Rockland Trust Company Parent Upgraded to ‘BBB’ by Fitch Ratings

Improvement Reflects Bank’s Consistent Financial Performance During Economic Downturn

ROCKLAND, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ: INDB), parent of Rockland Trust Company, today announced that its long-term issuer default rating (IDR) has been upgraded to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. Fitch Ratings cited several factors that caused the firm to take its rating action, including the bank’s solid financial performance through the economic downturn, overall quality of assets, low credit costs, consistent earnings and strong core funding base.

“Fitch’s upgrade of Independent Bank Corp.’s rating to ‘BBB’ affirms our outstanding asset quality, continued strong earnings, and capital growth, in the face of a challenging economic climate”

“Fitch’s upgrade of Independent Bank Corp.’s rating to ‘BBB’ affirms our outstanding asset quality, continued strong earnings, and capital growth, in the face of a challenging economic climate,” said the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Oddleifson.

Fitch reported a stable outlook for Independent Bank Corp., which echoes the firm’s view that the bank’s financial performance will remain favorable at the new rating level.

For Fitch Ratings’ full press release, please visit: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110707006690/en/Fitch-Upgrades-Independent-Bank-Corp.s-IDR-BBB.

About Rockland Trust

Rockland Trust Company is a full-service community bank headquartered in Massachusetts, with approximately $4.8 billion in assets. Rockland Trust provides a wide range of consumer, business, investment, and insurance products and services. Rockland Trust’s network consists of 67 retail branches, eight commercial lending centers, four mortgage banking centers, and four Investment Management Group offices located throughout Eastern Massachusetts. To find out why Rockland Trust is the bank “Where Each Relationship Matters®”, please visit www.RocklandTrust.com.