<PAGE> 1
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-QSB
(Mark One)
X Quarterly report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
- --- Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998
Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
- --- For the transition period from to
--------------- ----------------
Commission File No. 333-41545
SOUTHEAST COMMERCE HOLDING COMPANY
----------------------------------
(Exact Name of Small Business Issuer as Specified in its Charter)
Georgia 58-2349097
------- ----------
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2410 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30309
---------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(770) 863-9229
--------------
(Issuer's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
--------------
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year,
if Changed Since Last Report)
Check whether the issuer: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
-- --
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common equity, as of the latest practicable date:
1,274,061 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, were issued
and outstanding as of August 14, 1998.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes No X
-- --
<PAGE> 2
SOUTHEAST COMMERCE HOLDING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
BALANCE SHEET
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
JUNE 30, 1998 1997
(UNAUDITED) (AUDITED)
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and due from banks $ 30,280 $ --
Federal funds sold 11,610,000 --
Premises and equipment, net 219,640 50,000
Investment securities:
Securities available for sale at market value -- --
Accrued interest receivable
Other assets 19,980 110,501
------------ ------------
Total assets $ 11,879,900 $ 160,501
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
DEPOSITS
Note payable $ -- $ --
Accrued interest payable -- --
Other liabilities 355,952 235,161
------------ ------------
Total liabilities $ 355,952 $ 235,161
------------ ------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares $ 12,741 $ --
authorized, 1,274,061 shares issued and outstanding
Preferred stock, $.01 per share, 10,000,000 0 0
shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
Surplus 11,885,472 100
Retained earnings (deficit) (374,265) (74,760)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Total shareholders' equity 11,523,948 (74,660)
------------ ------------
Commitments and contingent liabilities -- --
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 11,879,900 $ 160,501
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
<PAGE> 3
SOUTHEAST COMMERCE HOLDING COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
STATEMENT OF INCOME
UNAUDITED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE SIX FOR THE THREE
MONTHS ENDED MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 1998 JUNE 30, 1998
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Interest income $ $
Loans, including fees
Investment securities:
U.S. Treasury Securities
U.S. Government agencies and corporations
Other investments
Federal funds sold ................................ 41,741 41,741
--------- ---------
Total interest income .................... 41,741 41,741
--------- ---------
Interest expense
Interest bearing demand and money market
Savings
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
Other time deposits
Other borrowings .................................. 12,113 6,224
--------- ---------
Total interest expense ................... 29,628 35,517
--------- ---------
Net interest income
Provision for possible loan losses ......................... --
Net interest income after provision for possible loan losses 29,628 35,517
--------- ---------
Other income
Service changes on deposit accounts
Investment securities gains net
Other income ...................................... -- --
Total other income ....................... -- --
Other expense ..............................................
Salaries and other compensation ................... 125,337 62,987
Employee benefits ................................. 18,057 7,411
Net occupancy and equipment expense ............... 7,986 2,428
Professional and other outside services ........... 72,338 60,570
Other expense ..................................... $ 105,515 $ 97,412
--------- ---------
Total other expenses ..................... 329,233 230,808
--------- ---------
Net income (loss) before taxes ............................. (299,605) (195,291)
Income taxes ............................................... -- --
Net income (loss) .......................................... (299,605) (195,291)
Basic income (loss) per share .............................. $ (0.24) $ (0.15)
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
<PAGE> 4
SOUTHEAST COMMERCE HOLDING COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNAUDITED
------------
<S> <C>
NET CASH USED FOR PRE-OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $ (299,605)
Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash used
by operating activities:
Net (accretion) amortization of investment securities
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
Provision for loan losses
Deferred income tax benefit
Amortization of organization costs 84,926
Increase in other assets 5,595
Increase in accrued interest receivable
Increase in accrued interest payable
Increase in other liabilities 290,792
------------
Net cash used by operating activities 81,708
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of investment securities
Available for sale
Purchase of other investments
Maturities of investment securities available-for-sale
Loans originated, net of principal repayments
Purchases of premises and equipment (169,640)
------------
Net cash used by investing activities (169,640)
------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from loans 272,000
Repayment of loans (442,000)
Sale of common stock 12,740,606
Costs associated with stock issuance (843,394)
Increase in deposits --
Net cash provided from financing activities 11,728,212
------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 11,640,280
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, JANUARY 1, 1998 0
------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, JUNE 30, 1998 $ 11,640,280
============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
<PAGE> 5
SOUTHEAST COMMERCE HOLDING COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ACTIVITIES
BUSINESS ACTIVITY AND ORGANIZATION
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial
information and with the instructions for Form 10-QSB. Accordingly, they do not
include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of
management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered
necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the
six-month period ended June 30, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the
results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 1998. For further
information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BUSINESS
Southeast Commerce Holding Company (the "Company") was incorporated
under the laws of the State of Georgia on August 22, 1997, for the purpose of
becoming a bank holding company for a federal savings bank, Commerce Bank (the
"Bank"). On April 21, 1998, the Company completed an initial public offering of
its Common Stock. Each share of common stock was sold for $10.00 per share. As
of June 30, 1998, 1,274,061 shares had been sold. Proceeds from the stock
offering as of June 30, 1998 amounted to $11,898,212, net of selling expenses.
Total proceeds at the close of the offering in July 1998 totaled $13,730,149,
net of selling expenses. The Company injected $8.50 million into the Bank's
capital accounts upon opening on August 17, 1998.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Reclassification. The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Accounting. The accounting and reporting policies of the
Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles and to general
practices in the banking industry. The Company uses the accrual basis of
accounting by recognizing revenues when earned and expenses when incurred,
without regarding the time of receipt or payment of cash.
Organizational Costs. The Company has elected early adoption of
Statement of Position 98-5, and has expensed its cumulative organization costs.
Organizational costs deferred in prior periods of $84,926 were expensed in the
current period.
Investment Securities. The Company has adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investment in Debt and
Equity Securities" ("SFAS 115"). SFAS 115 requires investments in equity and
debt securities to be classified into three categories:
<PAGE> 6
1. Held-to-maturity securities: These are securities, which the
Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity.
These securities are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization
of premiums and the accretion of discounts.
2. Trading securities: These are securities, which are brought
and held principally for the purpose of selling the near
future. Trading securities are reported at fair market value,
and related unrealized gains and losses are recognized in the
income statement.
3. Available-for-sale securities: These are securities, which are
not classified as either held-to-maturity or as trading
securities. These securities are reported at fair market
value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported, net of tax,
as separate components of shareholders' equity. Unrealized
gains and losses are excluded from the income statement.
Premium and discount on all investment securities are amortized
(deducted) and accredited (added), respectively, to interest income on the
effective yield method over the period to the maturity of the related
securities.
Gains or losses on disposition are computed by the specific
identification method for all securities.
Property and Equipment. Furniture and equipment are stated at cost, net
of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Maintenance and
repairs are charged to operations, while major improvements are capitalized.
Upon retirement, sale or other disposition of property and equipment, the cost
and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts, and gain or loss
is included in income from operations.
Income Taxes. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared
on the accrual basis. When income and expenses are recognized in different
periods for financial reporting purposes and for purposes of computing income
taxes currently payable, deferred taxes are provided on such temporary
differences.
The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"). Under SFAS 109, deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences
of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax return.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be realized or settled.
Statement of Cash Flows. For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and
cash equivalents included cash on hand, amounts due from banks and federal funds
sold. Generally, federal funds are purchased or sold for one-day periods.
Net Income Per Share. Net income per share was calculated using
1,274,061 as the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period
ended June 30, 1998. For the three-month and six month periods ended June 30,
1998 net income (loss) per share was $.24 and $.15 respectively.
<PAGE> 7
Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishments of Liabilities. SFAS 125 is effective for transfers and
servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities occurring after
December 31, 1996, and is to be applied prospectively. Earlier or retroactive
application is not permitted. However, in December 1996, the Financial
Accounting Standards No. 127 ("SFAS 127"), "Deferral of the Effective Date of
Certain Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125." This statement defers the
effective date of certain provisions for one year (December 31, 1997). The
deferred provisions relate to repurchase agreements, dollar-roll transactions,
securities lending, and similar transactions. The effective date for all other
transfers and servicing of financial assets is unchanged. The adoption of SFAS
125 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
Earnings Per Share. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 ("SFAS 128"), "Earnings Per
Share." This statement is effective for financial statements issued for periods
ending after December 15, 1997. This statement supercedes Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 15 ("APB 15"), "Earnings Per Share," and simplifies earnings
per share computations by replacing primary earnings per share with basic
earnings per share, which shows no effects from dilutive securities. Entities
with complex capital structures will have to show diluted earnings per share,
which is similar to the fully diluted earnings per share computation under APB
15. The adoption of SFAS 128 did not have a significant impact on the financial
condition or results of operations of the Company.
Disclosure of Information About Capital Structure. The Financial
Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
No. 129 ("SFAS 129"), Disclosure of Information About Capital Structure." This
statement is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending after
December 15, 1997. This statement consolidates existing disclosure requirements
on capital structure. The adoption of SFAS 129 did not have a significant impact
on the financial condition or results of the operations of the Company.
Reporting Comprehensive Income. The Financial Accounting Standards
Board has issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 ("SFAS
130"), "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS 130 is effective July 1, 1998.
Under SFAS 130, a company will begin showing changes in assets and liabilities
in a new comprehensive income statement of alternative presentation as opposed
to showing some of the items as transactions in shareholders' equity accounts.
Upon adoption, all comparative annual and interim financial statements will
present a comprehensive income statement of alternative disclosure, for all
years presented. The adoption of SFAS 130 did not have a significant impact on
the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
Pending Accounting Pronouncements. The Financial Accounting Standards
Board has issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 ("SFAS
131"), "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Relation Information."
SFAS 131 is effective July 1, 1998, and requires disclosure of certain financial
information by segments of a company's business. The adoption of SFAS 131 is not
expected to have a significant impact on the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 132 ("SFAS 132"), "Employers' Disclosures
about Pensions and other Postretirement Benefits." SFAS 132 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 31, 1997. The adoption of SFAS 132 is not
expected to have a significant impact on the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company.
<PAGE> 8
NOTE 4 - OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Other comprehensive income (loss) is compiled of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
On Securities
Beginning balance - January 1, 1998 0
Current - period change $ 0
------------
Ending balance - June 30, 1998 $ 0
------------
</TABLE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results may differ
materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, and the
Company's operating performance each quarter is subject to various risks and
uncertainties that are discussed in detail in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration Number 333-41545) as
filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company was organized on August 22,1997. Since August 22, 1997 the
Company's principal activities have related to its organization, the conducting
of its initial public offering, the pursuit of approvals from the Office of
Thrift Supervision (the "OTS") for its application to charter its subsidiary
bank, Commerce Bank (the "Bank"), and the pursuit of approvals from the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") for its application for insurance of
the deposits of the Bank. On May 21, 1998, the Company received preliminary
approval from the OTS to charter the Bank, and the Bank opened for business on
August 17, 1998.
At June 30, 1998, the Company had total assets of $11,880,000,
consisting principally of federal funds sold of $11,610,000, representing the
funds the Company raised in the offering. The Company's liabilities at June 30,
1998, were $356,000, consisting of accounts payable. The Company had a
shareholder's equity of $11,524,000 at June 30, 1998.
The Company had a net loss of $300,000 for the six months ended June
30, 1998. These losses resulted from expenses incurred in connection with
activities related to the organization of the Company and the Bank. With respect
to the Company, these activities included (without limitation) the preparation
and filing of an application with the OTS to charter the Bank, the preparation
and filing of an application with the FDIC to obtain insurance of the deposits
of the Bank, responding to questions and providing additional information to the
OTS and the FDIC in connection with the application process, preparation and
filing of an application with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the
Georgia Department of Banking and Finance for approval as a bank holding
company, and the selling of the Company's common stock in the offering. With
respect to the Bank, these activities included (without limitation) completing
all required steps for final approval from the OTS for the Bank to open for
business, hiring qualified personnel to work in the various offices of the Bank,
conducting public relations activities on behalf of the Bank, developing
prospective business contacts for the Bank and the Company, and taking other
actions necessary for a successful bank opening.
<PAGE> 9
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or
any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the
subject.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
There were no matters submitted to security holders for a vote during
the three months ended June 30, 1998.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
The Company has formed an affiliate company, Commerce Mortgage Company,
LLC, which will focus on subprime mortgage lending. The Company anticipates that
this business will commence in mid-August 1998.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(a) Exhibits.
3.1. Articles of Incorporation*
3.2. Bylaws*
4.1. See Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 for provisions in the Company's
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws defining the rights of
holders of the Common Stock*
4.2. Form of Certificate of Common Stock*
5.1. Opinion Regarding Legality*
10.1. Letter of Employment dated November 18, 1997, between the
Company and Louis J. Douglass, III*
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 10
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
10.2. Line of Credit Agreement dated August 27, 1997, between The
Company and The Bankers Bank*
10.3 Lease Agreement dated October 14, 1997, between the Company,
as lessee, and Regent Paces Ferry Office I, Inc., as lessor*
10.4 Form of Escrow Agreement among the Company, Banc Stock
Financial Services, Inc., and The Bankers Bank*
10.5 Phoenix International Ltd., Inc. Software License Agreement*
10.6 Letter of Intent dated February 20, 1998 between the Company
and Banc Stock Financial Services, Inc.*
10.7 Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Company and Banc
Stock Financial Services, Inc.*
23.1. Consent of Independent Public Accountants*
23.2. Consent of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, L.L.P. (appears
in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1)*
24.1. Power of Attorney*
27.1. Financial Data Schedule (for electronic filing purposes)
99.1 Press Release dated August 17, 1998 to announce Commerce
Mortgage Company, LLC.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Incorporated by reference in the Company's Registration Statement on Form
SB-2, File No. 333-41545.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
There were no reports on Form 8-K filed by the Company during the
quarter ended June 30, 1998.
<PAGE> 11
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), the registrant caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SOUTHEAST COMMERCE HOLDING COMPANY
Date: August 18, 1998 By: /s/ Richard A. Parlontieri
------------------- ---------------------------
Richard A. Parlontieri
President and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE> 12
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<S> <C>
3.1. Articles of Incorporation*
3.2. Bylaws*
4.1. See Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 for provisions in the Company's
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws defining the rights of
holders of the Common Stock*
4.2. Form of Certificate of Common Stock*
5.1. Opinion Regarding Legality*
10.1. Letter of Employment dated November 18, 1997, between the
Company and Louis J. Douglass, III*
10.2. Line of Credit Agreement dated August 27, 1997, between The
Company and The Bankers Bank*
10.3 Lease Agreement dated October 14, 1997, between the Company,
as lessee, and Regent Paces Ferry Office I, Inc., as lessor*
10.4 Form of Escrow Agreement among the Company, Banc Stock
Financial Services, Inc., and The Bankers Bank*
10.6 Phoenix International Ltd., Inc. Software License Agreement*
10.6 Letter of Intent dated February 20, 1998 between the Company
and Banc Stock Financial Services, Inc.*
10.7 Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Company and Banc
Stock Financial Services, Inc.*
23.1. Consent of Independent Public Accountants*
23.2. Consent of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, L.L.P. (appears
in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1)*
24.1. Power of Attorney*
27.1. Financial Data Schedule (for electronic filing purposes)
99.1 Press Release dated August 17, 1998 to announce Commerce
Mortgage Company, LLC.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Incorporated by reference in the Company's Registration Statement on Form
SB-2, File No. 333-41545
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 9
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1998
<CASH> 30,280
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS> 0
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD> 11,610,000
<TRADING-ASSETS> 0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE> 0
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING> 0
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET> 0
<LOANS> 0
<ALLOWANCE> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,879,900
<DEPOSITS> 0
<SHORT-TERM> 0
<LIABILITIES-OTHER> 355,952
<LONG-TERM> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 11,898,213
<OTHER-SE> (374,265)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY> 11,879,900
<INTEREST-LOAN> 0
<INTEREST-INVEST> 41,741
<INTEREST-OTHER> 0
<INTEREST-TOTAL> 0
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 12,113
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET> 29,628
<LOAN-LOSSES> 0
<SECURITIES-GAINS> 0
<EXPENSE-OTHER> 329,233
<INCOME-PRETAX> (299,605)
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY> (299,605)
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (299,605)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.24)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.24)
<YIELD-ACTUAL> 5.52
<LOANS-NON> 0
<LOANS-PAST> 0
<LOANS-TROUBLED> 0
<LOANS-PROBLEM> 0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN> 0
<CHARGE-OFFS> 0
<RECOVERIES> 0
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE> 0
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC> 0
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN> 0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED> 0
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rich Parlontieri
Southeast Commerce Holding Company, Inc.
770-863-9229
ATLANTA, GEORGIA (AUGUST 17, 1998) - Southeast Commerce Holding Company
announced that it has formed an affiliate company, Commerce Mortgage Company,
LLC.
Southeast Commerce Holding Company which recently completed an initial
public offering of $14.7 million dollars, is the parent company of Commerce Bank
which opened August 14 in Atlanta. Commerce Bank, a full service community bank
headquartered in the Vinings area of Atlanta, serves the Cobb and North Fulton
County market area.
Commerce Mortgage Company will open with its first office in
Gainesville, Georgia. The primary business will be sub prime mortgage lending.
Commerce Mortgage will not be a portfolio lender, but will only originate,
package, service release and sell off all the mortgages.
Rich Parlontieri, Chairman/CEO of Southeast Commerce Holding Company
said, "We are very enthused and encouraged with this business opportunity. We're
most fortunate to have joined with a strong management team, led by Jerry
Pearson, who has over 25 years experience in the mortgage banking business. This
includes several years with one of the largest sub-prime lending companies in
the market where he was Senior Underwriter and Vice President of Wholesale
Lending." "This business aligns itself very well with the Company's long term
strategic growth opportunities," Parlontieri added.
The sub-prime lending market focuses on those home owners that are
looking to use the equity in their home for debt consolidation. Another area of
business is that potential home buyer who may be less than the A1 credit that is
required for the traditional conforming loans.
For more information concerning Commerce Mortgage Company, contact Rich
Parlontieri, Southeast Commerce Holding Company, at 770-863-9229, 2410 Paces
Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30339.
