PROSPECTUS
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
A Proposed Bank Holding Company for
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANK (In Organization)
1,000,000 Shares of Common Stock
(Par Value $5.00 Per Share)
(Minimum Purchase: 100 Shares)
This Prospectus relates to the offering by SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP,
INC., a Georgia corporation (the "Company"), of a minimum of 800,000 shares and
a maximum of 1,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, $5.00 par value per share
(the "Common Stock"), at $10.00 per share. The Company has been organized to
hold, upon receipt of regulatory approvals, all of the common stock of Southern
Heritage Bank (In Organization) (the "Bank"), Oakwood, Hall County, Georgia. The
organizers (the directors) of the Company and the Bank intend to subscribe for
an aggregate of at least 82,500 shares of the Common Stock sold in this offering
(10.31% of the minimum and 8.25% of the maximum number of shares to be sold). In
the event that the minimum number of shares in this offering are not sold, the
organizers may acquire additional shares of Common Stock, up to a maximum
aggregate number for all organizers of 400,000 shares (50% of the minimum and
40% of the maximum number of shares to be sold). The Company and the Bank have
not conducted active business operations. The commencement of business
operations is contingent upon various regulatory approvals by state and federal
agencies and the sale of a minimum of 800,000 shares of the Common Stock offered
hereby. All subscriptions are binding and irrevocable until the "Expiration
Date" as defined herein. In the event (a) that the Company is unable to sell
800,000 shares of Common Stock or (b) that the Company and the Bank do not
satisfy, or do not make a determination that they will satisfy the conditions
included in their respective regulatory approvals, the organizers of the Company
will pay all incurred expenses, and all escrowed subscription proceeds will be
returned to investors with interest.
See "THE OFFERING - Release from Escrow" - Page 6.
INVESTMENT IN THESE SECURITIES INVOLVES A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE OF RISK.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 OF THIS PROSPECTUS. INVESTMENT
IN THESE SECURITIES SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN ONLY BY PERSONS WHO CAN
AFFORD AN INVESTMENT INVOLVING SUCH RISKS.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
AND ARE NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Underwriting
Price to Discounts and Proceeds to
Public(1) Commissions(2) Company(3)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share $ 10.00 -0- $ 10.00
Total Minimum(4) $ 8,000,000.00 -0- $ 8,000,000.00
Total Maximum(5) $ 10,000,000.00 -0- $ 10,000,000.00
</TABLE>
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(1) The offering price has been arbitrarily established by the Company. See
"RISK FACTORS - Offering Price."
(2) Offers and sales of the Common Stock will be made on behalf of the Company
on a best-efforts basis by its officers and directors, who will receive no
commissions or other remuneration in connection with such activities, but
they will be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in the
offering. In reliance on Rule 3a4-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Company believes such officers and
directors will not be deemed to be brokers and/or dealers under the
Exchange Act.
(3) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated at $35,000
for registration fees, legal and accounting fees, printing costs and other
offering expenses.
(4) Subscription proceeds will be deposited promptly in an escrow account with
The Bankers Bank, Atlanta, Georgia, pending receipt of subscriptions for
not less than 800,000 shares and completion of certain other matters on or
before July 31, 1998, the expiration date of the offering (unless the
offering is terminated sooner or extended). Subscription funds will be
released from escrow (a) upon the receipt of $8,000,000 of subscription
proceeds and (b) upon a determination by the organizers that the remaining
conditions set forth in the preliminary approvals issued by the applicable
regulatory agencies will be satisfied. See "THE OFFERING - Terms of the
Offering." The Company will return to each subscriber, with interest, the
amount of any proceeds received in full with respect to subscriptions that
are not accepted.
(5) The Company reserves the right to issue up to 1,000,000 shares at $10.00
per share. See "THE OFFERING - Terms of the Offering."
The date of this Prospectus is April 29, 1998.
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REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Company is not a reporting company as defined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The Company will furnish its shareholders with
annual reports containing audited financial information for each fiscal year on
or before the date of the annual meeting of shareholders as required by Rule
80-6-1.05 of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance ("Department of
Banking"). The Company's fiscal year ends on December 31. Additionally, the
Company will also furnish such other reports as it may determine to be
appropriate or as otherwise may be required by law.
Upon the effective date of the Registration Statement, the Company will be
subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "Exchange Act"), which include requirements to file annual reports on Form
10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q with the SEC. This reporting obligation
will exist for at least one year and will continue for fiscal years thereafter,
except that such reporting obligations may be suspended for any subsequent
fiscal year if at the beginning of such year the Common Stock of the Company is
held of record by less than three hundred persons.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the Common Stock offered
hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement. For further information with respect to the Company and
the Common Stock, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the
exhibits thereto. The Registration Statement may be examined at, and copies of
the Registration Statement may be obtained at prescribed rates from, the Public
Reference Section of the SEC, Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC
20549.
The Company and the Organizers have filed various applications with the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and
the Department of Banking. Prospective investors should rely only on information
contained in this Prospectus and in the Company's related Registration Statement
in making an investment decision. To the extent that other available information
not presented in this Prospectus, including information available from the
Company and information in public files and records maintained by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the
Department of Banking, is inconsistent with information presented in this
Prospectus or provides additional information, such other information is
superseded by the information presented in this Prospectus and should not be
relied on. Projections appearing in the applications are based on assumptions
that the organizers believe are reasonable, but as to which no assurances can be
made. The Company specifically disaffirms those projections for purposes of this
Prospectus and cautions prospective investors against placing reliance on them
for purposes of making an investment decision.
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SUMMARY
The following Summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The Company
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia on
February 13, 1998, primarily to serve as the holding company for a state bank.
The Company is in the process of filing applications with the Federal Reserve
Bank of Atlanta (the "Federal Reserve") and the Department of Banking for prior
approval to become a bank holding company by using the proceeds of this offering
to acquire all of the capital stock of the Bank. The organizers anticipate
receiving such approvals during May, 1998. Such approvals will require the
Company to sell at least 800,000 shares of its Common Stock, but are not
expected to contain other material conditions. See "RISK FACTORS - Regulatory
Approvals Required." The Company initially will engage in no business other than
owning and managing the Bank. See "BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY AND THE BANK."
The Bank
The Bank is in the process of being organized as a state-chartered bank
under Georgia law. It has filed an application with the Department of Banking
for this purpose and with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC")
for deposit insurance, and such applications were approved on October 31, 1997
and March 19, 1998, respectively. The Bank will not be authorized to conduct its
banking business until it receives a permit to begin business from the
Department of Banking. The issuance of the permit to begin business will depend,
among other things, upon the Bank's receiving $7,950,000 in capital from at
least $8,000,000 in capital raised by the Company and upon compliance with
certain standard conditions that have been imposed by the FDIC and the
Department of Banking which are generally designed to familiarize the Bank with
certain applicable operating requirements (e.g., no directors' fees are payable
until the Bank earns a cumulative profit) and to prepare the Bank to commence
business operations (e.g., the adoption of loan, investment and other policies
to govern the Bank's operations). The Bank expects to satisfy all conditions of
each requirement for organizing the Bank and to open for business during the
third quarter of 1998, or as soon thereafter as practicable. See "RISK FACTORS -
Regulatory Approvals Required" and "USE OF PROCEEDS." The Bank plans to open for
business in a temporary bank facility to be located on a portion of the site for
the permanent facility of the Bank. Management expects the permanent bank
facility to be constructed and occupied by the end of March, 1999. The Bank
intends to engage in a general commercial banking business, emphasizing the
banking needs of individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in its primary
service area. See"USE OF PROCEEDS" and "BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY AND THE BANK."
The philosophy of the management of the Bank with respect to its initial
operations will be to emphasize prompt and responsive personal service to the
residents of Oakwood, Georgia and the other communities located in Hall County
in order to attract customers and acquire market share now controlled by other
financial institutions in the Bank's market area. The organizers believe that
the Bank offers the residents of Oakwood and the surrounding areas the
opportunity to have an ownership interest in a community bank, while also
receiving the benefits associated with a locally owned and managed community
bank. Through ownership in the Company, the residents of the community will have
a greater role in the development of the Bank.
The offices of the Bank will be located at 3461 Atlanta Highway, P. O. Box 907,
Oakwood, Georgia 30566. The Company's current principal executive office is
located as follows: 3155 Frontage Road, Oakwood, Georgia 30566 and its telephone
number at that address is (770) 535-2835 (Ext. 323).
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The Offering
Security Common Stock, $5.00 par value, of the Company
Offering Price $10.00 per share
Number of Shares Offered Minimum: 800,000
Maximum: 1,000,000
Use of Proceeds To purchase 100% of the Common Stock of the
Bank; the remaining proceeds will be applied
to working capital and used to pay organiza-
tional expenses of the Company and of this
offering. The Bank will use the proceeds
of this offering to pay organizational and
pre-opening expenses; to build a building and
furnish it for the Bank's main office; to
provide working capital to be used for busi-
ness purposes, including paying officers' and
employees' salaries, making loans and other
investments. See "USE OF PROCEEDS."
Risk Factors
Investment in the Common Stock involves a significant degree of risk. See
"RISK FACTORS" beginning on page 3 of this Prospectus.
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RISK FACTORS
Investment in the shares of the Common Stock offered hereby involves a
significant degree of risk. The shares of Common Stock should be purchased by
investors who can afford the loss of their entire investment. In addition to
considering factors set forth elsewhere in this Prospectus, persons interested
in purchasing shares of the Common Stock should carefully consider the following
risks before making a decision to subscribe.
THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS,
DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK OR SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AND ARE NOT
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
Regulatory Approvals Required
The Company must receive the approval of the Federal Reserve and the
Department of Banking before it can become the holding company of the Bank.
Applications for such approvals have been filed with such agencies and are
pending. The organizers anticipate receiving such approvals during May, 1998.
Such approvals will require the Company to sell at least 800,000 shares of its
Common Stock but are not expected to contain other material conditions.
The Bank's application to organize a new state bank and for federal deposit
insurance was filed with the Department of Banking and the FDIC on June 16,
1997. The Department of Banking and the FDIC issued their approvals on October
31, 1997 and March 19, 1998, respectively. Both approvals are subject to the
condition that at least $8,000,000 of capital be raised by the Company and that
such amount, net of the expenses of this offering and organizational expenses of
the Company, be invested in the Bank by the Company. Both approvals are also
subject to a number of other standard conditions which are regularly imposed by
the Department of Banking and the FDIC which are generally designed to
familiarize the Bank with certain applicable operating requirements (e.g., no
directors' fees are payable until the Bank earns a cumulative profit) and to
prepare the Bank to commence business operations (e.g., the adoption of loan,
investment and other policies to govern the Bank's operations).
New Enterprise; Lack of Operating History
The Bank, which will be the sole subsidiary of the Company, is in
organization and has no operating history on which to base any estimate of its
future prospects. The Company's initial profitability will depend entirely upon
the Bank's operations. The Bank's proposed operations are subject to risks
inherent in the establishment of a new business and, specifically, of a new
bank. While the Bank's pro forma financial statements project a profit by the
end of the second year of operations, unforeseen circumstances could delay such
profit. If the Bank is ultimately unsuccessful, there is no assurance that
shareholders will recover all or any part of their investment in the Common
Stock of the Company.
Competitive Industry; Intrastate Branching
The banking business is highly competitive. The Bank will compete as a
financial intermediary with other commercial banks, savings and loan
associations, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance
companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms soliciting business from
residents of Hall County, Georgia, many of which have greater resources than
will be available to the Bank or the Company. Recent federal legislation permits
commercial banks to establish operations nationwide, further increasing
competition from out-of-state financial institutions. Furthermore, recently
enacted
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Georgia legislation greatly diminishes the historical legal restrictions on
establishing branch banks across county lines in Georgia, thus creating further
opportunities for other financial institutions to compete with the Bank.
Generally, from July 1, 1996 to July 1, 1998 any bank located in Georgia may
branch into any three additional Georgia counties regardless of the location of
the parent bank. After July 1, 1998, banks may establish banks statewide in
Georgia without limitation. In addition, on-line computer banking via the
Internet or otherwise may also become an increasing source of competition for
community financial institutions such as the Bank. There is no assurance that
the Bank will achieve the market share necessary to become profitable in the
near future. See "BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY AND THE BANK - The Bank - Competition
and Historical Deposit Trends."
Highly Regulated Industry
The potential success or failure of the Bank will depend not only upon
competitive factors, but also upon state and federal regulations affecting banks
and bank holding companies generally. Regulations now affecting the Company and
the Bank may be changed at any time, and there is no assurance that such changes
will not adversely affect the business of the Company and the Bank. See
"SUPERVISION AND REGULATION."
Effect of Monetary Policies
The results of operations of the Bank will be affected by credit policies
of monetary authorities, particularly the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System. There can be no assurance that the effect of actions by monetary
and fiscal authorities, including the Federal Reserve, will not have an adverse
effect on the deposit levels, loan demand or the business and earnings of the
Bank. See "SUPERVISION AND REGULATION - Monetary Policies."
Success Depends on Economic Conditions
The success of the Bank will depend largely on the general economic
conditions in the Bank's primary service area of Hall County, Georgia. Although
the Bank expects favorable economic development in this market area, there is no
assurance that favorable economic development will occur or that the Bank's
expectation of corresponding growth will be achieved. See "BUSINESS OF THE
COMPANY AND THE BANK."
Risk of Losses from Lending Activities
The Bank's principal sources of earnings will be interest charged on loans
and fees received in connection with the origination of loans. The Bank will
aggressively seek good loans primarily within the limited geographic area of
Hall County and immediately adjacent counties. The Bank plans to make consumer
loans to individuals, commercial loans to small and medium-sized businesses, and
real estate- related loans, including construction loans for residential and
commercial properties and primary and secondary mortgage loans for the
acquisition or improvement of personal residences. There is always some degree
of risk regarding non-payment of loans and resultant operating losses and
capital dilution as a result thereof. See "BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY AND THE BANK
- - The Bank-Lending Policy; The Bank-Real Estate Loans; The Bank-Consumer Loans;
and the Bank-Commercial Loans" beginning at page 12 of this Prospectus.
Offering Price Arbitrarily Determined
Since the Company and the Bank are in the process of being organized, the
offering price of $10.00 per share has been determined arbitrarily by the
organizers without particular reference to historical or projected earnings,
book value or other customary criteria. The organizers did not retain
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an independent investment banking firm to assist in determining the offering
price. Should a market develop for the Common Stock of the Company, there is no
assurance that any of the Common Stock offered hereby could be resold for the
offering price or any other amount.
No Dividends
Since the Company and the Bank are both start-up operations, it will be the
policy of the Board of Directors of the Company to reinvest earnings for the
period of time necessary to help ensure the success of their operations. As a
result, the Company has no current plans to initiate the payment of cash
dividends, and its future dividend policy will depend on the Bank's earnings,
capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant
by the Board of Directors of the Company.
See "SUPERVISION AND REGULATION - Bank Regulation."
No Established Trading Market
There is no public trading market for the shares of the Common Stock of the
Company, and it is not anticipated that a market for the shares will develop as
a result of this offering. As a result, investors who may wish or need to
dispose of all or a part of their investment in the Common Stock may not be able
to do so except by private direct negotiations with third parties assuming that
third parties are willing to purchase the Common Stock.
Dilution
Investors purchasing shares of Common Stock in this offering may incur
possible dilution of their interest in the Company to the extent that officers,
directors and key employees are issued performance stock options and they
exercise such options to purchase common stock at a price below the market value
of such stock. See "MANAGEMENT - Stock Option Plan."
THE OFFERING
Terms of the Offering
Minimum/Maximum. The Company is offering a minimum of 800,000 shares and a
maximum of 1,000,000 shares of its Common Stock for a price of $10.00 per share,
for an aggregate minimum price of $8,000,000 and an aggregate maximum price of
$10,000,000. The minimum purchase for any investor (together with the investor's
affiliates) is 100 shares of Common Stock ($1,000) unless the Company, in its
sole discretion, accepts a subscription for a lesser number of shares. The
maximum purchase for any investor (together with the investor's affiliates and
relatives) is 80,000 shares ($800,000) of Common Stock, unless the Company, in
its sole discretion, accepts a subscription for a greater number of shares.
80,000 shares represents 10% of the minimum and 8% of the maximum number of
shares to be sold.
Organizer Subscriptions. The organizers (the directors) of the Company
intend to purchase an aggregate of 82,500 shares of Common Stock sold in the
offering (10.31% of the minimum and 8.25% of the maximum number of shares to be
sold). No organizer intends to individually purchase more than 10% of shares
sold in this offering. In the event, however, that the minimum number of shares
in this offering are not sold, the organizers may acquire additional shares of
the Common Stock, up to a maximum aggregate number for all organizers of 400,000
shares (50% of the minimum and 40% of the maximum number of shares to be sold).
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Offering Period and Expiration Date. The offering period for the shares
will terminate at the earlier of the date all shares offered hereby are sold or
5:00 p.m. Oakwood, Georgia time, on July 31, 1998. [approximately 90 days from
beginning of sale of securities] This date may be extended at the discretion of
the Company for additional periods not exceeding an aggregate of 180 days (i.e.,
until October 27, 1998). Written notice of any such extension will be given to
all persons who are already subscribers at the time of the extension. The date
on which this offering terminates plus any extension thereof is referred to in
this Prospectus as the "Expiration Date."
Subscription. As indicated below under "How to Subscribe," upon execution
and delivery of a subscription agreement for shares of the Common Stock,
subscribers will be required to deliver to the Company a check in the amount of
$10.00 times the number of shares subscribed. All subscriptions will be binding
and irrevocable until the Expiration Date.
Escrow. Subscription proceeds will be deposited in an escrow account with
The Bankers Bank, Atlanta, Georgia, as escrow agent (the "Escrow Agent") for the
Company pending completion of this offering. Subscription proceeds held in the
escrow account will be invested in short-term United States Government
securities or interest bearing accounts insured by the FDIC or in such other
short-term investments as may be agreed upon by the Company and the Escrow Agent
from time to time. The Escrow Agent has not investigated the desirability or
advisability of an investment in the Company, and has not approved, endorsed or
passed upon the merits of the Common Stock.
Company Discretion. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion,
to accept or reject any subscription in whole or in part on or before the
Expiration Date. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company
also reserves the right to accept subscriptions on a prorated basis if it
receives subscriptions for more than 1,000,000 shares. The Company will notify
all subscribers no later than five business days after the Expiration Date
whether their subscriptions have been accepted. With respect to any
subscriptions which are not accepted, in whole or in part, by the Company, the
notification will be accompanied by the unaccepted portion of the subscription
funds, with interest payable at a rate equal to the rate NationsBank, Atlanta,
Georgia, pays its passbook savings account holders (1.8% annual percentage yield
at April 29, 1998).
Termination. The Company reserves the right to terminate the offering at
any time after 800,000 shares have been subscribed for if the Company determines
that the total amount of subscriptions will provide adequate capitalization for
the Company after payment of expenses.
Release from Escrow. Subscription proceeds will be released from escrow to
the Company upon the occurrence of all of the following events: (a) the sale by
the Company of at least 800,000 shares of its Common Stock, (b) receipt by the
Company of approval of the Federal Reserve and the Department of Banking to
become a bank holding company, (c) satisfaction by the Company of, or a
determination by the Company that it will satisfy, all of the conditions that
the Federal Reserve and the Department of Banking may impose in their approvals
to the Company, (d) receipt by the Bank of approval from the Department of
Banking and the FDIC of the Bank's application to organize a new state bank and
for deposit insurance, and (e) satisfaction by the Bank of, or a determination
by the Bank that it will satisfy, all of the conditions that the FDIC and the
Department of Banking have imposed in their approvals to the Bank.
If the above conditions are met, the Company may instruct the Escrow Agent
to release to the Company the amount of subscription proceeds relating to
subscriptions or portions thereof accepted by the Company, together with any
interest earned thereon. Any subscription proceeds received after the above
conditions are met but before termination of this offering will not be deposited
in the escrow account, but will be available for immediate use by the Company,
to the extent accepted by the Company.
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The Bank received approvals from the Department of Banking and the FDIC on
October 31, 1997 and March 19, 1998. The Company expects to receive approvals
from the Federal Reserve and the Department of Banking during May, 1998. In the
opinion of the organizers, the only significant condition to all of the
foregoing approvals will be that a minimum of 800,000 shares of Common Stock of
the Company has to be sold in this offering. If the requisite shares are not
sold, or if the Company or the Bank determine that they cannot satisfy the other
conditions included in the approvals by the Expiration Date, then the
subscription agreements will be of no further force or effect, and the full
amount of all subscription funds of the subscribers, with interest payable at a
rate comparable to the rate NationsBank, Atlanta, Georgia, pays its passbook
savings account holders, will be returned to the subscribers (other than
organizers) within five business days of the Expiration Date.
It is possible that subsequent to the release of the subscription funds
from escrow (the requisite shares having been sold and the determination having
been made the other regulatory conditions will be satisfied) events could occur
which could have the effect of preventing the Bank from commencing business. If
that were to occur, the Company intends to liquidate and would return to the
then shareholders of the Company the portion of their investment which is equal
to their total investment less their prorata share of the expenses incurred by
the Company and the Bank. See "USE OF PROCEEDS" and "CAPITALIZATION." While no
assurance can be given that the foregoing will not take place, the organizers
cannot foresee any such events and believe it is highly unlikely that such
events will occur. After consulting with applicable regulatory authorities, the
organizers are not aware of any Georgia state banks which failed to commence
business after they or their holding companies had raised the required capital.
Additionally, based on conversations with applicable regulatory authorities,
there are no indications that the Company and the Bank will have any difficulty
in satisfying the applicable regulatory conditions.
Plan of Distribution. Offers and sales of the Common Stock will be made on
behalf of the Company primarily by certain of its officers and directors. The
officers and directors will receive no commissions or other remuneration in
connection with such activities, but they will be reimbursed for their
reasonable expenses incurred in the offering. In reliance on Rule 3a4-1 of the
Exchange Act, the Company believes such officers and directors will not be
deemed to be brokers and/or dealers under the Exchange Act.
The Company has no present arrangements or agreements with any brokers
and/or dealers with respect to this offering. The Company presently anticipates
that no sales of Common Stock will require the use of brokers and/or dealers. In
the event that broker/dealers are used, all such funds will be promptly
transmitted to the Escrow Agent under the terms of the escrow agreement.
It is expected that the organizers (the directors of the Company) will
purchase a total of 82,500 shares of Common Stock offered hereby; however, the
organizers may, subject to regulatory approval, purchase up to 50% of the
minimum number of shares offered hereby if necessary to complete the offering.
Any shares purchased by the organizers in excess of their original commitment
will be purchased for investment and not with a view to the resale of such
shares, and any such purchases will be subject to regulatory approval.
Founders Club. Each investor shall be deemed to be a member of the
"Founders Club" of the Bank, which will entitle the investor to a personal
checking account with no service charge for as long as the investor owns a
minimum of 100 shares of Company Common Stock. The initial order of checks for
such account will be complimentary, and the check design will identify the
account holder as a member of the Founders Club.
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How to Subscribe
Each prospective investor who (together with the investor's affiliates)
desires to purchase 100 or more shares must:
1. Complete, date and execute the Subscription Agreement, which is
attached as Exhibit A to this Prospectus.
2. Make a check payable to "The Bankers Bank - Escrow Account for Southern
Heritage Bancorp, Inc." in an amount equal to the full subscription
price of $10.00 times the number of shares subscribed for.
3. Return the completed Subscription Agreement and check as follows:
HAND OR MAIL DELIVERY
Southern Heritage Bancorp, Inc.
3461 Atlanta Highway
P. O. Box 907
Oakwood, Georgia 30566
Attn: Gary H. Anderson
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from the sale of the shares offered hereby after deducting
estimated offering expenses of $35,000 will be between $7,965,000 if the minimum
of 800,000 shares are sold and $9,965,000 if the maximum of 1,000,000 shares are
sold. Offering expenses will be paid by the Company through draws on the
organization loan described below and repaid from the gross proceeds of this
offering.
The organizers also expect the Company and the Bank to incur approximately
$55,000 of organizational expenses and pre-opening expenses of approximately
$196,500 (assuming the minimum offering is completed on July 1, 1998 and the
Bank begins operation on August 1, 1998), which would be offset in part by
estimated pre-opening investment income on offering proceeds of approximately
$7,500. Offering, organizational and pre-opening expenses incurred prior to the
conclusion of the offering will be paid through draws by the Company on the
organization loan (which has been guaranteed by the organizers). To the extent
such amounts and accrued interest thereon exceeds $286,500, additional offering,
organizational and pre-opening expenses will be paid through draws on the
organization loan established for the Company by the organizers, with all of
such amounts to be repaid by the Company together with accrued interest from net
offering proceeds.
The Company will use a portion of the net offering proceeds to the
organization loan, which monies were and will be used to pay organizational,
pre-opening, and offering expenses for the Company and the Bank. In addition,
the Bank will use a portion of the proceeds it receives from the sale of its
stock to the Company to reimburse the Company for amounts advanced by the
Company to pay organizational and pre-opening expenses of the Bank.
To facilitate the Company's formation and the Bank's formation, the
organizers (all directors of the Company) arranged a line of credit (the
"organization loan") from The Bankers Bank, Atlanta, Georgia, in the aggregate
amount of $500,000 to pay organizational and pre-opening expenses for the Bank
and the Company. The organization loan bears interest at the lender's prime rate
(presently 8.5% per
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annum) and has a 360-day term. The organizers have personally guaranteed the
organization loan. The organization loan and interest costs will be repaid from
the offering proceeds when the conditions to the offering have been satisfied.
The Company will capitalize the Bank with a minimum of $8,000,000 (net of
offering and Company organizational expenses) of the net offering proceeds by
purchasing approximately 795,000 shares of the Bank's stock at a price of $10.00
per share. After the anticipated expenditure of approximately $1,838,770 in the
aggregate for organizational and pre-opening operation expenses and the costs of
the Bank's proposed facility, the Bank will have remaining working capital of
approximately $6,111,230 to be used for the purposes of making loans and
investments in the course of the Bank's operations and to pay operating expenses
(to the extent such expenses are not met by operating income).
The remaining balance of the net proceeds of the offering of not in excess
of approximately $2,000,000 (depending on the number of shares sold) will be
retained to establish the Company's working capital and for general corporate
purposes, including supporting the Bank's growth and engaging in other permitted
activities.
The following table sets forth in tabular form the estimated use by the
Company and the Bank of the gross proceeds of the minimum and maximum offerings
based on the estimate of management at this time and assuming that the offering
is concluded as of July 1, 1998 and that the Bank commences operations on August
1, 1998, for purposes of projecting offering, organizational and pre-opening
expenses and for computing interest payable. Pre-opening expenses will increase,
with a corresponding reduction in working capital available to the Company and
Bank, in the event completing the offering is delayed for any reason. Management
believes that the Bank will commence operations by August 1, 1998 since all
regulatory approvals should be received several months before that date as set
forth herein and based on the installation of a temporary bank facility in June,
1998 on a portion of the land which will be the site of the permanent bank
building to be built by the Bank. The Bank has received permission from the
Department of Banking to begin operations in the temporary bank facility,
assuming the other conditions required by the Department of Banking are met. The
proposed permanent bank building will be built in approximately eight months and
construction is projected to begin in July, 1998. The site of the bank building
is a 1.3359 acre tract of land which the Company has leased from one of its
directors under a 40-year ground lease. See "MANAGEMENT - Certain Transactions
and Relationships."
9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Use of Proceeds
<S> <C> <C>
Minimum Maximum
Gross Proceeds From
This Offering(1) $8,000,000 $10,000,000
========== ===========
Anticipated Use of Proceeds
by the Company:
Offering Expenses 35,000 35,000
Organizational Expenses(2) 15,000 15,000
Working Capital 0 2,000,000
Capitalization of Bank
through Purchase of Common
Stock of the Bank 7,950,000 7,950,000
----------- ------------
Total $ 8,000,000 $10,000,000
=========== ===========
Anticipated Use of Capital
by the Bank:
Organization Expenses(2) $ 40,000 $ 40,000
Pre-opening Operating
Expenses(2)(3) 189,000 189,000
Land and Bank Premises 1,250,270 1,250,270
Furniture, Fixtures &
Equipment 359,500 359,500
Working Capital 6,111,230 6,111,230
---------- ------------
Total $7,950,000 $ 7,950,000
========== ===========
</TABLE>
- -----------------------
(1) Assuming sale of 800,000 shares and 1,000,000 shares, respectively, at
$10.00 per share.
(2) Organizational expenses consist primarily of consulting fees for market
analysis and feasibility studies, filing fees, accounting, appraisal and
legal fees and expenses. Pre-opening expenses consist primarily of salaries
and benefits, printing, promotion, supplies, rent and occupancy expense,
and interest expense. Such expenses have been estimated through July, 1998.
All of such expenses as well as those for premises and leasehold
improvements, and for furniture, fixtures and equipment are expected to be
incurred provided that the offering proceeds are released from escrow.
(3) Assuming $189,000 of expenses, net of anticipated preopening income of
$7,500.
10
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
December 31, 1997, and as adjusted to give pro forma effect to the sale by the
Company of the minimum offering of 800,000 shares and the maximum offering of
1,000,000 shares (as of the completion of the offering) and the receipt of the
net proceeds anticipated by the Company from such sale, which will result in
initial compliance with all regulatory capital requirements. All offering
proceeds, with interest, will be returned to subscribers in the event the
minimum offering is not completed.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRESENTLY AS OF COMPLETION
OUTSTANDING1 OF THE OFFERING
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSUME MINIMUM OFFERING:
Common Stock, $5 par value
10,000,000 shares authorized;
one share issued, 800,000 to be
issued as adjusted 1 $ 5 $ 800,000 $ 4,000,000
Capital surplus 5 3,965,0002
Accumulated deficit $(56,344)3 $ (56,344)3
--------- -----------
Total equity $(56,334) $ 7,908,656
========= ===========
ASSUME MAXIMUM OFFERING:
Common stock, $5 par value;
10,000,000 shares authorized;
one shares issued, 1,200,000
to be issued as adjusted 1 $ 5 1,000,000 $ 5,000,000
Capital surplus 5 4,965,0002
Accumulated deficit (56,344) (56,344)3
--------- ---------
Total equity $(56,334) $ 9,908,656
========= ===========
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
1In February, 1998, the Company issued one share of Common Stock to Mr.
Cagle for $10 in connection with the organization of the Company.
2Expenses related to this offering are estimated to be $35,000 and will
be charged to the capital surplus upon completion of the offering.
3Accumulated deficit represents organizational and pre-opening expenses
incurred as of December 31, 1997, which were funded by the organization loan
from The Bankers Bank.
11
<PAGE>
DIVIDENDS
Since the Company and the Bank are both start-up operations, it will be the
policy of the Board of Directors of the Company to reinvest earnings for the
period of time necessary to help ensure the success of their operations. As a
result, the Company has no current plans to initiate the payment of cash
dividends, and its future dividend policy will depend on the Bank's earnings,
capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant
by the Board of Directors of the Company. See "SUPERVISION AND REGULATION - Bank
Regulation."
BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY
AND THE BANK
The Company
The Company was incorporated as a Georgia business corporation on February
13, 1998 to become a bank holding company by acquiring all the common stock of
the Bank upon its formation. Initially, the Bank will be the sole operating
subsidiary of the Company. The Company has applied to the Federal Reserve and
the Department of Banking for prior approval to use $7,950,000 of the proceeds
of this offering to acquire the Bank. If such approvals are granted, upon its
acquisition of the common stock of the Bank, the Company will become a bank
holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended, and the Georgia Bank Holding Company Act. See "SUPERVISION AND
REGULATION."
The Company has been organized to facilitate the Bank's ability to serve
its future customers' requirements for financial services. The holding company
structure will provide flexibility for expansion of the Company's banking
business through the possible acquisition of other financial institutions and
the provision of additional banking-related services which the traditional
commercial bank may not provide under present laws. For example, banking
regulations require that the Bank maintain a minimum ratio of capital to assets.
In the event that the Bank's growth is such that this minimum ratio is not
maintained, the Company may borrow funds, subject to capital adequacy guidelines
of the Federal Reserve, and contribute them to the capital of the Bank and
otherwise raise capital in a manner which is unavailable to the Bank under
existing banking regulations.
The Company has no present plans to acquire any operating subsidiaries
other than the Bank. It is expected, however, that the Company may make
additional acquisitions in the future in the event that the Company becomes
profitable and such acquisitions are deemed to be in the best interest of the
Company and its shareholders. Such acquisitions, if any, will be subject to
certain regulatory approvals and requirements. See "SUPERVISION AND REGULATION."
The Bank
General. The organizers filed an application with the Department of Banking
and with the FDIC on June 16, 1997, for authority to organize as a state bank,
the deposits of which will be federally insured (generally, up to $100,000 per
depositor, subject to aggregation rules), and to conduct a commercial banking
business from Oakwood, Georgia. The organizers received approvals from the
Department of Banking on October 31, 1997 and the FDIC on March 19, 1998.
The Bank intends to be a full service commercial bank. The Bank plans to
offer personal and business checking accounts, interest-bearing checking
accounts, savings accounts, money market funds and various types of certificates
of deposit. The Bank also plans to offer installment loans, real estate loans,
second mortgage loans, commercial loans and home equity lines of credit. In
addition, the Bank intends to provide such services as official bank checks and
money orders, Mastercard and Visa credit cards, safe deposit box, traveler's
checks, bank by mail, direct deposit of payroll and social security checks, and
US Savings Bonds.
12
<PAGE>
Philosophy. The philosophy of the management of the Bank with respect to
its initial operations will be to emphasize prompt and responsive personal
service to the residents of Oakwood, Georgia and the other communities located
in Hall County in order to attract customers and acquire market share now
controlled by other financial institutions in the Bank's market area. The
organizers believe that the Bank offers the residents of Oakwood and the
surrounding areas the opportunity to have an ownership interest in a community
bank, while also receiving the benefits associated with a locally owned and
managed community bank. Through ownership in the Company, the residents of the
community will have a greater role in the development of the Bank.
Management of the Bank intends to implement an active officer and director
call program to promote these efforts. The purpose of this call program will be
to describe the products, services and philosophy of the Bank to both existing
and new business prospects. In addition, the President of the Bank has
substantial banking experience in Hall County, which will be an asset in
providing both products and services designed to meet the needs of the Bank's
customer base. All of the organizers are active members of the business
community in Oakwood and the areas located around Hall County, and their
continued active community involvement will provide an opportunity to promote
the Bank and its products and services. The organizers intend to utilize
effective advertising and aggressive selling efforts through the officer and
director call program in order to build a distinct institutional image for the
Bank and to capture a customer base.
The Company and the Bank presently maintain a key man life insurance policy
in the amount of $500,000 on the life of Gary Anderson, President of the Company
and the Bank.
Bank Location and Facilities. The Bank will be located at 3461 Atlanta
Highway, P. O. Box 907, Oakwood, Georgia 30566 in Hall County. The Bank plans to
provide services to Hall County residents, as well as to residents from the
adjacent counties of Jackson and Gwinnett.
On February 4, 1998, the Company entered into a ground lease with M. Milton
Robson, one of the Company's directors, for a 40-year ground lease of a 1.3359
acre tract of land located at 3461 Atlanta Highway in the City of Oakwood,
Georgia. The tract of land is the site where the Company and the Bank intend to
construct the main office of the Bank. The terms of the ground lease are set out
in more detail under the section entitled "MANAGEMENT - Certain Transactions and
Relationships" below. Upon termination of the lease due to certain defaults by
the lessees or normal expiration, the real property improvements (the building)
will revert to and become the property of the lessor. Final termination is
expected to occur in Summer, 2038, but could occur earlier if lessees default in
the payment of rent for three consecutive months or fail to exercise the
extension options.
The directors of the Company have obtained two appraisals of the proposed
site of the bank building and of the ground lease. Both appraisals determined
that the rental under the ground lease was reasonable and at market rental rate
for comparable ground leases. Copies of the appraisals, together with the ground
lease agreement, were filed with the Department of Banking and the FDIC.
The Company and the Bank plan to have a 10,000 square foot, two-story
building constructed on the property for the Bank. There will be four teller
stations inside and four drive through stations. There will also be a
stand-alone automatic teller machine accessible by automobile. The directors
estimate that the cost of construction of the building will be approximately
$1,250,270. The furniture, fixtures and equipment necessary for operation of the
Bank are projected to cost approximately $359,500. Construction, equipping and
occupancy of the bank building is projected to occur by March, 1999. As set
forth above, the directors anticipate that the Bank will open for business by
August 1, 1998, in a temporary building to be located on a portion of the site
of the permanent bank building.
Management believes the capital to be raised in this offering by the
Company will enable the Company and the Bank to satisfy their future cash
requirements and that the Company and the Bank will not have to raise additional
capital during 1998 or 1999 or in the forseeable future.
13
<PAGE>
Primary Service Area. The Bank's Primary Service Area ("PSA") is defined as
south Hall County. The Bank has defined its local community as Oakwood and Hall
County, Georgia and portions of the surrounding counties of Jackson and
Gwinnett.
Economic and Demographic Factors. According to the Georgia Economic Profile
(April, 1997), Hall County has grown during each census since 1950. From 1980 to
1990, Hall County grew by 26.1%. The adjacent counties of Jackson and Gwinnett
Counties have also experienced significant positive population growth. The
projected population of Hall County in 2000 is 120,000 persons. According to
Georgia Economic Profile, 26% of the employment base of Hall County are employed
in manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs provide 29% of the employment earnings for
the county. Service employment is the next largest contributor to employment in
the county, providing 22% of the jobs employment earnings. Retail trade
employment is also important to the county's economy, providing 16% of the jobs
and 11% of employment earnings. Hall County's annual unemployment rate for 1996
was lower than the State of Georgia's mark, averaging 3.3% compared with the
State's average of 4.6%. Nationwide, unemployment for the same period averaged
5.4%. The per capita income in the county in 1995 was $21,165, which ranked 14th
among Georgia's 159 counties. The City of Gainesville, the county seat and
largest municipality in the county, issued 525 building permits in 1997, with an
estimated total cost of construction of $79,115,750. Hall County issued 2,806
building permits in 1997, with an estimated total cost of construction of
$191,408,010.
Competition and Historical Deposit Trends. Hall County has ten commercial
banks and three Federal credit unions with a total of 36 offices. Five of the
banks are regional banks. They are SunTrust Bank, Regions Bank, Wachovia Bank,
NationsBank, and First Market Bank of Tennessee. The other banks operating in
Hall County are Gainesville Bank & Trust, Lanier National Bank, Georgia First
Bank, Community Bank & Trust, and Central and Southern Bank. Total deposits in
Hall County for these 13 financial institutions as of January 1, 1997 are
estimated to exceed $1,500,000,000.
Deposits in Hall County among the banks have steadily grown from 1993 to
1997, and the growth in deposits in Hall County for 1996 was 9.49%. The
organizers believe that this indicates a growing demand for bank services within
the county. Projections prepared for the Bank and submitted to the Department of
Banking indicate that the Bank could grow to $10,800,000 in deposits in the
first twelve months of operation. There is no assurance, however, that the
Bank's projections will be realized.
Recent federal legislation permits commercial banks to establish operations
nationwide, further increasing competition from out-of-state financial
institutions. Furthermore, recently enacted Georgia legislation greatly
diminishes the historical legal restrictions on establishing branch banks across
county lines in Georgia, thus creating further opportunities for other financial
institutions to compete with the Bank. Generally, from July 1, 1996 to July 1,
1998, any bank located in Georgia may branch into any three additional Georgia
counties regardless of the location of the parent bank. After July 1, 1998,
banks may establish branch banks statewide without limitation. In addition,
on-line computer banking via the Internet or otherwise may also become an
increasing source of competition for community financial institutions such as
the Bank. As a result of these competitive factors, the Bank may have to pay
higher rates of interest to attract deposits. The organizers believe that the
Bank will be able to compete effectively with these institutions in the Bank's
proposed markets, but no assurances can be given in this regard.
The organizers believe that a locally owned bank where decisions are made
within Hall County will be more cognizant of the community's needs and more
responsive in meeting those needs and local expectations. The Bank will operate
from a modern facility offering convenient hours and competitive services
delivered in a friendly manner. In addition, management believes that having a
local board of directors and wide community ownership of the Company's Common
Stock will enable the Bank to be successful.
Lending Policy. The Bank is being established to support Hall County and
the immediately-surrounding counties of Jackson and Gwinnett. Consequently, the
Bank will aggressively seek good loans within a limited geographic
14
<PAGE>
area. The Bank's primary commercial lending function will be to make consumer
loans to individuals and commercial loans to small and medium-sized businesses
and professional concerns. In addition, the Bank plans to make real
estate-related loans, including construction loans for residential and
commercial properties, and primary and secondary mortgage loans for the
acquisition or improvement of personal residences. The Bank plans to avoid
concentrations of loans to a single industry or based on a single type of
collateral.
Real Estate Loans. The Bank will make and hold real estate loans,
consisting primarily of single-family residential construction loans for
one-to-four unit family structures. The Bank will require a first lien position
on the land associated with the construction project and will offer these loans
to professional building contractors and homeowners. Loan disbursements will
require on-site inspections to assure the project is on budget and that the loan
proceeds are being used for the construction project and not being diverted to
another project. The loan-to-value ratio for such loans will be predominantly
75% of the lower of the as-built appraised value or project cost, and will be a
maximum of 80% if the loan is amortized. Loans for construction can present a
high degree of risk to the lender, depending upon, among other things, whether
the builder can sell the home to a buyer, whether the buyer can obtain permanent
financing, whether the transaction produces income in the interim and the nature
of changing economic conditions.
Consumer Loans. The Bank plans to make consumer loans, consisting primarily
of installment loans to individuals for personal, family and household purposes,
including loans for automobiles, home improvements and investments. Risks
associated with consumer loans include, but are not limited to, fraud,
deteriorated or nonexisting collateral, general economic downturn and customer
financial problems.
Commercial Loans. Commercial lending will be directed principally toward
small to mid-size businesses whose demand for funds fall within the legal
lending limits of the Bank. This category of loans includes loans made to
individual, partnership or corporate borrowers, and obtained for a variety of
business purposes. Risks associated with these loans can be significant and
include, but are not limited to, fraud, bankruptcy, economic downturn,
deteriorated or non-existing collateral and changes in interest rates.
Investments. In addition to loans, the Bank will make other investments
primarily in obligations of the United States or obligations guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the United States and other taxable securities. No
investment in any of those instruments will exceed any applicable limitation
imposed by law or regulation.
Deposits. The Bank plans to establish solid core deposits, including
checking accounts, money market accounts, a variety of certificates of deposit,
and IRA accounts. The primary means used to attract deposits will be an
aggressive marketing plan in the overall service area, a broad product line, and
competitive services. The primary sources of deposits will be residents of, and
businesses and their employees located in, Hall County, and to a lesser extent,
Jackson County and Gwinnett County, obtained through personal solicitation by
the Bank's officers and directors, direct mail solicitations and advertisements
published in the local media. Deposits will be generated by offering a broad
array of competitively priced deposit services, including demand deposits,
regular savings accounts, money market deposits (transaction and investment),
certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, and other deposit or funds
transfer services which may be permitted by law or regulation and which may be
offered to remain competitive in the market.
Asset and Liability Management. The Bank intends to manage its assets and
liabilities to provide an optimum and stable net interest margin, a profitable
after-tax return on assets and return on equity, and adequate liquidity. These
management functions will be conducted within the framework of written loan and
investment policies which the Bank will adopt. The Bank will attempt to maintain
a balanced position between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive
liabilities. Specifically, it will chart assets and liabilities on a matrix by
maturity, effective duration, and interest adjustment period, and endeavor to
manage any gaps in maturity ranges.
Employees. Upon commencement of operations, the Bank is expected to have
approximately 12 full-time employees. The Company is not expected to have any
employees who are not also employees of the Bank.
15
<PAGE>
Year 2000 Issue. Like many financial institutions, the Company and the Bank
will rely upon computers for the daily conduct of their business and for data
processing generally. There is concern among industry experts that commencing on
January 1, 2000, computers will be unable to "read" the new year and that there
may be widespread computer malfunctions. Management of the Company has assessed
the proposed electronic systems, programs, applications, and other electronic
components to be used in the operations of the Bank and believes that the Bank's
hardware and software when purchased will be programmed to be able to accurately
recognize the year 2000, and that significant additional costs will not be
incurred by the Bank in connection with the year 2000 issue, although there can
be no assurances in this regard. Management is formulating a policy and plan for
dealing with the year 2000 issue, which plan will be approved by the Board of
Directors. Management and the Board of Directors will direct and monitor the
plan regarding the year 2000 issue.
MANAGEMENT
Proposed Officers and Directors
On February 19, 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company elected the
following persons as officers of the Company:
Lowell S. Cagle Chairman of the Board
Gary H. Anderson President, Chief Executive Officer
James E. Palmour III Secretary
Jeanie Bridges Treasurer, C.A.O. and C.F.O.
The following table sets forth for the initial members of the Board of
Directors of the Company, (a) their names, addresses and ages, (b) the positions
they will hold in the Bank, (c) the number of shares of Common Stock for which
they intend to subscribe, and (d) the percentage of outstanding shares such
number will represent if the minimum number of shares are sold in this offering
and if the maximum number of shares are sold in this offering. The Board of
Directors is divided into three classes, with each class being as nearly equal
in number as possible, and the directors serve for staggered three-year terms.
The present term of office of each director in Class One will expire at the
annual shareholders meeting of the Company to be held in April, 1999; the
present term of office of each director in Class Two will expire at the annual
shareholders meeting of the Company to be held in April, 2000; and the present
term of office of each director in Class Three will expire at the annual
shareholders meeting of the Company to be held in April, 2001. These persons
will also serve as directors of the Bank for the same staggered terms. The Class
in which each director belongs is indicated below.
16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION NUMBER % OF %OF
ADDRESS (AGE)[CLASS] TO BE HELD OF SHARES1 MINIMUM1 MAXIMUM1
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Gary H. Anderson (46) Director/ 6,0002 .750% .600%
4006 Covey Trail [3] President
Oakwood, GA 30566 and C.E.O.
Lowell S. (Casey) Director/ 5,000 .625 .500
Cagle (32)[3] Chairman
4615 Hunters Court
Gainesville, GA 30507
Earl Gilleland (52)[2] Director 20,000 2.50 2.00
3997 Sloan Mill Road
Gainesville, GA 30507
Terry Hayes (43)[2] Director 2,500 .312 .250
Highway 323
P. O. Box 357
Hoschton, GA 30548
Wm. David Merritt (48) Director 10,000 1.25 1.00
6620 Stringer Road [2]
Clermont, GA 30527
Harold Nichols (55)[1] Director 2,000 .250 .200
4431 Benefield Road
Braselton, GA 30502
James E. Palmour Director/ 6,000 .750 .600
III (61)[3] Secretary
255 Sorrento Circle,
N.W.
Gainesville, GA 30506
Dr. Edward Quillian (42) Director 1,000 .125 .100
4207 Bob White Lane [1]
Oakwood, GA 30566
Milton Robson (55)[1] Director 25,000 3.125 2.50
3509 Tanners Mill Circle
Gainesville, GA 30507
Donald W. Smith (43)[3] Director/Vice 5,000 .625 .500
4129 Cherokee Trail Chairman
Gainesville, GA 30504
Jeanie Bridges (49) Treasurer, 5,0003 .625 .500
100 Sang Road C.A.O. and
Cleveland, GA 30528 C.F.O.
All Proposed Directors 87,500 8.75
and Officers, as a
Group4
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------
1 In the event that the minimum number of shares in this offering are not sold,
the organizers may purchase additional shares of Common Stock for an aggregate
of 400,000 shares of Common Stock (50% of the minimum and 40% of the maximum
number of shares to be sold).
2 Under his employment agreement, Mr. Anderson also has stock options to
purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company. See "MANAGEMENT - Cash
Compensation" below. The options were granted to him at no cost to him for the
grant of options. The number of shares shown above for Mr. Anderson does not
include the 15,000 shares subject to stock options.
3 Under her employment agreement, Ms. Bridges also has stock options to purchase
5,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company. The number of shares shown above
for Ms. Bridges does not include the 5,000 shares subject to stock options.
4 These figures are different from the sum of the individual percentages because
of rounding.
17
<PAGE>
Biographical information concerning the directors (the organizers) and
executive officers and their business experience during at least the last five
years is set forth below. None of the directors and officers are related.
Gary H. Anderson - Gary H. Anderson has been a resident of Oakwood, Hall
County, Georgia since 1963. Mr. Anderson was born in Clarkesville, Georgia in
1951. Mr. Anderson has over 23 years banking experience in Hall County, Georgia.
Mr. Anderson served as City Vice-President for SunTrust Bank of Northeast
Georgia, Gainesville, Georgia from 1981 through 1996. Mr. Anderson is a graduate
of Gainesville College and C&S Commercial Lending School. Mr. Anderson has also
attended the Georgia Banking School at the University of Georgia. He is a member
of the Oakwood Rotary Club, Councilman of the City of Oakwood, and a member of
the Greater Hall Camber of Commerce. Mr. Anderson has previously served on many
civic, social and community organizations, including Hall County Boys Club Board
of Directors, Gainesville College Foundation, United Way of Hall County, Oakwood
Development Authority.
Lowell S. (Casey) Cagle - Mr. Cagle is a native of Hall County, Georgia, a
seventh generation resident. Mr. Cagle graduated from Johnson High School and
attended Gainesville College and Georgia Southern University. A self-employed
businessman, Mr. Cagle is President and co-owner of Strateia Group Atlanta,
Inc., a management and business consulting firm, which he co-founded in July,
1996. He is also co-owner of Jean's Bridal and Tux of Class, which he has
operated for at least the last five years. Mr. Cagle is a member of Westside
Baptist Church, Gainesville, Georgia. Mr. Cagle is a Georgia State Senator for
the 49th District, which includes Hall County and portions of Forsyth County. In
November, 1994, Mr. Cagle was elected to a four year term in the Georgia Senate.
Earl Gilleland - Mr. Gilleland is a native Hall Countian, having lived his
entire life in South Hall County. His entire business career has been with
Gilleland Concrete Company and in 1968 he became sole owner and President of the
company. In 1997, Mr. Gilleland sold Gilleland Concrete to a Florida company,
and he remains as manager of the local company. He is a member of Poplar Springs
Baptist Church.
Terry Hayes - Mr. Hayes has been a resident of Jackson County, Georgia for
over 12 years. Mr. Hayes was born in DeKalb County. He is Manager of Hayes
Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge-Jeep in Oakwood, Georgia. Mr. Hayes has worked in the
family business of Hayes Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge- Jeep in Gwinnett County and
Hall County for over 25 years. Mr. Hayes is a member of the South Hall Rotary
Club and the Georgia Cattlemen's Association.
William David Merritt - Mr. Merritt is a long-time (40 year) resident of
Hall County, Georgia. Mr. Merritt is President/Owner of Merritt Contracting,
Inc. since 1982; President/Owner of Southern Curb, Inc. since 1987; President of
MCI Management Company since 1989. Mr. Merritt is also Vice-President of
Gilleland & Merritt, Inc., a real estate development company, and a partner in
The Windmill Partnership, a real estate development company in north Hall
County. Mr. Merritt is a member of the Georgia Utility Contractors Association
and the Georgia Highway Contractors Association. He is a member of the Greater
Hall Chamber of Commerce and the Rocky Mountain Elk Association.
Harold Nichols - Mr. Nichols is a 35-year resident of Hall County, Georgia.
He has been the Engineer Products Sales Manager of Macklanburg-Duncan,
Gainesville, Georgia since 1969. He is a member of Gainesville Masonic Lodge
#219 and is an active member of the Johnson High School Booster Club.
James E. Palmour III - Mr. Palmour was born in and is a resident of
Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia, and has been a resident for all but four
years of his life. He graduated from Gainesville High School, University of
Georgia and Atlanta Law School. Mr. Palmour has been an attorney at law since
1964 and has practiced general law since that time with the exception of the
period of 1976 through 1984 during which he was Judge of the Superior Court of
the Northeastern Judicial Circuit. Mr.
18
<PAGE>
Palmour's major field of law is government law and he is attorney for the City
of Gainesville, Georgia, White County, Georgia, and the Barrow County Airport
Authority. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Gainesville, State Bar of
Georgia, Gainesville-Northeastern Bar Association, and has previously served as
a member of the Lanier Area Technical School Board.
Dr. Edward Quillian - Dr. Quillian is a native of Hall County, Georgia and
is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine in
1983. Dr. Quillian was a partner in the Cumming Veterinary Clinic from 1983 to
1987. He has been CEO/Owner of Quillian Family Pet Clinic in Oakwood, Georgia
since 1987. He is a Trustee of the Gainesville College Foundation. He is also a
member of the American Animal Hospital Association, Georgia Veterinary Medical
Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Georgia Academy of
Veterinary Practice.
Milton Robson - Mr. Robson has been a resident of Hall County, Georgia for
over 50 years. He has resided in south Hall County for over 25 years. Mr. Robson
founded Milton's Institutional Foods in 1962, which he sold in 1995 to
Progressive Food Services. Mr. Robson is the owner of Mule Camp Springs, a
commercial retail center, in Gainesville, Georgia and is the owner/developer of
Robson Crossing Shopping Center in Oakwood, Georgia. He is Vice-President of
Prime Pak Foods, Inc., a wholesale frozen meat distributor, which he founded in
1975.
Donald W. Smith - Mr. Smith is a native of Hall County, Georgia. He is a
1975 graduate of West Georgia College. Mr. Smith is President and Owner of Arrow
Auto Sales, and he has over 19 years experience in retail auto sales. He is
President of Arrow Mitsubishi in Gainesville, Georgia, and he also has served as
President of Oakwood Arrow Auto Auction since 1990. Mr. Smith is a past
President and serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Automobile Dealers
Association. Mr. Smith is a member of the Gainesville Jaycees and the Greater
Hall Chamber of Commerce.
Jeanie Bridges - Ms. Bridges serves as Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer
and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and will serve as Senior Vice
President/Chief Operations Officer of the Bank. Ms. Bridges, age 50, was born in
Guilford County, North Carolina, but has lived in Georgia since her teens. She
resided in the metro Atlanta area for 20 years, Hall County for 10 years and has
lived in White County for the past 3 years. Until resigning to take her position
with the Company, Ms. Bridges was employed with SunTrust Bank, Northeast
Georgia, N.A. since March, 1986 in many capacities, from lender of consumer and
mortgage loans to Branch Administrator. Prior to her resignation, she was First
Vice President, Security Officer, and Compliance Officer. Ms. Bridges is a
member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland and the Truth Seekers Sunday
School Class. She is also a member of the Georgia Department of Labor Advisory
Council and is involved in Financial Women International (formerly NABW) and the
White County League of Women Voters.
Christopher D. England - Mr. England will serve as Senior Vice President
and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank. Mr. England is a native of South Hall
County, born in Gainesville in 1958. He has over 13 years of banking and lending
experience in Hall County, Georgia. Mr. England has served as Vice President of
Lanier National Bank since February, 1992. His lending experience includes both
commercial and consumer loans. Before joining Lanier National Bank, he was
employed by The Citizens Bank, Gainesville, Georgia, from 1984 to 1992. He
progressed through management serving initially as a collector before being
promoted into lending. His last duties there were Vice President and Branch
Manager of the Main Office. Mr. England is a 1980 graduate of Georgia Tech,
receiving his Bachelor of Science degree. He is also a graduate of the C&S
Consumer Lending School, the Georgia Banker's School at the University of
Georgia, and the Graduate School of Banking of the South at LSU. His civic and
community involvement include serving or having served on the boards of the
Gainesville College Foundation, the Gainesville-Hall County Neighborhood
Revitalization, Inc., the Gainesville-Hall County Board of Realtors, the Greens
Committee of Chicopee Woods Golf Course, and the Hall County March of Dimes. He
has also served as McEver Elementary School PTO Treasurer and is a member of the
Gainesville Lions Club.
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Cash Compensation
Gary H. Anderson has an employment agreement with the Company and the Bank
under which he will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and of the Bank. All of the material terms of Mr. Anderson's employment
agreement are summarized below.
The employment agreement provides for an initial term of three years and
can be extended annually by the Company and the Bank at the end of each year of
the term for an additional year, so that the remaining term shall continue to be
three years. Mr. Anderson will be paid an initial annual salary of $105,000.
Once the Bank begins operations he will also be entitled to certain performance
bonuses. The criteria for earning performance bonuses will be established by the
Board of Directors.
Under Mr. Anderson's employment agreement, he also has been granted, at no
cost to him for the option grant, the option to purchase 15,000 shares of Common
Stock of the Company at the price of the lesser of $10.00 or book value of the
stock during the first five (5) years of operation of the Bank.
Mr. Anderson will also receive health insurance with dependents coverage
and disability insurance paid in full by the Bank. The Company will maintain a
term life insurance policy on Mr. Anderson providing for death benefits in the
amount of $500,000 payable to the Company and $500,000 payable to Mr. Anderson's
family. He will receive a mid-size automobile to be used primarily for business
purposes, and the Bank will pay operating, maintenance and insurance expenses
for the automobile. The Bank will pay monthly membership dues for Mr. Anderson
at all service organizations and professional associations.
If the Company terminates Mr. Anderson's employment, the Company will be
obligated to pay him severance pay equal to one year's base salary and insurance
benefits. If Mr. Anderson's employment is terminated due to a sale, merger or
other change of control of the Company or the Bank, the Company will be
obligated to pay him severance pay equal to two times his then existing annual
base salary. Furthermore, the Company must remove any restrictions on
outstanding incentive awards so that all such awards vest immediately.
In addition, Mr. Anderson's employment agreement provides that following
termination of his employment with the Bank and for a period of twelve months
thereafter if terminated without cause and for a period of six months thereafter
if terminated for cause, Mr. Anderson may not: (i) be employed in the banking
business or any related field thereto in Oakwood, Georgia or Hall County,
Georgia, (ii) solicit customers of the Bank for the purpose of providing
financial services; (ii) solicit employees of the Bank for employment; (iv)
furnish anyone or use any list of customers of the Bank for banking purposes; or
(v) furnish, use or divulge to anyone any information acquired by him from the
Bank relating to the Bank's methods of doing business.
Mr. Anderson will also receive other employment benefits under his
employment agreement with the Company and the Bank as spelled out in his
employment agreement.
Officers and directors of the Company will not be separately compensated
for their services to the Company until the Company earns a cumulative profit.
Directors will not be compensated for their services as directors until the
Bank earns a cumulative profit.
Certain Transactions and Relationships
It is possible that the Company and the Bank will have banking and other
business transactions in the ordinary course of business with directors and
officers of the Company and the Bank, including members of their families or
corporations, partnerships or other organizations in which such directors
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and officers have a controlling interest. If such transactions occur, they will
be on substantially the same terms (including price, or interest rate and
collateral) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with
unrelated parties, and any banking transactions will not be expected to involve
more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable
features to the Company and the Bank.
To facilitate the Bank's formation, three of the organizers (all directors
of the Company) arranged a line of credit from Citizens Bank, Cumming, Georgia,
in the aggregate amount of $50,000 to pay organizational and pre-opening
expenses for the Company and the Bank. The line of credit interest rate was the
lender's prime rate (8.50% per annum) plus .5% and had a 180-day term. The three
organizers personally guaranteed the line of credit. The line of credit and
interest costs were repaid from proceeds of the organization loan described in
the following paragraph.
To facilitate the Company's formation and the Bank's formation, the
organizers (all director's of the Company) arranged a line of credit (the
"organization loan") from The Bankers Bank, Atlanta, Georgia, in the aggregate
amount of $500,000 to pay organizational and pre-opening expenses for the Bank
and the Company. Proceeds from the organization loan were also used to repay the
line of credit from Citizens Bank, Cumming, Georgia. The organization loan bears
interest at the lender's prime rate (presently 8.5% per annum) and has a 360-day
term. The organizers have personally guaranteed the organization loan. The
organization loan and interest costs will be repaid from the offering proceeds
when the conditions to the offering have been satisfied. See "USE OF PROCEEDS."
The Company and the Bank have entered into a ground lease, dated February
4, 1998, with Milton Robson, as lessor. Mr. Robson serves as a director of the
Company and will serve as a director of the Bank. The ground lease provides for
the lease of a 1.3359 acre tract of land located at 3461 Atlanta Highway in the
City of Oakwood, Georgia. The lease is for a term of 20 years, with four options
to extend the term for five years upon each extension. The lease provides for
annual rent of $40,000, payable in monthly installments of $3,333.33, beginning
once the Company's temporary office facility is located on the site and placed
in use by the Company. After the third lease year, the rent increases annually
by the amount of increase in the Consumer Price Index during the prior year
times the prior year's annual rent, but not in excess of a 5% increase. In
addition, the Bank and the Company are required to pay the ad valorem taxes on
the land and improvements built on the site and to keep the land and
improvements insured against normal casualties and for general liability. The
Bank intends to build and equip a 10,000 square foot, two-story bank building on
the 1.3359 acre site at its expense. Upon termination of the lease due to
certain defaults by the lessees or normal expiration, the real property
improvements (the building) will revert to and become the property of the
lessor. Final termination is expected to occur in Summer, 2038, but could occur
earlier if lessees default in the payment of rent for three consecutive months
or fail to exercise the extension options. The directors of the Company have
obtained two appraisals of the proposed site of the bank building and of the
ground lease. Both appraisals determined that the rental under the ground lease
was reasonable and at market rental rate for comparable ground leases. Copies of
the appraisals, together with the ground lease agreement, were filed with the
Department of Banking and the FDIC.
Stock Option Plan
Although the Company has no specific plans, the Company may adopt a stock
option plan pursuant to which officers, directors, and key employees of the
Company and the Bank may be granted options to purchase shares of the Company's
stock as compensation for past services or as incentive for services to be
rendered. The plan has not yet been adopted, and if adopted by the Board of
Directors, will be submitted to the shareholders of the Company for approval or
ratification. The organizers contemplate that the number of shares of the
Company's Common Stock authorized to be issued pursuant to any stock option plan
will not exceed 20% of the shares to be issued by the Company if this offering
(160,000 shares if the minimum number of shares are sold in the offering and
200,000 if the maximum number are sold). Exercise of any such options could have
a dilutive effect on the
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shareholders' interest in the Company's earnings and book value. In the future,
it is possible that the Company could issue additional shares of its Common
Stock. Any such stock offering by its nature could be dilutive to the holdings
of purchasers in this offering.
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
There is currently no market for the shares of Common Stock and it is not
likely that an active trading market will develop for the shares in the future.
There are no present plans for the Company's Common Stock to be traded on any
stock exchange or over-the-counter market. As a result, investors who need or
wish to dispose of all or part of their shares may be unable to do so except in
private, directly negotiated sales.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY
General
The Company's Articles of Incorporation authorize the Company to issue up
to 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share, of which a
minimum of 800,000 shares and a maximum of 1,000,000 shares will be issued
pursuant to this offering.
All shares of Common Stock of the Company will be entitled to share equally
in dividends from funds legally available therefor, when, as and if declared by
the Board of Directors, and upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company,
whether voluntary or involuntary, to share equally in all assets of the Company
available for distribution to the shareholders. It is not anticipated that the
Company will pay any cash dividends on the Common Stock in the near future. See
"DIVIDENDS." Each holder of Common Stock will be entitled to one vote for each
share on all matters submitted to the shareholders. Holders of Common Stock will
not have any preemptive right to acquire authorized but unissued capital stock
of the Company. There is no cumulative voting, redemption right, sinking fund
provision, or right of conversion in existence with respect to the Common Stock.
All shares of the Common Stock issued in accordance with the terms of this
offering as described in this Prospectus will be fully-paid and non-assessable.
Shares Held by Affiliates
Upon completion of this offering, the Company will have a minimum of
800,000 shares and a maximum of 1,000,000 shares outstanding. All of these
shares will be freely tradeable without restriction or registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), except for shares purchased
in this offering by the organizers.
The organizers (the directors of the Company) are "affiliates" of the
Company (as that term is defined in Rule 144 adopted under the 1933 Act), and,
as a result, their shares will be subject to certain resale restrictions.
Rule 144 generally provides that a person (including an affiliate of the
Company) who has beneficially owned shares for at least two years would be
entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not
exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock or
the average weekly trading volume of the Common Stock during the four calendar
weeks preceding such sale, whichever is greater. While affiliates may generally
sell non-restricted shares under Rule 144 without regard to the length of their
holding period, all shares purchased by the organizers will be purchased for
investment purposes and not with a present intention of redistribution.
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There can be no assurance that a public market for the Common Stock will
exist at any time subsequent to this offering. As a result, investors who may
wish or who need to dispose of all or a part of their investment in the Common
Stock may not be able to do so except for private direct negotiations with third
parties, assuming that third parties are willing to purchase the Common Stock.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANY'S
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
The Articles of Incorporation of the Company contain certain provisions
which would have the effect of impeding an attempt to change or remove
management of the Company or to gain control of the Company in a transaction not
supported by its Board of Directors. The Articles of Incorporation of the
Company also contain a provision which eliminates the potential personal
liability of directors for monetary damages. The Bylaws of the Company contain
certain provisions which provide indemnification for directors of the Company.
Each of these provisions is discussed more fully below.
The Bylaws of the Company provide that the Company's Board of Directors is
divided into three classes, with each class to be as nearly equal in number as
possible. The directors in each class serve three-year terms of office. The
effect of the Company's having a classified Board of Directors is that only
approximately one-third of the members of the Board are elected each year, which
effectively requires two annual meetings for the Company's shareholders to
change a majority of the members of the Board.
Change in Number of Directors
Article 7 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company provides that any
change in the number of directors of the Company, as set forth in its Bylaws,
would have to be made by the affirmative vote of 2/3 of the entire Board of
Directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 2/3 of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock.
Under Georgia law, the number of directors may be increased or decreased
from time to time by amendment to the Bylaws, unless the Articles of
Incorporation provide otherwise or unless the number of directors is otherwise
fixed by the shareholders.
Removal of Directors
Article 8 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company provides that
directors of the Company may be removed during their terms with cause by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
2/3 of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. "Cause" for this purpose is
defined as final conviction of a felony, request or demand for removal by any
bank regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company, or determination
by at least 2/3 of the incumbent directors of the Company that the conduct of
the director to be removed has been inimical to the best interests of the
Company.
Under Georgia law, any or all of the directors of a corporation may be
removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares represented at a meeting at which a quorum is represented and entitled to
vote thereon, unless the Articles of Incorporation provide otherwise.
Limitation of Liability
Article 10 of the Company's Article of Incorporation, subject to certain
exceptions, eliminates the potential personal liability of a director for
monetary damages to the Company and to the shareholders of the Company for
breach of a duty as a director. There is no elimination of liability for
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(a) a breach of duty involving appropriation of a business opportunity of the
Company, (b) an act or omission not in good faith or involving intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) a transaction from which the
director derives an improper material tangible personal benefit, or (d) as to
any payment of a dividend or approval of a stock repurchase that is illegal
under the Georgia Business Corporation Code. Article 10 does not eliminate or
limit the right of the Company or its shareholders to seek injunctive or other
equitable relief not involving monetary damages.
Article 10 was adopted by the Company pursuant to the Georgia Business
Corporation Code which allows Georgia corporations, with the approval of their
shareholders, to include in their Articles of Incorporation a provision
eliminating or limiting the liability of directors, except in the circumstances
described above. Article 10 was included in the Company's Articles of
Incorporation to encourage qualified individuals to serve and remain as
directors of the Company. While the Company has not experienced any problems in
locating directors, it could experience difficulty in the future as the
Company's business activities increase and diversify. Article 10 was also
included to enhance the Company's ability to secure liability insurance for its
directors at a reasonable cost. While the Company intends to obtain liability
insurance covering actions taken by its directors in their capacities as
directors, the Board of Directors believes that the current director's liability
insurance environment, and the environment for the foreseeable future, is
characterized by increasing premiums, reduced coverage and an increasing risk of
litigation and liability. The Board of Directors believes that Article 10 will
enable the Company to secure such insurance on terms more favorable than if such
a provision were not included in the Articles of Incorporation.
Supermajority Voting on Certain Transactions
Under Article 12 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, with
certain exceptions, any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any
sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets will require
the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 2/3 of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock. However, if the Board of Directors of the Company has approved the
particular transaction by the affirmative vote of 2/3 of the entire Board, then
the applicable provisions of Georgia law would govern and shareholder approval
of the transaction would require the affirmative vote of the holders of only a
majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote thereon.
The primary purpose of this Article is to discourage any party from
attempting to acquire control of the Company through the acquisition of a
substantial number of shares of Common Stock followed by a forced merger or sale
of assets without negotiation with management. Such a merger or sale might not
be in the best interests of the Company or its shareholders. This provision may
also serve to reduce the risk of a potential conflict of interest between a
substantial shareholder on the one hand and the Company and its other
shareholders on the other.
The foregoing provision could enable a minority of the Company shareholders
to prevent a transaction favored by the majority of the shareholders. Also, in
some, circumstances, the directors could cause a 2/3 vote to be required to
approve the transaction by withholding their consent to such a transaction,
thereby enhancing their positions with the Company and the Bank. However, of the
ten persons who are directors of the Company, only one will be affiliated with
the Company and the Bank in a full-time management position.
Evaluation of an Acquisition Proposal
Article 13 of the Company's Articles of Incorporation provides that the
response of the Company to any acquisition proposal made by another party will
be based on the Board's evaluation of the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders. As used herein, the term "acquisition proposal" refers to any
offer of another party (a) to make a tender offer or exchange offer for any
equity security of the Company, (b) to merge or consolidate the Company with
another corporation, or (c) to purchase or otherwise acquire all or
substantially all of the properties and assets owned by the Company.
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Article 13 charges the Board, in evaluating an acquisition proposal, to
consider all relevant factors, including (a) the expected social and economic
effects of the transaction on the employees, customers and other constituents
(e.g., suppliers of goods and services) of the Company and the Bank, (b) the
expected social and economic effects on the communities within which the Company
and the Bank operate, and (c) the consideration being offered by the other
corporation in relation (i) to the then current value of the Company as
determined by a freely negotiated transaction and (ii) to the Board of
Directors' then estimate of the Company's future value as an independent entity.
The enumerated factors are not exclusive, and the Board may consider other
relevant factors.
This Article has been included in the Company's Articles of Incorporation
because the Bank is charged with providing support to and being involved with
the communities it serves, and the Board believes its obligations in evaluating
an acquisition proposal extend beyond evaluating merely the consideration being
offered in relation to the then market or book value of the Common Stock. No
provisions of Georgia law specifically enumerate the factors a corporation's
board of directors should consider in the event the corporation is presented
with an acquisition proposal.
While the value of the consideration offered to shareholders is the main
factor when weighing the benefits of an acquisition proposal, the Board believes
it appropriate also to consider all other relevant factors. For example, this
Article directs the Board to evaluate the consideration being offered in
relation to the then current value of the Company determined in a freely
negotiated transaction and in relation to the Board's then estimate of the
future value of the Company as an independent concern. A takeover bid often
places the target corporation virtually in the position of making a forced sale,
sometimes when the market price of its stock may be depressed. The Board
believes that frequently the consideration offered in such a situation, even
though it may be in excess of the then market value (i.e., the value at which
shares are then currently trading), it is less than that which could be obtained
in a freely negotiated transaction. In a freely negotiated transaction,
management would have the opportunity to seek a suitable partner at a time of
its choosing and to negotiate for the most favorable price and terms which
reflect not only the current value, but also the future value of the Company.
One effect of this Article may be to discourage a tender offer in advance.
Often an offeror consults the Board of a target corporation prior to or after
commencing a tender offer in an attempt to prevent a contest from developing. In
the opinion of the Board, this provision will strengthen its position in dealing
with any potential offeror which might attempt to acquire the Company through a
hostile tender offer. Another effect of this Article may be to dissuade
shareholders who might be displeased with the Board's response to an acquisition
proposal from engaging the company in costly litigation. This provision,
however, does not affect the right of a shareholder displeased with the Board's
response to an acquisition proposal to institute litigation against the Company
and to allege that the Board breached an obligation to shareholders by not
limiting its evaluation of an acquisition proposal to the value of the
consideration being offered in relation to the then market or book value of the
Common Stock.
Article 13 would not make an acquisition proposal regarded by the Board as
being in the best interests of the Company more difficult to accomplish. It
would, however, permit the Board to determine that an acquisition proposal was
not in the best interests of the Company (and thus to oppose it) on the basis of
the various factors deemed relevant. In some cases, such opposition by the Board
might have the effect of maintaining the positions of incumbent management.
Amendment of Provisions
Any amendment of Articles 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13 of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 2/3 of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock, unless 2/3 of the entire Board of
Directors approves the amendment. If 2/3 of the Board approves the amendment,
the applicable provisions of Georgia law would govern, and the approval of only
a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock would be required.
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Indemnification
The Bylaws of the Company contain certain indemnification provisions which
provide that directors, officers, employees or agents of the Company will be
indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by them if they
are successful on the merits of a claim or proceedings.
When a case or dispute is not ultimately determined on its merits (i.e., it
is settled), the indemnification provisions provide that the Company will
indemnify directors when they meet the applicable standard of conduct. The
applicable standard of conduct is met if the director acted in a manner he or
she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Company and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if the director
had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Whether the
applicable standard of conduct has been met is determined by the Board of
Directors, the shareholders or independent legal counsel in each specific case.
The Bylaws of the Company also provide that the indemnification rights set
forth therein are not exclusive of other indemnification rights to which a
director may be entitled under any bylaw, resolution or agreement either
specifically or in general terms approved by the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the shares entitled to vote thereon. The Company can also
provide for greater indemnification than that set forth in the Bylaws if it
chooses to do so, subject to approval by the Company's shareholders. The Company
may not, however, indemnify a director for liability arising out of
circumstances which constitute exceptions to limitation of a director's
liability for monetary damages. See "CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANY'S
ARTICLES AND BYLAWS - Limitation of Liability."
The indemnification provisions of the Bylaws specifically provide that the
Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any director against
any liability asserted against such person and incurred by him in any such
capacity, whether or not the Company would have had the power to indemnify
against such liability.
The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened action, suit or
proceeding involving any of its directors or officers for which indemnification
from the Company may be sought.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "1933 Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Company has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid
by the director, officer or controlling person of the Company in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceedings is asserted by such director, officer
or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled
by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
Bank holding companies and banks are extensively regulated under both
federal and state law. The following is a brief summary of certain statutes,
rules and regulations affecting the Company and the Bank. This summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and
regulatory provision referred to below and is not intended to be an exhaustive
description of the statutes or regulations applicable to the business of the
Company and the Bank. Supervision regulation and examination of the Company and
the Bank by the bank regulatory agencies are intended primarily for the
protection of depositors rather than shareholders of the Company.
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Bank Holding Company Regulation
The Company will be a registered holding company under the Bank Holding
Company act of 1956 (the "BHC Act") and the Georgia Bank Holding Company Act
(the "Georgia BHC Act") and will be regulated under such acts by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve") and by the
Department of Banking, respectively.
As a bank holding company, the Company is required to file annual reports
with the Federal Reserve and the Department of Banking and such additional
information as the applicable regulator may require pursuant to the BHC Act and
the Georgia BHC Act. The Federal Reserve and the Department of Banking may also
conduct examinations of the Company to determine whether it is in compliance
with both BHC Acts and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
The BHC Act also requires every bank holding company to obtain prior
approval from the Federal Reserve before acquiring direct or indirect ownership
or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank which is not already
majority owned or controlled by that bank holding company. Acquisition of any
additional banks would also require prior approval from the Department of
Banking.
On September 29, 1994, President Clinton signed the Riegle-Neal Interstate
Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Interstate Act") which amends
federal law to permit bank holding companies to acquire existing banks in any
state effective September 29, 1995, and any interstate bank holding company is
permitted to merge its various bank subsidiaries into a single bank with
interstate branches effective June 1, 1997. States have the authority to
authorize interstate branching prior to June 1, 1997 or alternatively, to opt
out of interstate branching prior to that date.
In response to the Interstate Act, recently enacted Georgia legislation
permits interstate branching where the branch banks are acquired by merger or
acquisition between an out-of-state bank and a Georgia bank. Furthermore, recent
Georgia legislation greatly diminishes the historical legal restrictions on
establishing branch banks across county lines in Georgia. Generally, from July
1, 1996 to July 1, 1998, any bank located in Georgia may branch into any three
additional Georgia counties regardless of the location of the parent bank. After
July 1, 1998, banks may establish branch banks statewide without limitation.
In addition to having the right to acquire ownership or control of other
banks, a bank holding company is authorized to acquire ownership or control of
nonbanking companies, provided the activities of such companies are so closely
related to banking or managing or controlling banks that the Federal Reserve
considers such activities to be proper to the operation and control of banks.
Regulation Y, promulgated by the Federal Reserve, sets forth those activities
which are regarded as closely related to banking or managing or controlling
banks and, thus, are permissible activities for bank holding companies, subject
to approval by the Federal Reserve in individual cases.
Federal Reserve policy requires a bank holding company to act as a source
of financial strength and to take measures to preserve and protect bank
subsidiaries in situations where additional investments in a troubled bank may
not be warranted. Under these provisions, a bank holding company may be required
to loan money to its subsidiaries in the form of capital notes or other
instruments which qualify for capital under regulatory rules. Any loans by the
holding company to such subsidiary banks are likely to be unsecured and
subordinated to such bank's depositors and perhaps to its other creditors.
Bank Regulation
The Company will initially have one subsidiary bank. The Bank will be a
state bank chartered under the laws of the State of Georgia and will be subject
to examination by the Department of Banking. The Department of Banking regulates
or monitors all areas of a bank's operations and activities, including reserves,
loans, mergers, issuance of securities, payment of dividends, interest rates and
establishment of branches.
27
<PAGE>
The Bank will also be insured and regulated by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). The major functions of the FDIC with respect
to insured banks include paying depositors to the extent provided by law in the
event an insured bank is closed without adequately providing for payment of the
claims of depositors, acting as a receiver of state banks placed in receivership
when so appointed by state authorities, and preventing the continuance or
development of unsound and unsafe banking practices. In addition, the FDIC is
authorized to examine insured state banks which are not members of the Federal
Reserve to determine the condition of such banks for insurance purposes. The
FDIC also approves conversions, mergers consolidations and assumption of deposit
liability transactions between insured banks and noninsured banks or
institutions to prevent capital or surplus diminution in such transactions where
the resulting, continued or assuming bank is an insured non-member state bank.
Subsidiary banks of a bank holding company are subject to certain
restrictions imposed by the BHC Act on any extension of credit to the bank
holding company or any of its subsidiaries, on investment in the stock or other
securities of the bank holding company or its subsidiaries, and on the taking of
such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower. In addition, a
bank holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited for engaging in certain
tying arrangements in connection with any extension of credit or provision of
any property or services.
Capital Requirements
Regulatory agencies measure capital adequacy with a framework that makes
capital requirements sensitive to the risk profile of the individual banking
institution. The guidelines define capital as either Tier 1 capital (primary
shareholders equity) or Tier 2 capital (certain debt instruments and a portion
of the reserve for loan losses). There are two measures of capital adequacy for
bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks: the Tier 1 leverage ratio and
the risk-based capital requirements. Bank holding companies and their subsidiary
banks must maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. In addition, Tier 1
capital must equal 4% of risk-weighted assets, and total capital (Tier 1 plus
Tier 2) must equal 8% of risk-weighted assets. These are minimum requirements,
however, and institutions experiencing internal growth (which will initially be
the case for the Bank) or making acquisitions, as well as institutions with
supervisory or operational weaknesses, will be expected to maintain capital
positions well above these minimum levels.
The federal banking agencies have proposed amending the capital adequacy
standards to provide for the consideration of interest rate risk in the overall
determination of a bank's capital ratio and to require banks with greater
interest rate risk to maintain adequate capital for the risk. It is uncertain
what effect these regulations, when implemented, would have on the Company and
the Bank.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvements Act of 1991 (the
"1991 Act") imposes a regulatory matrix which requires the federal banking
agencies to take prompt corrective action to deal with depository institutions
that fail to meet their minimum capital requirements or are otherwise in a
troubled condition. The prompt corrective action provisions require
undercapitalized institutions to become subject to an increasingly stringent
array of restrictions, requirements and prohibitions, as their capital levels
deteriorate and supervisory problems mount. Should these corrective measures
provide unsuccessful in recapitalizing the institution and correcting its
problems, the 1991 Act mandates that the institution be placed in receivership.
Pursuant to regulations promulgated under the 1991 Act, the corrective
actions that the banking agencies either must or may take are tied primarily to
an institution's capital levels. In accordance with the framework adopted by the
1991 Act, the banking agencies have developed a classification system, pursuant
to which all banks and thrifts are placed into one of five categories:
well-capitalized institutions, adequately capitalized institutions,
undercapitalized institutions, significantly undercapitalized institutions and
critically undercapitalized institutions. The capital thresholds established for
each of the categories are as follows:
28
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Capital Tier 1 Total Risk Tier 1 Risk
Category Capital Based Capital Based Capital Other
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Well 5% or more 10% or more 6% or more Not
Capitalized Subject to
a capital
directive
Adequately 4% or more 8% or more 4% of more -
Capitalized
Undercapi- less than 4% less than 8% less than 4% -
talized
Significantly less than 3% less than 6% less than 3% -
Undercapi-
talized
Critically 2% or less - - -
Undercapi- tangible equity
talized
</TABLE>
The capital guidelines can affect the Company in several ways. After
completion of this offering, the Company's capital levels will initially be more
than adequate. However, rapid growth, poor loan portfolio performance, poor
earnings performance, or a combination of these factors, could change the
Company's capital position in a relatively short period of time, making an
additional capital infusion necessary.
The Department of Banking will require the Bank to maintain a ratio (the
"primary capital ratio") of total capital (which is essentially Tier 1 capital
plus the allowance for loan losses) to total assets (defined as balance sheet
assets plus the allowance for loan losses) of at least 8%. In addition, the Bank
expects that, in accordance with the Department of Banking policy, the Bank will
be required to maintain a primary capital ratio of 8% during its first three
years of operation.
CRA and Fair Lending
On April 19, 1995, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted
revisions to the regulations promulgated pursuant to the Community Reinvestment
At (the "CRA"), which are intended to set distinct assessment standard for
financial institutions. The revised regulation contains three evaluation tests:
(a) a lending test which will compare the institution's market share of loans in
low- and moderate- income areas to its market share of loans in its entire
service area and the percentage of a bank's outstanding loans to low- and
moderate-income areas or individuals, (b) a services test which will evaluate
the provision of services that promote the availability of credit to low- and
moderate-income areas, and (c) an investment test, which will evaluate an
institution's record of investments in organizations designed to foster
community development, small- and minority-owned businesses and affordable
housing lending, including state and local government housing or revenue bonds.
The regulation is designed to reduce the paperwork requirements of the current
regulations and provide regulators, institutions and community groups with a
more objective and predictable manner with which to evaluate the CRA performance
of financial institutions. The rule became effective on January 1, 1996, at
which time evaluation under streamlined procedures began for institutions with
assets of less than $250 million that are owned by a holding company with total
assets of less than $1 billion.
29
<PAGE>
Congress and various federal agencies (including, in addition to the
bank regulatory agencies, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the
Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice) (collectively the
"Federal Agencies") responsible for implementing the nation's fair lending laws
have been increasingly concerned that prospective home buyers and other
borrowers are experiencing discrimination in their efforts to obtain loans. In
recent years, the Department of Justice has filed suit against financial
institutions which it determined had discriminated, seeking fines and
restitution for borrowers who allegedly suffered from discriminatory practices.
Most, if not all, of these suits have been settled (some for substantial sums)
without a full adjudication on the merits.
On March 8, 1994, the Federal Agencies, in an effort to clarify what
constitutes lending discrimination and to specify the factors the agencies will
consider in determining if lending discrimination exists, announced a joint
policy statement detailing specific discriminatory practices prohibited under
the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act. In the policy
statement, three methods of proving lending discrimination were identified: (a)
overt evidence of discrimination, when a lender blatantly discriminates on a
prohibited basis, (b) evidence of disparate treatment, when a lender treats
applicants differently based on a prohibited factor even where there is no
showing that the treatment was motivated by prejudice or a conscious intention
to discriminate against a person, and (c) evidence of disparate impact, when a
lender applies a practice uniformly to all applicants, but the practice has a
discriminatory effect, even where such practices are neutral on their face and
are applied equally, unless the practice can be justified on the basis of
business necessity.
FDIC Insurance Assessments
The Bank will be subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments for the
Bank Insurance Fund. The FDIC has implemented a risk-based assessment system
whereby banks are assessed on a sliding scale depending on their placement in
nine separate supervisory categories. The highest-rated institutions pay the
statutory annual minimum of $2,000 for FDIC insurance. Rates for all other
institutions are reduced by four cents per $100 as well, leaving a premium range
of 3 cents to 27 cents per $100 of deposits. For FDIC deposit insurance, the
Bank will initially pay an annual FDIC deposit insurance assessment of .43 cents
per $100 of deposits.
Future Requirements
Statutes and regulations are regularly proposed which contain
wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations and competitive
relationship of the nation's financial institutions. It cannot be predicted
whether or what form any proposed statute or regulation will be adopted or the
extent to which the business of the Company and the Bank may be affected by such
statute or regulation.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by James E. Palmour III, Esquire, Gainesville, Georgia. Mr. Palmour is
one of the organizers and serves as a director of the Company. He will also
serve as a director of the Bank. He has provided legal services to the Company
during 1997, and it is anticipated that he will provide legal services to the
Company and the Bank during 1998. Mr. Palmour also intends to purchase 6,000
shares of Common Stock of the Company in the offering.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of the Company at December 31, 1997 and for the
period from February 24, 1997 (inception) until December 31, 1997, set forth
herein have been so included in reliance on the report of Henry & Company, LLP,
independent certified public accountants, given on the authority of that firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
30
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Corporation)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception)
to December 31, 1997
F-1
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Corporation)
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception)
to December 31, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Independent Accountants' Report 1
Balance Sheet 2
Statement of Operations 3
Statement of Stockholders' Equity 4
Statement of Cash Flows 5
Notes to the Financial Statements 6 - 10
F-2
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors
Southern Heritage Bancorp, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Southern Heritage Bancorp,
Inc. (a development stage corporation) as of December 31, 1997, and the related
statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the
period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to December 31, 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Southern Heritage Bancorp, Inc.
as of December 31, 1997 and the results of operations and its cash flows from
February 24, 1997 (inception) to December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
HENRY & COMPANY, LLP
Gainesville, Georgia
February 27, 1998
F-3
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 1997
Assets
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Current assets:
Cash $ 12,643
Prepaid expenses (Note 3) 46,141
-----------
Total current assets 58,784
-----------
Property and equipment (Note 5):
Furniture and fixtures 1,000
Vehicles 18,909
Accumulated depreciation (315)
----------
Total property and equipment 19,594
----------
Other assets:
Deferred stock offering costs (Note 2) 2,245
Organization costs (Note 2) 63,175
Construction in progress (Note 4) 48,413
---------
Total other assets 113,833
---------
Total assets $ 192,211
==========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 20,268
Accrued liabilities 872
----------
Total current liabilities 21,140
----------
Noncurrent liabilities:
Line of credit (Note 6) 227,415
----------
Total noncurrent liabilities
227,415
----------
Total liabilities 248,555
----------
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' deficit:
Common stock, $5.00 par value; 10,000,000 shares
authorized; no shares issued and outstanding -
Deficit accumulated during the development stage (56,344)
---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 192,211
==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to
December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Income: $ -
-------------
Expenses:
Consulting expense 21,000
Salaries expense 17,500
Legal and accounting expenses 4,000
Interest expense 4,593
Other pre-opening expenses 9,251
------------
Total expenses 56,344
------------
Net Loss $ (56,344)
=============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Deficit
Accumulated
During
Common Development
Stock Stage Total
<S> <C> <C> <C>
February 24, 1997 $ - $ - $ -
Net loss - Inception to
December 31, 1997 - (56,344) (56,344)
----------- ------------ ---------
December 31, 1997 $ - $ (56,344) (56,344)
========== ============ =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to
December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (56,344)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to net cash used by operating
activities:
Depreciation 315
Increase in prepaid expenses (46,141)
Increase in accounts payable 20,268
Increase in accrued liabilities 872
----------
Net Cash Used by Operating Activities (81,030)
----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Organization costs, capitalized (63,175)
Capital expenditures (68,322)
----------
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities (131,497)
----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from organizers 85,000
Repayment to organizers (85,000)
Draws on line of credit 225,000
Interest capitalized to line of credit 2,415
Increase in deferred stock offering costs
(2,245)
-----------
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 225,170
-----------
NET INCREASE IN CASH 12,643
Cash, at beginning of period -
-----------
Cash, at end of period $ 12,643
============
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest during the period $ 2,178
------------
Interest capitalized during the period $ 2,415
------------
</TABLE>
c The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to
December 31, 1997
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION
Southern Heritage Bancorp, Inc. ("the Company") was formed on February 13, 1998
for the purpose of becoming a bank holding company. The Company intends to
acquire 100% of the outstanding common stock of Southern Heritage Bank ("the
Bank") which will operate as a full service community bank in Oakwood, Georgia.
The organizers of the Bank have received preliminary regulatory approval to
charter the Bank with the Department of Banking and Finance and the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Prior to the filing of the Company's Articles of Incorporation with the
Georgia Secretary of State on February 13, 1998, organizational and pre-opening
activities were conducted by the organizers. The FDIC is expected to approve the
Company's application to operate as a federally insured banking company.
Provided that the application is approved timely and necessary capital is
raised, it is expected that the operations of the Company through the Bank will
commence in 1998.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Pre-opening and Organization Costs
Pre-opening costs such as salaries and other operating expenses are initial
expenses incurred to prepare the Company to commence business as a financial
institution. These costs are included in the current period's operating results
as expense items in the Statement of Operations.
Costs incurred for the organization of the Company (consisting principally of
legal, accounting, consulting, and incorporation fees) are being capitalized and
will be amortized over five years. Amortization of the organization costs will
begin when banking operations commence.
Stock offering costs, consisting of direct, incremental costs of the offering,
have been deferred and will be charged to additional paid-in capital when the
stock offering is completed.
F-8
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to
December 31, 1997
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(Continued)
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets for financial
reporting purposes and on an accelerated method for tax reporting purposes.
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to federal and state income taxes. No taxes have been
accrued or paid because of operating losses incurred during the pre-opening
stage. During the development stage, the Company has recognized a valuation
allowance equal to 100% of the tax benefit arising from the operating loss
carryforwards.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results
could differ from those estimates.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed when incurred by the Company.
NOTE 3 - PREPAID EXPENSES
Prepaid expenses of $46,141 at December 31, 1997 consists of prepaid rent of
$45,600 and prepaid insurance of $541. The prepaid rent represents payment for
the lease of a temporary building for one year. See Note 7 for more details.
NOTE 4 - CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS
The Company plans to build a permanent facility upon final regulatory approval.
Expenses have been incurred related to architectural fees for the design of this
building and have been capitalized as construction in progress. Upon final
completion of the building, the amounts will be reported as fixed assets and
will be depreciated over the estimated useful life of the building.
F-9
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to
December 31, 1997
NOTE 5 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 1997:
Furniture and fixtures $ 1,000
Vehicles 18,909
19,909
Less: accumulated (315)
depreciation
Total property and $ 19,594
equipment ==========
Depreciation expense charged to operations was $315 in 1997.
NOTE 6 - DEBT
Organization and pre-opening expenses have been funded with borrowings under two
$50,000 lines of credit at another financial institution. These lines were in
the name of the organizers of the Company, but all proceeds were used for
organization and pre-opening expenses. The first line of credit originated on
May 3, 1997 and carried an interest rate of 9% and a maturity date of October
30, 1997. The second line originated on September 10, 1997 and also carried a 9%
interest rate and a maturity date of October 30, 1997. Both were repaid in full
on their due date with proceeds from a line of credit with The Banker's Bank.
The line of credit with The Banker's Bank originated on October 23, 1997 in the
amount of $500,000 and carries an interest rate of the Prime rate published in
the Wall Street Journal or 8.5% at December 31, 1997. The outstanding balance is
due in full on October 23, 1998. As of December 31, 1997, the outstanding
balance totaled $227,415 of which 2,415 is capitalized interest. The line is
guaranteed by the organizers of the Company. It is the intent of the Company's
organizers to repay the debt with proceeds from the stock sale.
F-10
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to
December 31, 1997
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Organization costs and pre-opening expenses have been funded with a loan
acquired by the organizers of the Company, as described in Note 5.
The Bank entered into an employment agreement with the President\Chief Executive
Officer on November 5, 1997. The employment agreement provides for a three year
term and is annually renewable thereafter. The President will be paid an initial
base annual salary of $105,000. Once the Bank begins operations, he will also be
entitled to certain performance bonuses based on regulatory ratings of the Bank
and deposit growth, return on average assets ("ROA"), and return on average
equity ("ROE") of the Bank for the year. Based on these factors, the calculated
bonus may range from 0 to 50% of the base salary.
Further, the employment agreement requires the President to purchase 6,000
shares of the initial offering of Common Stock of the Company at the same time
as the other initial directors. The President will also have the right to
purchase an additional 15,000 shares at book value or $10.00 per share,
whichever is less, during the first five years of operation of the Bank.
The Bank also entered into an employment agreement with the Senior Vice
President\Chief Lending Officer of the Bank on January 1, 1998; however, this
employee's actual start date has not yet been determined. The employment
agreement provides for a two year term and is annually renewable thereafter. The
Senior Vice President\Chief Lending Officer will be paid an initial base annual
salary of $63,500. Once the Bank begins operations, the employee will also be
entitled to certain performance bonuses based upon mutually agreed upon goals
such as a pre-determined formula consisting of regulatory compliance, deposit
growth, and other factors. Based on these factors, the calculated bonus may
range from 0 to 15% of the base salary. Further, the contract gives the Senior
Vice President\Chief Lending Officer the right and option to purchase 5,000
shares of the Company's common stock at book value or $10.00 per share,
whichever is less, for the first five years of employment and if extended by the
board not to exceed ten years.
F-11
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to
December 31, 1997
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
(Continued)
On January 7, 1998, the Bank entered into an employment agreement with the
Senior Vice President\Chief Operations Officer of the Bank. The agreements
provides for a three year term and is annually renewable thereafter. The Senior
Vice President\Chief Operations Officer will receive an annual salary of $65,000
for the first twelve months. Thereafter, annual performance reviews will
determine the amount of increase in the initial base salary. Once the Bank
begins operations, the employee will be entitled to performance bonuses ranging
from 0% to 15% of the annual base salary. In addition, the employee shall have
the right and option to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company's common stock at
book value or $10.00 per share, whichever is less, for the first five years of
employment and if extended by the board not to exceed ten years.
On June 1, 1997, the Bank entered into a lease agreement with Bank and
Business Systems, Inc. for a temporary office facility. The entire agreement is
contingent upon the receipt of final government regulatory approvals. The lease
calls for monthly rent in the amount of $3,800 per month for a twelve month term
payable in advance ($45,600). This amount was paid by the Company in 1997 and is
shown as prepaid rent on the balance sheet at December 31, 1997. In addition,
the lease requires the Company to maintain insurance on the temporary facility
and well as on its contents.
On November 21, 1997, the Bank entered into an architectural contract with
Hussey, Gay, Bell & Deyoung International, Inc., Jacobs-Hlavenka Division to
design the Company's permanent facility in Oakwood, Georgia. The total
construction cost of the building is estimated to be $1 million. The contract
calls for a base fee of 6% of the estimated total construction cost, payable in
progress payments as the work is completed, as well as extra charges for
increases from executed change orders and extra services. As of December 31,
1997, the Company has made $40,500 in payments to Jacobs-Hlavenka which are
shown as a component of construction in progress on the balance sheet.
F-12
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
(A Development Stage Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period from February 24, 1997 (inception) to
December 31, 1997
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
(Continued)
On February 4, 1998, the Company entered into a lease with a related party (an
organizer and a director of the Company) for the land which will be the site of
the permanent facility. The lease calls for a twenty year term (beginning on the
rent commencement date) which can be extended for four additional periods of
five years each. The base annual rent is $40,000, payable in monthly
installments of $3333.33 each. The rent commencement date shall be the earlier
of the day the Company locates its temporary office facility of the premises and
said facility is placed in use by the Company's employees or 120 days after the
date of the lease.
F-13
<PAGE>
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT EXHIBIT "A"
Southern Heritage Bancorp, Inc.
3461 Atlanta Highway
P. O. Box 907
Oakwood, Georgia 30566
Attn: Gary H. Anderson
Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase the number
of shares of Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share (the "Common Stock"), of
Southern Heritage Bancorp, Inc., a Georgia corporation (the "Company"),
indicated below. The undersigned has executed and delivered this Subscription
Agreement in connection with the Company's offering of Common Stock described in
its Prospectus dated April 29, 1998. (Such Prospectus, including any amendments
and supplements thereto, is herein called the "Prospectus").
The undersigned agree to purchase the shares of Common Stock subscribed
for herein for the purchase price of $10.00 per share. All checks should be made
payable to "The Bankers Bank Escrow Account for Southern Heritage Bancorp, Inc."
A check in an amount equal to the full subscription price is enclosed with this
Subscription Agreement.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Prospectus. The
undersigned further acknowledges that the Company has not yet begun operations
and that an investment in the Common Stock involves significant risks, as set
forth under "Risk Factors" in the Prospectus. The undersigned understands that
no federal or state agency has made any finding or determination regarding the
fairness of the offering of the Common Stock, the accuracy or adequacy of the
Prospectus, or any recommendations or endorsement concerning an investment in
the Common Stock.
The undersigned agrees that this subscription is binding on the
undersigned and is irrevocable by the undersigned until the Expiration Date as
defined in the Prospectus. The undersigned acknowledges that this Subscription
Agreement shall not constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Company
until accepted by the Company in writing, and that the Company has the right to
reject this Subscription Agreement, either in whole or in part, in its sole
discretion.
Number of Shares
(minimum 100 shares): _____________ _________________________________
Please PRINT or TYPE exact
name(s) in which undersigned
desires to be registered
Total Subscription
Price (at $10.00 per
share): $____________
<PAGE>
SUBSTITUTE W-9
Under the penalties of perjury, I certify that: (a) the Social Security Number
or Taxpayer Identification Number given below is correct; and (2) I am not
subject to backup withholding. INSTRUCTION: YOU MUST CROSS OUT #2 ABOVE IF YOU
HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE THAT YOU ARE SUBJECT TO
BACKUP WITHHOLDING BECAUSE OF UNDER-REPORTING INTEREST OR DIVIDENDS ON YOUR TAX
RETURN.
- --------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Date Signature(s)*
- --------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Area Code and Telephone No. Please indicate form of ownership
the undersigned desires for the
shares (individual, joint tenants
with right of survivorship, tenants
in common, trust, corporation,
partnership, custodian, etc.
etc.)
- -----------------------------------
Social Security or Federal
Taxpayer Identification No. ___________________________________
Street Address
-----------------------------------
City/State/Zip Code
TO BE COMPLETED BY THE COMPANY
Accepted as of __________________, 1998, as to ____________ shares.
SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
By__________________________________
Signature
- ------------------------------------
Print Name
*When signing as attorney, trustee, administrator, or guardian, please give your
full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by
president or other authorized officer. In case of joint tenants, each joint
owner must sign.
<PAGE>
- ---------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
The Company reserves the right, in its
sole discretion to reject any and all
subscriptions, and no subscription will
be effective until accepted by the
Company.
No person has been authorized by
the Company to give any information or
to make any representations not
contained in this Prospectus, and any SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
information or statement not contained
herein must not be relied upon as having A Proposed Bank Holding Company
been authorized by the Company. The
delivery of this Prospectus does not For
imply that the information contained
herein is correct as of any time SOUTHERN HERITAGE BANK
subsequent to its date.
A Proposed State Bank
The Company has undertaken to
update this Prospectus to reflect any
facts or events arising after the date
hereof, which individually or in the
aggregate represent a fundamental change
in the information set forth herein and
to include any material information with
respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the Prospectus
or any material changes to such
information.
Subscribers should not construe the 1,000,000
contents of this Prospectus or any
communication from the Company, whether Shares of
written or oral, as legal, tax
accounting, or other expert advice. Each Common Stock
subscriber should consult his or her own
counsel, accountants and other
professional advisors as to all matters
concerning his or her investment in
shares of the Common Stock.
The shares of Common Stock of the
Company offered hereby are not deposits PROSPECTUS
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
This Prospectus does not constitute
an offer to sell in any jurisdiction or
a solicitation of an offer to buy any of
the shares of the Common Stock to any
person in any jurisdiction in which such
offer or solicitation is unlawful.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Summary.............................. 1
Risk Factors......................... 3
The Offering......................... 5
Use of Proceeds...................... 8
Capitalization....................... 11
Dividends............................ 12
Business of the Company and the Bank. 12
Management........................... 16
Market for Common Stock and Related
Shareholder Matters.................. 22
Description of Common Stock of the
Company............................ 22
Certain Provisions of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation and
ByLaws............................. 23
Supervision and Regulation.... ...... 26
Legal Matters........................ 30
Experts.............................. 30
Financial Statements................ F-1
Subscription Agreement..... Exhibit "A"
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