Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank to shed 44 branches

CINCINNATI (AP) - Fifth Third Bank says it plans to consolidate or sell 44 branches and five parcels of undeveloped land next year.

The Cincinnati-based bank unveiled the plan during an industry conference Tuesday. The announcement comes more than a year after it started consolidating or selling about 100 branches and about 30 other properties.

The latest cuts would remove nearly 4 percent of the bank's 1,191-branch network. Officials didn't identify the branches that will close but said affected employees and customers would be informed of the changes next month.

Bank officials expect the plan will result in asset write-downs of $25 million to $30 million and require $4 million to $6 million for lease terminations.

Besides Ohio, Fifth Third has branches in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.