Sterling Bancshares, Inc. To Join Nasdaq Financial-100 Index Beginning February 15, 2001

Sterling Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq:SBIB) of Houston, Texas, will become a component of the Nasdaq Financial-100 Index®, effective at the beginning of trading Thursday, February 15, 2001. Sterling Bancshares will replace E*TRADE Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGRP), which is delisting from The Nasdaq Stock Market®.

With a market capitalization of $501 million, Sterling Bancshares is a bank holding company that provides commercial and retail banking services through the banking offices of Sterling Bank. The Company also provides mortgage banking services through Sterling Capital Mortgage Company.

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