Today marks not only the completion of the largest merger in our company's history, but the beginning of a partnership with our new employees, communities and 2 million customers.

Completion of this acquisition adds a number of strategic benefits to the partnership, including additional fee-based revenue under long-term contracts.

We know this is going to be the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with General Motors.

It's an amazing partnership. They've done it all year. They've been here since the beginning.

I have every confidence in Ken's ability to successfully lead our company. This is the next step in a succession plan put in place some time ago.

CoreStates has established leadership positions in corporate banking, international trade finance, cash management, small business banking, electronic banking, retail banking and other key areas.