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Santa Clara, California - May 21, 2004 - Bridge Bank, National Association (NASDAQ - BBNK), Santa Clara County's newest full-service business bank, today announced that it has received approval from its shareholders at the Bank's annual shareholder meeting held May 20, 2004, to form a bank holding company. The bank holding company will be named Bridge Bancorp.

"Formation of a holding company is a significant step in positioning the Bank to support additional growth, "stated Daniel P. Myers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bridge Bank. "The advantages of a holding company structure will serve the Bank well as the Bank continues to acquire more business banking relationships."

A bank holding company offers certain advantages in comparison to the Bank's current corporate structure. These advantages include flexibility in the raising of additional capital through borrowing, expansion of the bank's business through the acquisition of other financial institutions, the establishment of new subsidiary banks in other markets, the ability to repurchase securities, and added flexibility in acquiring or establishing other businesses related to banking; all of which are actions subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

"Positioning the Bank to be able to respond quickly to strategic opportunities has always been a priority" said Thomas A. Sa, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bridge Bank. "The holding company is an important addition to our financial toolkit."

Mr. Myers was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the holding company and Mr. Sa was appointed Chief Financial Officer. All nine of the current board members of Bridge Bank will also serve as board members of Bridge Bancorp.

Following the approval of the shareholders of Bridge Bank, formation of Bridge Bancorp is now subject to approval of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve Bank.

Bridge Bank, founded in May 2001 with one of the largest initial public offerings of a California-based denovo bank, is a nationally chartered commercial bank that serves the Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, Sacramento, San Diego, and Fresno business communities. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2004, Bridge Bank reported total assets of $348 million and net income of $466,000, or $0.07 per share, which represented an increase of 261% from the quarter one year ago.

Bridge Bank specializes in providing superior service and customized banking solutions to small and middle-market businesses. The Bank's product offerings include 24/7 internet-based business cash management, on-line account statement and item imaging, commercial lines of credit, construction loans, Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 loans as an SBA Preferred Lender Participant-accredited direct lender, and factoring and asset-based loans through its Bridge Capital Finance Group.


About Bridge Bank, N.A.
Bridge Bank is Santa Clara County's newest full-service business bank. The Bank is dedicated to meeting the financial needs of small and middle-market businesses in the Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, Sacramento, San Diego, and Fresno business communities. Bridge Bank provides clients with a comprehensive package of business banking solutions delivered through experienced and professional bankers. Visit Bridge Bank on the Web at www.bridgebank.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to the safe harbors created by that Act. Forward-looking statements describe future plans, strategies, and expectations, and are based on currently available information, expectations, assumptions, projections, and management's judgment about the Bank, the banking industry and general economic conditions. These forward looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed, suggested or implied by the forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (1) competitive pressures in the banking industry; (2) changes in interest rate environment; (3) general economic conditions, nationally, regionally, and in operating markets; (4) changes in the regulatory environment; (5) changes in business conditions and inflation; (6) changes in securities markets; and (7) future credit loss experience.


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