[SYNOVUS](R)
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                                   NEWS RESLEASE
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For Immediate Release


Contact:          Patrick A. Reynolds
                  Director of Investor Relations
                  (706) 649-5220


           Synovus Financial Corp. Announces Three-For-Two Stock Split
                 and a 22.7% Increase in the Quarterly Dividend


         Columbus, Ga., March 10, 1997 -- Today, Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE -
"SNV"), the Columbus, Georgia, based multi-financial services company, announced
a  three-for-two  stock split and a 22.7% increase in the quarterly  dividend of
Synovus  common stock.  On a pre-split  basis,  the  quarterly  dividend will be
increased to $.1350 from $.1100.  The cash  dividend will be payable on April 1,
1997, to shareholders of record as of March 21, 1997.
         The  three-for-two  stock  split  will be issued on April 8,  1997,  to
shareholders  of record as of March 21,  1997.  On a post-split  basis,  the new
quarterly dividend will be $.09 per share.
         Commenting on the stock split and increased dividend, Synovus Financial
Corp.  Chairman and CEO James H. Blanchard stated, "We are pleased to be able to
announce a three-for-two stock split for the second consecutive year and a 22.7%
dividend increase.  The market has recognized  Synovus as a unique,  value-added
company  that  consistently  performs  at the  highest  levels in our  industry,
handsomely rewarding our shareholders. This stock split and dividend increase is
indicative of our Board of Directors' confidence in our future."
         Synovus   Financial   Corp.   (Syn-o-vus) is  an  $8.6  billion  asset,
multi-financial  services  company  composed  of 34  banks  serving  communities
throughout Georgia,  Alabama,  Florida and South Carolina; an 80.7% ownership of
Total System Services,  Inc. (NYSE - "TSS"),  one of the world's largest credit,
debit and private-label card processing companies; Synovus Trust Company, one of
the Southeast's largest providers of trust services; Synovus Securities, Inc., a
full-service  brokerage firm; and Synovus  Mortgage Corp.  which offers mortgage
services  throughout  the  Southeast.  The name  "Synovus"  was  created  by the
combination of synergy and novus - synergy  meaning the  interaction of separate
components  such that the total  effect is greater than the sum of its parts and
novus (Latin for "new"),  meaning usually of superior quality and different from
the others listed in the same category.

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                    Post Office Box 120 / Columbus, GA 31902
                               http://www.snv.com