SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 20, 2000
THE PEOPLES BANCTRUST COMPANY, INC.
-----------------------------------
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Alabama 0-13653 63-0896239
------- ------- ----------
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
310 Broad Street, Selma, Alabama 36701
--------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(334) 875-1000
--------------
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
Not Applicable
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
<PAGE>
Item 5. Other Events
---------------------
On December 20, 2000, the Registrant announced that it was negotiating
a definitive agreement for the combination of the Registrant and South Alabama
Bancorporation, Inc. ("South Alabama") to be structured as a merger of equals.
Under the proposed exchange, South Alabama's shareholders would own 56% and the
Registrant's shareholders would own 44% of the surviving corporation.
Further information is set forth in a press release dated December 20,
2000, attached as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by this reference.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exhibit 99.1 Press Release dated December 20, 2000.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE PEOPLES BANCTRUST COMPANY, INC.
DATE: December 21, 2000 By: /s/ Richard P. Morthland
----------------- ----------------------------------
Richard P. Morthland
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
