First Charter Leases Three Additional Financial Centers and 24 ATMs In Raleigh Market

First Charter Corporation (NASDAQ:FCTR) announced todaythat the company has leased three additional financial centers in theRaleigh market. The three locations are in addition to the financialcenter located in the Atrium at 2501 Blue Ridge Road, which openedOctober 3rd.

Each of the new financial centers will provide full servicebanking and will have multiple drive-thru lanes, as well as a drive-upATM. The three former bank branches are currently vacant and willrequire limited renovation to comply with First Charter franchiserequirements. First Charter plans to open the three additional Raleighlocations during the first quarter of 2006.

In addition, First Charter has agreed to lease up to 24 ATMs inthe Raleigh area to provide greater convenience to new customers. TheATMs are located in Food Lion grocery stores throughout the area.First Charter customers will be able to use these ATMs free of charge.

First Charter entered the Raleigh/Triangle market in February ofthis year with teams offering mortgage and construction loan services.The company recently relocated these operations to the financialcenter at 2501 Blue Ridge Parkway, which opened on October 3rd.

Bob James, President and CEO, First Charter, stated, "We aredelighted to increase our presence in the Triangle region, where wewill bring great products, exceptional service and convenient hours.With four financial centers and 24 additional ATMs located throughoutthe marketplace, we will fulfill the promise we make to customersevery day that they can "Expect More From Us." We continue to evaluateadditional opportunities in the Triangle region and other growthmarkets that will enhance the value of our franchise."

Thus far in 2005, First Charter has opened three new financialcenters in the Charlotte metropolitan area, including a flagshipfinancial center in Concord (Cabarrus County). The company opened a denovo location in south Charlotte on October 24th. In addition,construction is underway for a Spring 2006 opening of a new FirstCharter financial center in downtown Lincolnton, North Carolina and aSummer 2006 opening of a replacement First Charter financial center inDenver, North Carolina.

Corporate Profile

First Charter Corporation is a regional financial services companywith assets of $4.2 billion and is the holding company for FirstCharter Bank. First Charter operates 55 financial centers, fourinsurance offices and 112 ATMs located in 19 counties in NorthCarolina. First Charter also operates a loan origination office inReston, VA. First Charter provides businesses and individuals with abroad range of financial services, including banking, financialplanning, funds management, investments, insurance, mortgages and afull array of employee benefit programs. Additional information aboutFirst Charter may be found by visiting www.FirstCharter.com or bycalling 1-800-601-8471. First Charter's common stock is traded underthe symbol "FCTR" on the Nasdaq National Market.