First Financial Bank to Acquire Avondale Branch From PNC Bank

First Financial Bank to Acquire Avondale Branch From PNC Bank



DOWNINGTOWN, Pa., Oct. 5  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- First Financial Bank, a
subsidiary of Chester Valley Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ:CVAL) announced today that it
has signed an agreement to buy the Avondale branch of PNC Bank, National
Association, a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC), for
an undisclosed price.  The branch is located on Route 41 in Avondale,
Pennsylvania.

Under the terms of the agreement, First Financial Bank will assume
approximately $12.9 million in deposits from PNC Bank and acquire approximately
$7.5 million of consumer and commercial business loans.  The transaction, which
is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in December 2004.

"The new Avondale branch further expands our presence in Southern Chester
County and provides the customers of First Financial Bank with the convenience
of an even wider branch network," noted President and CEO Donna Coughey.
"Southern Chester County is a vibrant, growing market and there is a demand for
high quality commercial and personal banking services.  As a bank well- known
for its community orientation and commitment, we are the kind of neighbor this
area wants and needs."  The branch acquisition announcement quickly follows the
Bank's announcement of its plans to build a new branch along Route 10 in Oxford
in mid-2005.  These two branches will bring the Bank's total to 14 locations.

Chester Valley Bancorp Inc. is the parent company of both First Financial Bank
and Philadelphia Corporation for Investment Services.  First Financial Bank's
executive offices are located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania with branches in
Airport Village, Brandywine Square, Coatesville, Devon, Downingtown, Eagle,
Exton, Frazer, Kennett Square, Thorndale, Westtown and West Chester. 
Philadelphia Corporation for Investment Services has offices located in
Philadelphia and Wayne. 

DATASOURCE: First Financial Bank



CONTACT:  Donna M. Coughey, President and CEO, [phone], or

Joseph T. Crowley, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, [phone], both

of First Financial Bank



Web site:  http://www.ffbonline.com/ 

Copyright