MONTGOMERY, TX - ST Financial Group, Inc. ("ST Financial") and Snook Bancshares, Inc. ("Snook"), a bank holding company, jointly announce the signing of an agreement that provides for ST Financial to acquire Snook and its wholly owned banking subsidiary, First Bank of Snook, a Texas state bank, headquartered in Snook, Texas.  First Bank of Snook is a community financial institution with more than $41 million in assets and locations in Snook and College Station, Texas.

Dean O. Bass, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of ST Financial, said, "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to build on their operation in Burleson and Brazos Counties.  In addition, we have de novo expansion activity planned for the Montgomery County market.  First Bank of Snook has a great team of strong, capable banking officers and our experience in a number of previous banking ventures will enable us to continue to grow and expand to better serve our customers."

Rayfield O. Slovacek, Chairman and President of Snook, said, "We believe the merger with ST Financial presents a great opportunity for our customers, shareholders and employees.  Our banking groups have common goals and business philosophies and we are confident this will lead to a seamless transition."

ST Financial will continue to offer through First Bank of Snook consumer and business loan and deposit products as well as expanded financial services, including internet banking, mortgage banking and commercial lending.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2008.

Bracewell & Giuliani LLP served as legal adviser to Snook, with Waverly G. Vest acting as lead attorney, while The Carson Medlin Co. Investment Bankers served as financial adviser.

Jackson Walker LLP served as legal adviser to ST Financial, with James L. Pledger acting as lead attorney.