Synovus (NYSE: SNV), the Columbus, Georgia-based financial services company, today announced efficiency and growth initiatives intended to streamline operations, boost productivity, reduce expenses and increase revenue. The efficiency initiatives are expected to generate an estimated $100 million in annual expense savings by the end of 2012, with approximately $75 million of these savings to be realized in 2011.  Additionally, Synovus expects to recognize in 2011 approximately $28 million in restructuring charges associated with these initiatives, including approximately $24 million during the first quarter of the year.

The $100 million in annual expense savings will be achieved primarily through the reduction of approximately 850 positions during 2011 over Synovus’ five-state footprint.  Of these 850 positions, approximately 470 will be eliminated within 30 days and the substantial majority of the remaining positions will be eliminated during the second quarter of 2011.  Synovus has already reduced its workforce by more than 300 positions during 2010.  The total workforce reduction over the 18-month period ending December 31, 2011 will be approximately 1,150.

The Company will also realize expense savings through the expected closing of 39 bank branches across Synovus’ five-state footprint during the first half of 2011.  As of December 31, 2010, total loans outstanding and deposits from the branches to be closed represented 1 percent and less than 4 percent of Synovus’ total loans and deposits, respectively. Synovus has identified opportunities to consolidate service coverage within the remaining 283 branches, while continuing to provide customers with alternative banking locations within reasonable proximity of their current branch. The total revenue impact associated with the branch closures is expected to be minimal.

“While we have already taken many significant steps forward, our leadership team is determined to return Synovus to sustained profitability as soon as possible,” said Kessel D. Stelling, President and CEO of Synovus.  “We do not take lightly the decision to eliminate even one position, but we are confident that these are the right and necessary next steps to make our Company stronger for the long term.”

Stelling continued, “Our leadership team has completed an in-depth review of our entire organization, including our staffing model, to identify these efficiency initiatives and to best position our people and resources to meet customers’ needs.   We are committed to maintaining a strong presence and position of influence in the communities we serve, and ensuring our service levels remain high throughout this transition. This work is part of our ongoing effort to run our business more efficiently and provide optimal levels of customer service.”

In addition, one of Synovus’ major areas of focus for revenue growth involves more strategically aligning bankers with targeted customer segments while leveraging the Company’s long-time and strong commitment to local relationship banking. Commercial and industrial (C&I) banking is a key component of Synovus’ growth plans. The Company is already investing in additional expertise to lead its targeted segments, especially to strengthen its asset-based lending and treasury management offerings to small, middle and large market commercial customers, and has invested in new technology to enhance its treasury management product line and investment services, as well as reduce fraud risk.  Synovus believes it is well positioned for growth within the C&I market because of its high-touch approach to service delivery and its deep ties to its communities.  Complementing the Company’s investment in bolstering its C&I growth, Synovus will continue its focus on streamlining and enhancing its product lines, especially for traditional retail, small business and professional services customers.

Stelling concluded, “We are reshaping and improving service delivery so that every interaction and transaction throughout our 30 locally-branded, locally-managed bank divisions provides our retail and commercial customers with an unparalleled experience.  We are confident in our belief that the initiatives outlined today will further strengthen our business model, enhance our customer relationships and grow our market share.”