Wisconsin banks get new name

Northwestern Financial Review, May 15-May 31, 2005

F&M Bank-Wisconsin has changed its name to Citizens Bank. Randall J. Peterson, president of the bank, said the new signs were unveiled at all of the bank's 51 Wisconsin locations on April 25. The bank is a subsidiary of Citizens Banking Corporation, which is based in Flint, Mich.

Peterson said the name change serves to highlight the improvements that have been under way at the bank since it was acquired by Citizens Banking Corp in 1999. "During that time, we've added a new Wisconsin leadership team, improved our products, processes, services and systems," he said.

William R. Hartman, chairman, president and CEO of Citizens Banking Corp., said the bank's charter has been consolidated with that of Citizens Bank. He said the corporation filed applications in 2004 to consolidate its Michigan and Wisconsin subsidiary banks. Citizens Bank is regulated as a state of Michigan, Fedmember bank.

Hartman said the consolidation of charters and the name change from F&M to Citizens Bank creates a more efficient banking franchise by allowing the combined banks to operate as a single entity. "This action eliminates the need for separate regulatory reporting and separate accounting and financial tracking by the two banks," Hartman said. "This action also allows the company to make more efficient use of its capital."

Citizens Banking Corp, with $7.8 billion in assets, continues to have 11 F&M offices throughout Iowa.