In Brief: Wal-Mart Deal Helps Fla. Bank's Expansion

A Florida community bank has signed a deal with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. that would more than double its locations.

Community Bank, Homestead, said it would open 12 branches in Wal-Mart SuperCenter stores throughout Florida. The bank plans to open its first location this spring and nine more by yearend.

The $232 million-asset bank operates eight branches and plans to open two in the Florida Keys this year. The expansion would move Community beyond its South Florida base and into markets such as Tampa and Orlando. "This will give us one of the broadest branch distribution networks of any community bank in Florida," said Robert L. Epling, Community's president and chief executive officer.

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