UNION, N.J., Nov. 20, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Center Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNBC), parent company to Union Center National Bank, ("UCNB"), of Union, New Jersey, announced today that at its board meeting dated November 19, 2009 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.03 per share. This dividend declared is for the quarter ending December 31, 2009. The dividend will be distributed on February 1, 2010, to shareholders of record on January 14, 2010.

About Center Bancorp

Center Bancorp, Inc. is a financial services holding company and operates Union Center National Bank, its main subsidiary. Chartered in 1923, Union Center National Bank is one of the oldest national banks headquartered in the state of New Jersey and currently the largest commercial bank headquartered in Union County. Its primary market niche is its commercial banking business. The Bank focuses its lending activities on commercial lending to small and medium sized businesses, real estate developers and high net worth individuals.

The Bank, through its Private Banking Division which includes its wholly owned subsidiary, Center Financial Group LLC, provides financial services, including brokerage services, insurance and annuities, mutual funds, financial planning, estate and tax planning, trust, elder care and benefit plan administration. Center additionally offers title insurance services in connection with the closing of real estate transactions, through two subsidiaries, Union Title Company and Center Title Company.

The Bank currently operates 13 banking locations in Union and Morris counties in New Jersey. Banking centers are located in Union Township (6 locations), Berkeley Heights, Boonton/Mountain Lakes, Madison, Millburn/Vauxhall, Morristown, Springfield, and Summit, New Jersey. The Bank also operates remote ATM locations in the Chatham and Madison New Jersey Transit train stations, and the Boys and Girls Club of Union.

While the Bank's primary market area is comprised of Morris and Union Counties, New Jersey, the Corporation has expanded to northern and central New Jersey. At September 30, 2009, the Corporation had total assets of $1.3 billion, total deposit funding sources, which includes overnight repurchase agreements, of $1.0 billion and stockholders' equity of $92.2 million. For further information regarding Center Bancorp, Inc., call 1-(800)-862-3683. For information regarding Union Center National Bank, visit our web site at http://www.centerbancorp.com

CONTACT:  Center Bancorp, Inc.
          Investor Inquiries:
          Anthony C. Weagley, President & Chief Executive Officer
          Joseph Gangemi, Investor Relations Officer
          (908) 206-2886