SPARTANBURG and COLUMBIA, S.C. — First National Bancshares, Inc. and Carolina National Corporation jointly announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge, creating a premier community banking franchise in the state of South Carolina.
Jerry L. Calvert, First National's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are very excited to add Carolina National's team to our growing organization. We view Columbia as an important market in South Carolina and this transaction is a key strategic move to accelerate our growth from our existing loan production office there. We are very impressed by the accomplishments of Carolina National's board of directors, management team and employees as they have built a strong franchise in Columbia over the past five years. We look forward to welcoming Carolina National's customers, employees and shareholders to our combined company."
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Carolina National's shareholders may elect to receive either 1.4678 shares of First National common stock or $21.65 of cash for each share of Carolina National common stock held or a combination of stock and cash, provided that the aggregate consideration consists of 70% stock and 30% cash. Based on the closing price of $14.75 for First National's common stock on August 24, 2007, and including the value of Carolina National's outstanding options and warrants, the transaction has an aggregate value of $59.3 million.
Roger Whaley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carolina National, added, "We are pleased to join with First National. Its track record of profitability and robust growth, along with a commitment to offering a variety of financial products and services to its personal and business customers, makes it a perfect fit for Carolina National. We are excited to be part of a statewide franchise and believe the combined company will offer greater opportunities for our customers, employees and shareholders. We look forward to joining the First National team."
First National will merge Carolina National's banking subsidiary, Carolina National Bank and Trust Company, into First National's banking subsidiary, First National Bank of the South, with First National Bank of the South being the surviving bank. Following the merger, Carolina National's four Columbia offices will begin operating as First National Bank of the South. First National will invite four members of Carolina National's thirteen-member board of directors to join its board of directors. First National will also create a Columbia regional board of advisors.
The transaction will create the ninth largest financial institution headquartered in South Carolina and the ninth largest deposit franchise of community banks operating in South Carolina based on information reported to the FDIC as of June 30, 2006. The combined company will also be the sixth largest publicly-traded financial institution headquartered in South Carolina with pro forma market capitalization of approximately $90 million based on the pro forma shares outstanding and the closing stock price of First National as of August 24, 2007. Based on financials as of June 30, 2007, the combined company would have nearly $800 million in assets, over $650 million in net loans, and approximately $636 million in deposits on a pro forma basis. Following the merger, First National Bank of the South will operate eleven full-service banking offices serving the Spartanburg, Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston markets. No Carolina National branch closures are expected to result from the transaction. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and the approval of shareholders of both companies.
"We look forward to working with Roger and his team to offer Carolina National's customers additional banking products and services along with the superior customer service they are used to experiencing," said Mr. Calvert. "We plan to stay in close communication with all parties involved during the transition as we work towards closing the transaction during the first quarter of 2008."
Mr. Calvert continued, "This transaction adds to the high growth that First National has experienced since opening in 2000 and is a key part of our strategic plan for growth and expansion. The additional capital that it provides will give us a strong base for the continued growth of our franchise in addition to the $16.4 million in net proceeds from our recent preferred stock offering."
First National was advised by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett, Inc. Carolina National was advised by Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. and McColl Partners, LLC.
