BUSINESS MEMO: UNION PLANTERS EARNINGS

Union Planters Corp. reported earnings of $133.7 million, or $1.92 per fully diluted common share, for 1996.

Results for 1996 were reduced by emergency related and other charges, of some $66 million after taxes. Earnings in 1995 were $172.8 million, or $$2.64 per fully diluted common share.

Fourth-quarter earnings were $11.4 million, or 15 cents per diluted share, compared to $35.3 million, or 53 cents per diluted share during the same period of 1995.

The reported results reflect the acquisition of five financial institutions in the fourth quarter, including Memphis-based Leader Financial Corp. (Leader Federation, which increased total assets by $4.2 billion.

Union Planters, headquartered at Memphis, is a multi-state bank holding company with 38 banking subsidiaries and 44 banking facilities in seven states, including Cape Girardeau.