EXHIBIT 99.1


                              FIRST CITIZENS BANK




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT
- ---------------------                             ------------------------
                                                  FIRST CITIZENS BANK
                                                  Janice C. Burt
                                                  Phone:  (803) 931-8539
                                                  Fax:    (803) 312-8850
                                                  Email:  janburt@fcbsc.com


    FIRST CITIZENS ANNOUNCES THE PURCHASE OF FOUR BRANCHES IN SOUTH CAROLINA

COLUMBIA, S.C., JUNE 30, 2003 - First Citizens Bank and Trust Company of South
Carolina, a subsidiary of First Citizens Bancorporation of South Carolina, Inc.
and Central Carolina Bank (CCB), one of three bank brands operated by National
Commerce Financial Corporation (NYSE: NCF), announced today the signing of a
definitive agreement by which First Citizens will purchase deposits and certain
other assets of four CCB offices in South Carolina.

The CCB offices being acquired are located in Batesburg, Savannah Lakes, Ware
Shoals, and York.

Jim Apple, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Citizens Bank, stated
that the two banks will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition for
their customers. "First Citizens looks forward to continuing to serve the
residents and businesses in Ware Shoals and York where we already have a banking
presence. We are also pleased to be entering the Batesburg and Savannah Lakes
communities."

Pending regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to be completed during
the fourth quarter of 2003.


First  Citizens  Bancorporation of South Carolina, Inc. is the parent company of
First  Citizens  Bank  and Trust Company of South Carolina, The Exchange Bank of
South  Carolina,  Inc. and Citizens Bank. First Citizens Bank offers services in
commercial  and retail banking through its 144 offices in South Carolina and its
five  offices  in  Georgia.  The  Exchange  Bank  operates four offices in South
Carolina  and  Citizens  Bank  operates  two offices in Georgia. As of March 31,
2003,  First  Citizens  Bancorporation  had  total  consolidated assets of $3.88
billion.  For  more information, visit the First Citizens web site at fcbsc.com.