Hibernia Provides Hurricane Recovery Lines of Credit to Small Businesses

Hibernia National Bank (NYSE:HIB) is providing lines of
credit to small businesses affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita to
help them begin recovery efforts while they await longer-term
assistance.
   "We realize that our customers need funding now so they can start
to rebuild their businesses, serve their customers and do their part
to restart the Louisiana and Southeast Texas economies," said
Hibernia's Paul Bonitatibus, president of Retail and Business Banking.
"The new products we are announcing today will provide short-term cash
until business owners receive insurance settlements, loans from the
Small Business Administration or other assistance."
   Hibernia is offering two small-business products, both featuring
unsecured lines of credit with minimal documentation and quick funding
turnaround:

   --  Line of Credit Up to $10,000 - This unsecured line of credit
        is offered to businesses in the hurricane-affected areas at
        the current prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal.

   --  Line of Credit Up to $25,000 - Also unsecured, this higher
        line of credit is offered to small businesses awaiting
        settlement of a property insurance claim from their insurance
        company. The rate is the current prime rate published in the
        Wall Street Journal. Customers applying for this larger line
        of credit must have proof of a filed property insurance claim.

   Bonitatibus said the first payment on either line of credit will
not be due for 60 days to further assist these businesses in getting
back on their financial feet.
   "Because these products require no documentation other than a
short application, approved customers will be able to receive their
funds quickly," Bonitatibus said. "We are eager to assist them in
getting their businesses back up and running."
   Small businesses that currently do not bank with Hibernia are
welcome to apply as well, he added. To apply, small-business owners
can visit any Hibernia branch office or call Hibernia's Direct Bank at
800-996-8671.
   Hibernia is on Forbes magazine's list of the world's 2,000 largest
companies and Fortune magazine's list of America's top 1,000 companies
according to annual revenue. Hibernia has $22.1 billion in assets and
321 locations in 34 Louisiana parishes and 36 Texas counties. Hibernia
Corporation's common stock (HIB) is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange.