Lexington, Ky., – University of Kentucky and Central Bank today announced a five-year partnership agreement designating Central Bank as the official bank of the University of Kentucky athletics program.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Central Bank," said Kim Bucci Shelton, general manager, Big Blue Sports Marketing/IMG College. "Central Bank is a pillar of the Lexington community and we are excited they have decided to be the Official Bank of UK Athletics. We believe that Wildcat Fans across the Commonwealth will benefit from their marketing and promotional plans."

Under terms of the agreement, Central Bank will receive radio, print, and Internet advertising, as well as signage, onsite category exclusivity, and rights for use of athletic logos and head coaches’ endorsements.

“After a long history with the University of Kentucky our bank is pleased to elevate our agreement to Official Bank of UK Athletics status” said Luther Deaton, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Central Bancshares, Inc. “Speaking for all Central Bankers, we are very excited about this unique opportunity to connect with other UK fans throughout the Commonwealth.”

The partnership agreement will run through June 2014.

About IMG College
IMG College is the leader in developing integrated licensing, marketing, and multi-media opportunities for the nation’s top collegiate brands across local, regional, and national platforms. IMG College partners include the NCAA and its 88 championships, NCAA Football, leading conferences, and some of the most prestigious universities in the country. IMG College is a division of IMG Worldwide, the world’s premiere sports, media, and entertainment company. For more information, please visit www.imgworld.com.

Central Bancshares, Inc. is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. The Company is the fourth-largest financial institution chartered in Kentucky, serving 100,000 consumers and businesses with full-service banking, investment, mortgage, insurance and wealth management products. The company operates 28 banking offices and 35 ATMs in the following counties: Bath, Boone, Clark, Fayette, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Madison and Scott. Central Bancshares subsidiaries include Central Bank & Trust Co., Central Bank, FSB, Central Bank of Jefferson County, Salt Lick Deposit Bank, Central Insurance Services and Central Investment Center, Inc. The bank was recently recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky for the fourth year in a row.