SUN BANCORP INC /NJ/
8-K, 1996-12-31
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



                Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
                                December 20, 1996





                               SUN BANCORP, INC. 
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)



       New Jersey                 0-20957            52-1382541   
- ----------------------------    --------------     --------------
(State or other jurisdiction    (SEC File No.)      (IRS Employer
     of incorporation)                             Identification
                                                       Number)


226 Landis Avenue, Vineland, New Jersey                08360
- ----------------------------------------             ----------
(Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)




Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (609) 691-7700
                                                    --------------



                                 Not Applicable
          -------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former name or former address, if changed since last Report)

<PAGE>

                                SUN BANCORP, INC.

                      INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT
                      ------------------------------------

Item 5.           Other Events.
                  -------------

     On December 20, 1996, Sun Bancorp,  Inc. (the  "Corporation"),  the holding
company for Sun National Bank (the "Bank"),  announced that the Bank had entered
into a Purchase  and  Assumption  Agreement  (the  "Agreement")  to acquire four
branch  offices,  certain  loans and $75  million of  deposits  from First Union
National Bank,  Avondale,  Pennsylvania  ("First Union"). In connection with the
acquisition,  the Bank has agreed to pay First Union a premium of  approximately
$6  million.  Consummation  of  the  transaction  is  subject  to,  among  other
conditions, regulatory approval.

     A copy of the  Agreement  dated  December 19, 1996,  and the press  release
issued by the  Corporation on December 20, 1996, are attached hereto as Exhibits
99.1 and 99.2,  respectively,  and  incorporated  herein by  reference  in their
entirety.



Item 7.   Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial
          Information and Exhibits                 
          -----------------------------------------

         (c) Exhibits:

             99.1      Purchase and Assumption Agreement dated
                       December 19, 1996.

             99.2      Press Release dated December 20, 1996.
 



<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  Report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                                  SUN BANCORP, INC.



Date: December 23, 1996                      By:  /s/Philip W. Koebig, III
      -----------------                           ------------------------------
                                                  Philip W. Koebig, III
                                                  Executive Vice President






                                  EXHIBIT 99.1

<PAGE>

                        PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
                        ---------------------------------


        This  Agreement,  dated as of December 19,  1996,  is by and between Sun
National  Bank, a national  banking  association  having its principal  place of
business in Medford,  New Jersey  ("Buyer"),  and First Union  National  Bank, a
national banking association having its principal place of business in Avondale,
Pennsylvania ("Seller").



I.      DEFINITIONS

     1.1       Certain Defined Terms.
               ---------------------

               Some of the  capitalized  terms  appearing in this  Agreement are
defined  below.  The definition of a term expressed in the singular also applies
to that term as used in the plural and vice versa.

               "ATM" means automatic teller machine.

               "Affiliate"  means a Person that directly or indirectly,  through
one or more  intermediaries,  controls,  is  controlled  by, or is under  common
control with, a specified  Person,  except in those cases where the  controlling
Person exercises control solely in a fiduciary capacity.

               "Amount of Premium" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 of
this Agreement.

               "Assets"  has  the  meaning  set  forth  in  Section  2.1 of this
Agreement.

               "Benefit  Plan"  means  any  pension,  profit-sharing,  or  other
employee  benefit,  fringe  benefit,  severance or welfare plan maintained by or
with respect to which contributions are made by, Seller or any of its Affiliates
with respect to Seller's employees.

               "Branches"  means  those  branch  offices  of  Seller  listed  on
Schedule 1.1 to this Agreement.


<PAGE>


               "Business Day" means any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,  Thursday or
Friday on which Seller is open for business.

               "CBCT" means customer branch communications terminal.

               "Cash  Reserve  Lines of Credit"  means those  consumer  lines of
credit made  available to  customers  of the  Branches as a  protection  against
overdrafts on Deposit Accounts.

               "Cash Reserve Loans" means those loans outstanding on the Closing
Date pursuant to Cash Reserve Lines of Credit.

               "Closing"  means  the  purchase  of the  Assets  by Buyer and the
assumption of the Liabilities by Buyer on the Closing Date.

               "Closing  Date" has the  meaning set forth in Section 9.1 of this
Agreement.

               "Commercial  Loans"  means these loans  listed on Schedule 1.2 to
this Agreement; provided, however, that any such loans may be excluded by Buyer,
upon giving written notice to Seller at least thirty (30) days prior to Closing,
if Buyer has reasonably determined that such loans are materially deficient.

               "Deposit  Accounts"  means the deposit  accounts at the Branches,
the  balances of which are  included in the  Deposits or would be so included if
the Deposit Account had a positive  balance,  excluding any deposits held in the
CAP accounts relating to the Branches.

               "Deposits"  means all deposits  (as defined in 12 U.S.C.  Section
1813(l)) which are booked at the Branches on the Closing Date, including in each
case accrued but unpaid interest and both collected and uncollected  funds,  but
excluding  (i)  deposits  held in accounts  for which  Seller acts as  fiduciary
(other than deposits held by Retirement Plans),  and (ii) deposits  constituting
official checks, travelers checks, money orders or certified checks.

               "Equipment Leases" means those operating and financial leases and
conditional  sales  contracts  covering  Fixed Assets which Seller may assign to
Buyer without restriction or with the lessor's written consent.

                                       2

<PAGE>


               "ERISA"  means the  Employee  Retirement  Income  Security Act of
1974, as amended.

               "ERISA  Affiliate"  means  any  entity  that  is  considered  one
employer  with Seller under Section 4001 of ERISA or Section 414 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

               "Federal  Funds  Rate"  means,  for any day,  the rate per  annum
(expressed  on a basis of  calculation  of actual  days in a year)  equal to the
"near  closing bid" federal funds rate  published in The Wall Street  Journal on
the Business Day following the Closing Date.

               "Fixed  Assets"  means all fixtures  (including  signage  poles),
leasehold improvements, furnishings (excluding artwork owned by Seller), vaults,
safe deposit boxes,  equipment  (including,  for example, all ATM machines,  but
excluding any computer or  telecommunications  equipment),  supplies (other than
forms and other supplies  which bear Seller's name or logo),  and other personal
property,  which are owned or (to the  extent of  Seller's  interest  as lessee)
leased by Seller, which are located at the Branches on the Closing Date.

               "Governmental Entity" means any government or any agency, bureau,
board, commission, court, department, official, political subdivision,  tribunal
or other  instrumentality  of any  government  having  authority  in the  United
States, whether federal, state or local.

               "Hazardous   Material"  means  any  substance  presently  listed,
defined,  designated or classified as hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous
or otherwise  regulated,  under any applicable  state or federal law relating to
the protection,  preservation or restoration of the environment,  including, but
not limited to, the following  federal  environmental  laws:  the  Comprehensive
Environmental  Response,  Compensation  and Liability Act of 1980, the Superfund
Amendment and Reauthorization  Act, the Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, the
Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource  Conservation  and Recovery Act
of 1976, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Toxic Substances  Control Act and the
Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, each as amended.

                                       3

<PAGE>

               "Leased  Branches"  means all premises of the Branches  which are
leased under the Real Property Leases.

               "Liabilities"  has the  meaning  set forth in Section 2.2 of this
Agreement.

               "Mediator"  means the firm of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or such other
firm of certified public accountants mutually agreeable to Seller and Buyer.

               "Overdrafts"  means those  overdrafts  of the book balance of any
Deposit Accounts which are not subject to Cash Reserve Lines of Credit.

               "Person" means an association,  a corporation,  an individual,  a
partnership,  a  trust  or  any  other  entity  or  organization,   including  a
Governmental Entity.

               "Real  Property"  means  the  land  (including  the  improvements
thereon) owned by Seller on which any Branches are located.

               "Real  Property  Leases" means the lease  agreements  pursuant to
which any Branches are leased by Seller.

               "Retirement  Plans"  means  those  non-discretionary   individual
retirement  accounts and  qualified  retirement  plan  accounts  relating to the
Deposits for which Seller acts as custodian or trustee.

               "Training Expenses" means the overtime and out-of-pocket expenses
(meals and mileage)  incurred by Seller as a result of Buyer's training schedule
prior to Closing.

               "Welfare  Benefit  Plans"  means  those  Benefit  Plans which are
"welfare benefit plans" as defined by ERISA.

               "Working  Agreement"  has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7 of
this Agreement and the terms of the Working Agreement shall be incorporated into
this Agreement.

                                       4

<PAGE>

II.     PURCHASE OF ASSETS AND ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES

        2.1    Purchase of Assets.
               ------------------

          Subject to the terms and conditions of this  Agreement,  Seller agrees
to sell, assign and transfer  possession of and all right, title and interest of
Seller in and to the following  assets to Buyer (the  "Assets") and Buyer agrees
to  purchase  the same from  Seller,  as of the close of business on the Closing
Date:

               (a)    the Real Property;

               (b)    the Fixed Assets;

               (c)    cash on hand in the Branches;

               (d)    the Cash Reserve Loans;

               (e)    the Commercial Loans;

               (f)    the Overdrafts; and

               (g) Seller's  rights  under the Cash Reserve  Lines of Credit and
        any safe deposit box rental  agreements  and prepaid  rents  relating to
        safe deposit boxes located at the Branches.

        2.2    Assumption of Liabilities.
               -------------------------

               Buyer agrees to assume,  pay, perform and discharge the following
liabilities  of Seller  (the  "Liabilities")  as of the close of business on the
Closing Date:

               (a) the  Deposits  and all terms and  agreements  relating to the
          Deposit Accounts;

               (b) Seller's duties and responsibilities relating to the Deposits
          with respect to: (i) the abandoned  property  laws of any state,  (ii)
          any legal  process  which is served on Seller on or before the Closing
          Date with  respect to claims  against or for the Deposits or (iii) any
          other applicable law;

                                       5

<PAGE>


               (c) Seller's duties and responsibilities with respect to the Real
          Property Leases and the Equipment Leases;

               (d) Seller's duties and responsibilities with respect to the Cash
          Reserve Lines of Credit and the Commercial Loans;

               (e) Seller's duties and responsibilities with respect to the safe
          deposit boxes located at the Branches; and

               (f)  Seller's  duties and  responsibilities  with  respect to the
          Retirement Plans.

        2.3    Transfer of Records.
               -------------------

               (a)  At  the  Closing,   Seller  also  shall  transfer  to  Buyer
          possession  and all right,  title and interest of Seller in and to all
          books and records relating to the Assets and the Liabilities which are
          maintained at the Branches.

               (b)  All  books  and  records  relating  to the  Assets  and  the
          Liabilities  held by either  Seller or Buyer  after the  Closing  Date
          shall be maintained in  accordance  with (and for the period  provided
          in) that  party's  standard  recordkeeping  policies  and  procedures.
          Throughout such period, the party holding such books and records shall
          comply  with the  reasonable  request  of the other  party to  provide
          copies of specified documents, at the expense of the requesting party.
          The requesting party shall give reasonable notice of any such request.

        2.4    Tax Matters.
               -----------

               (a) Notwithstanding Section 2.5, Buyer shall pay to Seller or the
          relevant taxing jurisdiction (as appropriate under the circumstances),
          or reimburse Seller if Seller shall have paid, any sales and use taxes
          and any interest and penalties thereon which are payable or arise as a
          result  of  this  Agreement  or  the   consummation   of  any  of  the
          transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

               (b) Notwithstanding Section 2.5, Seller shall pay to Buyer or the
          relevant taxing jurisdiction (as appropriate 

                                       6

<PAGE>

          under the circumstances), or reimburse Buyer if Buyer shall have paid,
          any real property  transfer,  recording and similar  documentary taxes
          arising out of the transfer of the Real Property, the Leased Branches,
          the Real Property Leases and the Fixed Assets.

               (c) The Buyer  shall  within 15 days of the date  hereof  file an
          appropriate  Notification of Sale, Transfer, or Assignment in Bulk for
          each of the Branches  with the Division of Taxation.  The Seller shall
          provide such information to the Buyer as may be necessary or desirable
          to allow such filing,  and Seller will  cooperate with the Division of
          Taxation in its determination of the sum to be placed in escrow by the
          Purchaser.

               (d) Buyer and Seller  will  comply with the Bulk Sales Act of the
          State of New Jersey,  as applicable (the "Bulk Act").  Seller shall be
          liable for  payment  of all taxes due as a result of all  transactions
          with respect to its business and the Branches  subject to the Bulk Act
          occurring  on  or  prior  to  the  Closing  Date.  The  parties  shall
          coordinate the filing of all notices and applications for the same not
          less  than ten (10)  days  prior to the  Closing  Date.  Seller  shall
          cooperate with any filing requirements and notice provisions regarding
          the same. Buyer shall establish any escrows determined to be necessary
          to be  established  as  requested  by the  New  Jersey  Department  of
          Taxation  to protect the  interests  of the Buyer and the State of New
          Jersey for any unpaid tax liabilities.  Such sums to be paid in escrow
          by Buyer  shall  reduce the amount due to the Seller as of the Closing
          Date. The balance of such escrow funds shall be returned to the Seller
          following  issuance  of the tax  clearance  letter by the State of New
          Jersey.

        2.5    Proration of Certain Items.
               --------------------------

               Subject to the  provisions  of Section  2.4,  all  rentals,  real
estate taxes,  personal  property taxes (tangible or  intangible),  and utility,
water and sewer charges and assessments,  and safe deposit rental prepayments as
well  as  assessments  paid to the  Bank  Insurance  Fund  with  respect  to the
Deposits, shall be prorated between Buyer and Seller as of the close of business
on the Closing Date.

                                       7

<PAGE>

        2.6    Back Office Conversion.
               ----------------------

               Seller and Buyer  shall  cooperate  with each other and shall use
their  reasonable  best  efforts  (consistent  with  their  internal  day-to-day
operations) in order to cause the timely transfer of information  concerning the
Assets and the  Liabilities  which is  maintained  on Seller's  data  processing
systems  so that  Buyer can  incorporate  such  information  into  Buyer's  data
processing  systems  no later  than the  opening  of  business  on the  Saturday
following the Closing Date.

        2.7    Processing of Certain Items After Closing.
               -----------------------------------------

               A draft of the written practices and procedures under which Buyer
and Seller shall handle all items (including,  for example,  automated  clearing
house and  electronic  funds  transfer  items)  relating  to the  Assets and the
Liabilities, which are presented or returned following the Closing Date, and any
claims  relating  to such items are  attached  to this  Agreement  as Exhibit A,
including  certain other matters  relating to consummation  of the  transactions
contemplated  hereby (the  "Working  Agreement").  As  promptly  as  practicable
following  the  execution of this  Agreement,  the parties agree to finalize the
Working Agreement.

        2.8    Information Returns.
               -------------------

               Buyer  shall  file  all  required  information  returns  with the
Internal Revenue Service with respect to interest paid on the Deposits after the
Closing  Date,  interest  received on the Cash  Reserve  Loans after the Closing
Date, and any other information  returns required with respect to the Assets and
the  Liabilities for the periods  beginning after the Closing Date.  Seller will
file all required  information returns with the Internal Revenue Service and any
information  returns  required by state or local tax authorities with respect to
interest paid on the Deposits on or before the Closing Date,  interest  received
on the  Cash  Reserve  Loans  on or  before  the  Closing  Date,  and any  other
information  returns required with respect to the Assets and the Liabilities for
periods ending on or before the Closing Date.

        2.9    Allocation of Purchase Price.
               ----------------------------

                                       8

<PAGE>


               The  consideration  paid under  Section  3.1 and the  Liabilities
assumed by the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement shall be allocated in accordance
with Section 1060 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
The Seller and the Buyer  shall  cooperate  to comply with all  substantive  and
procedural  requirements  of  Section  1060  of the  Code  and  any  regulations
thereunder.



III. CONSIDERATION

        3.1    Calculation.
               -----------

               In  consideration  of  Buyer's  purchase  of the  Assets  and its
assumption of the Liabilities,  Seller agrees to pay to Buyer an amount equal to
the Deposits,  plus accrued interest thereon, less the sum of the following,  in
each case calculated as of the close of business on the Closing Date:

               (a)  $39,889,  $21,451,  $14,550,  and $7,199,  representing  the
          purchase price of the Fixed Assets for the Salem Branch, the Woodstown
          Branch,   the  Carney's   Point   Branch  and  the  Florence   Branch,
          respectively;  provided,  however, that such amounts shall be adjusted
          to reflect  the net book value of the Fixed  Assets at the  respective
          Branches as of the Closing Date;

               (b) $185,792,  $369,049 and $240,541,  representing  the purchase
          price of the Real Property for the Salem Branch, the Woodstown Branch,
          and the Carney's Point Branch,  respectively;  provided, however, that
          such  amount  shall be  adjusted  to reflect the net book value of the
          Real Property as of the Closing Date;

               (c) the principal amount of the Cash Reserve Loans,  plus accrued
          interest thereon;

               (d) the principal  amount of the Commercial  Loans,  plus accrued
          interest thereon;

               (e) the amount of cash on hand at the Branches;

                                       9

<PAGE>


               (f) the principal amount of the Overdrafts;

               (g) the net  amount  (which  may be a  negative  amount) of taxes
          payable  by Buyer and  Seller  under  Section  2.4  (i.e.,  the amount
          payable by Buyer less the amount payable by Seller);

               (h)  the net  amount  (which  may be a  negative  amount)  of any
        adjustments  under Section 2.5 (i.e.,  the amount  payable by Buyer less
        the amount payable by Seller);

               (i) an  amount  equal  to  8.03  percent  of the  average  of the
        Deposits at the  Branches  for the calendar  month  preceding  the month
        during  which  the  Closing  Date  occurs  (the  "Amount  of  Premium");
        provided,  however,  that for  purposes  of  calculating  the  Amount of
        Premium, the amount of Deposits shall (x) not include municipal deposits
        over $100,000 per account with a maturity of less than one year, (y) not
        include brokered  deposits,  and (z) be subject to adjustment to reflect
        certain deposit  relationships  mutually  agreeable to Buyer and Seller;
        and

               (j)    the Training Expenses.

        3.2    Settlement.
               ----------

               (a) Not later than on the first  Saturday  following  the Closing
        Date,  Seller shall deliver to Buyer the Closing  Statement  prepared in
        accordance  with Seller's  customary  practices and  procedures  used in
        preparing financial  statements,  substantially in the form of Exhibit B
        to this  Agreement,  which shall be completed as of the Closing Date and
        be the basis of the payment to be made to Buyer's  account on the Monday
        following the Closing Date (the "Settlement Payment").  Seller shall pay
        interest on the Deposits  through and including  the Sunday  immediately
        following the Closing Date.

               (b)  The  parties  shall  cooperate  in  the  preparation  of the
        Adjusted  Closing  Statement within 30 days after the Closing Date which
        shall be prepared in accordance  with Seller's  customary  practices and
        procedures used in preparing financial statements,  substantially in the
        form of

                                       10

<PAGE>


          Exhibit C to this Agreement,  which shall be completed as of the close
          of business on the Closing  Date.  On the Business Day after Buyer and
          Seller agree to the Adjusted  Closing  Statement,  or Buyer and Seller
          receive notice of any  determination of the Adjusted Closing Statement
          under subsection (d) (the "Adjusted  Settlement  Date"),  Seller shall
          pay to Buyer (or Buyer  shall  pay to  Seller,  as the case may be) an
          amount (the  "Adjustment  Payment")  equal to the amount due stated on
          the Adjusted Closing  Statement,  plus interest from the day after the
          Closing Date until the calendar day before the  Adjustment  Payment is
          made at a rate per annum  (calculated  daily based on a 360-day  year)
          equal to the Federal Funds Rate.

               (c) If the  parties are unable to agree on the  Adjusted  Closing
          Statement  within 30 days after the  Closing  Date,  either  party may
          submit the matter to the Mediator,  which shall determine all disputed
          portions of the  Adjusted  Closing  Statement in  accordance  with the
          terms  and  conditions  of this  Agreement  within  30 days  after the
          submission.  The parties  shall each pay half of the fees and expenses
          of the  Mediator,  except that the Mediator may assess the full amount
          of its fees and expenses  against  either party if it determines  that
          party  negotiated  the Adjusted  Closing  Statement in bad faith.  The
          Adjusted  Closing  Statement,  as agreed  upon by the  parties  and/or
          determined under this subsection,  shall be final and binding upon the
          parties.

               (d) The Settlement  Payment and the Adjustment Payment shall each
          be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account
          of the party receiving the payment,  which account shall be identified
          by the party  receiving the funds to the other party not less than two
          Business Days prior to such payment.



IV.     SELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

       Seller makes the following representations and warranties to Buyer.

                                       11

<PAGE>


        4.1    Power and Authority.
               -------------------

               (a) Seller has the  corporate  power and  authority to enter into
        and perform this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
        has been duly  authorized by all necessary  corporate  action by Seller.
        Upon  execution  and  delivery  by both  parties,  this  Agreement  will
        constitute  a valid and binding  obligation  of Seller,  enforceable  in
        accordance with its terms, subject to conservatorship, receivership, and
        a court's right under  general  principles of equity to refuse to direct
        specific performance.

               (b) The  performance of this Agreement by Seller will not violate
        any provision of the Articles of Association or Bylaws of Seller, or any
        applicable law, rule, regulation, or order or any contract or instrument
        by which Seller is bound,  except for such  violations  which alone,  or
        taken in the  aggregate,  would not  reasonably  be  expected  to have a
        material  adverse  effect  on  the  financial  condition,   business  or
        operations of the Branches, taken as a whole, or the consummation of the
        transactions  contemplated by this Agreement (a "Seller Material Adverse
        Effect").

        4.2    Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings.
               -------------------------------------

               There  are no  actions,  complaints,  petitions,  suits  or other
proceedings,  or any decree,  injunction,  judgment,  order or ruling,  entered,
promulgated or pending or (to Seller's  knowledge)  threatened against Seller or
any of the Assets or the  Liabilities,  which alone,  or taken in the aggregate,
reasonably  would be  expected  to have a Seller  Material  Adverse  Effect.  No
governmental  agency has notified  Seller that it would oppose or not approve or
consent to the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement and Seller knows of
no reason for any such opposition, disapproval or nonconsent.

        4.3    Consents and Approvals.
               ----------------------

               Except for required regulatory approvals, no consents, approvals,
filings or  registrations  with any third  party or any public  body,  agency or
authority  are  required  in  connection  with  Seller's   consummation  of  the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement,  other than any required  lessor
consents to the 

                                       12

<PAGE>


assignment  of the Real Property  Leases and the Equipment  Leases and as may be
required as a result of any facts or circumstances relating solely to Buyer.

        4.4    Real Property.
               -------------

               (a)    Schedule 4.4(a) contains a list of all the Real Property.

               (b) Seller  will  convey good and  marketable  title,  such as is
        insurable  by  any  reputable  title  insurance  company,  to  the  Real
        Property,  free and clear of all encumbrances,  except for easements and
        restrictions of record,  applicable zoning laws,  building  restrictions
        and all other laws of duly  constituted  public  authorities,  grants of
        public rights of way, standard exceptions in the title insurance policy,
        the rights of  landlords  under any ground  leases  relating to the Real
        Property, the rights of any tenants, and liens for taxes and assessments
        not  delinquent.  Seller shall  maintain in effect from the date of this
        Agreement  until the Closing  Date,  all property,  liability,  fire and
        casualty  insurance  in effect as of the date  hereof with regard to the
        Branches,  including the structures,  leasehold  improvements  and Fixed
        Assets relating to the Branches.

               (c) To the  knowledge  of  Seller,  Seller has not  received  any
        written notice of violation, citations, summonses, subpoenas, compliance
        orders, directives,  suits, other legal process, or other written notice
        of potential liability under applicable environmental, zoning, building,
        fire and other applicable laws and regulations relating to the Branches.

               (d) To the  knowledge  of Seller,  Seller has received no written
        notice of a condemnation proceeding relating to the Branches.

        4.5    Ownership of Cash Reserve Loans.

               Seller has full power and authority to hold each Cash
Reserve Loan, and has good title to the Cash Reserve Loans free and clear of all
liens and encumbrances. Seller is authorized to sell and assign the Cash Reserve
Loans to Buyer and, upon such 


                                       13

<PAGE>
assignment,  Buyer  will  have the  rights of Seller  with  respect  to the Cash
Reserve Loans in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.

        4.6    Validity of and Compliance with Real Property Leases.
               ----------------------------------------------------

                      The Real  Property  Leases are valid and  existing  leases
        under which Seller,  as lessee,  is entitled to possession of the leased
        premises.  To Seller's knowledge,  Seller has received no written notice
        of an event that has occurred and is  continuing,  which  constitutes  a
        default  under  any of the  Real  Property  Leases.  Subject  to  Seller
        obtaining  any  necessary  landlord  consents,  and  subject  to  Seller
        obtaining the executed  extension of the Real Property Lease relating to
        the Florence  Branch from the  landlord,  the  assignment of such leases
        will  transfer to Buyer all of Seller's  rights under the Real  Property
        Leases.

        4.7    Compliance with Certain Laws.
               ----------------------------

               The Deposit  Accounts and the Cash  Reserve  Lines of Credit were
opened,  extended or made,  and have been  maintained,  in  accordance  with all
applicable  federal  and state  laws,  regulations,  rules and  orders,  and the
Branches have been operated in compliance with Seller's  policies and procedures
and all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, rules and orders, except
for such  instances of  noncompliance  which do not have, and are not reasonably
likely to have, a Seller Material Adverse Effect.

        4.8    FDIC Insurance.
               --------------

               The  Deposits  are  insured  by  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance
Corporation  through  the  Bank  Insurance  Fund  and  the  Savings  Association
Insurance Fund, as applicable,  to the extent permitted by law, and all premiums
and assessments  required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when
due by Seller.

        4.9    Ownership of Commercial Loans.
               -----------------------------

               Seller has full power and authority to hold each  Commercial Loan
and has good  title to the  Commercial  Loans  free and  clear of all  liens and
encumbrances.  Seller is authorized to 

                                       14
<PAGE>

sell and assign the Commercial Loans to Buyer and, upon such  assignment,  Buyer
will  have  the  rights  of  Seller  with  respect  to the  Commercial  Loans in
accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.

        4.10   Absence of Employment Agreements.
               --------------------------------

               Except as disclosed on Schedule  4.10, to this  Agreement,  there
are no  employment  agreements,  contracts,  incentive  plans  (other  than such
agreements, contracts and plans that will terminate automatically on the Closing
Date) or disputes between Seller and Seller's Employees at the Branches, whether
written or otherwise, relating to wages, hours, terms of employment, benefits or
working conditions.



V.      BUYER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     Buyer makes the following representations and warranties to Seller.

        5.1    Power and Authority.
               -------------------

               (a) Buyer has the corporate power and authority to enter into and
        perform this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement has
        been duly authorized by all necessary  corporate  action by Buyer.  Upon
        execution and delivery by both parties, this Agreement will constitute a
        valid and binding  obligation of Buyer,  enforceable in accordance  with
        its terms subject to conservatorship,  receivership, and a court's right
        under  general  principles  of  equity  to  refuse  to  direct  specific
        performance.

               (b) The  performance  of this Agreement by Buyer will not violate
        any  provision  of  the  Articles  of  Association,  Bylaws  or  similar
        governing  documents of Buyer, or any applicable law, rule,  regulation,
        or order or any  contract or  instrument  by which Buyer is bound except
        for such violations  which alone,  or taken in the aggregate,  would not
        reasonably  be  expected  to  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on the
        consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement  (a
        "Buyer Material Adverse Effect").


                                       15

<PAGE>


        5.2    Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings.
               -------------------------------------

               There  are no  actions,  complaints,  petitions,  suits  or other
proceedings,  or any decree,  injunction,  judgment,  order or ruling,  entered,
promulgated or pending or (to Buyer's knowledge) threatened against Buyer or any
of its properties or assets which alone,  or taken in the aggregate,  reasonably
would be expected  to have a Buyer  Material  Adverse  Effect.  No  governmental
agency has notified  Buyer that it would oppose or not approve or consent to the
transactions  contemplated by this  Agreement,  and Buyer knows of no reason for
any such opposition, disapproval or nonconsent.

        5.3    Consents and Approvals.
               ----------------------

               Except for required regulatory approvals, no consents, approvals,
filings or  registrations  with any third  party or any public  body,  agency or
authority  are  required  in  connection   with  Buyer's   consummation  of  the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than what may be required as a
result of any facts or circumstances relating solely to Seller.



VI.     ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS OF SELLER

        6.1    Access to Seller's Premises, Records and Personnel.
               --------------------------------------------------

               (a) Upon execution of this Agreement, Seller shall give Buyer and
        its representatives  such access to the Branches as Buyer may reasonably
        request,  provided that Buyer does not  unreasonably  interfere with the
        Branches' business  operations.  Seller shall not be required to provide
        access to or to disclose  information  where such  access or  disclosure
        might  violate or  prejudice  the rights of any  customer or employee or
        would be contrary to law,  rule,  regulation  or any legal or regulatory
        order or process or any fiduciary duty or binding agreement entered into
        prior to the date of this Agreement.

               (b)  Anything   contained  in  this  Agreement  to  the  contrary
        notwithstanding,  Seller shall not be required to disclose,  or to cause
        the disclosure to Buyer or its representatives (or provide access to any
        offices, 


                                       16

<PAGE>


          properties,  books or  records of  Seller,  that  could  result in the
          disclosure to such Persons or others),  of any tax returns  and/or any
          work papers  relating  thereto or any other  confidential  information
          relating to income or  franchise  taxes or other  taxes of Seller,  or
          trade secrets, patent or trademark  applications,  or product research
          and development  belonging to or performed by or for Seller, nor shall
          Seller be required to permit or to cause others to permit Buyer or its
          representatives  to copy or remove from the offices or  properties  of
          Seller any  documents,  drawings or other  materials that might reveal
          any such confidential information; provided, however, Buyer shall have
          access to tax  returns to the extent that  liability  for the taxes at
          issue could be imposed on Buyer.

               (c) At Buyer's request, Seller shall authorize and permit certain
          of its officers  and members of  management  to engage in  discussions
          with Buyer for the purposes of discussing  the Branches'  business and
          negotiating and concluding management  employment contracts,  employee
          benefit  plans,  and new incentive  plans and Buyer shall maintain the
          confidentiality  of any  information  furnished  by such  officers  or
          members of  management  of Seller  pursuant to such  discussions  with
          Buyer.

        6.2    Matters Relating to Branch Closing.
               ----------------------------------

               In the event that Buyer  intends to close any of the  Branches on
the Closing Date or before ninety (90) days  thereafter,  Buyer and Seller agree
to the following:

               (a) Subject to  subsection  (b),  Seller and Buyer shall  prepare
        Branch closing notices to Seller's customers,  to be mailed by Seller at
        Buyer's  request and expense,  at such time as shall be mutually  agreed
        upon  between  Buyer and  Seller.  Seller and Buyer  also shall  prepare
        another notice to Seller's customers,  to be mailed by Seller at Buyer's
        request and expense,  of Buyer's  impending  acquisition of the Branches
        within ten Business Days following Seller's receipt of notice that Buyer
        has  obtained  any  and  all  required  regulatory   approvals  for  the
        transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement  or such  earlier date as
        Seller  and Buyer may  mutually  agree  upon.  After  Seller  mails this
        notice, 


                                       17

<PAGE>


          Buyer shall be permitted to provide to Seller  material to be sent, at
          Buyer's expense,  to the depositors,  borrowers and other customers of
          the Branches concerning the proposed acquisition and Buyer's products.
          Each  party's  communication  shall be subject to the  approval of the
          other party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

               (b) Unless  Buyer  shall  certify in writing at the time that (x)
          Buyer is not aware of the occurrence of any event or condition, which,
          if not  corrected,  would be  reasonably  expected  to  result  in the
          failure of any  condition  to Closing  under  Sections 9.3 or 9.4; (y)
          Buyer has no reason to believe that any regulatory  approval  required
          under Section 9.3(a) will not be forthcoming, and (z) no challenge has
          been  threatened  or filed and is  pending  with  respect  to any such
          regulatory approval:

                       (i) Buyer shall not take any action  with  respect to any
               of the  Branches  which would  require  that notices be posted or
               provided to  customers  or  regulators,  as required by 12 U.S.C.
               Section 1831r-1, on or prior to the Closing Date; and

                      (ii) Seller  shall not be required to  participate  in the
               closing of any Branch or in any notice to  customers  relating to
               such a closing.

        6.3    Regulatory Approvals.
               --------------------

               Seller  agrees  to use its  reasonable  best  efforts  to  obtain
promptly any regulatory  approval on which its  consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement is  conditioned.  Seller also agrees to cooperate
with Buyer in obtaining any  regulatory  approval which Buyer must obtain before
the Closing.  Seller shall notify Buyer promptly of any significant  development
with respect to any  application it files under this Section.  Seller also shall
provide  Buyer with a copy of any  regulatory  approval it  receives  under this
Section, promptly after Seller's receipt of the same.

        6.4    Conduct of Business.
               -------------------

                                       18

<PAGE>


               Except as  provided  in this  Agreement  or as may  otherwise  be
agreed  upon by Buyer,  Seller  will  continue  to carry on the  business at the
Branches until the Closing in the ordinary  course of business,  consistent with
prudent  business  practices.  Seller shall not  terminate  the operation of any
Branch,  unless those  operations  cease due to events beyond Seller's  control.
Seller will notify Buyer of any event of which Seller  obtains  knowledge  which
would make any of Seller's  representations  under Article IV of this  Agreement
false in any material respect.

        6.5    Covenant of Seller not to Compete.
               ---------------------------------

               Seller  hereby agrees not to purchase or open a de novo brick and
mortar branch facility  (excluding any ATMs or CBCTs) within the county of Salem
in New Jersey and within an area  extending 3 miles in all  directions  from the
location  of the  Florence  Branch for a period of three  years from the Closing
Date;  provided,  however,  that Seller,  or its affiliates,  shall be expressly
permitted to acquire a financial  institution  notwithstanding the fact that the
financial  institution  to be  acquired  has a branch or other  facility in such
location.

        6.6    Covenant of Seller Not to Solicit.
               ---------------------------------

               Seller hereby agrees that from the date of this Agreement and for
a  period  of  three  (3)  years  after  the  Closing  Date,  Seller  shall  not
specifically  target and solicit  customers of the Branches  whose  Deposits are
being purchased by the Seller;  provided,  however, that nothing in this section
shall:  (i)  restrict  general mass  mailings,  telemarketing  calls,  statement
stuffers,  advertisements or other similar  communications  whether in print, on
radio or  television,  or by other means that are directed to the general public
or to a group of customers who may include  customers of the Branches,  provided
that such group is defined by  criteria  other than solely as  customers  of the
Branches,  or (ii)  otherwise  prevent Seller from taking such actions as may be
required  to  comply  with  any  applicable  federal  or  state  laws,  rules or
regulations or from servicing or communicating  with the then-current  customers
of Seller or its affiliates.

        6.7    Assignment of Real Property Leases.
               ----------------------------------

                                       19

<PAGE>


               Seller  shall  use its best  efforts  to cause  the  landlord  to
furnish the Buyer with a statement of the balance of any security  deposits held
under such Real  Property  Leases as of the Closing  Date,  giving effect to all
deductions that are deemed necessary by the landlord  following an inspection of
the Leased Branches as of the Closing Date.

        6.8    Industrial Site Recovery Act Letter of Nonapplicability.
               -------------------------------------------------------

               Seller will make an application for a Letter of Non-applicability
in compliance  with the provisions of the Industrial  Site Recovery Act ("ISRA")
and shall furnish copies of said application to Buyer.



VII.  ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS OF BUYER

        7.1    Regulatory Approvals.
               --------------------

               Buyer  agrees  to use  its  reasonable  best  efforts  to  obtain
promptly any regulatory  approval on which its  consummation of the transactions
contemplated  by this Agreement is  conditioned.  Buyer also agrees to cooperate
with Seller in obtaining any regulatory approval which Seller must obtain before
the Closing.  Buyer shall notify Seller promptly of any significant  development
with respect to any  application  it files under this Section.  Buyer also shall
provide  Seller with a copy of any  regulatory  approval it receives  under this
Section, promptly after Buyer's receipt of the same.

        7.2    Change of Name, Etc. 
               -------------------

               Immediately after the Closing, Buyer will (a) change the name and
logo on all documents and facilities  relating to the Assets and the Liabilities
to Buyer's name and logo,  (b) notify all persons  whose Cash  Reserve  Loans or
Deposits  are  transferred  under  this  Agreement  of the  consummation  of the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement,  and (c) provide all appropriate
notices to the Federal Deposit  Insurance  Corporation and any other  regulatory
authorities required as a result of the consummation of such transactions. Buyer
agrees not to use any 

                                       20

<PAGE>



forms or other documents bearing Seller's name or logo after the Closing without
the prior written consent of Seller, and, if such consent is given, Buyer agrees
that all such forms or other  documents  to which such  consent  relates will be
stamped or  otherwise  marked in such a way that  identifies  Buyer as the party
using the form or other  document.  As soon as  practicable  and,  in any event,
within seven  calendar days after the Closing Date,  Buyer will issue new checks
reflecting  its transit and routing  number to customers  of the  Branches  with
check writing  privileges.  Buyer shall use its best efforts to encourage  these
customers  to begin using such checks and cease using  checks  bearing  Seller's
name.

        7.3    Real Property.

               (a)  Except  as  expressly   set  forth   herein,   Buyer  hereby
        acknowledges and agrees that: (i) Buyer is expressly purchasing the Real
        Property  in its  existing  condition  "AS IS,  WHERE  IS,  AND WITH ALL
        FAULTS"  with  respect  to  any  facts,  circumstances,  conditions  and
        defects;  (ii)  Seller has no  obligation  to repair or correct any such
        facts,  circumstances,  conditions or defects or to compensate Buyer for
        same;  (iii) Seller has  specifically  bargained  for the  assumption by
        Buyer of all responsibility to inspect and investigate the Real Property
        and of all risk of adverse  conditions;  and (iv) Buyer has or will have
        prior to the  Closing  undertaken  all  such  physical  inspections  and
        examinations   of  the  Real  Property  as  Buyer  deems   necessary  or
        appropriate  as to  the  condition  of  the  Real  Property.  Except  as
        expressly set forth herein,  Buyer  acknowledges that Seller has made no
        representations  or warranties and shall have no liability to Buyer (and
        Buyer hereby waives any right to recourse  against  Seller) with respect
        to  the  conditions  of the  soil,  the  existence  or  nonexistence  of
        hazardous  substances,  any past use of the Real Property,  the economic
        feasibility of the Real Property,  or the Real Property's  compliance or
        noncompliance  with all laws,  rules or  regulations  affecting the Real
        Property.

               (b) Buyer may, at Buyer's  option,  within  forty-five  (45) days
        from the date of this Agreement, undertake such physical inspections and
        examinations of the Real Property and the Leased Real Property,  and the
        legal  title  thereto, 

                                       21

<PAGE>


          including such  inspections of the buildings  thereon,  as Buyer deems
          necessary  or  appropriate.  The  cost  of any  such  inspections  and
          examinations of the Branch buildings shall be  responsibility of Buyer
          and the  cost of any such  inspections  and  examinations  of the Real
          Property and the Leased Real Property  shall be shared equally by both
          Buyer and Seller.

                      (i) If Buyer shall discover a Material Defect,  as defined
               herein, as a result of Buyer's inspections and examinations Buyer
               shall give Seller written  notice as soon as possible  describing
               the facts or conditions constituting such Material Defect and the
               measures which Buyer reasonably believes are necessary to correct
               such Material Defect.  Seller shall promptly notify Buyer whether
               Seller  elects to cure such  Material  Defect  or  terminate  the
               Agreement  with  respect to such  Branch,  unless Buyer elects to
               waive such Material Defect. If Seller elects to cure, then Seller
               shall  have  thirty  (30)  days from the date of the  receipt  of
               Buyer's notice, or such later time, which shall not be later than
               the Closing Date,  as shall be mutually  agreeable to the parties
               which agreement shall not be unreasonably  withheld,  in which to
               cure such Material Defect to Buyer's reasonable  satisfaction and
               Seller's   reasonable  cure  shall  be  a  condition  to  Buyer's
               obligation to purchase the Assets and assume the Liabilities with
               respect to such Branch under this  Agreement.  "Material  Defect"
               shall  mean the  existence  of (x) a lien or  encumbrance  on the
               legal title to the Real Property,  except as previously disclosed
               in writing to Buyer by Seller, which materially detracts from the
               value of the Real Property, (y) any discharge, disposal, release,
               threatened  release or emission of any Hazardous  Material in the
               ground or the  structure  of the Branch or the  existence  of any
               underground  storage tank for which the Buyer has been advised in
               writing by its legal counsel that Buyer could become  responsible
               for the  assessment,  removal or remediation  of such  discharge,
               disposal, release, threatened release, emission, the existence of
               such tank or for other corrective action, (z) with respect to the
               buildings,  material  deficiencies  in the plumbing,  


                                       22

<PAGE>


               electrical,  HVAC, drive thru air transport system,  roof, walls,
               or foundations.

                      (ii) With  respect to the Branch  buildings,  Seller shall
               cure any Material Defect described in subsection  7.3(b)(i)(z) if
               the estimated  cost of such cure is less than $20,000 per Branch.
               If the estimated cost of such cure exceeds $20,000 per Branch and
               Seller elects not to cure, then Buyer may terminate the Agreement
               with  respect to such Branch  unless  Buyer  agrees to accept the
               obligations to cure in excess of $20,000 per Branch.

                      (iii) With regard to the Leased  Branch,  Buyer and Seller
               understand that conducting the inspections and affecting the cure
               of a  Material  Defect,  if any,  may  require  the action or the
               consent of the lessor. In the event that the lessor elects not to
               undertake  such action or give such consent  relating to the cure
               of a Material Defect, then Buyer may terminate the Agreement with
               respect to such Branch.

               (c) No information or the contents of any  environmental  audits,
        nor the  results  of any  investigation  of the  real  estate  conducted
        pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, the contents of
        the report issued in connection  therewith,  shall be disclosed by Buyer
        or its agents,  consultants  or  employees  to any third  party  without
        Seller's  prior  written  approval,  unless  and until  Buyer is legally
        compelled to make such disclosure  under  applicable laws or until Buyer
        completes its purchase of the Real Property  pursuant to this Agreement.
        Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Buyer may disclose such matters to its
        directors,  executive officers, legal counsel and such employees who are
        reasonably  required to receive  such  disclosure  (such  parties  being
        referred  to as "Buyer"  for  purposes of this  section),  the  specific
        identities  of whom shall be supplied to Seller  prior to any  permitted
        disclosure to such party by Buyer.  If this  Agreement is terminated for
        any reason,  Buyer shall immediately deliver and/or return to Seller any
        and all documents,  plans and other items furnished to Buyer pursuant to
        this section.



                                       23

<PAGE>


               (d) Seller shall provide  Buyer with a  Certificate  of Occupancy
        and/or a Fire Safety Certificate,  as and if applicable, to be issued by
        the  appropriate  municipal or county  authority as of the Closing Date.
        Should repairs be required in order to qualify for such  Certificate(s),
        Seller shall be responsible for the costs of such repairs subject to the
        limitations set forth in section 7.3(b)(ii) of this Agreement.



VIII. SELLER'S EMPLOYEES

        8.1    Transferred Employees.
               ---------------------

               (a) Buyer will offer to employ all of Seller's  employees who are
        employed at the Branches on the Closing Date (such  employees  who agree
        to be  employed  by Buyer  are  hereafter  referred  to as  "Transferred
        Employees"),  in  such  a  position  and  at a  salary  or  hourly  wage
        comparable  to that earned by them at the time of the Closing.  At least
        fifteen  calendar  days prior to the Closing  Date,  Buyer shall provide
        Seller  with a list of the  employees  to whom  Buyer  intends  to offer
        employment  along with the  positions and salaries or hourly wages to be
        offered to such  employees.  Such offers of employment by Buyer shall be
        for a term of at least one year unless terminated for cause and shall be
        at the same  Branch  where such  employee  is  currently  employed or at
        another branch of the Buyer within 30 miles from such Branch.

               (b)  Seller is  responsible  for the filing of Forms W-2 with the
        Internal  Revenue  Service  and  any  required  filing  with  state  tax
        authorities, with respect to wages and benefits paid to each Transferred
        Employee for periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date.

               (c)  From  and  after  the  Closing  Date,  Buyer  shall  have no
        liability for any accrued and presently due  obligations of Seller to or
        for  the  benefit  of  the  Transferred  Employees  whether  arising  by
        operation  of law,  by  contract  or by  past  practice,  which  pertain
        including, without limitation, accrued wages.


                                       24

<PAGE>

               (d) Seller shall not renegotiate the position or salary or hourly
        wage of any of the employees at the Branches  prior to the Closing Date,
        other than ordinary  salary  increases  and Seller will promptly  advise
        Buyer if any such  employee  terminates,  or gives  notice  of intent to
        terminate employment with the Seller before the Closing.

        8.2    Employee Benefits.
               -----------------

               (a) (i) Following the Closing, Buyer shall not have any liability
        or  obligation   under  any  Benefit  Plans  or  any  other  program  or
        arrangement  of Seller or an ERISA  Affiliate  thereof  under  which any
        current or former  employee of Seller or any of its  Affiliates  has any
        right to any benefits;

                (ii)  Upon  the  Closing,   the   participation  of  Transferred
        Employees in the Benefit Plans shall cease in accordance  with the terms
        of such plans; and

                (iii) With respect to the Transferred Employees, Seller shall be
        responsible  for any  welfare  benefits  or claims  which,  by reason of
        events which take place on or prior to the Closing Date,  become payable
        under the terms of any Welfare Benefit Plan. With respect to Transferred
        Employees, Buyer shall be responsible for any welfare benefits or claims
        in accordance with Buyer's welfare benefit plans which become payable by
        reason of events that take place after the Closing Date.

               (b) (i) From and after the Closing Date,  Buyer shall provide the
        Transferred  Employees with the employee  benefits,  if any, provided to
        employees of Buyer and its  Affiliates,  subject to the terms of Buyer's
        benefit plans;

                (ii)  Buyer  will  grant  for  purposes  of  vacation  benefits,
        severance  pay and all welfare  benefit plans (as defined in ERISA) past
        service credit to all Transferred Employees for periods of time credited
        to such  Transferred  Employees  under the Welfare Benefit Plans. To the
        extent that any  Transferred  Employee has satisfied in whole or in part
        any annual  deductible  under a Welfare  Benefit  Plan,  or has paid any
        out-of-pocket expenses pursuant to any Welfare Benefit Plan co-insurance
        provision,  such amount shall be


                                       25

<PAGE>

          counted  toward  the  satisfaction  of any  applicable  deductible  or
          out-of-pocket expense maximum,  respectively,  under the benefit plans
          and programs  provided to  Transferred  Employees  by Buyer,  and such
          plans and programs shall be applied  without regard to any limitations
          relating to preexisting  conditions or required physical  examinations
          that would not otherwise  apply under the respective  Welfare  Benefit
          Plans to the extent that such Transferred Employees are covered by the
          Welfare Benefit Plans on the Closing Date; and

               (iii) Buyer shall take whatever  action is  necessary,  including
          amendment of its defined  contribution  pension plan, to grant to each
          Transferred  Employee past service  credit for purposes of eligibility
          and  vesting(including  any  waiting  period)  under  Buyer's  defined
          contribution  pension plan for all periods of service credited to each
          such  Transferred  Employee  under the Seller's  defined  contribution
          pension  plan.  Within 45 days after the Closing  Date,  Seller  shall
          provide to Buyer such  information  as Buyer  reasonably  requires  to
          establish the service for the Transferred Employees credited under the
          Seller's defined contribution pension plan.

        8.3    Training.
               --------

               Seller  shall  permit  Buyer to train the  Transferred  Employees
before  Closing with regard to Buyer's  operations,  policies and  procedures at
Buyer's  sole cost and  expense.  This  training  shall  take  place  outside of
business hours and may, at Seller's option, take place at the Branches.



IX.     CLOSING AND CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

        9.1    Time and Place of Closing.
               -------------------------

               The  Closing  shall  be on a date  mutually  agreed  upon  by the
parties  (the  "Closing  Date")  which shall be on a Friday and shall be no more
than 60 days after the last  regulatory  approval  necessary for the Closing has
been obtained  (without regard to any statutory  waiting periods  following such
approval).  The Closing shall take place at Seller's  offices located at 91 East
Main Street, Moorestown, New Jersey 08057, at 10:00 a.m. on the


                                       26

<PAGE>


Closing Date, or at a time and place otherwise determined by mutual agreement of
the parties.

        9.2    Exchange of Closing Documents.
               -----------------------------

               The  parties  shall  exchange  drafts  of  all  documents  to  be
delivered  at the  Closing  (other  than the  Closing  Statement)  at least  ten
Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

        9.3    Buyer's Conditions to Closing.
               -----------------------------

               Buyer's  obligations  to  purchase  the  Assets  and  assume  the
Liabilities is contingent  upon and subject to the  fulfillment of the following
conditions in all material respects:

               (a) the parties  obtaining  all  regulatory  approvals  which are
        required in order for them to proceed with the transactions contemplated
        by  this  Agreement,   including  the  satisfaction  of  any  conditions
        contained  in such  approvals  are  required  to be  satisfied  prior to
        Closing,  and the expiration of any required  waiting period without the
        commencement of adverse  proceedings by any governmental  authority with
        jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

               (b) each  representation and warranty of Seller in this Agreement
        being true and correct in all  material  respects as of the Closing Date
        and all  covenants  and  conditions  of Seller to be performed or met by
        Seller on or before the Closing Date having been performed or met in all
        material respects;

               (c) Seller's delivery to Buyer of the following documents in form
        and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer:

                       (i)   the Closing Statement;

                         (ii)  Quitclaim   deeds  conveying  the  Real  Property
               relating  to  the   Woodstown   and  Carney's   Point   Branches,
               respectively,  and a bargain and sale deed with covenants against
               grantor's acts conveying the Real Property  relating to the Salem
               Branch;


                                       27

<PAGE>

                         (iii) bills of sale,  assignments and other instruments
               of transfer  sufficient to convey to Buyer all of Seller's right,
               title, and interest in and to the remaining Assets;

                         (iv) a certificate  executed by an appropriate  officer
               of Seller attesting, to the officer's best knowledge, to Seller's
               compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 9.3(b); and

                         (v)  estoppel  certificates  executed by the lessors of
               the Leased Branches; and

               (d)  Buyer's  agreement  to  receive  the  Settlement  Payment as
          provided in Section 3.2.

        9.4    Seller's Conditions to Closing.
               ------------------------------

               Seller's   obligation   to  sell  the  Assets  and  transfer  the
Liabilities  to Buyer is contingent  upon and subject to the  fulfillment of the
following conditions in all material respects:

               (a) the parties  obtaining  all  regulatory  approvals  which are
        required in order for them to proceed with the transactions contemplated
        by  this  Agreement,   including  the  satisfaction  of  any  conditions
        contained  in such  approvals  are  required  to be  satisfied  prior to
        Closing,  and the expiration of any required  waiting period without the
        commencement of adverse  proceedings by any governmental  authority with
        jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

               (b) each  representation  and warranty of Buyer in this Agreement
        being true and correct in all  material  respects as of the Closing Date
        and all  covenants  and  conditions  of Buyer to be  performed or met by
        Buyer on or before the Closing Date having been  performed or met in all
        material respects;

               (c) Buyer's delivery to Seller of the following documents in form
        and substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller:


                                       28

<PAGE>


                         (i)  one or  more  executed  assumptions  of  the  Real
               Property Leases;

                         (ii)  one or more  executed  instruments  assuming  the
               remaining Liabilities; and

                         (iii) a certificate  executed by an appropriate officer
               of Buyer attesting,  to the officer's best knowledge,  to Buyer's
               compliance with the conditions set forth in Section  9.4(b).  9.5
               Survival of Representations and Warranties.

               9.5     Survival    of     Representations     and     Warranties
                       ---------------------------------------------------------

               Unless provided otherwise in this Agreement, Buyer's and Seller's
representations  and  warranties  under  this  Agreement  or  contained  in  any
certificate or instrument delivered by either party at the Closing shall survive
for a period of one year following the Closing Date.



X.      TERMINATION

        10.1   Termination by Either Party.
               ---------------------------

               Either party may terminate  this Agreement upon written notice to
the other if:

               (a) as a result of any breach of any representation,  warranty or
          covenant,  the party  terminating  this  Agreement has given the other
          party  written  notice  of such  breach  and such  breach is not cured
          within 30 days thereafter;

               (b) the Closing does not occur within two hundred  seventy  (270)
          days after the date of this Agreement; or

               (c) the other party so agrees in writing.

               The termination of this Agreement under  subsection (a) shall not
absolve the breaching party from any liability to the other party arising out of
its breach of this Agreement.


                                       29

<PAGE>


XI.     MISCELLANEOUS

        11.1   Continuing Cooperation.
               ----------------------

               (a) On and after the  Closing  Date,  Seller  agrees to  execute,
        acknowledge  and deliver such  documents  and  instruments  as Buyer may
        reasonably  request to vest in Buyer the full legal and equitable  title
        to the Assets and Liabilities.

               (b)  On  and  after  the  Closing  Date,   Buyer  shall  execute,
        acknowledge  and deliver such  documents and  instruments  as Seller may
        reasonably  request to relieve and discharge Seller from its obligations
        with respect to the Liabilities.

               (c)  Seller  and  Buyer  shall   cooperate  with  each  other  in
        connection  with  any   examination   conducted  by  any  tax  authority
        subsequent  to the  Closing  Date by  promptly  providing  upon  request
        information  relating to the tax  liability of any business  operated by
        Seller or Buyer with respect to the Branches and promptly  informing the
        other of the institution of, any material developments  concerning,  and
        the outcome of, the same.

               (d) Except as provided in Section 7.2, no interest in or right to
        use First Union  National  Bank's logo or the name "First  Union" or any
        other  similar  word,  name,  symbol or device in which  Seller  has any
        interest by itself or in combination with any other word,  name,  symbol
        or  device,   or  any  similar   variation  of  any  of  the   foregoing
        (collectively,  the "Retained Names and Marks") is being  transferred to
        Buyer pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby. Unless permitted
        pursuant to Section  7.2,  Buyer shall not after the Closing Date in any
        way knowingly use any materials or property, whether or not in existence
        on the Closing Date,  that bear any Retained Name or Mark.  Buyer agrees
        that Seller  shall have no  responsibility  for claims by third  parties
        arising  out of, or  relating  to, the use by the Buyer of any  Retained
        Name or Mark after the Closing  Date,  and Buyer agrees to indemnify and
        hold  harmless  Seller  from  any  and all  claims  (and  all  expenses,
        including  reasonable  attorneys'  fees and  disbursements  incurred  in

                                       30

<PAGE>

        connection with any such claim) that may arise out of the use thereof by
        Buyer.

        11.2   Merger and Amendment.
               --------------------

               This  Agreement  sets out the  complete  agreement of the parties
with respect to the matters  discussed in this Agreement,  and it supersedes all
prior  agreements  between the parties,  whether written or oral, which apply to
these matters. No provision of this Agreement may be changed or waived except as
expressly stated in a document executed by both parties.

        11.3   Dispute Resolution.
               ------------------

               (a) Neither  Seller nor Buyer shall assert any claim  arising out
        of or relating to this  Agreement  (except  with respect to claims to be
        handled under the Working  Agreement or submitted to the Mediator  under
        Section 3.2(c)), unless:

                      (i)  except  for  claims  arising  under or in  respect of
               Sections 2.4, 2.5 or 11.1(d),  the amount in dispute with respect
               to any claim exceeds $5,000.00;

                      (ii) except for claims arising in respect of Sections 2.4,
               2.5 or 11.1(d),  the  aggregate  amount of all claims by Buyer or
               Seller (as the case may be) which  satisfy the  preceding  clause
               exceeds $25,000.00, in which case a claim may be asserted only to
               the extent that such threshold has been exceeded;

                      (iii) except for claims  arising under  Sections 2.4, 2.5,
               or 11.1(d), the aggregate amount of all claims by Buyer or Seller
               (as the case may be) shall not exceed the Amount of Premium; and

                             (iv) except for claims  arising under Sections 2.4,
               2.5 or 11.1(d), the notification  required by Section 11.3(b) (if
               any) is given on or before the first  anniversary  of the Closing
               Date.

               (b) The  parties  shall  attempt  in good  faith to  resolve  any
        dispute  arising  out of or  relating  to  this  Agreement  promptly  by
        negotiations,  as provided in this subsection

                                       31

<PAGE>


          (b).  Either  party may give the  other  party  written  notice of any
          dispute not resolved in the normal  course of business.  Executives of
          both  parties  at  comparable  levels  at  least  one step  above  the
          personnel who have  previously been involved in the dispute shall meet
          at a mutually acceptable time and place within ten days after delivery
          of such  notice,  and  thereafter  as  often as they  reasonably  deem
          necessary,  to exchange relevant information and to attempt to resolve
          the  dispute.  If the matter has not been  resolved  by these  persons
          within 30 days of the disputing party's notice, or if the parties fail
          to meet within ten days,  the dispute shall be referred to more senior
          executives  of both  parties who have  authority to settle the dispute
          and who shall  likewise  meet to attempt to resolve the  dispute.  All
          negotiations  under this subsection (b) are  confidential and shall be
          treated as compromise and settlement  negotiations for purposes of the
          Federal  Rules of Evidence,  applicable  state rules of evidence,  and
          common law. The procedures set forth above will be followed in advance
          of litigation of any dispute between the parties; nevertheless, either
          party may seek a preliminary  injunction or other provisional judicial
          relief  if in its  judgment  such an  action  is  necessary  to  avoid
          irreparable  damage or to preserve  the status  quo.  Despite any such
          action,  the parties will continue to participate in good faith in the
          procedures set forth in this subsection (b).

               (c) Neither  party shall have any  liability  for lost profits or
          punitive  damages with respect to any claim arising out of or relating
          to this Agreement.  The sole recourse and remedy of a party hereto for
          breach of this  Agreement  by the other party  hereto shall be against
          such other party and its assets, and no officer,  director,  employee,
          stockholder  or  affiliate  of any party  shall be liable at law or in
          equity for the breach by such  party of any of its  obligations  under
          this Agreement.

        11.4   Indemnification.
               ---------------

               After the  Closing  Date,  and unless  otherwise  provided in the
Agreement:


                                       32

<PAGE>

               (a) Buyer  shall  indemnify  and hold  Seller  harmless  from and
        against all claims,  lawsuits, costs (including reasonable counsel fees)
        and  liabilities  which  arise  out  of or  relate  to  transactions  or
        operations  at the Branch after the Closing  Date,  and from any loss or
        damage  resulting  from  any  breach  by  Buyer  of any  representation,
        warranty or covenant of Buyer contained in this Agreement.  If any claim
        or lawsuit is made or commenced  as to which  Seller  proposes to demand
        such indemnification,  it shall notify Buyer with reasonable promptness;
        provided,  however, that any failure by Seller to notify Buyer shall not
        relieve Buyer from its obligations hereunder,  except to the extent that
        Buyer is actually prejudiced by such failure to give notice. Buyer shall
        have the option of  defending  such claim or lawsuit with counsel of its
        own choosing at its own cost and expense and such counsel shall,  to the
        extent consistent with its professional responsibilities, cooperate with
        Seller and any counsel  designated by Seller.  Buyer shall be liable for
        any settlement of any claim or lawsuit  against Seller made with Buyer's
        written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

               (b)  Seller  shall  indemnify  and hold Buyer  harmless  from and
        against all claims,  lawsuits, costs (including reasonable counsel fees)
        and  liabilities  which  arise  out  of or  relate  to  transactions  or
        operations  at the Branch on or before the  Closing  Date,  and from any
        loss  or   damage   resulting   from  any   breach   by  Seller  of  any
        representation,  warranty  or  covenant  of  Seller  contained  in  this
        Agreement.  If any claim or  lawsuit  is made or  commenced  as to which
        Buyer  proposes to demand such  indemnification,  it shall notify Seller
        with reasonable promptness; provided, however, that any failure by Buyer
        to  notify  Seller  shall  not  relieve  Seller  from  its   obligations
        hereunder,  except to the extent the Seller is  actually  prejudiced  by
        such failure to give  notice.  Seller shall have the option of defending
        such claim or lawsuit  with  counsel of its own choosing at its own cost
        and expense and such counsel shall,  to the extent  consistent  with its
        professional  responsibilities,  cooperate  with  Buyer and any  counsel
        designated  by Buyer.  Seller shall be liable for any  settlement of any
        claim or lawsuit against Buyer made with Seller's written consent, which
        consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.


                                       33

<PAGE>

               (c) Any claims for  indemnification  brought  under this  Section
        shall be subject to the provisions of Section 11.3.


        11.5   Counterparts.
               ------------

               This  Agreement  may be executed  in any number of  counterparts,
each of which will constitute an original, but all of which taken together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

        11.6   Exhibits and Schedules.
               ----------------------

               All exhibits and schedules  referred to in this  Agreement  shall
constitute a part of this Agreement.

        11.7   Assignment.
               ----------

               This  Agreement is not  assignable  by either  party  without the
written consent of the other party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

        11.8   Headings.
               --------

               The  headings  contained  in  this  Agreement  are  inserted  for
convenience  only and shall not affect the meaning of this  Agreement  or any of
its provisions.

        11.9   Notices.
               -------

               Any notice  under  this  Agreement  shall be made in writing  and
shall be deemed given when  delivered in person,  when  delivered by first class
mail  postage  prepaid  (in which case the notice  shall be deemed  given on the
third  Business Day  following the date on which the notice is  postmarked),  or
when delivered by facsimile transmission,  which transmission also shall be sent
by first class mail,  postage  prepaid before the second  Business Day following
the  transmission  (in which  case the notice  shall be deemed  given on the day
transmitted if transmitted before or during normal business hours or, otherwise,
on the next succeeding Business Day) to the parties at the respective  addresses
set forth below or at such other  addresses as each party shall inform the other
in writing.


                                       34

<PAGE>


        If to Seller to:            Jonathan Stern
                                    Senior Vice President
                                    First Union National Bank
                                    550 Broad Street
                                    Newark, New Jersey 07102



        with a copy to:             Keith D. Lembo, Esq.
                                    Senior Vice President
                                     and Deputy General Counsel
                                    First Union Corporation
                                    One First Union Center, Leg-0630,
                                     31st Floor
                                    Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0603



        If to Buyer to:             Ron Seagraves
                                    Director of Corporate Development
                                    Sun National Bank
                                    226 Landis Avenue
                                    Vineland, New Jersey 08360


   
        with a copy to:             Ricky Fisch, Esq.
                                    Malizia, Spidi
                                    1301 K Street, NW
                                    Number 700 East
                                    Washington, D.C. 20005



        11.10  Expenses.
               --------

               Unless  specifically  stated to the  contrary in this  Agreement,
each party will assume and pay for the  expenses  it incurs with  respect to the
purchase and sale of the Assets and  assumption  of the  Liabilities  under this
Agreement;  provided,  however,  that  Buyer  shall  pay all fees  and  expenses
associated  with  the  regulatory  application  process.  Each  party  shall  be


                                       35
<PAGE>


responsible  for any fee  payable to any agent,  broker or finder  acting on its
behalf in this transaction.

        11.11 Public Announcements.
              --------------------

               Each  party  shall  consult  with the  other  before  making  any
announcement  or other public  communication  with  respect to the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and shall furnish a copy of the text to the other
party of the announcement or other communication.

        11.12 Governing Law; Jurisdiction.
              ---------------------------

               This Agreement and the legal relations  between the parties shall
be governed by and  construed  in  accordance  with the laws of the State of New
Jersey  applicable  to contracts  made and to be performed  entirely  within the
State of New Jersey.

        11.13 No Third Party Beneficiaries.
              ----------------------------

               The  parties  intend  that this  Agreement  shall not  benefit or
create  any right or cause of action in or on behalf of any  Person  other  than
Seller and Buyer.

        11.14 Waiver or Extension.
              -------------------

               (a) Except with respect to required  approvals of the  applicable
        governmental authorities,  either party, by written instrument signed by
        an appropriate  officer,  may extend the time for the performance of any
        of the obligations or other acts of the other party and may waive:

                         (i) any known  inaccuracies in the  representations  or
               warranties in any document delivered pursuant hereto, or

                         (ii)   compliance   with   any  of  the   undertakings,
               obligations, covenants or the acts contained herein.

               (b)  With  respect  to  required   approvals  of  the  applicable
        governmental  authorities,  the Seller  shall grant an  extension to the
        Closing  Date,  of up to 30 days,  if Buyer has not  received a required
        approval,  but is diligently and 


                                       36
<PAGE>

          in good faith  attempting  to obtain such  approval and has  otherwise
          satisfied all of its obligations  under this Agreement with respect to
          seeking regulatory approval and has provided any information requested
          by the appropriate governmental regulatory authorities within the time
          period specified by such authorities.



















                                       37



<PAGE>


        IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each of the parties to this  Agreement  has caused
this  Agreement  to be  executed  by a duly  authorized  officer  as of the date
written on page one of this Agreement.



                                SUN NATIONAL BANK


                                By:
                                    ----------------------------------------

                                Its:
                                    ----------------------------------------

                                FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK


                                By:
                                   -----------------------------------------

                                Its:
                                    ----------------------------------------






                                  EXHIBIT 99.2
<PAGE>

[LOGO]
                         [Sun Bancorp, Inc. Letterhead]


****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****            PAGE 1 OF 2

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:  Robert F. Mack (609) 691-7700



            SUN BANCORP, INC. TO PURCHASE FOUR FIRST UNION BRANCHES

Vineland, NJ....................December 20, 1996



Bernard A. Brown,  Chairman and Philip W. Koebig,  III, Executive Vice President
of Sun  Bancorp,  Inc.,  the Vineland New Jersey  parent holding  company of Sun
National  Bank,  announced  today that Sun National Bank has signed a definitive
agreement to purchase four New Jersey  branches from First Union National  Bank.
The branches are located in Salem,  Woodstown,  Carney's Point and Florence, New
Jersey and have approximately $75 million in deposits.

"We are very  pleased for this  opportunity  to expand our presence in  southern
New Jersey,"  commented  Brown.  "With the purchsae of these branches,  Sun will
have  twenty-two  financial  service  centers  serving  southern New Jersey," he
added.

"Sun prides  itself in being a community  bank that  responds to its  customers'
needs"  remarked  Koebig,  who also  serves as  President  and Chief  Executive
Officer of Sun National Bank. "This is an exciting  opportunity to offer our new
customers  a wide range of  products  and  services,  while also giving them the
personalized attention of a community bank."

                                    o  MORE  o

 P.O. Box 849 - 226 Landis Avenue - Vineland, New Jersey 08360 - (609) 691-7700

<PAGE>
                                                                    [LOGO]
                                                                   Sun
                                                                   Bancorp, Inc.


SUN BANCORP, INC. TO PURCHASE FOUR FIRST UNION BRANCHES

Page 2 of 2                                              December 20, 1996


Koebig also remarked that this is the fifth in a series of five purchases during
the past  two-and-one-half  years that have continued to fulfill Sun's strategic
growth  goals.  During  that period of time,  the total  assets of Sun will have
grown  from $113  million  in 1994 to total  assets  in  excess of $500  million
following the completion of the transaction.

The branch  purchase is subject to regulatory  approval and is expected to close
during the second quarter of 1997. Once the  transaction has been completed, all
branch employees will be retained by Sun National Bank.

First Union  National Bank operates 327 branches in New Jersey,  including 59 in
South Jersey.  It is a subsidiary of First Union  Corporation  (NYSE:  FTU), the
nation's sixth largest banking  company,  which provides  financial  services to
more than 12 million customers along the East Coast and throughout the nation.

Sun National Bank currently has eighteen  financial serivce centers in Atlantic,
Burlington,  Cape May,  Cumberland,  Mercer  and  Ocean  counties,  New  Jersey,
servicing  the retail and  commercial  markets.  Its deposits are insured by the
F.D.I.C.

Sun  Bancorp,  Inc.  is listed on the Nasdaq  Small Cap Market  under the symbol
SNBC. Sun's market makers are Wheat First Butcher Singer;  M.A.  Schapiro & Co.,
Inc. and Janney Montgomery Scott.

                                      ###


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