ING DIRECT NEWS….
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ING DIRECT Acquires Deposits of NetBank
Nation’s Largest Direct Bank Acquires Deposits and Customers of the Nation’s Oldest Direct Bank September 28, 2007, Wilmington, DE –

ING DIRECT, the nation’s largest direct bank and fourth largest thrift (part of Netherlands-based ING Groep NYSE: ING), today announced it will acquire $1.4 billion in deposits and 104,000 new customers of Netbank for $14 million.

Headquartered in Alpharetta, GA and established in 1996, Netbank was the nation’s oldest Internet bank serving retail and business customers in all 50 states.

The acquisition further strengthens ING DIRECT’s position as the leading direct bank which aims to meet the financial needs of “Main Street, USA.” “ING DIRECT has a passionate focus on delivering a first-rate, technology-enhanced customer experience and we want to ensure the early adopters remain at the forefront of branch-free online banking,” stated Arkadi Kuhlmann, CEO of ING DIRECT. “The acquisition of Netbank’s customer relationships is part of ING DIRECT’s goal to broaden its reach and inspire Americans to become a nation of savers. We anticipate a seamless transition for Netbank’s customers into the ING DIRECT family,” added Arkadi.

Since its inception in 2000, more than 5.5 million Americans have entrusted their savings with ING DIRECT, building the bank to $57 billion in deposits, $23 billion in mortgage loans and $75 billion in assets.

The transaction was approved and closed today by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).