BNCCORP, Inc.

BNCCORP, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The company operates 20 locations across Arizona, Minnesota, and North Dakota through its subsidiary, BNC National Bank. BNCCORP began operations in North Dakota in 1987, focusing on local banking relationships with small and mid-sized businesses, professionals, and consumers. The company expanded into Minnesota in 1996 and Arizona in 2001. Its strategy emphasizes organic growth by increasing market share in existing service areas, with acquisitions and new branches considered for complementary opportunities. Divestitures are also considered to enhance shareholder value. As of December 31, 2007, BNCCORP delivered its products and services through two main operations: Banking and Wealth Management. The Banking segment, primarily through BNC National Bank, a nationally chartered bank headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, provides banking products and services to small and mid-sized businesses, business owners, professionals, and consumers. As of December 31, 2007, the Bank had four locations in Arizona with loans of $146.7 million and deposits of $113.1 million. It also had four locations in Minnesota with loans of $197.1 million and deposits of $99.5 million, and twelve locations in North Dakota with loans of $179.2 million and deposits of $299.3 million. The Wealth Management segment offers a variety of financial services, including trust services, asset management, financial planning, estate planning, estate administration, tax planning, payroll services, employee benefit plan design, employee plan administration, retirement accounts, and tax return preparation.