FLINT, Mich., Nov 04, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. (CRBC, Trade ) today announced that it will continue its participation in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's (FDIC) voluntary Transaction Account Guarantee Program (TAGP) under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program through June 30, 2010.

Under the TAGP, non-interest bearing transaction accounts, qualified NOW checking accounts paying 0.50 percent interest or less, and Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) are fully guaranteed by the FDIC for the entire amount in the account, which is in addition to and separate from coverage provided through the FDIC's general deposit insurance fund (which covers balances up to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2013).

"We are pleased to continue to provide our clients with the maximum amount of FDIC insurance available to them. This additional coverage is important to small business owners who want a safe harbor for deposits held in their payroll accounts and other cash reserves," said Cathleen Nash, president and chief executive officer.

"We recognize the important role local businesses play in helping the economy recover. Our efforts as the number one SBA lender in Michigan and our support for programs like the Transaction Account Guarantee Program will benefit both consumers and businesses," added Nash.

Corporate Profile

Citizens Republic Bancorp is a diversified financial services company providing a wide range of commercial, consumer, mortgage banking, trust and financial planning services to a broad client base. Citizens serves communities in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana as Citizens Bank and in Iowa as F&M Bank, with 232 offices and 267 ATMs. Citizens Republic Bancorp is the largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan with roots dating back to 1871 and the 48th largest bank holding company headquartered in the United States. More information about Citizens Republic Bancorp is available at www.citizensbanking.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

Discussions and statements in this release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements that include terms such as "will," "may," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "intend," and "plan," including without limitation future financial and operating results, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance and actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information.

Factors and any other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in Citizens' filings with the SEC, which are available at the SEC's web site www.sec.gov . Other factors not currently anticipated may also materially and adversely affect Citizens' results of operations, cash flows and financial position. There can be no assurance that future results will meet expectations. While Citizens believes that the forward-looking statements in this release are reasonable, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date made. Citizens does not undertake, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc.