Shareholders of GBC Bancorp Approve Merger with First Charter

Business Wire, Oct 17, 2006

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- First Charter Corporation (NASDAQ: FCTR) and GBC Bancorp, Inc. (OTCBB: GBCP), parent of Gwinnett Banking Company and headquartered in Lawrenceville, Georgia, jointly announced that the GBC Bancorp shareholders today overwhelmingly approved the merger with First Charter Corporation.

"We believe that First Charter can add valuable depth and breadth to the financial services available to GBC customers," said Larry Key, Chairman, President and CEO of GBC Bancorp. "We share the same dedication to providing customers with exceptional service and we are looking forward to working with the talented people at First Charter."

"The merger with GBC Bancorp will represent a historic milestone for First Charter," said Bob James, First Charter President and CEO. "We will be entering a market outside of North Carolina for the first time in our 118 year history. GBC is a strong competitor in the vibrant, growing Atlanta market and will be a great partner."

Pending the completion of customary closing conditions, the merger is expected to close by November 1, 2006.

Corporate Profiles

GBC Bancorp, Inc. (GBC) is a bank holding company for Gwinnett Banking Company, a community bank with $418 million in assets. Gwinnett operates two branches located in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta, Georgia and provides a full range of banking services for businesses and individuals. Additional information about GBC can be obtained by visiting www.gwinnettbanking.com or by calling 770-995-0000. GBC is listed under the symbol "GBCP" on the OTC BB.

First Charter Corporation (NASDAQ: FCTR), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a regional financial services company with assets of $4.4 billion and is the holding company for First Charter Bank. First Charter operates 56 financial centers, four insurance offices, and 136 ATMs throughout North Carolina. First Charter also operates loan origination offices in Asheville, North Carolina and Reston, Virginia. First Charter provides businesses and individuals with a broad range of financial services, including banking, financial planning, wealth management, investments, insurance, mortgages, and a full array of employee benefit programs. For more information about First Charter, visit the Company's Web site at www.FirstCharter.com or call 800-601-8471.