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MIAMI LAKES, Fla.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--BankUnited (NYSE:BKU), one of the largest independent depository institutions headquartered in Florida, opened two new branches at the prime locations of 1695 Alton Rd., Miami Beach and 808 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale. Simultaneously, BankUnited earned a five-star rating from BauerFinancial, its fourth consecutive superior rating from the independent bank research firm.

"With our newest branches situated in prime commercial districts, BankUnited is well-positioned to serve the small- to mid-sized businesses in these areas. In addition to providing a full range of consumer banking services, BankUnited is contributing to the growth of small businesses in Florida by making credit available"

aWith our newest branches situated in prime commercial districts, BankUnited is well-positioned to serve the small- to mid-sized businesses in these areas. In addition to providing a full range of consumer banking services, BankUnited is contributing to the growth of small businesses in Florida by making credit available,a said Gerry Litrento, senior executive vice president.

Two of the 10 new branches BankUnited is scheduled to open in 2012, the 4,400 square-foot South Beach branch features four full-service teller stations, four retail bankers, safe deposit boxes and a full-service drive-up window and the 2,810 square-foot Fort Lauderdale S.E. 17th Street branch features four full-service teller stations, four retail bankers and a drive-thru.

BankUnited (NYSE: BKU), headquartered in Miami Lakes, Fla., provides a wide range of commercial and consumer banking services to businesses and consumers in 15 Florida counties through more than 97 branches. For additional information, call (877) 779-2265 or visit [ www.BankUnited.com ].