DETROIT, March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Comerica Bank has been designated a national preferred lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), becoming one of only a dozen banks in the country to earn this national designation. Comerica is the eighth largest SBA lender in the United States.

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While Comerica already had preferred lender status in many parts of the country, including its primary markets of Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas, the national preferred lender status now allows Comerica lenders to review and approve SBA loan applications across the country. The preferred status allows lenders to provide faster turnaround time on SBA loan applications because SBA credit approvals are not required prior to loan approval.

"The national preferred lender designation enables us to further strengthen our relationships with small business owners," explained Jeff Payne, national SBA manager, of Comerica. "As our small business customers grow and expand into new markets, we'll be able to respond to their financing needs more quickly and efficiently."

Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Detroit, strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth & Institutional Management. Comerica's approximately 10,800 employees focus on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. Comerica Bank locations can be found in Michigan, California, Texas, Arizona and Florida, with select businesses operating in several other states, Canada and Mexico. Munder Capital Management and Comerica Securities are investment services affiliates. Comerica reported total assets of $53.0 billion at December 31, 2005. To receive e-mail alerts of breaking Comerica news, go to http://www.comerica.com/newsalerts .

SOURCE: Comerica Bank

CONTACT: Kathleen A. Pitton of Comerica Bank, +1-313-222-4916

Web site: http://www.comerica.com/