EBTX Encore Bancshares, Inc. (MM)

Encore Bank, N.A, a subsidiary of Encore Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq:EBTX), announced today that plans are underway to open its twelfth location in Greater Houston by January 2012. The new private client office will be located at 845 N. Eldridge Parkway, on the northwest corner or North Eldridge Parkway and Memorial Drive.

In commenting on the announcement, Preston Moore, President and CEO of Encore Bank said, "We are committed to building our franchise in Houston and the opportunity to continue to grow here is very exciting. With the addition of the Eldridge location, we are more convenient for our existing and potential client base in West Houston and we are better positioned to service businesses and individuals in the Energy Corridor."

The new private client office is a little over 4,000 square feet and features four drive-thru lanes, as well as the unique amenities Encore Bank private client offices are known for including a gourmet coffee bar and comfortable living room environment with wood floors, Wi-Fi and a flat screen TV.

For more information, please contact Jamie DeMore at jdemore@encorebank.com.

About Encore Bancshares, Inc.

Encore Bancshares, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Houston, Texas and offers a broad range of banking, wealth management and insurance services through Encore Bank, N.A. and its affiliated companies. Encore Bank operates 11 private client offices in the Greater Houston area. Headquartered in Houston and with $1.5 billion in assets, Encore Bank builds relationships with professional firms, privately-owned businesses, investors and affluent individuals. Encore Bank offers a full range of business and personal banking products and services, as well as financial planning, wealth management, trust and insurance products through its trust division, Encore Trust, and its affiliated companies, Linscomb & Williams and Town & Country Insurance. Products and services offered by Encore Bank's affiliates are not FDIC insured. The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "EBTX".

The Encore Bank logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4477

CONTACT: Jamie DeMore
         713.787.3154