane Ivan.

BALTIMORE & PENSACOLA, Fla. -- CitiFinancial, a member of Citigroup, today announced that it will rebuild its Pensacola, FL, customer service center, which was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The 50,000 square-foot facility, located at 3405 McLemore Drive, suffered severe structural damage during the September 15th storm.

"We remain committed to the community of Pensacola and to our employees," said Bill Messer, Vice President and Pensacola Site Director of Centralized Operations for CitiFinancial. Mr. Messer said that the company has already begun searching for temporary office space for its approximately 400 area employees, who worked at the center and two local branches.

Governor Jeb Bush said: "I thank CitiFinancial for its decision to remain in Pensacola, and I look forward to working closely with the company as it rebuilds and grows in Florida's Great Northwest. The decision typifies the type of resilient, entrepreneurial spirit that defines our state and provides a wonderful example of the strength and commitment of Florida's business community."

Representatives of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Department, NAI Halford Real Estate, and Grubb & Ellis are assisting the CitiFinancial team in this process.

"This community is fortunate to have companies such as CitiFinancial that are truly committed to employees and to the welfare of the entire region," said Evon Emerson, President and CEO of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. "Many of our businesses, large and small, have suffered severe storm damage, and it is heartening every time we hear of another firm on the road to recovery."

CitiFinancial has delivered four tractor-trailer loads of emergency supplies to the Pensacola area and is currently setting up a command center where its employees can go for assistance.

"Citigroup is committed to making a difference in the communities where we work and live," said Harry Goff, President and CEO of CitiFinancial. "With 12,000 employees and major operation centers throughout Florida, including Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and Pensacola, we are doing our best to assist the entire state in this time of need."

To aid in the relief efforts, Citigroup businesses and the Citigroup Foundation have committed $150,000 in grants. This includes support from CitiFinancial and other Citigroup businesses of $75,000 to the Volunteer Florida Hurricane Relief Fund. The Citigroup Foundation's contribution of $50,000 to the Red Cross will aid in relief efforts, and a $25,000 grant to the Everglades Community Association will help with housing for migrant farm workers.

About CitiFinancial

Founded in 1912 as Commercial Credit Company, CitiFinancial has grown to become one of the largest consumer finance companies in the industry, providing real estate-secured and personal loans to middle-income families. With a network of nearly 2,000 branch offices in 48 states in the U.S., CitiFinancial focuses on providing quality products and services that address customer needs and allow the company to build long-term relationships with its customers.

About Citigroup

Citigroup (NYSE:C), the preeminent global financial services company with some 200 million customer accounts in more than 100 countries, provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage, and asset management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Travelers Life and Annuity. The Citigroup Foundation focuses its grants primarily in three areas: financial education, educating the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs. Additional information may be found at: www.citigroup.com.