{loadposition link_supportresistance}

On average, ten analysts polled by Thomson Reuters currently expects the company to earn $0.16 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Paul Beideman, associated chairman and chief executive officer said, "This higher than anticipated provision results from asset quality downgrades to existing construction, commercial real estate and C&I credits, which are a result of weakness in the economy and further deterioration in collateral values."

Beideman added that the company believes the loan loss provisions and charge-offs will remain elevated due to the continued deterioration in the real estate sector and the weak economy. However, the pace of loan and asset deterioration is expected to moderate in future quarters.

The Green Bay, Wisconsin-based Associated Banc-Corp also announced the formation of a new Risk and Credit Committee to supplement the ongoing oversight of risk management in the areas of credit risk and investment portfolio risk. The Board has appointed John Seramur (Chairman), Eileen Kamerick and Richard Lommen to the Risk and Credit Committee.

The company is scheduled to release second quarter results on July 16, 2009.

ASBC closed Monday's trading at $13.37, up $0.02 or 0.15%, on a volume of about 1.58 million shares.

{loadposition link_nowtime}

{loadposition link_supportresistance}

Second quarter 2009 net charge-offs are expected to be between $60.0 million and $70.0 million. After taking into consideration this increased provision, capital levels are expected to exceed all well capitalized standards at June 30, 2009.

Associated also said that the Board of Directors has formed a new Risk and Credit Committee to supplement the company's and Audit Committee's ongoing oversight of risk management in the areas of credit risk and investment portfolio risk. The Board has appointed John Seramur, Eileen Kamerick and Richard Lommen to the Risk and Credit Committee.

{loadposition link_nowtime}