National Penn Bancshares, Inc. Increases Third Quarter Cash Dividend

The Board of Directors of National Penn Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: NPBC) has declared an increased third quarter cash dividend of nine cents per share payable to shareholders of record as of August 4, 2012. The cash dividend will be paid August 17, 2012.

“With a continued focus on enhancing shareholder value, our Board of Directors is pleased to be able to increase the cash dividend paid to our shareholders for the fifth consecutive quarter,” said Scott V. Fainor, President and CEO. “We remain focused on continuing to enhance the total return to our shareholders through increased dividends and consistent financial performance. Our strong balance sheet remains a competitive advantage, and we are poised to capitalize on market opportunities while maintaining our commitment of returning capital to our shareholders.”

About National Penn Bancshares, Inc.:

National Penn Bancshares, Inc., with approximately $8.5 billion in assets, is a bank holding company based in Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Boyertown, National Penn operates 121 branch offices comprising 120 branches in Pennsylvania and one branch in Maryland through National Penn Bank and its KNBT and Nittany Bank divisions.

National Penn’s financial services affiliates are National Penn Wealth Management, N.A., including its National Penn Investors Trust Company division; National Penn Capital Advisors, Inc.; Institutional Advisors LLC; National Penn Insurance Services Group, Inc., including its Higgins Insurance division; and Caruso Benefits Group, Inc.

National Penn Bancshares, Inc. common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NPBC”. Please visit our Web site at www.nationalpennbancshares.com to see our regularly posted material information.