<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
----------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania
-------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
6711 23-2195389
------------------------- ----------------------
(Primary SIC Code Number) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
One Penn Square
P.O. Box 4887
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604
(717) 291-2411
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address and telephone number of registrant's principal executive offices)
To Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer
Fulton Financial Corporation
One Penn Square
P.O. Box 4887
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604
---------------------------------------------------------
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Copy To: Copy To:
Paul G. Mattaini, Esquire Fredric C. Jacobs, Esquire
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC 214 Bushkill Street
126 East King Street Easton, PA 18042
Lancaster, PA 17602-2893 (610) 253-9389
(717) 299-5201
Calculation of Registration Fee
-------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title of each Amount Proposed Proposed Amount
class of to be maximum maximum of
securities registered offering aggregate registration
to be registered price per unit* offering price* fee
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock
$2.50 par value 3,097,954 $ 40.25 $124,692,648.50 $37,785.65
per share
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*Determined, in accordance with Rule 457(c) and (f), upon the basis of
the average of the bid and asked price reported on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market
as of April 21, 1998, of the shares of common stock of Ambassador Bank of the
Commonwealth to be received in exchange.
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to
the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
<PAGE>
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [_]
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
<PAGE>
, 1998
----------------
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Meeting") of Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth ("ABC") to be held on Tuesday,
June 30, 1998, at 10:30 a.m., at The Holiday Inn, Routes 22 and 512, Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania.
At the Meeting, holders of all outstanding shares of Common Stock, par value
$4.00 per share, of ABC (the "ABC Common Stock") will be asked to consider and
vote upon a proposal to approve the merger (the "Merger") of ABC and Lafayette
Bank ("LB"), a subsidiary of Fulton Financial Corporation ("FFC"), in accordance
with the terms of the Merger Agreement dated as of January 26, 1998, as amended
and restated as of April 14, 1998, between ABC, FFC and LB (the "Merger
Agreement"). Following the Merger, the resulting bank will operate as a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FFC under the name "Lafayette Ambassador Bank."
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each share of ABC Common Stock outstanding at
the effective date of the Merger will automatically be converted into the right
to receive 1.40 shares of FFC's Common Stock, and cash will be paid in lieu of
fractional shares. Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions,
including the approval of the merger by various regulatory agencies and approval
of the ABC shareholders as described below.
The Board of Directors of ABC has approved and declared the Merger advisable
and recommends that the shareholders of ABC vote in favor of the Merger
Agreement.
It is very important that your shares be represented at the Meeting,
regardless of whether you plan to attend in person. The affirmative vote of
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock will be required to
approve the Merger Agreement. Consequently, your failure to vote would have the
same effect as a vote against the Merger. You are therefore urged to execute and
return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope as soon as
possible to ensure your shares will be voted at the Meeting.
Sincerely yours,
Timothy J. McDonald,
President
<PAGE>
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
4127 Tilghman Street
Allentown, PA 18104
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be Held June 30, 1998
To the Shareholders of
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders of
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth ("ABC") will be held at The Holiday Inn,
Routes 22 and 512, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, June 30, 1998, at 10:30
a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
(1) To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the merger (the
"Merger") of ABC and Lafayette Bank ("LB"), a subsidiary of Fulton Financial
Corporation ("FFC"), in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement dated
as of January 26, 1998, as amended and restated as of April 14, 1998 (the
"Merger Agreement"), between ABC, FFC and LB (a copy of which, without exhibits
or schedules, is attached to the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus as
Exhibit A). In the Merger, each of the outstanding shares of common stock, par
value $4.00 per share of ABC ("ABC Common Stock"), will automatically be
converted into the right to receive 1.40 shares of FFC's Common Stock. Following
the Merger, LB, as the resulting bank, will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary
of FFC under the name "Lafayette Ambassador Bank". The Merger is more fully
described in the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus; and
(2) To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Special Meeting or any adjournments thereof, including, without limitation, a
motion to adjourn or postpone the Meeting to another time and place for the
purpose of soliciting additional proxies in favor of the Merger Agreement or
otherwise.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on May 15, 1998, as
the record date (the "Record Date") for the Special Meeting. Only those persons
who are record holders of ABC Common Stock at such date will be entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and any adjournment thereof. The
attached Proxy Statement/Prospectus forms a part of this Notice and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Dissenters' rights will be available to shareholders of record as of the
Record Date who vote against the Merger and continuously hold their shares
through the effective date of the Merger and otherwise comply with the
provisions of Subchapter D of Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania Business
Corporation Law of 1988, as amended, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit D to
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE OUTSTANDING
SHARES OF ABC COMMON STOCK ENTITLED TO VOTE THEREON WILL BE REQUIRED TO ADOPT
THE MERGER AGREEMENT PROVIDING FOR THE MERGER OF ABC WITH A SUBSIDIARY OF FFC.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
URGES YOU TO MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE ENCLOSED PROXY
IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. GIVING THE PROXY WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN
PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING.
By order of the Board of Directors
David M. Lobach, Jr.,
Secretary
, 1998
- ----------------
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
ONE PENN SQUARE
P.O. BOX 4887
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA 17604
(717) 291-2411
-----------------------------------
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
4127 TILGHMAN STREET
ALLENTOWN, PA 18104
(610) 366-6400
-----------------------------------
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus relates to (i) the Special Meeting of
Shareholders (the "Special Meeting") of Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
("ABC") to be held on June 30, 1998, and (ii) the issuance of up to 3,097,954
shares of the $2.50 par value common stock of Fulton Financial Corporation
("FFC") to be issued in connection with, and conditioned upon, the effectiveness
of the merger of ABC with Lafayette Bank ("LB"), a subsidiary of FFC (the
"Merger"). The Merger is described more fully in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
-----------------------------------
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and, if given or
made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been
authorized. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not constitute an offer to any
person to exchange or sell, or a solicitation from any person of an offer to
exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
or the solicitation of a proxy from any person, in any jurisdiction in which it
is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus nor any distribution of the securities to which this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus relates shall under any circumstances create any
implication that the information contained herein is correct at any time
subsequent to the date hereof.
-----------------------------------
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not cover resales of shares of FFC
Common Stock issued to affiliates of ABC in connection with the Merger described
herein. No such person is authorized to make use of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus in connection with any such resale.
-----------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-----------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES 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.
<PAGE>
-----------------------------------
The date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is , 1998.
-----------------
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
---------------------
FFC is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and in accordance therewith
FFC files periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Such periodic reports, proxy
statements and other information may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Judicial Plaza, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and also at the Regional Offices of the SEC
located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048;
Curtis Center, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 1005E, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106;
and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60661. Copies of such material may be obtained, at prescribed rates, by
delivering a request to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at Judicial
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, the SEC
maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains periodic reports, proxy
and information statements and other information regarding companies which are
subject to the reporting requirements of the 1934 Act. FFC Common Stock is
listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market and material as to FFC can also be inspected
at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
ABC is also subject to the informational requirements of the 1934 Act.
However, ABC files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Federal Reserve Board (the "FRB") as a member bank of the Federal Reserve
System. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed with the FRB
are available for inspection and copying at the Division of Banking Supervision
and Regulation, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 20th Street
and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20551.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION
SET FORTH IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE RELATED EXHIBITS THAT FFC HAS
FILED WITH THE SEC (CERTAIN PARTS OF WHICH ARE OMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SEC), AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE. THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND SUCH
REGISTRATION STATEMENT, INCLUDING EXHIBITS, CAN BE INSPECTED AND COPIED AT THE
PUBLIC REFERENCE FACILITIES MAINTAINED BY THE SEC LISTED ABOVE. THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED
HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM
WILLIAM R. COLMERY, SECRETARY, FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION, ONE PENN SQUARE,
P.0. BOX 4887, LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA 17604, TELEPHONE: (717) 291-2852. IN
ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF SUCH DOCUMENTS, ANY SUCH REQUEST SHOULD BE
MADE BY JUNE 15, 1998.
<PAGE>
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
-----------------------------------------------
The following documents and information are hereby incorporated by
reference into this Proxy Statement/Prospectus:
1. FFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997;
2. FFC's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 30, 1998 and April 6,
1998.
3. ABC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus as
Exhibit E; and
4. ABC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 3, 1998.
All documents filed by FFC and ABC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14,
or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
prior to the Special Meeting are hereby incorporated by reference into this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus and shall be deemed a part hereof from the date of
filing of each such document. Any statement contained in a document incorporated
by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document which is also incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
Page
SUMMARY................................................................... 1
- -------
The ABC Special Meeting........................................... 1
Purpose of the Meeting............................................ 1
The Parties....................................................... 1
Required Vote..................................................... 2
Terms of the Merger............................................... 3
Conversion and Exchange of Shares of ABC Common Stock............. 3
Treatment of ABC Rights........................................... 4
Reasons for the Merger............................................ 4
Opinion of ABC's Financial Advisor................................ 5
Management and Operations Following the Merger.................... 5
Effective Date.................................................... 5
Termination of the Merger Agreement............................... 6
Comparison of Shareholder Rights.................................. 6
Restrictions on Resales by Affiliates............................. 6
Federal Income Tax Consequences................................... 6
Accounting Treatment.............................................. 7
Dissenters' Rights................................................ 7
Limitations on Negotiations; Warrant Granted to FFC............... 7
Conditions and Amendments......................................... 8
Comparative Stock Prices.......................................... 8
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Combined Per Share Data......... 9
Selected Historical Financial Data................................ 13
GENERAL INFORMATION--SPECIAL MEETING OF ABC SHAREHOLDERS.................. 16
- --------------------------------------------------------
Introduction...................................................... 16
Date, Time and Place of Special Meeting........................... 16
Shareholders Entitled to Vote..................................... 16
Purpose of Meeting................................................ 16
Solicitation of Proxies........................................... 16
Quorum and Required Vote.......................................... 16
Revocation and Voting of Proxies.................................. 17
Shares Outstanding and Principal Holders Thereof.................. 17
Interests of Certain Persons in Matters To Be Acted Upon.......... 18
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of ABC................... 19
THE MERGER................................................................ 20
- ----------
General Information............................................... 20
Background of the Merger.......................................... 20
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Board of Directors.. 21
Additional Reasons for the Merger................................. 21
Opinion of Financial Advisor to Ambassador Bank of the
Commonwealth................................................. 22
Conversion and Exchange of Shares................................. 25
Treatment of ABC Rights........................................... 27
Business Pending The Effective Date............................... 27
Conditions, Amendment and Termination............................. 29
Effective Date of the Merger...................................... 30
Management and Operations Following the Merger.................... 31
Federal Income Tax Consequences................................... 32
Accounting Treatment.............................................. 33
Rights of Dissenting Shareholders................................. 33
Restrictions on Resale of FFC Common Stock Held By Affiliates of
ABC.......................................................... 36
Warrant Agreement................................................. 36
i
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
- --------------------------------------
AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS....................................... 39
-------------------------------
Common Stock of FFC............................................... 39
Common Stock of ABC............................................... 39
INFORMATION CONCERNING FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
- ---------------------------------------------------
AND DESCRIPTION OF FFC COMMON STOCK................................... 41
-----------------------------------
General........................................................... 41
Computer System Adaptation for Year 2000.......................... 42
Loan Policies and Portfolio Quality............................... 43
Legal Proceedings................................................. 43
General Description of FFC Common Stock........................... 43
Dividends......................................................... 44
Dividend Reinvestment Plan........................................ 45
Securities Laws................................................... 45
Antitakeover Provisions........................................... 45
Indemnification................................................... 47
Comparison of Shareholder Rights.................................. 47
INFORMATION CONCERNING AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH................ 50
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Description of Business and Property.............................. 50
Information About Directors and Executive Officers................ 50
EXPERTS................................................................... 52
- -------
LEGAL MATTERS............................................................. 52
- -------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.................................................... 52
- ----------------------
OTHER MATTERS............................................................. 52
- -------------
EXHIBITS
- --------
Exhibit A - Merger Agreement ..................................... A-1
Exhibit B - Opinion of Danielson Associates Inc................... B-1
Exhibit C - Warrant Agreement and Warrant ........................ C-1
Exhibit D - Statute Relating to Dissenters' Rights................ D-1
Exhibit E - Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 .... E-1
ii
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
-------
The following is a summary of certain information set forth in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus regarding the Merger between ABC and a subsidiary of FFC.
This summary is provided for convenience only and does not set forth completely
all material features of the Merger. This summary should be read in conjunction
with and is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information which is
set forth elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the attached Exhibits
or which is incorporated herein by reference.
The ABC Special Meeting
-----------------------
A Special Meeting of the shareholders of ABC will be held on Tuesday, June
30, 1998, at 10:30 a.m., local time, at The Holiday Inn, Routes 22 and 512,
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Only those shareholders of record at the close of
business on May 15, 1998, will be entitled to receive notice of and to vote at
the meeting. As of the record date, there were outstanding 1,920,603 shares of
the common stock, par value $4.00 per share, of ABC ("ABC Common Stock"), each
of which is entitled to one vote. See GENERAL INFORMATION--SPECIAL MEETING OF
ABC SHAREHOLDERS.
Purpose of the Meeting
----------------------
The shareholders of ABC will be asked at the Special Meeting to consider
and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, dated as of
January 26, 1998, as amended and restated as of April 14, 1998, (the "Merger
Agreement") between FFC, LB and ABC, under the terms of which (i) ABC will be
merged with and into Lafayette Bank ("LB"), a subsidiary of FFC, (ii) LB will
survive the Merger and operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFC after the
Merger under the name "Lafayette Ambassador Bank" (all references to ABC or LB
in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement with respect to matters after the Merger
shall be deemed to refer to such resulting bank), and (iii) each of the
outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock, par value $4.00 per share, will be
converted into 1.40 (the "Conversion Ratio") shares of the common stock of FFC,
par value $2.50 per share ("FFC Common Stock"). Following the Merger, Lafayette
Ambassador Bank ("LAB") will file an application to become a member of the
Federal Reserve System. ABC's shareholders will receive cash in lieu of
fractional shares of FFC Common Stock. The Conversion Ratio and all pro forma
and FFC historical per share information herein have been adjusted to reflect a
five-for-four stock split in the form of a stock dividend declared by FFC on
April 14, 1998, payable on May 27, 1998, to shareholders of record on May 6,
1998. On March 27, 1998, FFC completed the previously announced acquisition of
Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. ("KHG"). The transaction was accounted for as a
pooling of interests. All of the financial information contained herein has been
restated to reflect the financial condition and results of operations of KHG.
See THE MERGER. The Merger Agreement without exhibits or schedules, is attached
as Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
The Parties
-----------
Fulton Financial Corporation: Fulton Financial Corporation is a
----------------------------
Pennsylvania business corporation and a registered bank holding company that
maintains its headquarters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As a bank holding
company, FFC engages in a general commercial and retail banking and trust
business, and also in related financial businesses, through its fifteen
directly-held bank and nonbank subsidiaries. FFC's bank subsidiaries currently
operate one hundred banking offices in Pennsylvania,
1
<PAGE>
seventeen banking offices in Maryland, seven banking offices in Delaware, and
fifteen banking offices in New Jersey. As of December 31, 1997, FFC had
consolidated total assets of approximately $5.1 billion.
The principal assets of FFC are the following eleven wholly-owned bank
subsidiaries, each of which is a bank whose deposits are insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"): (i) Fulton Bank, a Pennsylvania bank and
trust company which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, (ii) Lebanon
Valley Farmers Bank, a Pennsylvania bank and trust company which is a member of
the Federal Reserve System, (iii) Swineford National Bank, a national banking
association which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, (iv) Lafayette
Bank, a Pennsylvania bank and trust company which is not a member of the Federal
Reserve System, (v) FNB Bank, National Association, a national banking
association which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, (vi) Great Valley
Savings Bank, a Pennsylvania stock savings bank which is not a member of the
Federal Reserve System, (vii) Hagerstown Trust Company, a Maryland trust company
which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, (viii) Delaware National
Bank, a national banking association which is a member of the Federal Reserve
System, (ix) The Bank of Gloucester County, a New Jersey bank which is not a
member of the Federal Reserve System, (x) The Woodstown National Bank & Trust
Company, a national banking association which is a member of the Federal Reserve
System, and (xi) The Peoples Bank of Elkton, a Maryland bank which is not a
member of the Federal Reserve System. In addition, FFC has four wholly-owned
nonbank direct subsidiaries: (1) Fulton Financial Realty Company, which holds
title to or leases certain properties on which Fulton Bank and Lebanon Valley
Farmers Bank maintain branch offices or other facilities, (2) Fulton Life
Insurance Company, which engages in the business of reinsuring credit life,
accident and health insurance that is directly related to extensions of credit
by FFC's bank subsidiaries, (3) Central Pennsylvania Financial Corp., which owns
certain non-banking subsidiaries holding interests in real estate and certain
limited partnership interests in partnerships invested in low and moderate
income housing projects and (4) FFC Management, Inc., which owns certain
securities.
The principal executive offices of FFC are located at One Penn Square,
P.O. Box 4887, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604, and FFC's telephone number is
(717) 291-2411.
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth: Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
-----------------------------------
("ABC") is a Pennsylvania bank and trust company that maintains its headquarters
in Allentown, Pennsylvania. ABC operates eight banking offices in Lehigh and
Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania. ABC is an FDIC-insured bank and is a member
of the Federal Reserve System. As of December 31, 1997, ABC had total assets of
approximately $278 million, and held total deposits of approximately $241
million.
The principal executive offices of ABC are located at 4127 Tilghman
Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and ABC's telephone number is (610) 366-6400.
Required Vote
-------------
The affirmative vote of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the
issued and outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock given at a duly convened
meeting of the shareholders of ABC is required in order to approve the Merger
Agreement. As of April 15, 1998, the directors and executive officers of ABC and
their affiliates owned beneficially approximately 369,000 of the outstanding
shares (19%) of ABC Common Stock. As of the same date, Keystone Financial, Inc.
owned 299,975 of the outstanding shares
2
<PAGE>
(15.6%) of ABC Common Stock. It is anticipated that the executive officers
and directors of ABC will vote (in their respective capacities as shareholders
of ABC) their shares of ABC Common Stock in favor of the proposal to adopt the
Merger Agreement. It is also anticipated that Keystone Financial, Inc. will vote
(in its capacity as a shareholder of ABC) its shares of ABC Common Stock in
favor of the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement. As of April 15, 1998, the
directors and executive officers of FFC and their affiliates did not own any
shares of ABC Common Stock. See GENERAL INFORMATION--SPECIAL MEETING OF ABC
SHAREHOLDERS--Shares Outstanding and Principal Holders Thereof; and INFORMATION
CONCERNING AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
Terms of the Merger
-------------------
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement: (i) ABC will be merged with and
into LB, (ii) LB will survive the merger and operate as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FFC after the Merger under the name "Lafayette Ambassador Bank,"
and (iii) each of the outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock will be converted
into 1.40 shares of FFC Common Stock. ABC's shareholders will receive cash in
lieu of fractional shares of FFC Common Stock. See THE MERGER.
Conversion and Exchange of Shares of ABC
----------------------------------------
On the effective date of the Merger (the "Effective Date"), which is
expected to occur during the third quarter of 1998, each share of ABC Common
Stock then issued and outstanding will be converted into the right to receive
1.40 shares of FFC Common Stock.
The Conversion Ratio and all pro forma and FFC historical per share
information herein have been adjusted to reflect a five-for-four stock split in
the form of a stock dividend declared by FFC on April 14, 1998, payable on May
27, 1998, to shareholders of record on May 6, 1998. The Conversion Ratio is
subject to further adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend or
similar transaction involving FFC Common Stock prior to the Effective Date. No
fractional shares of FFC Common Stock will be issued in connection with the
Merger. In lieu of the issuance of any fractional share to which any former ABC
shareholder would otherwise be entitled, each such former shareholder of ABC
will receive in cash an amount equal to the fair market value of his or her
fractional interest, which shall be determined by multiplying such fraction by
the Closing Market Price. The Closing Market Price is defined in the Merger
Agreement as the average of the per share closing bid prices for FFC Common
Stock, rounded up to the nearest $.125, for the ten (10) trading days
immediately preceding the date which is two (2) business days before the
Effective Date of the Merger, as reported on the National Market System of the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (NASDAQ).
See THE MERGER.
Each former shareholder of ABC will be required to surrender to FFC the
certificates representing ABC Common Stock held by him or her in accordance with
the instructions which will be sent to him or her immediately following the
Effective Date. Upon proper surrender of his or her ABC Common Stock
certificates, each such former shareholder of ABC will be issued promptly a
stock certificate representing the whole number of shares of FFC Common Stock
into which such shareholder's shares of ABC Common Stock shall have been
converted, together with a check in the amount of any cash, without interest, to
which he or she is entitled in lieu of the issuance of a fractional share. FFC
may withhold dividends payable after the Effective Date to any former
shareholder of ABC who has received written instructions from FFC but has not at
that time surrendered his or
3
<PAGE>
her ABC Common Stock certificates. Any dividends so withheld will be paid,
without interest, to any such former shareholder of ABC upon the proper
surrender of his or her ABC Common Stock certificates. See THE MERGER--
Conversion and Exchange of Shares, and the Merger Agreement attached as Exhibit
A to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES
AT THIS TIME.
Treatment of ABC Rights
-----------------------
Each holder of an option or warrant (collectively "ABC Rights") to
purchase shares of ABC Common Stock that (i) is outstanding on the Effective
Date, and (ii) would otherwise survive the Effective Date, shall be entitled to
receive, in cancellation of such ABC Right, shares of FFC Common Stock. The
number of shares of FFC Common Stock (provided that any fractional share of FFC
Common Stock shall be rounded to the nearest whole share) which may be acquired
in cancellation of an ABC Right shall be equal to the difference between (i) the
number of shares of ABC Common Stock covered by such ABC Right multiplied by the
Conversion Ratio and (ii) the aggregate exercise price of such ABC Right divided
by $24.80, the closing bid price of FFC Common Stock on the business day
immediately preceding the public announcement of the Merger (the
"Pre-Announcement Price").
Reasons for the Merger
----------------------
The Boards of Directors of FFC and ABC have determined that the Merger is
in the best interests of both organizations. In the case of FFC, the acquisition
of ABC will enable FFC to expand its operations in the Lehigh Valley of
Pennsylvania. ABC's market area is a natural expansion of the market of LB, an
existing FFC subsidiary.
ABC's Board of Directors has concluded that, in the rapidly changing and
increasingly competitive market for financial services, it can compete more
effectively as part of a larger banking organization with more resources and a
wider range of products and services than those which ABC currently offers.
Through the Merger, ABC believes it can expand its resources and its range of
products and services on an accelerated timetable as compared to reliance solely
on internal growth. In general, ABC is entering into the Merger because it
believes it can better maximize its shareholders' return through an affiliation
with a larger, more diversified financial institution. ABC's Board of Directors
believes that FFC's greater resources will enable ABC to offer expanded services
to its customers and the communities it serves.
In addition, the Merger with FFC will increase the liquidity of the stock
held by ABC's shareholders by exchanging it for stock in a larger banking
organization that is listed on the NASDAQ National Market System. ABC's
shareholders will have the opportunity to receive dividend income from the
shares of FFC Common Stock that they receive as a result of the Merger.
In considering the Merger, ABC's Board of Directors considered, among
other things, the financial terms of the Merger, the structure of the
transaction, the historic and financial performance of FFC, and the opinion of
its financial advisors as to the fairness of the transaction, from a financial
point of view, to ABC shareholders.
4
<PAGE>
See THE MERGER--Background of the Merger; Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendations of the ABC Board; and Additional Reasons for the Merger.
Opinion of ABC's Financial Advisor
----------------------------------
ABC engaged Danielson Associates Inc. ("Danielson Associates") to act as
its financial advisor for the purpose of evaluating the financial terms of the
Merger. Danielson Associates has delivered to ABC's Board of Directors an
opinion stating as of the date of the opinion, the financial terms of the Merger
are fair to the shareholders of ABC from a financial point of view. A copy of
Danielson Associates' opinion is attached to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus as
Exhibit B and should be read in its entirety with respect to the assumptions
made and the other matters considered by Danielson Associates in rendering its
opinion. See THE MERGER--Opinion of Financial Advisor.
Management and Operations Following the Merger
----------------------------------------------
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, ABC will merge with and into LB,
LB will survive the Merger and operate as a wholly-owned banking subsidiary of
FFC under the name "Lafayette Ambassador Bank," ("LAB") and LAB will file an
application to become a member of the Federal Reserve System. See THE MERGER --
Management and Operations following the Merger. Following the Merger, the Board
of Directors of FFC will consist of (i) the same persons who are members of the
Board of Directors of FFC immediately before the Merger, each of whom will serve
until his or her successor is elected and has qualified, and (ii) one of ABC's
current directors (designated, subject to the reasonable approval of FFC, by
vote of ABC's Board of Directors prior to the Effective Date) who will be
appointed to FFC's Board of Directors following the Merger. It is currently
anticipated that ABC's initial designee to FFC's Board of Directors will be
Martin D. Cohen.
For a period from the Effective Date through a date determined by FFC (not
to be before three years after the Effective Date), FFC shall offer appointments
to all present directors of ABC to the board of directors of LAB who indicate
their desire to serve. In addition, the present directors of ABC shall appoint
an additional person to the board of directors of ABC to fill a current vacancy
due to the resignation of one member of the board, and such person shall be
offered appointment to the board of directors of LAB by FFC. On the Effective
Date, Timothy J. McDonald and David M. Lobach, Jr. shall be appointed president
and chief operating officer and an executive vice president, respectively, of
LAB. Mr. McDonald is to become chief executive officer of LAB no later than
December 31, 1998. See THE MERGER--Management and Operations Following the
Merger.
Effective Date
--------------
The Merger will become effective on the date of filing of the Articles of
Merger with the Pennsylvania Department of State, or on such later date
specified in the Articles of Merger, and will occur as soon as reasonably
practicable after all applicable conditions to the consummation of the Merger
have been met or waived. FFC and ABC presently intend to consummate the Merger
during the third quarter of 1998, assuming that ABC's shareholders adopt the
Merger Agreement, all required regulatory approvals are obtained, all applicable
waiting periods have expired, and all other conditions have been met or waived
as of the closing of the Merger. See THE MERGER--Effective Date.
5
<PAGE>
Termination of the Merger Agreement
-----------------------------------
Either FFC or ABC may terminate the Merger Agreement and cancel the Merger
if (i) the other party has committed a material breach of any representation,
warranty or covenant contained in the Merger Agreement which breach results in a
material and adverse change as to the other party and has not cured such breach
within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof, or (ii) all
applicable conditions have not been satisfied by January 31, 1999. ABC may
terminate the Merger Agreement if the Closing Market Price of FFC Common Stock
does not satisfy the "Market Test" set forth in the Merger Agreement. FFC and
ABC may also terminate the Merger Agreement and cancel the Merger by mutual
consent in writing. See THE MERGER--Conditions, Amendment and Termination.
Comparison of Shareholder Rights
--------------------------------
Upon consummation of the Merger, the shareholders of ABC will become
shareholders of FFC. There are differences between the rights of holders of ABC
Common Stock and FFC Common Stock. These differences arise from (i) differences
between the respective laws applicable to ABC and FFC, and (ii) differences
between the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of ABC and the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of FFC. The material differences between ABC Common
Stock and FFC Common Stock include the following: (i) FFC has adopted a
Shareholder Rights Plan, which provides FFC's shareholders with certain
stock-related rights in the event of a hostile takeover, but may also have the
effect of discouraging such a takeover, while ABC has not adopted any such plan;
(ii) FFC Common Stock is registered under the 1934 Act and is traded on the
NASDAQ National Market, while ABC Common Stock is registered under the 1934 Act,
but files its reports with the Federal Reserve Board, and is traded in the
NASDAQ Small Cap Market; (iii) shareholders of FFC are not entitled to
dissenters' rights in the event of a business combination, while the
shareholders of ABC are entitled to such rights; and (iv) the Articles of
Incorporation of FFC provide for substantial amounts of authorized but unissued
capital stock, including a class of preferred stock whose rights and privileges
may be determined prior to issuance by FFC's Board of Directors, while ABC's
authorized capital stock only includes common stock. See INFORMATION CONCERNING
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND DESCRIPTION OF FFC COMMON STOCK--Antitakeover
Provisions; Comparison of Shareholder Rights.
Restrictions on Resales by Affiliates
-------------------------------------
The resale of shares of FFC Common Stock received in connection with the
Merger by persons who are executive officers, directors or ten percent
shareholders of ABC will be subject to certain restrictions. See THE
MERGER--Restrictions on Resale of FFC Common Stock Held by Affiliates of ABC.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
-------------------------------
The Merger is structured to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under
Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Accordingly, no
taxable gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of ABC upon their
receipt of FFC Common Stock in exchange for ABC Common Stock, except to the
extent that any shareholders of ABC receive cash in lieu of the issuance of
fractional shares of FFC Common Stock or elect to exercise dissenters' rights.
An opinion has been provided by Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC, counsel for
FFC, confirming these and certain other federal
6
<PAGE>
income tax consequences of the Merger. However, each shareholder of ABC is urged
to consult his or her own tax advisor concerning the particular tax consequences
of the Merger as they affect his or her individual circumstances. See THE
MERGER--Federal Income Tax Consequences.
Accounting Treatment
--------------------
Consummation of the Merger is subject to the condition that the Merger can
be treated as a pooling-of-interests for financial accounting purposes. FFC
currently intends to exercise its right to cancel the Merger if such condition
could not be satisfied. Neither FFC nor ABC is presently aware of any reason why
the Merger would not qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment. See
THE MERGER--Accounting Treatment.
Dissenters' Rights
------------------
Pursuant to Sections 1222 and 1607 of the Pennsylvania Banking Code, the
shareholders of ABC are entitled to exercise dissenters' rights, assuming the
Merger is consummated, in accordance with the provisions of Subchapter D of
Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. FFC
has the right to terminate the Merger Agreement if ABC shareholders exercise
dissenters' rights with respect to 10% or more of the ABC Common Stock.
Additionally, the exercise of such rights by holders of an aggregate of 10% or
more of the ABC Common Stock could affect the ability of FFC to use
"pooling-of-interests" accounting treatment. See THE MERGER--Rights of
Dissenting Shareholders and Exhibit D - Statute Relating to Dissenters' Rights.
Limitations on Negotiations; Warrant Granted to FFC
---------------------------------------------------
The Merger Agreement provides that ABC shall not, nor shall it permit any
officer, director, employee, agent, consultant or other representative to: (a)
solicit, initiate or encourage any proposal for a merger with or other
acquisition of ABC, or any material portion of its assets or properties, with or
by any person other than FFC; or (b) cooperate with, or furnish any non-public
information concerning ABC to, any person in connection with such a proposal (an
"Acquisition Proposal"); provided, however, that the ABC Board of Directors
shall be free to take such action as the Board of Directors determines, in good
faith and after consultation with outside counsel, is not legally inconsistent
with its fiduciary duty. ABC will notify FFC immediately if any discussions or
negotiations are sought to be initiated, any inquiry or proposal is made, or any
such information is requested, with respect to an Acquisition Proposal or
potential Acquisition Proposal or if any Acquisition Proposal is received or
indicated to be forthcoming.
ABC and FFC entered into a Warrant Agreement (the "Warrant Agreement"), a
copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit C. Pursuant to the Warrant
Agreement, ABC has issued to FFC a warrant (the "Warrant") to purchase an
aggregate of up to 475,000 fully paid and non-assessable shares of ABC Common
Stock, representing approximately 19.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of
the ABC Common Stock, at a price per share equal to $26.75, subject to
adjustment as provided for in the Warrant Agreement and the Warrant. The Warrant
is exercisable only upon the occurrence of specified events relating generally
to the support by ABC of a proposal to acquire ABC by a party other than FFC, an
acquisition by a third party or group of 25% or more of the outstanding shares
of ABC Common Stock, or the failure of ABC's shareholders to approve the Merger
following the
7
<PAGE>
announcement by any party other than FFC of an offer or proposal to acquire
25% or more of the outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock and, within 12 months
from the date of such meeting, ABC engages in or enters into an agreement with
respect to an Acquisition Transaction (as such term is defined in the Warrant
Agreement). To the knowledge of ABC, no event giving rise to the right to
exercise the Warrant has occurred as of the date of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. The execution of the Warrant Agreement was required by FFC
as a condition to its execution of the Merger Agreement, and the effect of the
Warrant Agreement is to increase the likelihood that the Merger will occur by
making it more difficult and expensive for another party to acquire ABC. See THE
MERGER--Warrant Agreement.
The foregoing provisions may have the effect of discouraging competing
offers to acquire or merge with ABC.
Conditions and Amendments
-------------------------
Consummation of the Merger is subject to various conditions and
contingencies, including, among others, approval by the shareholders of ABC,
approval by the Federal Reserve Board, approval by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, and the absence
of an injunction issued by a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining the
performance by FFC or ABC of any of their obligations under the Merger
Agreement.
To the extent permitted by law, the Merger Agreement may be amended at any
time before the Effective Date by a written instrument duly authorized, executed
and delivered by FFC and ABC; provided, however, that any amendment to the
Conversion Ratio shall not take effect until such amendment has been approved,
adopted or ratified by the shareholders of ABC in accordance with applicable law
(other than pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement in the event of a
stock dividend or similar transaction by FFC), and LB shall be permitted to join
as a party to the Merger Agreement without execution of such joinder by FFC or
ABC. See THE MERGER--Conditions, Amendment and Termination.
Comparative Stock Prices
------------------------
On January 23, 1998, the last trading day before public announcement of
the Merger Agreement, the per share closing bid price for FFC Common Stock was
$24.80 as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System ("NASDAQ"). Based on
such closing bid price for such date and the Conversion Ratio of 1.40 shares of
FFC Common Stock for each share of ABC Common Stock, the pro forma value of the
shares of FFC Common Stock to be received in exchange for each share of ABC
Common Stock was $34.72.
ABC Common Stock trades in the NASDAQ Small Cap Market. On January 23,
1998, the last trading day before public announcement of the Merger Agreement,
the closing bid price for ABC Common Stock was $26.375.
The foregoing historical and pro forma equivalent per share market
information is summarized in the following table:
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
Historical Equivalent
Price Per Share/1/ Price Per Share/2/
----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
FFC Common Stock
- ----------------
01/23/98 Bid Price 24.80 --
01/23/98 Asked Price 25.20 --
ABC Common Stock
- ----------------
01/23/98 Bid Price 26.38 34.72
01/23/98 Asked Price 27.75 35.28
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------
/1/ The per share information has been adjusted to reflect a five-for-four
stock split in the form of a stock dividend declared by FFC on April 14,
1998, payable on May 27, 1998, to shareholders of record on May 6, 1998.
/2/ Based upon the product of the Conversion Ratio (1.40) and the closing
price of FFC Common Stock on January 23, 1998.
The closing bid and asked quotations on NASDAQ for FFC Common Stock on
_____________, 1998, were $______ and $_______, respectively, per share.
Based on such closing bid price for such date and the Conversion Ratio of 1.40
shares of FFC Common Stock for each share of ABC Common Stock, the pro forma
value of the shares of FFC Common Stock to be received in exchange for each
share of ABC Common Stock was $_______. More detailed information concerning
comparative stock prices is set forth elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. See COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS AND RELATED
SHAREHOLDER MATTERS.
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Combined Per Share Data
---------------------------------------------------------
The following tables set forth, at the dates and for the periods
indicated, financial information relating to FFC Common Stock and ABC Common
Stock on a per share historical and pro forma combined basis. The pro forma and
equivalent per share information is presented on the basis of an exchange ratio
of 1.40 shares of FFC Common Stock for each share of ABC Common Stock. The
Conversion Ratio and all pro forma and FFC historical per share information
herein have been adjusted to reflect a five-for-four stock split in the form of
a stock dividend declared by FFC on April 14, 1998, payable on May 27, 1998, to
shareholders of record on May 6, 1998. On March 27, 1998, FFC completed the
previously announced acquisition of Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. ("KHG"). The
transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests. All of the financial
information contained herein has been restated to reflect the financial
condition and results of operations of KHG.
The information set forth in the tables below should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements of FFC and ABC, including the notes
thereto, which are incorporated herein by reference. See INCORPORATION OF
CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE. Pro forma financial
9
<PAGE>
information for FFC giving effect to the proposed acquisition of ABC is not
presented in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus due to the fact that ABC would not
qualify as a "significant subsidiary" of FFC under the accounting rules of the
SEC.
10
<PAGE>
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Combined
Per Share Data (A)
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION (FFC)
- ----------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Combined
Per Share Data (A)
FOR THE YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------------------------------
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION (FFC) 1997 1996 1995
- ---------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Historical Per Common Share:
Average Shares Outstanding 59,793,264 59,553,563 59,505,287
Book Value $9.08 $8.08 $7.49
Cash Dividends $0.520 $0.460 $0.389
Net Income (Basic) $1.25 $1.08 $1.00
Net Income (Diluted) $1.24 $1.08 $0.99
FFC, ABC Combined Pro Forma Per
Common Share:
Average Shares Outstanding 62,037,626 61,658,830 61,608,595
Book Value $9.03 $8.03 $7.45
Cash Dividends $0.520 $0.460 $0.389
Net Income (Basic) $1.23 $1.07 $0.98
Net Income (Diluted) $1.22 $1.06 $0.97
</TABLE>
(A) The above combined pro forma per-share equivalent information is
based on average shares outstanding during the period except for the
book value per share which is based on period end shares outstanding.
The number of shares in each case has been adjusted for stock
dividends and stock splits by each institution through the periods,
including the five-for-four stock split in the form of a stock
dividend of FFC declared April 14, 1998, payable May 27, 1998, to
shareholders of record on May 6, 1998.
11
<PAGE>
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Combined Per Share Data (A)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31
--------------------------------------------------------
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH (ABC) 1997 1996 1995
- ----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Historical Per Common Share:
Average Shares Outstanding 1,603,413 1,503,762 1,502,363
Book Value $11.03 $9.51 $8.84
Cash Dividends $0.000 $0.000 $0.000
Net Income (Basic) $1.21 $0.96 $0.55
Net Income (Diluted) $1.08 $0.86 $0.50
ABC, FFC Combined Pro Forma Per
Common Share:
Book Value $12.64 $11.25 $10.43
Cash Dividends $0.73 $0.64 $0.54
Net Income (Basic) $1.72 $1.50 $1.37
Net Income (Diluted) $1.70 $1.48 $1.35
</TABLE>
(A) The above combined pro forma per-share equivalent information is based on
average shares outstanding during the period except for the book value per
share which is based on period end shares outstanding. The number of shares
in each case has been adjusted for stock dividends and stock splits by each
institution through the periods.
12
<PAGE>
Selected Historical Financial Data
----------------------------------
The following tables present selected unaudited historical financial
data for FFC and ABC. The following information should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements of FFC and ABC, including the notes thereto, which
are incorporated herein by reference. See INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY
REFERENCE.
13
<PAGE>
Fulton Financial Corporation
Selected Historical Financial Data
(In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of or for the Year Ended December 31
-------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
-------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Summary of Operations
---------------------
Net interest income $209,913 $195,152 $181,177 $168,148 $154,902
Provision for loan losses 7,742 5,561 3,998 3,374 8,711
-------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision
for loan losses 202,171 189,591 177,179 164,774 146,191
Other operating income 47,823 40,914 37,102 32,837 36,592
Other operating expense 142,652 138,695 131,267 123,249 119,314
Income tax expense 32,873 27,343 23,745 21,030 16,425
-------------------------------------------------------
Income before cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principles 74,469 64,467 59,269 53,332 47,044
Cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principles -- -- -- -- (3,657)
-------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $74,469 $64,467 $59,269 $53,332 $43,387
=======================================================
Average Balance Sheet Totals
----------------------------
Total assets $4,879,072 $4,540,865 $4,262,930$3,920,761$3,701,022
Investment securities and
money market investments 928,480 943,865 958,311 998,335 1,006,998
Loans and leases
(net of unearned income) 3,611,137 3,263,188 2,994,359 2,627,081 2,418,886
Total deposits 4,028,115 3,774,192 3,580,543 3,285,458 3,196,427
Long-term debt and lease obligations 61,303 40,170 46,279 31,009 23,312
Shareholders' equity 506,907 461,810 421,688 387,222 351,516
Actual Balance at Period End
----------------------------
Total assets $5,110,348 $4,727,630 $4,429,674$4,193,647$3,772,776
Long-term debt and lease obligations 50,045 57,998 51,698 40,209 26,376
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
Selected Historical Financial Data
(In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of or for the Year Ended December 31
---------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Summary of Operations
- ---------------------
Net interest income $9,146 $7,047 $5,277 $4,339 $2,979
Provision for loan losses 675 390 359 395 378
---------------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision
for loan losses 8,471 6,657 4,918 3,944 2,601
Other operating income 1,085 739 571 355 235
Other operating expense 7,045 5,479 4,407 3,763 2,349
Income tax expense 574 472 253 150 ---
---------------------------------------------------
Net Income $1,937 $1,445 $829 $386 $487
===================================================
Average Balance Sheet Totals
- ----------------------------
Total assets $239,075 $185,134 $145,328 $108,737 $76,241
Investment securities and
money market investments 64,868 54,455 48,984 36,550 23,442
Loans and leases
(net of unearned income) 155,371 118,411 84,078 64,315 46,983
Total deposits 207,086 159,836 126,109 89,900 60,442
Long-term debt and lease obligations 4,821 5,230 3,243 1,548 1,403
Shareholders' equity 16,328 13,433 12,369 11,686 11,231
Actual Balance at Period End
- ----------------------------
Total assets $277,907 $209,502 $165,678 $122,392 $93,495
Long-term debt and other borrowed funds 3,000 9,500 5,000 8,000 2,000
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
GENERAL INFORMATION--SPECIAL MEETING OF ABC SHAREHOLDERS
--------------------------------------------------------
Introduction
- ------------
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the holders of ABC
Common Stock in connection with the solicitation by ABC's Board of Directors of
proxies to be voted at the Special Meeting to be held on June 30, 1998. The
purpose of the meeting is to consider and vote upon a proposal adopted by the
Board of Directors of ABC to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement between FFC,
LB and ABC, the terms of which are described herein.
All information set forth in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus which
relates to FFC has been provided or verified by FFC, and all information which
relates to ABC has been provided or verified by ABC.
Date, Time and Place of Special Meeting
- ---------------------------------------
The Special Meeting of the shareholders of ABC will be held on Tuesday,
June 30, 1998, at 10:30 a.m., local time, at The Holiday Inn, Routes 22 and 512,
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Shareholders Entitled to Vote
- -----------------------------
The Board of Directors of ABC has fixed the close of business on May 15,
1998, as the record date (the "Record Date") for the determination of holders of
ABC Common Stock entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Special
Meeting.
Purpose of Meeting
- ------------------
The shareholders of ABC will be asked at the Special Meeting to consider
and vote upon: (i) a proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, and
(ii) such other matters as may properly be brought before the meeting and any
adjournments thereof, including without limitation, a motion to adjourn or
postpone the Special Meeting to another time and place for the purpose of
soliciting proxies in favor of the Merger Agreement or otherwise.
Solicitation of Proxies
- -----------------------
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies, in the accompanying form, by the Board of Directors of
ABC for use at the Special Meeting and at any adjournments thereof. The expenses
to be incurred in soliciting proxies will be borne by ABC. In addition to the
use of the mails, the directors, officers and employees of ABC may, without
additional compensation, solicit proxies personally or by telephone or telegram.
Quorum and Required Vote
- ------------------------
Each share of ABC Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters
submitted to a vote of the shareholders. The holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock, present either in person or by proxy,
will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Special Meeting.
The inspectors of election will treat shares of ABC Common Stock represented by
a properly signed and returned proxy as present at the Special Meeting for
purposes of determining a quorum, without regard to whether the proxy is marked
as casting a vote or abstaining. Likewise, the inspectors of
16
<PAGE>
election will treat shares of ABC Common Stock represented by "broker non-votes"
(i.e., shares of ABC Common Stock held in record name by brokers or nominees as
to which (i) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or
persons entitled to vote, (ii) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary
voting power under applicable rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. or the instrument under which it serves in such capacity, and
(iii) over which the record holder has indicated on the proxy card or otherwise
notified ABC that it does not have authority to vote such shares on that matter)
as present for purposes of determining a quorum.
The affirmative vote of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the
issued and outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock at the Special Meeting is
required in order to approve the Merger Agreement. Abstentions and broker
non-votes will be counted as shares of ABC Common Stock that are outstanding,
but will not be counted as votes in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement.
Consequently, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a
vote against adoption of the Merger Agreement.
Revocation and Voting of Proxies
- --------------------------------
The execution and return of the enclosed proxy form will not affect a
shareholder's right to attend the Special Meeting and to vote in person. Any
proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked at any time before the
proxy is voted at the Special Meeting, by (i) delivering notice of revocation or
a later-dated proxy to Timothy J. McDonald, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth, 4127 Tilghman Street, Allentown,
Pennsylvania 18104, or (ii) appearing at the meeting and notifying the person in
charge thereof that the shareholder wishes to vote his or her shares of ABC
Common Stock in person. Unless revoked, any proxy given pursuant to this
solicitation will be voted at the Special Meeting in accordance with the
instructions thereon of the shareholder giving the proxy. In the absence of
instructions, all proxies will be voted FOR the proposal to approve the Merger
Agreement between ABC and FFC. Although the Board of Directors knows of no other
business to be presented at the Special Meeting, in the event that any other
matters are properly brought before the meeting and in the absence of
instructions to the contrary, any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation will
be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the management of ABC.
Shares Outstanding and Principal Holders Thereof
- ------------------------------------------------
As of the close of business on the Record Date, ABC had outstanding
1,920,603 shares of ABC Common Stock, which shares were held by 1,000 holders of
record. ABC has no other stock issued or outstanding. There are 475,000 shares
of ABC Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Warrant. In
addition, there are 418,169 shares of ABC Common Stock reserved for issuance
upon exercise of the ABC Rights.
As of the Record Date, the directors and executive officers of ABC and
their affiliates owned beneficially approximately 369,000 shares of ABC Common
Stock (representing approximately nineteen percent of such shares issued and
outstanding). The executive officers and each of the directors intend to vote
their shares in favor of the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement. As of the
Record Date, Keystone Financial, Inc. owned 299,975 shares of ABC Common Stock,
representing approximately 15.6% of such shares issued and outstanding. It is
anticipated that Keystone Financial, Inc. will vote its share in favor of the
proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
17
<PAGE>
To the knowledge of ABC's management, as of the Record Date, the
following persons owned of record or beneficially more than five percent of the
outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
Name & Address Number of Shares Percent
of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Owned of Class
------------------- ------------------ --------
<S> <C> <C>
Keystone Financial, Inc. 299,975 15.6
================================================================================
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interests of Certain Persons in Matters To Be Acted Upon
- --------------------------------------------------------
Except as described in this section, the directors and executive
officers of ABC have no substantial interest in the Merger, other than in their
capacity as shareholders of ABC. As shareholders, the directors and executive
officers of ABC will be entitled to receive FFC Common Stock in exchange for
their ABC Common Stock in the same proportion and on the same terms and
conditions as all other shareholders of ABC.
For a period from the Effective Date through a date determined by FFC
(not to be before three years after the Effective Date) FFC has agreed to offer
appointment to all the present directors of ABC to the board of directors of LAB
who indicate their desire to serve (the "ABC Continuing Directors"); provided
that (i) each non-employee ABC Continuing Director shall receive director's fees
from LAB in the form of an annual retainer of $8,800, and (ii) ABC Continuing
Directors who are age 70 or older on the Effective Date, or who subsequently
attain age 70 within three years of the Effective Date, shall be limited to a
maximum of three successive one-year terms. The present directors of ABC will
also appoint an additional person to the board of directors of ABC to fill a
current vacancy due to the resignation of one member of the board, and such
person shall be offered appointment to the board of directors of LAB by FFC.
FFC has agreed, following the Merger, to cause LAB to (i) use its best
efforts to retain each present full-time employee of ABC at such employee's
current position (or, if offered to, and accepted by, an employee, a position
for which the employee is qualified with FFC or an FFC subsidiary bank at a
salary commensurate with the position), (ii) pay compensation to each person who
was employed as of the Effective Date and who continues to be employed by ABC on
and after the Effective Date, that is at least equal to the aggregate
compensation that such person was receiving from ABC prior to the Effective Date
(unless there is a material change in the duties and responsibilities of such
employee), and (iii) provide employee benefits to each such person who is an
employee, on and after the Effective Date, that are substantially equivalent in
the aggregate to the employee benefits that such person was receiving as an
employee from ABC prior to the Effective Date and that are no less favorable
than employee benefits afforded to similarly situated employees of FFC and its
subsidiaries.
On the Effective Date, Timothy J. McDonald and David M. Lobach, Jr.
shall be appointed president and chief operating officer and an executive vice
president, respectively, of LAB. Mr. McDonald shall become chief executive
officer of LAB no later than December 31, 1998.
18
<PAGE>
Except as described above, the directors and officers of FFC do not have
any special interest in the Merger (other than in their capacity as shareholders
of FFC) and will not receive any special consideration or compensation in
connection with its consummation.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of ABC
- -----------------------------------------------
For the reasons stated in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Board of
Directors of ABC has approved the Merger Agreement and believes the Merger is in
the best interests of the shareholders of ABC. Accordingly, the Board of
Directors recommends that the shareholders vote in favor of the proposal to
approve the Merger Agreement. See THE MERGER--Background of the Merger, Reasons
for the Merger; Recommendation of the Board of Directors of ABC, and Additional
Reasons for the Merger.
Certain of the directors and officers of ABC have personal interests in
the consummation of the Merger in addition to their interests as shareholders of
ABC. See Interests of Certain Persons in Matters To Be Acted Upon.
19
<PAGE>
THE MERGER
----------
General Information
- -------------------
The shareholders of ABC will be asked at the Special Meeting to consider
and vote upon a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement between FFC, LB and
ABC. Under the Merger Agreement: (i) ABC will be merged with and into LB, a
subsidiary of FFC, (ii) LB will survive the Merger and operate as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FFC after the Merger under the name "Lafayette Ambassador Bank"
("LAB"), and (iii) each of the outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock, par value
$4.00 per share, will be converted into 1.40 shares of FFC Common Stock.
ABC is a Pennsylvania bank and trust company. FFC is a Pennsylvania bank
holding company. Following the Merger, FFC will be the parent company of LAB,
and will continue to be a registered bank holding company that is regulated by
the Federal Reserve Board. Following the Merger, LAB will file an application to
become a member of the Federal Reserve System.
The precise terms and conditions of the Merger are set forth in the
Merger Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit A to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. THE DISCUSSION
WHICH FOLLOWS IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN TERMS OF THE MERGER AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT A TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
Background of the Merger
- ------------------------
In late 1997, the Board of Directors of ABC determined to investigate
whether the interests of the shareholders of ABC would be better served by the
continuation of ABC as an independent banking institution, or to explore the
possibility of a sale or merger of ABC with another institution. As a result of
ABC's rapid growth from a "start up" bank in November, 1990, Timothy J.
McDonald, the President of ABC, had received and was receiving a number of
informal inquiries as to whether ABC would be interested in merging with or
being acquired by a larger institution. The Board engaged Danielson Associates
Inc. ("Danielson Associates"), an investment banking firm experienced in banking
mergers and acquisitions, to evaluate ABC's present and anticipated position in
the banking industry and to make a recommendation to the Board. Danielson
Associates thereafter reported to the Board its conclusion that the best
interests of the shareholders would be served by the sale or merger of ABC with
a larger institution.
Danielson Associates advised the Board that because of ABC's relatively
small size, in its opinion ABC would find it increasingly difficult to prosper
in a banking market that was increasingly competitive and that there was a
significant risk that ABC would be less attractive as an acquisition candidate
in future years because the number of banking institutions which might be
interested in acquiring ABC could decline as consolidation in the banking
industry continued. Danielson Associates further advised, on the basis of pro
forma projections of ABC's anticipated future expansion, and assumptions
concerning future operating results, that the value of the shareholders'
investment in ABC could be substantially enhanced by affiliation with a larger
institution as opposed to remaining independent.
After careful consideration of the recommendations of Danielson
Associates and exhaustive discussion, the Board authorized Danielson Associates
to identify the most likely acquirers, and to informally approach
20
<PAGE>
them as to their possible interest in acquiring ABC. Four institutions were
selected and solicited as to their interest in acquiring ABC. Two of the
institutions responded with formal offers involving "stock swap" transactions.
Danielson Associates assisted the Board in comparing and analyzing the two
offers. Both institutions were asked to improve on their initial offers and a
positive response was received from both institutions. The Directors then
concluded that the revised and improved FFC offer, which provided the highest
and best value to the ABC shareholders, based on the market prices and liquidity
for FFC's Common Stock and the size and strength of FFC as a banking
institution, was the most attractive.
Negotiations were commenced with FFC, financial and other information
was exchanged and investigated, a special meeting of the Board was held January
19, 1998 to approve the merger on the improved terms offered by FFC and a
"fairness" opinion was received from Danielson Associates, and the definitive
merger agreement was signed by the duly authorized officers of FFC and ABC on
January 26, 1998.
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Board of Directors
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors of ABC has determined that the Merger is in the
best interests of ABC and its shareholders. In evaluating the Merger Agreement,
the Board of Directors, with the assistance of its legal counsel and financial
advisor, considered a variety of factors including; (i) the value being offered
to shareholders by FFC in relation to the market value, book value and earnings
per share of ABC's common stock, (ii) information concerning the financial
condition, results of operations and prospects of FFC and ABC, including the
long term equity growth potential of ABC as compared to FFC, (iii) FFC's
dividend yield, earnings per share and stock price history; (iv) the competitive
environment for financial institutions generally, (v) the financial terms of
other recent business combinations in the local financial services industry,
(vi) FFC's ability to provide comprehensive financial services in ABC's market,
(vii) FFC's financial resources to serve the lending and deposit needs of the
local communities served by ABC, thereby enhancing the related long term
customer service potential for ABC's customer service base, and (viii) the
opinion of Danielson Associates that the consideration to be received by ABC's
shareholders is fair from a financial point of view.
The Board of Directors of ABC recommends that the holders of ABC Common
Stock vote "FOR" approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
Additional Reasons for the Merger
- ---------------------------------
Recent changes in federal and state banking laws and regulations have
had a major impact upon the banking industry in Pennsylvania and throughout the
United States. For example, due to changes in Pennsylvania law that became
effective in March, 1990, Pennsylvania banks may establish banking offices
throughout the state, and bank holding companies located in a number of other
states may acquire Pennsylvania banks. In response to these and other recent
changes, many mergers and consolidations involving Pennsylvania banks and bank
holding companies have occurred.
ABC and FFC believe that further merger activity within Pennsylvania and
other states is likely to occur in the future, resulting in increased
concentration levels in banking markets within Pennsylvania and other
significant changes in the competitive environment.
21
<PAGE>
In addition, recent changes in federal banking laws have significantly
increased the severity and complexity of federal banking regulations, as well as
the costs that banks must incur in complying with those regulations. For
example, pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act
of 1991 ("FDICIA"), the federal banking agencies have established guidelines for
real estate lending by FDIC-insured banks, including maximum loan-to-value
ratios for various types of real estate loans. FDICIA requires each FDIC-insured
bank to comply with a number of administrative standards (including audit
requirements) that are designed to enhance the bank's safety and soundness.
FDICIA also contains "Truth in Savings" provisions that require extensive
disclosures regarding the rates of interest paid and the fees charged by
FDIC-insured banks with respect to their deposit accounts. FDICIA further
provides greatly expanded authority to the federal banking agencies to impose
administrative enforcement sanctions (including cease-and-desist orders, civil
money penalties, and officer removal or suspension orders) against FDIC-insured
banks that fail to maintain adequate capital levels or that engage in unsafe or
unsound banking practices. These changes in federal law have added significantly
to the cost and complexity of operating a bank and have made it more difficult
for smaller independent banks like ABC to compete with large banking
organizations.
From the standpoint of ABC, the Merger presents an attractive
opportunity for ABC to gain access to the managerial expertise and specialized
services offered by FFC, thereby permitting ABC's banking offices to provide a
broader range of services to their customers in the face of increasing
competition from larger financial institutions.
FFC expects that ABC will be able to expand its banking activities as a
result of the acquisition. ABC will be encouraged to offer products and services
such as bi-weekly mortgage loans, unsecured personal loans and basic/lifeline
checking accounts. In addition, FFC expects that ABC will increase its trust
activities, be able to offer additional cash management services for its
business customers and expand specialized lending programs such as those in the
areas of leasing and agriculture. ABC will also be able to extend larger
commercial loans in its market area by granting participation interests in such
loans to other subsidiary banks of FFC. Because FFC shares ABC's philosophy of
community banking, ABC's offices will maintain their community orientation after
the Merger. Thus, the Merger will enhance the ability of ABC's offices to remain
competitive and to satisfy local customers' financial needs.
The Merger will benefit FFC by expanding its presence in the attractive
Lehigh Valley Market and incorporating some of ABC's unique and entrepreneurial
approaches to the banking industry into its own practices.
As described above, the Boards of Directors of FFC and ABC have approved
the terms of the Merger Agreement. The Board of Directors of ABC believes that
the terms of the Merger are fair to and in the best interests of ABC and its
shareholders. ABC's Board of Directors also believes that the Merger will
enhance the ability of ABC's offices to satisfy the financial needs of their
customers and the communities which they serve.
Opinion of Financial Advisor to Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
ABC retained Danielson Associates to act as its financial advisor and to
render a fairness opinion in connection with the Merger. Danielson Associates
rendered its opinion to the Board of Directors of ABC that, based upon and
subject to the various considerations set forth herein, as of January 19, 1998
22
<PAGE>
(the "January Opinion"), and as of the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus
(the "Proxy Opinion"), the financial terms of the Merger are fair, from a
financial point of view, to the holders of ABC Common Stock.
The full text of Danielson Associates' Proxy Opinion, which sets forth
the assumptions made, matters considered and limitations of the review
undertaken, is attached as Exhibit B to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, is
incorporated herein by reference, and should be read in its entirety in
connection with this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The summary of the opinion of
Danielson Associates set forth herein is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the full text of such opinion attached as Exhibit B to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
Ambassador retained Danielson Associates to advise the ABC Board of
Directors as to its "fair" sale value and the fairness to its shareholders of
the financial terms of the offer to acquire ABC. Danielson Associates is
regularly engaged in the valuation of banks, bank holding companies and thrifts
in the connection with mergers, acquisitions, and other securities transactions;
and has knowledge of, and experience with, the Pennsylvania banking markets and
banking organizations operating in those markets. Danielson Associates was
selected by ABC because of its knowledge of, expertise with, and reputation in
the financial services industry.
In such capacity, Danielson Associates reviewed the Merger Agreement
with respect to the pricing and other terms and conditions of the Merger, but
the decision as to accepting the offer was ultimately made by the Board of
Directors of ABC. Danielson Associates rendered its oral opinion to the ABC
Board of Directors, which it subsequently confirmed in writing, that as of the
date of such opinion, the financial terms of the FFC offer were "fair" to ABC
and its shareholders. No limitations were imposed by the ABC Board of Directors
upon Danielson Associates with respect to the investigation made or procedures
followed by it in arriving at its opinion.
In arriving at its opinion, Danielson Associates (a) reviewed certain
business and financial information relating to ABC and FFC, including annual
reports for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and call report data from
1989 to 1996 and quarterly reports for 1997; (b) discussed the past and current
operations, financial condition and prospects of ABC with its senior executives;
(c) analyzed the pro forma impact of the merger on FFC earnings per share,
capitalization, and financial ratios; (d) reviewed the reported prices and
trading activity for the FFC Common Stock and compared it to similar bank
holding companies; (e) reviewed and compared the financial terms, to the extent
publicly available, with comparable transactions; (f) reviewed the Merger
Agreement and certain related documents; and (g) considered such other factors
as were deemed appropriate.
Danielson Associates did not obtain any independent appraisal of assets
or liabilities of ABC or FFC or their respective subsidiaries. Further,
Danielson Associates did not independently verify the information provided by
ABC or FFC and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all such information.
In arriving at its opinion, Danielson Associates performed a variety of
financial analyses. Danielson Associates believes that its analyses must be
considered as a whole and that consideration of portions of such analyses and
the factors considered therein, without considering all the factors and
analyses, could create an incomplete view of the analyses and the process
underlying Danielson Associates opinion. The preparation of a fairness
23
<PAGE>
opinion is a complex process involving subjective judgements and is not
necessarily susceptible to partial analysis and summary description.
In its analyses, Danielson Associates made certain assumptions with
respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions, and other
matters, many of which were beyond ABC's or FFC's control. Any estimates
contained in Danielson Associates analyses are not necessarily indicative of the
future results of value, which may be significantly more or less favorable than
such estimates. Estimates of the value of companies do not purport to be
appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or their
securities may actually be sold.
The following is a summary of selected analyses considered by Danielson
Associates in connection with its opinion letter.
Pro Forma Merger Analyses
- -------------------------
Danielson Associates analyzed the changes in the amount of earnings and
book value represented by the receipt of about $76.7 million for all of the
outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock and Ambassador options and warrants,
which will be paid in FFC Common Stock. The analysis evaluated, among other
things, possible dilution in earnings and capital per share for FFC Common
Stock.
Comparable Companies
- --------------------
Danielson Associates compared FFC's (a) stock price as of January 16,
1998 equal to 19.6 times earnings and 276% of book, (b) dividend yield based on
trailing four quarters as of September 30, 1997 and stock price as of January
16, 1998 of 2.20%, (c) tangible capital as of September 30, 1997 of 10.01% of
assets, (d) nonperforming assets as of September 30, 1997 equal to .58% of total
assets, (e) return on average assets during the trailing four quarters ended
September 30, 1997 of 1.52% and (f) return on average equity during the same
period of 14.72%,with the medians for selected banks and bank holding companies
that Danielson Associates deemed to be comparable to FFC. The selected
institutions included BT Financial Corporation, F.N.B. Corporation, First
Commonwealth Financial Corporation, First Western Bancorp, Inc., Harleysville
National Corporation, JeffBanks, Inc., National Penn Bancshares, Inc., Omega
Financial Corporation, S&T Bancorp, Inc. and USBANCORP, Inc. The comparable
medians were (a) stock price equal to 18.6 times earnings and 244% of book, (b)
dividend yield of 2.30%, (c) tangible capital of 9.03% of assets, (d) .70% of
assets nonperforming, (e) return on average assets of 1.22% and (f) return on
average equity of 14.21%. Danielson Associates also compared other income,
expense, and balance sheet information of such companies with similar
information about FFC.
Comparable Transaction Analysis
- -------------------------------
Danielson Associates compared the consideration to be paid in the Merger
to the latest twelve months earnings and equity capital of ABC with earnings and
capital multiples paid in acquisitions of Pennsylvania banks through the opinion
date. Of these, the most applicable recent transactions included FFC's
acquisition of Keystone Heritage Group, Inc.; Sovereign Bancorp purchasing
Carnegie Bancorp; and Community Banks, Inc. buying Peoples State Bank of East
Berlin. At the time Danielson Associates made its analysis, the consideration to
be paid in the merger was 369% of ABC's December 31, 1997 book value and 29.5
times ABC's earnings for the trailing four quarters
24
<PAGE>
as of December 31, 1997. This compares to the median multiples of 289% of book
value and 23.4 times earnings for the comparable acquisitions.
Other Analysis
- --------------
In addition to performing the analyses summarized above, Danielson
Associates also considered the general market for bank and thrift mergers, the
historical financial performance of ABC and FFC, the deposit market shares of
both banks, and the general economic conditions and prospects of those banks.
No company or transaction used in this composite analysis is identical
to ABC or FFC. Accordingly, an analyses of the results of the foregoing is not
mathematical; rather it involves complex consideration and judgements concerning
differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies and
other factors that could affect the public trading values of the company or
companies to which they are being compared.
The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete
description of the analyses and procedures performed by Danielson Associates in
the course of arriving at its opinions. In payment for its services as the
financial advisor to ABC, Danielson Associates is to be paid an estimated fee of
about $422,000.
The full text of the opinion of Danielson Associates dated as of
May 15, 1998, which sets forth assumptions made and matters considered, is
attached hereto as Exhibit B of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. ABC
shareholders are urged to read this opinion in its entirety. Danielson
Associates' opinion is directed only to the consideration to be received by ABC
shareholders in the Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any ABC
shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote at the Shareholders Meeting.
THE FOREGOING PROVIDES ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE PROXY OPINION OF DANIELSON
ASSOCIATES AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF
THAT OPINION, WHICH IS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT B TO THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
Conversion and Exchange of Shares
- ---------------------------------
On the Effective Date of the Merger, each share of ABC Common Stock then
issued and outstanding will automatically be converted into and become the right
to receive 1.40 shares (subject to adjustment for stock dividends, stock splits
and similar transactions) of FFC Common Stock. The Conversion Ratio and all pro
forma and FFC historical per share information herein have been adjusted to
reflect a five-for-four stock split in the form stock dividend declared by FFC
on April 14, 1998, payable on May 27, 1998, to shareholders of record on May 6,
1998.
No fractional shares of FFC Common Stock will be issued in connection
with the Merger. In lieu of the issuance of any fractional share to which he or
she would otherwise be entitled, each former shareholder of ABC will receive
cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of his or her fractional
interest, determined by multiplying such fractional interest by the Closing
Market Price of FFC Common Stock.
The Closing Market Price is defined in the Merger Agreement as the
average of the per share closing bid prices for FFC Common Stock, rounded up to
the nearest $.125, for the ten (10) trading days immediately preceding the
25
<PAGE>
date which is two (2) business days before the Effective Date (the "Price
Determination Period"), as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System. If
NASDAQ fails to report a closing bid price for FFC Common Stock for any trading
day during the Price Determination Period, the closing bid price for that day
shall be equal to the average of the closing bid prices and the average of the
closing asked prices as quoted by F.J. Morrissey & Company, Inc. and by Ryan,
Beck & Co., or if these two firms are not then making a market in FFC Common
Stock, by two brokerage firms who are then making a market in FFC Common Stock
to be selected by FFC and approved by ABC.
As soon as practicable following the Effective Date, ABC shareholders
will exchange their ABC Common Stock certificates for FFC Common Stock
certificates in accordance with the procedures described below in this section.
FFC and ABC anticipate that the Effective Date will occur during the third
quarter of 1998, assuming no difficulties are encountered in obtaining the
required regulatory approvals and all other conditions to closing are satisfied
without unexpected delay.
Following the Effective Date, each former shareholder of ABC will be
obliged to surrender to FFC the ABC Common Stock certificates held by him or
her. Detailed instructions concerning the procedure for surrendering ABC Common
Stock certificates will be sent by Fulton Bank, acting as exchange agent (the
"Exchange Agent"), to each former shareholder of ABC on or promptly after the
Effective Date. Upon proper surrender of his or her ABC Common Stock
certificates, each former shareholder of ABC will be issued a stock certificate
representing the number of whole shares of FFC Common Stock into which his or
her shares of ABC Common Stock have been converted, together with a check in the
amount of any cash, without interest, to which he or she is entitled in lieu of
the issuance of any fractional share of FFC Common Stock. SHAREHOLDERS OF ABC
SHOULD NOT SURRENDER THEIR ABC COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR EXCHANGE UNTIL THEY
RECEIVE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS TO DO SO FROM THE EXCHANGE AGENT. PLEASE DO NOT
SEND ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME.
Following the Effective Date, and until properly surrendered, each ABC
Common Stock certificate will be deemed for all corporate purposes to represent
the number of whole shares of FFC Common Stock which the holder would be
entitled to receive upon its surrender and the corresponding number of rights
associated with the Shareholder Rights Plan dated June 20, 1989 between FFC and
Fulton Bank (the "Rights Plan"), except that FFC may withhold dividends payable
after the Effective Date to any former shareholder of ABC who has received
written instructions from FFC but has not at that time surrendered his or her
ABC Common Stock certificates. Any dividends so withheld will be paid, without
interest, to any such former shareholder of ABC upon the proper surrender of his
or her ABC Common Stock certificates.
All ABC Common Stock certificates must be surrendered to FFC within two
years after the Effective Date. In the event that any former shareholder of ABC
does not properly surrender his or her ABC Common Stock certificates within that
time, the shares of FFC Common Stock that would otherwise have been issued to
him or her may, at the option of FFC, be sold and the net proceeds of such sale,
together with the cash (if any) to which he or she is entitled in lieu of the
issuance of a fractional share and any previously accrued and unpaid dividends,
will be held in a non-interest bearing account for his or her benefit. From and
after any such sale, the sole right of such former shareholder of ABC will be
the right to collect such net proceeds, cash and accumulated dividends. Subject
to all applicable laws of escheat, such net proceeds, cash and accumulated
dividends will be paid to such former
26
<PAGE>
shareholder of ABC, without interest, upon proper surrender of his or her ABC
Common Stock certificates.
In the event that a former ABC shareholder is unable to surrender his or
her ABC Common Stock certificates due to loss or mutilation thereof, he or she
may make a constructive surrender by following procedures comparable to those
customarily followed by FFC in issuing replacement certificates to FFC
shareholders whose FFC Common Stock certificates have been lost or mutilated.
Instructions for making a constructive surrender of lost or mutilated ABC Common
Stock certificates will be included in the written instructions to be sent by
the Exchange Agent to former ABC shareholders after the Effective Date of the
Merger.
THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION RELATING TO THE CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE OF ABC
COMMON STOCK IS ONLY A SUMMARY WHICH IS PROVIDED FOR CONVENIENCE. THE FOREGOING
DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY, THE TERMS OF ARTICLE II OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
Treatment of ABC Rights
- -----------------------
Each holder of an option or warrant (collectively "ABC Rights") to
purchase shares of ABC Common Stock that (i) is outstanding on the Effective
Date, and (ii) would otherwise survive the Effective Date, shall be entitled to
receive, in cancellation of such ABC Right, shares of FFC Common Stock. The
number of shares of FFC Common Stock (provided that any fractional share of FFC
Common Stock shall be rounded to the nearest whole share) which may be acquired
in cancellation of an ABC Right shall be equal to the difference between (i) the
number of shares of ABC Common Stock covered by such ABC Right multiplied by the
Conversion Ratio and (ii) the aggregate exercise price of such ABC Right divided
by the closing bid price of FFC Common Stock on the business day immediately
preceding the public announcement of the Merger (the "Pre-Announcement Price").
As required by Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code and Internal
Revenue Service Regulation Section 1.83-1(b)(1), a holder of an ABC Right, who
receives shares of FFC Common Stock in connection with the Merger in an amount
equal to the difference between the value of the FFC Common Stock received and
the exercise price of the ABC Right, will be required to recognize ordinary
income in the amount received and to report this income in accordance with the
recipient's normal method of accounting.
Business Pending The Effective Date
- -----------------------------------
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, ABC is required, pending the Effective
Date, to conduct its business in the usual, regular and ordinary manner and
consistent with past practice. ABC is also required to use its best efforts to
preserve its present business organization, retain the services of its present
officers and employees, and maintain existing relationships with persons having
business dealings with it. In general, ABC may not take any action outside the
ordinary course of business without the prior written consent of FFC.
ABC has agreed that, pending the Effective Date, unless FFC otherwise
consents in writing, it shall (i) use all reasonable efforts to carry on its
business in, and only in, the ordinary course of business; (ii) use all
reasonable efforts to preserve its present business organization, to retain the
services of its present officers and employees, and to maintain its
relationships with customers, suppliers and others having business dealings
27
<PAGE>
with ABC; (iii) maintain all of its structures, equipment and other real
property and tangible personal property in good repair, order and condition,
except for ordinary wear and tear and damage by unavoidable casualty; (iv) use
all reasonable efforts to preserve or collect all material claims and causes of
action belonging to ABC; (v) keep in full force and effect all insurance
policies now carried by ABC; (vi) perform in all material respects each of its
obligations under all material contracts to which ABC is a party or by which ABC
may be bound or which relate to or affect its properties, assets and business;
(vii) maintain its books of account and other records in the ordinary course of
business; (viii) comply in all material respects with all statutes, laws,
ordinances, rules and regulations, decrees, orders, consent agreements,
memoranda of understanding and other federal, state, and local governmental
directives applicable to ABC and to the conduct of its business; (ix) not amend
ABC's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; (x) not enter into or assume any
material contract, incur any material liability or obligation, or make any
material commitment, except in the ordinary course of business; (xi) not make
any material acquisition or disposition of any properties or assets or subject
any of its properties or assets to any material lien, claim, charge, or
encumbrance of any kind whatsoever; (xii) not knowingly take or permit to be
taken any action which would cause any representation or warranty to be
materially inaccurate as of the date of such action or constitute a material
breach of any covenant set forth in the Merger Agreement; (xiii) not declare,
set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution in respect of ABC
Common Stock; (xiv) not authorize, purchase, redeem, issue or sell (or grant
options or rights to purchase or sell) any shares of ABC Common Stock or any
other equity or debt securities of ABC other than the Warrant; (xv) not increase
the rate of compensation of, pay a bonus or severance compensation to, establish
or amend any ABC benefit plan except as required by law for, or enter into or
amend any employment obligation with, any officer, director, employee or
consultant of ABC, except that ABC may grant reasonable salary increases and
bonuses to its officers and employees in the ordinary course of business to the
extent consistent with its past practice; (xvi) not enter into any related party
transaction except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice; (xvii) in determining the additions to loan loss reserves and the loan
write-offs, writedowns and other adjustments that reasonably should be made by
ABC during the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997, ABC shall consult with FFC
and shall act in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
ABC's customary business practices; (xviii) file with appropriate federal,
state, local and other governmental agencies all tax returns and other material
reports required to be filed, pay in full or make adequate provisions for the
payment of all taxes, interest, penalties, assessments or deficiencies shown to
be due on tax returns or by any taxing authorities and report all information on
such returns truthfully, accurately and completely; (xix) not renew any existing
contract for services, goods, equipment or the like or enter into, amend in any
material respect or terminate any contract or agreement (including without
limitation any settlement agreement with respect to litigation) that is or may
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on ABC except in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (xx) not make any
capital expenditures other than in the ordinary course of business or as
necessary to maintain existing assets in good repair; (xxi) not make application
for the opening or closing of any, or open or close any, branches or automated
banking facility, provided, however, that ABC may open a branch office at Saucon
Valley Square, Wyandotte Street, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County,
Pennsylvania; (xxii) not make any equity investment or commitment to make such
an investment in real estate or in any real estate development project, other
than in connection with foreclosures, settlements in lieu of foreclosure or
troubled loan or debt restructuring in the ordinary
28
<PAGE>
course of business consistent with customary banking practice; (xxiii) not make
purchases of securities for its investment portfolio without prior consultation
with FFC; (xxiv) not take any other action similar to the foregoing which would
have the effect of frustrating the purposes of the Merger Agreement or the
Merger or cause the Merger not to qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting
treatment or as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368 of the Internal
Revenue Code; (xxv) not materially expand the current scope of its trust
activities by, among other things, entering into contractual arrangements
related thereto, without consulting FFC; or (xxvi) not extending the term of any
existing material contract for a term beyond January 1, 1999.
The Merger Agreement provides that ABC shall not, nor shall it permit
any officer, director, employee, agent, consultant or representative to: (a)
solicit, initiate or encourage any proposal for a merger with or other
acquisition of ABC, or any material portion of its assets or properties, with or
by any person other than FFC; or (b) cooperate with, or furnish any non-public
information concerning ABC to, any person in connection with such a proposal;
provided, however, that the Board of Directors are free to take such action as
the ABC Board of Directors determines, in good faith and after consultation with
outside counsel, is not legally inconsistent with its fiduciary duty. ABC is
required to notify FFC immediately if any discussions or negotiations are sought
to be initiated, any inquiry or proposals are made, or any such information is
requested with respect to an acquisition proposal or potential acquisition
proposal or if any such proposal is received or indicated to be forthcoming.
Conditions, Amendment and Termination
- -------------------------------------
The obligations of FFC and ABC to consummate the Merger are subject to a
number of conditions and contingencies set forth in the Merger Agreement,
including, without limitation, the following: (i) approval of the Merger by the
shareholders of ABC; (ii) approval of the Merger by the Federal Reserve Board,
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") and the Pennsylvania
Department of Banking, and all applicable waiting and notice periods shall have
expired, and such approvals shall not be subject to terms or conditions which
would (A) require or could reasonably be expected to require any divestiture by
FFC of a portion of the business of FFC, or any subsidiary of FFC, or any
divestiture by ABC of a portion of its business which FFC in its good faith
judgment believes will have a significant adverse impact on the business or
prospects of ABC, or (B) in FFC's good faith judgment, be materially burdensome
to FFC and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, significantly increase the costs
incurred by FFC in consummating the Merger, or prevent FFC from obtaining any
material benefit contemplated to be obtained as a result of the Merger; (iii)
the authorization for listing on NASDAQ of the shares of the FFC Common Stock to
be issued in the Merger; (iv) the absence of an injunction issued by a court of
competent jurisdiction enjoining the performance by FFC or ABC of any of their
obligations under the Merger Agreement; (v) the receipt of a favorable opinion
of counsel with respect to certain federal income tax consequences relating to
the Merger, which are discussed below under THE MERGER--Federal Income Tax
Consequences; (vi) the continuing accuracy in all material respects of the
representations, warranties and covenants made by FFC and ABC in the Merger
Agreement; (vii) the receipt by FFC of satisfactory agreements from shareholders
of ABC who are affiliates of ABC or FFC regarding certain actions which could
affect pooling-of-interests accounting for the Merger; (viii) the receipt of
opinions from counsel for ABC and counsel for FCC regarding certain legal
matters; (ix) effectiveness of a registration statement with the SEC relating to
the FFC
29
<PAGE>
Common Stock; (x) confirmation by FFC and its accountants that the Merger can be
accounted for as a pooling-of-interests for financial accounting purposes; (xi)
delivery of documentation reasonably satisfactory to FFC from all holders of ABC
Rights canceling the ABC Rights in exchange for FFC Common Stock; (xii)
confirmation that, since September 30, 1997, there has been no material and
adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities,
business or operations or future prospects of ABC; (xiii) dissenters' rights
shall have been exercised with respect to less than 10% of the outstanding
shares of ABC Common Stock; and (xiv) the delivery of certificates at the
closing by officers of FFC and ABC confirming satisfaction of certain of the
foregoing conditions.
To the extent permitted by law, the Merger Agreement may be amended by
mutual consent and any term or condition thereof may be waived by the party
entitled to its benefit at any time before the Effective Date, whether before or
after the approval of the Merger Agreement by ABC's shareholders and without
seeking further shareholder approval; provided, however, that the Conversion
Ratio may not be waived or amended until such amendment has been approved,
adopted or ratified by the shareholders of ABC in accordance with applicable law
(other than pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement in the event of a
stock dividend or similar transaction by FFC).
The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
Effective Date by the mutual written consent of FFC and ABC. In addition, the
Merger Agreement may be terminated unilaterally by either FFC or ABC if (A) any
condition to the Merger has not been satisfied by January 31, 1999, or (B) the
other party has committed a material breach of any representation, warranty or
covenant contained in the Merger Agreement which breach results in a material
and adverse change as to the other party and has not cured such breach within
thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof. ABC may terminate the
Merger Agreement if the Market Test is not met. As defined in the Merger
Agreement, the Market Test requires that the Closing Market Price of FFC Common
Stock be either (a) in excess of 82.5% of the $24.80, closing bid price of FFC
Common Stock on the business day immediately preceding the public announcement
of the Merger (the "Pre-Announcement Price"), or (b) in excess of an amount per
share equal to (i) the Pre-Announcement Price multiplied by (ii) 0.825
multiplied by (iii) the quotient obtained by dividing the average NASDAQ Bank
Index for the Price Determination Period by the NASDAQ Bank Index on the
Pre-Announcement Date. Thus, for example, assuming the average NASDAQ Bank Index
for the Price Determination Period reflects a decline of 10% from the
Pre-Announcement Date, (b) would be $18.41 ($24.80 x 0.825 x 0.90) and the
Closing Market Price would be required to be $18.41 or lower for the Market Test
not to be met. If, on the other hand, the average NASDAQ Bank Index for the
Price Determination Period remains unchanged or increases from the
Pre-Announcement Date, the Closing Market Price would be required to be $20.46
or lower for the Market Test not to be met.
Effective Date of the Merger
- ----------------------------
The Merger will become effective on the date of filing Articles of
Merger with the Pennsylvania Department of State or on such later date specified
in the Articles of Merger. FFC and ABC presently intend to consummate the Merger
during the third quarter of 1998, assuming that the Merger has been approved by
ABC's shareholders, all required regulatory approvals have been obtained, and
all other conditions to closing have been satisfied or waived by that time. The
Merger Agreement provides that the closing of the Merger shall be
30
<PAGE>
held within thirty (30) days after the receipt of all required regulatory
approvals and the expiration of all applicable waiting periods. See THE
MERGER--Conditions, Amendment and Termination.
Management and Operations Following the Merger
- ----------------------------------------------
On the Effective Date, ABC will merge with and into LB, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FFC. LB will survive the Merger and operate as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FFC after the Merger under the name "Lafayette Ambassador Bank,"
and the shareholders of ABC will become shareholders of FFC. Following the
Merger, Lafayette Ambassador Bank ("LAB") will file an application to become a
member of the Federal Reserve System.
Following the Merger, for a period determined by FFC (not to be before
three years after the Effective Date), FFC shall offer appointments to all
present directors of ABC to the board of directors of LAB who indicate their
desire to serve (the "ABC Continuing Directors"). The present directors of ABC
will also appoint an additional person to the board of directors of ABC to fill
a current vacancy due to the resignation of one member of the board, and such
person shall be offered appointment to the board of directors of LAB by FFC.
Each non-employee ABC Continuing Director shall receive director's fees from LAB
in the form of an annual retainer of $8,800. ABC Continuing Directors who are
age 70 or older on the Effective Date, or who subsequently attain age 70 within
three years of the Effective Date, shall be limited to a maximum of three
successive one-year terms.
On the Effective Date, Timothy J. McDonald and David M. Lobach, Jr.
shall be appointed president and chief operating officer and an executive vice
president, respectively, of LAB. Mr. McDonald shall become chief executive
officer of LAB no later than December 31, 1998.
FFC has agreed, following the merger of ABC and LB, to cause LB to (i)
use its best efforts to retain each present full-time employee of ABC at such
employee's current position (or, if offered to, and accepted by, an employee, a
position for which the employee is qualified with FFC or an FFC subsidiary bank
at a salary commensurate with the Position), (ii) pay compensation to each
person who was employed as of the Effective Date and who continues to be
employed by ABC on and after the Effective Date, that is at least equal to the
aggregate compensation that such person was receiving from ABC prior to the
Effective Date (unless there is a material change in the duties and
responsibilities of such employee), and (iii) provide employee benefits to each
such person who is an employee, on and after the Effective Date, that are
substantially equivalent in the aggregate to the employee benefits that such
person was receiving as an employee from ABC prior to the Effective Date and
that are no less favorable than employee benefits afforded to similarly situated
employees of FFC and its subsidiaries.
The Merger Agreement provides that, in the event that FFC causes LB to
continue to employ officers or employees of ABC as of the Effective Date, LB
shall employ such persons on the Effective Date as "at will" employees subject
to the continued satisfactory performance of their respective duties; and in the
event LB does not employ, or terminates the employment of (other than as a
result of unsatisfactory performance of their respective duties), any officers
or employees of ABC as of the Effective Date, FFC shall cause LB to pay certain
severance benefits to such employees.
31
<PAGE>
Federal Income Tax Consequences
- -------------------------------
The following is a summary of the material anticipated federal income
tax consequences of the Merger. This summary is based on the federal income tax
laws as now in effect and as currently interpreted; it does not take into
account possible changes in such laws or interpretations, including amendments
to applicable statutes or regulations or changes in judicial or administrative
rulings, some of which may have retroactive effect. This summary does not
purport to address all aspects of the possible federal income tax consequences
of the Merger. In particular, and without limiting the foregoing, this summary
does not address the federal income tax consequences of the Merger to
shareholders in light of their particular circumstances or status (for example,
as foreign persons, tax-exempt entities, dealers in securities, insurance
companies and corporations, among others). Nor does this summary address any
consequences of the Merger under any state, local, or foreign income tax laws.
Shareholders, therefore, are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the
specific tax consequences to them of the Merger, including tax-return-reporting
requirements, the application and effect of federal, foreign, state, local, and
other tax laws, and the implications of any proposed changes in the tax laws.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, an opinion has been provided to ABC
and FFC by Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC, counsel for FFC, which states
that, for federal income tax purposes:
1. The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a)(1)(A) and (a)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended;
2. No gain or loss will be recognized by FFC, ABC or LB by reason of
the Merger;
3. The bases of the assets of ABC immediately after the Merger will
be the same as the bases of such assets immediately prior to the
Merger;
4. The holding period of the assets of ABC immediately after the
Merger will include the period during which such assets were held
by ABC prior to the Merger;
5. A holder of ABC Common Stock who receives shares of FFC Common
Stock in exchange for his or her ABC Common Stock pursuant to the
reorganization (including fractional shares of FFC Common Stock
deemed issued as described below) will not recognize any gain or
loss upon the exchange;
6. A holder of ABC Common Stock who receives cash in lieu of a
fractional share of FFC Common Stock will be treated as if he or
she received a fractional share of FFC Common Stock pursuant to
the reorganization and FFC then redeemed such fractional share
for the cash. The holder of ABC Common Stock will recognize
capital gain or loss on the constructive redemption of the
fractional share in an amount equal to the difference between the
cash received and the adjusted basis of the fractional share;
7. The tax basis of the FFC Common Stock to be received by ABC
shareholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement will be equal to
the tax basis of the ABC Common Stock surrendered in exchange
therefor,
32
<PAGE>
decreased by the amount of cash received and increased by the
amount of any gain (and by the amount of any dividend income)
recognized on the exchange; and
8. The holding period of the shares of FFC Common Stock to be
received by the shareholders of ABC will include the period
during which they held the shares of ABC Common Stock
surrendered, provided the shares of ABC Common Stock are held as
a capital asset on the date of the exchange.
THE FOREGOING IS INTENDED ONLY AS A GENERAL SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER UNDER PRESENT LAW. EACH SHAREHOLDER OF ABC
IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE PARTICULAR TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER AS THEY AFFECT HIS OR HER INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES,
INCLUDING THE IMPACT OF ANY APPLICABLE ESTATE, GIFT, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR
OTHER TAX.
Accounting Treatment
- --------------------
The Merger Agreement contemplates that the Merger will be treated as a
pooling-of-interests for financial accounting purposes. If FFC would be required
to purchase more than ten percent of the outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock
for cash or if other conditions arise which would prevent the Merger from being
treated as a pooling-of-interests for financial accounting purposes, FFC has the
right to terminate the Merger Agreement and to cancel the Merger. FFC presently
intends to exercise its right of termination if the Merger could not be treated
as a pooling-of-interests for financial accounting purposes.
Although it has no intention of doing so, FFC could choose to waive its
right of termination and go forward with the proposed merger even if the merger
could not be treated as a pooling-of-interests for financial accounting
purposes. In that event, the following would occur: (i) the merger between ABC
and a subsidiary of FFC would be treated as a purchase transaction under
financial accounting principles; (ii) FFC would file a post-effective amendment,
presenting revised financial disclosures and updated information, to the
registration statement of which this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part; and
(iii) ABC's management would resolicit proxies from ABC's shareholders.
Rights of Dissenting Shareholders
- ---------------------------------
Pursuant to Section 1222 and 1607 of the Pennsylvania Banking Code of
1965, any shareholder of ABC has the right to dissent from the Merger, and to
obtain payment of the "fair value" (as hereinafter defined) of his or her ABC
Common Stock if the Merger is consummated. The rights and remedies of a
dissenting shareholder are governed by the provisions of the Pennsylvania
Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended (the "BCL").
The following summary of the steps that a shareholder must take in order
to exercise the right to dissent is qualified in its entirety by the full text
of Subchapter D of Chapter 15 of the BCL, which is attached as Exhibit D to this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Any shareholder of ABC who contemplates exercising
the right to dissent is urged to read carefully all of the provisions of
Subchapter D of Chapter 15 of the BCL.
Each required step must be taken in the indicated order and in strict
compliance with the applicable provisions of the statute in order to perfect
33
<PAGE>
dissenters' rights. Any shareholder who fails to comply with all of the required
steps will not be permitted to dissent and instead will receive the shares of
FFC Common Stock contemplated by the Merger.
Any written notice or demand which is required in connection with the
exercise of dissenters' rights, whether before or after the Effective Date, must
be sent to FFC, addressed to William R. Colmery, Secretary, Fulton Financial
Corporation, One Penn Square, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604.
The term "fair value" means the value of ABC Common Stock, immediately
before the effective date of the Merger, taking into account all relevant
factors, but excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the
Merger.
A person who wishes to dissent (i) must file with FFC, prior to the vote
of ABC shareholders on the Merger at the Special Meeting, a written notice of
intention to demand that he or she be paid the fair value for his or her ABC
Common Stock if the Merger is effected; (ii) must not make any change in the
beneficial ownership of his or her ABC Common Stock from the date of such filing
through the Effective Date; and (iii) must refrain from voting his or her shares
of ABC Common Stock to approve the Merger. Neither a proxy nor a vote against
approval of the Merger will constitute the necessary written notice of intention
to dissent. A beneficial owner of the ABC Common Stock whose shares are held of
record in "street name" by a brokerage firm or other nominee must obtain the
written consent of such record holder to such beneficial owner's exercise of
dissenters' rights and must submit such consent to FFC no later than the time of
the filing of his or her notice of intention to dissent.
If the Merger is approved by the required vote of ABC's shareholders,
FFC will mail a notice to all dissenters who gave due notice of intention to
demand payment and who refrained from voting in favor of the Merger. The notice
will state where and when a demand for payment must be sent and certificates for
ABC Common Stock must be deposited in order to obtain payment, and will include
a form for demanding payment and a copy of Subchapter D of Chapter 15 of the BCL
(Exhibit D attached hereto). The time set for receipt of the demand for payment
and deposit of stock certificates will not be less than thirty (30) days after
the date of mailing of the notice.
A shareholder who fails to make a timely demand for payment or fails to
make a timely deposit of stock certificates, as required by FFC's notice, will
not have any right to receive payment of the fair value of his or her ABC Common
Stock.
Promptly after consummation of the Merger, or upon timely receipt of
demand for payment if the Merger already has been consummated, FFC will either
remit to dissenters who have made demand and have deposited their stock
certificates the amount that FFC estimates to be the fair value of ABC Common
Stock or give written notice that no such remittance is being made. The
remittance or notice will be accompanied by (i) a closing balance sheet and an
income statement of ABC for a fiscal year ending not more than sixteen months
before the date of remittance, together with the latest available interim
financial statements, (ii) a statement of FFC's estimate of the fair value of
ABC Common Stock, and (iii) notice of the right of the dissenter to demand
payment or supplemental payment under the BCL, as the case may be, accompanied
by a copy of Subchapter D of Chapter 15 of the BCL. If FFC does not remit the
estimated fair value for shares with respect to which demand for payment has
34
<PAGE>
been made and stock certificates have been deposited, then FFC will return any
certificates that have been deposited. Returned certificates, and any
certificates subsequently issued in exchange therefor, will be marked to record
the fact that demand for payment has been made. Transferees of shares so marked
shall not acquire any rights in FFC other than those rights held by the original
dissenter after such dissenter demanded payment of fair value.
If a dissenter believes that the amount stated or remitted by FFC is
less than the fair value of ABC Common Stock, he or she may send to FFC his or
her own estimate of the fair value of ABC Common Stock, which shall be deemed to
be a demand for payment of the amount of the deficiency. If FFC remits payment
of its estimated value of a dissenter's shares of ABC Common Stock and the
dissenter does not file his or her own estimate within thirty (30) days after
the mailing by FFC of its remittance, the dissenter will be entitled to no more
than the amount remitted to him or her by FFC.
Within sixty (60) days after the last to occur of the consummation of
the Merger, timely receipt by FFC of any demands for payment, or timely receipt
by FFC of any estimates by dissenters of fair value, if any demands for payment
then remain unsettled, FFC may file in the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania (the "Court"), an application requesting that the fair
value of ABC Common Stock be determined by the Court. In such case, all
dissenters, wherever residing, whose demands have not been settled shall be made
parties to the proceeding as in an action against their shares, and a copy of
the application shall be served on each such dissenter.
If FFC fails to file such an application, then any dissenter, on behalf
of all dissenters who have made a demand and who have not settled their claim
against FFC, may file an application in the name of FFC at any time within the
thirty-day period after the expiration of the sixty-day period and request that
the fair value be determined by the Court. The fair value determined by the
Court may, but need not, equal the dissenters' estimates of fair value. If no
dissenter files such an application, then each dissenter entitled to do so shall
be paid FFC's estimate of fair value of ABC Common Stock and no more, and may
bring an action to recover any amount not previously remitted, plus interest at
a rate the Court finds fair and equitable.
The costs and expenses of any valuation proceedings in the Court,
including the reasonable compensation and expenses of any appraiser appointed by
the Court to recommend a decision on the issue of fair value, will be determined
by the Court and assessed against FFC, except that any part of the costs and
expenses may be apportioned and assessed by the Court against all or any of the
dissenters who are parties and whose action in demanding supplemental payment
the Court finds to be dilatory, obdurate, arbitrary, vexatious or in bad faith.
EXCEPT AS STATED ABOVE, NO NOTIFICATION OF THE BEGINNING OR END OF ANY
STATUTORY PERIOD UNDER THE BCL WILL BE GIVEN BY FFC TO ANY DISSENTING
SHAREHOLDERS.
THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
OF A DISSENTING SHAREHOLDER AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUBCHAPTER D OF CHAPTER 15 OF THE BCL, WHICH IS REPRODUCED AND SET FORTH IN FULL
IN EXHIBIT D TO THIS PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, FFC has the right to terminate such
Agreement and to cancel the proposed merger if ABC shareholders exercise
dissenters' rights with respect to 10% or more of the shares of ABC Common
35
<PAGE>
Stock. FFC negotiated for this right of termination in order to limit the amount
of cash that would be paid to ABC shareholders in connection with the proposed
merger and to provide greater assurance that the merger would be treated as a
pooling-of-interests for financial accounting purposes. FFC could waive this
right of termination but has no present intention to do so. See THE
MERGER--Conditions, Amendment and Termination, and THE MERGER--Accounting
Treatment.
Restrictions on Resale of FFC Common Stock Held By Affiliates of ABC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
The shares of FFC Common Stock to be issued upon consummation of the
Merger have been registered with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"1933 Act") and, following the Merger, may be freely resold or otherwise
transferred by all former shareholders of ABC, except those former shareholders
who are deemed to be "affiliates" of ABC within the meaning of SEC Rules 144 and
145. In general terms, any person who is an executive officer, director or ten
percent or greater shareholder of ABC at the time of the Special Meeting may be
deemed to be an affiliate of ABC for purposes of SEC Rules 144 and 145.
FFC Common Stock received by persons who are deemed to be affiliates of
ABC may be resold during the one year following the Effective Date only: (i) in
compliance with the provisions of SEC Rule 145(d), (ii) in compliance with the
provisions of another applicable exemption from the registration requirements of
the 1933 Act, or (iii) pursuant to an effective registration statement filed
with the SEC. In very general terms, SEC Rule 145(d) would permit an affiliate
of ABC to sell shares of FFC Common Stock received by him or her in connection
with the Merger in ordinary brokerage transactions, subject to certain
limitations on the number of shares of FFC Common Stock which may be sold during
any consecutive three-month period. After the one-year period, the affiliates of
ABC who are not affiliates of FFC may resell their shares without restriction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order to comply with the SEC's rules on
pooling-of-interests accounting treatment, an affiliate of ABC (as a general
rule and subject to an exception in the case of certain de minimis sales) may
-- -------
not sell any shares of FFC Common Stock received by him or her in exchange for
his or her shares of ABC Common Stock until after the publication of financial
results covering at least thirty days of post-Merger combined operations of FFC.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each person who may be deemed
to be an affiliate of ABC is required, prior to the closing of the Merger, to
deliver to FFC an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to FFC,
acknowledging and agreeing to abide by the limitations imposed by the 1933 Act
and the rules of the SEC thereunder regarding the sale or other disposition of
the shares of FFC Common Stock to be received by him or her pursuant to the
Merger.
Warrant Agreement
- -----------------
In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, ABC and FFC
executed a Warrant Agreement (the "Warrant Agreement"). A copy of the Warrant
Agreement is attached as Exhibit C to this Proxy Statement. The following
description of the Warrant Agreement does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Warrant Agreement, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
Pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, ABC issued to FFC a warrant (the
"Warrant") to purchase from ABC up to 475,000 fully paid and non-assessable
36
<PAGE>
shares of ABC Common Stock at a price per share equal to $26.75, subject to
adjustment as provided for in the Warrant Agreement (such exercise price, as so
adjusted, is referred to herein as the "Exercise Price"). The execution of the
Warrant Agreement was required by FFC as a condition to its execution of the
Merger Agreement, and the effect of the Warrant Agreement is to increase the
likelihood that the Merger will occur by making it more difficult and expensive
for another party to acquire ABC.
The Warrant may be exercised in whole or in part at any time or from
time to time on or after the occurrence of an Exercise Event (as defined below)
until termination of the Warrant Agreement. So long as the Warrant is owned by
FFC, it may be exercised for no more than the number of shares of ABC Common
Stock equal to 475,000 (subject to adjustment as described below) less the
number of shares of ABC Common Stock at the time owned by FFC.
Under the terms of the Warrant and the Warrant Agreement, FFC may
exercise the Warrant, without ABC's consent, under the following circumstances
(each an "Exercise Event"): if (A) (I) FFC is not in material breach of the
agreement or covenants contained in the Warrant Agreement or the Merger
Agreement and (II) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order against
the delivery of shares covered by the Warrant issued by any court of competent
jurisdiction in the United States shall be in effect and (B) upon or after the
occurrence of any of the following: (i) a knowing and intentional breach of any
representation, warranty, or covenant set forth in the Merger Agreement by ABC
which would permit a termination of the Merger Agreement by FFC pursuant to
Section 8.1(b)(i) thereof which is not cured and which occurs following a
proposal from any person (other than FFC) to engage in an Acquisition
Transaction; (ii) the failure of ABC's shareholders to approve the Merger
Agreement at a meeting called for such purpose if at the time of such meeting
there has been a public announcement (including a public regulatory filing) by
any person (other than FFC) of an offer or proposal to effect an Acquisition
Transaction (as defined below) and, within twelve (12) months from the date of
such shareholder's meeting, ABC engages in, or enters into a written agreement
with respect to, an Acquisition Transaction; (iii) the acquisition by any person
of beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the ABC Common Stock (before giving
effect to any exercise of the Warrant); (iv) ABC shall have entered into an
agreement, letter of intent, or other written understanding with any person
(other than FFC) providing for such person (A) to engage in an Acquisition
Transaction or (B) to negotiate with ABC with respect to an Acquisition
Transaction; or (v) termination, or attempted termination, of the Merger
Agreement by ABC under Section 5.7 of the Merger Agreement (relating to the
exercise by the directors of ABC of their fiduciary duty) following receipt of a
written proposal to engage in an Acquisition Transaction from a third party. For
purposes of the Warrant Agreement, "Acquisition Transaction" means (x) a merger
or consolidation or statutory share exchange or any similar transaction
involving ABC, (y) a purchase, lease or other acquisition of all or
substantially all of the assets of ABC or (z) a purchase or other acquisition of
beneficial ownership of securities representing 25% or more of the voting power
of ABC.
The Warrant may be exercised by presentation and surrender thereof to
ABC at its principal office accompanied by (i) a written notice of exercise,
(ii) payment of the Exercise Price for the number of shares of ABC Common Stock
specified in such notice, and (iii) a certificate of the holder of the Warrant
(the "Holder") specifying the event or events which have occurred and which
entitle the Holder to exercise the Warrant. Upon such presentation and
surrender, ABC shall issue promptly to the Holder the number of shares of ABC
Common Stock to which the Holder is entitled. If the Warrant is exercised in
37
<PAGE>
part, ABC will, upon surrender of the Warrant for cancellation, execute and
deliver a new Warrant entitling the Holder to purchase the balance of the shares
of ABC Common Stock issuable thereunder.
Generally, in the event of any change in the outstanding shares of ABC
Common Stock by reason of a stock dividend, stock split or stock
reclassification, the number and kind of shares or securities subject to the
Warrant and the Exercise Price shall be appropriately and equitably adjusted so
that the Holder shall receive upon exercise of the Warrant the number and class
of shares or other securities or property that the Holder would have received in
respect of the shares of ABC Common Stock that could have been purchased upon
exercise of the Warrant if the Warrant could have been and had been exercised
immediately prior to such event. If, at any time after the Warrant may be
exercised or sold by FFC, ABC has received a written request from FFC, ABC shall
prepare, file and keep effective and current any governmental approvals required
in connection with the Warrant and/or the shares of ABC Common Stock issued or
issuable upon exercise of the Warrant. All expenses incurred by ABC in complying
with such governmental approvals will be paid by ABC. FFC will pay all expenses
incurred by FFC in connection with such governmental approvals, including fees
and disbursements of its counsel and accountants, underwriting discounts and
commissions, and transfer taxes payable by FFC.
The Warrant and the rights conferred thereby will terminate (i) upon the
Effective Date, (ii) upon a valid termination of the Merger Agreement prior to
the occurrence of an Exercise Event, or (iii) to the extent the Warrant has not
previously been exercised, sixty (60) days after the occurrence of an Exercise
Event.
Under the Warrant Agreement, FFC has the right to require ABC to
repurchase the Warrant or, in the event the Warrant has been exercised in whole
or in part, redeem the shares obtained upon such exercise within 60 days of an
Exercise Event. In the case of a repurchase of shares obtained upon exercise of
the Warrant, the redemption price per share (the "Redemption Price") is to be
equal to the highest of: (i) the Exercise Price, (ii) the highest price paid or
agreed to be paid for any share of Common Stock by an Acquiring Person (defined
as any person who or which is the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the ABC
Common Stock) during the one year period immediately preceding the date of
redemption, and (iii) in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of
ABC's assets: (x) the sum of the price paid in such sale for such assets and the
current market value of the remaining assets of ABC as determined by a
recognized investment banking firm selected by FFC, divided by (y) the number of
shares of ABC Common Stock then outstanding. If the price paid consists in whole
or in part of securities or assets other than cash, the value of such securities
or assets shall be their then current market value as determined by a recognized
investment banking firm selected by the FFC.
In the case of a repurchase of the Warrant, the redemption price is to
be equal to the product obtained by multiplying: (i) the number of shares of ABC
Common Stock represented by the portion of the Warrant that FFC is requiring ABC
to repurchase, times (ii) the excess of the Redemption Price over the Exercise
Price.
38
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
--------------------------------------
AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
--------------------------------------
Common Stock of FFC
- -------------------
FFC Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and is listed
on the NASDAQ National Market System ("NASDAQ") under the symbol "FULT." The
following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing
sale price for FFC Common Stock as reported on NASDAQ and cash dividends paid
per share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cash Dividends
1996 High Low Paid Per Share
- ---- ----- ----- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter 14.71 13.39 0.107
Second Quarter 15.09 13.64 0.117
Third Quarter 15.09 13.55 0.117
Fourth Quarter 15.64 14.00 0.119
1997
- ----
First Quarter 18.55 14.91 0.123
Second Quarter 22.40 17.81 0.132
Third Quarter 24.20 21.50 0.132
Fourth Quarter 26.00 22.40 0.133
1998
- ----
First Quarter 26.50 23.80 0.143
</TABLE>
On January 23, 1998, the last trading day before public announcement of
the Merger Agreement, the high and low quotations for FFC Common Stock were
$25.20 and $24.80, respectively, and the closing bid price was $24.80 per share,
as reported on NASDAQ. On _____________, 1998, the closing bid and asked
quotations for FFC Common Stock as reported on NASDAQ were $_____ and $_____,
respectively, per share, and the closing sale price was $_____ per share. As of
_______________, 1998, FFC Common Stock was held by ______ holders of record.
The Conversion Ratio and all pro forma and FFC historical per share information
herein have been adjusted to reflect a five-for-four stock split in the form of
a stock dividend declared by FFC on April 14, 1998, payable on May 27, 1998, to
shareholders of record on May 6, 1998.
FFC has in the past paid regular quarterly cash dividends to its
shareholders on or about the 15th day of January, April, July and October of
each year.
Common Stock of ABC
- -------------------
ABC Common Stock has been traded in the NASDAQ Small Cap Market
beginning in the fourth quarter of 1997. Prior to that time, ABC Common Stock
was traded in the over-the-counter market and trading activity historically was
light.
ABC was aware of the sale price in most (but not all) of the stock sales
of ABC Common Stock. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated,
the high and low sale prices for transactions of which ABC was aware for each
quarter indicated.
39
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Price Range
High Low
----- ------
<S> <C> <C>
1996
- -----
First Quarter 14.50 14.50
Second Quarter 15.00 14.63
Third Quarter 15.50 15.00
Fourth Quarter 15.50 15.50
1997
- ----
First Quarter 14.75 14.75
Second Quarter 15.00 15.00
Third Quarter 15.00 15.00
Fourth Quarter 31.50 15.00
1998
- ----
First Quarter 35.75 24.50
</TABLE>
ABC has not paid cash dividends to its shareholders. The Merger
Agreement provides that ABC, without the written consent of FFC, may not
declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution in respect
of ABC Common Stock. See THE MERGER -- Business Pending the Effective Date.
As of the close of business on April 15, 1998, ABC's Common Stock was
held by approximately 891 holders of record. See THE MERGER -- Business Pending
the Effective Date.
40
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONCERNING FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
---------------------------------------------------
AND DESCRIPTION OF FFC COMMON STOCK
-----------------------------------
General
- -------
FFC is a Pennsylvania business corporation and a registered bank holding
company with its headquarters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As a bank holding
company, FFC engages in a general commercial and retail banking and trust
business, and also in related financial businesses, through its bank and nonbank
subsidiaries. FFC's subsidiary banks currently operate one hundred banking
offices in Pennsylvania, seventeen banking offices in Maryland, seven banking
offices in Delaware, and fifteen banking offices in New Jersey. As of December
31, 1997, FFC had consolidated total assets of approximately $5.1 billion.
The principal assets of FFC are the following eleven wholly-owned bank
subsidiaries, each of which is insured by the FDIC: (i) Fulton Bank ("Fulton"),
a Pennsylvania bank and trust company which is not a member of the Federal
Reserve System, (ii) Lebanon Valley Farmers Bank ("LVFB"), a Pennsylvania bank
and trust company which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, (iii)
Swineford National Bank ("Swineford"), a national banking association which is a
member of the Federal Reserve System, (iv) Lafayette Bank ("Lafayette"), a
Pennsylvania bank and trust company which is not a member of the Federal Reserve
System, (v) FNB Bank, National Association ("FNB"), a national banking
association which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, (vi) Great Valley
Savings Bank ("Great Valley"), a Pennsylvania-chartered savings bank which is
not a member of the Federal Reserve System, (vii) Hagerstown Trust Company
("Hagerstown"), a Maryland trust company which is not a member of the Federal
Reserve System, (viii) Delaware National Bank ("Delaware National"), a national
banking association which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, (ix) The
Bank of Gloucester County ("Gloucester"), a New Jersey bank which is not a
member of the Federal Reserve System, (x) The Woodstown National Bank & Trust
Company ("Woodstown"), a national banking association which is a member of the
Federal Reserve System, and (xi) The Peoples Bank of Elkton ("Peoples"), a
Maryland bank which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.
In addition, FFC has the following wholly-owned direct nonbank
subsidiaries: (i) Fulton Financial Realty Company, which holds title to or
leases certain properties on which Fulton and LVFB maintain branch offices or
other facilities; (ii) Fulton Life Insurance Company, which engages in the
business of reinsuring credit life, accident and health insurance that is
directly related to extensions of credit by certain of FFC's bank subsidiaries;
(iii) Central Pennsylvania Financial Corp., which owns certain non-banking
subsidiaries holding interests in real estate and (iv) FFC Management, Inc.,
which owns certain securities.
As a registered bank holding company, FFC is subject to regulation under
the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and the rules adopted
by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve
Board") thereunder. Under applicable Federal Reserve Board policies, a bank
holding company such as FFC is expected to act as a source of financial strength
for each of its subsidiary banks and to commit resources to support each
subsidiary bank in circumstances when it might not do so absent such a policy.
Any capital loans made by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks
would be subordinate in right of payment to the claims of depositors and certain
other creditors of such subsidiary banks.
41
<PAGE>
The principal executive offices of FFC are located at One Penn Square,
P.0. Box 4887, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604, and its telephone number is (717)
291-2411.
Computer System Adaptation for Year 2000
- ----------------------------------------
The business, operations and financial condition of FFC and its
subsidiaries may be affected by the so-called Year 2000 Problem - a potential
problem caused by certain computer and other electronic information processing
systems not being able to recognize the dates "January 1, 2000" or "February 29,
2000." The Year 2000 Problem could potentially impact financial institutions,
like FFC and its subsidiaries, in many ways; for example, it could affect a
financial institution's ability to process financial data, such as deposits,
payments and electronic funds transfers, and also could affect a financial
institution's ability to collect amounts due and payable under extensions of
credit because of the impact of the Year 2000 Problem on the ability of business
loan customers to make such payments. The Federal Financial Institution
Examination Council has issued a series of advisories addressing safety and
soundness issues pertaining to the Year 2000 Problem and providing guidance to
financial institutions on how to address such issues. In response, FFC and each
of its subsidiaries have formed committees to identify, evaluate and manage the
risks related to the Year 2000 Problem, including the preparation of a
comprehensive plan adopted by the Board of Directors of FFC which establishes a
five-step process - awareness, assessment, renovation, validation and
implementation - to address the Year 2000 Problem. Since most of the major data
processing functions performed by FFC and its subsidiaries, such as deposit and
loan accounting, are handled by third-party, service providers, FFC does not
anticipate that it will need to incur any material costs to address the Year
2000 Problem. FFC does not expect, at this time, that the Year 2000 Problem
should have any material adverse effect on the products and services offered by
its banks or on competitive conditions; however, it has not yet begun the
testing of its mission-critical third-party, service providers. Similarly, FFC
does not believe that the Year 2000 Problem should have any material adverse
effect on FFC's business, operations or financial condition, but until it has
completed its survey of its major business loan customers and other actions
designed to evaluate the risks associated with the Year 2000 Problem, it cannot
rule out the possibility that the Year 2000 Problem might have such an effect.
The federal bank regulators have initiated a series of examinations of
all financial institutions to assess their progress in addressing the Year 2000
Problem and have indicated that institutions which have not adequately addressed
the issue will be subject to various sanctions, including denial of, or delay in
acting on, regulatory applications. FFC believes that its progress on the Year
2000 Problem should enable it to receive the required regulatory approvals
relating to the Merger such that the transaction may be consummated in the third
quarter of 1998.
Loan Policies and Portfolio Quality
- -----------------------------------
FFC, through its bank subsidiaries, grants loans and makes other credit
facilities available to the general public. These extensions of credit are
structured to meet the varying needs of business, individual, and institutional
customers and include mortgages, lines of credit, term loans, leases and letters
of credit. This activity serves as a major source of revenue for FFC. However,
it also exposes FFC to potential losses upon borrower default. In order to
minimize the occurrence of loss, FFC's bank subsidiaries follow strict loan
underwriting and risk assessment policies.
42
<PAGE>
These policies emphasize the financial strength and cash flow of the borrower
rather than collateral value. Although collateral continues to play an important
part in lending decisions, it is not a substitute for a borrower's underlying
ability to pay. FFC's bank subsidiaries confine their lending to customers who
live, or which are based, in their respective market areas. By geographically
restricting the lending activities of each bank subsidiary, their respective
staffs can become more knowledgeable about local market conditions and can
thereby make better credit risk assessments and, therefore, more prudent lending
decisions. This superior knowledge of local economic conditions, when combined
with prudent underwriting standards, offsets and often surmounts the potential
risks arising from a geographic concentration of credits. Management believes
that FFC's loan customer base is reasonably diversified, because FFC's
subsidiary banks are located in and do business within a broad spectrum of local
communities and regional economies located in central and northeastern
Pennsylvania, northern Maryland, and southern Delaware, and southwestern New
Jersey.
To counteract any problems with credit quality which do arise, FFC
maintains a proactive loan review function. This function, in combination with
the lending staff, attempts to identify deteriorating loans before they reach a
critical stage. This loan review policy not only protects FFC and its
subsidiaries from realizing greater loan losses but also, in many cases, assists
the borrower as well. Due to their underwriting criteria, FFC and its bank
subsidiaries have not made a determination to limit the availability of credit
to any segment of their customer base due to changes in general economic
conditions. FFC and its bank subsidiaries do take these conditions into
consideration when assessing individual credit risk, but each loan request is
evaluated individually.
Legal Proceedings
- -----------------
From time to time FFC and its subsidiaries are involved in routine
litigation matters that are incidental to the businesses carried on by such
entities. None of these matters is expected to have a material effect on FFC's
financial condition or operating results.
General Description of FFC Common Stock
- ---------------------------------------
The authorized capital of FFC consists exclusively of 200 million shares
of Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share, and 10 million shares of preferred
stock without par value. As of March 31, 1998, there were issued and outstanding
59,901,335 shares of FFC Common Stock, which shares were held by approximately
14,000 owners of record, there were 49,451 shares held in treasury, and there
were 1,106,192 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. The Conversion
Ratio and all pro forma and FFC historical per share information herein have
been adjusted to reflect a five-for-four stock split in the form of a stock
dividend declared by FFC on April 14, 1998, payable on May 27, 1998, to
shareholders of record on May 6, 1998. No shares of preferred stock have been
issued by FFC. FFC Common Stock is listed for quotation on the over-the-counter
NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "FULT."
The holders of FFC Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on
all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders and may not cumulate their
votes for the election of directors. Each share of FFC Common Stock is entitled
to participate on an equal pro rata basis in dividends and other distributions.
The holders of FFC Common Stock do not have preemptive rights to subscribe for
additional shares that may be issued by FFC, and no share is
43
<PAGE>
entitled in any manner to any preference over any other share. The shares of FFC
Common Stock to be issued to the shareholders of ABC pursuant to the Merger will
be fully paid and non-assessable and the holders thereof will not be subject to
call or assessment under Pennsylvania law. Fulton Bank serves as the transfer
agent for FFC.
Dividends
- ---------
The holders of FFC Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available
therefor. FFC has in the past paid quarterly cash dividends to its shareholders
on or about the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year.
The ability of FFC to pay dividends to its shareholders is dependent
primarily upon the earnings and financial condition of Fulton, LVFB, Swineford,
Lafayette, FNB, Great Valley, Hagerstown, Delaware National, Gloucester,
Woodstown and Peoples. Funds for the payment of dividends on FFC Common Stock
are expected for the foreseeable future to be obtained primarily from dividends
paid to FFC by these eleven bank subsidiaries, and by ABC if the Merger is
consummated, which dividends are subject to certain statutory limitations.
Under applicable state and federal laws, the dividends that may be paid
by the bank subsidiaries of FFC without prior regulatory approval are subject to
certain prescribed limitations. As state banks chartered under the Pennsylvania
Banking Code of 1965, as amended, Fulton, LVFB, Lafayette and Great Valley may
pay dividends only out of accumulated net earnings and may not declare or pay
any dividend requiring a reduction of the statutorily required surplus of the
institution. In the case of national banks such as Swineford, FNB, Delaware
National and Woodstown, the approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency ("OCC") is required under federal law if the total of all dividends
declared during any calendar year would exceed the net profits (as defined) of
the bank for the year, combined with its retained net profits (as defined) for
the two preceding calendar years. As commercial banks organized under the laws
of the state of Maryland, Hagerstown and Peoples may only declare a cash
dividend from their undivided profits or (with the prior approval of the
Maryland Bank Commissioner) from their surplus in excess of 100% of their
required capital stock, in each case after providing for due or accrued
expenses, losses, interest and taxes. In addition, if Hagerstown's or Peoples'
surplus becomes less than 100% of its required capital stock, Hagerstown or
Peoples may not declare or pay any cash dividends that exceed 90% of their net
earnings until their surplus becomes 100% of their required capital stock. As a
New Jersey bank, Gloucester may not declare or pay any dividend which would
impair its capital stock or reduce its surplus to a level of less than 50% of
its capital stock or if the surplus is currently less than 50% of the capital
stock, the payment of such dividends would not reduce the surplus of the bank.
In addition to the foregoing statutory restrictions on dividends, the
Pennsylvania Department of Banking (with respect to all Pennsylvania
state-chartered banks), the FDIC (with respect to Pennsylvania state-chartered
banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System, such as Fulton,
Lafayette and Great Valley), the FRB (with respect to Pennsylvania
state-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System, such as
LVFB), and the OCC (with respect to national banks such as Swineford, FNB and
Delaware National), also have adopted minimum capital standards and have broad
authority to prohibit a bank from engaging in unsafe or unsound banking
practices. The payment of a dividend by a bank could, depending upon the
financial condition of the bank involved and other
44
<PAGE>
factors, be deemed to impair its capital or to be such an unsafe or unsound
practice.
Under the restrictions set forth above, the aggregate amount available
for the payment of dividends by the eleven bank subsidiaries of FFC was
approximately $168 million as of December 31, 1997.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
- --------------------------
The holders of FFC Common Stock may elect to participate in the Fulton
Financial Corporation Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Dividend Reinvestment
Plan"), which is a plan administered by Fulton as the Plan Agent. Under the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan, dividends payable to participating shareholders are
paid to the Plan Agent and are used to purchase, on behalf of the participating
shareholders, additional shares of FFC Common Stock. Participating shareholders
may make additional voluntary cash payments, which are also used by the Plan
Agent to purchase, on behalf of such shareholders, additional shares of FFC
Common Stock. Shares of FFC Common Stock held for the account of participating
shareholders are voted by the Plan Agent in accordance with the instructions of
each participating shareholder as set forth in his or her proxy.
Securities Laws
- ---------------
FFC, as a business corporation, is subject to the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the 1933 Act and is also subject to similar
requirements under state securities laws. FFC Common Stock is registered with
the SEC under Section 12(g) of the 1934 Act, and FFC is subject to the periodic
reporting, proxy solicitation and insider trading requirements of the 1934 Act.
The executive officers, directors and ten percent shareholders of FFC are
subject to certain restrictions affecting their right to sell shares of FFC
Common Stock owned beneficially by them. Specifically, each such person is
subject to the beneficial ownership reporting requirements and to the
short-swing profit recapture provisions of Section 16 of the 1934 Act and may
sell shares of FFC Common Stock only: (i) in compliance with the provisions of
SEC Rule 144, (ii) in compliance with the provisions of another applicable
exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, or (iii) pursuant
to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act.
Antitakeover Provisions
- -----------------------
The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of FFC include certain
provisions which may be considered to be "antitakeover" in nature, because they
may have the effect of discouraging or making more difficult the acquisition of
control over FFC by means of a hostile tender offer, exchange offer, proxy
contest or similar transaction. These provisions are intended to protect the
shareholders of FFC (including the present shareholders of ABC, who will become
shareholders of FFC following the Merger) by providing a measure of assurance
that FFC's shareholders will be treated fairly in the event of an unsolicited
takeover bid and by preventing a successful takeover bidder from exercising its
voting control to the detriment of the other shareholders. However, the
antitakeover provisions set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of
FFC, taken as a whole, may discourage a hostile tender offer, exchange offer,
proxy solicitation or similar transaction relating to FFC Common Stock. To the
extent that these provisions actually discourage such a transaction, holders of
FFC Common Stock may not have an opportunity to dispose of part or all of their
stock at a higher price than
45
<PAGE>
that prevailing in the market. In addition, these provisions make it more
difficult to remove, and thereby may serve to entrench, incumbent directors and
officers of FFC, even if their removal would be regarded by some shareholders as
desirable.
The provisions in the Articles of Incorporation of FFC which may be
considered to be "antitakeover" in nature include the following: (i) a provision
that provides for substantial amounts of authorized but unissued capital stock,
including a class of preferred stock whose rights and privileges may be
determined prior to issuance by FFC's Board of Directors, (ii) a provision that
does not permit shareholders to cumulate their votes for the election of
directors, (iii) a provision that requires a greater than majority shareholder
vote in order to approve certain business combinations and other extraordinary
corporate transactions, (iv) a provision that establishes criteria to be applied
by the Board of Directors in evaluating an acquisition proposal, (v) a provision
that requires a greater than majority shareholder vote in order for the
shareholders to remove a director from office without cause, (vi) a provision
that prohibits the taking of any action by the shareholders without a meeting
and eliminates the right of shareholders to call a annual meeting, (vii) a
provision that limits the right of the shareholders to amend the Bylaws, and
(viii) a provision that requires, under certain circumstances, a greater than
majority shareholder vote in order to amend the Articles of Incorporation.
The provisions of the Bylaws of FFC which may be considered to be
"antitakeover" in nature include the following: (i) a provision that limits the
permissible number of directors, (ii) a provision that establishes a Board of
Directors divided into three classes, with members of each class elected for a
three-year term that is staggered with the terms of the members of the other two
classes, and (iii) a provision that requires advance written notice as a
precondition to the nomination of any person for election to the Board of
Directors, other than in the case of nominations made by existing management.
As a Pennsylvania business corporation and a corporation registered
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, FFC is subject to, and may take
advantage of the protections of, the antitakeover provisions of the Pennsylvania
Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended ("BCL"). These antitakeover
provisions, which are designed to discourage the acquisition of control over a
targeted Pennsylvania business corporation, include: (i) a provision whereby the
directors of the corporation, in determining what is in the best interests of
the corporation, may consider factors other than the economic interests of the
shareholders, such as the effect of any action upon other constituencies,
including employees, suppliers, customers, creditors and the community in which
the corporation is located; (ii) a provision that permits shareholders to demand
that a controlling person pay to them the fair value of their shares in cash
upon a change in control; (iii) a provision that restricts certain business
combinations unless there is prior approval by the directors or a supermajority
of the shareholders; (iv) a provision permitting a corporation to adopt a
shareholders rights plan; (v) a provision denying the right to vote to a person
who acquires a specified percentage of stock ownership ("control shares") unless
those voting rights are restored by a vote of disinterested shareholders; and
(vi) a provision requiring a person who acquires control shares to disgorge to
the corporation all profits from the sale of equity securities within eighteen
months thereafter. Corporations may elect to "opt out" of any or all of these
antitakeover provisions of the BCL. FFC has not elected to opt out of any of the
protections provided by the antitakeover statutes.
46
<PAGE>
On June 20, 1989, FFC adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the "Rights
Plan"). The Rights Plan is intended to discourage unfair or financially
inadequate takeover proposals and abusive takeover practices and to encourage
third parties who may in the future be interested in acquiring FFC to negotiate
with FFC's Board of Directors. The Rights Plan may have the effect of
discouraging or making more difficult the acquisition of FFC by means of a
hostile tender offer, exchange offer or similar transaction. The Rights Plan is
similar to shareholder rights plans which have been adopted by many other bank
holding companies and business corporations and contains "flip-in" and
"flip-over" provisions which are typically included in plans of this kind. Each
share of FFC Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger will be
accompanied by one right issued pursuant to the terms of the Rights Plan, which
right will initially, and until it becomes exercisable, trade with and be
represented by the FFC Common Stock certificates to be received by the
shareholders of ABC.
The management of FFC does not presently contemplate recommending to the
shareholders the adoption of any additional antitakeover provisions.
Indemnification
- ---------------
The Bylaws of FFC provide for indemnification of its directors,
officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, provided that the person seeking
indemnification acted in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believed
to be in the best interests of FFC, and without willful misconduct or
recklessness. FFC has purchased insurance to indemnify its directors, officers,
employees and agents under certain circumstances.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act
may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling FFC pursuant to
the foregoing provisions of FFC's Bylaws, FFC has been informed that, in the
opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the 1933 Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Comparison of Shareholder Rights
- --------------------------------
Upon consummation of the Merger, the shareholders of ABC will become
shareholders of FFC. There are differences between the rights of holders of ABC
Common Stock and FFC Common Stock. These differences arise out of (i)
differences between the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of ABC and the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of FFC, and (ii) differences between the
respective regulatory laws applicable to ABC and FFC. The most significant
differences are: (1) FFC has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan, which provides
FFC's shareholders with certain stock-related rights in the event of a hostile
takeover but may have the effect of discouraging such a takeover (see the
section above entitled "Antitakeover Provisions"), while ABC has not adopted any
such plan; (2) FFC's Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of shares
of preferred stock with such rights and privileges as may be determined by FFC's
Board of Directors (although FFC currently has no plans to issue preferred
stock), while ABC's Articles of Incorporation do not authorize the issuance of
any class of preferred stock; and (3) FFC Common Stock is registered under the
1934 Act and traded on the NASDAQ National Market, while ABC Common Stock is
traded on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market and is not registered.
The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of FFC also include a number of
other provisions which are intended to protect the shareholders of FFC
47
<PAGE>
(including the present shareholders of ABC, who will become shareholders of FFC
following the Merger) from abusive takeover practices and inadequate takeover
proposals, but which may be considered to be "antitakeover" in nature and may
serve to entrench the current management of FFC. See INFORMATION CONCERNING
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND DESCRIPTION OF FFC COMMON STOCK--Antitakeover
Provisions.
The material differences between ABC Common Stock and FFC Common Stock
and the rights of their respective holders are summarized in the following
table:
48
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================
ABC FFC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title Common Stock, $4.00 par value Common Stock, $2.50 par value
per share per share
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares Authorized 10,000,000 200,000,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Issued & Outstanding 1,920,603 59,901,335
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preemptive Rights No No
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classification of Board of Directors Board of Directors divided into Board of Directors divided
3 classes with 3 year terms; one- into 3 classes with 3 year
third of directors elected each year terms; one-third of directors
elected each year
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voting: Election of Directors Non-cumulative Non-cumulative
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voting: Other Matters One vote for each share owned of One vote for each share owned
record of record
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Rights Plan None Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dissenters' Rights Yes Not generally available,
except by resolution of the
Board of Directors
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend Reinvestment Plan None Open market plan administered
by Fulton Bank as Plan Agent
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Traded on NASDAQ Listed for quotation on NASDAQ
Small Cap Market National Market
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registered under 1934 Act Yes Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limitation of Liability of Directors Yes Yes
for Monetary Damages
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indemnification of Directors, Yes Yes
Officers and Employees
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorized Class of Preferred Stock No Yes, which can be issued under
terms and conditions to be
determined by the Board of
Directors
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Control Share Statute No Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business Combination Statute No Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Right of Shareholders to call a No No
Special Meeting
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Inspection Rights Limited General
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Right of Shareholders to act by No No
Written Consent
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
49
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONCERNING AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
----------------------------------------------------------
Description of Business and Property
- ------------------------------------
ABC is a Pennsylvania bank and trust company which was organized in
1990. ABC is engaged in a general banking business, including commercial and
retail banking operations, in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania. ABC
currently conducts its business through eight banking offices located in Lehigh
and Northampton Counties. At December 31, 1997, ABC had total deposits of
approximately $241 million, total assets of approximately $278 million,
shareholders equity of $21 million, total net loans of approximately $174
million and employed ninety-two persons on a full-time basis and four persons on
a part-time basis.
The broad range of retail and commercial banking services which ABC
offers include checking accounts, savings programs, money-market accounts,
certificates of deposit, safe deposit facilities, consumer loans programs,
revolving lines of credit, overdraft checking and extended banking hours. These
services are primarily provided to consumers and small- to mid-sized companies
within the Bank's market area. ABC focuses its lending services on commercial,
consumer and real estate lending to local borrowers. ABC attempts to establish a
total borrowing relationship with its customers, which may typically include a
commercial real estate loan, a business line of credit for working capital
needs, a mortgage loan for the borrower's residence, a consumer loan or a
revolving personal credit line.
ABC's service area consists of Lehigh and Northampton Counties,
Pennsylvania. ABC encounters vigorous competition for market share in the
communities it serves from bank holding companies, other community banks, thrift
institutions and other non-bank financial organizations. ABC competes with
banking and financial branching systems, some from out of state, which are
substantially larger and have greater financial resources than ABC. There are
approximately seventy-six banks, savings and loan and credit unions, including
ABC, with 283 locations, in the general market area serviced by ABC. The largest
of these institutions had assets of over $157 billion and the smallest had
assets of less than $1 million.
In addition to banks and other financial institutions, ABC competes for
deposits with various investment and depositary funds offered by non-banking
firms in the securities industry. There is also competition from major
retail-oriented firms who offer financial services similar to traditional
services through commercial banks without being subject to the same degree of
regulation.
Information About Directors and Executive Officers
- --------------------------------------------------
Certain information concerning shares of ABC Common Stock owned
beneficially by each director of ABC and by all directors and executive officers
of ABC as a group, as of April 15, 1998, is set forth below:
50
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================
SHARES OF ABC COMMON STOCK PERCENT SHARES OF ABC COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED, DIRECTLY OF SHARES THAT MAY BE ACQUIRED
AND INDIRECTLY, AS OF APRIL OUTSTANDING PURSUANT TO OPTIONS OR
NAME OF DIRECTOR 15, 1998 WARRANTS
====================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fred Banko 55,169 2.8 10,157
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wilbur J. Blew 24,436 1.2 15,313
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin D. Cohen 50,104 2.6 80,188
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Craig A. Dally 26,394 1.4 10,157
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raymond E. Holland 30,589 1.6 18,750
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas R. Kerr 55,545 2.9 25,625
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas J. Maloney 35,744 1.9 11,875
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy J. McDonald 27,159 1.4 68,063
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan C. Messerli 23,094 1.2 10,157
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clifton E. Mowrer, Jr. 2,144 * 500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie P. Musselman 28,294 1.5 16,688
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Officers Who Are Not
Directors
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David M. Lobach, Jr. 11,321 * 24,320
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Executive Officers and 369,993 19.3
Directors as a Group
(12 persons)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* = Less than one percent.
====================================================================================================
</TABLE>
51
<PAGE>
EXPERTS
-------
The financial statements of FFC as of December 31, 1997 and 1996
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, which are
included in FFC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997 and are incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus have
been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are included herein in
reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
The financial statements of ABC as of December 31, 1997 and 1996
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, which are
included in ABC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997, have been audited by Beard & Company, Inc., independent accountants, as
set forth in their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by
reference. Such financial statements are included in reliance upon such report
given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGAL MATTERS
-------------
The legality of the shares of FFC Common Stock to be issued in
connection with the Merger and certain other legal matters relating to the
Merger will be passed upon by the law firm of Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen,
LLC, located in Chambersburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania,
which is acting as counsel for FFC. John O. Shirk is a partner in the firm and
is a member of the Board of Directors of FFC. As of April 15, 1998, the partners
and associates of Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC owned beneficially and in
the aggregate approximately 19,110 shares of FFC Common Stock.
Fredric C. Jacobs, Esquire, of Easton, Pennsylvania, has acted as
counsel to ABC in connection with the Merger.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
----------------------
FFC has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement (No. 333-_______)
with respect to the shares of FFC Common Stock to be issued in connection with
the Merger. The Registration Statement contains certain additional information
which has been omitted from this Proxy Statement/Prospectus in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the SEC and may be examined at the offices of the
SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of the
Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the
prescribed fee.
OTHER MATTERS
-------------
The Board of Directors of ABC knows of no other matters other than those
discussed in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus which will be presented at the
Special Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly brought before the
Special Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof, any proxy given
pursuant to this solicitation will be voted in accordance with the
recommendations of the Board of Directors of ABC.
52
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
MERGER AGREEMENT
----------------
A-1
<PAGE>
MERGER AGREEMENT
----------------
Merger Agreement made as of the 26th day of January, 1998 as amended
and restated as of April 14, 1998 (the "Agreement"), by and between FULTON
FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Pennsylvania business corporation having its
administrative headquarters at One Penn Square, P. O. Box 4887, Lancaster,
Pennsylvania 17604 ("FFC"), LAFAYETTE BANK, a Pennsylvania bank and trust
company having its administrative headquarters at 360 Northampton Street,
Easton, Pennsylvania 18002 ("LB") and AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH, a
Pennsylvania bank and trust company having its administrative headquarters at
4127 Tilghman Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104 ("ABC").
BACKGROUND:
-----------
FFC is a Pennsylvania bank holding company. ABC is a Pennsylvania
bank. FFC wishes to acquire ABC, and ABC wishes to be acquired by FFC. Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the foregoing transaction will be
accomplished by means of a merger (the "Merger") in which: (i) ABC will be
merged with and into LB, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFC; (ii) LB will
survive the Merger and operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFC ; and (iii)
all of the outstanding shares of the common stock of ABC, par value $4.00 per
share ("ABC Common Stock"), will be converted into shares of the common stock of
FFC, par value $2.50 per share ("FFC Common Stock"). Any reference to ABC or LB
after the merger of ABC with and into LB shall mean the surviving entity of said
merger. In connection with the execution of this Agreement, the parties have
entered into a Warrant Agreement in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (the
---------
"Warrant Agreement"), which provides for the delivery by ABC of a warrant in the
form of Exhibit B attached hereto (the "Warrant") entitling FFC to purchase
---------
shares of the ABC Common Stock in certain circumstances.
WITNESSETH:
-----------
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained
herein and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
ARTICLES OF MERGER
------------------
Section 1.1 Articles of Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions
------------------
of this Agreement, ABC shall merge with and into LB in accordance with the
Articles of Merger substantially in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto.
---------
ARTICLE II
CONVERSION OF SHARES AND EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES
-------------------------------------------------------
Section 2.1 Conversion of Shares. On the Effective Date (as defined in
--------------------
Section 10.2 herein) the shares of ABC Common Stock then outstanding shall be
converted into shares of FFC Common Stock, as follows:
(a) General: Subject to the provisions of Sections 2.1(b) and 2.1(c)
-------
and Article IX herein, each share of ABC Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately before the Effective Date shall, on the Effective Date, be converted
into and become, without any action on the part of the holder thereof, 1.40
(such number, as it may be adjusted under Section 2.1(b) herein, the "Conversion
Ratio") shares of FFC Common Stock and the corresponding number of
A-2
<PAGE>
rights associated with the Rights Agreement, dated June 20, 1989, between FFC
and Fulton Bank.
(b) Antidilution Provision: In the event that FFC shall at any time
----------------------
before the Effective Date increase or decrease the number of outstanding shares
of FFC Common Stock as a result of a: (i) stock split; (ii) stock dividend;
(iii) reverse stock split; (iv) reclassification; (v) recapitalization; (vi)
exchange of shares; or (vii) similar change in its capital account, then the
Conversion Ratio shall be proportionately adjusted (calculated to three decimal
places), so that each ABC stockholder shall receive on the Effective Date, in
exchange for his shares of ABC Common Stock, the number of shares of FFC Common
Stock as would then have been owned by him if the Effective Date had occurred
before the record date of such event (for example, if FFC were to declare a ten
percent (10%) stock dividend after the date of this Agreement and if the record
date for that stock dividend were to occur before the Effective Date, the
Conversion Ratio would be adjusted from 1.40 shares to 1.54 shares).
(c) No Fractional Shares: No fractional shares of FFC Common Stock
--------------------
shall be issued in connection with the Merger. In lieu of the issuance of any
fractional share to which he would otherwise be entitled, each former
stockholder of ABC shall receive in cash an amount equal to the fair market
value of his fractional interest, which fair market value shall be determined by
multiplying such fraction by the Closing Market Price (as defined in Section
2.1(d) herein).
(d) Closing Market Price: For purposes of this Agreement, the Closing
--------------------
Market Price shall be the average of the per share closing bid prices for FFC
Common Stock, rounded up to the nearest $.125, for the ten (10) trading days
immediately preceding the date which is two (2) business days before the
Effective Date, as reported on the National Market System of the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ"), the
foregoing period of ten (10) trading days being hereinafter sometimes referred
to as the "Price Determination Period." (For example, if September 30, 1998 were
to be the Effective Date, then the Price Determination Period would be September
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 28, 1998.) In the event that NASDAQ shall
fail to report a closing bid price for FFC Common Stock for any trading day
during the Price Determination Period, the closing bid price for that day shall
be equal to the average of the closing bid prices and the average of the closing
asked prices as quoted: (i) by F. J. Morrissey & Company, Inc. and by Ryan, Beck
& Co.; or, (ii) in the event that either or both of these firms are not then
making a market in FFC Common Stock, by two brokerage firms then making a market
in FFC Common Stock to be selected by FFC and approved by ABC.
Section 2.2 Exchange of Stock Certificates. ABC Common Stock certificates
------------------------------
shall be exchanged for FFC Common Stock certificates in accordance with the
following procedures:
(a) Exchange Agent: The transfer agent of FFC, Fulton Bank, shall act
--------------
as exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent") to receive ABC Common Stock
certificates from the holders thereof and to exchange such stock certificates
for FFC Common Stock certificates and (if applicable) to pay cash for fractional
shares of ABC Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.1(c) herein. The Exchange Agent
shall, as soon as practicable after the Effective Date, mail to each former
stockholder of ABC a notice specifying the procedures to be followed in
surrendering such stockholder's ABC Common Stock certificates.
(b) Surrender of Certificates: As promptly as possible after receipt
-------------------------
of the Exchange Agent's notice, each former stockholder of ABC shall surrender
his ABC Common Stock certificates to the Exchange Agent; provided, that
--------
A-3
<PAGE>
if any former stockholder of ABC shall be unable to surrender his ABC Common
Stock certificates due to loss or mutilation thereof, he may make a constructive
surrender by following procedures comparable to those customarily used by FFC
for issuing replacement certificates to FFC stockholders whose FFC Common Stock
certificates have been lost or mutilated. As soon as practicable following the
receipt of a proper actual or constructive surrender of ABC Common Stock
certificates from a former ABC stockholder, the Exchange Agent shall issue to
such stockholder, in exchange therefor, an FFC Common Stock certificate
representing the whole number of shares of FFC Common Stock into which such
stockholder's shares of ABC Common Stock have been converted in accordance with
this Article II, together with a check in the amount of any cash to which such
stockholder is entitled, pursuant to Section 2.1(c) herein, in lieu of the
issuance of a fractional share.
(c) Dividend Withholding: Dividends, if any, payable by FFC after the
--------------------
Effective Date to any former stockholder of ABC who has not prior to the payment
date surrendered his ABC Common Stock certificates may, at the option of FFC, be
withheld. Any dividends so withheld shall be paid, without interest, to such
former stockholder of ABC upon proper surrender of his ABC Common Stock
certificates.
(d) Failure to Surrender Certificates: All ABC Common Stock
---------------------------------
certificates must be surrendered to the Exchange Agent within two (2) years
after the Effective Date. In the event that any former stockholder of ABC shall
not have properly surrendered his ABC Common Stock certificates within two (2)
years after the Effective Date, the shares of FFC Common Stock that would
otherwise have been issued to him may, at the option of FFC, be sold and the net
proceeds of such sale, together with the cash (if any) to which he is entitled
in lieu of the issuance of a fractional share and any previously accrued
dividends, shall be held by the Exchange Agent in a noninterest bearing account
for his benefit. From and after any such sale, the sole right of such former
stockholder of ABC shall be the right to collect such net proceeds, cash and
accumulated dividends. Subject to all applicable laws of escheat, such net
proceeds, cash and accumulated dividends shall be paid to such former
stockholder of ABC, without interest, upon proper surrender of his ABC Common
Stock certificates.
(e) Expenses: All costs and expenses associated with the foregoing
--------
surrender and exchange procedure shall be borne by FFC.
Section 2.3 Treatment of ABC Rights.
-----------------------
(a) Each holder of an option or warrant (collectively, "ABC Rights")
to purchase shares of ABC Common Stock that (i) is outstanding on the Effective
Date, and (ii) would otherwise survive the Effective Date, shall be entitled to
receive, in cancellation of such ABC Right, shares of FFC Common Stock. The
number of shares of FFC Common Stock (provided that any fractional share of FFC
Common Stock shall be rounded to the nearest whole share) which may be acquired
in cancellation of an ABC Right shall be equal to the difference of (i) the
number of shares of ABC Common Stock covered by such ABC Right multiplied by the
Conversion Ratio and (ii) the aggregate exercise price of such ABC Right divided
by the Pre-Announcement Price (as such term is defined in Section 7.3(g)
herein).
(b) As of the Effective Date (to the extent required as determined by
FFC and ABC), FFC shall receive an agreement from each holder of ABC Right,
pursuant to which each such holder agrees to accept such FFC Common Stock in
accordance with this Section 2.3 herein in exchange for the cancellation of such
an ABC Rights on the Effective Date.
A-4
<PAGE>
Section 2.4 Reservation of Shares. FFC agrees that (i) prior to the
---------------------
Effective Date it will take appropriate action to reserve a sufficient number of
authorized but unissued shares of FFC Common Stock to be issued in accordance
with this Agreement, and (ii) on the Effective Date, FFC will deposit with the
Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of shares of ABC Common Stock,
for exchange in accordance with this Agreement, certificates representing shares
of FFC Common Stock issuable pursuant to Sections 2.1(a) and 2.3 herein and cash
for fractional shares pursuant to Section 2.1(c) herein.
Section 2.5 Taking Necessary Action. FFC and ABC shall take all such
-----------------------
actions as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the
transactions contemplated hereby including, without limitation, providing
information necessary for preparation of any filings needed to obtain the
regulatory approvals required to consummate the Merger. In case at any time
after the Effective Date any further action is necessary or desirable to carry
out the purposes of this Agreement and to vest FFC with full title to all
properties, assets, rights, approvals, immunities and franchises of ABC, the
officers and directors of ABC, at the expense of FFC, shall take all such
necessary action.
Section 2.6 Press Releases. FFC and ABC agree that all press releases or
--------------
other public communications relating to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby will require consultation among FFC and ABC, unless counsel
has advised any such party that such release or other public communication must
immediately be issued and the issuing party has not been able, despite its good
faith efforts, to effect such consultation.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ABC
-------------------------------------
ABC represents and warrants to FFC, as of the date of this Agreement
as follows:
Section 3.1 Authority. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
---------
Warrant Agreement and the Warrant and the performance of the transactions
contemplated herein and therein have been authorized by the Board of Directors
of ABC and, except for the approval of this Agreement by its stockholders, ABC
has taken all corporate action necessary on its part to authorize this
Agreement, the Warrant Agreement and the Warrant and the performance of the
transactions contemplated herein and therein. This Agreement, the Warrant
Agreement and the Warrant have been duly executed and delivered by ABC and,
assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by FFC, constitute valid and
binding obligations of ABC. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement, the Warrant Agreement and the Warrant will not constitute a violation
or breach of or default under (i) the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of
ABC, (ii) any statute, rule, regulation, order, decree or directive of any
governmental authority or court applicable to ABC, subject to the receipt of all
required governmental approvals or (iii) any Material Contract (as such term is
defined in Section 3.12 herein) to which ABC is a party or by which ABC or any
of its properties are bound, subject to ABC obtaining or making any required
notice, consent or approval as set forth on Schedule 3.1.
Section 3.2 Subsidiaries. ABC owns no subsidiaries, directly or indirectly.
------------
Section 3.3 Organization and Standing. ABC is a bank and trust company that
-------------------------
is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. ABC is an insured bank under the provisions of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (the "FDI Act"), and is a member of
A-5
<PAGE>
the Federal Reserve System. ABC has full power and lawful authority to own and
hold its properties and to carry on its business as presently conducted.
Section 3.4 Capitalization. The authorized capital of ABC consists
--------------
exclusively of 10,000,000 shares of ABC Common Stock, of which 1,917,153 shares
are validly issued, outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and no shares
are held as treasury shares. In addition, 418,169 shares of ABC Common Stock are
reserved for issuance upon exercise of the ABC Rights (Schedule 3.4 sets forth
------------
the owners, the number of shares issuable upon exercise and the exercise price,
of the ABC Rights) and 475,000 shares of ABC Common Stock will be reserved for
issuance upon exercise of the Warrant. Except for the ABC Rights and the
Warrant, there are and will be no outstanding obligations, options or rights of
any kind entitling other persons to acquire shares of ABC Common Stock and there
are no outstanding securities or other instruments of any kind that are
convertible into shares of ABC Common Stock.
Section 3.5 Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Minute Books. The copies
--------------------------------------------------
of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of ABC that have been delivered to
FFC are true, correct and complete. Except as previously disclosed to FFC in
writing, the minute books of ABC that have been made available to FFC for
inspection are true, correct and complete in all respects and accurately record
the actions taken by the Boards of Directors and stockholders of ABC at the
meetings documented in such minutes.
Section 3.6 Financial Statements. ABC has delivered to FFC the following
--------------------
financial statements: Balance Sheets for ABC at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and
Statements of Income, Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, and
Statements of Cash Flows of ABC for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
certified by Beard & Company, Inc. and a Balance Sheet of ABC at September 30,
1997 and Statements of Income, Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and
Statements of Cash Flows of ABC for the nine-month period ended September 30,
1997, as filed with the Federal Reserve Board (the "FRB") in a Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q (the aforementioned Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1997 being
hereinafter referred to as the "ABC Balance Sheet"). Each of the foregoing
financial statements fairly presents the financial condition, assets and
liabilities, and results of operations of ABC at its respective date and for the
respective periods then ended and has been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied, except as otherwise noted
in a footnote thereto and except for the omission of the notes from the
financial statements applicable to any interim period.
Section 3.7 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as disclosed in
----------------------------------
Schedule 3.7, or as reflected, noted or adequately reserved against in the
- ------------
ABC Balance Sheet or disclosed in the Notes thereto, at September 30, 1997, ABC
had no liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) which
were required to be reflected, noted or reserved against in the ABC Balance
Sheet under generally accepted accounting principles or which were in any case
or in the aggregate material. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.7, ABC has not
------------
incurred, since September 30, 1997, any such liability, other than liabilities
of the same nature as those set forth in the ABC Balance Sheet, all of which
have been reasonably incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business. For purposes
of this Agreement, the term "Ordinary Course of Business" shall mean the
ordinary course of business consistent with ABC's customary business practices.
Section 3.8 Absence of Changes. Since September 30, 1997 to the date
------------------
hereof, ABC has conducted its business in the Ordinary Course of Business and,
except as disclosed in Schedule 3.8, ABC has not undergone any changes in its
------------
condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business, operations or
future prospects of ABC.
A-6
<PAGE>
Section 3.9 Dividends, Distributions and Stock Purchases. Since January 1,
--------------------------------------------
1997 to the date hereof, ABC has not declared, set aside, made or paid any
dividend or other distribution in respect of the ABC Common Stock, or purchased,
issued or sold any shares of ABC Common Stock.
Section 3.10 Taxes. ABC has filed all federal, state, county, municipal
-----
and foreign tax returns, reports and declarations which are required to be filed
by it as of September 30, 1997. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.10: (i) ABC
-------------
has paid all taxes, penalties and interest which have become due pursuant
thereto or which became due pursuant to federal, state, county, municipal or
foreign tax laws applicable to the periods covered by the foregoing tax returns:
(ii) ABC has received no notice of deficiency or assessment of additional taxes,
and no tax audits are in process; and (iii) the Internal Revenue Service (the
"IRS") has not commenced or given notice of an intention to commence any
examination or audit of the federal income tax returns of ABC for any year
through and including the year ended December 31, 1996. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 3.10, ABC has not granted any waiver of any statute of limitations or
- -------------
otherwise agreed to any extension of a period for the assessment of any federal,
state, county, municipal or foreign income tax. Except as disclosed in Schedule
--------
3.10, the accruals and reserves reflected in the ABC Balance Sheet are adequate
- ----
to cover all taxes (including interest and penalties, if any, thereon) that are
payable or accrued as a result of ABC's operations for all periods prior to the
date of such Balance Sheet.
Section 3.11 Title to and Condition of Assets. Except as disclosed in
--------------------------------
Schedule 3.11, ABC has good and marketable title to all material real and
personal properties and assets reflected in the ABC Balance Sheet or acquired
subsequent to September 30, 1997 (other than property and assets disposed of in
the Ordinary Course of Business), free and clear of all liens or encumbrances of
any kind whatsoever; provided, however, that the representations and warranties
-------- -------
contained in this sentence do not cover liens or encumbrances that: (i) are
reflected in the ABC Balance Sheet or in Schedule 3.11; (ii) represent liens of
-------------
current taxes and special assessments not yet due or which, if due, may be paid
without penalty, or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings; and (iii) represent such imperfections of title, liens,
encumbrances, zoning requirements and easements, if any, as are not substantial
in character, amount or extent and do not materially detract from the value, or
interfere with the present use, of the properties and assets subject thereto.
The material structures and other improvements to real estate, furniture,
fixtures and equipment reflected in the ABC Balance Sheet or acquired subsequent
to September 30, 1997: (A) are in good operating condition and repair (ordinary
wear and tear excepted), and (B) comply in all material respects with all
applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, including without limitation all
building codes, zoning ordinances and other similar laws, except where any
noncompliance would not materially detract from the value, or interfere with the
present use, of such structures, improvements, furniture, fixtures and
equipment. ABC owns or has the right to use all real and personal properties and
assets that are material to the conduct of its business as presently conducted.
Section 3.12 Contracts. Each written or oral contract entered into by
---------
ABC (other than contracts with customers reasonably entered into by ABC in the
Ordinary Course of Business) which involves aggregate payments or receipts in
excess of $50,000 per year, including without limitation every employment
contract, employee benefit plan, agreement, lease, license, indenture, mortgage
and other commitment (other than commitments to make loans) to which ABC is a
party or by which ABC or any of its properties may be bound (collectively
referred to herein as "Material Contracts") is identified in Schedule 3.12.
-------------
Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, all Material Contracts are valid and in
-------------
full force and effect, and all parties thereto (to ABC's knowledge in the case
of third parties
A-7
<PAGE>
to such Material Contracts) have in all material respects performed all
obligations required to be performed by them to date and are not in default in
any material respect. Schedule 3.12 identifies all Material Contracts which
-------------
require the consent or approval of third parties to the execution and delivery
of this Agreement or to the consummation of the transactions contemplated
herein.
Section 3.13 Litigation and Governmental Directives. Except as disclosed
--------------------------------------
in Schedule 3.13: (i) there is no litigation, investigation or proceeding
-------------
pending, or to the knowledge of ABC threatened, that involves ABC, or any of its
properties and that, if determined adversely, would materially and adversely
affect the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business,
operations or future prospects of ABC; (ii) there are no outstanding orders,
writs, injunctions, judgments, decrees, regulations, directives, consent
agreements or memoranda of understanding issued by any federal, state or local
court or governmental authority or arbitration tribunal issued against or with
the consent of ABC that materially and adversely affect the condition (financial
or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business, operations or future prospects of
ABC, or that in any manner restrict the right of ABC to carry on its business as
presently conducted taken as a whole; and (iii) the executive officers of ABC
are not aware of any fact or condition presently existing that might give rise
to any litigation, investigation or proceeding which, if determined adversely to
ABC, would materially and adversely affect the condition (financial or
otherwise), assets, liabilities, business, operations or future prospects of ABC
or would restrict in any manner the right of ABC to carry on its business as
presently conducted. All litigation (except for bankruptcy proceedings in which
ABC has filed proofs of claim) in which ABC is involved as a plaintiff (other
than routine collection and foreclosure suits initiated in the Ordinary Course
of Business in which the amount sought to be recovered is less than $50,000) is
identified in Schedule 3.13.
-------------
Section 3.14 Compliance with Laws; Governmental Authorizations. Except as
--------------------
disclosed in Schedule 3.14 or where noncompliance would not have a material and
-------------
adverse effect upon the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities,
business, operations or future prospects of ABC: (i) to the knowledge of ABC,
ABC is in compliance with all statutes, laws, ordinances, rules, regulations,
judgments, orders, decrees, directives, consent agreements, memoranda of
understanding, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, and other
governmental authorizations or approvals applicable to ABC or to any of its
properties; and (ii) all permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses and
other governmental authorizations and approvals necessary for the conduct of the
business of ABC as presently conducted have been duly obtained and are in full
force and effect, and there are no proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of
ABC, threatened which may result in the revocation, cancellation, suspension or
materially adverse modification of any thereof.
Section 3.15 Insurance. As of the date hereof, all policies of insurance
---------
relating to ABC's operations (except for title insurance policies), including
without limitation all financial institutions bonds, held by or on behalf of ABC
are listed in Schedule 3.15. All such policies of insurance are in full force
-------------
and effect, and, as of the date hereof, no notices of cancellation have been
received in connection therewith.
Section 3.16 Financial Institutions Bonds. Since January, 1991, ABC
----------------------------
has continuously maintained in full force and effect one or more financial
institutions bonds listed in Schedule 3.16 insuring ABC against acts of
-------------
dishonesty by each of its employees. As of the date hereof, no claim has been
made under any such bond and ABC is not aware of any fact or condition presently
existing which might form the basis of a claim under any such bond. ABC has no
reason to believe
A-8
<PAGE>
that its present financial institutions bond or bonds will not
be renewed by its carrier on substantially the same terms as those now in
effect.
Section 3.17 Labor Relations and Employment Agreements. ABC is not a party
-----------------------------------------
to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement. ABC enjoys a good working
relationship with its employees, and there are no labor disputes pending, or to
the knowledge of ABC threatened, that might materially and adversely affect the
condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business or operations
of ABC. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.17, ABC has no employment contract,
-------------
severance agreement, deferred compensation agreement, consulting agreement or
similar obligation (an "Employment Obligation") with any director, officer,
employee, agent or consultant, and all such persons are serving at the will and
pleasure of ABC. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.17, as of the Effective Date
-------------
(as defined in Section 10.2 herein), ABC will not have any liability for
employee termination rights arising out of any Employment Obligation.
Section 3.18 Employee Benefit Plans. All employee benefit plans,
----------------------
contracts or arrangements to which ABC is a party or by which ABC is bound,
including without limitation all pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
incentive, bonus, profit sharing, stock purchase, stock option, life insurance,
death or survivor's benefit, health insurance, sickness, disability, medical,
surgical, hospital, severance, layoff or vacation plans, contracts or
arrangements, are identified in Schedule 3.18. ABC's retirement savings plan, a
-------------
contributory defined contribution plan (the "ABC 401(k) Plan"), is exempt from
tax under Sections 401 and 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), and has been maintained and operated in material compliance with
all applicable provisions of the Code and the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). Except as disclosed in Schedule
--------
3.18, no "prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in the Code or in
- ----
ERISA) has occurred in respect of the ABC 401(k) Plan or any other employee
benefit plan, including, without limitation, ABC's nonqualified deferred
compensation plan, nonqualified salary continuation agreement and severance pay
plan (all "employee benefit pension plans" and all "employee welfare benefit
plans", as those terms are defined in ERISA, of ABC being collectively referred
to herein as "ABC Benefit Plans" and individually as a "ABC Benefit Plan"), to
which ABC is a party or by which ABC is bound. There have been no material
breaches of fiduciary duty by any fiduciary under or with respect to the ABC
401(k) Plan or any other ABC Benefit Plan, and no claim is pending or, to the
knowledge of ABC, threatened with respect to any ABC Benefit Plan other than
claims for benefits made in the Ordinary Course of Business. ABC has not
incurred any material liability for any tax imposed by Section 4975 of the Code
or for any penalty imposed by the Code or by ERISA with respect to the ABC
401(k) Plan or any other ABC Benefit Plan. There has not been any audit of any
ABC Benefit Plan by the Department of Labor, the IRS or the PBGC.
Section 3.19 Related Party Transactions. Except as disclosed in
--------------------------
Schedule 3.19, ABC has no contract, extension of credit, business arrangement or
- -------------
other relationship of any kind with any of the following persons: (i) any
executive officer or director (including any person who has served in such
capacity since January 1, 1995) of ABC; (ii) any stockholder owning five percent
(5%) or more of the outstanding ABC Common Stock; and (iii) any "associate" (as
defined in Rule 405 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of the
foregoing persons or any business in which any of the foregoing persons is an
officer, director, employee or five percent (5%) or greater equity owner. Each
such contract or extension of credit disclosed in Schedule 3.19, except as
-------------
otherwise specifically described therein, has been made in the Ordinary Course
of Business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable arms' length
transactions with other persons that do not involve more than a normal risk of
collectability or present other unfavorable features.
A-9
<PAGE>
Section 3.20 No Finder. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.20, ABC has
--------- -------------
not paid or become obligated to pay any fee or commission of any kind whatsoever
to any broker, finder, advisor or other intermediary for, on account of or in
connection with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.
Section 3.21 Complete and Accurate Disclosure. Neither this Agreement
--------------------------------
(insofar as it relates to ABC, ABC Common Stock and the involvement of ABC in
the transactions contemplated hereby) nor any financial statement, schedule
(including without limitation its Schedules to this Agreement), certificate, or
other statement or document delivered by ABC to FFC in connection herewith
contains any statement which, at the time and in light of the circumstances
under which it is made, is false or misleading with respect to any material fact
or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained
herein or therein not false or misleading. In particular, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing sentence, the information provided and the
representations made by ABC to FFC in connection with the Registration Statement
(as defined in Section 6.1(b) herein), both at the time such information and
representations are provided and made and at the time of the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement, will be true and accurate in all material respects
and will not contain any false or misleading statement with respect to any
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order (i) to make the statements made therein not false or
misleading, or (ii) to correct any statement contained in an earlier
communication with respect to such information or representations which has
become false or misleading.
Section 3.22 Environmental Matters. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.22,
--------------------- -------------
ABC has no knowledge that any environmental contaminant, pollutant, toxic
or hazardous waste or other similar substance has been generated, used, stored,
processed, disposed of or discharged onto any of the real estate now or
previously owned or acquired (including without limitation any real estate
acquired by means of foreclosure or exercise of any other creditor's right) or
leased by ABC. In particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing
sentence, except as disclosed in Schedule 3.22, ABC has no knowledge that: (i)
-------------
any materials containing asbestos have been used or incorporated in any building
or other structure or improvement located on any of the real estate now or
previously owned or acquired (including without limitation any real estate
acquired by means of foreclosure or exercise of any other creditor's right) or
leased by ABC; (ii) any electrical transformers, fluorescent light fixtures with
ballasts or other equipment containing PCB's are or have been located on any of
the real estate now or previously owned or acquired (including without
limitation any real estate acquired by means of foreclosure or exercise of any
other creditor's right) or leased by ABC; or (iii) any underground storage tanks
for the storage of gasoline, petroleum products or other toxic or hazardous
wastes or similar substances are or have ever been located on any of the real
estate now or previously owned or acquired (including without limitation any
real estate acquired by means of foreclosure or exercise of any other creditor's
right) or leased by ABC.
Section 3.23 Proxy Statement/Prospectus. At the time the Proxy
--------------------------
Statement/Prospectus (as defined in Section 6.1(b) herein) is mailed to the
stockholders of ABC and at all times subsequent to such mailing, up to and
including the Effective Date, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (including any pre-
and post-effective amendments and supplements thereto), with respect to all
information relating to ABC, ABC Common Stock and all actions taken and
statements made by ABC in connection with the transactions contemplated herein
(except for information provided by FFC to ABC) will: (i) comply in all material
respects with applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "1933 Act"), and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934
Act"), and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"); and (ii) not contain any statement which, at the time
and in light of the
A-10
<PAGE>
circumstances under which it is made, is false or misleading with respect to any
material fact, or omits to state any material fact that is required to be stated
therein or necessary in order (A) to make the statements therein not false or
misleading, or (B) to correct any statement in an earlier communication with
respect to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus which has become false or misleading.
Section 3.24 Securities Matters. The ABC Common Stock is traded in
------------------
the NASDAQ Small Cap Market under the symbol ("ABPA") and is registered with the
FRB under the 1934 Act and has made all appropriate filings under the 1934 Act
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. On the date of
effectiveness (in the case of any offering circular) or on the date of mailing
(in the case of any proxy statement), no offering circular or proxy statement
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.
Section 3.25 Reports. ABC has filed all material reports,
-------
registrations and statements that are required to be filed with the FRB, the
Pennsylvania State Banking Department and any other applicable federal, state or
local governmental or regulatory authorities and such reports, registrations and
statements referred to in this Section 3.25 were, as of their respective dates,
in compliance in all material respects with all of the statutes, rules and
regulations enforced or promulgated by the governmental or regulatory authority
with which they were filed; provided, however, that the failure to file any such
report, registration, or statement or the failure of any report, registration or
statement to comply with the applicable regulatory standard shall not be deemed
to be a breach of the foregoing representation unless such failure has or may
have a material adverse impact on ABC. ABC has furnished FFC with, or made
available to FFC, copies of all such filings made in the last three fiscal years
and in the period from January 1, 1997 through the date of this Agreement.
Section 3.26 Loan Portfolio of ABC. Attached hereto as Schedule 3.26
--------------------- -------------
is a list of: (w) all outstanding commercial relationships, i.e. commercial
loans, commercial loan commitments and commercial letters of credit, of ABC with
an aggregate principal amount in excess of $250,000; (x) all loans of ABC
classified by ABC or any regulatory authority as "Substandard," "Doubtful" or
"Loss"; (y) all commercial and mortgage loans of ABC classified as
"non-accrual"; and (z) all commercial loans of ABC classified as "in substance
foreclosed." ABC has adequately reserved for or charged off loans in accordance
with applicable regulatory requirements and ABC's reserve for loan losses is
adequate in all material respects.
Section 3.27 Investment Portfolio. Attached hereto as Schedule 3.27
-------------------- -------------
is a list of all securities held by ABC for investment, showing the principal
amount, book value and market value of each security as of a recent date, and of
all short-term investments held by it as of September 30, 1997. These securities
are free and clear of all liens, pledges and encumbrances, except as shown on
Schedule 3.27.
- -------------
Section 3.28 Regulatory Examinations.
-----------------------
(a) Except as shown on Schedule 3.28, within the
-------------
past five years, except for normal examinations conducted by a regulatory agency
in the regular course of the business of ABC, no regulatory agency has initiated
any proceeding or investigation into the business or operations of ABC. ABC has
received no objection from any regulatory agency to ABC's response to any
violation, criticism or exception with respect to any report or statement
relating to any examinations of ABC which would have a materially adverse effect
on ABC.
A-11
<PAGE>
(b) ABC will not be required to divest any assets
currently held by it or discontinue any activity currently conducted as a result
of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, any
regulations promulgated thereunder, or otherwise which would have a materially
adverse effect on ABC.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FFC
-------------------------------------
FFC represents and warrants to ABC, as of the date of this Agreement,
as follows:
Section 4.1 Authority. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
---------
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have been
authorized by the Board of Directors of FFC, and no other corporate action on
the part of FFC is necessary to authorize this Agreement or the consummation by
FFC of the transactions contemplated herein. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by FFC and, assuming due authorization, execution and
delivery by ABC, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of FFC. The
execution, delivery and consummation of this Agreement will not constitute a
violation or breach of or default under: (i) the Articles of Incorporation or
Bylaws of FFC; (ii) any statute, rule, regulation, order, decree or directive of
any governmental authority or court applicable to FFC, subject to the receipt of
all required government approvals; or (iii) any agreement, contract, memorandum
of understanding, indenture or other instrument to which FFC is a party or by
which FFC or any of its properties are bound.
Section 4.2 Organization and Standing. FFC is a business corporation
-------------------------
that is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. FFC is a registered bank holding company under
the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act"), and has full
power and lawful authority to own and hold its properties and to carry on its
present business.
Section 4.3 Capitalization. The authorized capital of FFC consists
--------------
exclusively of 200,000,000 shares of FFC Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock without par value (the "FFC Preferred Stock"). As of December
31, 1997, there were validly issued, outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable
40,602,088 shares of FFC Common Stock as of the date of this Agreement, and
42,000 shares were held as treasury shares. No shares of FFC Preferred Stock
have been issued as of the date of this Agreement, and FFC has no present
intention to issue any shares of FFC Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 1997,
there were no outstanding obligations, options or rights of any kind entitling
other persons to acquire shares of FFC Common Stock or shares of FFC Preferred
Stock and there were no outstanding securities or other instruments of any kind
convertible into shares of FFC Common Stock or into shares of FFC Preferred
Stock, except as follows: (i) 846,466 shares of FFC Common Stock were issuable
upon the exercise of outstanding stock options granted under the FFC Incentive
Stock Option Plan and the FFC Employee Stock Purchase Plan; (ii) there are
outstanding 40,602,088 Rights representing the right under certain circumstances
to purchase shares of FFC Common Stock pursuant to the terms of a Shareholder
Rights Agreement, dated June 20, 1989, entered into between FFC and Fulton Bank;
(iii) shares of FFC Common Stock reserved from time to time for issuance
pursuant to FFC's Employee Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plans; and
(iv) shares issuable upon consummation of the transaction contemplated by Merger
Agreement by and between FFC and Keystone Heritage Group, Inc. dated as of
August 15, 1997.
A-12
<PAGE>
Section 4.4 Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The copies of the
------------------------------------
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and of the Bylaws, as amended, of FFC
that have been delivered to ABC are true, correct and complete.
Section 4.5 Subsidiaries. Schedule 4.5 contains a list of all
------------ ------------
subsidiaries ("Subsidiaries") which FFC owns, directly or indirectly. Except as
otherwise disclosed on Schedule 4.5: (i) FFC owns, directly or indirectly, all
------------
of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary; and (ii) as of
the date of this Agreement: (A) there are no outstanding obligations, options or
rights of any kind entitling persons (other than FFC or any Subsidiary) to
acquire shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary, and (B) there are no
outstanding securities or other instruments of any kind held by persons (other
than FFC or any Subsidiary) that are convertible into shares of capital stock of
any Subsidiary. Each Subsidiary is duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction pursuant to which it is
incorporated. Each Subsidiary has full power and lawful authority to own and
hold its properties and to carry on its business as presently conducted. Each
Subsidiary which is a banking institution is an insured bank under the
provisions of the FDI Act.
Section 4.6 Financial Statements. FFC has delivered to ABC the
--------------------
following financial statements: Balance Sheets, Statements of Income, Statements
of Stockholders' Equity, and Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, certified by Arthur Andersen LLP and set forth
in the Annual Report to the stockholders of FFC for the year ended December 31,
1996 and Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1997 , Consolidated
Statements of Income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September
30, 1997, and Consolidated statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, as filed with the SEC in a Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q (the Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1997 being hereinafter referred to
as the "FFC Balance Sheet"). Each of the foregoing financial statements fairly
presents the consolidated financial position, assets, liabilities and results of
operations of FFC at its respective date and for the respective periods then
ended and has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, except as otherwise noted in a footnote
thereto.
Section 4.7 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as disclosed
----------------------------------
in Schedule 4.7 or as reflected, noted or adequately reserved against in the FFC
------------
Balance Sheet and disclosed in the Notes thereto, at September 30, 1997 FFC had
no material liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise)
which are required to be reflected, noted or reserved against therein under
generally accepted accounting principles or which are in any case or in the
aggregate material. Except as described in Schedule 4.7, since September 30,
------------
1997 FFC has not incurred any such liability other than liabilities of the same
nature as those set forth in the FFC Balance Sheet, all of which have been
reasonably incurred in the ordinary course of business.
Section 4.8 Absence of Changes. Since September 30, 1997, FFC has
------------------
conducted its business in the Ordinary Course of Business and has not undergone
any changes in its condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities,
business, operations or future prospects of FFC.
Section 4.9 Litigation and Governmental Directives. Except as
--------------------------------------
disclosed in Schedule 4.9: (i) there is no litigation, investigation or
------------
proceeding pending, or to the knowledge of FFC threatened, that involves FFC or
its properties and that, if determined adversely to FFC, would materially and
adversely affect the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities,
business, operations or future prospects of FFC; (ii) there are no outstanding
orders, writs, injunctions, judgments, decrees, regulations, directives, consent
agreements or memoranda of understanding issued by any federal, state or local
court or governmental
A-13
<PAGE>
authority or of any arbitration tribunal against FFC which materially
and adversely affect the condition (financial or otherwise), assets,
liabilities, business, operations or future prospects of FFC or restrict in any
manner the right of FFC to carry on its business as presently conducted; and
(iii) the executive officers of FFC are not aware of any fact or condition
presently existing that might give rise to any litigation, investigation or
proceeding which, if determined adversely to FFC, would materially and adversely
affect the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business,
operations or future prospects of FFC or restrict in any manner the right of FFC
to carry on its business as presently conducted.
Section 4.10 Compliance with Laws; Governmental Authorizations.
-------------------------------------------------
Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.10 or where noncompliance would not have a
-------------
material and adverse effect upon the condition (financial or otherwise), assets,
liabilities, business, operations or future prospects of FFC: (i) FFC and each
of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all statutes, laws, ordinances,
rules, regulations, judgments, orders, decrees, directives, consent agreements,
memoranda of understanding, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses,
and other governmental authorizations or approvals applicable to their
respective operations and properties; and (ii) all permits, concessions, grants,
franchises, licenses and other governmental authorizations and approvals
necessary for the conduct of the respective businesses of FFC and each of its
Subsidiaries as presently conducted have been duly obtained and are in full
force and effect, and there are not proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of
FFC, threatened which may result in the revocation, cancellation, suspension or
materially adverse modification of any thereof.
Section 4.11 Complete and Accurate Disclosure. Neither this Agreement
--------------------------------
(insofar as it relates to FFC, FFC Common Stock, and the involvement of FFC in
the transactions contemplated hereby) nor any financial statement, schedule
(including, without limitation, its Schedules to this Agreement), certificate or
other statement or document delivered by FFC to ABC in connection herewith
contains any statement which, at the time and under the circumstances under
which it is made, is false or misleading with respect to any material fact or
omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained
herein or therein not false or misleading. In particular, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing sentence, the information provided and the
representations made by FFC to ABC in connection with the Registration Statement
(as defined in Section 6.1(b)), both at the time such information and
representations are provided and made and at the time of the Closing, will be
true and accurate in all material respects and will not contain any false or
misleading statement with respect to any material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order (i) to make
the statements made not false or misleading, or (ii) to correct any statement
contained in an earlier communication with respect to such information or
representations which has become false or misleading.
Section 4.12 Labor Relations. Neither FFC nor any of its Subsidiaries
---------------
is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement. FFC and each of
its Subsidiaries enjoy good working relationships with their employees, and
there are no labor disputes pending, or to the knowledge of FFC or any
Subsidiary threatened, that might materially and adversely affect the condition
(financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business or operations of FFC.
Section 4.13 Employee Benefits Plans. FFC's contributory
-----------------------
profit-sharing plan, defined benefits pension plan and 401(k) plan (hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "FFC Pension Plans") are exempt from tax under
Sections 401 and 501 of the Code, have been maintained and operated in
compliance with all applicable provisions of the Code and ERISA, are not subject
to any accumulated funding deficiency within the meaning of ERISA and the
regulations promulgated
A-14
<PAGE>
thereunder, and do not have any outstanding liability to the PBGC. No
"prohibited transaction" or "reportable event" (as such terms are defined in the
Code or ERISA) has occurred with respect to the FFC Pension Plans or any other
FFC employee benefit plan (each hereinafter called an "FFC Benefit Plan"). There
have been no breaches of fiduciary duty by any fiduciary under or with respect
to the FFC Pension Plans or any other FFC Benefit Plan. FFC has not incurred any
liability for any tax imposed by Section 4975 of the Code or for any penalty
imposed by the Code or by ERISA with respect to the FFC Pension Plans or any
other FFC Benefit Plan.
Section 4.14 Environmental Matters. Except as disclosed in Schedule
--------------------- --------
4.14 or as reflected, noted or adequately reserved against in the FFC Balance
- ----
Sheet, FFC has no knowledge of any material liability relating to any
environmental contaminant, pollutant, toxic or hazardous waste or other similar
substance that has been used, generated, stored, processed, disposed of or
discharged onto any of the real estate now or previously owned or acquired
(including without limitation real estate acquired by means of foreclosure or
other exercise of any creditor's right) or leased by FFC and which is required
to be reflected, noted or adequately reserved against in FFC's consolidated
financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles.
Section 4.15 SEC Filings. No registration statement, offering
-----------
circular, proxy statement, schedule or report filed and not withdrawn by FFC
with the SEC under the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act, on the date of effectiveness
(in the case of any registration statement or offering circular) or on the date
of filing (in the case of any report or schedule) or on the date of mailing (in
the case of any proxy statement), contained any untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.
Section 4.16 Proxy Statement/Prospectus. At the time the Proxy
--------------------------
Statement/ Prospectus (as defined in Section 6.1(b)) is mailed to the
stockholders of ABC and at all times subsequent to such mailing, up to and
including the Effective Date, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (including any pre-
and post-effective amendments and supplements thereto), with respect to all
information relating to FFC, the FFC Common Stock, and actions taken and
statements made by FFC in connection with the transactions contemplated herein
(other than information provided by ABC to FFC), will: (i) comply in all
material respects with applicable provisions of the 1933 Act and 1934 Act and
the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the FRB thereunder; and (ii)
not contain any statement which, at the time and in light of the circumstances
under which it is made, is false or misleading with respect to any material
fact, or omits to state any material fact that is required to be stated therein
or necessary in order (A) to make the statements therein not false or
misleading, or (B) to correct any statement in an earlier communication with
respect to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus which has become false or misleading.
Section 4.17 Accounting Treatment. To the best of FFC's knowledge
--------------------
after reasonable investigation and consultation with its advisors, and subject
to any factors beyond FFC's control, the Merger will qualify for
pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.
Section 4.18 Regulatory Approvals. FFC is not aware of any reason why
--------------------
any of the required regulatory approvals to be obtained in connection with the
Merger should not be granted by such regulatory authorities or why such
regulatory approvals should be conditioned on any requirement which would be a
significant impediment to FFC's ability to carry on its business.
A-15
<PAGE>
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF ABC
----------------
From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Date, ABC
covenants and agrees to do the following:
Section 5.1 Conduct of Business. Except as otherwise consented to by
-------------------
FFC in writing ABC shall: (i) use all reasonable efforts to carry on its
business in, and only in, the Ordinary Course of Business; (ii) use all
reasonable efforts to preserve its present business organization, to retain the
services of its present officers and employees, and to maintain its
relationships with customers, suppliers and others having business dealings with
ABC; (iii) maintain all of its structures, equipment and other real property and
tangible personal property in good repair, order and condition, except for
ordinary wear and tear and damage by unavoidable casualty; (iv) use all
reasonable efforts to preserve or collect all material claims and causes of
action belonging to ABC; (v) keep in full force and effect all insurance
policies now carried by ABC; (vi) perform in all material respects each of its
obligations under all Material Contracts (as defined in Section 3.12 herein) to
which ABC is a party or by which ABC may be bound or which relate to or affect
its properties, assets and business; (vii) maintain its books of account and
other records in the Ordinary Course of Business; (viii) comply in all material
respects with all statutes, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, decrees,
orders, consent agreements, memoranda of understanding and other federal, state,
and local governmental directives applicable to ABC and to the conduct of its
business; (ix) not amend ABC's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; (x) not
enter into or assume any Material Contract, incur any material liability or
obligation, or make any material commitment, except in the Ordinary Course of
Business; (xi) not make any material acquisition or disposition of any
properties or assets or subject any of its properties or assets to any material
lien, claim, charge, or encumbrance of any kind whatsoever; (xii) not knowingly
take or permit to be taken any action which would cause any representation or
warranty to be materially inaccurate as of the date of such action or constitute
a material breach of any covenant set forth in this Agreement; (xiii) not
declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution in respect
of ABC Common Stock; (xiv) not authorize, purchase, redeem, issue or sell (or
grant options or rights to purchase or sell) any shares of ABC Common Stock or
any other equity or debt securities of ABC other than the Warrant; (xv) not
increase the rate of compensation of, pay a bonus or severance compensation to,
establish or amend any ABC Benefit Plan except as required by law (as defined in
Section 3.18 herein) for, or enter into or amend any Employment Obligation (as
defined in Section 3.17 herein) with, any officer, director, employee or
consultant of ABC, except that ABC may grant reasonable salary increases and
bonuses to its officers and employees in the Ordinary Course of Business to the
extent consistent with its past practice and as set forth in Section 7.2(l);
--------------
(xvi) not enter into any related party transaction of the kind contemplated in
Section 3.19 herein except in the Ordinary Course of Business consistent with
past practice (as disclosed on Schedule 3.19); (xvii) in determining the
additions to loan loss reserves and the loan write-offs, writedowns and other
adjustments that reasonably should be made by ABC during the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1997, ABC shall consult with FFC and shall act in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and ABC's customary business practices;
(xviii) file with appropriate federal, state, local and other governmental
agencies all tax returns and other material reports required to be filed, pay in
full or make adequate provisions for the payment of all taxes, interest,
penalties, assessments or deficiencies shown to be due on tax returns or by any
taxing authorities and report all information on such returns truthfully,
accurately and completely; (xix) not renew any existing contract for services,
goods, equipment or the like or enter into, amend in any material respect or
terminate any contract or agreement (including without limitation any settlement
agreement with respect to litigation) that is or may reasonably be
A-16
<PAGE>
expected to have a material adverse effect on ABC except in the
Ordinary Course of Business consistent with past practice; (xx) not make any
capital expenditures other than in the Ordinary Course of Business or as
necessary to maintain existing assets in good repair; (xxi) not make application
for the opening or closing of any, or open or close any, branches or automated
banking facility, provided, however, that ABC may open a branch office at Saucon
Valley Square, Wyandotte Street, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County,
Pennsylvania; (xxii) not make any equity investment or commitment to make such
an investment in real estate or in any real estate development project, other
than in connection with foreclosures, settlements in lieu of foreclosure or
troubled loan or debt restructuring in the Ordinary Course of Business
consistent with customary banking practice; (xxiii) not make purchases of
securities for its investment portfolio without prior consultation with FFC;
(xxiv) not take any other action similar to the foregoing which would have the
effect of frustrating the purposes of this Agreement or the Merger or cause the
Merger not to qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment or as a
tax-free reorganization under Section 368 of the Code; (xxv) not materially
expand the current scope of its trust activities by, among other things,
entering into contractual arrangements related thereto, without consulting FFC;
or (xxvi) not extend the term of any existing Material Contract for a term
beyond January 1, 1999.
Section 5.2 Best Efforts. ABC shall cooperate with FFC and shall use
------------
its best efforts to do or cause to be done all things necessary or appropriate
on its part in order to fulfill the conditions precedent set forth in Article
VII of this Agreement and to consummate this Agreement. In particular, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, ABC shall: (i) cooperate with
FFC in the preparation of all required applications for regulatory approval of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and in the preparation of the
Registration Statement (as defined in Section 6.1(b)); (ii) call a meeting of
its stockholders and take, in good faith, all actions which are necessary or
appropriate on its part in order to secure the approval of this Agreement by its
stockholders at that meeting; and (iii) cooperate with FFC in making ABC's
employees reasonably available for training by FFC at ABC's facilities prior to
the Effective Date, to the extent that such training is deemed reasonably
necessary by FFC to ensure that ABC's facilities will be properly operated in
accordance with FFC's policies after the Merger.
Section 5.3 Access to Properties and Records. ABC shall give to FFC
--------------------------------
and its authorized employees and representatives (including without limitation
its counsel, accountants, economic and environmental consultants and other
designated representatives) such access during normal business hours to all
properties, books, contracts, documents and records of ABC as FFC may reasonably
request subject to the obligation of FFC and its authorized employees and
representatives to maintain the confidentiality of all nonpublic information
concerning ABC obtained by reason of such access and subject to applicable law.
Section 5.4 Subsequent Financial Statements. Between the date of
-------------------------------
signing of this Agreement and the Effective Date, ABC shall promptly prepare and
deliver to FFC as soon as practicable all internal monthly and quarterly
financial statements, all quarterly and annual reports to stockholders and all
reports to regulatory authorities prepared by or for ABC (which additional
financial statements and reports are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Additional ABC Financial Statements"). The representations and warranties set
forth in Sections 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8 shall apply to the Additional ABC Financial
Statements.
Section 5.5 Update Schedules. ABC shall promptly disclose to FFC in
----------------
writing any change, addition, deletion or other modification to the information
set forth in its Schedules hereto.
A-17
<PAGE>
Section 5.6 Notice. ABC shall promptly notify FFC in writing of any
------
material actions, claims, investigations, proceedings or other developments
which, if pending or in existence on the date of this Agreement, would have been
required to be disclosed to FFC in order to ensure the accuracy of the
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement or which otherwise
could materially and adversely affect the condition (financial or otherwise),
assets, liabilities business operations or future prospects of ABC or restrict
in any manner its ability to carry on its business as presently conducted.
Section 5.7 Other Proposals. ABC shall not, nor shall it permit any
---------------
of its officers, directors, employees, agents, consultants or other
representatives to: (i) solicit, initiate or encourage any proposal for a merger
or other acquisition of ABC, or any material portion of its properties or
assets, with or by any person other than FFC, or (ii) cooperate with, or furnish
any nonpublic information concerning ABC to, any person in connection with such
a proposal (an "Acquisition Proposal"); provided, however, that the obligations
of ABC and its directors and other representatives under this Section 5.7 are
subject to the limitation that the Board of Directors shall be free to take such
action as the Board of Directors determines, in good faith and after
consultation with outside counsel, that is not legally inconsistent with its
fiduciary duty. ABC will notify FFC immediately if any discussions or
negotiations are sought to be initiated, any inquiry or proposal is made, or any
such information is requested, with respect to an Acquisition Proposal or
potential Acquisition Proposal or if any Acquisition Proposal is received or
indicated to be forthcoming.
Section 5.8 Affiliate Letters. ABC shall deliver or cause to be
-----------------
delivered to FFC, at or before the Closing, a letter from each of the executive
officers and directors of ABC (and shall use its best efforts to obtain and
deliver such a letter from each stockholder of ABC) who may be deemed to be an
"affiliate" (as that term is defined for purposes of Rules 145 and 405
promulgated by the SEC under the 1933 Act) of ABC, in form and substance
satisfactory to FFC, under the terms of which each such officer, director or
stockholder acknowledges and agrees to abide by all limitations imposed by the
1933 Act and by all rules, regulations and releases promulgated thereunder by
the SEC with respect to the sale or other disposition of the shares of FFC
Common Stock to be received by such person pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 5.9 No Purchases or Sales of FFC Common Stock During Price
------------------------------------------------------
Determination Period. ABC shall not, and shall use its best efforts to ensure
- --------------------
that its executive officers and directors do not, and shall use its best efforts
to ensure that each stockholder of ABC who may be deemed an "affiliate" (as
defined in SEC Rules 145 and 405) of ABC does not, purchase or sell on NASDAQ,
or submit a bid to purchase or an offer to sell on NASDAQ, directly or
indirectly, any shares of FFC Common Stock or any options, rights or other
securities convertible into shares of FFC Common Stock during the Price
Determination Period.
Section 5.10 Accounting Treatment. ABC acknowledges that FFC
--------------------
presently intends to treat the business combination contemplated by this
Agreement as a "pooling-of-interests" for financial reporting purposes. ABC
shall not take (and shall use its best efforts not to permit any of the
directors, officers, employees, stockholders, agents, consultants or other
representatives of ABC to take) any action that would preclude FFC from treating
such business combination as a "pooling-of-interests" for financial reporting
purposes.
Section 5.11 Employment Obligations. Prior to the Effective Date,
----------------------
without the prior written consent of FFC, ABC shall not modify the terms of the
Employment Obligations (as defined in Section 3.17) except as contemplated by
Sections 7.2(k) and (l) and ABC shall not create any new Employment Obligation.
A-18
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS OF FFC
----------------
From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Date, or until
such later date as may be expressly stipulated in any Section of this Article
VI, FFC covenants and agrees to do the following:
Section 6.1 Best Efforts. FFC shall cooperate with ABC and shall use
------------
its best efforts to do or cause to be done all things necessary or appropriate
on its part in order to fulfill the conditions precedent set forth in Article
VII of this Agreement and to consummate this Agreement. In particular, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, FFC agrees to do the
following:
(a) Applications for Regulatory Approval: FFC shall promptly
------------------------------------
prepare and file, with the cooperation and assistance of (and after review by)
ABC and its counsel and accountants, all required applications for regulatory
approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including without
limitation an application for approval under the BHC Act, the FDI Act and the
Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, as amended;
(b) Registration Statement: FFC shall promptly prepare, with the
----------------------
cooperation and assistance of (and after review by) ABC and its counsel and
accountants, and file with the SEC and the FRB, as applicable, a registration
statement (the "Registration Statement") and a proxy statement and prospectus
which is prepared as a part thereof (the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus") for the
purpose of registering the shares of FFC Common Stock to be issued to
stockholders of ABC, and the soliciting of the proxies of ABC's stockholders in
favor of the Merger, under the provisions of this Agreement. FFC may rely upon
all information provided to it by ABC in this connection and FFC shall not be
liable for any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission to state a
material fact in the Registration Statement, or in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, if such statement is made by FFC in reliance upon any
information provided to FFC by ABC or by any of its officers, agents or
representatives. ABC shall not be liable for any untrue statement of material
fact or any omission to state a material fact in the Registration Statement or
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus if such statement is made by ABC in reliance upon
any information provided to ABC by FFC or by any of its officers, agents or
representatives;
(c) State Securities Laws: FFC, with the cooperation and
---------------------
assistance of ABC and its counsel and accountants, shall promptly take all such
actions as may be necessary or appropriate in order to comply with all
applicable securities laws of any state having jurisdiction over the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(d) Stock Listing: FFC shall promptly take all such actions as
-------------
may be necessary or appropriate in order to list the shares of FFC Common Stock
to be issued in the Merger on the NASDAQ;
(e) LB: FFC shall cause LB to be a party to this Agreement and
--
approve this Agreement as LB's sole Shareholder; and
(f) Accounting Treatment: FFC shall take no action which would
--------------------
have the effect of causing the Merger not to qualify for pooling-of-interests
accounting treatment or as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368 of the
Code.
(g) Adopt Amendments: FFC shall not adopt any amendments to its
----------------
charter or bylaws or other organizational documents that would alter the terms
of
A-19
<PAGE>
FFC's Common Stock or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on the ability of FFC to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
Section 6.2 Access to Properties and Records. FFC shall give to ABC
--------------------------------
and to its authorized employees and representatives (including without
limitation ABC's counsel, accountants, economic and environmental consultants
and other designated representatives) such access during normal business hours
to all properties, books, contracts, documents and records of FFC as ABC may
reasonably request, subject to the obligation of ABC and its authorized
employees and representatives to maintain the confidentiality of all nonpublic
information concerning FFC obtained by reason of such access.
Section 6.3 Subsequent Financial Statements. Between the date of
-------------------------------
signing of this Agreement and the Effective Date, FFC shall promptly prepare and
deliver to ABC as soon as practicable each Quarterly Report to FFC's
stockholders and any Annual Report to FFC's stockholders normally prepared by
FFC. The representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7
herein shall apply to the financial statements (hereinafter collectively
referred to as the "Additional FFC Financial Statements") set forth in the
foregoing Quarterly Reports and any Annual Report to FFC's stockholders.
Section 6.4 Update Schedules. FFC shall promptly disclose to ABC in
----------------
writing any change, addition, deletion or other modification to the information
set forth in its Schedules to this Agreement.
Section 6.5 Notice. FFC shall promptly notify ABC in writing of any
------
actions, claims, investigations or other developments which, if pending or in
existence on the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be
disclosed to ABC in order to ensure the accuracy of the representations and
warranties set forth in this Agreement or which otherwise could materially and
adversely affect the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities,
business, operations or future prospects of FFC or restrict in any manner the
right of FFC to carry on its business as presently conducted.
Section 6.6 Employment Arrangements. Employment Arrangements
-----------------------
(a) From and after the Effective Date, FFC shall cause ABC: (i)
subject to Section 7.2(l) herein, to honor each of the Employment Obligations
(as defined in Section 3.17 herein); and (ii) to honor ABC's obligations under
the ABC Benefit Plans.
(b) On and after the Effective Date and subject to the
Employment Obligations (subject to the provisions of subsection (c) below), FFC
shall cause LB to use its best efforts to retain each present full-time employee
of ABC at such employee's current position (or, if offered to, and accepted by,
an employee, a position for which the employee is qualified with FFC or an FFC
subsidiary bank at a salary commensurate with the position), (ii) pay
compensation to each person who was employed as of the Effective Date and who
continues to be employed by ABC on and after the Effective Date (including
Messrs. McDonald and Lobach) , that is at least equal to the aggregate
compensation that such person was receiving from ABC prior to the Effective Date
(unless there is a material change in the duties and responsibilities of such
employee) and (iii) provide employee benefits to each such person who is an
employee, on and after the Effective Date, that are substantially equivalent in
the aggregate to the employee benefits that such person was receiving as an
employee from ABC prior to the Effective Date and that are no less favorable
than employee benefits afforded to similarly situated employees of FFC and its
Subsidiaries. For vesting and eligibility purposes for employee benefits, former
ABC employees shall receive credit for years of service with ABC. With respect
to any welfare benefit plans to which such employees may
A-20
<PAGE>
become eligible, FFC and its Subsidiaries shall cause such plans to provide
credit for any co-payments or deductibles by such employees and waive all
pre-existing condition exclusions and waiting periods.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary (including,
without limitation, the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) above): (i) FFC
shall, after the Effective Date, discontinue and terminate the plans of ABC
relating to the ABC Rights; (ii) in the event that FFC causes LB to continue to
employ officers or employees of ABC as of the Effective Date, LB shall employ
such persons on the Effective Date, as "at will" employees subject to the
continued satisfactory performance of their respective duties; and (iii) in the
event LB does not employ, or terminate the employment (other than as a result of
unsatisfactory performance of their respective duties) of any officers or
employees of ABC as of the Effective Date, FFC shall cause LB to pay severance
benefits to such employee as follows: (A) in the event employment is terminated
on or prior to the date which is one year after the Effective Date, one week's
salary plus an additional one week's salary for each year of service with ABC,
with a maximum severance benefit of 26 weeks' salary; and (B) in the event
employment is terminated thereafter, in accordance with the then existing
severance policy of LB.
Section 6.7 No Purchase or Sales of FFC Common Stock During Price
-----------------------------------------------------
Determination Period. Neither FFC nor any Subsidiary of FFC, nor any executive
- --------------------
officer or director of FFC or any Subsidiary of FFC, nor any shareholder of FFC
who may be deemed to be an "affiliate" (as that term is defined for purposes of
Rules 145 and 405 promulgated by the SEC under the 1933 Act) of FFC, shall
purchase or sell on NASDAQ, or submit a bid to purchase or an offer to sell on
NASDAQ, directly or indirectly, any shares of FFC Common Stock or any options,
rights or other securities convertible into shares of FFC Common Stock during
the Price Determination Period; provided, however, that FFC may purchase shares
-------- -------
of FFC Common Stock in the ordinary course of business during the Price
Determination Period pursuant to FFC's Benefit Plans or FFC's Dividend
Reinvestment Plan.
Section 6.8 Post-Merger Operations of LB.
----------------------------
(a) Following the Effective Date, LB, as the surviving bank in
the Merger, shall operate as a subsidiary of FFC under a name or names agreed
upon by LB and ABC;
(b) For a period from the Effective Date through a date
determined by FFC (not to be before three (3) years after the Effective Date),
FFC shall (subject to the right of FFC and the ABC Continuing Directors to
terminate such obligations under this Section 6.8(a) under subsections (b) and
(c) below): offer appointment to all present directors of ABC to the board of
directors of LB who indicate their desire to serve (the "ABC Continuing
Directors"), provided, that (A) each non-employee ABC Continuing Director shall
--------
receive director's fees from LB in the form of an annual retainer of $8,800; and
(B) ABC Continuing Directors who are age 70 or above on the Effective Date, or
who subsequently attain age 70 within three years of the Effective Date, shall
be limited to a maximum of three successive one-year terms. On the Effective
Date, Timothy J. McDonald and David M. Lobach, Jr. shall be appointed president
and chief operating officer and an executive vice president, respectively, of
LB. Mr. McDonald shall become chief executive officer of LB no later than
December 31, 1998;
(c) FFC shall have the right to terminate its obligations
(subject to the terms of the Employment Obligations with Messrs. McDonald and
Lobach) under subsection (b) of this Section 6.8 as a result of (i) regulatory
considerations, (ii) safe and sound banking practices, or (iii) the exercise of
their fiduciary duties by FFC's directors; and
A-21
<PAGE>
(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the ABC
Continuing Directors, in their exercise of their fiduciary duty as to the best
interests of ABC and FFC, may, by a majority vote of such directors, modify or
waive any or all of the foregoing provisions in subsection (b) of this Section
6.8.
Section 6.9 Appointment of FFC Director
---------------------------
FFC shall, on or promptly after the Effective Date, appoint to FFC's
Board of Directors one of ABC's current directors (designated, subject to the
reasonable approval of FFC, by vote of ABC's Board of Directors prior to the
Effective Date) to serve as director of FFC. During the three-year period after
the Effective Date, the FFC Board of Directors shall nominate such designee for
election, and support his election, for at least one three-year term at the
first annual meeting of shareholders of FFC at which such designee's initial
term expires. During such period, in the event such designee shall cease to
serve as a director of FFC, the ABC Continuing Directors shall have the right to
designate one other person then serving on the Board of LB to serve as a
director of FFC (subject to the reasonable concurrence of FFC as to the person
designated).
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
--------------------
Section 7.1 Common Conditions. The obligations of the parties to
-----------------
consummate this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction of each of the
following common conditions prior to or as of the Closing, except to the extent
that any such condition shall have been waived in accordance with the provisions
of Section 8.4 herein:
(a) Stockholder Approval: This Agreement shall have been duly
--------------------
authorized, approved and adopted by the stockholders of ABC;
(b) Regulatory Approvals: The approval of each federal and state
--------------------
regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, including without limitation, the Federal Reserve Board, the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), and the Pennsylvania Banking
Department, shall have been obtained and all applicable waiting and notice
periods shall have expired, subject to no terms or conditions which would: (i)
require or could reasonably be expected to require (A) any divestiture by FFC of
a portion of the business of FFC, or any subsidiary of FFC, or (B) any
divestiture by ABC of a portion of its business which FFC in its good faith
judgment believes will have a significant adverse impact on the business or
prospects of ABC; or (ii) impose any condition upon FFC, or any of its
subsidiaries, which in FFC's good faith judgment, (x) would be materially
burdensome to FFC and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, (y) would significantly
increase the costs incurred or that will be incurred by FFC as a result of
consummating the Merger, or (z) would prevent FFC from obtaining any material
benefit contemplated by it to be attained as a result of the Merger;
(c) Stock Listing. The shares of FFC Common Stock to be issued
-------------
in the Merger shall have been authorized for listing on NASDAQ;
(d) Tax Opinion. Each of FFC and ABC shall have received an
-----------
opinion of FFC's counsel, Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC, reasonably
acceptable to FFC and ABC, addressed to FFC and ABC, with respect to federal tax
laws or regulations, to the effect that:
(1) The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) and (a)(2)(D) of the Code;
A-22
<PAGE>
(2) No gain or loss will be recognized by FFC, LB or ABC by
reason of the Merger;
(3) The bases of the assets of ABC immediately after the
Merger will be the same as the bases of such assets immediately prior to the
Merger;
(4) The holding period of the assets of ABC immediately
after the Merger will include the period during which such assets were held by
ABC prior to the Merger;
(5) A holder of ABC Common Stock who receives shares of FFC
Common Stock in exchange for his ABC Common Stock pursuant to the reorganization
(including fractional shares of FFC Common Stock deemed issued as described
below) will not recognize any gain or loss upon the exchange;
(6) A holder of ABC Common Stock who receives cash in lieu
of a fractional share of FFC Common Stock will be treated as if he received a
fractional share of FFC Common Stock pursuant to the reorganization and FFC then
redeemed such fractional share for the cash. The holder of ABC Common Stock will
recognize capital gain or loss on the constructive redemption of the fractional
share in an amount equal to the difference between the cash received and the
adjusted basis of the fractional share;
(7) The tax basis of the FFC Common Stock to be received by
the stockholders of ABC pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will be equal to
the tax basis of the ABC Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor,
decreased by the amount of cash received and increased by the amount of any gain
(and by the amount of any dividend income) recognized on the exchange; and
(8) The holding period of the shares of FFC Common Stock to
be received by the stockholders of ABC will include the period during which they
held the shares of ABC Common Stock surrendered, provided the shares of ABC
Common Stock are held as a capital asset on the date of the exchange.
(e) Registration Statement: The Registration Statement (as
----------------------
defined in Section 6.1(b), including any amendments thereto) shall have been
declared effective or approved by the SEC by the FRB, as applicable; the
information contained herein shall be true, complete and correct in all material
respects as of the date of mailing of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined
in Section 6/1(b) to the stockholders of ABC; regulatory clearance for the
offering contemplated by the Registration Statement (the "Offering") shall have
been received from each state regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the
Offering; and no stop order shall have been issued and no proceedings shall have
been instituted or threatened by any federal or state regulatory authority to
suspend or terminate the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the
Offering;
(f) No Suits: No action, suit or proceeding shall be pending or
--------
threatened before any federal, state or local court or governmental authority or
before any arbitration tribunal which seeks to modify, enjoin or prohibit or
otherwise adversely and materially affect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement; and
(g) Pooling: FFC and ABC shall have been advised in writing by
-------
Arthur Anderson LLP on the Effective Date that the Merger should be treated as a
pooling transaction for financial accounting purposes.
A-23
<PAGE>
(h) Employment Obligations Amendment: Timothy J. McDonald and
--------------------------------
David M. Lobach, Jr. shall each agree to amend his existing Employment Agreement
with ABC dated August 23, 1996, as amended, in the form of Exhibit F hereto.
---------
Section 7.2 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of FFC. The
------------------------------------------
obligations of FFC to consummate this Agreement shall be subject to the
satisfaction of each of the following conditions prior to or as of the Closing,
except to the extent that any such condition shall have been waived by FFC in
accordance with the provisions of Section 8.4 herein:
(a) Accuracy of Representations and Warranties: All of the
------------------------------------------
representations and warranties of ABC as set forth in this Agreement, all of the
information contained in the Schedules hereto and all ABC Closing Documents (as
defined in Section 7.2(l)) shall be true and correct in all material respects as
of the Closing as if made on such date (or on the date to which it relates in
the case of any representation or warranty which expressly relates to an earlier
date); except to the extent that any misrepresentations and breaches of warranty
at the Closing shall not in the aggregate be material to ABC;
(b) Covenants Performed: ABC shall have performed or complied in
-------------------
all material respects with each of the covenants required by this Agreement to
be performed or complied with by it;
(c) Opinion of Counsel for ABC: FFC shall have received an
--------------------------
opinion, dated the Effective Date, from Fredric C. Jacobs, Esquire, counsel to
ABC, in substantially the form of Exhibit D hereto. In rendering any such
---------
opinion, such counsel may require and, to the extent he deems necessary or
appropriate may rely upon, opinions of other counsel and upon representations
made in certificates of officers of ABC, FFC, affiliates of the foregoing, and
others;
(d) Affiliate Agreements. Stockholders of ABC who are or will be
--------------------
affiliates of ABC or FFC for the purposes of Accounting Series Release No. 135
and the 1933 Act shall have entered into agreements with FFC, in form and
substance satisfactory to FFC, reasonably necessary to assure (i) the ability of
FFC to use pooling-of-interests accounting for the Merger; and (ii) compliance
with Rule 145 under the 1933 Act;
(e) ABC Rights. All holders of ABC Rights shall have delivered
----------
documentation reasonably satisfactory to FFC canceling the ABC Rights in
exchange for FFC Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.3 herein;
(f) Financial Confirmation: FFC (together with its accountants,
----------------------
if the advice of such accountants is deemed necessary or desirable by FFC) shall
have
established to its reasonable satisfaction that, since September 30, 1997,
there shall not have been any material and adverse change in the condition
(financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business or operations or
future prospects of ABC. In particular, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing sentence, the Additional ABC Financial Statements (as defined in
Section 5.4) shall indicate that the consolidated financial condition, assets,
liabilities and results of operations of ABC as of the respective dates
reported therein do not vary adversely in any material respect from the
consolidated financial condition, assets, liabilities and results of
operations presented in the ABC Balance Sheet. For purposes of this Section
7.2(e), a material and adverse change shall mean an event, change, or
occurrence which, individually or together with any other event, change, or
occurrence, has a material adverse impact on (i) the financial position,
business, results of operations or future prospects of ABC or (ii) the ability
A-24
<PAGE>
of ABC to perform its obligations under this Agreement, provided that "material
and adverse change" shall not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes in
banking and similar laws of general applicability or interpretations thereof by
court of governmental authorities, (b) changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting
principles generally applicable to banks and their holding companies, (c)
actions or omissions of ABC taken with the prior written consent of FFC in
contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (d) changes in economic
conditions generally affecting financial institutions including changes in the
general level of interest rates, and (e) the direct effects of compliance with
this Agreement on the operating performance of ABC, including expenses incurred
by ABC in consummating the transactions contemplated by the Agreement (subject
to disclosure herein or FFC's prior written approval, such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld, of such expenses);
(g) Accountants' Letter. At its option, FFC shall have received
-------------------
a "comfort" letter from the independent certified public accountants for ABC,
dated (i) the effective date of the Registration Statement, and (ii) the
Effective Date, in each case substantially to the effect that:
(1) it is a firm of independent public accounts with
respect to ABC and its subsidiaries within the meaning of the 1933 Act and the
rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder;
(2) in its opinion the audited financial statements of ABC
examined by it and included in the Registration Statement comply as to form in
all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the
applicable published rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder with respect to
registration statements on the form employed; and
(3) on the basis of specified procedures (which do not
constitute an examination in accordance with generally accepted audit
standards), consisting of a reading of the unaudited financial statements, if
any, of ABC included in such Registration Statement and of the latest available
unaudited financial statements of ABC, inquiries of officers responsible for
financial and accounting matters of ABC and a reading of the minutes of meetings
of stockholders and the Board of Directors of ABC, nothing has come to its
attention which causes it to believe: (i) that the financial statements, if any,
of ABC included in such Registration Statement do not comply in all material
respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the 1933 Act and the
published rules and regulations thereunder; and (ii) that any such unaudited
financial statements of ABC from which unaudited quarterly financial information
set forth in such Registration Statement has been derived, are not fairly
presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on
a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements.
(h) Federal and State Securities and Antitrust Laws: FFC and its
-----------------------------------------------
counsel shall have determined to their satisfaction that, as of the Closing, all
applicable securities and antitrust laws of the federal government and of any
state government having jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall have been complied with;
(i) Dissenting Stockholders: Dissenters' rights shall have been
-----------------------
exercised with respect to less than 10% of the outstanding shares of ABC Common
Stock;
A-25
<PAGE>
(j) Environmental Matters: No environmental problem of the kind
---------------------
contemplated in Section 3.22 and not disclosed in Schedule 3.22 shall have been
-------------
discovered which would, or which potentially could, materially and adversely
affect the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business,
operations or future prospects of ABC, provided, that for purposes of
--------
determining the materiality of an undisclosed environmental problem or problems,
the definition of "material" shall be governed by the proviso to Section 7.2(a)
of this Agreement;
(k) Required Notices, Consents and Approvals: ABC shall have
----------------------------------------
received any material required notice, consent or approval as contemplated by
Section 3.1 herein; and
(l) Closing Documents: ABC shall have delivered to FFC: (i) a
-----------------
certificate signed by ABC's President and Secretary (or other officers
reasonably acceptable to FFC) verifying that, to the best of their knowledge
after reasonable investigation, all of the representations and warranties of ABC
set forth in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of
the Closing and that ABC has performed in all material respects each of the
covenants required to be performed by it under this Agreement; (ii) all consents
and authorizations of landlords and other persons that are necessary to permit
this Agreement to be consummated without violation of any lease or other
agreement to which ABC is a party or by which it or any of its properties are
bound; and (iii) such other certificates and documents as FFC and its counsel
may reasonably request (all of the foregoing certificates and other documents
being herein referred to as the "ABC Closing Documents").
Section 7.3 Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of ABC. The
----------------------------------------------
obligation of ABC to consummate this Agreement shall be subject to the
satisfaction of each of the following conditions prior to or as of the Closing,
except to the extent that any such condition shall have been waived by ABC in
accordance with the provisions of Section 8.4 herein:
(a) Accuracy of Representations and Warranties: All of the
------------------------------------------
representations and warranties of FFC as set forth in this Agreement, all of the
information contained in its Schedules and all FFC Closing Documents (as defined
in Section 7.3(f) of this Agreement) shall be true and correct in all material
respects as of the Closing as if made on such date (or on the date to which it
relates in the case of any representation or warranty which expressly relates to
an earlier date);
(b) Covenants Performed: FFC shall have performed or complied in
-------------------
all material respects with each of the covenants required by this Agreement to
be performed or complied with by FFC;
(c) Opinion of Counsel for FFC: ABC shall have received an
---------------------------
opinion from Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC, counsel to FFC, dated the
Effective Date, in substantially the form of Exhibit E hereto. In rendering any
---------
such opinion, such counsel may require and, to the extent they deem necessary or
appropriate may rely upon, opinions of other counsel and upon representations
made in certificates of officers of FFC, ABC, affiliates of the foregoing, and
others;
(d) Fairness Opinion: ABC shall have obtained from Danielson
-----------------
Associates, Inc., or from another independent financial advisor selected by the
Board of Directors of ABC, an opinion dated within five (5) days of the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to be furnished to the stockholders of ABC stating that
A-26
<PAGE>
the terms of the acquisition contemplated by this Agreement are fair to the
stockholders of ABC from a financial point of view;
(e) Financial Confirmation: ABC (together with its accountants,
----------------------
if the advice of such accountants is deemed necessary or desirable by ABC) shall
have established to its reasonable satisfaction that, since September 30, 1997,
there has not been any material and adverse change in the condition (financial
or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business, operations or future prospects of
FFC. In particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence,
the Additional FFC Financial Statements shall indicate that the financial
condition, assets, liabilities and results of operations of FFC as of the
respective dates reported therein do not vary adversely in any material respect
from the financial condition, assets, liabilities and results of operations
presented in the FFC Balance Sheet. For purposes of this Section 7.3(e), a
material and adverse change shall mean an event, change, or occurrence which,
individually or together with any other event, change, or occurrence, has a
material adverse impact on (i) the consolidated financial position, business,
results of operations or future prospects of FFC or (ii) the ability of FFC to
perform its obligations under this Agreement, provided that "material and
adverse change" shall not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes in
banking and similar laws of general applicability or interpretations thereof by
court of governmental authorities, (b) changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting
principles generally applicable to banks and their holding companies or (c)
changes in economic conditions generally affecting financial institutions
including changes in the general level of interest rates;
(f) Closing Documents: FFC shall have delivered to ABC: (i) a
------------------
certificate signed by FFC's President and Secretary (or other officers
reasonably acceptable to ABC) verifying that, to the best of their knowledge
after reasonable investigation, all of the representations and warranties of
FFC set forth in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects
as of the Closing and that FFC has performed in all material respects each of
the covenants required to be performed by FFC; and (ii) such other
certificates and documents as ABC and its counsel may reasonably request (all
of the foregoing certificates and documents being herein referred to as the
"FFC Closing Documents"); and
(g) Market Price of FFC Common Stock: The Closing Market Price
--------------------------------
(as adjusted appropriately for an event described in section 2.1(b) herein
and assuming the Effective Date is thirty (30) days after receipt of the last
required approval under Section 9.1 hereunder) shall be either (a) in excess
of 82.5% of $24.80, the closing bid price (the "Pre-Announcement Price") of
FFC Common Stock on the business day immediately preceding the public
announcement of the Merger (the "Pre-Announcement Price") or (b) in excess of
an amount per share equal to (i) the Pre-Announcement Price multiplied by
(ii) 0.825 multiplied by (iii) the quotient obtained by dividing the
average NASDAQ Bank Index for the Price Determination Period by the NASDAQ
Bank Index on the Pre-Announcement Date (the "Market Test"). Thus, for
example, the average NASDAQ Bank Index for the Price Determination Period
reflects a decline of 10% from the Pre-Announcement Date, (a) would be $20.46
and (b) would be $18.41 ($24.80 x 0.825 x 0.90) and the Closing Market Price
would be required to be $18.41 or lower for this condition precedent not to
be satisfied or for ABC to terminate this Agreement under Section 8.1(c)(iii)
herein. If, on the other hand, the average NASDAQ Bank Index for the Price
Determination Period remains unchanged or increases from the Pre-Announcement
Date, the Closing Market Price would be required to be $20.46 or lower for
this condition precedent not to be satisfied or for ABC to terminate this
Agreement under Section 8.1(c)(iii) herein.
A-27
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
---------------------------------
Section 8.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any
-----------
time before the Effective Date (whether before or after the authorization,
approval and adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of ABC) as follows:
(a) Mutual Consent: This Agreement may be terminated by mutual
--------------
consent of the parties upon the affirmative vote of a majority of each of the
Boards of Directors of ABC and FFC, followed by written notices given to the
other party;
(b) Unilateral Action by FFC: This Agreement may be terminated
------------------------
unilaterally by the affirmative vote of the Board of Directors of FFC,
followed by written notice given to ABC, if: (i) there has been a material
breach by ABC of any representation, warranty or material failure to comply
with any covenant set forth in this Agreement which breach results in a
material and adverse change as to ABC (as such standard is set forth in
Sections 7.2(a) and (e) herein) and such breach has not been cured within
thirty (30) days after written notice of such breach has been given by FFC to
ABC, provided that FFC is not then in material breach of any representation,
warranty or covenant contained in the Agreement; or (ii) any condition
precedent to FFC's obligations as set forth in Article VII of this Agreement
remains unsatisfied, through no fault of FFC, on January 31, 1999.
(c) Unilateral Action By ABC: This Agreement may be terminated
-------------------------
unilaterally by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of
ABC, followed by written notice given to FFC, if: (i) there has been a material
breach by FFC of any representation, warranty or material failure to comply with
any covenant set forth in this Agreement which breach results in a material and
adverse change as to FFC (as such standard is set forth in Sections 7.3(a) and
(e) herein) and such breach has not been cured within thirty (30) days after
written notice of such breach has been given by ABC to FFC, provided that ABC is
not then in material breach of any representation, warranty or covenant
contained in this Agreement; (ii) any condition precedent to ABC's obligations
as set forth in Article VII of this Agreement remains unsatisfied, through no
fault of ABC, on January 31, 1999; or (iii) the Market Test would not be met.
Section 8.2 Effect of Termination.
---------------------
(a) Effect. In the event of a permitted termination of this
------
Agreement under Section 8.1 herein, this Agreement shall become null and void
and the transactions contemplated herein shall thereupon be abandoned, except
that the provisions relating to limited liability and confidentiality set
forth in Sections 8.2(b) and 8.2(c) herein shall survive such termination.
(b) Limited Liability. The termination of this Agreement in
-----------------
accordance with the terms of Section 8.1 herein shall create no liability on
the part of either party, or on the part of either party's directors,
officers, stockholders, agents or representatives, except that if this
Agreement is terminated by FFC by reason of a material breach by ABC, or if
this Agreement is terminated by ABC by reason of a material breach by FFC,
and such breach involves a intentional, willful or grossly negligent
misrepresentation or
A-28
<PAGE>
breach of covenant, the breaching party shall be liable to the nonbreaching
party for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the nonbreaching party
in connection with the preparation, execution and attempted consummation of this
Agreement, including the fees of its counsel, accountants, consultants and other
advisors and representatives.
(c) Confidentiality. In the event of a termination of this
---------------
Agreement, neither FFC nor ABC shall use or disclose to any other person any
confidential information obtained by it during the course of its
investigation of the other party or parties, except as may be necessary in
order to establish the liability of the other party or parties for breach as
contemplated under Section 8.2(b) herein and each party shall promptly return
to the party all non-public proprietary and business information received
from such party.
(d) Amendment. To the extent permitted by law, this Agreement
---------
may be amended at any time before the Effective Date (whether before or after
the authorization, approval and adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders
of ABC), but only by a written instrument duly authorized, executed and
delivered by FFC and by ABC; provided, however, that (i) any amendment to the
provisions of Section 2.1 herein relating to the consideration to be received by
the former stockholders of ABC in exchange for their shares of ABC Common Stock
shall not take effect until such amendment has been approved, adopted or
ratified by the stockholders of ABC in accordance with applicable law; and (ii)
LB shall be permitted to join as a party to this Agreement without execution of
such joinder by FFC or ABC.
(e) Waiver. Any term or condition of this Agreement may be
------
waived, to the extent permitted by applicable federal and state law, by the
party or parties entitled to the benefit thereof at any time before the
Effective Date (whether before or after the authorization, approval and adoption
of this Agreement by the stockholders of ABC) by a written instrument duly
authorized, executed and delivered by such party or parties.
ARTICLE IX
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS OF ABC
----------------------------------------
Section 9.1 Rights of Dissenting Stockholders of ABC. The
----------------------------------------
stockholders of ABC shall be entitled to and may exercise dissenters' rights if
and to the extent they are entitled to do so under the provisions of 7 P.S.
(S)(S) 1222 and 1607.
ARTICLE X
CLOSING AND EFFECTIVE DATE
---------------------------
Section 10.1 Closing. Provided that all conditions precedent set
-------
forth in Article VII of this Agreement shall have been satisfied or shall have
been waived in accordance with Section 8.4 of this Agreement, the parties shall
hold a closing (the "Closing") at the offices of FFC at One Penn Square,
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, within thirty (30) days after the receipt of all
required regulatory approvals and after the expiration of all applicable waiting
periods on a date to be agreed upon by the parties, at which time the parties
shall deliver the ABC Closing Documents, the FFC Closing Documents, the opinions
of counsel required by Sections 7.1(d), 7.2(c) and 7.3(c) herein, and such other
documents and instruments as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the
purposes of this Agreement.
A-29
<PAGE>
Section 10.2 Effective Date. Pursuant to 7 P.S. (S)(S) 1606, the
--------------
Merger shall become effective on the date of filing of Articles of Merger with
the Pennsylvania Department of State or on such later date specified in the
Articles of Merger.
ARTICLE XI
NO SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
---------------------------------------------
Section 11.1 No Survival. The representations and warranties of
-----------
ABC and of FFC set forth in this Agreement shall expire and be terminated on the
Effective Date by consummation of this Agreement, and no such representation or
warranty shall thereafter survive.
ARTICLE XII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
------------------
Section 12.1 Expenses. Except as provided in Section 8.2(b)
--------
herein, each party shall pay its own expenses incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. For
purposes of this Section 12.1 herein, the cost of printing the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus shall be deemed to be an expense of FFC.
Section 12.2 Other Mergers and Acquisitions. Subject to the right
------------------------------
of ABC to refuse to consummate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(c) herein
by reason of a material breach by FFC of the warranty and representation set
forth in Section 4.7 herein, nothing set forth in this Agreement shall be
construed: (i) to preclude FFC from acquiring, or to limit in any way the right
of FFC to acquire, prior to or following the Effective Date, the stock or assets
of any other financial services institution or other corporation or entity,
whether by issuance or exchange of FFC Common Stock or otherwise; (ii) to
preclude FFC from issuing, or to limit in any way the right of FFC to issue,
prior to or following the Effective Date, FFC Common Stock, FFC Preferred Stock
or any other equity or debt securities; or (iii) to preclude FFC from taking, or
to limit in any way the right of FFC to take, any other action not expressly and
specifically prohibited by the terms of this Agreement.
Sections 12.3 Notices. All notices, claims, requests, demands and
-------
other communications which are required or permitted to be given under this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly delivered if
delivered in person, transmitted by telegraph or facsimile machine (but only if
receipt is acknowledged in writing), or mailed by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, as follows:
(a) If to FFC or LB, to:
Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., President
and Chief Executive Officer
Fulton Financial Corporation
One Penn Square
P.O. Box 4887
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604
A-30
<PAGE>
With a copy to:
Paul G. Mattaini, Esq.
Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC
126 East King Street
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
(b) If to ABC, to:
Timothy J. McDonald
President and Chief Executive Officer
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
4127 Tilghman Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
With a copy to:
Fredric C. Jacobs, Esquire
214 Bushkill Street
Easton, Pennsylvania 18042
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed
------------
simultaneously in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, but all such counterparts together shall be deemed to be one and
the same instrument.
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have
-------------
been made in, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
substantive laws of, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding
-------------------
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors, assigns and legal representatives; provided, however, that
neither party may assign its rights or delegate its duties under this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.
Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the
----------------
Warrant Agreement and the Warrant being executed by the parties on the date
hereof, sets forth the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto
and supersedes any and all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings,
whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized officers all as of the day and year first
above written.
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By: /s/Rufus A. Fulton, Jr.
Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., President
and Chief Executive Officer
Attest: /s/William R. Colmery
William R. Colmery, Secretary
A-31
<PAGE>
LAFAYETTE BANK
By:
-----------------------------------------
Attest:
-------------------------------------
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
By: /s/Timothy J. McDonald
-----------------------------------------
Timothy J. McDonald, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Attest: /s/David M. Lobach, Jr.
-------------------------------------
David M. Lobach, Jr.,
Secretary
A-32
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
OPINION OF DANIELSON ASSOCIATES, INC.
-------------------------------------
<PAGE>
DANIELSON ASSOCIATES INC.
6110 Executive Boulevard
Suite 504
Rockville, Maryland 20852-3903
Pittsburgh Office
-----------------
Tel: (412) 262-3207
May 15, 1998
Board of Directors
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
4127 Tilghman Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
Dear Members of the Board:
You have requested our opinion as to the "fairness," from a financial
point of view, of the offer by Fulton Financial Corporation ("Fulton") of
Lancaster, Pennsylvania to acquire all of the shares of the common stock of
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth ("Ambassador") of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
The Fulton offer is to exchange 1.40 shares of Fulton common stock for each
share of Ambassador common stock on the effective date of acquisition and to pay
the difference in stock between the transaction price and exercise price for all
options to buy Ambassador common stock. Based on Fulton closing stock price of
$31.06 on January 23, 1998, this offer has a monetary value of approximately
$76.6 million.
The "fair" sale value to which we are opining is defined as the price
at which all of the shares of Ambassador's common stock would change hands
between a willing seller and a willing buyer, each having reasonable knowledge
of the relevant facts. In opining as to the "fairness" of the offer, it also
must be determined if the Fulton common stock to be exchanged for Ambassador's
common stock is "fairly" valued.
Danielson Associates Inc. ("Danielson Associates"), as part of its
investment banking business, is regularly engage in the valuation of banks, bank
holding companies and thrifts in connection with mergers, acquisitions and other
securities transactions. Danielson Associates has knowledge of, and experience
with, Pennsylvania banking markets and banking organizations operating in those
markets.
This opinion is based partly on data supplied to Danielson Associates
by Ambassador and Fulton, but it relies on some public information, all of which
is believed to be reliable, but neither the completeness nor accuracy of all
such information can be guaranteed. In particular, the opinion assumes, based on
management's representation, that there are no significant asset quality
problems beyond what is stated in recent reports to regulatory agencies and
directors and in discussion with Danielson Associates' representatives.
In arriving at this opinion, we have reviewed (a) annual reports of
Ambassador and Fulton for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996; (b)
call report data on each from 1989 through September 30, 1997, including
quarterly reports for December 31, 1997; (c) recently reported prices and
trading activities of, and dividends paid on, the common stock of Fulton; and
(d) certain other publicly available information, including data relating to
B-1
<PAGE>
Board of Directors
Page 2
May 15, 1998
the current economic and acquisition environment generally and the banking
market in particular.
In preparing the opinion, Ambassador's market has been analyzed and its
business and prospects have been reviewed. We also have conducted such other
financial analyses as we deemed appropriate such as comparable company analyses,
comparable transactions and pro forma dilution. Any unique characteristics have
been considered.
We believe that such analyses as described above must be considered as
a whole and that consideration of portions of such analyses and the factors
considered therein, without considering all factors and analyses, could create
an incomplete view of the analyses and the process underlying this opinion. The
preparation of a "fairness" opinion is a complex process involving subjective
judgments and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analyses and summary
description.
In this analyses, we made certain assumptions with respect to industry
performance, business and economic conditions, and other matters, many of which
are beyond Fulton's or Ambassador's control. Any estimates contained in our
analyses are not necessarily indicative of the future results of value, which
may be significantly more or less favorable than such estimates.
Based on the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof,
that the common stock of Fulton that is to be exchanged for Ambassador stock is
"fairly" valued and that the monetary consideration to be given to Ambassador
shareholders by Fulton to acquire Ambassador is "fair," from a financial point
of view, to Ambassador and its shareholders.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Arnold G. Danielson
Arnold G. Danielson
Chairman
Danielson Associates Inc.
B-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
WARRANT AGREEMENT AND WARRANT
-----------------------------
<PAGE>
WARRANT AGREEMENT
-----------------
THIS WARRANT AGREEMENT is made January 26, 1998 by and between Fulton
Financial Corporation, a Pennsylvania business corporation ("FFC") and the
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth, a Pennsylvania bank ("ABC").
W I T N E S S E T H:
- - - - - - - - - -
WHEREAS, FFC and ABC have entered into a Merger Agreement of even date
(the "Merger Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, as a condition to FFC's entry into the Merger Agreement and in
consideration of such entry, ABC has agreed to issue to FFC, on the terms and
conditions set forth herein, a warrant entitling FFC to purchase up to an
aggregate of 475,000 shares of ABC's common stock, par value $4.00 per share
(the "Common Stock");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the execution of the Merger
Agreement and the premises herein contained, and intending to be legally bound,
FFC and ABC agree as follows:
1. Issuance of Warrant. Concurrently with the execution of the Merger
-------------------
Agreement and this Agreement, ABC shall issue to FFC a warrant in the form
attached as Exhibit A hereto (the "Warrant", which term as used herein shall
include any warrant or warrants issued upon transfer or exchange of the original
Warrant) to purchase up to 475,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment
as provided in this Agreement and in the Warrant. The Warrant shall be
exercisable at a purchase price of $26.75 per share, subject to adjustment as
provided in the Warrant (the "Exercise Price"). So long as the Warrant is
outstanding and unexercised, ABC shall at all times maintain and reserve, free
from preemptive rights, such number of authorized but unissued shares of Common
Stock as may be necessary so that the Warrant may be exercised, without any
additional authorization of Common Stock, after giving effect to all other
options, warrants, convertible securities and other rights to acquire shares of
Common Stock. ABC represents and warrants that it has duly authorized the
execution and delivery of the Warrant and this Agreement and the issuance of
Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant. ABC covenants that the shares of
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrant shall be, when so issued,
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and subject to no
preemptive rights. The Warrant and the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon
exercise of the Warrant are hereinafter collectively referred to, from time to
time, as the "Securities." So long as the Warrant is owned by FFC, the Warrant
will in no event be exercised for more than that number of shares of Common
Stock equal to 475,000 (subject to adjustment as provided in this Agreement and
in the Warrant) less the number of shares of Common Stock at the time owned by
FFC.
2. Assignment, Transfer, or Exercise of Warrant. FFC will not sell,
--------------------------------------------
assign, transfer or exercise the Warrant, in whole or in part, without the prior
written consent of ABC except (A) if (I) FFC is not in material breach of the
agreement or covenants contained in this Agreement or the Merger Agreement and
(II) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order against the delivery
of shares covered by the Warrant issued by any court of competent jurisdiction
in the United States shall be in effect and (B) upon or after the occurrence of
any of the following: (i) a knowing and intentional breach of any
representation, warranty, or covenant set forth in the Merger Agreement by ABC
which would permit a termination of the Merger Agreement by FFC pursuant to
Section 8.1(b)(i) thereof which is not cured and which occurs following a
C-1
<PAGE>
proposal from any person (other than FFC) to engage in an Acquisition
Transaction; (ii) the failure of ABC's shareholders to approve the Merger
Agreement at a meeting called for such purpose if at the time of such meeting
there has been a public announcement by any Person (other than FFC) of an offer
or proposal to effect an Acquisition Transaction and, within twelve (12) months
from the date of such shareholder's meeting, ABC engages in, or enters into a
written agreement with respect to, an Acquisition Transaction; (iii) the
acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 25% or more of the Common
Stock (before giving effect to any exercise of the Warrant); (iv) ABC shall have
entered into an agreement, letter of intent, or other written understanding with
any Person (other than FFC) providing for such Person (A) to engage in an
Acquisition Transaction or (B) to negotiate with ABC with respect to an
Acquisition Transaction; or (v) termination, or attempted termination, of the
Merger Agreement by ABC under Section 5.7 of the Merger Agreement following
receipt of a written proposal to engage in an Acquisition Transaction from a
third party. As used in this Paragraph 2, the terms "Beneficial Ownership" and
"Person" shall have the respective meanings set forth in Paragraph 7(g) herein.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Acquisition Transaction" shall mean (x) a
merger or consolidation of statutory share exchange or any similar transaction
involving ABC, (y) a purchase, lease or other acquisition of all or
substantially all of the assets of ABC or (z) a purchase or other acquisition of
beneficial ownership of securities resulting in ownership of 25% or more of the
voting power of ABC.
3. Governmental Filing, Etc.. If, at any time after the Warrant may be
-------------------------
exercised or sold, ABC shall receive a written request therefor from FFC, ABC
shall prepare, file and keep effective and current any required application or
filing to register such shares or to obtain required regulatory or other
approval for their issuance, and provide or file such documentation as may be
required by, all applicable governmental entities or agencies (any such
governmental filing(s) hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Governmental
Filing"), covering, or in connection with, the Warrant and/or the Common Stock
issued or issuable upon exercise of the Warrant. ABC shall use its best efforts
to cause the Governmental Filing to become effective and remain current. Without
the prior written consent of FFC, neither ABC nor any other holder of securities
of ABC may include any other securities in the Governmental Filing.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, FFC shall have right to request
the Governmental Filing described in this Section 3 on one occasion only.
4. Duties of ABC upon Governmental Filing. If and whenever ABC is
--------------------------------------
required by the provisions of Paragraph 3 of this Agreement to make any
Governmental Filing or to take any other action, ABC shall:
(a) prepare and file with the all applicable governmental entities
or agencies such amendments to the Governmental Filing and supplements
thereto as may be necessary to keep the Governmental Filing effective,
current, and accurate;
(b) furnish to FFC and to any underwriters of the Securities being
registered such reasonable number of copies of the Governmental Filing,
any documents contained therein, and such other documents as FFC or such
underwriters may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public
offering of the Securities;
(c) use its best efforts to register or qualify the Securities
covered by the Governmental Filing under the state securities or blue
sky laws of such jurisdictions as FFC or such underwriters may
reasonably request;
C-2
<PAGE>
(d) notify FFC, promptly after ABC shall receive notice thereof, of
the time when the Governmental Filing has become effective or any
supplement or amendment to any document forming a part of the
Governmental Filing has been filed;
(e) notify FFC promptly of any request by any governmental entities
or agencies for the amending or supplementing of the Governmental Filing
or any document contained therein, or for additional information;
(f) prepare and file with all applicable governmental entities or
agencies promptly upon the request of FFC, any amendments or supplements
to the Governmental Filing or any document contained therein which, in
the opinion of counsel for FFC, are required under any law or
regulation;
(g) prepare and promptly file with all governmental entities or
agencies such amendments of or supplements to (i) the Governmental
Filing or the document contained therein; or (ii) the Governmental
Filing as may be necessary to correct any statements or omissions if, at
the time when a Governmental Filing relating to such Securities is
required to be delivered under law or regulation, any event shall have
occurred as the result of which such Governmental Filing as then in
effect would include an untrue statement of a material fact or would
omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(h) advise FFC, promptly after ABC shall receive notice or obtain
knowledge of the issuance of any stop order by any governmental entity
or agency suspending the effectiveness of the Governmental Filing or of
any action by any governmental entity or agency preventing the exercise
of any right or obligation hereunder or that may be exercised in
connection herewith, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding
for such purpose, and promptly use its best efforts to prevent such
action or to obtain its withdrawal if such action should be taken; and
(i) at the request of FFC, furnish on the date or dates provided
for in any underwriting agreement: (i) an opinion or opinions of counsel
for ABC for the purposes of such Governmental Filing, addressed to the
underwriters and to FFC, covering such matters as such underwriters and
FFC may reasonably request and as are customarily covered by issuer's
counsel at that time; and (ii) a letter or letters from the independent
certified public accountants for ABC, addressed to the underwriters and
to FFC, covering such matters as such underwriters or FFC may reasonably
request, in which letters such accountants shall state (without limiting
the generality of the foregoing) that they are independent certified
public accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), and that, in the opinion of such
accountants, the financial statements and other financial data of ABC
included in the Governmental Filing or any amendment or supplement
thereto comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting
requirements of the Securities Act or such other law or regulation as
may be at issue.
5. Expenses of Registration. With respect to the Governmental Filing
------------------------
requested pursuant to Paragraph 3 of this Agreement, (a) ABC shall bear all
registration, filing and NASD fees, printing and engraving expenses, fees and
disbursements of its counsel and accountants and all legal fees and
disbursements and other expenses of ABC to comply with state securities or blue
sky laws of any jurisdictions in which the Securities to be offered are to be
C-3
<PAGE>
registered or qualified; and (b) FFC shall bear all fees and disbursements of
its counsel and accountants, underwriting discounts and commissions, transfer
taxes for FFC and any other expenses incurred by FFC.
6. Indemnification. In connection with any Registration Statement or
---------------
Governmental Filing or any amendment or supplement thereto:
(a) ABC shall indemnify and hold harmless FFC, any underwriter for
FFC, and each person, if any, who controls FFC or such underwriter from
and against any and all loss, damage, liability, cost or expense to
which FFC or any such underwriter or controlling person may become
subject under any applicable law,, insofar as such loss, damage,
liability, cost or expense arises out of or is caused by any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
the Governmental Filing, any document contained therein or any amendment
or supplement to the foregoing, or arises out of or is based upon the
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading; provided, however, that ABC will not be liable in any such
-------- -------
case to the extent that any such loss, damage, liability, cost or
expense arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity
with information furnished by FFC, such underwriter or such controlling
person in writing specifically for use in the preparation thereof.
(b) FFC shall indemnify and hold harmless ABC, any underwriter and
each person, if any, who controls ABC or such underwriter from and
against any and all loss, damage, liability, cost or expense to which
ABC or any such underwriter or controlling person may become subject
under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, damage,
liability, cost or expense arises out of or is caused by any untrue or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the
Governmental Filing, any document contained therein or any amendment or
supplement to the foregoing, or arises out of or is based upon the
omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were
made, not misleading; provided, however, that FFC will not be liable in
-------- -------
any such case to the extent that any such loss, damage, liability, cost
or expense arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity
with information furnished by ABC, such underwriter, such underwriter or
such controlling person in writing specifically for use in the
preparation thereof.
(c) Promptly after receipt by any party which is entitled to be
indemnified, pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph (a) or (b) of
this Paragraph 6, of any claim in writing or of notice of the
commencement of any action involving the subject matter of the foregoing
indemnity provisions, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in
respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party pursuant to
the provisions of subparagraph (a) or (b) of this Paragraph 6, promptly
notify the indemnifying party of the receipt of such claim or notice of
the commencement of such action, but the omission to so notify the
indemnifying party will not relieve it from any liability which it may
otherwise have to any indemnified party hereunder. In case any such
action is brought against any indemnified party and it notifies the
indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party
shall have the right to participate in and, to the extent that it may
C-4
<PAGE>
wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to
assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such
indemnified party; provided, however, that if the defendants in any
-------- -------
action include both the indemnified party or parties and the
indemnifying party and there is a conflict of interest which would
prevent counsel for the indemnifying party from also representing any
indemnified party, such indemnified party shall have the right to select
separate counsel to participate in the defense of such indemnified
party. After notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified
party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying
party will not be liable to such indemnified party, pursuant to the
provisions of subparagraph (a) or (b) of this Paragraph 6, for any legal
or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in
connection with the defense thereof, other than reasonable costs of
investigation, unless (i) such indemnified party shall have employed
separate counsel in accordance with the provisions of the preceding
sentence, (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel
satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party
within a reasonable time after the notice of the commencement of the
action, or (iii) the indemnifying party has authorized the employment of
counsel for the indemnified party at the expense of the indemnifying
party.
(d) If recovery is not available under the foregoing
indemnification provisions, for any reason other than as specified
therein, any party entitled to indemnification by the terms thereof
shall be entitled to obtain contribution with respect to its liabilities
and expenses, except to the extent that contribution is not permitted
under Section 11(f) of the Securities Act or such other law or
regulation as may be applicable. In determining the amount of
contribution to which the respective parties are entitled there shall be
considered the parties' relative knowledge and access to information
concerning the matter with respect to which the claim was asserted, the
opportunity to correct and/or prevent any statement or omission, and any
other equitable considerations appropriate under the circumstances. FFC
and ABC agree that it would not be equitable if the amount of such
contribution were determined by pro rata or per capita allocation even
if the underwriters and FFC as a group were considered a single entity
for such purpose.
7. Redemption and Repurchase Rights.
--------------------------------
(a) From and after the date on which any event described in
Paragraph 2 of this Agreement occurs, the Holder as defined in the
Warrant (which shall include a former Holder), who has exercised the
Warrant in whole or in part shall have the right to require ABC to
redeem some or all of the shares of Common Stock for which the Warrant
was exercised at a redemption price per share (the "Redemption Price")
equal to the highest of: (i) the Exercise Price, (ii) the highest price
paid or agreed to be paid for any share of Common Stock by an Acquiring
Person (as defined below) during the one year period immediately
preceding the date of redemption, and (iii) in the event of a sale of
all or substantially all of ABC's assets: (x) the sum of the price paid
in such sale for such assets and the current market value of the
remaining assets of ABC as determined by a recognized investment banking
firm selected by such Holder, divided by (y) the number of shares of
Common Stock then outstanding. If the price paid consists in whole or in
part of securities or assets other than cash, the value of such
securities or assets shall be their then current market value as
determined by a recognized investment banking firm selected by the
Holder.
C-5
<PAGE>
(b) From and after the date on which any event described in
Paragraph 2 of this Agreement occurs, the Holder as defined in the
Warrant (which shall include a former Holder), shall have the right to
require ABC to repurchase all or any portion of the Warrant at a price
(the "Warrant Repurchase Price") equal to the product obtained by
multiplying: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock represented by the
portion of the Warrant that the Holder is requiring ABC to repurchase,
times (ii) the excess of the Redemption Price over the Exercise Price.
(c) The Holder's right, pursuant to this Paragraph 7, to require
ABC to repurchase a portion or all of the Warrant, and/or to require ABC
to redeem some or all of the shares of Common Stock for which the
Warrant was exercised, shall expire on the close of business on the 60th
day following the occurrence of any event described in Paragraph 2.
(d) The Holder may exercise its right, pursuant to this Paragraph
7, to require ABC to repurchase all or a portion of the Warrant, and/or
to require ABC to redeem some or all of the shares of Common Stock for
which the Warrant was exercised, by surrendering for such purpose to
ABC, at its principal office within the time period specified in the
preceding subparagraph, the Warrant and/or a certificate or certificates
representing the number of shares to be redeemed accompanied by a
written notice stating that it elects to require ABC to repurchase the
Warrant or a portion thereof and/or to redeem all or a specified number
of such shares in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph 7. As
promptly as practicable, and in any event within five business days
after the surrender of the Warrant and/or such certificates and the
receipt of such notice relating thereto, ABC shall deliver or cause to
be delivered to the Holder: (i) the applicable Redemption Price (in
immediately available funds) for the shares of Common Stock which it is
not then prohibited under applicable law or regulation from redeeming,
and/or (ii) the applicable Warrant Repurchase Price, and/or (iii) if the
Holder has given ABC notice that less than the whole Warrant is to be
repurchased and/or less than the full number of shares of Common Stock
evidenced by the surrendered certificate or certificates are to be
redeemed, a new certificate or certificates, of like tenor, for the
number of shares of Common Stock evidenced by such surrendered
certificate or certificates less the number shares of Common Stock
redeemed and/or a new Warrant reflecting the fact that only a portion of
the Warrant was repurchased.
(e) To the extent that ABC is prohibited under applicable law or
regulation, or as a result of administrative or judicial action, from
repurchasing the Warrant and/or redeeming the Common Stock as to which
the Holder has given notice of repurchase and/or redemption, ABC shall
immediately so notify the Holder and thereafter deliver or cause to be
delivered, from time to time to the Holder, the portion of the Warrant
Repurchase Price and/or the Redemption Price which it is no longer
prohibited from delivering, within five business days after the date on
which ABC is no longer so prohibited; provided, however, that to the
-------- -------
extent that ABC is at the time and after the expiration of 25 months, so
prohibited from delivering the Warrant Repurchase Price and/or the
Redemption Price, in full (and ABC hereby undertakes to use its best
efforts to obtain all required regulatory and legal approvals as
promptly as practicable), ABC shall deliver to the Holder a new Warrant
(expiring one year after delivery) evidencing the right of the Holder to
purchase that number of shares of Common Stock representing the portion
of the Warrant which ABC is then so prohibited from repurchasing, and/or
ABC shall deliver to the Holder a certificate for the shares of Common
Stock which ABC is then so prohibited from redeeming, and ABC shall have
no
C-6
<PAGE>
further obligation to repurchase such new Warrant or redeem such
Common Stock; and provided further, that upon receipt of such notice and
--- -------- -------
until five days thereafter the Holder may revoke its notice of
repurchase of the Warrant and/or redemption of Common Stock by written
notice to ABC at its principal office stating that the Holder elects to
revoke its election to exercise its right to require ABC to repurchase
the Warrant and/or redeem the Common Stock, whereupon ABC will promptly
redeliver to the Holder the Warrant and/or the certificates representing
shares of Common Stock surrendered to ABC for purposes of such
repurchase and/or redemption, and ABC shall have no further obligation
to repurchase such Warrant and/or redeem such Common Stock.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, ABC shall be
obligated to pay any sums due FFC or any other Holders under this
Paragraph 7 only upon consummation of an Acquisition Transaction
referenced in Paragraph 2 herein; provided, however, ABC's obligation to
make such a payment due to the exercise event described in clause (iii)
or the definition of Acquisition Transaction described in clause (z) of
Paragraph 2 shall become binding only upon an acquisition of Beneficial
Ownership resulting in ownership of 50% or more of the ABC Common Stock
or securities resulting in ownership of 50% or more of the voting power
of ABC.
(g) As used in this Agreement the following terms have the meanings
indicated:
(1) "Acquiring Person" shall mean any "Person" (hereinafter
defined) who or which is the "Beneficial Owner" (hereinafter
defined) of 25% or more of the Common Stock;
(2) A "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation or
other entity and shall also include any syndicate or group deemed
to be a "Person" by operation of Section 13(d)(3) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
(3) A Person shall be a "Beneficial Owner", and shall have
"Beneficial Ownership", of all securities:
(i) which such Person or any of its Affiliates (as
hereinafter defined) beneficially owns, directly or
indirectly; and
(ii) which such Person or any of its Affiliates or
Associates has (1) the right to acquire (whether such
right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage
of time or otherwise) pursuant to any agreement,
arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of
conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options,
or otherwise, or (2) the right to vote pursuant to any
proxy, power of attorney, voting trust, agreement,
arrangement or understanding; and
(4) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective
meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the regulations
promulgated by the SEC under the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
8. Remedies. Without limiting the foregoing or any remedies available
--------
to FFC, it is specifically acknowledged that FFC would not have an adequate
remedy at law for any breach of this Warrant Agreement and shall be entitled to
C-7
<PAGE>
specific performance of ABC's obligations under, and injunctive relief against
any actual or threatened violation of the obligations of any Person subject to,
this Agreement.
9. Miscellaneous.
-------------
(a) The representations, warranties, and covenants of ABC set forth
in the Merger Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in and made
a part of this Agreement, as if set forth in full herein.
(b) This Agreement, the Warrant and the Merger Agreement set forth
the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto and
supersede any and all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings,
whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and
thereof. No amendment, supplement, modification, waiver, or termination
of this Agreement shall be valid and binding unless executed in writing
by both parties.
(c) This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made in, and shall
be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the substantive laws
of, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
10. Termination. This Agreement, and all of ABC's obligations
-----------
hereunder, shall automatically terminate, without further action of the parties,
at the time the Warrant terminates.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above
written.
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By: /s/ Rufus A. Fulton, Jr.
----------------------------------------
Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., President
and Chief Executive Officer
Attest: /s/ William R. Colmery
------------------------------------
William R. Colmery, Secretary
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
By: /s/ Timothy J. McDonald
----------------------------------------
Timothy J. McDonald, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Attest: /s/ David M. Lobach, Jr.
------------------------------------
David M. Lobach, Jr., Secretary
C-8
<PAGE>
WARRANT
to Purchase up to 475,000 Shares of the
Common Stock, Par Value $4.00 Per Share,
of
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
This is to certify that, for value received, Fulton Financial
Corporation ("FFC") or any permitted transferee (FFC or such transferee being
hereinafter called the "Holder") is entitled to purchase, subject to the
provisions of this Warrant, from Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth, a
Pennsylvania bank ("ABC"), at any time on or after the date hereof, an aggregate
of up to 475,000 fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock, par value
$4.00 per share, of ABC (the "Common Stock") at a price per share equal to
$26.75, subject to adjustment as herein provided (the "Exercise Price"). This
Warrant is transferable only in accordance with the terms and provisions of the
Warrant Agreement (as defined below) the terms of which are deemed incorporated
herein.
1. Exercise of Warrant. Subject to the provisions hereof and the
--------------------
limitations set forth in Paragraph 2 of a Warrant Agreement of even date
herewith by and between FFC and ABC (the "Warrant Agreement"), which Warrant
Agreement was entered into in connection with a Merger Agreement of even date
between FFC and ABC (the "Merger Agreement"), this Warrant may be exercised in
whole or in part or sold, assigned or transferred at any time or from time to
time on or after the date hereof. This Warrant shall be exercised by
presentation and surrender hereof to ABC at the principal office of ABC,
accompanied by (i) a written notice of exercise, (ii) payment to ABC, for the
account of ABC and in the form of a certified or bank check, of the Exercise
Price for the number of shares of Common Stock specified in such notice, and
(iii) a certificate of the Holder specifying the event or events which have
occurred and entitle the Holder to exercise this Warrant. The Exercise Price for
the number of shares of Common Stock specified in the notice shall be payable in
immediately available funds.
Upon such presentation and surrender, ABC shall issue promptly (and
within one business day if requested by the Holder) to the Holder or its
assignee, transferee or designee the number of shares of Common Stock to which
the Holder is entitled hereunder. ABC covenants and warrants that such shares of
Common Stock, when so issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and non-assessable, and free and clear of all liens and encumbrances.
If this Warrant should be exercised in part only, ABC shall, upon
surrender of this Warrant for cancellation, execute and deliver a new Warrant
evidencing the rights of the Holder thereof to purchase the balance of the
shares of Common Stock issuable hereunder. Upon receipt by ABC of this Warrant,
in proper form for exercise, the Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of
record of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such exercise,
notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of ABC may then be closed or that
certificates representing such shares of Common Stock shall not then be actually
delivered to the Holder. ABC shall pay all expenses, and any and all United
States federal, state and local taxes and other charges, that may be payable in
connection with the preparation, issue and delivery of stock certificates
pursuant to this Paragraph 1 in the name of the Holder or its assignee,
transferee or designee.
C-9
<PAGE>
2. Reservation of Shares; Preservation of Rights of Holder.
--------------------------------------------------------
ABC shall at all times, while this Warrant is outstanding and
unexercised, maintain and reserve, free from preemptive rights, such number of
authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock as may be necessary so that this
Warrant may be exercised without any additional authorization of Common Stock
after giving effect to all other options, warrants, convertible securities and
other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock at the time outstanding. ABC
further agrees that (i) it will not, by charter amendment or through
reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution or sale of assets, or by any
other voluntary act or omission, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or
performance of any of the covenants, stipulations or conditions to be observed
or performed hereunder or under the Warrant Agreement by ABC, (ii) it will
promptly take all action (including (A) complying with all premerger
notification, reporting and waiting period requirements specified in 15 U.S.C.
ss.18a and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (B) in the event that,
under Section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (12 U.S.C.
ss.1842(a)(3)), the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended (12 U.S.C.
ss.1817(j)), or the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, as amended, prior
approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Board"),
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), or the Pennsylvania
Banking Department (the "Department") is necessary before this Warrant may be
exercised, cooperating fully with the Holder in preparing any and all such
applications and providing such information as the Board, the FDIC or the
Department may require) in order to permit the Holder to exercise this Warrant
and ABC duly and effectively to issue shares of its Common Stock hereunder, and
(iii) it will promptly take all action necessary to protect the rights of the
Holder against dilution as provided herein.
3. Fractional Shares. ABC shall not be required to issue
------------------
fractional shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant but shall pay
for any fractional shares in cash or by certified or official bank check at
the Exercise Price.
4. Exchange or Loss of Warrant. This Warrant is exchangeable, without
----------------------------
expense, at the option of the Holder, upon presentation and surrender hereof at
the principal office of ABC for other warrants of different denominations
entitling the Holder to purchase in the aggregate the same number of shares of
Common Stock issuable hereunder. The term "Warrant" as used herein includes any
warrants for which this Warrant may be exchanged. Upon receipt by ABC of
evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or
mutilation of this Warrant, and (in the case of loss, theft or destruction) of
reasonably satisfactory indemnification, and upon surrender and cancellation of
this Warrant, if mutilated, ABC will execute and deliver a new Warrant of like
tenor and date.
5. Repurchase. The Holder shall have the right to require ABC to
-----------
repurchase all or any portion of this Warrant under the terms and conditions of
Paragraph 7 of the Warrant Agreement.
6. Adjustment. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
-----------
the exercise of this Warrant and the Exercise Price shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time as provided in this Paragraph 6.
C-10
<PAGE>
(A) Stock Dividends, etc.
---------------------
(1) Stock Dividends. In case ABC shall pay or make a
----------------
dividend or other distribution on any class of capital stock of ABC in Common
Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this
Warrant shall be increased by multiplying such number of shares by a fraction of
which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the date of such
distribution and the numerator shall be the sum of such number of shares and the
total number of shares of Common Stock constituting such dividend or other
distribution, such increase to become effective immediately after the opening of
business on the day following such distribution.
(2) Subdivisions. In case outstanding shares of Common Stock
-------------
shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares of Common Stock, the number
of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant at the opening
of business on the day following the day upon which such subdivision becomes
effective shall be proportionately increased, and, conversely, in case
outstanding shares of Common Stock shall each be combined into a smaller number
of shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of this Warrant at the opening of business on the day following the day
upon which such combination becomes effective shall be proportionately
decreased, such increase or decrease, as the case may be, to become effective
immediately after the opening of business on the day following the date upon
which such subdivision or combination becomes effective.
(3) Reclassifications. The reclassification of Common Stock
------------------
into securities (other than Common Stock) and/or cash and/or other consideration
shall be deemed to involve a subdivision or combination, as the case may be, of
the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such
reclassification into the number or amount of securities and/or cash and/or
other consideration outstanding immediately thereafter and the effective date of
such reclassification shall be deemed to be "the day upon which such subdivision
becomes effective," or "the day upon which such combination becomes effective,"
as the case may be, within the meaning of clause (2) above.
(4) Optional Adjustments. ABC may make such increases in the
---------------------
number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant, in
addition to those required by this subparagraph (A), as shall be determined by
its Board of Directors to be advisable in order to avoid taxation so far as
practicable of any dividend of stock or stock rights or any event treated as
such for federal income tax purposes to the recipients.
(5) Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the number of
-----------------------------
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant is adjusted as
provided in this Paragraph 6(A), the Exercise Price shall be adjusted by a
fraction in which the numerator is equal to the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable prior to the adjustment and the denominator is equal to the number of
shares of Common Stock issuable after the adjustment.
(B) Certain Sales of Common Stock.
------------------------------
(1) Adjustment to Shares Issuable. If and whenever ABC sells
------------------------------
or otherwise issues (other than under circumstances in which Paragraph 6(A)
applies) any shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be increased by multiplying such
number of shares by a fraction, the denominator of which shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the day
C-11
<PAGE>
immediately preceding the date of such sale or issuance and the numerator of
which shall be the sum of such number of shares and the total number of shares
constituting such sale or other issuance, such increase to become effective
immediately after the opening of business on the day following such sale or
issuance.
(2) Adjustment to Exercise Price. If and whenever ABC sells
-----------------------------
or otherwise issues any shares of Common Stock (excluding any stock dividend or
other issuance not for consideration to which Paragraph 6(A) applies) for a
consideration per share which is less than the Exercise Price at the time of
such sale or other issuance, then in each such case the Exercise Price shall be
forthwith changed (but only if a reduction would result) to the price
(calculated to the nearest cent) determined by dividing: (i) an amount equal to
the sum of (aa) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to such issue or sale, multiplied by the then effective Exercise Price,
plus (bb) the total consideration, if any, received and deemed received by ABC
upon such issue or sale, by (ii) the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding immediately after such issue or sale.
(C) Definition. For purposes of this Paragraph 6, the term
-----------
"Common Stock" shall include (1) any shares of ABC of any class or series which
has no preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution
of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of ABC and which is not subject to redemption by ABC, and (2) any rights or
options to subscribe for or to purchase shares of Common Stock or any stock or
securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock (such
convertible or exchangeable stock or securities being hereinafter called
"Convertible Securities"), whether or not such rights or options or the right to
convert or exchange any such Convertible Securities are immediately exercisable.
For purposes of any adjustments made under Paragraph 6(A) or 6(B) as a result of
the distribution, sale or other issuance of rights or options or Convertible
Securities, the number of Shares of Common Stock outstanding after or as a
result of the occurrence of events described in Paragraph 6(A)(1) or 6(B)(1)
shall be calculated by assuming that all such rights, options or Convertible
Securities have been exercised for the maximum number of shares issuable
thereunder.
7. Notice. (A) Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock for which
-------
this Warrant is exercisable is adjusted as provided in Paragraph 6, ABC shall
promptly compute such adjustment and mail to the Holder a certificate, signed by
the principal financial officer of ABC, setting forth the number of shares of
Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable as a result of such
adjustment having become effective.
(B) Upon the occurrence of any event which results in the Holder
having the right to require ABC to repurchase this Warrant, as provided in
Paragraph 7 of the Warrant Agreement, ABC shall promptly notify the Holder of
such event; and ABC shall promptly compute the Warrant Repurchase Price and
furnish to the Holder a certificate, signed by the principal financial officer
of ABC, setting forth the Warrant Repurchase Price and the basis and computation
thereof.
8. Rights of the Holder. (A) Without limiting the foregoing or any
---------------------
remedies available to the Holder, it is specifically acknowledged that the
Holder would not have an adequate remedy at law for any breach of the provisions
of this Warrant and shall be entitled to specific performance of ABC's
obligations under, and injunctive relief against any actual or threatened
violation of the obligations of any Person (as defined in Paragraph 7 of the
Warrant Agreement) subject to, this Warrant.
C-12
<PAGE>
(B) The Holder shall not, by virtue of its status as Holder, be
entitled to any rights of a shareholder in ABC.
9. Termination. This Warrant and the rights conferred hereby shall
------------
terminate (i) upon the Effective Date of the merger provided for in the Merger
Agreement, (ii) upon a valid termination of the Merger Agreement prior to the
occurrence of an event described in Paragraph 2 of the Warrant Agreement, or
(iii) to the extent this Warrant has not previously been exercised, 60 days
after the occurrence of an event described in Paragraph 2 of the Warrant
Agreement.
10. Governing Law. This Warrant shall be deemed to have been
-------------
delivered in, and shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the
substantive laws of, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Dated: January 26, 1998
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
By: /s/Timothy J. McDonald
---------------------------------------------------
Timothy J. McDonald, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Attest: /s/David M. Lobach, Jr.
-----------------------------------------------
David M. Lobach, Jr., Secretary
C-13
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D
STATUTE RELATING TO DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
--------------------------------------
<PAGE>
SUBCHAPTER D - DISSENTERS RIGHTS
(S) 1571. Application and effect of subchapter
(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), any
shareholder of a business corporation shall have the right to dissent from, and
to obtain payment of the fair value of his shares in the event of, any corporate
action, or to otherwise obtain fair value for his shares, where this part
expressly provides that a shareholder shall have the rights and remedies
provided in this subchapter. See:
Section 1906(c)(relating to dissenters rights upon special treatment).
Section 1930 (relating to dissenters rights).
Section 1931(d) (relating to dissenters rights in share exchanges).
Section 1932(c) (relating to dissenters rights in asset transfers).
Section 1952(d) (relating to dissenters rights in division).
Section 1962(c) (relating to dissenters rights in conversion).
Section 2104(b) (relating to procedure).
Section 2324 (relating to corporation option where a restriction on
transfer of a security is held invalid).
Section 2325(b) (relating to minimum vote requirement).
Section 2704(c) (relating to dissenters rights upon election).
Section 2705(d) (relating to dissenters rights upon renewal of
election).
Section 2907(a) (relating to proceedings to terminate breach of
qualifying conditions).
Section 7104(b)(3) (relating to procedure).
(b) Exceptions.--
(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2), the holders
of the shares of any class or series of shares that, at the record date fixed to
determine the shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting at
which a plan specified in any of section 1930, 1931(d), 1932(c) or 1952(d) is to
be voted on, are either:
(i) listed on a national securities exchange; or
(ii) held of record by more than 2,000 shareholders; shall
not have the right to obtain payment of the fair value of any such shares under
this subchapter.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to and dissenters rights shall
be available without regard to the exception provided in that paragraph in the
case of:
(i) Shares converted by a plan if the shares are not
converted solely into shares of the acquiring, surviving, new or other
corporation or solely into such shares and money in lieu of fractional shares.
(ii) Shares of any preferred or special class unless the
articles, the plan or the terms of the transaction entitle all shareholders of
the class to vote thereon and require for the adoption of the plan or the
effectuation of the transaction the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes
cast by all shareholders of the class.
(iii) Shares entitled to dissenters rights under section
1906(c) (relating to dissenters rights upon special treatment).
(3) The shareholders of a corporation that acquires by purchase,
lease, exchange or other disposition all or substantially all of the shares,
D-1
<PAGE>
property or assets of another corporation by the issuance of shares, obligations
or otherwise, with or without assuming the liabilities of the other corporation
and with or without the intervention of another corporation or other person,
shall not be entitled to the rights and remedies of dissenting shareholders
provided in this subchapter regardless of the fact, if it be the case, that the
acquisition was accomplished by the issuance of voting shares of the corporation
to be outstanding immediately after the acquisition sufficient to elect a
majority or more of the directors of the corporation.
(c) Grant of optional dissenters rights.--The bylaws or a resolution of
the board of directors may direct that all or a part of the shareholders shall
have dissenters rights in connection with any corporate action or other
transaction that would otherwise not entitle such shareholders to dissenters
rights.
(d) Notice of dissenters rights.--Unless otherwise provided by statute,
if a proposed corporate action that would give rise to dissenters rights under
this subpart is submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders, there shall be
included in or enclosed with the notice of meeting:
(1) a statement of the proposed action and a statement that the
shareholders have a right to dissent and obtain payment of the fair value of
their shares by complying with the terms of this subchapter; and
(2) a copy of this subchapter.
(e) Other statutes.--The procedures of this subchapter shall also be
applicable to any transaction described in any statute other than this part that
makes reference to this subchapter for the purpose of granting dissenters
rights.
(f) Certain provisions of articles ineffective.--This subchapter may
not be relaxed by any provision of the articles.
(g) Cross references.--See sections 1105 (relating to restriction on
equitable relief), 1904 (relating to de facto transaction doctrine abolished)
and 2512 (relating to dissenters rights procedure).
(S) 1572. Definitions
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have
the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise:
"Corporation." The issuer of the shares held or owned by the dissenter
before the corporate action or the successor by merger, consolidation, division,
conversion or otherwise of that issuer. A plan of division may designate which
of the resulting corporations is the successor corporation for the purposes of
this subchapter. The successor corporation in a division shall have the sole
responsibility for payments to dissenters and other liabilities under this
subchapter except as otherwise provided in the plan of division.
"Dissenter." A shareholder or beneficial owner who is entitled to and
does assert dissenters rights under this subchapter and who has performed every
act required up to the time involved for the assertion of those rights.
"Fair value." The fair value of shares immediately before the
effectuation of the corporate action to which the dissenter objects, taking
D-2
<PAGE>
into account all relevant factors, but excluding any appreciation or
depreciation in anticipation of the corporate action.
"Interest." Interest from the effective date of the corporate action
until the date of payment at such rate as is fair and equitable under all the
circumstances, taking into account all relevant factors, including the average
rate currently paid by the corporation on its principal bank loans.
(S) 1573. Record and beneficial holders and owners
(a) Record holders of shares.--A record holder of shares of a business
corporation may assert dissenters rights as to fewer than all of the shares
registered in his name only if he dissents with respect to all the shares of the
same class or series beneficially owned by any one person and discloses the name
and address of the person or persons on whose behalf he dissents. In that event,
his rights shall be determined as if the shares as to which he has dissented and
his other shares were registered in the names of different shareholders.
(b) Beneficial owners of shares.--A beneficial owner of shares of a
business corporation who is not the record holder may assert dissenters rights
with respect to shares held on his behalf and shall be treated as a dissenting
shareholder under the terms of this subchapter if he submits to the corporation
not later than the time of the assertion of dissenters rights a written consent
of the record holder. A beneficial owner may not dissent with respect to some
but less than all shares of the same class or series owned by the owner, whether
or not the shares so owned by him are registered in his name.
(S) 1574. Notice of intention to dissent
If the proposed corporate action is submitted to a vote at a meeting of
shareholders of a business corporation, any person who wishes to dissent and
obtain payment of the fair value of his shares must file with the corporation,
prior to the vote, a written notice of intention to demand that he be paid the
fair value for his shares if the proposed action is effectuated, must effect no
change in the beneficial ownership of his shares from the date of such filing
continuously through the effective date of the proposed action and must refrain
from voting his shares in approval of such action. A dissenter who fails in any
respect shall not acquire any right to payment of the fair value of his shares
under this subchapter. Neither a proxy nor a vote against the proposed corporate
action shall constitute the written notice required by this section.
(S) 1575. Notice to demand payment
(a) General rule.--If the proposed corporate action is approved by the
required vote at a meeting of shareholders of a business corporation, the
corporation shall mail a further notice to all dissenters who gave due notice of
intention to demand payment of the fair value of their shares and who refrained
from voting in favor of the proposed action. If the proposed corporate action is
to be taken without a vote of shareholders, the corporation shall send to all
shareholders who are entitled to dissent and demand payment of the fair value of
their shares a notice of the adoption of the plan or other corporate action. In
either case, the notice shall:
(1) State where and when a demand for payment must be sent and
certificates for certificated shares must be deposited in order to obtain
payment.
D-3
<PAGE>
(2) Inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent
transfer of shares will be restricted from the time that demand for payment is
received.
(3) Supply a form for demanding payment that includes a request
for certification of the date on which the shareholder, or the person on whose
behalf the shareholder dissents, acquired beneficial ownership of the shares.
(4) Be accompanied by a copy of this subchapter.
(b) Time for receipt of demand for payment.--The time set for receipt
of the demand and deposit of certificated shares shall not be less than 30 days
from the mailing of the notice.
(S) 1576. Failure to comply with notice to demand payment, etc.
(a) Effect of failure of shareholder to act.--A shareholder who fails
to timely demand payment, or fails (in the case of certificated shares) to
timely deposit certificates, as required by a notice pursuant to section 1575
(relating to notice to demand payment) shall not have any right under this
subchapter to receive payment of the fair value of his shares.
(b) Restriction on uncertificated shares.--If the shares are not
represented by certificates, the business corporation may restrict their
transfer from the time of receipt of demand for payment under effectuation of
the proposed corporate action or the release of restrictions under the terms of
section 1577(a) (relating to failure to effectuate corporate action).
(c) Rights retained by shareholder.--The dissenter shall retain all
other rights of a shareholder until those rights are modified by effectuation of
the proposed corporate action.
(S) 1577. Release of restrictions or payment for shares
(a) Failure to effectuate corporation action.--Within 60 days after the
date set for demanding payment and depositing certificates, if the business
corporation has not effectuated the proposed corporate action, it shall return
any certificates that have been deposited and release uncertificated shares from
any transfer restrictions imposed by reason of the demand for payment.
(b) Renewal of notice to demand payment.--When uncertificated shares
have been released from transfer restrictions and deposited certificates have
been returned, the corporation may at any later time send a new notice
conforming to the requirements of section 1575 (relating to notice to demand
payment), with like effect.
(c) Payment of fair value of shares.--Promptly after effectuation of
the proposed corporate action, or upon timely receipt of demand for payment if
the corporate action has already been effectuated, the corporation shall either
remit to dissenters who have made demand and (if their shares are certificated)
have deposited their certificates the amount that the corporation estimates to
be the fair value of the shares, or give written notice that no remittance under
this section will be made. The remittance or notice shall be accompanied by:
(1) The closing balance sheet and statement of income of the
issuer of the shares held or owned by the dissenter for a fiscal year ending not
more than 16 months before the date of remittance or notice together with the
latest available interim financial statements.
D-4
<PAGE>
(2) A statement of the corporation's estimate of the fair value
of the shares.
(3) A notice of the right of the dissenter to demand payment or
supplemental payment, as the case may be, accompanied by a copy of this
subchapter.
(d) Failure to make payment.--If the corporation does not remit the
amount of its estimate of the fair value of the shares as provided by subsection
(c), it shall return any certificates that have been deposited and release
uncertificated shares from any transfer restrictions imposed by reason of the
demand for payment. The corporation may make a notation on any such certificate
or on the records of the corporation relating to any such uncertificated shares
that such demand has been made. If shares with respect to which notation has
been so made shall be transferred, each new certificate issued therefor or the
records relating to any transferred uncertificated shares shall bear a similar
notation, together with the name of the original dissenting holder or owner of
such shares. A transferee of such shares shall not acquire by such transfer any
rights in the corporation other than those that the original dissenter had after
making demand for payment of their fair value.
(S) 1578. Estimate by dissenter of fair value of shares
(a) General rule.--If the business corporation gives notice of its
estimate of the fair value of the shares, without remitting such amount, or
remits payment of its estimate of the fair value of a dissenter's shares as
permitted by section 1577(c) (relating to payment of fair value of shares) and
the dissenter believes that the amount stated or remitted is less than the fair
value of his shares, he may send to the corporation his own estimate of the fair
value of the shares, which shall be deemed a demand for payment of the amount or
the deficiency.
(b) Effect of failure to file estimate.--Where the dissenter does not
file his own estimate under subsection (a) within 30 days after the mailing by
the corporation of its remittance or notice, the dissenter shall be entitled to
no more than the amount stated in the notice or remitted to him by the
corporation.
(S) 1579. Valuation proceedings generally
(a) General rule.--Within 60 days after the latest of:
(1) effectuation of the proposed corporate action;
(2) timely receipt of any demands for payment under section 1575
(relating to notice to demand payment); or
(3) timely receipt of any estimates pursuant to section 1578
(relating to estimate by dissenter of fair value of shares);
if any demands for payment remain unsettled, the business corporation may file
in court an application for relief requesting that the fair value of the shares
be determined by the court.
(b) Mandatory joinder of dissenters.--All dissenters, wherever
residing, whose demands have not been settled shall be made parties to the
proceeding as in an action against their shares. A copy of the application shall
be served on each such dissenter. If a dissenter is a nonresident, the copy may
be
D-5
<PAGE>
served on him in the manner provided or prescribed by or pursuant to 42
Pa.C.S. Ch. 53 (relating to bases of jurisdiction and interstate and
international procedure)./1/
(c) Jurisdiction of the court.--The jurisdiction of the court shall be
plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint an appraiser to receive evidence
and recommend a decision on the issue of fair value. The appraiser shall have
such power and authority as may be specified in the order of appointment or in
any amendment thereof.
(d) Measure of recovery.--Each dissenter who is made a party shall be
entitled to recover the amount by which the fair value of his shares is found to
exceed the amount, if any, previously remitted, plus interest.
(e) Effect of corporation's failure to file application.--If the
corporation fails to file an application as provided in subsection (a), any
dissenter who made a demand and who has not already settled his claim against
the corporation may do so in the name of the corporation at any time within 30
days after the expiration of the 60-day period. If a dissenter does not file an
application within the 30-day period, each dissenter entitled to file an
application shall be paid the corporation's estimate of the fair value of the
shares and no more, and may bring an action to recover any amount not previously
remitted.
(S) 1580. Costs and expenses of valuation proceedings
(a) General rule.--The costs and expenses of any proceeding under
section 1579 (relating to valuation proceedings generally), including the
reasonable compensation and expenses of the appraiser appointed by the court,
shall be determined by the court and assessed against the business corporation
except that any part of the costs and expenses may be apportioned and assessed
as the court deems appropriate against all or some of the dissenters who are
parties and whose action in demanding supplemental payment under section 1578
(relating to estimate by dissenter of fair value of shares) the court finds to
be dilatory, obdurate, arbitrary, vexatious or in bad faith.
(b) Assessment of counsel fees and expert fees where lack of good faith
appear.--Fees and expenses of counsel and of experts for the respective parties
may be assessed as the court deems appropriate against the corporation and in
favor of any or all dissenters if the corporation failed to comply substantially
with the requirements of this subchapter and may be assessed against either the
corporation or a dissenter, in favor of any other party, if the court finds that
the party against whom the fees and expenses are assessed acted in bad faith or
in a dilatory, obdurate, arbitrary or vexatious manner in respect to the rights
provided by this subchapter.
(c) Award of fees for benefits to other dissenters.--If the court finds
that the services of counsel for any dissenter were of substantial benefit to
other dissenters similarly situated and should not be assessed against the
corporation, it may award to those counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the
amounts awarded to the dissenters who were benefitted.
- ------------------------
/1/ 42 Pa.C.S.A. (S) 5301 et seq.
D-6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT E
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT E
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
X Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
- --- Act of 1934 (Fee Required) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, or
------------
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
- --- and Exchange Act of 1934 (No Fee Required) for the transition period from
---------------
___________to __________.
Commission File Number Not Applicable
--------------------------------
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
-----------------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
PENNSYLVANIA 52-1686086
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or organization)
4127 Tilghman Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number: (610) 366-6400
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK ($4 PAR VALUE)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No .
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Fork 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. ( X )
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's common stock held by non-
affiliates of the Registrant as of December 31, 1997 was approximately
$20,180,907.00.
<PAGE>
As of December 31, 1997, 1,503,762 shares of the Registrant's common stock
were outstanding.
Documents incorporated by reference. Portions of the definitive Proxy
Statement of the Registrant relating to the Registrant's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held in June, 1998, are incorporated herein by reference in
response to Part III hereof.
2
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Ambassador was incorporated on May 25, 1990, under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is a member bank of the Federal Reserve System.
Ambassador commenced operations on November 19, 1990, and engages in general
commercial and consumer banking in the Allentown regional area. Ambassador
maintains its main office at 4127 Tilghman Street in suburban Allentown and has
six additional offices in Allentown, Bethlehem, Macungie, Emmaus and Whitehall.
In addition, Ambassador leases space for a loan operations center and has a
commitment to lease an additional banking location which is expected to open
during the third quarter of 1998. Ambassador is a community bank that
emphasizes personal service, flexibility and responsiveness to customer's needs,
which it believes can best be provided by an independent, locally owned and
controlled bank. Ambassador provides a wide range of commercial and consumer
banking services to small and medium sized businesses, professional and other
individuals and structures its charges in a manner designed to attract the
business of such customers. Ambassador believes that its business development
activities have been and will continue to be enhanced by the close ties of its
directors to the business community in Allentown and the surrounding regional
area.
The business of Ambassador consists primarily of attracting deposits and
using those funds for the origination of loans. Ambassador's income is
principally derived from interest and fees earned in connection with its lending
activities and interest and dividends on investment securities and short-term
investments. Its principal expenses are interest paid on deposits and operating
expenses. Ambassador's loan portfolio consists primarily of commercial and
consumer loans. The principal source of funds for Ambassador's lending and
investment activities are deposits, loan repayments and proceeds from investment
securities.
Ambassador is subject to examination and regulation by the Department of
Banking and the Federal Reserve Bank. Its deposits are insured by the FDIC to
the maximum extent permitted by law.
THE WILBUR SAVINGS BANK TRANSACTION
Reference is made to the detailed information contained in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular relating to the merger of Wilbur Savings Bank into
Ambassador. The transaction was approved by the stockholders of Ambassador and
the members of Wilbur on September 15, 1997 and the transaction closed on
October 3, 1997.
THE FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION TRANSACTION
Reference is made to the detailed information contained in the Form 8-K
filed by Ambassador on February 4, 1998 concerning the proposed merger of
Ambassador into Lafayette Bank, a
3
<PAGE>
subsidiary of Fulton Financial Corporation, which information, including the
Exhibits thereto, is incorporated herein by reference.
MARKET AREA
Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton are the principal cities of the Lehigh
Valley (Pennsylvania), which has an aggregate population of approximately
650,000. During the past twenty years, the economy of the Lehigh Valley has
shifted from one principally dominated by manufacturing, especially the steel
industry, to an economy characterized by a diverse group of industries including
service and distribution firms, health care, high technology, manufacturing and
retailing firms. Major employers include Air Products and Chemicals, Lehigh
Valley Hospital Center, Dun & Bradstreet, Prudential Insurance Company, Lucent
Technologies and Lehigh University. Median household income in the Lehigh
Valley exceeds the national average and the unemployment rate during the past
two years has been below the national average. A recently-completed interstate
highway network through the Lehigh Valley has benefited the local economy by
providing convenient access to New York, New England and Philadelphia.
SERVICES
Ambassador offers specialized services such as safe deposit boxes, courier
service, automated teller machines, extended hours of operation and personal and
business checking accounts at competitive rates, as well as traditional
commercial and consumer banking services. Ambassador makes secured and
unsecured commercial, consumer, installment and real estate loans, finances
commercial transactions and makes construction and permanent mortgage loans.
Ambassador offers various types of consumer loans, including revolving credit
lines, home equity, credit card and automobile loans. Ambassador also
originates mortgage loans which are funded primarily by third parties and
receive a fee for such services.
In October 1997, Ambassador received approval from the banking regulators
to provide trust and fiduciary services.
Ambassador has established self-imposed lending limits with respect to any
single customer or group of affiliated customers. Such lending limit is
$1,500,00.00, depending on the risk rating assigned to a potential borrower
during the qualifying process. Under currently existing regulatory limitations,
Ambassador may lend up to 15% of its capital and loan loss reserve which, as of
December 31, 1997 was approximately $1,964,000. Ambassador's commercial lending
is principally directed towards businesses with loan requirements from $50,000
to $1,000,000 and which otherwise do business with Ambassador.
4
<PAGE>
BANK PREMISES
The Bank leases seven Banking offices and a loan operations center.
The Bank pays all expenses of operating the buildings it occupies under
leases including, but not necessarily limited to, real estate taxes, insurance,
utilities and repairs. The Bank is obligated under the leases to maintain the
premises in good order, condition and repair.
The Bank also has a right of first refusal to purchase two of its leased
offices in the event the landlord elects to sell the premises at any time during
the Bank's occupancy.
COMPETITION
The banking business is highly competitive. Ambassador competes with local
commercial banks as well as numerous regionally based commercial banks, many of
which have assets, capital and lending limits higher than those of Ambassador.
Ambassador also competes with savings banks, savings and loan associations,
money market funds, insurance companies, stock brokerage firms, regulated small
loan companies, credit unions and with the issuers of commercial paper and other
securities.
Many of Ambassador's competitors have larger asset and capital bases, more
numerous branch offices, the ability to finance wide ranging advertising
campaigns and to reallocate their investment assets to regions of highest yield
and demand. Many offer certain services such as trust services and
international banking which are not offered directly by Ambassador (although
Ambassador is presently applying for trust powers).
Pennsylvania law authorizes the acquisition of banks and bank holding
companies located in Pennsylvania by an out-of-state bank holding company upon
the prior approval of the Department of Banking. Interstate branching by banks
and bank holding companies located outside of Pennsylvania is permitted only if
the state in which such out-of-state bank or bank holding company is located as
adopted reciprocal legislation. It is expected that Pennsylvania's interstate
banking laws will further intensify competition within the Allentown region.
In order to compete, Ambassador attempts to utilize, to the fullest extent
possible, the flexibility of its independent status. Ambassador's "personal
banking" concept emphasizes (I) individualized services for professionals and
small and medium sized businesses, (ii) personal contacts by Ambassador's
officers, directors and employees and (iii) a unique, deinstitutionalized,
physical environment for its offices. For customers whose loan requirements
exceed Ambassador's lending limits, Ambassador seeks to arrange such loans on a
participation basis with other financial institutions. Ambassador also seeks to
be competitive with respect to interest rates paid and charged,
5
<PAGE>
and for service charges on customer accounts. Ambassador, its management and
employees are extensively involved in civic, charitable and community affairs in
its market area. Ambassador believes that its local ownership and management and
its active participation as a member of the communities in which it is located
enable it to compete with larger institutions in its service area.
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
PENNSYLVANIA LAW
As a state-chartered bank, Ambassador is subject to regulation, supervision
and regular examination by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and is subject
to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, as amended (the
"Banking Code"). The Banking Code contains provisions that, among other things
(1) require the maintenance of certain reserves against deposits, (2) limit the
type and amount of loans that may be made and the interest that may be charged
thereon, (3) restrict investments and other activities, (4) limit the payment of
dividends, (5) regulate the establishment of branch offices, (6) set minimum
capital stock and surplus requirements and (7) restrict any person from
acquiring more than 10% of any class of outstanding stock of a bank. The amount
of funds that Ambassador may lend to a single borrower is limited generally
under Pennsylvania law to fifteen percent of the aggregate of its capital,
surplus, undivided profits and loan loss reserves (all as defined by statute and
regulation).
Pennsylvania law also requires that a bank obtain the approval of the
Department of Banking prior to amending its Articles of Incorporation or
effecting any merger where the surviving bank would be a Pennsylvania chartered
bank. In reviewing a merger application, the Department of Banking considers,
among other things, whether the merger would be consistent with adequate and
sound banking practices and in the public interest based on several factors,
including the potential effect of the merger on competition and the convenience
and needs of the area to be served by the merged institution.
FEDERAL LAW
As a member of the Federal Reserve System, Ambassador is also subject to
regulation, supervision and regular examination by the Federal Reserve Bank.
The prior approval of the Federal Reserve Bank is required for the establishment
of branch offices and the consummation of mergers involving Ambassador. In
addition, under the Bank Merger Act of 1956, as amended, the approval of the
appropriate federal bank regulatory agency (the Federal Reserve Bank, the
Comptroller of the Currency or the FDIC, depending on the resulting institution)
is required before Ambassador may merge or consolidate with, or acquire all or
substantially all of the assets of, another bank.
The Federal Reserve Bank has adopted a regulation pursuant to the Change in
Bank Control Act of 1978, which, subject to certain exceptions, requires persons
who intend to acquire control of a bank or bank holding company to give at least
60 days prior written notice to the Federal Reserve
6
<PAGE>
Bank. For the purpose of this regulation, Control exists when the acquiring
party obtains voting control of at least 25% of any class of the bank's voting
securities. Subject to rebuttal, control is presumed to exist when the acquiring
party obtains voting control of at least 10% of any class of the bank's voting
securities if (I) securities issued by the bank are registered pursuant to
Section 12 of the Exchange Act, or (ii) following the acquisition, there would
be no holder larger than the acquiring party. The Change in Bank Control Act of
1978 and the regulations promulgated thereunder, authorize the Federal Reserve
Bank to disapprove any such acquisition on certain specified grounds.
Ambassador is required to comply with certain additional "risk-based"
capital adequacy guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve Bank and the FDIC.
These guidelines assign varying risk weights to the individual assets held by a
bank and to the "credit-equivalent" amounts of certain off-balance sheet items,
such as letters of credit and interest rate and currency swap contracts. Under
these guidelines, banks are expected to meet a minimum target ratio for
Qualifying Total Capital (as hereinafter defined) to weighted-risk assets of 8%,
at least one-half of which is required to be in the form of Tier 1 Capital (as
hereinafter defined). Qualifying Total Capital is composed of (I) Tier 1 Capital
which includes common stockholders' equity, certain qualifying perpetual
preferred stock and minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated
subsidiaries (less goodwill) and (ii) Tier 2 Capital which includes allowances
for credit losses (within limits), certain excess levels of perpetual preferred
stock and certain types of "hybrid" capital instruments, subordinated debt and
other preferred stock. Tier II Capital is limited on the average to one-half of
Total Qualifying Capital. For additional information regarding Ambassador's
compliance with "risk based" capital adequacy guidelines, see "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Capital
Adequacy."
Ambassador is also subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and
regulations which set forth specific restrictions and procedural requirement
with respect to the extension of credit, credit practices, the disclosure of
credit terms and discrimination in credit transactions.
Compliance with the extensive federal and state regulation of commercial
banking activities in the United States may substantially increase the
investment risks associated with the Conversion Stock, may be a greater burden
on Ambassador than on its larger competitors and may materially increase
Ambassador's cost of doing business.
From time to time proposals are made in the United States Congress and the
Pennsylvania Legislature and before bank regulatory authorities which would
alter the powers of, and place restrictions on, different types of banking
organizations. Among recent legislative proposals of significance to Ambassador
are the expansion of the powers of banks and thrift institutions. It is not
possible to predict the impact, if any, of these proposals, if enacted, on the
future business of Ambassador.
PROFITABILITY, MONETARY POLICY AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Bank profitability is principally dependent on interest rate differentials.
In general, the
7
<PAGE>
difference between the interest paid by a bank on its deposits and other
borrowings and the interest received by a bank on loans and securities held in
its investment portfolio comprise the major portion of a bank's earnings. The
earnings and growth of Ambassador are, and will remain, subject to the influence
of economic conditions, both domestic and foreign and on the levels of and
changes in interest rates. In addition to being affected by general economic
conditions, the earnings and growth of Ambassador will be affected by the
policies of regulatory authorities, including the Department of Banking, the
Federal Reserve Bank and the FDIC. An important function of the Federal Reserve
Bank is the regulation of the supply of money and other credit conditions in
order to manage interest rates. The monetary policies and regulations of the
Federal Reserve Bank have had a significant effect on the operating results of
commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the
future. The effects of such policies upon the future business, earnings and
growth of Ambassador cannot be determined. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
EMPLOYEES
Ambassador has 92 full-time and 6 part-time employees, including its
officers. Ambassador considers its relations with its employees to be excellent.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
Reference is made to Item 1 "Business" under the heading "Bank Premises"
for information concerning the Bank's offices.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Bank is not involved in any legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of the Bank's fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
8
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS.
Ambassador's Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market - Small Cap
Market. Its trading symbol is ABPA.
The Bank has approximately 1,000 stockholders.
The Bank has not declared any cash dividends on its common stock.
Management's present policy is to retain earnings in order to strengthen the
Bank's capital and reserves. The ability of the Bank to pay cash dividends is
subject to restrictions contained in the Pennsylvania Banking code, the Federal
Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
9
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6
The following selected financial data as of December 31 for each of the
last five years should be read in conjunction with the Bank's audited financial
statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets $ 277,907 $ 209,502 $ 165,678 $ 122,392 $ 93,495
Securities available for sale 65,951 42,278 34,457 8,637 --
Securities held to maturity, at cost 9,330 11,725 15,019 29,726 27,904
Loans receivable 175,751 139,494 96,999 75,653 52,973
Allowance for loan losses (1,964) (1,365) (1,042) (879) (660)
Premises and equipment, net 3,432 2,747 2,461 1,960 1,615
Non-interest bearing deposits $ 17,949 $ 16,136 $ 14,259 $ 9,318 $ 5,010
Interest bearing deposits 222,620 161,477 126,185 90,506 71,513
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total deposits 240,569 177,613 140,444 99,824 76,523
Federal funds and repurchase agreements 8,691 5,933 4,505 1,932 2,969
Other borrowed funds and long term debt 3,000 9,500 5,000 8,000 2,000
Stockholders' equity 21,063 14,298 13,291 11,855 11,546
Common shares outstanding 1,910,229 1,503,762 1,503,762 1,498,500 1,493,000
Book value per share $ 11.03 $ 9.51 $ 8.84 $ 7.91 $ 7.73
Statement of Income Data:
Total interest income $ 17,685 $ 13,813 $ 10,695 $ 7,140 $ 4,962
Total interest expense 8,539 6,766 5,418 2,801 1,983
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net interest income 9,146 7,047 5,277 4,339 2,979
Provision for loan losses 675 390 359 395 378
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net interest income after provision 8,471 6,657 4,918 3,944 2,601
Other income 1,085 739 571 355 235
Other expenses 7,045 5,479 4,407 3,763 2,349
Income tax expense 574 472 253 150 --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net income $ 1,937 $ 1,445 $ 829 $ 386 $ 487
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Basic earnings per share $ 1.21 $ 0.96 $ 0.55 $ 0.26 $ 0.33
Diluted earnings per share (1) $ 1.08 $ 0.86 $ 0.50 $ 0.24 $ 0.31
Selected Financial Ratios:
Net Loans as a percent of deposits 72.24% 77.77% 68.32% 74.91% 68.36%
Average stockholders' equity to average assets 6.83% 7.26% 8.51% 10.75% 14.73%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans 1.12% 0.98% 1.07% 1.16% 1.25%
Nonperforming loans to total loans 0.62% 0.63% 0.34% 0.26% 0.69%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans 179.52% 156.00% 315.76% 446.19% 179.35%
Selected Operating Ratios:
Return on average equity 11.86% 10.76% 6.70% 3.30% 4.34%
Return on average assets 0.81% 0.78% 0.57% 0.36% 0.64%
Net interest margin 4.06% 4.05% 3.86% 4.27% 4.17%
Other income to average assets 0.45% 0.40% 0.39% 0.33% 0.31%
Other expenses to average assets 2.95% 2.96% 3.03% 3.46% 3.08%
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------
(1) Earnings per share amounts have been computed in accordance with the
provisions of FASB Statement No. 128, "Earnings per Share", and have
been adjusted for the 10% stock dividend declared June, 1995.
10
<PAGE>
ITEM 7
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and
results of operations of Ambassador should be read in conjunction with
Ambassador's financial statements, including the related notes thereto, included
elsewhere herein.
OVERVIEW
Continued growth, as well as Ambassador's consistent efforts to control
overhead, contributed to the strong earnings experienced by Ambassador during
the year ended December 31, 1997. Ambassador had total assets of $277,907,000
at December 31, 1997 as compared with $209,502,000 at December 31, 1996, an
increase of 32.7%. During the same period, loans receivable increased 26% to
$175,751,000 from $139,494,000, and deposits increased 35.4% to $240,569,000
from $177,613,000. Ambassador acquired Wilbur Savings Bank on October 3, 1997
in a transaction accounted for as a purchase and the results of operations of
Wilbur are included in Ambassador's net income from the date of acquisition.
Assets of $18,323,000 were acquired including $10,147,000 in loans receivable
and $15,850,000 in deposits. In 1997, Ambassador recorded net income of
$1,937,000 as compared with $1,445,000 in 1996 which represents an increase of
34%. Stockholders' equity increased $6,765,000, or 47.3%, to $21,063,000 from
$14,298,000 in 1996 due primarily to $4,195,000 of net proceeds received from
the sale of common stock related to the Wilbur Savings Bank merger and the
retention of net income for the year.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Net interest income is the amount by which interest earned on interest-
earning assets exceeds the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
Ambassador's principal interest-earning assets are loans to businesses and
individuals. Interest-bearing liabilities consist primarily of time deposits,
money market accounts and savings deposits. Generally, changes in net interest
income are measured by net interest rate spread and net interest margin. Net
interest rate spread is equal to the difference between the average rate earned
on earning assets and the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.
Net interest margin represents the difference between interest income (including
net loan fees earned) and interest expense (calculated as a percentage of
average earning assets).
11
<PAGE>
1997 Compared to 1996
Total interest income increased by $3,872,000, or 28%, to $17,685,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1997 from $13,813,000 for the year ended December
31, 1996. This increase is primarily the result of a 29.6% increase in average
interest-earning assets to $225,358,000 in 1997 from $173,852,000 in 1996. The
yield on interest-earning assets decreased to 7.85% in 1997 from 7.95% in 1996.
Total interest expense increased by $1,773,000, or 26.2%, to $8,539,000 in
1997 from $6,766,000 in 1996. This increase is primarily attributable to an
increase in the volume of interest-bearing liabilities. Average interest-
bearing liabilities increased by 30.7% to $202,364,000 in 1997 from $154,786,000
in 1996. Cost of funds decreased to 4.22% in 1997 from 4.37% in 1996.
Net interest income increased by $2,099,000, or 29.8%, to $9,146,000 in
1997 from $7,047,000 in 1996. For 1997, Ambassador's net interest rate spread
was 3.63% compared to 3.58% in 1996. Ambassador's net interest margin was 4.06%
in 1997 compared to 4.05% in 1996.
1996 Compared to 1995
Interest income increased by $3,118,000, or 29.2%, to $13,813,000 for 1996
from $10,695,000 for 1995. This increase was attributable to a 27.1% increase
in average interest-earning assets to $173,852,000 for 1996 from $136,761,000
for 1995 as well as an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets to 7.95%
in 1996 from 7.82% in 1995.
Interest expense for 1996 was $6,766,000 compared to $5,418,000 in 1995.
This increase of 1,348,000, or 24.9%, was the result of a 27.7% increase in
average interest-bearing liabilities to $154,786,000 in 1996 from $121,218,000
in 1995, which was offset by a decrease in Ambassador's cost of funds to 4.37%
in 1996 from 4.47% in 1995.
Net interest income for 1996 was $7,047,000, an increase of $1,770,000, or
33.5%, from $5,277,000 in 1995. Ambassador's net interest rate spread increased
to 3.58% in 1996 from 3.35% in 1995, and the net interest margin increased to
4.05% in 1996 from 3.86% in 1995.
12
<PAGE>
The table below presents a summary of Ambassador's average balances, rates,
interest income and expense, the interest rate spread and the net interest
margin for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE BALANCES, RATES AND INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Average Average
Balance Interest Yield / Rate Balance Interest Yield / Rate
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assets:
Interest-Earning Assets:
Federal funds sold and interest bearing
deposits with banks $8,269 $449 5.43% $3,591 $218 6.07%
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Securities:
Taxable securities 49,313 3,210 6.51% 42,802 2,773 6.48%
Tax-exempt securities 13,817 830 6.01% 10,332 639 6.18%
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
63,130 4,040 6.40% 53,134 3,412 6.42%
Appreciation/(depreciation) on available-
for- sale securities 128 - - (107) - -
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Total securities 63,258 53,027
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Loans Receivable:
Taxable loans 155,371 13,196 8.49% 118,411 10,183 8.60%
Allowance for loan losses (1,540) - - (1,177) - -
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Total loans receivable, net 153,831 13,196 8.58% 117,234 10,183 8.69%
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Total Interest Earning Assets 225,358 17,685 7.85% 173,852 13,813 7.95%
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Noninterest Earning Assets 13,717 11,282
--------------- -----------
TOTAL $239,075 $185,134
=============== ===========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Interest bearing demand deposits $65,957 $1,802 2.73% $41,921 $963 2.30%
Savings deposits 23,069 604 2.62% 14,251 367 2.58%
Time deposits 101,051 5,564 5.51% 88,289 4,944 5.60%
Short-term borrowings including securities
sold under agreements to repurchase 12,287 569 4.63% 8,483 386 4.55%
Long-term borrowings - - - 1,842 106 5.75%
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities 202,364 8,539 4.22% 154,786 6,766 4.37%
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Noninterest Bearing Liabilities
Demand deposits 17,009 15,375
Other 3,374 1,540
--------------- -----------
Total Liabilities 222,747 171,701
--------------- -----------
Stockholders' Equity 16,328 13,433
--------------- -----------
TOTAL $239,075 $185,134
=============== ===========
Net Interest Income $9,146 $7,047
Net Interest Spread 3.63% 3.58%
Net Interest Margin 4.06% 4.05%
Ratio of Interest-Earning Assets to
Interest-Bearing Liabilities 111.36% 112.32%
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS) 1995
---------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Balance Interest Yield / Rate
---------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets:
Interest-Earning Assets:
Federal funds sold and interest bearing
deposits with banks $5,924 $355 5.99%
------------------------------------------------------------
Securities:
Taxable securities 41,425 2,512 6.06%
Tax-exempt securities 6,201 415 6.69%
------------------------------------------------------------
47,626 2,927 6.15%
Appreciation/(depreciation) on available-
for- sale securities 48 - -
------------------------------------------------------------
Total securities 47,674
------------------------------------------------------------
Loans Receivable:
Taxable loans 84,078 7,413 8.82%
Allowance for loan losses (915) - -
------------------------------------------------------------
Total loans receivable, net 83,163 7,413 8.91%
------------------------------------------------------------
Total Interest Earning Assets 136,761 10,695 7.82%
------------------------------------------------------------
Noninterest Earning Assets 8,567
--------------------
TOTAL $145,328
====================
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Interest bearing demand deposits $34,750 $805 2.32%
Savings deposits 9,830 264 2.69%
Time deposits 71,054 4,082 5.74%
Short-term borrowings including securities
sold under agreements to repurchase 2,584 73 2.83%
Long-term borrowings 3,000 194 6.47%
------------------------------------------------------------
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities 121,218 5,418 4.47%
------------------------------------------------------------
Noninterest Bearing Liabilities
Demand deposits 10,475
Other 1,266
--------------------
Total Liabilities 132,959
--------------------
Stockholders' Equity 12,369
--------------------
TOTAL $145,328
====================
Net Interest Income $5,277
Net Interest Spread 3.35%
Net Interest Margin 3.86%
Ratio of Interest-Earning Assets to
Interest-Bearing Liabilities 112.82%
- ----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Yields on securities are calculated based on amortized cost versus fair
values.
For the purpose of computing average loan balances, nonaccruing loans are
included in the daily average loan amounts outstanding.
Yields on tax exempt assets have not been computed on a fully tax-
equivalent basis.
14
<PAGE>
The table below presents the relative contribution of changes in volumes
and changes in rates to changes in the net interest income for the periods
indicated. The change in the interest income and interest expense attributable
to the combined impact of both volume and rate has been allocated
proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RATE VOLUME ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED, DECEMBER 31,
1997 vs 1996 1996 vs 1995
------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS) Increase / (Decrease) Increase / (Decrease)
------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
Volume Rate Total Volume Rate Total
----------- ------------ --------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest-Earning Assets:
Federal funds sold and interest
bearing deposits with banks $251 ($20) $231 ($142) $5 ($137)
Securities (1) 646 (18) 628 340 145 485
Loans Receivable (2) 3,137 (124) 3,013 2,949 (179) 2,770
------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
Net Change in Interest Income 4,034 (162) 3,872 3,147 (29) 3,118
------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Interest bearing demand deposits 631 208 839 165 (7) 158
Savings deposits 231 6 237 113 (10) 103
Time deposits 701 (81) 620 962 (100) 862
Short-term borrowings including
securities sold under agreements
to repurchase 176 7 183 249 64 313
Long-term borrowings (106) - (106) (69) (19) (88)
------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
Net Change in Interest Expense $1,633 $140 $1,773 $1,420 ($72) $1,348
------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
CHANGE IN NET INTEREST INCOME $2,401 ($302) $2,099 $1,727 $43 $1,770
========================================== =======================================
</TABLE>
(1) Yields on tax exempt assets have not been computed on a fully tax-equivalent
basis.
(2) Interest income includes fees earned on loans of $137,000, $118,000, and
$89,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
15
<PAGE>
Provision for Loan Losses
In originating loans, Ambassador recognizes that some degree of credit
losses will be experienced and that the risk of loss will vary in accordance
with such issues as, the type of loan being made, the credit-worthiness of the
borrower over the term of the loan, the quality of collateral pledged for the
loan and general economic conditions. The provision for loan losses and the
allowance for loan losses are based on management's ongoing assessment of
Ambassador's credit exposure and consideration of certain other relevant
factors. The provision for loan losses represents the amount charged to
earnings, and its adequacy is determined based upon several factors including
an ongoing review of delinquent, classified and non-accrual loans, large loans
and overall portfolio quality; regular examination and review of the portfolio
by regulatory authorities; analytical review of loan chargeoff experience,
delinquency rates and other relevant historical and peer statistical ratios;
and management's judgement with respect to the nature of the portfolio,
concentrations of credit, regulatory recommendations and current and projected
economic and business conditions and their impact on the existing loan
portfolio. The allowance for loan losses represents a reserve against
potential but undetermined future losses.
The provision for loan losses was $675,000, $390,000 and $359,000 for the
years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The allowance for loan losses represented 1.12% of total loans receivable
at December 31, 1997 as compared with .98% and 1.07% at December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively. Management makes regular assessments of the loan loss
reserve in relation to credit exposure to individual borrowers, overall trends
in the loan portfolio and other relevant factors, and believes the reserve is
reasonable and adequate for each of the periods presented. Ambassador has no
credit exposure to foreign countries or foreign borrowers.
16
<PAGE>
The table below sets forth the period-end loans receivable balances and
summarizes Ambassador's loan loss experience for the periods presented, as well
as certain ratios related to net charge-offs and the allowance for loan losses
as a percent of the total loan portfolio.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE
Year Ended December 31,
(IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Amount of loans receivable
outstanding at end of period $175,751 $139,494 $96,999 $75,653 $52,973
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Average loans receivable $155,371 $118,411 $84,078 $64,315 $46,931
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance $1,365 $1,042 $879 $660 $405
Charge-offs:
Commercial loans (62) -- (196) (176) (123)
Consumer loans (209) (68) -- -- --
Recoveries 3 1 -- -- --
Allowance of acquired institution 192 -- -- -- --
Provision for loan losses 675 390 359 395 378
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Ending balance $1,964 $1,365 $1,042 $879 $660
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Ratios:
Net charge-offs to
average loans 0.17% 0.06% 0.23% 0.27% 0.26%
Net charge-offs to the
provision for loan losses 39.70% 17.18% 54.60% 44.56% 32.54%
Allowance for loan losses
to loans receivable at end
of period 1.12% 0.98% 1.07% 1.16% 1.25%
</TABLE>
The table below illustrates the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses
(as allocated to various segments of the loan portfolio).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BREAKDOWN OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES BY CATEGORY
1997 1996 1995 1994
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of loans % of loans % of loans % of loans
in each in each in each in each
category to category to category to category to
total loans total loans total loans total loans
(IN THOUSANDS) Amount receivable Amount receivable Amount receivable Amount receivable
----------- --------------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------------- -------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consumer loans $215 22.31% $195 24.85% $126 22.93% $52 16.48%
Home Equity 60 13.77% 49 13.77% 32 13.20% 32 16.92%
Real Estate and
Commercial 1,064 63.92% 718 61.38% 536 63.87% 476 66.60%
Unallocated 625 -- 403 -- 348 -- 319 --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $1,964 100.00% $1,365 100.00% $1,042 100.00% $879 100.00%
=================================================================================================================
<CAPTION>
1993
----------------------------------
% of loans
in each
category to
total loans
(IN THOUSANDS) Amount receivable
------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Consumer loans $25 3.88%
Home Equity 19 14.35%
Real Estate and
Commercial 412 81.77%
Unallocated 204 --
--------------------------------
Total $660 100.00%
================================
</TABLE>
The allowance for loan losses is reviewed quarterly for its adequacy.
17
<PAGE>
Non-interest Income
1997 Compared to 1996
Non-interest income consists primarily of customer service fees. Non-
interest income increased $346,000, or 46.8%, to $1,085,000 for 1997 compared to
$739,000 for 1996. Customer service fees increased $217,000, or 38.8%, to
$776,000 for 1997 from $559,000 for 1996. This increase in fees was the result
of an increase in deposit volume and related transactions. Further
contributing to the increase in non-interest income was the amortization of
negative goodwill of $78,000 derived from the acquisition of Wilbur Savings
Bank effective October 3, 1997. The acquisition resulted in an excess of net
assets acquired over cost of $2,175,000. This negative goodwill is being
amortized to income on a straight-line basis over seven years from the date of
acquisition. Another factor which contributed to the increase in non-interest
income was a $76,000 increase in the other non-interest income category. This
was primarily due to $40,000 of commission income earned on investment
products offered through "Ambassador Asset Management" which provides full
brokerage investment products through a national brokerage company. This
program started during the year ended December 31, 1997. The increase in
non-interest income was offset by a decrease of $18,000 in commission income
derived from mortgage banking activities, and a decrease of $7,000 in the gain
on the sale of available for sale securities. Ambassador derives commission
income from the origination of mortgage loans primarily for third party
institutions which fund such loans.
1996 Compared to 1995
Non-interest income for 1996 increased $168,000, or 29.4% to $739,000 from
$571,000 in 1995. The increase in non-interest income was attributable to
income derived from customer service fees which increased by $144,000, or 34.7%,
to $559,000 for 1996 from $415,000 for 1995, as well as an increase of $39,000
to $108,000 for 1996 from $69,000 for 1995 in commission income derived from
mortgage banking activities. Offsetting these increases was a $15,000 decrease
in other non-interest type income.
Non-interest Expenses
Salary expenses and employee benefits represent the largest component of
non-interest expenses. Non-interest expense also includes a range of other
expenses such as occupancy and equipment expenses; fees paid to outside data
processing and ATM servicers; professional fees for legal, accounting and
consulting services; business development and advertising expenses; fees
associated with the due diligence process of extending and maintaining loans and
the collection process; FDIC insurance; check printing, stationary and office
supplies; and other types of expenses that are incurred as part of the normal
operation of the bank.
18
<PAGE>
1997 Compared to 1996
Non-interest expenses for 1997 were $7,045,000, representing an increase of
$1,566,000, or 28.6%, compared with $5,479,000 for 1996. Contributing to this
increase in particular, were those costs associated with two new banking
facilities, one from the acquisition of Wilbur Savings Bank on October 3, 1997
on East Broad Street in Bethlehem, PA, and the opening of a new banking facility
in November, 1997 on West Broad Street in Bethlehem, PA. The addition of these
two locations increased Ambassador's total banking facilities to eight in 1997
from six in 1996. Such additional costs included the hiring of additional staff
to accommodate the bank's growth and expansion as well as expenses related to
the conversion of the Wilbur facility along with the renovation, furnishing
and overall operation for each of the new banking locations.
Salary expenses and related employee benefits increased by $781,000, or
34.5%, to $3,044,000 for 1997 from $2,263,000 for 1996. This increase is
primarily attributable to the hiring of additional personnel due to the new
banking facilities and the bank's growth as well as budgeted salary increases
paid to employees.
Occupancy expense increased by $179,000, or 25.5%, to $880,000 for 1997
from $701,000 for 1996. Rent expense attributes to $125,000 of this increase.
Ambassador leases all banking facilities except for the branch that occupies
the former Wilbur location. Equipment expenses increased $123,000, or 46.9%,
to $385,000 for 1997 from $262,000 for 1996. These increases were attributable
to the addition of the two banking facilities, as well as escalation provisions
contained in the operating lease agreements for certain existing bank premises.
ATM and data processing expenses increased $204,000, or 42.6%, to $683,000
for 1997 from $479,000 for 1996. The increase was due to an overall increase in
transaction volume as well as growth in the number of deposit and loan accounts
that are serviced by Ambassador and third party service bureaus contracted by
the bank.
Advertising and sales promotion expenses modestly increased by $9,000, or
2.5%, to $364,000 for 1997 from $355,000 for 1996.
Loan related expenses totaled $139,000 for 1997 as compared to $131,000 for
1996. The increased cost is the result of Ambassador's efforts to develop and
increase the loan portfolio.
FDIC premiums were $25,000 for 1997 as compared with $2,000 for 1996. The
increase for 1997 was due to the FDIC's assessment which represented
approximately $.0129 per $100 of deposits as compared with the FDIC's 1996
minimum semiannual assessment of $1,000.
19
<PAGE>
Check printing, stationary and office supply expenses amounted to $442,000
for 1997 as compared to $378,000 for 1996. The increase of $64,000, or 16.9%,
was a result of the additional locations, increased staff levels and an increase
in customer account volumes.
1996 Compared to 1995
During 1996, non-interest expenses increased $1,072,000, or 24.3%, to
$5,479,000 for 1996 from $4,407,000 for 1995. This increase was associated with
the continued growth of Ambassador, including the opening of two new branch
offices in Emmaus, PA and Whitehall, PA. The addition of these two locations
increased Ambassador's total banking facilities to six in 1996 from four in
1995.
Salary expenses and related employee benefits increased $457,000, or 25.3%,
to $2,263,000 for 1996 from $1,806,000 for 1995. The increase was due to the
hiring of additional personnel to staff additional offices, the bank's growth
and normal salary adjustments.
Occupancy expenses for 1996 increased $160,000, or 29.6%, to $701,000 as
compared to $541,000 for 1995. Equipment expenses increased $14,000, or 5.6%,
for the same period. These increases were the result of the opening of two
additional offices as well as scheduled increases in rental payments for
Ambassador's various leased properties.
ATM and data processing expenses increased to $479,000 for 1996 from
$318,000 for 1995. This 50.6% increase was attributable to the increase in
transaction volume and the number of accounts being serviced. Data processing
provided by a service bureau for indirect auto loans increased to $178,000 in
1996 from $88,000 in 1995, an increase of 102.3%. Service bureau charges are
increased as volume of indirect auto loans increase. Indirect auto loans
increased 68% from 1995 to 1996.
Advertising and sales promotion expenses increased $63,000, or 21.6%, to
$355,000 in 1996 from $292,000 in 1995 as a result of Ambassador's ongoing
effort to expand and develop business.
Loan and related expenses increased $66,000, or 101.5%, to $131,000 in 1996
from $65,000 in 1995. The increased costs are attributable to a 44% increase in
total loans.
FDIC premiums were $2,000 for 1996 as compared with $117,000 for 1995. The
significant reduction in this expense was the result of the FDIC's assessment of
the adequacy of capitalization of the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF). During 1995,
the FDIC made a one time rebate of a portion of BIF premiums to banks
retroactive to June 1, 1995 (the date on which the BIF was considered to be
fully capitalized). For 1996, Ambassador was assessed only the minimum
semiannual assessment of $1,000.
20
<PAGE>
Expenses related to check printing, stationary and office supplies
increased to $378,000 in 1996 from $271,000 in 1995. The increase of $107,000,
or 39.5%, is attributable to the increased number of accounts serviced and the
resources needed to provide quality service.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $574,000 for 1997 as compared to $472,000 for 1996
and $253,000 for 1995. The tax rate for each of the periods was less than the
federal statutory rate of 34% pri- marily as a result of tax-exempt securities
and tax-exempt loan income.
Net Income
1997 Compared to 1996
Net income for 1997 was $1,937,000, an increase of $492,000, or 34%, from
$1,445,000 for 1996. The increase in net income was the result of increases of
$2,099,000 in net interest income and $346,000 in non-interest income, offset by
increases of $1,566,000 in non-interest expenses, $285,000 in the provision for
loan losses and $102,000 in the provision for income taxes.
Effective for this financial reporting period, public companies are
required to report both "basic" and "diluted" earnings per share if they have a
complex capital structure. According to the new accounting rule issued by the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), "basic earnings per share is simply
net income divided by the average number of shares outstanding. "Diluted"
earnings per share is this same calculation but in addition it assumes the
exercise or conversion of all securities that are exercisable or convertible
into common stock. Ambassador has historically reported earnings per share that
was the equivalent to the new "diluted" earnings per share. The basic earnings
per share for 1997 was $1.21 as compared to $.96 for 1996, an increase of 26%.
The diluted earnings per share for 1997 was $1.08, an increase of 25.6%, as
compared with $.86 for 1996.
1996 Compared to 1995
Net income increased to $1,445,000 for 1996 from $829,000 for 1995. This
represents an increase of $616,000, or 74.3%. The increase is related to
increases of $1,770,000 in net interest income and $168,000 in non-interest
income, offset by increases of $1,072,000 in non-interest expenses, $31,000 in
the provision for loan losses and $219,000 in the provision for income taxes.
The basic earnings per share increased 74.5% to $.96 for 1996 from $.55 for
1995. The diluted earnings per share for 1996 was $.86 as compared to $.50 for
1995, an increase of 72%.
21
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Securities
Ambassador's securities portfolio is composed of securities which not only
provide interest income, but also provide a source of liquidity, diversify the
earning asset portfolio and provide collateral for repurchase agreements and
public fund deposits. While Ambassador generally intends to hold its investment
portfolio until maturity, a significant portion of Ambassador's portfolio is
classified as available-for-sale, with new purchases generally categorized as
available-for-sale. Securities in the held to maturity category are accounted
for at amortized cost. Available-for-sale securities are accounted for at fair
value with unrealized appreciation or depreciation, as the case may be, reported
as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Ambassador invests in
securities for the yield they produce and not to profit from trading.
Ambassador holds no trading securities in its portfolio.
Ambassador's securities portfolio at December 31, 1997 totaled $75,281,000
as compared to $54,003,000 at December 31, 1996, an increase of $21,278,000, or
39.4%. As part of the merger conversion with Wilbur Savings Bank, Ambassador
acquired $2.4 million in available-for-sale securities. Securities available-
for-sale increased to $66 million at December 31, 1997 compared to $42.3 million
at December 31, 1996, while securities held to maturity decreased to $9.3
million in 1997 from $11.7 million in 1996. Other than the U.S Government and
its agencies and corporations, Ambassador holds no securities of a single issuer
whose aggregate carrying value exceeds 10% of stockholders' equity.
The carrying value of the available-for-sale portion of Ambassador's
securities portfolio as of December 31, 1997 includes unrealized appreciation of
$843,000 (reflected as unrealized appreciation of $558,000 in stockholders'
equity, net of deferred income taxes) compared to unrealized depreciation of
$44,000 ($28,000 net of taxes) as of December 31, 1996.
22
<PAGE>
The table below illustrates the composition and carrying amount of
Ambassador's securities portfolio for each of the three years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995.
SECURITIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
(IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Available for sale securities:
U.S. Treasury securities $13,024 $13,870 $11,419
U.S Government agencies
and corporations 14,026 7,795 5,952
State and political subdivisions 16,008 11,942 9,551
Mortgage-backed securities 13,062 7,374 6,563
Other 8,549 - -
Equity securities 1,282 1,297 972
------------- ------------- -------------
$65,951 $42,278 $34,457
------------- ------------- -------------
Held to maturity securities:
U.S Government agencies
and corporations $1,236 $1,734 $2,532
Mortgage-backed and asset-
backed securities 8,044 9,941 12,437
Other securities 50 50 50
------------- ------------- -------------
$9,330 $11,725 $15,019
------------- ------------- -------------
Total securities $75,281 $54,003 $49,476
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
The following table shows the maturities and average weighted yields for
the securities portfolio as of December 31, 1997.
Maturities and Weighted Average Yields of Securities
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
After one After five
Within but within but within After
one year five years ten years ten years
------------------- ---------------- ------------------ -----------------
Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield
--------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury securities $7,357 6.10% $5,667 6.10% - - - -
U.S. Government agencies 250 4.93% 4,019 6.23% 9,996 6.84% 997 7.49%
State and political subdivisions (1) - - - - - - 16,008 5.68%
Mortgage and asset backed securities 175 5.69% 95 5.52% 2,219 6.99% 18,617 6.98%
Other securities 1,524 6.13% 7,025 6.56% 50 6.95% - -
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total securities $9,306 6.07% $16,806 6.32% $12,265 6.87% $35,622 6.41%
======== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
(1) Yields on tax-exempt securities have not been computed on a fully
tax-equivalent basis.
23
<PAGE>
Loans
The loan portfolio comprises the major component of Ambassador's earning
assets. Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses, unearned fees and
origination costs) increased $35,658,000, or 25.8%, to $173,787,000 as of
December 31, 1997 from $138,129,000 as of December 31, 1996. Loans receivable
represent 62.5% of total assets and 72.2% of total deposits as of December 31,
1997 as compared to 66% and 77.8%, respectively, at December 31, 1996. During
1997, real estate construction loans increased 33.1%, residential real estate
loans increased 39.1%, commercial loans (including commercial real estate loans)
increased 21.5%, and installment or consumer loans increased 11.1%. The growth
in residential real estate loans is partially attributable to $10,339,000 of
mortgage loans acquired as part of the Wilbur Savings Bank acquisition. This
acquisition accounted for 48% of the growth in residential real estate loans.
The table below presents Ambassador's loans by major categories as of the
dates indicated.
TOTAL LOANS OUTSTANDING
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
% of % of % of
(IN THOUSANDS) 1997 total 1996 total 1995 total
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate - Construction $ 6,877 4.0% $ 5,167 3.8% $ 4,385 4.6%
Residential real estate 76,146 43.6% 54,758 39.6% 35,826 37.3%
Commercial real estate 35,450 20.3% 28,094 20.3% 21,597 22.5%
Other Commercial 17,808 10.2% 15,746 11.4% 12,021 12.5%
Installment and other 38,234 21.9% 34,404 24.9% 22,241 23.1%
------------------- --------------------- --------------------
$174,515 100.0% $138,169 100.0% $96,070 100.0%
Unearned net loan fees and
origination costs 1,236 1,325 929
--------- --------- --------
$175,751 $139,494 $96,999
========= ========= ========
<CAPTION>
December 31,
% of % of
(IN THOUSANDS) 1994 total 1993 total
-------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate - Construction $ 3,032 4.0% $ 3,515 6.7%
Residential real estate 30,055 40.0% 17,817 33.7%
Commercial real estate 19,574 26.0% 17,699 33.5%
Other Commercial 10,110 13.4% 7,436 14.1%
Installment and other 12,465 16.6% 6,366 12.0%
------------------ --------------------
$75,236 100.0% $52,833 100.0%
Unearned net loan fees and
origination costs 417 140
-------- --------
$75,653 $52,973
======== ========
</TABLE>
The table below sets forth the maturity distribution for Ambassador's
loans receivable portfolio as of December 31, 1997.
LOAN MATURITIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 year 1 year thru After
(IN THOUSANDS) or less 5 years 5 years Total
---------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maturity of Loans Receivable:
Real estate - Construction $ 2,878 $ 2,802 $ 1,197 $ 6,877
Residential real estate 11,150 32,226 32,770 76,146
Commercial real estate 6,793 20,112 8,545 35,450
Other Commercial 8,758 7,845 1,205 17,808
Installment and other 12,007 25,501 726 38,234
---------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------
Total Loans Receivable $41,586 $88,486 $44,443 $174,515
================ =============== ================ ==============
<CAPTION>
1 year thru After
(IN THOUSANDS) 5 years 5 years
--------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Fixed interest rates $76,334 $39,082
Floating or adjustable interest rates 12,152 5,361
--------------- ----------------
Total Loans Receivable $88,486 $44,443
=============== ================
</TABLE>
24
<PAGE>
Loan and Asset Quality
Ambassador's written lending policy requires underwriting, loan
documentation and credit analysis standards to be met prior to the approval and
funding of any loan. In accordance with that policy, periodic reviews are
performed by management.
Ambassador's lending policy is executed through the tiered assignment of
loan limit authority (secured and unsecured), to individual officers of
Ambassador, the Risk Management Committee of Ambassador and the Board of
Directors. Ambassador's policy is to place all loans on a non-accrual status
upon becoming 90 days delinquent, unless there is a documented, reasonable
expectation of the collection of delinquent amounts. Loans are reviewed monthly
as to their status and, on a quarterly basis, a Watch List of potentially
troubled loans is prepared and presented to the Board of Directors.
Total non-performing loans (comprised of non-accruing loans and loans past
due for more than 90 days) as of December 31, 1997 were $1,094,000 as compared
with $875,000 as of December 31, 1996. As of December 31, 1997, total non-
performing loans as a percentage of total loans was .62% as compared with .63%
as of December 31, 1996. Ambassador had other real estate owned at December 31,
1997 in the amount of $256,000, and held repossessed automobiles totaling
$151,000.
The table below presents detailed information about Ambassador's
nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets for the periods ending December 31,
1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Non-accruing loans $743 $392 $263 $197 $368
Accruing loans past due
90 days or more 351 483 67 -- --
---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Total Nonperforming Loans $1,094 $875 $330 $197 $368
Other real estate 256 -- -- -- --
Repossessed automobiles 151 149 -- -- --
---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Total Nonperforming Assets $1,501 $1,024 $330 $197 $368
========== ========== =========== ========== ==========
Non-accrual loans:
Interest income that would
have been recorded on
non-accruing loans $35 $38 $23 $15 $26
Interest income for above
loans included in net
income for the period $24 $3 $6 $2 $0
Ratios:
Nonperforming loans
to total loans 0.62% 0.63% 0.34% 0.26% 0.69%
Allowance for loan losses
to nonperforming loans 179.52% 156.00% 315.76% 446.19% 179.35%
Nonperforming assets to
total assets 0.54% 0.49% 0.20% 0.16% 0.39%
Commitments to lend additional
funds to nonperforming loan
customers $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Restructured loans $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
Deposits
Deposits are the major source of Ambassador's funds for lending and other
investment purposes. Total deposits at December 31, 1997 were $240,569,000, an
increase of $62,956,000, or 35.4%, over total deposits of $177,613,000 as of
December 31, 1996. Ambassador experienced the following increases as of year end
1997 as compared to 1996:
Non-interest bearing demand deposits 11.2%
Interest bearing demand deposits 57.5%
Savings deposits 50.6%
Time deposits 24.8%
The growth in deposits is partially attributable to deposits acquired as part of
the merger conversion with Wilbur Savings Bank, where Ambassador acquired
additional savings deposits totaling $6,038,000 and time deposits totaling
$9,812,000. This acquisition accounted for 64% of the growth in savings deposits
and 43% of the growth in time deposits.
The table below sets forth the average balances of Ambassador's deposits
and the average rates paid on those deposits for the years ended December 1997,
1996 and 1995. All deposits are domestic deposits.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE DEPOSITS BY MAJOR CLASSIFICATION
Year Ended December 31
1997 1996 1995
------------------------- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------
Average Average Average Average Average Average
(IN THOUSANDS) Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest bearing:
Demand deposits $65,957 2.73% $41,921 2.30% $34,750 2.32%
Savings deposits 23,069 2.62% 14,251 2.58% 9,830 2.69%
Time deposits 101,051 5.51% 88,289 5.60% 71,054 5.74%
Non-interest bearing:
Demand deposits 17,009 0.00% 15,375 0.00% 10,475 0.00%
------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Total $207,086 3.85% $159,836 3.93% $126,109 4.08%
</TABLE>
The table below displays the maturities and amounts of time certificates
and other time deposits issued in denominations of $100,000 or more at December
31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEPOSIT MATURITIES
Time Other
Certificates Time Total
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Three months or less $6,313 $0 $6,313
Over three months but within six months 3,086 0 3,086
Over six months but within twelve months 8,487 0 8,487
Over twelve months 3,501 0 3,501
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total $21,387 $0 $21,387
================ ================ ================
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE>
Other Borrowed Funds and Long-Term Debt
At December 31, 1997, Ambassador had short-term borrowings with the
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB) under the Repo Plus Advance program
in the amount of $3,000,000, at an interest rate of 5.87%, which matured March
23, 1998. At December 31, 1996, Ambassador's had short-term borrowings under
the same FHLB program in the amount of $8,500,000, at a rate of interest
averaging 5.53%, all of which matured March 27, 1997.
Ambassador has a maximum borrowing limit of $65.9 million from the FHLB for
short-term borrowings and long-term debt as of December 31, 1997. Advances from
the FHLB are secured by qualifying assets of Ambassador.
Liquidity
Liquidity represents Ambassador's ability to efficiently manage cash flows,
at reasonable rates, to support possible commitments to borrowers or the demands
of depositors. Liquidity is essential to compensate for fluctuations in the
balance sheet and provide funds for growth. Liquidity needs may be met by
converting assets into cash or obtaining sources of additional funding.
Liquidity is provided through cash, amounts due from banks, interest-
bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold, which totaled $21,504,000 at
December 31, 1997 as compared to $11,843,000 at December 31, 1996. Additional
liquidity sources include principal payments on securities in Ambassador's
securities portfolio and cash flow from its amortizing loan portfolio. Longer
term liquidity needs may be met by selling securities available-for-sale,
selling loans or raising additional capital. At December 31, 1997, available-
for-sale securities totaling $65,951,000 were available for liquidity purposes
as compared with $42,278,000 at December 31, 1996.
Liability liquidity sources include attracting deposits at competitive
rates. Core deposits at December 31, 1997 totaled $219,222,000 as compared to
$160,969,000 at December 31, 1996. In addition, Ambassador has established
federal fund lines of credit with another commercial bank and with the FHLB,
which are reliable sources for short and long-term funds. Management is not
aware of any demands, trends, commitments, or events that would result in
Ambassador's inability to meet anticipated or unexpected needs.
Capital Adequacy
As more fully described in Footnote 3 to the December 31, 1997 financial
statements, Ambassador acquired Wilbur Savings Bank on October 3, 1997 through a
merger conversion transaction. As part of the merger conversion, 400,000 shares
of Ambassador common stock
27
<PAGE>
were sold to Wilbur depositors at $11.50 per share for total net proceeds of
$4,195,000 after offering costs of $405,000.
Risk based capital provides the basis for which all banks are evaluated by
regulators in terms of capital adequacy by assigning varying risk weights to the
individual assets held by the bank. Weights are also assigned to the "credit-
equivalent" amounts of certain off-balance sheet items. Risk-based capital
standards require all banks to have Tier I capital of at least 4% and total
capital (including Tier I capital) of at least 8% of risk-weighted assets. Tier
I capital includes common stockholders' equity less the net unrealized
appreciation on securities available-for-sale, net of tax less intangible
assets.
The table below provides a comparison of Ambassador's risk-based capital
and leverage ratios to the minimum regulatory requirements for the periods
indicated:
RISK-BASED CAPITAL RATIOS
Minimum
December 31 December 31 Regulatory
1997 1996 Requirements
----------- ----------- ------------
Tier I 10.30% 9.24% 4.00%
Total 11.29% 10.13% 8.00%
Leverage Total 7.58% 7.00% 4.00%
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, Ambassador exceeded the minimum regulatory
requirements necessary to be considered a "well capitalized" financial
institution under applicable federal regulations.
Year 2000
In addition to utilizing the data processing services provided by third
party service bureaus, the bank uses software, hardware and other computer
related technologies throughout its business which could be impacted by the date
change in the year 2000. The bank's Board of Directors and management are very
aware of the critical nature of these year 2000 issues. Accordingly, an internal
committee, comprised of bank management, has been formulated for the purpose of
identifying those internal and external systems employed within the bank that
may be affected by the century date change, and assessing whether the systems
will be year 2000 compliant within the timeframes established by the federal
regulators. In the event it is determined that a system is not presently
compliant, the committee must proactively monitor any and all efforts made to
attain compliance, determine the cost that may be incurred, ensure the
timeliness in achieving full compliance and independently verify that the system
is in fact compliant.
28
<PAGE>
The committee has formulated a project plan identifying all systems,
software and hardware that may be affected. The project plan reflects the
priorities assigned to each system identified thereon, the committee members who
have been assigned responsibility for monitoring the respective systems, and
target dates.
Where necessary, correspondence has been sent to vendors requesting
certification, in writing, of their year 2000 readiness and plans.
At this point in time, some of the systems noted on the project plan have
been verified as being year 2000 compliant. For those that are not, vendor
plans appear to be on schedule. Also management believes that any costs that
may be incurred to ensure the year 2000 compliance of all identified systems
will be minimal.
Effects of Inflation
Ambassador's asset and liability structure is primarily monetary in nature.
As such, Ambassador's assets and liabilities tend to move in concert with
inflation. Changes in interest rates may have a more significant impact on
financial performance than the effects of the general levels of inflation.
Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or at the same
magnitude as prices of other goods and services, and may frequently reflect
government policy initiatives or economic factors not measured by a public
index. As previously discussed, Ambassador strives to manage its interest
sensitive assets and labilities in order to offset the effects of inflation.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidelines
In June, 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income", which establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive
income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in a full set
of general-purpose financial statements. Statement No. 130 requires that all
items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as
components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is
displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. The bank will
adopt Statement No. 130 in its March 31, 1998 Form 10-Q. Reclassification of
financial statements for earlier periods provided for comparative purposes will
be required. Adoption of Statement No. 130 is not expected to have a material
impact on the bank.
In June, 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", which establishes
standards for the way that public enterprises report information about
operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those
enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim
financial reports issued to shareholders. Statement No. 131 supersedes FASB
Statement No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise".
The bank will adopt Statement No. 131 in its March 31, 1998 Form 10-Q, and
comparative information for earlier years will be restated. Adoption of
Statement No. 131 is not expected to have a material impact on the bank.
29
<PAGE>
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
This section contains certain forward-looking statements which may involve
significant risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the
expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual
results may differ materially from the tables and discussion included in this
section.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair
value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, exchange
rates and equity prices. The bank's market risk is composed primarily of
interest rate risk. The bank's Risk Management Committee is responsible for
reviewing the interest rate sensitivity position of the bank and establishing
policies to monitor and limit exposure to interest rate risk. The operations
of the bank do not subject it to foreign currency exchange or commodity price
risk. Also the bank does not utilize interest rate swaps, caps or other hedging
transactions.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
Interest rate sensitivity is a function of repricing characteristics of
the bank's assets and liabilities. Each asset and liability reprices either at
maturity or during the life of the instrument. Interest rate sensitivity is
measured as the difference between the volume of assets and liabilities that
are subject to repricing at a future period of time. These differences are
known as interest sensitivity gaps.
A principal objective of Ambassador's asset/ liability management policy
is to minimize Ambassador's exposure to changes in interest rates by an ongoing
review of the maturity and repricing of interest-earning assets and interest-
bearing liabilities. This review is overseen by the Risk Management Committee
of the Board of Directors, which establishes policies to control interest rate
sensitivity. Interest rate sensitivity is the volatility of a bank's earnings
resulting from a movement in market interest rates.
Ambassador monitors rate sensitivity in order to reduce vulnerability to
interest rate fluctuations while maintaining adequate capital and liquidity
levels. Ambassador's asset and liability policy, along with monthly financial
reports, supplies management with guidelines to evaluate and manage Ambassador's
rate sensitivity. Ambassador attempts to manage its assets and liabilities in a
manner that stabilizes net interest income and net economic value within a broad
range of interest rate environments. Adjustments to the mix of assets
and liabilities are made periodically in an effort to give Ambassador dependable
and steady growth in net
30
<PAGE>
interest income regardless of the behavior of interest rates in general. As part
of Ambassador's interest rate risk sensitivity analysis, the Risk Management
Committee examines the extent to which its assets and liabilities are interest
rate sensitive and monitors Ambassador's interest rate sensitivity gap. An
interest rate sensitive asset or liability is one that, within a defined time
period, either matures or experiences an interest rate change in line with
general market rates. The interest rate sensitivity gap is the difference
between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities scheduled to
mature or reprice within such time period. A gap is considered positive when the
amount of interest rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest rate
sensitive liabilities. On the otherhand, a gap is considered to be negative when
the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities exceeds interest rate
sensitive assets. During a period of rising interest rates, a negative gap would
tend to adversely affect net interest income, while a positive gap would tend to
result in an increase in net interest income. During a period of falling
interest rates, a negative gap would tend to result in an increase in net
interest income, while a positive gap would tend to adversely affect net
interest income. If repricing of Ambassador's assets and liabilities were
equally flexible and moved concurrently, the impact of any increase or decrease
in interest rates on net interest income would be minimal.
Ambassador currently experiences a negative gap which suggests that
Ambassador's net yield on interest-earning assets may decrease during periods of
rising interest rates. A simple rate "gap" analysis by itself may not be an
accurate indicator of how net interest income will be affected by changes in
interest rates. Income associated with interest-earning assets and costs
associated with interest-bearing liabilities may not be affected uniformly by
changes in interest rates. In addition, the magnitude and duration of changes
in interest rates may have a significant impact on net interest income.
Although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods
of repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market
interest rates. Interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities
fluctuate in advance of changes in general market interest rates, while interest
rates on other types may lag behind changes in general market rates. In the
event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels
also could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the interest
rate gap. The ability of many borrowers to service their debts also may
decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.
The following table presents an analysis of Ambassador's interest rate
sensitivity at December 31, 1997. Because certain categories of securities and
loans are prepaid before their
31
<PAGE>
maturity date even without regard to interest rate fluctuations, certain
assumptions have been made based on industry data provided by outside sources
and historical experience to calculate the expected maturity of securities and
loans.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
0 - 3 3 - 12 1 - 3 3 - 5
(IN THOUSANDS) MONTHS MONTHS YEARS YEARS 5 YEARS + TOTAL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Federal funds sold $9,300 - - - - $9,300
Interest bearing deposits-banks 1,800 - - - - 1,800
Securities 7,300 16,700 14,900 2,100 34,300 75,300
Loans receivable 59,300 46,500 22,700 26,900 20,300 175,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $77,700 $63,200 $37,600 $29,000 $54,600 $262,100
LIABILITIES:
Funds borrowed / repurchased $11,000 $700 - - - $11,700
Savings / money market / NOW 106,300 - - - - 106,300
Certificates of deposit 33,100 57,200 24,800 1,000 - 116,100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $150,400 $57,900 $24,800 $1,000 $0 $234,100
GAP
- Period ($72,700) $5,300 $12,800 $28,000 $54,600 $28,000
- Cumulative - ($67,400) ($54,600) ($26,600) $28,000 -
RSA / RSL RATIO 0.52 0.68 0.77 0.89 1.12 -
</TABLE>
32
<PAGE>
Interest Rate Sensitivity - Cash Flow Analysis
The following table illustrates the cash flows expected from earning assets
for each of the next five years and the fair value of these assets at December
31, 1997. Cash flows from loans are based on contractual payments, and actual
cash flows will most likely vary based on the fluctuation of interest rates.
Generally, loans will prepay faster in the decreasing rate environment. This
will result in lower interest income since there is more cash flow to reinvest
at lower interest rates. Cash flows from non-mortgage backed securities, which
include U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of states and political
subdivisions and other securities, are based on the earlier of the contractual
maturity or the call date if the security is likely to be called with little or
no change in interest rates from December 31, 1997. Equity securities are
excluded from this table since the income derived from these investments is not
directly tied to interest rates. Cash flows from mortgage-backed securities are
based on consensus prepayment speeds under an unchanged rate environment over
the next five years. Similar to loans, prepayments on mortgage-backed
securities tend to increase as interest rates fall and slow as rates rise.
Also included on the table is the contractual maturities of all interest
bearing liabilities. Interest bearing demand and savings deposits are included
as maturing in 1998. These customers have no obligation to keep their money
with the bank for any period
33
<PAGE>
of time. In order to determine the effect of market interest rates on these
products, the bank uses a simulation model. While the entire balance of these
products is affected immediately when there is an interest rate change, the
interest rate change is generally not equal to the change in federal funds or
the prime rate. The bank has noted that competitive pressures drive this rate
more than small changes in market rates. Time deposits are presented by
contractual maturity. Short-term borrowings consist of repurchase agreements and
short-term borrowings from the FHLB.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Interest Rate Sensitivity - Cash Flow Analysis
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, Fair Value
------------------------------------------------------------ at December
(in thousands) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Thereafter Total 31, 1997
----- ---- ----- ---- ----- ----------- ------ --------
Interest earning assets
- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loans:
Fixed rate 17,771 14,820 15,650 27,724 15,419 39,619 131,003 131,687
Variable rate 23,053 2,914 3,562 5,961 2,555 5,350 43,395 43,623
Investment securities:
Non-mortgage backed 14,861 11,995 6,723 507 521 18,287 52,892 52,899
Mortgage backed:
Fixed rate 1,729 1,539 1,539 1,029 1,029 5,315 12,180 12,240
Variable rate 1,073 1,073 1,073 712 712 4,285 8,927 8,869
Interest earning liabilities
- ----------------------------
Interest bearing demand 78,305 78,305 78,305
Savings deposits 28,209 28,209 28,209
Time deposits (all fixed) 90,122 21,016 3,821 712 332 103 116,106 116,480
Short term borrowings 3,000 3,000 3,000
</TABLE>
Note: Cash flow information for loans does not include unearned net loan fees &
origination costs, overdrafts, and the allowance for loans.
34
<PAGE>
MERGER AGREEMENTS AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On April 29, 1996, Ambassador and Wilbur Savings and Loan Association
(Wilbur) entered into a merger agreement which was amended December 20, 1996,
whereby Ambassador would acquire Wilbur by means of a merger conversion
transaction. In March, 1997, Wilbur received permission from the Pennsylvania
Department of Banking to convert from a Pennsylvania chartered mutual savings
and loan association to a Pennsylvania chartered mutual savings bank and became
Wilbur Savings Bank. In August, 1997, the merger conversion was approved by the
Pennsylvania Department of Banking and the Federal Reserve Bank, and the FDIC
issued a letter of non-objection. Wilbur members and Ambassador stockholders
voted to approve the merger conversion on September 15, 1997. On October 3,
1997, Wilbur was converted to a Pennsylvania chartered stock savings bank and
simultaneously merged into Ambassador, which was accounted for as a purchase. As
part of the merger, Ambassador offered its common stock to Wilbur's eligible
depositors at $11.50 per share in a subscription offering which commenced August
18, 1997. Shares not subscribed for in the subscription offering were to be
simultaneously offered in a community offering at $15.50 per share for a maximum
total offering of $4,600,000.
Ambassador offered the right to Wilbur depositors to subscribe for shares
of common stock in deposit priorities. Based on subscription deposits received,
which were oversubscribed by $15,381,000, the right to buy 400,000 shares of
common stock for $4,600,000 was allocated to the deposit priorities as of
October 3, 1997, and the stock was issued. Because of the oversubscription, no
stock was issued in the community offering. The oversubscribed deposits were
refunded October 3, 1997 with interest at 2.4% for the number of days the funds
were held by the bank. Also as part of the merger conversion, Wilbur declared
and paid a special distribution to its depositors in the amount of $650,000
immediately prior to the merger.
On October 16, 1997, Ambassador's stock commenced trading on Nasdaq with
the symbol "ABPA".
On January 26, 1998, Ambassador signed a definitive agreement to merge with
Fulton Financial Corporation (Fulton), Lancaster, PA, the fifth largest bank
holding company in Pennsylvania, with assets of approximately $4.5 billion.
Accordingly, Ambassador will be joined with Lafayette Bank, a Fulton affiliate
headquartered in Easton, PA. According to the merger agreement, each share of
Ambassador's common stock outstanding at the time of the merger will be
exchanged for 1.2 shares of Fulton common stock. Fulton will acquire all issued
and outstanding shares of common stock of Ambassador by means of a tax-free
merger on a pooling-of-interests accounting basis. In conjunction with this
agreement, Fulton received an option to purchase 19.9% of the shares of
Ambassador's stock at the current market value. The acquisition is subject to
approval by bank regulatory authorities and Ambassador's share- holders.
The merger is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 1998,
at which time the newly joined Ambassador/Lafayette entity is expected to have
assets of approximately $725 million.
35
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Bank's consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes thereto
and the report of Independent Auditors are attached hereto as part of Item
14(a)1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
36
<PAGE>
Part III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this item with respect to directors and
officers is incorporated herein by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement
relating to the Bank's Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in June, 1997.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information requested by this item is incorporated herein by reference
to the Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Bank's Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held in June, 1997.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference
to the Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Bank's Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held in June, 1997.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference
to the Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Bank's Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held in June, 1997.
37
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) 1. Financial Statements.
The following financial statements are attached hereto.
Page
----
Independent Auditor's Report F-1
Balance Sheets, December 31, 1997 and 1996 F-2
Statements of Income, Years Ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 F-3
Statements of Stockholders' Equity, Years Ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 F-4
Statements of Cash Flows, Years Ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 F-5, F-6
Notes to Financial Statements F-7 thru 30
2. Financial Statement Schedules
Financial statement schedules are omitted because the required
information is either not applicable, not required information or is shown on
the respective financial statements and notes thereto, or otherwise are
contained herein under Item 7 above.
3. Exhibits
None.
38
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
By /s/ David M. Lobach
----------------------------------------
DAVID M. LOBACH, EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENT
DATED: March 30, 1998
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Theresa M. Wasko Principal Financial and 3/30/98
- --------------------------- Accounting Officer ---------------------
Theresa M. Wasko
/s/ Timothy J. McDonald Director 3/30/98
- --------------------------- ---------------------
Timothy J. McDonald*
/s/ Martin D. Cohen Director 3/30/98
- --------------------------- ---------------------
Martin D. Cohen*
/s/ Raymond D. Holland Director 3/30/98
- --------------------------- ---------------------
Raymond D. Holland*
/s/ Wilbur J. Blew* Director 3/30/98
- --------------------------- ---------------------
Wilbur J. Blew*
/s/ Craig A. Dally Director 3/30/98
- --------------------------- ---------------------
Craig A. Dally*
*By David M. Lobach, Attorney-in-fact.
39
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
FINANCIAL REPORT
DECEMBER 31, 1997
<PAGE>
C O N T E N T S
Page
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Balance sheets 2
Statements of income 3
Statements of stockholders' equity 4
Statements of cash flows 5 and 6
Notes to financial statements 7-30
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF BEARD & COMPANY
INC. APPEARS HERE]
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Board of Directors
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
Allentown, Pennsylvania
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Ambassador Bank of the
Commonwealth as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of
income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Bank's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits 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 audits provide 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 Ambassador Bank of
the Commonwealth as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Beard & Company, Inc.
Allentown, Pennsylvania
January 16, 1998, except for Note 2 as to which the date is
January 26, 1998
-1-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks $ 11,316 $ 7,501
Short-term interest bearing deposits 891 3,282
Federal funds sold 9,297 1,060
----------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents 21,504 11,843
Interest bearing time deposits with banks 861 600
Securities available for sale 65,951 42,278
Securities held to maturity, fair value 1997 $ 9,339; 1996 $ 11,608 9,330 11,725
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses 1997 $ 1,964;
1996 $ 1,365 173,787 138,129
Bank premises and equipment, net 3,432 2,747
Accrued interest receivable 1,797 1,402
Other assets 1,245 778
----------------------------------
Total assets $ 277,907 $ 209,502
==================================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing $ 17,949 $ 16,136
Interest bearing 222,620 161,477
----------------------------------
Total deposits 240,569 177,613
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 8,691 5,933
Other borrowed funds 3,000 9,500
Accrued interest payable 1,736 1,572
Negative goodwill 2,097 -
Other liabilities 751 586
----------------------------------
Total liabilities 256,844 195,204
----------------------------------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $ 4 per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding shares 1997 1,910,229; 1996 1,503,762 7,641 6,015
Surplus 10,120 7,504
Retained earnings 2,744 807
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities available for sale,
net of tax 558 (28)
----------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 21,063 14,298
----------------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 277,907 $ 209,502
==================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
-2-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income:
Loans receivable, including fees $ 13,196 $ 10,183 $ 7,413
Securities:
Taxable 3,210 2,773 2,512
Tax-exempt 830 639 415
Other 449 218 355
---------------------------------------------
Total interest income 17,685 13,813 10,695
---------------------------------------------
Interest expense:
Deposits 7,970 6,274 5,151
Short-term borrowings 569 386 73
Long-term debt - 106 194
---------------------------------------------
Total interest expense 8,539 6,766 5,418
---------------------------------------------
Net interest income 9,146 7,047 5,277
Provision for loan losses 675 390 359
---------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 8,471 6,657 4,918
---------------------------------------------
Other income:
Customer service fees 776 559 415
Mortgage banking activities 90 108 69
Net realized gains on sales of securities available for sale 17 24 24
Amortization of negative goodwill 78 - -
Other 124 48 63
---------------------------------------------
Total other income 1,085 739 571
---------------------------------------------
Other expenses:
Salaries and wages 2,484 1,846 1,474
Employee benefits 560 417 332
Occupancy 880 701 541
Equipment 385 262 248
Other 2,736 2,253 1,812
---------------------------------------------
Total other expenses 7,045 5,479 4,407
---------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 2,511 1,917 1,082
Federal income taxes 574 472 253
---------------------------------------------
Net income $ 1,937 $ 1,445 $ 829
=============================================
Basic earnings per share $ 1.21 $ .96 $ .55
=============================================
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.08 $ .86 $ .50
=============================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
-3-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
Retained (Depreciation)
Common Earnings On Available For
Stock Surplus (Deficit) Sale Securities Total
---------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994 $ 5,449 $ 6,232 $ 312 $ (138) $ 11,855
Issuance of 4,638 shares of common stock 19 40 - - 59
10% common stock dividend, 136,851 shares
at fair value 547 1,232 (1,779) - -
Net income - - 829 - 829
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on securities available
for sale, net of tax - - - 548 548
----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1995 6,015 7,504 (638) 410 13,291
Net income - - 1,445 - 1,445
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on securities available
for sale, net of tax - - - (438) (438)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 6,015 7,504 807 (28) 14,298
Net income - - 1,937 - 1,937
Sale of 400,000 shares of common stock
(net of offering costs of $ 405) 1,600 2,595 - - 4,195
Issuance of 6,467 shares of common stock
upon the exercise of options 26 21 - - 47
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on securities available
for sale, net of tax - - - 586 586
----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997 $ 7,641 $ 10,120 $ 2,744 $ 558 $ 21,063
================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
-4-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 1,937 $ 1,445 $ 829
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses 675 390 359
Provision for depreciation and amortization 416 260 322
Amortization of negative goodwill (78) - -
Net realized gains on sales of securities (17) (24) (24)
Net amortization of securities premiums
and discounts 117 77 180
Change in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in:
Accrued interest receivable (325) (212) (410)
Other assets (85) (438) 83
Increase (decrease) in:
Accrued interest payable (17) 6 1,107
Deferred income taxes (154) (40) (7)
Other liabilities (99) 272 275
-----------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,370 1,736 2,714
-----------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(Increase) decrease in interest bearing time
deposits with bank 100 (500) -
Purchases of available for sale securities (35,949) (25,450) (16,821)
Proceeds from maturities of and principal repayments
on available for sale securities 5,618 5,569 2,280
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities 9,972 11,384 9,186
Purchases of held to maturity securities - - (12,473)
Proceeds from maturities of and principal repayments
on held to maturity securities 2,271 3,253 7,389
Net increase in loans (26,442) (42,854) (21,542)
Proceeds from sale of bank premises - 668 -
Purchases of bank premises and equipment (1,070) (1,189) (732)
Net cash received from acquisition of Wilbur Savings Bank 5,185 - -
-----------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (40,315) (49,119) (32,713)
-----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
-5-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in deposits $ 47,106 $ 37,169 $ 40,620
Net increase in securities sold under repurchase agreements 2,758 1,428 2,572
Increase (decrease) in other borrowed funds (6,500) 7,500 (2,500)
Proceeds from long-term debt - - 2,000
Repayment of long-term debt - (3,000) (2,500)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock,
net of stock issuance costs 4,242 - 59
---------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 47,606 43,097 40,251
---------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 9,661 (4,286) 10,252
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning 11,843 16,129 5,877
---------------------------------------------
Ending $ 21,504 $ 11,843 $ 16,129
=============================================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION
Cash payments for:
Interest $ 8,375 $ 6,760 $ 4,311
=============================================
Federal income taxes $ 1,025 $ 453 $ 60
=============================================
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of Wilbur Savings Bank:
Net cash received in acquisition $ 5,185 $ - $ -
=============================================
Assets and liabilities acquired:
Interest bearing time deposits with banks $ 361 $ - $ -
Securities available for sale 2,403 - -
Loans 10,147 - -
Accrued interest and other assets 227 - -
Deposits (15,850) - -
Accrued interest and other liabilities (298) - -
Negative goodwill (2,175) - -
---------------------------------------------
$ 5,185 $ - $ -
=============================================
Other real estate acquired in settlement of loans $ 256 $ - $ -
=============================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
-6-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of operations:
The Bank operates under a state bank charter and provides full banking
services. The Bank is subject to regulation of the Pennsylvania
Department of Banking and the Federal Reserve Bank. The area served by
the Bank is principally Lehigh County and Northampton County,
Pennsylvania.
Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents:
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include
cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest bearing demand deposits
with bank, and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are purchased
and sold for one-day periods.
Securities:
Securities classified as available for sale are those debt securities
that the Bank intends to hold for an indefinite period of time but not
necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as
available for sale would be based on various factors, including
significant movement in interest rates, changes in maturity mix of the
Bank's assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital
considerations and other similar factors. Securities available for sale
are carried at fair value. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation is
reported as increases or decreases in stockholders' equity, net of the
related deferred tax effect. Realized gains or losses, determined on the
basis of the cost of the specific securities sold, are included in
earnings. Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using
the interest method over the period to maturity. Equity securities are
principally comprised of stock in the Federal Reserve Bank and the
Federal Home Loan Bank.
Securities classified as held to maturity are those debt securities the
Bank has both the intent and ability to hold to maturity regardless of
changes in market conditions, liquidity needs or changes in general
economic conditions. These securities are carried at cost adjusted for
the amortization of premium and accretion of discount, computed by the
interest method over their contractual lives.
Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities
at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each
balance sheet date.
-7-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Loans receivable:
Loans generally are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal
balances, net of an allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or
costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan
origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred
and recognized as an adjustment of the yield (interest income) of the
related loans. The Bank is generally amortizing these amounts over the
contractual life of the loan.
A loan is generally considered impaired when it is probable the Bank will
be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due
in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. The accrual of
interest is generally discontinued when the contractual payment of
principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has
serious doubts about further collectibility of principal or interest,
even though the loan is currently performing. A loan may remain on
accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either
guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status,
unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and
unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged against the allowance
for loan losses. Interest received on nonaccrual loans generally is
either applied against principal or reported as interest income,
according to management's judgment as to the collectibility of principal.
Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is
brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms
for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectibility of the
total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.
Allowance for loan losses:
The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan
losses charged against income. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are
charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries,
if any, are credited to the allowance.
The allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans that are
identified for evaluation is based on discounted cash flows using the
loan's initial effective interest rate or the fair value, less selling
costs, of the collateral for certain collateral dependent loans. By the
time a loan becomes probable of foreclosure, it has been charged down to
fair value, less estimated costs to sell.
-8-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Allowance for loan losses (continued):
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered
adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated.
Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is
based on the Bank's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks
in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's
ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral,
composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other
relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it
requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant
change, including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to
be received on impaired loans.
Bank premises and equipment:
Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated
depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over
their estimated useful lives.
Foreclosed assets:
Foreclosed assets are comprised of property acquired through a
foreclosure proceeding or acceptance of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
Foreclosed assets initially are recorded at fair value, net of estimated
selling costs, at the date of foreclosure establishing a new cost basis.
After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management
and the assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value minus
estimated costs to sell. Revenues and expenses from operations and
changes in the valuation allowance are included in other expenses.
Foreclosed assets are included in other assets on the balance sheet.
Advertising costs:
The Bank follows the policy of charging the costs of advertising to
expense as incurred.
Income taxes:
Deferred taxes are provided on the liability method whereby deferred tax
assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred
tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.
Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are
reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it
is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will
not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for
the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
-9-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Earnings per share:
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
128, "Earnings Per Share". Statement No. 128 replaced the calculation of
primary and fully diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted
earnings per share. Unlike primary earnings per share, basic earnings
per share excludes any dilutive effects of stock options, warrants and
convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share is very similar to
the previously reported fully diluted earnings per share. All earnings
per share amounts for all periods have been presented to conform to the
Statement No. 128 requirements.
Off-balance sheet financial instruments:
In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has entered into off-balance
sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit
and letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the
balance sheet when they are funded.
Reclassifications:
Certain amounts in prior period financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the presentation used in the 1997 financial
statements. These reclassifications had no effect on net income.
2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On January 26, 1998, the Bank entered into a merger agreement with Fulton
Financial Corporation (Fulton), a bank holding company located in
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Ambassador will be acquired by Fulton by means of
a merger whereby all of the outstanding shares of the common stock of
Ambassador will be converted into shares of the common stock of Fulton.
Stockholders of Ambassador will receive 1.12 shares of Fulton's common
stock for each share held on the record date, subject to various conditions
as described in the merger agreement. Upon the effective date, which is
expected to occur during the third quarter of 1998, Ambassador will be
merged with and into Lafayette Bank, located in Northampton County,
Pennsylvania, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fulton. The operating
name of this merged entity is yet to be determined. The merger is subject
to stockholder and regulatory approval and certain other conditions. The
transaction will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.
-10-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACQUISITION
On October 3, 1997, Ambassador acquired Wilbur Savings Bank by means of a
merger conversion transaction. Wilbur was converted from a Pennsylvania
chartered mutual savings bank to a Pennsylvania chartered stock savings
bank and simultaneously merged into Ambassador. As part of the merger,
Ambassador offered its common stock to Wilbur's eligible depositors at $
11.50 per share in a subscription offering which commenced August 18, 1997.
Ambassador offered the right to Wilbur depositors to subscribe for shares
of common stock in deposit priorities. Based on subscription deposits
received, 400,000 shares of common stock, totaling $ 4,600,000, were issued
based on the deposit priorities as of October 3, 1997. Also as part of the
merger conversion, Wilbur declared and paid a special distribution to its
depositors in the amount of $ 650,000 immediately prior to merger.
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the results of
operations of Wilbur are included in the income statement of Ambassador
from the date of acquisition. The acquisition of Wilbur resulted in an
excess of net assets acquired over cost of $ 2,175,000. This negative
goodwill is being amortized to income on a straight-line basis over seven
years from the date of acquisition.
The following unaudited pro forma summary combines the results of
operations of Ambassador and Wilbur as if the acquisition had occurred at
the beginning of 1995, 1996 and 1997 after giving effect to certain pro
forma adjustments including, among others, adjustments to reflect
amortization of negative goodwill, purchase accounting adjustments,
increased interest income on proceeds of the stock sale, and the related
income tax effects. This pro forma information is presented for
informational purposes and may not be indicative of the results of
operations as they would have been if Ambassador and Wilbur had been a
single entity during 1995, 1996 and 1997 nor is it necessarily indicative
of the results of operations which may occur in the future. Anticipated
efficiencies from the merger are not fully determinable and, therefore,
have been excluded from the amounts included in the pro forma summary
below:
Years Ended December 31,
1997 1996 1995
---------------------------------------
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Net interest income $ 9,648 $ 7,697 $ 5,944
=======================================
Net income $ 2,462 $ 1,950 $ 1,397
=======================================
Basic earnings per share $ 1.29 $ 1.02 $ 0.73
=======================================
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.17 $ 0.94 $ 0.68
=======================================
-11-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES
The amortized cost and approximate fair value of securities as of December
31, 1997 and 1996 are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Available for sale securities:
December 31, 1997:
U.S. Treasury securities $ 12,969 $ 58 $ 3 $ 13,024
U.S. Government agencies and corporations 14,009 38 21 14,026
State and political subdivisions 15,307 711 10 16,008
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 13,057 46 41 13,062
Other 8,484 66 1 8,549
Equity securities 1,282 - - 1,282
---------------------------------------------------------------
$ 65,108 $ 919 $ 76 $ 65,951
===============================================================
December 31, 1996:
U.S. Treasury securities $ 13,779 $ 97 $ 6 $ 13,870
U.S. Government agencies and corporations 8,009 - 214 7,795
State and political subdivisions 11,819 197 74 11,942
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 7,418 49 93 7,374
Equity securities 1,297 - - 1,297
---------------------------------------------------------------
$ 42,322 $ 343 $ 387 $ 42,278
===============================================================
Held to maturity securities:
December 31, 1997:
U.S. Government agencies and corporations $ 1,236 $ 7 $ - $ 1,243
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 8,044 76 74 8,046
Other 50 - - 50
---------------------------------------------------------------
$ 9,330 $ 83 $ 74 $ 9,339
===============================================================
December 31, 1996:
U.S. Government agencies and corporations $ 1,734 $ - $ 15 $ 1,719
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 9,941 43 145 9,839
Other 50 - - 50
---------------------------------------------------------------
$ 11,725 $ 43 $ 160 $ 11,608
===============================================================
</TABLE>
-12-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES (CONTINUED)
The amortized cost and fair value of securities as of December 31, 1997, by
contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from
contractual maturities because the borrowers may have the right to prepay
obligations with or without any penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Available For Sale Held To Maturity
--------------------------------------------------------
Amortized Fair Amortized Fair
Cost Value Cost Value
--------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less $ 8,857 $ 8,881 $ 250 $ 250
Due after one year through five years 16,597 16,711 - -
Due after five years through ten years 9,011 9,010 1,036 1,043
Due after ten years 16,304 17,005 - -
--------------------------------------------------------
50,769 51,607 1,286 1,293
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 13,057 13,062 8,044 8,046
Equity securities 1,282 1,282 - -
--------------------------------------------------------
$ 65,108 $ 65,951 $ 9,330 $ 9,339
========================================================
</TABLE>
Gross realized gains and gross realized losses on sales of securities were
$ 91,000 and $ 74,000 respectively in 1997, $ 132,000 and $ 108,000
respectively in 1996 and $ 156,000 and $ 132,000 respectively in 1995.
Securities with a carrying value of $ 27,330,020 and $ 15,139,000 at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 respectively were pledged as collateral to
secure securities sold under agreements to repurchase and public deposits.
-13-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOANS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
The composition of loans receivable at December 31, 1997 and 1996 is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Commercial $ 17,808 $ 15,746
Commercial real estate 35,450 28,094
Residential real estate 76,146 54,758
Real estate, construction 6,877 5,167
Installment 38,234 34,404
---------------------------------
174,515 138,169
Allowance for loan losses (1,964) (1,365)
Unearned net loan fees and origination costs 1,236 1,325
---------------------------------
$ 173,787 $ 138,129
=================================
</TABLE>
The following table presents changes in the allowance for loan losses for
the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, beginning $ 1,365 $ 1,042 $ 879
Provision for loan losses 675 390 359
Loans charged off (268) (67) (196)
Allowance of acquired institution 192 - -
--------------------------------------------
Balance, ending $ 1,964 $ 1,365 $ 1,042
============================================
</TABLE>
-14-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOANS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (CONTINUED)
Information with respect to impaired loans as of and for the year ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Loans receivable for which there is a related allowance
for loan losses $ - $ - $ -
Loans receivable for which there is no related allowance
for loan losses 743 355 197
------------------------
Total impaired loans $ 743 $ 355 $ 197
========================
Related allowance for loan losses $ - $ - $ -
========================
Average recorded balance of impaired loans $ 492 $ 286 $ 135
========================
Interest income recognized on these impaired loans $ 24 $ 3 $ -
========================
</TABLE>
The impaired loans shown above have been taken into consideration in the
determination of the overall adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.
6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
The components of bank premises and equipment at December 31, 1997 and 1996
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
--------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Land $ 101 $ -
Leasehold improvements 1,998 1,638
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 2,095 1,577
Computer equipment 477 390
Data processing software 55 51
--------------------------
4,726 3,656
Less accumulated depreciation 1,294 909
--------------------------
$ 3,432 $ 2,747
==========================
</TABLE>
-15-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)
Depreciation expense was $ 385,000, $ 235,000 and $ 231,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 respectively.
7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPOSITS
The components of deposits at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:
1997 1996
----------------------------
(In Thousands)
Demand, non-interest bearing $ 17,949 $ 16,136
Demand, interest bearing 78,305 49,732
Savings 28,209 18,729
Time, $ 100,000 and over 21,387 16,963
Time, other 94,719 76,053
----------------------------
$ 240,569 $ 177,613
============================
At December 31, 1997, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as
follows (in thousands):
1998 $ 90,122
1999 21,016
2000 3,821
2001 712
2002 332
Thereafter 103
----------
$ 116,106
==========
-16-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature within a
few days from the transaction date. Included in the securities sold under
repurchase agreements at December 31, 1997 are agreements with balances
totaling $ 1,928,560 which mature at various times through September 6,
1998. The securities underlying the agreements were with the Bank's
safekeeping agent under the Bank's control.
Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 is summarized as follows:
1997 1996
------------------------
(In Thousands)
Average balance during the year $ 7,291 $ 4,189
Average interest rate during the year 3.9% 3.6%
Maximum month-end balance during the year $ 9,770 $ 5,998
9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER BORROWED FUNDS
The Bank has a line-of-credit commitment from the Federal Home Loan Bank
under its Flexline program for borrowings of up to $ 5,354,000 expiring
March 25, 1998. There were no borrowings under this line-of-credit as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996 respectively.
The Bank has short-term borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 under the "RepoPlus" Advance program in the
amount of $ 3,000,000 and $ 8,500,000 respectively. At December 31, 1997,
these borrowings are due March 23, 1998 with interest at 5.87%. Also
included in other borrowed funds at December 31, 1996 is an advance from
the Federal Home Loan Bank in the amount of $ 1,000,000.
The Bank has maximum borrowing capacity with The Federal Home Loan Bank of
approximately $ 65,879,000. Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank are
secured by qualifying assets of the Bank.
-17-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEASE COMMITMENTS AND TOTAL RENTAL EXPENSE
The Bank leases the premises for seven banking locations and a loan
operations center under operating lease agreements expiring in various
years through 2006. In addition, the Bank has a commitment to lease an
eighth banking location which is projected to open during the third quarter
of 1998. Certain lease agreements contain escalation provisions based on
the consumer price index. The Bank also has options to extend the lease
agreements for additional lease terms from one to twenty years. The Bank
is responsible to pay all real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and
maintenance and repairs on the buildings.
Future minimum lease payments by year and in the aggregate, under
noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year
or more, consisted of the following at December 31, 1997 (in thousands):
1998 $ 523
1999 550
2000 531
2001 394
2002 304
Thereafter 932
----------
$ 3,234
==========
The Bank has a $ 100,000 irrevocable letter of credit issued by another
bank as security for performance under the terms of one lease agreement.
The total rental expense included in the statements of income for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is $ 553,000, $ 424,000 and
$345,000 respectively.
-18-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK
In June 1995, the Board of Directors distributed a 10% stock dividend. All
references to common shares, stock options, stock warrants and per common
share amounts have been restated to reflect the stock dividend.
During 1995, the Bank issued 3,388 shares of common stock at fair value in
lieu of payment for 1994 director's fees and certain legal fees.
A bank holding company had the right to maintain a 20% ownership of
Ambassador's outstanding common stock. In April 1995, the bank holding
company purchased 1,250 shares of common stock at fair value to maintain
its 20% ownership. In 1996, the bank holding company agreed to suspend its
right to maintain its 20% ownership due to the Wilbur merger agreement and
did not participate in the related stock offering. The agreement that gave
the bank holding company the right to maintain a 20% ownership expired in
1997.
On September 15, 1997, the stockholders of the Bank adopted the 1997
Incentive Stock Option Plan for key employees, non-employee directors and
independent contractors and consultants. The Plan provides for the issuance
of options to purchase up to 200,000 shares of Ambassador common stock.
The exercise price of all stock options granted will be equal to the fair
market value on the date of grant. Stock options are granted at the
discretion of the Board of Directors and for a term of up to ten years.
Stock options granted in 1997 under this Plan vest and become exercisable
ratably over a five-year period, commencing one year after the grant date
and have a term of seven years.
Prior to 1997, the Bank granted various stock options and warrants to
directors and employees under informal plans at the discretion of the Board
of Directors. Stock options were also issued to certain executives in
accordance with their employment agreements through January 1, 1994. All
warrants and options were granted at no less than fair market value at the
date of grant.
-19-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK (CONTINUED)
The following summarizes changes in stock options and warrants outstanding
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Of Weighted
Options Average
And Exercise
Warrants Price
------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding, December 31, 1994 273,570 $ 7.45
Granted 935 $ 11.82
------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1995 274,505 $ 7.46
Granted 1,400 $ 14.00
------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1996 275,905 $ 7.49
Granted 80,100 $ 22.97
Exercised (6,467) $ 7.27
------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1997 349,538 $ 11.05
============
Exercisable at December 31, 1997 264,834 $ 7.43
============
</TABLE>
Exercise prices for options outstanding as of December 31, 1997 ranged from
$ 7.27 to $ 23.50 per share. The weighted-average remaining contractual
life of those options is approximately 3.9 years. Options available for
grant as of December 31, 1997 under the 1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan
were 119,900 shares.
As previously noted, a bank holding company had the right to maintain a 20%
ownership. Accordingly, at December 31, 1997, the bank holding company had
68,631 of warrants and options outstanding. As the above warrants and
options are exercised, the bank holding company warrants and options become
exercisable.
-20-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK (CONTINUED)
The Bank adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", effective January 1, 1996. This
standard provides companies with a choice of how to account for stock
options and other stock grants. The Bank adopted the disclosure-only
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 and,
accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the stock option
plans. Under the statement, pro forma net income and earnings per share
are required to be disclosed as if the options were accounted for at fair
value and the expense was recognized as compensation expense over the
service period. If the Bank had elected to recognize compensation cost
based on the fair value of the options granted at grant date as prescribed
by SFAS No. 123, the Bank's net income and earnings per share for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 would have been reduced to the pro
forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
1997 1996 1995
-----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income:
As reported $ 1,937 $ 1,445 $ 829
=============================
Pro forma $ 1,925 $ 1,443 $ 828
=============================
Basic earnings per share:
As reported $ 1.21 $ 0.96 $ 0.55
=============================
Pro forma $ 1.20 $ 0.96 $ 0.55
=============================
Diluted earnings per share:
As reported $ 1.08 $ 0.86 $ 0.50
=============================
Pro forma $ 1.07 $ 0.86 $ 0.50
=============================
</TABLE>
The fair value of each option grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for
1997, 1996 and 1995 respectively: risk-free interest rates of 6%,
volatility factors of 36.0%, 8.7%, 11.42% and an expected life of five
years, six years and six years. The weighted-average fair value of options
granted for 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $ 9.60, $ 4.23 and $ 3.66 per share
respectively.
-21-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted
earnings per share:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
1997 1996 1995
------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Numerator, net income $ 1,937,000 $ 1,445,000 $ 829,000
==========================================
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share,
weighted average shares 1,603,413 1,503,762 1,502,363
Effect of dilutive securities, stock options and
warrants 191,146 173,746 160,017
------------------------------------------
Denominator for diluted earnings per
share, adjusted weighted average
shares and assumed conversions 1,794,559 1,677,508 1,662,380
==========================================
Basic earnings per share $ 1.21 $ 0.96 $ 0.55
==========================================
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.08 $ 0.86 $ 0.50
==========================================
</TABLE>
13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Bank has a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust for its employees.
Employees may contribute up to 12% of their salary to the Plan. The Bank
provides a matching contribution on the first 6% of each employee's salary.
During the first five years of employment, the match is 50%, after five
years it is 60%. The amount charged to expense for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $ 63,000, $ 46,000 and $ 37,000
respectively.
-22-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
14
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
Other operating expenses include the following significant items for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995:
1997 1996 1995
------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Advertising and sales promotion $ 364 $ 355 $ 292
FDIC insurance 25 2 117
Data processing 504 342 204
Loan and collection expense 139 131 65
Check printing 194 154 114
Office supplies and stationery 248 224 157
ATM franchise fees 179 137 114
Pennsylvania bank shares tax 116 101 93
15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 are as follows:
1997 1996 1995
------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Current $ 728 $ 512 $ 260
Deferred (154) (40) (7)
------------------------------------
$ 574 $ 472 $ 253
====================================
-23-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation of the statutory income tax at a rate of 34% to the income
tax expense included in the statements of income is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
1997 1996 1995
-----------------------------------------------------------------
% Of % Of % Of
Pretax Pretax Pretax
Amount Income Amount Income Amount Income
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Federal income tax at statutory rate $ 854 34 % $ 652 34 % $ 368 34 %
Tax exempt interest (243) (10) (190) (10) (123) (11)
Other (37) (1) 10 1 8 -
-----------------------------------------------------------------
$ 574 23 % $ 472 25 % $ 253 23 %
=================================================================
</TABLE>
The income tax provision includes $ 6,000 in 1997 and $ 8,000 in 1996 and
1995 of income tax expense related to net realized securities gains.
The components of the net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 1997 and
1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
----------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses $ 596 $ 403
Unrealized depreciation on securities available for sale - 14
Other 29 11
----------------------
625 428
----------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Cash basis conversion (76) (152)
Purchase accounting adjustments (131) -
Bank premises and equipment (114) (137)
Net deferred loan origination costs (173) (159)
Unrealized appreciation on securities available for sale (287) -
Other (37) (26)
----------------------
(818) (474)
----------------------
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (193) $ (46)
======================
</TABLE>
-24-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTIONS WITH OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The Bank has had, and may be expected to have in the future, banking
transactions in the ordinary course of business with directors, officers,
principal stockholders, their immediate families and affiliated companies
(commonly referred to as related parties), on the same terms including
interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with others. The related party loan activity for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 is summarized as follows:
1997 1996
---------------------
(In Thousands)
Balance, beginning $ 1,088 $ 1,251
Disbursements 150 177
Repayments (219) (340)
---------------------
Balance, ending $ 1,019 $ 1,088
=====================
17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in
the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.
These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and
letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements
of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.
The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit
and letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those
instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments
and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
-25-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK (CONTINUED)
A summary of the Bank's financial instrument commitments at December 31,
1997 and 1996 is as follows:
1997 1996
------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Commitments to extend credit $ 40,896 $ 36,042
Outstanding letters of credit 3,025 2,049
------------------------------
$ 43,921 $ 38,091
==============================
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long
as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn
upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash
requirements. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other
termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Bank evaluates
each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of
collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of
credit, is based on management's credit evaluation. Collateral held varies
but may include personal or commercial real estate, accounts receivable,
inventory and equipment.
Outstanding letters of credit written are conditional commitments issued by
the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The
credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same
as that involved in extending other loan commitments.
18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The Bank grants commercial, residential and consumer loans to customers
primarily located in Eastern Pennsylvania, principally Lehigh County and
Northampton County. The concentrations of credit by type of loan are set
forth in Note 5. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, its
debtors' ability to honor their contracts is influenced by the region's
economy.
-26-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
19
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGULATORY MATTERS
The Bank is required to maintain cash reserve balances in vault cash and
with the Federal Reserve Bank. The total of those reserve balances was
approximately $ 1,996,000 and $ 1,054,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996
respectively.
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered
by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital
requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional
discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a
direct material effect on the Bank's financial statements. Under capital
adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective
action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve
quantitative measures of the Bank's assets, liabilities and certain off-
balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.
The Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to
qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings
and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth below)
of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-
weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. Management
believes, as of December 31, 1997, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy
requirements to which it is subject.
As of December 31, 1997, the most recent notification from the Federal
Reserve Bank categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory
framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well
capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-
based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no
conditions or events since that notification that management believes have
changed the Bank's category.
-27-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
19
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGULATORY MATTERS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Actual For Capital Adequacy Purposes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
As of December 31, 1997:
Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 22,375 11.3 % $(greater than or equal to) 15,848 (greater than or equal to) 8.0%
Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) 20,411 10.3 (greater than or equal to) 7,924 (greater than or equal to) 4.0
Tier I capital (to average assets) 20,411 7.6 (greater than or equal to) 10,768 (greater than or equal to) 4.0
As of December 31, 1996:
Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 15,594 10.1 % $(greater than or equal to) 12,313 (greater than or equal to) 8.0%
Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) 14,229 9.2 (greater than or equal to) 6,157 (greater than or equal to) 4.0
Tier I capital (to average assets) 14,229 7.0 (greater than or equal to) 8,148 (greater than or equal to) 4.0
<CAPTION>
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Ratio
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
As of December 31, 1997:
Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $(greater than or equal to) 19,811 (greater than or equal to) 10.0%
Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) (greater than or equal to) 11,886 (greater than or equal to) 6.0
Tier I capital (to average assets) (greater than or equal to) 13,460 (greater than or equal to) 5.0
As of December 31, 1996:
Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $(greater than or equal to)15,391 (greater than or equal to) 10.0%
Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) (greater than or equal to) 9,235 (greater than or equal to) 6.0
Tier I capital (to average assets) (greater than or equal to)10,185 (greater than or equal to) 5.0
</TABLE>
The Bank is subject to certain restrictions on the amount of dividends that
it may declare without prior regulatory approval. At December 31, 1997,
approximately $ 2,744,000 of retained earnings were available for dividend
declaration without prior regulatory approval.
20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the
Bank's financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any
estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial
instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative
of the amounts the Bank could have realized in a sales transaction on the
dates indicated. The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of
their respective year ends, and have not been reevaluated or updated for
purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective
dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments
subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the
amounts reported at each year end.
-28-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the
fair value of the entire Bank since a fair value calculation is only
provided for a limited portion of the Bank's assets. Due to a wide range of
valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the
estimates, comparisons between the Bank's disclosures and those of other
companies may not be meaningful. The following methods and assumptions were
used to estimate the fair values of the Bank's financial instruments at
December 31, 1997 and 1996:
Cash and cash equivalents and interest-bearing time deposits with banks:
The carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents, and interest-bearing
time deposits in other banks approximate their fair value.
Securities:
Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices, where
available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are
based on quoted market prices of comparable securities.
Loans receivable:
For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and which entail no
significant changes in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying
values. The fair value of fixed rate loans are estimated using
discounted cash flow analyses, at interest rates currently offered for
loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.
Accrued interest receivable:
The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates fair
value.
Deposit liabilities and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
Fair values for demand deposits, savings accounts, certain money
market deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the
reporting date. Fair values of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit
and repurchase agreements are estimated using a discounted cash flow
calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on
similar instruments with similar maturities.
Other borrowed funds:
The carrying amount of other borrowed funds approximates their fair
value.
-29-
<PAGE>
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
Accrued interest payable:
The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates fair
value.
Off-balance sheet instruments:
Fair value of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit are
estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar
agreements, taking into account market interest rates, the remaining
terms and present credit worthiness of the counterparties.
The estimated fair values of the Bank's financial instruments at December
31, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------------------------------------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
---------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,504 $ 21,504 $ 11,843 $ 11,843
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks 861 861 600 600
Securities 75,281 75,290 54,003 53,886
Loans receivable, net of allowance 173,787 174,699 138,129 138,721
Accrued interest receivable 1,797 1,797 1,402 1,402
Financial liabilities:
Deposits 240,569 240,943 177,613 177,690
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 8,691 8,691 5,933 5,933
Other borrowed funds 3,000 3,000 9,500 9,500
Accrued interest payable 1,736 1,736 1,572 1,572
Off-balance sheet financial instruments:
Commitments to extend credit - - - -
Outstanding letters of credit - - - -
</TABLE>
-30-
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
-----------------------------------------
Subchapter D of Chapter 17 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law
of 1988, as amended (BCL), 15 Pa. C.S. (S)(S) 1741-50, provides that a business
corporation shall have the power under certain circumstances to indemnify its
directors, officers, employees and agents against certain expenses incurred by
them in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding. A copy of Subchapter D of Chapter 17 of the BCL is attached as
Exhibit 99(d) to this Registration Statement.
Article V of the Bylaws of Fulton Financial Corporation provides for the
indemnification of its directors, officers, employees and agents in accordance
with, and to the maximum extent permitted by, the provisions of Subchapter D of
Chapter 17 of the BCL. Article V of the Bylaws of Fulton Financial Corporation,
as set forth in Exhibit 3(b) to this Registration Statement, is hereby
incorporated by reference in response to this Item 20.
Fulton Financial Corporation has purchased insurance to indemnify its
directors, officers, employees and agents under certain circumstances.
For disclosure concerning the position of the Securities and Exchange
Commission on indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933, see the Section in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (which is included in
Part I of this Registration Statement) entitled INFORMATION CONCERNING FULTON
FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND DESCRIPTION OF FFC COMMON STOCK -- Indemnification.
Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
-------------------------------------------
(a) Exhibits:
---------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Title
------ -----
<S> <C>
2 Merger Agreement dated as of January 26, 1998,
as amended and restated as of April 14, 1998,
between Fulton Financial Corporation, Lafayette
Bank and Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth --
Furnished as Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement/
Prospectus which is included in Part I of this
Registration Statement
3(a) Articles of Incorporation of Fulton Financial
Corporation -- Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (a)(i) of the Fulton Financial
Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the Quarter Ended June 30, 1987; Articles of
Amendment of Fulton Financial Corporation
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Title
------ -----
<S> <C>
3(b) Bylaws of Fulton Financial Corporation --
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(i) of
the Fulton Financial Corporation Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June
30, 1989
4 Rights Agreement dated June 20, 1989, between
Fulton Financial Corporation and Fulton Bank --
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the
Fulton Financial Corporation Current Report on
Form 8-K dated June 21, 1989
5 Opinion of Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC
re: legality
8 Opinion of Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC
re: tax matters
13 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Fulton Financial
Corporation for the Year Ending December 31,
1997 -- Incorporated by reference in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus which is included in Part
I of this Registration Statement
21 Subsidiaries of Fulton Financial Corporation
23(a) Consent of Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC
23(b) Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
23(c) Consent of Beard & Company, Inc.
23(d) Consent of Danielson Associates Inc.
23(e) Consent of Martin D. Cohen
24 Power of Attorney
99(a) Form of Proxy
99(b) Letter to Shareholders of Ambassador Bank of
the Commonwealth
99(c) Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders of
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
99(d) Statute Relating to Indemnification
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------
(b) Financial Statement Schedules:
-----------------------------
None required.
<PAGE>
(c) Opinion of Financial Advisor:
-----------------------------
Furnished as Exhibit B to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus which is
included in Part I of this Registration Statement.
Item 22. Undertakings.
-------------
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows:
1. To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) to include
any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii)
to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in the information set forth in the registration statement; and (iii) to include
any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement; provided, however, that paragraphs
(a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above do not apply if the registration statement is on
Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section
13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated
by reference in the registration statement.
2. That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
3. To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows:
<PAGE>
1. That prior to any public reoffering of the securities
registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this
registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such
reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable
registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed
underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of
the applicable form.
2. The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is
filed pursuant to the preceding paragraph, or (ii) that purports to meet the
requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with an
offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an
amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such
amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
3. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to
requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus
pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of
receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class
mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in
documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement
through the date of responding to the request.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement
by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction,
and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant 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 Act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
----------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Lancaster,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as of April 21, 1998.
FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Attest:/s/ William R. Colmery By:/s/ Rufus A. Fulton, Jr.
---------------------- ------------------------
William R. Colmery, Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., President
Secretary and Chief Executive Officer
(Corporate Seal)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
amendment to registration statement has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Capacity Date
--------- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Jeffrey G. Albertson Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Jeffrey G. Albertson)
/s/ James R. Argires Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(James R. Argires)
------------------------------------------- Director April 21, 1998
(Donald M. Bowman, Jr.)
/s/ Thomas D. Caldwell, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Thomas D. Caldwell, Jr.)
Senior Vice President
/s/ Beth Ann L. Chivinski and Controller April 21, 1998
------------------------------------------- (Principal Accounting
(Beth Ann L. Chivinski) Officer)
/s/ Harold D. Chubb Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Harold D. Chubb)
/s/ William H. Clark, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(William H. Clark, Jr.)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Capacity Date
--------- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Frederick B. Fichthorn Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Frederick B. Fichthorn)
Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Patrick J. Freer)
/s/ Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. President, Chief April 21, 1998
------------------------------------------- Executive Officer and
(Rufus A. Fulton, Jr.) Director
(Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/ Eugene H. Gardner Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Eugene H. Gardner)
Chairman of the Board
/s/ Robert D. Garner and Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Robert D. Garner)
/s/ Daniel M. Heisey Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Daniel M. Heisey)
/s/ J. Robert Hess Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(J. Robert Hess)
/s/ Carolyn R. Holleran Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Carolyn R. Holleran)
/s/ Clyde W. Horst Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Clyde W. Horst)
/s/ Samuel H. Jones, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Samuel H. Jones, Jr.)
/s/ Bernard J. Metz, Sr. Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Bernard J. Metz, Sr.)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Capacity Date
--------- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Executive Vice
President and Chief
/s/ Charles J. Nugent Financial Officer April 21, 1998
------------------------------------------- (Principal Financial
(Charles J. Nugent) Officer)
/s/ Arthur M. Peters, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Arthur M. Peters, Jr.)
/s/ Stuart H. Raub, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Stuart H. Raub, Jr.)
/s/ William E. Rusling Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(William E. Rusling)
/s/ Mary Ann Russell Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Mary Ann Russell)
/s/ John O. Shirk Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(John O. Shirk)
Executive Vice
/s/ R. Scott Smith President
-------------------------------------------
(R. Scott Smith)
/s/ James K. Sperry Executive Vice April 21, 1998
------------------------------------------- President and
(James K. Sperry) Director
/s/ Kenneth G. Stoudt Director April 21, 1998
-------------------------------------------
(Kenneth G. Stoudt)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Required Exhibits
-----------------
Number Title
------ -----
2 Merger Agreement dated as of January 26, 1998, as amended and
restated as of April 14, 1998, between Fulton Financial
Corporation, Lafayette Bank and Ambassador Bank of the
Commonwealth -- Furnished as Exhibit A to the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus which is included in Part I of this
Registration Statement
3(a) Articles of Incorporation of Fulton Financial Corporation --
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(i) of the Fulton
Financial Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
Quarter Ended June 30, 1987; Articles of Amendment of Fulton
Financial Corporation
3(b) Bylaws of Fulton Financial Corporation -- Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (a)(i) of the Fulton Financial Corporation
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30,
1989
4 Rights Agreement dated June 20, 1989, between Fulton Financial
Corporation and Fulton Bank -- Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 1 of the Fulton Financial Corporation Current Report on
Form 8-K dated June 21, 1989
5 Opinion of Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC re: legality
8 Opinion of Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC re: tax
matters
<PAGE>
Number Title
------ -----
13 Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fulton Financial Corporation for
the Year Ending December 31, 1997 -Incorporated by reference in
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus which is included in Part I of
this Registration Statement
21 Subsidiaries of Fulton Financial Corporation
23(a) Consent of Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC
23(b) Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
23(c) Consent of Beard & Company, Inc.
23(d) Consent of Danielson Associates, Inc.
23(e) Consent of Martin D. Cohen
24 Power of Attorney
99(a) Form of Proxy
99(b) Letter to Shareholders of Ambassador Bank of the
Commonwealth
99(c) Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders of Ambassador
Bank of the Commonwealth
99(d) Statute Relating to Indemnification
<PAGE>
PAUL G. MATTAINI
DIRECT DIAL NUMBER (717) 399-3519
EXHIBIT 5
OPINION OF BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC RE: LEGALITY
April 20, 1998
Fulton Financial Corporation Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
One Penn Square 4127 Tilghman Street
P. O. Box 4887 Allentown, PA 18104
Lancaster, PA 17604
Re: Merger of Fulton Financial Corporation
and Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
---------------------------------------
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Fulton Financial Corporation ("FFC") in
connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, by means of a registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement"), of 3,092,848 shares of the $2.50 par value common stock of FFC,
which is the maximum number of shares to be issued pursuant to the terms of
the Merger Agreement dated as of January 26, 1998, and amended and restated
as of April 14, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), entered into between FFC,
Lafayette Bank ("LB") and Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth ("ABC").
The following transactions will occur upon consummation of the Merger
Agreement: (i) ABC will be merged with and into LB, a subsidiary of FFC, (ii)
LB will survive the Merger, and (iii) each outstanding share of the $4.00 par
value common stock of ABC (the "ABC Common Stock") will be converted into
1.40 shares of the $2.50 par value common stock of FFC (the "FFC Common
Stock").
This Opinion Letter is provided pursuant to the requirements of Item
601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission for
inclusion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
This Opinion Letter is governed by, and shall be interpreted in
accordance with, the Legal Opinion Accord (the "Accord") of the American Bar
Association's Section of Business Law (1991), as supplemented or modified by
<PAGE>
the Pennsylvania Third-Party Legal Opinion Supplement (the "Pennsylvania
Supplement") of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Section of Corporation,
Banking and Business Law (1992). As a consequence, this Opinion Letter is
subject to a number of qualifications, exceptions, definitions, limitations
on coverage and other limitations, all as more particularly described in the
Accord and the Pennsylvania Supplement, and this Opinion Letter shall be read
in conjunction therewith. The Law covered by the opinions expressed herein is
limited to the federal law of the United States of America and the law of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Except as otherwise indicated herein, capitalized terms used in this
Opinion Letter are defined and set forth in the Merger Agreement, the Accord
or the Pennsylvania Supplement. Our opinions herein are subject to the
following conditions and assumptions, in addition to those set forth in the
Accord and the Pennsylvania Supplement:
(1) All of the shares of ABC Common Stock that are issued and
outstanding at the time of the Merger will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable;
(2) All conditions precedent to the obligations of ABC as set forth in
the Merger Agreement will have been satisfied at the time of the
Merger;
(3) All covenants required to be performed by FFC, LB and ABC on or
before the date of consummation of the Merger, as set forth in the
Merger Agreement, will have been performed by them as of such date;
and
(4) The shares of FFC Common Stock will be issued, and the Merger will
be consummated, in strict accordance with the terms of the Merger
Agreement and the statutory laws of the United States of America
and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the
shares of FFC Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger have
been duly authorized and, when issued as provided in the Merger Agreement,
will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Very truly yours,
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
By:/s/Paul G. Mattaini
-------------------------------------
Paul G. Mattaini, Esquire
<PAGE>
MICHAEL S. BUTLER
EXHIBIT 8
April 24, 1998
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth Fulton Financial Corporation
4127 Tilghman Street One Penn Square
Allentown, PA 18104 Lancaster, PA 17602
Re: Fulton Financial Corporation/Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Fulton Financial Corporation ("FFC") in
connection with the Merger Agreement dated as of January 26, 1998, as amended
and restated as of April 14, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), between FFC,
Lafayette Bank ("LB") and Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth ("ABC").
The following transactions will occur pursuant to the Merger Agreement:
(i.) ABC will be merged with and into LB, a subsidiary of FFC, and LB
will survive the merger (the "Merger"); and
(ii.) Each issued and outstanding share of the common stock of ABC, par
value $4.00 per share (the "ABC Common Stock"), will be converted
into 1.40 shares of the common stock of FFC, par value $2.50 per
share (the "FFC Common Stock").
You have requested our opinion as to certain federal income tax
consequences of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and
this opinion is rendered pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.1(d) of
Article VII of the Merger Agreement.
This Opinion Letter is governed by, and shall be interpreted in
accordance with, the Legal Opinion Accord (the "Accord") of the American Bar
Association's Section of Business Law (1991), as supplemented or modified by
the Pennsylvania Third-Party Legal Opinion Supplement (the "Pennsylvania
Supplement") of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Section of Corporation,
<PAGE>
Banking and Business Law (1992). The Law covered by the opinions expressed
herein is limited to the federal law of the United States of America.
Except as otherwise indicated herein, capitalized terms used in this
Opinion Letter are defined and set forth in the Merger Agreement, the Accord
or the Pennsylvania Supplement. Our opinions herein are subject to the
following conditions and assumptions, in addition to those set forth in the
Accord and the Pennsylvania Supplement:
(A) All of the shares of ABC Common Stock that are issued and
outstanding at the time of the Merger will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable;
(B) All conditions precedent to the obligations of FFC, LB and ABC as
set forth in the Merger Agreement will have been satisfied at the
time of the Merger;
(C) All covenants required to be performed by FFC, LB and ABC on or
before the date of consummation of the Merger, as set forth in
the Merger Agreement, will have been performed by them as of such
date;
(D) The transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including
without limitation the Merger, the issuance of shares of FFC
Common Stock to the stockholders of ABC, and the Subsidiaries
Merger will be accomplished in strict accordance with the terms
of the Merger Agreement and applicable statutes;
(E) The fair market value of the FFC Common Stock and other
consideration received by each ABC shareholder will be
approximately equal to the fair market value of the ABC Common
Stock surrendered in the exchange;
(F) Upon consummation of the Merger, the former stockholders of ABC
will own, in the aggregate, FFC Common Stock equal in value to at
least 50 percent of the value of all of the formerly outstanding
ABC Common Stock as of the date of the Merger;
(G) There is no plan or intention on the part of the stockholders of
ABC to sell or otherwise dispose of the FFC Common Stock to be
received pursuant to the Merger Agreement that would reduce the
ownership of FFC Common Stock by former stockholders of ABC to a
number of shares of FFC Common Stock having, in the aggregate, a
value of less than 50 percent of the value of all of ABC Common
Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Merger. For purposes
of this assumption, shares of ABC Common Stock exchanged for cash
or other property, surrendered by dissenters, or exchanged for
cash in lieu of fractional shares of FFC Common Stock will be
treated as outstanding ABC Common Stock on the date of the
transaction. Moreover, shares
<PAGE>
of FFC Common Stock and shares of ABC Common Stock sold,
redeemed, or disposed of prior or subsequent to the transaction
will be considered in making this assumption;
(H) FFC will acquire at least ninety percent (90%) of the fair market
value of the net assets and at least seventy percent (70%) of the
fair market value of the gross assets held by ABC immediately
prior to the Merger. For this purpose, amounts paid by ABC to
dissenters, amounts paid by ABC to shareholders who receive cash
or other property, assets of ABC used to pay its reorganization
expenses, and all redemptions and distributions (except for
regular, normal dividends) made by ABC immediately preceding the
Merger will be considered as assets of ABC held immediately prior
to the Merger;
(I) There is no plan or intention on the part of FFC to reacquire any
of the shares of FFC Common Stock issued pursuant to the
provisions of the Merger Agreement;
(J) There is no plan or intention on the part of FFC to sell or
otherwise dispose of any of the assets of ABC acquired in the
Merger, except for the dispositions made in the ordinary course
of business;
(K) The liabilities of ABC assumed by FFC and the liabilities to
which the assets of ABC are subject were incurred by ABC in the
ordinary course of ABC's business;
(L) The historic business of ABC will be continued by FFC following
the Merger;
(M) FFC, ABC and stockholders of ABC will pay their respective
expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the transactions;
(N) There is no intercorporate indebtedness existing between FFC and
ABC that was issued or acquired or that will be settled at a
discount; and
(O) The fair market value of the assets of ABC transferred to FFC
will equal or exceed the sum of the liabilities assumed by FFC
plus the amount of liabilities, if any, to which the transferred
assets are subject.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
(1) The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) and (a)(2)(D) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code");
<PAGE>
(2) No gain or loss will be recognized by ABC, LB or FFC by
reason of the Merger;
(3) The bases of the assets of ABC in the hands of LB will be
the same as the bases of such assets in the hands of ABC
immediately prior to the Merger;
(4) The holding period of the assets of ABC in the hands of LB
following the Merger will include the period during which
such assets were held by ABC prior the Merger;
(5) No gain or loss will be recognized by the ABC shareholders
on the exchange of shares of ABC Common Stock solely for
shares of FFC Common Stock (including fractional shares);
income, gain or loss will be recognized, however, to each
such shareholder upon the receipt of cash by such
shareholders on the exchange. The receipt of cash by ABC
shareholders will have the effect of treating the
shareholder as having received solely shares of FFC Common
Stock in the reorganization exchange and then having
received a cash payment from FFC in a hypothetical
redemption of that number of shares of FFC Common Stock
equal in value to such cash payment. An ABC shareholder who
receives cash will therefore recognize capital gain or loss
on the constructive redemption of such shares in an amount
equal to the difference between the cash received and the
adjusted basis in such shares;
(6) The basis in the shares of FFC Common Stock to be received
by ABC shareholders will be the same as the basis in the
shares of ABC's Common Stock surrendered in the
reorganization exchange, decreased by the amount of cash
received and increased by the amount of any gain (and by the
amount of any dividend income) recognized on the exchange;
and
(7) The holding period of the shares of FFC Common Stock to be
received by the shareholders of ABC will include the period
during which they held the shares of ABC Common Stock
surrendered, provided the shares of ABC Common Stock are
held as a capital asset on the date of the exchange.
Very truly yours,
BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
By: /s/Michael S. Butler
--------------------
Michael S. Butler, Esquire
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 21
SUBSIDIARIES OF FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------
Name of Subsidiary Organized Under the Laws of
- ------------------ ---------------------------
Fulton Bank Pennsylvania
Lebanon Valley Farmers Bank Pennsylvania
Swineford National Bank United States
Lafayette Bank Pennsylvania
FNB Bank, National Association United States
Great Valley Savings Bank Pennsylvania
Hagerstown Trust Company Maryland
Delaware National Bank United States
The Bank of Gloucester County New Jersey
Fulton Financial Realty Company Pennsylvania
Fulton Life Insurance Company Arizona
Central Pennsylvania Financial Corp. Pennsylvania
FFC Management, Inc. Delaware
The Woodstown National Bank &
Trust Company United States
The Peoples Bank of Elkton Maryland
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(a)
CONSENT OF BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
---------------------------------------------
We hereby consent to the use in this registration statement of the opinions
filed as Exhibit 5 and Exhibit 8 hereto and to the references to this firm under
the caption "Legal Matters" in the related prospectus.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania BARLEY, SNYDER, SENFT & COHEN, LLC
April 24 , 1998 By:/s/ Paul G. Mattaini
- ----------------------- --------------------
Paul G. Mattaini, Esquire
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(b)
CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
------------------------------
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated January 23,
1998, included in Fulton Financial Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997 and to all references to our firm included in this
registration statement.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
April 24 , 1998
- -----------------------
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(c)
CONSENT OF BEARD & COMPANY
--------------------------
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of our report dated January 16, 1998, except for Note 2 as
to which the date is January 26, 1998, with respect to the financial statements
of Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth, included in its Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and to the reference to our Firm
under the caption "Experts" in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
/s/BEARD & COMPANY, INC.
Allentown , Pennsylvania
- ---------------
April 16 , 1998
- ---------------
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(d)
CONSENT OF DANIELSON ASSOCIATES INC.
We hereby consent to the inclusion of our fairness opinion dated
May 15, 1998, as an Exhibit to Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth/Fulton
Financial Corporation Proxy Statement/Prospectus and to the references to our
firm contained herein.
DANIELSON ASSOCIATES, INC.
By:/s/Arnold G. Danielson
----------------------
Arnold G. Danielson
May 15 , 1998
- -----------------
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(e)
CONSENT OF MARTIN D. COHEN
--------------------------
In accordance with Rule 438 under the Securities Act of 1933, I hereby
consent to the inclusion of my name in this registration statement as a person
who is designated to become a director of Fulton Financial Corporation following
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement
between Fulton Financial Corporation, Lafayette Bank and Ambassador Bank of the
Commonwealth.
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Date: , 1998 /s/Martin D. Cohen
------------ ---------------------------------------
(Martin D. Cohen)
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officers and directors of Fulton Financial Corporation
hereby constitute and appoint Rufus A. Fulton, Jr., Charles J. Nugent and
William R. Colmery, or each of them singly, the true and lawful agents and
attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned with full power and authority to sign for
the undersigned and in their respective names, in any and all capacities, any
and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement and generally to take all such steps as may be necessary or
appropriate to enable Fulton Financial Corporation to comply with the provisions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Commission related thereto, hereby ratifying and
confirming all acts taken by such agents and attorneys-in-fact, as herein
authorized.
Signature Capacity Date
--------- -------- ----
/s/Jeffrey G. Albertson Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Jeffrey G. Albertson)
/s/James R. Argires Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(James R. Argires)
Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Donald M. Bowman, Jr.)
/s/Thomas D. Caldwell, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Thomas D. Caldwell, Jr.)
Senior Vice President April 21, 1998
/s/Beth Ann L. Chivinski and Controller
- ----------------------------- (Principal Accounting
(Beth Ann L. Chivinski) Officer)
/s/Harold D. Chubb Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Harold D. Chubb)
<PAGE>
Signature Capacity Date
--------- -------- ----
/s/William H. Clark, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(William H. Clark, Jr.)
/s/Frederick B. Fichthorn Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Frederick B. Fichthorn)
Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Patrick J. Freer)
President, Chief April 21, 1998
/s/Rufus A. Fulton, Jr. Executive Officer and
- ----------------------------- Director
(Rufus A. Fulton, Jr.) (Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/Eugene H. Gardner Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Eugene H. Gardner)
Chairman of the Board April 21, 1998
/s/Robert D. Garner and Director
- -----------------------------
(Robert D. Garner)
/s/Daniel M. Heisey Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Daniel M. Heisey)
/s/J. Robert Hess Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(J. Robert Hess)
/s/Carolyn R. Holleran Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Carolyn R. Holleran)
/s/Clyde W. Horst Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Clyde W. Horst)
/s/Samuel H. Jones, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Samuel H. Jones, Jr.)
<PAGE>
Signature Capacity Date
--------- -------- ----
/s/Bernard J. Metz, Sr. Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Bernard J. Metz, Sr.)
Executive Vice April 21, 1998
/s/Charles J. Nugent President and Chief
- ----------------------------- Financial Officer
(Charles J. Nugent) (Principal Financial
Officer)
/s/Arthur M. Peters, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Arthur M. Peters, Jr.)
/s/Stuart H. Raub, Jr. Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Stuart H. Raub, Jr.)
/s/William E. Rusling Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(William E. Rusling)
/s/Mary Ann Russell Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Mary Ann Russell)
/s/John O. Shirk Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(John O. Shirk)
Executive Vice April 21, 1998
/s/R. Scott Smith President
- -----------------------------
(R. Scott Smith)
/s/James K. Sperry Executive Vice
- ----------------------------- President and
(James K. Sperry) Director
/s/Kenneth G. Stoudt Director April 21, 1998
- -----------------------------
(Kenneth G. Stoudt)
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99(a)
FORM OF PROXY
-------------
REVOCABLE PROXY
AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JUNE 30, 1998
THE UNDERSIGNED holder of common stock of Ambassador Bank of the
Commonwealth ("ABC") hereby appoints [NAMES] or either of them, with full power
of substitution, the proxy or proxies of the undersigned to vote all of the
shares of the common stock of Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth ("ABC Common
Stock") held of record in the name or names of the undersigned at the close of
business on May 15, 1998, at the Special Meeting of the shareholders of ABC to
be held on Tuesday, June 30, 1998, at 10:30 a.m. at The Holiday Inn, Routes 22
and 512, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and at all adjournments or postponements
thereof, with all of the powers the undersigned would possess if personally
present. Said proxies are specifically authorized to vote:
(1) PROPOSAL to approve, adopt, ratify and confirm the Merger
Agreement, dated as of January 26, 1998, as amended and restated
as of April 14, 1998, between Fulton Financial Corporation
("FFC"), Lafayette Bank ("LB") and ABC providing, among other
things, for the merger of ABC with and into LB and for the
automatic conversion of each share of ABC Common Stock into 1.40
shares of Common Stock of FFC.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
(2) In their discretion as to any other matter properly before the
meeting, including, without limitation, a motion to adjourn or
postpone the meeting to another time and place for the purpose of
soliciting additional proxies in favor of the Merger Agreement or
otherwise.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
<PAGE>
This proxy is revocable and will be voted as specified.If no specification
is made, this proxy will be voted "FOR" each of the proposals listed. If any
other business is presented at the Special Meeting, this proxy will be voted by
those named in this proxy in their best judgment. At the present time, the Board
of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the Special Meeting.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Special Meeting of
Shareholders and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus of ABC dated ______________,
1998, and hereby revoke(s) all other proxies heretofore given by the undersigned
in connection with this meeting.
Date:
---------------------------------
--------------------------------------
Signature
--------------------------------------
Signature
Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon. If
stock is jointly held, each joint owner should
sign. If signing for a corporation or a
partnership, or as attorney or fiduciary, indicate
your full title. If more than one fiduciary is
involved, all should sign.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99(b)
[AMBASSADOR BANK OF THE COMMONWEALTH LETTERHEAD]
______________, 1998
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Meeting") of Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth ("ABC") to be held on Tuesday,
June 30, 1998, at 10:30 a.m., at The Holiday Inn, Routes 22 and 512, Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania.
At the Meeting, holders of all outstanding shares of Common Stock, par
value $4.00 per share, of ABC (the "ABC Common Stock") will be asked to consider
and vote upon a proposal to approve the merger (the "Merger") of ABC and
Lafayette Bank ("LB"), a subsidiary of Fulton Financial Corporation ("FFC"), in
accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement dated as of January 26, 1998,
as amended and restated as of April 14, 1998, between ABC, FFC and LB (the
"Merger Agreement"). Following the Merger, the resulting bank will operate as a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FFC under the name "Lafayette Ambassador Bank."
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each share of ABC Common Stock outstanding at
the effective date of the Merger will automatically be converted into the right
to receive 1.40 shares of FFC's Common Stock, and cash will be paid in lieu of
fractional shares. Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions,
including the approval of the Merger by various regulatory agencies and approval
of the ABC shareholders as described below.
The Board of Directors of ABC has approved and declared the Merger
advisable and recommends that the shareholders of ABC vote in favor of the
Merger Agreement.
It is very important that your shares be represented at the Meeting,
regardless of whether you plan to attend in person. The affirmative vote of
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of ABC Common Stock will be required to
approve the Merger Agreement. Consequently, your failure to vote would have the
same effect as a vote against the Merger. You are therefore urged to execute and
return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope as soon as
possible to ensure your shares will be voted at the Meeting.
Sincerely yours,
Timothy J. McDonald,
President
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99(c)
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth
4127 Tilghman Street
Allentown, PA 18104
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be Held June 30, 1998
To the Shareholders of
Ambassador Bank of the Commonwealth:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders of Ambassador
Bank of the Commonwealth ("ABC") will be held at The Holiday Inn, Routes 22 and
512, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, June 30, 1998, at 10:30 a.m. local
time, for the following purposes:
(1) To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the merger (the
"Merger") of ABC and Lafayette Bank ("LB), a subsidiary of Fulton
Financial Corporation ("FFC"), in accordance with the terms of the
Merger Agreement dated as of January 26, 1998, as amended and restated
as of April 14, 1998, between ABC, FFC and LB (a copy of which, without
exhibits or schedules, is attached to the accompanying Proxy
Statement/Prospectus as Exhibit A). In the Merger, each of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, par value $4.00 per share, of ABC
("ABC Common Stock") will automatically be converted into the right to
receive 1.40 shares of FFC's Common Stock. Following the Merger, LB, as
the resulting bank, will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFC
under the name "Lafayette Ambassador Bank." The Merger is more fully
described in the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus; and
(2) To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Special Meeting or any adjournments thereof, including, without
limitation, a motion to adjourn or postpone the Meeting to another time
and place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies in favor of
the Merger Agreement or otherwise.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on May 15, 1998,
as the record date (the "Record Date") for the Special Meeting. Only those
persons who are record holders of ABC Common Stock at such date will be entitled
to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
The attached Proxy Statement/Prospectus forms a part of this Notice and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Dissenters' rights will be available to shareholders of record as of
the Record Date who vote against the Merger and continuously hold their shares
through the effective date of the Merger and otherwise comply with the
provisions of Subchapter D of Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania Business
Corporation Law of 1988, as amended, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit D to
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE OUTSTANDING
SHARES OF ABC COMMON STOCK ENTITLED TO VOTE THEREON WILL BE REQUIRED TO ADOPT
THE MERGER AGREEMENT PROVIDING FOR THE MERGER OF ABC WITH FFC. WHETHER OR NOT
YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO
MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. GIVING THE PROXY WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN PERSON
IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING.
By order of the Board of Directors
_______________, 1998
David M. Lobach, Jr.,
Secretary
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99(d)
STATUTE RELATING TO INDEMNIFICATION
-----------------------------------
<PAGE>
Subchapter D of Chapter 17 of the Pennsylvania
Business Corporation Law of 1988
Indemnification
---------------
(S) 1741. Third-party actions
Unless otherwise restricted in its bylaws, a business corporation shall
have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action
by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact that he is or was
a representative of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a representative of another domestic or foreign corporation for
profit or not-for-profit, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the
action or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and,
with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action or proceeding by judgment,
order, settlement or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent shall not of itself create a presumption that the person did not act
in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed to be in, or not
opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and with respect to any
criminal proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was
unlawful.
(S) 1742. Derivative and corporate actions
Unless otherwise restricted in its bylaws, a business corporation shall
have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be
made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action by or in the right
of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that
he is or was a representative of the corporation or is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a representative of another domestic or foreign
corporation for profit or not-for-profit, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of the
action if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be
in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation. Indemnification
shall not be made under this section in respect of any claim, issue or matter as
to which the person has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and
only to the extent that the court of common pleas of the judicial district
embracing the county in which the registered office of the corporation is
located or the court in which the action was brought determines upon application
that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances
of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for the
expenses that the court of common pleas or other court deems proper.
(S) 1743. Mandatory indemnification
To the extent that a representative of a business corporation has been
successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action or proceeding
referred to in section 1741 (relating to third-party actions) or 1742
<PAGE>
(relating to derivative and corporate actions) or in defense of any claim, issue
or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorney
fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.
(S) 1744. Procedure for effecting indemnification
Unless ordered by a court, any indemnification under section 1741
(relating to third-party actions) or 1742 (relating to derivative and corporate
actions) shall be made by the business corporation only as authorized in the
specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the representative is
proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of
conduct set forth in those sections. The determination shall be made:
(1) by the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting
of directors who were not parties to the action or proceeding;
(2) if such a quorum is not obtainable or if obtainable and a majority
vote of a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal
counsel in a written opinion; or
(3) by the shareholders.
(S) 1745. Advancing expenses
Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in defending any action
or proceeding referred to in this subchapter may be paid by a business
corporation in advance of the final disposition of the action or proceeding upon
receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the representative to repay the
amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified
by the corporation as authorized in this subchapter or otherwise.
(S) 1746. Supplementary coverage
(a) General rule. The indemnification and advancement of expenses
provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other sections of this subchapter shall
not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which a person seeking
indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw,
agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as
to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while
holding that office. Section 1728 (relating to interested directors or officers;
quorum) and, in the case of a registered corporation, section 2538 (relating to
approval of transactions with interested shareholders) shall be applicable to
any bylaw, contract or transaction authorized by the directors under this
section. A corporation may create a fund of any nature, which may, but need not
be, under the control of a trustee, or otherwise secure or insure in any manner
its indemnification obligations, whether arising under or pursuant to this
section or otherwise.
(b) When indemnification is not to be made. Indemnification pursuant to
subsection (a) shall not be made in any case where the act or failure to act
giving rise to the claim for indemnification is determined by a court to have
constituted willful misconduct or recklessness. The articles may not provide for
indemnification in the case of willful misconduct or recklessness.
(c) Grounds. Indemnification pursuant to subsection (a) under any
bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or directors or otherwise may be granted
for any action taken and may be made whether or not the corporation would have
the power to indemnify the person under any other provision of the
<PAGE>
law except as provided in this section and whether or not the indemnified
liability arises or arose from any threatened, pending or completed action by or
in the right of the corporation. Such indemnification is declared to be
consistent with the public policy of this Commonwealth.
(S) 1747. Power to purchase insurance
Unless otherwise restricted in its bylaws, a business corporation shall
have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or
was a representative of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of
the corporation as a representative of another domestic or foreign corporation
for profit or not-for-profit, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any
such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the
corporation would have the power to indemnify him against that liability under
the provisions of this subchapter. Such insurance is declared to be consistent
with the public policy of this Commonwealth.
(S) 1748. Application to surviving or new corporation
For the purposes of this subchapter, references to "the corporation"
include all constituent corporations absorbed in a consolidation, merger or
division, as well as the surviving or new corporations surviving or resulting
therefrom, so that any person who is or was a representative of the constituent,
surviving or new corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
constituent, surviving or new corporation as a representative of another
domestic or foreign corporation for profit or not-for-profit, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the
provisions of this subchapter with respect to the surviving or new corporation
as he would if he had served the surviving or new corporation in the same
capacity.
(S) 1749. Application to employee benefit plans
For purposes of this subchapter:
(1) References to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit
plans and references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall
include any service as a representative of the business corporation that imposes
duties on, or involves services by, the representative with respect to an
employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries.
(2) Excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee
benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall be deemed "fines."
(3) Action with respect to an employee benefit plan taken or omitted in
good faith by a representative of the corporation in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan
shall be deemed to be action in a manner that is not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation.
(S) 1750. Duration and extent of coverage
The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
pursuant to, this subchapter shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or
ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a representative of the
corporation and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs and personal
representative of that person.
