March 31, 2011

Approval of proposal by First Niagara Financial Group and FNFG Merger Sub

For immediate release

The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced its approval of the application by First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. and FNFG Merger Sub, Inc., both of Buffalo, New York, to acquire NewAlliance Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary bank, NewAlliance Bank, both of New Haven, Connecticut.

Attached is the Board's Order relating to this action.

Last Update: March 31, 2011