Commerce Bank plans to establish a holding company

COURTESY PHOTO Mark Morris Commerce Bank of Southwest Florida, a locally owned and operated community bank, announced plans to establish a bank holding company under the name of Florida Commerce Bancorp, Inc. Establishment of the bank holding company was approved by shareholders at a meeting at the bank's headquarters last week.

"The primary benefit of forming a bank holding company is that it will enable our management team to more effectively manage our capital," said Mark L. Morris, president and chief executive officer of Commerce Bank of Southwest Florida. "It also will allow us the opportunity to de novo other banks in the state of Florida over time."

Florida Commerce Bancorp will be established by acquiring 100 percent of the voting shares in Commerce Bank of Southwest Florida. Commerce Bank of Southwest Florida will subsequently operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Florida Commerce Bancorp. No changes in bank personnel, senior management or current locations are anticipated.

Commerce Bank of Southwest Florida serves the personal and commercial banking needs of local residents and businesses within Fort Myers and the surrounding communities in Lee County. The bank offers relationship banking via a full line of loan and deposit products as well as treasury management, online banking and courier service for business customers. Banking hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. To learn more, visit the bank at www.cbswf. com.