National Penn Exceeds Competitors in Forbes Best Banks in America Ranking

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Reisman
610.369.6024 [e-mail]

National Penn Exceeds Competitors In Forbes 2011 Best Banks In America Ranking

Boyertown, Pa. - January 18, 2012 - Forbes has ranked National Penn Bancshares, Inc. above all of its regional competition in its December 2011 "America's Best and Worst Banks" ranking.
National Penn rose to #15 on the Forbes list, up from #33 in 2010. This Forbes ranking of the 100 largest publicly traded banks in the country also placed National Penn ahead of its national competition.
"The dramatic rise in ranking demonstrates the increasing strength of our financial performance as well as our competitive advantage," said Scott V. Fainor, CEO, National Penn. "We are thrilled to be ranked the highest among banks in our region as we remain focused on serving our valued customers."
The Forbes ranking evaluated the health of the publicly traded banks and thrifts, ranging in size from $4.7 billion to $2.3 trillion in assets. Data was gathered on eight measures of financial soundness, including asset quality, capital adequacy and profitability. Forbes is a leading source for reliable business news and financial information.
"This is yet another confirmation of National Penn's vision to be the most highly regarded financial institution within the markets we serve," said Fainor. "We are excited to begin 2012 with such strong, forward momentum!"

About National Penn Bancshares

National Penn Bancshares, Inc., with approximately $9 billion in assets, is a bank holding company based in Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Boyertown, National Penn operates 122 branch offices comprising 121 branches in Pennsylvania and one branch in Maryland through National Penn Bank and its HomeTowne Heritage Bank, KNBT and Nittany Bank divisions.
National Penn's financial services affiliates are National Penn Wealth Management, N.A., including its National Penn Investors Trust Company division; National Penn Capital Advisors, Inc.; Institutional Advisors LLC; National Penn Insurance Services Group, Inc., including its Higgins Insurance division; and Caruso Benefits Group, Inc.
National Penn Bancshares, Inc. common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "NPBC". Please visit our Web site at www.nationalpennbancshares.com to see our regularly posted material information.

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