BUSINESS MEMO: UNION PLNATERS EARNINGS

Union Planters Corp. reported record net earnings for the first quarter of $59.2 million, up from the $47.2 million during the same period of 1996. Fully diluted earnings per common share for the quarter were 84 cents, up 23 percent from the 68 cents a share during the same quarter a year ago.

Net interest income for the quarter increased 5.1 percent, to $155.3 million, compared to $147.7 million during the same period a year ago. Non-interest income for the quarter was up 6.9 percent, from $53.8 million a year ago, to $57.5 percent.

Prior year results reflect the pooling of interests accounting for five mergers.

Union Planers Corp. ended the quarter with total assets of $14.9 billion, total loans of $10.4 billion, and total deposits of $11.4 billion.

Union Planters, headquartered at Memphis, is a multi-state bank holding company with 37 banking subsidiaries and 433 banking facilities in seven states, including Cape Girardeau.