FIRST BANCORP /NC/
10-Q, EX-10, 2000-11-14
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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                        PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

                                 by and between

                                   FIRST BANK

                                       and

                                  BANK OF DAVIE


                                   Dated as of
                                 August 22, 2000





<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                            Page

                                    ARTICLE I

                       TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Section 1.1    Transferred Assets.............................................1
Section 1.2    Purchase Price.................................................2
Section 1.3    Deposit Liabilities............................................3
Section 1.4    Loans Transferred..............................................7
Section 1.5    Safe Deposit Box Business......................................8
Section 1.6    Employee Matters...............................................9
Section 1.7    Records and Data Processing...................................10
Section 1.8    Security and Insurance........................................11
Section 1.9    Taxes and Fees; Proration of Certain Expenses.................11
Section 1.10   Property Matters..............................................11

                                   ARTICLE II

                           CLOSING AND EFFECTIVE TIME

Section 2.1    Effective Time................................................14
Section 2.2    Closing.......................................................15
Section 2.3    Post-Closing Adjustments......................................17

                                   ARTICLE III

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

Section 3.1    Seller's Indemnification of Purchaser.........................17
Section 3.2    Purchaser's Indemnification of Seller.........................18
Section 3.3    Claims for Indemnity..........................................18
Section 3.4    Limitations on Indemnification................................18

                                   ARTICLE IV

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

Section 4.1    Corporate Organization........................................19
Section 4.2    No Violation..................................................19
Section 4.3    Corporate Authority...........................................19
Section 4.4    Enforceable Agreement.........................................19
Section 4.5    No Brokers....................................................19
Section 4.6    Personal Property.............................................19
Section 4.7    Real Property.................................................20

<PAGE>

Section 4.8    Condition of Property.........................................20
Section 4.9    Loans  20
Section 4.10   Limitation of Representations and Warranties..................20

                                    ARTICLE V

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

Section 5.1    Corporate Organization........................................21
Section 5.2    No Violation..................................................21
Section 5.3    Corporate Authority...........................................21
Section 5.4    Enforceable Agreement.........................................21
Section 5.5    No Brokers....................................................21

                                   ARTICLE VI

            OBLIGATIONS OF PARTIES PRIOR TO AND AFTER EFFECTIVE TIME

Section 6.1    Full Access...................................................21
Section 6.2    Delivery of Magnetic Media Records............................22
Section 6.3    Application for Approval to Effect Purchase of Assets and
               Assumption of Liabilities.....................................22
Section 6.4    Conduct of Business; Maintenance of Properties................22
Section 6.5    No Solicitation by Seller.....................................23
Section 6.6    Further Actions...............................................23
Section 6.7    Fees and Expenses.............................................23
Section 6.8    Breaches with Third Parties...................................23
Section 6.9    Insurance.....................................................23
Section 6.10   Public Announcements..........................................23
Section 6.11   Tax Reporting.................................................24

                                   ARTICLE VII

                      CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER'S OBLIGATIONS

Section 7.1    Representations and Warranties True...........................24
Section 7.2    Obligations Performed.........................................24
Section 7.3    No Adverse Litigation.........................................24
Section 7.4    Regulatory Approval...........................................24
Section 7.5    Absence of Certain Events or Conditions.......................24

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                       CONDITIONS TO SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS

Section 8.1    Representations and Warranties True...........................25
Section 8.2    Obligations Performed.........................................25
Section 8.3    No Adverse Litigation.........................................25
Section 8.4    Regulatory Approval...........................................25

<PAGE>

Section 8.5    Consummation of Mergers.......................................25

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                   TERMINATION

Section 9.1    Methods of Termination........................................26
Section 9.2    Procedure Upon Termination....................................26
Section 9.3    Payment of Expenses...........................................27

                                    ARTICLE X

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 10.1   Amendment and Modification....................................27
Section 10.2   Waiver or Extension...........................................27
Section 10.3   Assignment....................................................27
Section 10.4   Addresses for Notices, Etc....................................27
Section 10.5   Counterparts..................................................28
Section 10.6   Headings......................................................28
Section 10.7   Governing Law.................................................28
Section 10.8   Sole Agreement................................................28
Section 10.9   Severability..................................................28
Section 10.10  Parties in Interest...........................................29






<PAGE>

Schedules

Schedule 1.1(a)(1)   - Description of Real Property
Schedule 1.1(a)(3)   - Equipment Leases
Schedule 1.1(b)      - Excluded Assets
Schedule 1.3(b)(7)   - Certain Excluded Deposit Accounts
Schedule 1.4         - Loans
Schedule 4.7         - Real Property Matters


Exhibits

Exhibit A            - Form of Power of Attorney
Exhibit B            - Form of Bill of Sale
Exhibit C            - Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Exhibit D            - Form of Closing Statement




<PAGE>

                        PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT


               THIS PURCHASE AND  ASSUMPTION  AGREEMENT,  dated as of August 23,
2000 (this  "Agreement")  is by and between  FIRST BANK, a North  Carolina  bank
having its principal  offices in Troy,  North Carolina  ("Seller"),  and BANK OF
DAVIE, a North Carolina bank having its principal  offices in Mocksville,  Davie
County, North Carolina ("Purchaser").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

               WHEREAS, First Bancorp, the holding company of Seller has entered
into a Merger  Agreement dated December 15, 1999 (the "Merger  Agreement")  with
First Savings Bancorp, Inc. ("First Savings"),  which provides for the merger of
First   Savings  into  First  Bancorp  and  for  the  merger  of  their  banking
subsidiaries,  First  Savings Bank of Moore County  ("First  Savings  Bank") and
Seller;

               WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions  contemplated by the
Merger  Agreement,  Seller wishes to divest,  upon the terms and  conditions set
forth  herein,  substantially  all of the assets and certain  deposits and other
liabilities  of its office  located in  Carthage,  North  Carolina at 109 Monroe
Street, Carthage, Moore County, North Carolina (the "Banking Center"); and

               WHEREAS,  Purchaser  wishes to buy such  assets and  assume  such
liabilities upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

               NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  premises  and mutual
agreements hereinafter set forth, Seller and Purchaser agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I

                       TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

               Section 1.1                  Transferred Assets.
                                            ------------------

               (a) As of the  Effective  Time (as  defined in Section 2.1 below)
and upon the terms and  conditions set forth herein,  Seller will sell,  assign,
transfer,  convey and deliver to  Purchaser,  and  Purchaser  will purchase from
Seller,  all of the  following  assets  associated  with the Banking  Center and
identified in this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto, and not otherwise excluded
from sale pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.1(b) below (the "Assets"):

                             (1) the real estate and improvements thereon at the
               Banking  Center  as  described  in  Schedule  1.1(a)(1)  to  this
               Agreement  (the "Real  Property"),  together  with all rights and
               appurtenances pertaining thereto;

                             (2)  except as  provided  in  Section  1.1(b),  the
               furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements,  equipment and other
               tangible  personal  property  located  on or  affixed to the Real
               Property (collectively, the "Personal Property");

                                       1
<PAGE>


                             (3) those  certain  equipment  leases for equipment
               located at the Banking  Center listed on Schedule  1.1(a)(3) (the
               "Equipment Leases");

                             (4) all safe deposit  contracts  and leases for the
               safe  deposit  boxes  located  at the  Banking  Center  as of the
               Effective Time (the "Safe Deposit Contracts");

                             (5) all Loans as  defined  herein  and  transferred
               pursuant to Section 1.4;

                             (6) all coins and  currency  located at the Banking
               Center as of the Effective Time (the "Coins and Currency");

                             (7) all records of Seller  pertaining to the Loans,
               all  deposit  accounts,  and  any  other  customer  relationships
               transferred to Purchaser;

                             (8)  Seller's  rights  in  and  to  the  use of the
               current  telephone number of the Banking Center ((910) 947-2561);
               and

                             (9) Seller's  rights under any and all  maintenance
               contracts  and  warranties  and  any  other  contractual   rights
               pertaining to the Personal Property (the "Contracts").

               (b)  Excluded  from  the  assets,  properties  and  rights  being
transferred,  conveyed and assigned to Purchaser  under this  Agreement  are the
assets listed on Schedule 1.1(b) hereto, debit and credit card merchant services
agreements related to customers of the Banking Center, Seller's rights in and to
the name "First  Bank",  "First  Savings Bank of Moore  County,  SSB" and any of
Seller's  corporate logos,  trademarks and trade names, and signs,  paper stock,
forms and other supplies containing such name and any such logos,  trademarks or
trade names  (collectively,  the  "Excluded  Assets").  Seller  shall remove the
Excluded  Assets  from the  Banking  Center on or prior to the  Effective  Time.
Seller shall remove the Excluded  Assets at its own cost and,  apart from making
any repairs necessitated by Seller's negligence in removing the Excluded Assets,
Seller shall be under no obligation to restore the Banking Center's  premises to
their original condition, which shall be the responsibility of Purchaser.

               Section 1.2                  Purchase Price.
                                            --------------

               (a) As  consideration  for the  purchase of the  Banking  Center,
Purchaser  shall pay Seller a purchase  price equal to the sum of the  following
(the "Purchase Price"):

                             (1)  Forty  Thousand  Dollars   ($40,000)  for  the
               Personal   Property  and  One  Hundred  Eighty  Thousand  Dollars
               ($180,000) for the Real Property;

                             (2) a premium for the outstanding principal balance
               of the Deposit  Liabilities (as defined in Section 1.3(a) hereof)
               and franchise  value related to the Banking  Center equal to five
               percent (5%) of the average outstanding  principal balance of the
               Deposit   Liabilities  for  the  30  calendar  days   immediately
               preceding the Closing;  provided,  however,  that in  calculating
               such  average,  deposits  relating  to any public  funds  deposit
               accounts  opened by Seller after the date of this  Agreement  and
               all brokered deposits shall be excluded;

                                       2
<PAGE>



                             (3) the  outstanding  principal  balance,  plus any
               accrued  interest  (excluding  the  amounts  of any  unpaid  late
               charges) all as of the Effective  Time,  for the Loans as defined
               in Section 1.4 hereof; and

                             (4)    the face amount of the Coins and Currency.

               (b) In addition,  Purchaser  shall  assume,  as of the  Effective
Time, all of the duties,  obligations  and liabilities of Seller relating to the
Equipment Leases, the Safe Deposit Contracts, the Deposit Liabilities as defined
in Section  1.3  (including  all  accrued  interest  relating  thereto)  and all
assignable  operating  contracts  of the Banking  Center  (excluding  any master
contracts);  provided,  that any cash items paid by Seller and not cleared prior
to the  Effective  Time shall be the  responsibility  of Seller,  subject to the
terms of Section 1.3 below.

               (c)  Seller  shall  prepare a  balance  sheet  (the  "Pre-Closing
Balance Sheet") in accordance with Seller's  customary  practices and procedures
as of a date not earlier than thirty (30)  calendar  days prior to the Effective
Time  anticipated  by  the  parties  (the  "Pre-Closing  Balance  Sheet  Date"),
reflecting the assets to be sold and assigned  hereunder and the  liabilities to
be transferred and assumed  hereunder.  Seller agrees to pay to Purchaser at the
Closing (as defined in Section 2.1 hereof), in immediately  available funds, the
excess amount, if any, of the amount of Deposit Liabilities assumed by Purchaser
pursuant to subsection (b) above, as reflected by the Pre-Closing  Balance Sheet
over  the  Purchase  Price,  as  reflected  by the  Pre-Closing  Balance  Sheet.
Purchaser agrees to pay Seller at the Closing,  in immediately  available funds,
the excess,  if any, of the Purchase  Price,  as  reflected  by the  Pre-Closing
Balance  Sheet,  over the amount of  Deposit  Liabilities  assumed by  Purchaser
pursuant to subsection (b) above, as reflected by the Pre-Closing Balance Sheet.
Amounts paid at Closing shall be subject to subsequent  adjustment  based on the
Post-Closing Balance Sheet (as defined in Section 2.3 hereof).

               Section 1.3                  Deposit Liabilities.
                                            -------------------

               (a)  "Deposit  Liabilities,"  shall mean all of Seller's  duties,
obligations and  liabilities  relating to the deposit  accounts  assigned to the
Banking Center as of the Effective Time as reflected in the Post-Closing Balance
Sheet (including accrued but unpaid or uncredited  interest thereon),  except as
set  forth  in  Section  1.3(b)  below.  The  aggregate  amount  of the  Deposit
Liabilities shall be calculated  exclusive of the amount of any negative account
balances or any  overdrafts or cash items paid against  insufficient  funds with
respect to any  deposit  account.  Purchaser  shall make a good faith  effort to
collect any such items for Seller and remit such  amounts  collected  within one
banking day to Seller. Purchaser's good faith effort to recover on any such item
shall include collection efforts consistent with Purchaser's  procedures then in
effect for the collection of similar items,  provided,  however,  that Purchaser
shall have no  obligation  to  institute  any legal  action or  proceeding  with
respect to any such item.

               (b) Except for those  liabilities  and  obligations  specifically
assumed by Purchaser  under Section 1.2(b) above,  Purchaser is not assuming any
other liabilities or obligations of Seller. Liabilities not assumed include, but
are not limited to, the following:


                                       3
<PAGE>


                             (1)  Seller's  cashier  checks,  letters of credit,
               money orders,  interest checks and expense checks issued prior to
               the Closing,  consignments of U.S.  Government "E" and "EE" bonds
               and any and all traveler's checks;

                             (2) liabilities or obligations  with respect to any
               litigation,  suits, claims,  demands or governmental  proceedings
               arising  out of or  related  to any fact,  circumstance  or event
               occurring prior to the Closing and related to the Banking Center;

                             (3)  deposit  accounts  associated  with  lines  of
               credit  where the line of credit  is  excluded  from the Loans in
               accordance with Section 1.4(b);

                             (4)  deposit  accounts  associated  with  qualified
               retirement  plans where Seller is the trustee of such plan or the
               sponsor of a prototype plan used by such plan;

                             (5) deposit  accounts  associated  with officers or
               directors  of Seller  or First  Savings  (or any of their  parent
               corporations or subsidiaries);

                             (6) any deposits  related to public  funds  deposit
               accounts  opened  following  the date of this  Agreement  and all
               brokered deposits; and

                             (7) those  deposit  accounts  set forth on Schedule
               1.3(b)(7).

               (c)  Seller  does not  represent  or  warrant  that  any  deposit
customers  whose accounts are assumed by Purchaser will become or continue to be
customers of Purchaser after the Effective Time.

               (d)  After  the  Effective  Time,  Purchaser  agrees  to  pay  in
accordance with law and customary banking practices all properly payable checks,
drafts and withdrawal orders drawn or authorized by depositors  against accounts
being assumed that are properly presented to Purchaser by mail, over the counter
or through the check clearing system of the banking  industry,  whether drawn on
the checks, withdrawal or draft forms provided by Seller or by Purchaser, and in
all other  respects to discharge,  in the usual course of the banking  business,
the duties and  obligations  of Seller with  respect to the Deposit  Liabilities
assumed by Purchaser.

               (e) For a period  ninety (90)  calendar  days after the Effective
Time,  Seller agrees to act as  Purchaser's  collecting  bank for the receipt of
checks,  drafts or negotiable  orders of withdrawal  drawn on forms  provided by
Seller against any Deposit  Liabilities assumed by Purchaser or any Loan account
transferred to Purchaser hereunder which is accessible by check or draft. Seller
shall: (i) maintain a mechanism to receive such items on a daily basis; and (ii)
provide to  Purchaser on the banking day  following  the date of receipt of such
items a  listing  of all such  items  received  by it,  together  with the items
themselves.  Seller and  Purchaser  shall make  arrangements  to provide for the
daily settlement with immediately available funds by Purchaser of all such items
received by Seller.

               In executing its duties under this Section  1.3(e),  Seller shall
be acting only as agent for the collection of items drawn on Purchaser and shall
not be deemed to have made any  representations  or warranties to Purchaser with
respect  to  any  such  checks,  drafts  or  withdrawal  orders,  and  any  such
representations  or warranties  implied by law are hereby expressly  disclaimed.

                                       4
<PAGE>

Purchaser will be solely responsible for the timely return for any reason of any
such items that Purchaser will not pay and, unless resulting from the negligence
or bad faith of Seller, any risk of loss related to the late return of any items
received  by  Seller  on  Purchaser's  behalf  shall  be the  responsibility  of
Purchaser.

               (f) Purchaser agrees, at its cost and expense,  (i) to assign new
account  numbers  to  depositors  of  assumed  accounts,  (ii)  to  notify  such
depositors,  on or before the  Effective  Time, in a form and on a date mutually
acceptable  to Seller  and  Purchaser,  of  Purchaser's  assumption  of  Deposit
Liabilities,  and (iii) to furnish  such  depositors  with an initial  supply of
checks on the forms of Purchaser and with  instructions  to utilize  Purchaser's
checks and to destroy unused check,  draft and withdrawal order forms of Seller.
In addition,  subsequent to regulatory  approval,  but at least 30 days prior to
the anticipated Closing,  Seller will notify its affected customers by letter of
the pending  assignment of Seller's deposit accounts to Purchaser,  which notice
shall be at Seller's cost and expense and shall be in a form mutually  agreeable
to Seller and Purchaser.

               (g) In the event that,  following the Effective  Time, any check,
draft or withdrawal  order  credited by Seller prior to the Effective  Time to a
deposit  account  assumed by Purchaser is returned to Seller,  Seller may notify
Purchaser of such return and forward  such item to  Purchaser.  Purchaser  shall
make a good faith effort to collect any such items for Seller and,  with respect
to any such item collected by Purchaser,  Purchaser shall  reimburse  Seller for
the amount of that item upon the  assignment of the item by Seller to Purchaser.
Purchaser's  good  faith  effort  to  recover  on any such  item  shall  include
collection efforts consistent with Purchaser's procedures then in effect for the
collection of similar items,  provided,  however,  that Purchaser  shall have no
obligation to institute any legal action or proceeding  with respect to any such
item.

               (h) As of and  following  the  Effective  Time,  Purchaser  shall
assume and discharge Seller's duties and obligations with respect to the Deposit
Liabilities  assumed by Purchaser under this  Agreement,  all in accordance with
the terms and conditions of, and laws,  rules and regulations that apply to, the
Deposit Liabilities.

               At the  Effective  Time,  Seller  shall  provide to  Purchaser  a
written listing of each stop payment order, tax lien, levy, garnishment, pledge,
guardianship agreement, or other hold or restriction then in effect with respect
to any of the Deposit  Liabilities (the "Holds"),  and Purchaser shall honor and
comply  with the terms of all valid  Holds  described  in the  above  list.  If,
following receipt of such list,  Purchaser makes any payment in violation of any
such Hold, then it shall be solely liable for such payment and shall  indemnify,
hold  harmless,  and defend  Seller  from and  against  all  claims,  losses and
liabilities,  including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses,  arising out of
any such  payment.  In the  event  that  Purchaser  shall  make any  payment  in
violation of a Hold  initiated  prior to the Effective Time but not reflected in
the above list,  then Seller  shall be solely  liable for such payment and shall
indemnify,  hold  harmless  and defend  Purchaser  from and  against all claims,
losses,  and  liabilities,  including  reasonable  attorneys' fees and expenses,
arising out of any such payment.

               (i) As of the Effective Time,  Seller will transfer and assign to
Purchaser,  and  Purchaser  will  maintain  and  safeguard  in  accordance  with
applicable  law and sound  banking  practices,  all account  documents,  deposit
contracts,  signature  cards,  deposit  slips,  canceled items and other records
related to the Deposit  Liabilities  assumed  under this  Agreement,  subject to
Seller's right of access to such records as provided in this Agreement.

                                       5
<PAGE>


               (j) Seller will render a final  statement to each depositor of an
account  assumed under this Agreement as to transactions  occurring  through the
Effective Time and will comply with all laws,  rules and  regulations  regarding
tax  reporting of  transactions  of such accounts  through the  Effective  Time;
provided,  however,  that  Seller  shall  not be  obligated  to  render  a final
statement on any account not  ordinarily  receiving  periodic  statements in the
ordinary course of Seller's  business.  Seller will be entitled to impose normal
fees and  service  charges  on a  per-item  basis,  but  Seller  will not impose
periodic fees or blanket charges in connection with such final statements.

               (k) Three business days prior to the Closing, Seller will deliver
to Purchaser a listing of all deposit accounts being assumed by Purchaser at the
Banking  Center that are then  currently  subject to periodic  debits or credits
through the Automated  Clearing House (the "ACH"),  together with all applicable
originator  information with respect to such recurring  transactions.  As of the
Effective Time,  Purchaser,  at its expense,  will notify all ACH originators of
the transfers and  assumptions  made pursuant to the Agreement.  For a period of
ninety (90) calendar days  beginning on the Effective  Time,  Seller will accept
all ACH items related to accounts  assumed under this  Agreement that are routed
or presented to Seller.  Seller will make no charge to Purchaser  for  accepting
such  items and will  electronically  transmit  such ACH data to  Purchaser.  If
Purchaser  cannot  receive  such  electronic  transmissions,  Seller  will  make
available to Purchaser, at Seller's operations center, tapes containing such ACH
data. Items routed or presented after the ninety (90) day period may be returned
to the presenting party. Seller and Purchaser shall make arrangements to provide
for the daily settlement by Purchaser with respect to debit items, and by Seller
with respect to credit items, in each case with immediately  available funds, of
any ACH items accepted by Seller.

               (l) In the event that,  following the Effective Time, any Visa or
MasterCard sales or credit  transaction  processed for one of Seller's  merchant
customers  pursuant to Seller's Visa or MasterCard  Merchant Agreement with that
merchant is charged back to Seller, Seller will notify Purchaser of such return.
To the extent that Seller's merchant Agreement with that merchant customer would
have permitted  Seller to collect such item by charging or offsetting it against
the merchant  customer's  deposit  account with Seller had the item been charged
back to Seller prior to the Effective Time, then Seller will assign such item to
Purchaser and Purchaser  will charge or offset such item against the  merchant's
deposit  account with  Purchaser up to the amount of available  collected  funds
credited to such  account at the time such item is assigned  to  Purchaser,  and
Purchaser will pay to Seller the amount of any such items,  or portion  thereof,
so collected by  Purchaser.  Purchaser  otherwise  shall have no  obligation  or
liability  for any such  charged-back  items or any  obligation to institute any
legal action or proceeding  against a merchant customer with respect to any such
item.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  Purchaser shall have no duty to take any
action,  or to pay any  funds  to  Seller,  for any  such  item  that  has  been
improperly  returned or charged  back to Seller.  In the event that any merchant
customer disputes its responsibility or liability for any such charged back item
or the charging of such item to its deposit account,  Seller agrees to indemnify
Purchaser  and to hold it harmless  from and  against  any all  claims,  losses,
liabilities,  demands and  obligations,  including  reasonable  attorney's fees,
incurred by  Purchaser  arising out of such  charged-back  item.  Solely for the
purposes of this Section  1.3(l),  all  references  to Seller shall be deemed to
include Seller and its assignees.

                                       6
<PAGE>


               Section 1.4                  Loans Transferred.
                                            -----------------

               (a) Seller will sell,  transfer and assign to Purchaser as of the
Effective Time,  subject to the terms and conditions of this  Agreement,  all of
Seller's right,  title and interest in (including  collateral  relating thereto)
the loans listed on Schedule 1.4 hereto,  together  with all  promissory  notes,
loan  agreements,  security  agreements,  deeds of trust,  assignment  or pledge
agreements and other  documentation  pertaining  thereto and all Seller's rights
thereunder (collectively,  the "Loans");  provided, however, the Loans shall not
include any loans described in subsection (b) below.  Such Loans (as well as any
security  interest  related  thereto) shall be transferred by means of a blanket
assignment and not  individually  (except as may be otherwise  required by law).
Purchaser  shall inform Seller not less than forty-five (45) calendar days prior
to the  Effective  Time of any  case in  which  individual  assignments  will be
required by law.

               (b)  Notwithstanding  the provisions of subsection (a) above, the
Loans shall not include:

                             (1) nonaccruals  (which term shall include loans in
               which the  collateral  securing same has been  repossessed  or in
               which  collection  efforts  have been  instituted  or,  claim and
               delivery or foreclosure proceedings have been filed);

                             (2) loans  ninety (90)  calendar  days or more past
               due;

                             (3)   loans   upon   which   insurance   has   been
               force-placed;

                             (4) loans in connection with which the borrower has
               filed a petition  for relief under the United  States  Bankruptcy
               Code prior to the Effective Time; or

                             (5) loans identified by Purchaser in writing thirty
               (30)  calendar  days or more prior to the  Effective  Time as not
               being purchased  because of failure to meet the credit  standards
               of Purchaser.

               Following the execution of this  Agreement,  Purchaser shall have
an opportunity to examine,  to the extent it deems necessary,  each of the loans
at  the  Banking  Center,  together  with  all  files,  documentation  or  other
information  related  to such  loans  that  is  maintained  or  held by  Seller.
Purchaser may conduct such examination on more than one occasion,  at reasonable
intervals,  prior to the Closing,  and Seller will, upon Purchaser's  request at
reasonable  intervals,  provide a listing of new loans made by Seller since each
previous occasion of examination by Purchaser.

               (c) Seller and  Purchaser  agree that  Purchaser  will become the
beneficiary  of credit life  insurance  written on direct  consumer  installment
loans,  and coverage will continue to be the  obligation of the current  insurer
after the  Effective  Time and for the  duration of such  insurance  as provided
under the terms of the applicable  policy or  certificate.  Seller and Purchaser
agree to  cooperate in good faith to develop a mutually  satisfactory  method by
which the current insurer will make rebate payments to and satisfy claims of the
holders of such certificates of insurance after the Effective Time. The parties'
obligations  in this  Section  are  subject  to any  restrictions  contained  in
existing insurance contracts as well as applicable laws and regulations.

               (d) In connection with the transfer of any Loans requiring notice
to the  borrower,  Purchaser  and  Seller  agree to comply  with all  notice and
reporting requirements of the loan documents or of any law or regulation.

                                       7
<PAGE>


               (e) All Loans  transferred to Purchaser  shall be valued at their
outstanding  principal balance,  plus any accrued interest (excluding the amount
of any unpaid late charges), all as of the Effective Time.

               (f) Purchaser  will,  at its expense,  issue new coupon books for
payment of Loans for which Seller  provides coupon books,  with  instructions to
utilize Purchaser's coupons and to destroy coupons furnished by Seller.

               (g) For a period of ninety (90) calendar days after the Effective
Time,  Seller  will  forward to  Purchaser  loan  payments  received  by Seller.
Purchaser  shall  reimburse  Seller upon demand for checks  returned on payments
forwarded to Purchaser;  however, to the extent possible, Seller will deduct the
amount of such  returned  checks from  payments  received  and shall settle with
Purchaser by an official check.

               (h) As of the Effective  Time,  Seller shall  transfer and assign
all  files,  documents  and  records  related  to the  Loans to  Purchaser,  and
Purchaser  will  be  responsible  for  maintaining  and  safeguarding  all  such
materials in accordance with applicable law and sound banking practices.

               (i) If the  balance  due on any Loan  purchased  pursuant to this
Section  1.4 has been  reduced  by  Seller  as a result  of a  payment  by check
received prior to the Effective Time, which item is returned after the Effective
Time,  then  Seller  shall  assign  that  check to  Purchaser,  the asset  value
represented by the Loan transferred shall be correspondingly  increased,  and an
amount  in cash  equal to such  increase  shall be paid by  Purchaser  to Seller
promptly upon demand; provided,  however, that if, before Purchaser's receipt of
notice  of such  returned  check,  the  obligor  of such  Loan  shall  have paid
Purchaser in full the  outstanding  balance of such Loan showing on  Purchaser's
books and records and  Purchaser  shall have  canceled  the Loan  documents  and
returned the same to the obligor,  then  Purchaser  shall have no  obligation to
make any such payment to Seller.

               (j) Seller shall grant to Purchaser  as of the  Effective  Time a
limited power of attorney,  in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A (the "Power of Attorney").

               Section 1.5                  Safe Deposit Box Business.
                                            -------------------------

               (a) As of the Effective Time, Purchaser will assume and discharge
Seller's  obligations  with  respect to the safe  deposit  box  business  at the
Banking  Center in  accordance  with the terms and  conditions  of  contracts or
rental  agreements  related to such  business,  and Purchaser  will maintain all
facilities  necessary for the use of such safe deposit boxes by persons entitled
to use them.

               (b) As of the Effective  Time,  Seller shall  transfer and assign
the  records  related  to such safe  deposit  box  business  to  Purchaser,  and
Purchaser  shall maintain and safeguard all such records and be responsible  for
granting  access to and  protecting  the contents of safe  deposit  boxes at the
Banking Center.

               (c) Safe deposit box rental  payments (not including late payment
fees)  collected by Seller before the Effective Time shall be prorated as of the
Effective Time.

                                       8
<PAGE>


               Section 1.6                  Employee Matters.
                                            ----------------

               (a) Provided that they are eligible for employment with Purchaser
under applicable law, Purchaser shall offer employment to all employees employed
by Seller at the Banking Center as of the Effective Time (the  "Employees"),  in
their then current  functional  positions  with  remuneration  not less than the
levels  being paid  immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time and with the same
benefits as those available to Purchaser's comparable employees.  In the case of
any  Employee  who is employed  by  Purchaser,  such  person's  employment  with
Purchaser shall be on an "at-will" basis, and nothing in this Agreement shall be
deemed to constitute an employment agreement with any such person or to obligate
Purchaser to continue to employ any such person for any specific  period of time
or in any specific  position or to restrict  Purchaser's  right to terminate the
employment of any such person at any time and for any reason  satisfactory to it
(subject to Section 1.6(c) below). Except for Purchaser's pension plan (if any),
Employees  shall  receive full credit for their prior  service with Seller under
Purchaser's  benefit plans and  policies,  including its vacation and sick leave
policies. As of the Effective Time, the Employees and their dependents,  if any,
previously  covered under Seller's health insurance plans shall be covered under
Purchaser's  health  insurance  plan without being  subject to any  pre-existing
condition  limitations or exclusions except those excluded under Seller's health
insurance  plan.  However,  notwithstanding  anything  contained  herein  to the
contrary,  Seller shall be responsible for any medical,  dental,  life, or other
insurance  claim by an Employee which would have been payable under the terms of
Seller's  insurance  or other  welfare  plan  sponsored by Seller if the date of
service  on which the claim is based  occurs  on or prior to the  Closing  Date.
Purchaser  shall be responsible for any such claims which are based on a date of
service that occurs after the Closing Date and which are payable under the terms
of Purchaser's benefit plans applicable to the Employees. Employees shall not be
required to satisfy the deductible and employee payments required by Purchaser's
comprehensive medical and/or dental plans for the calendar year of the Effective
Time to the extent of amounts  previously  credited  during such  calendar  year
under comparable plans maintained by Seller. Employees shall receive full credit
for  their  prior  service  with  Seller  for  purposes  of  determining   their
participation  eligibility and vesting rights under Purchaser's employee benefit
plans.  Benefits under Purchaser's  employee benefit plans shall accrue from the
first day of service with Purchaser and shall be based on the number of years of
service with Purchaser.

               Seller shall take reasonable  steps designed to fully (100%) vest
the accrued  benefits  under the employee  benefit  plans in which the Employees
participate  at the Effective  Time ("the  Benefit  Plans") of all Employees who
have  become  participants  in such plans by that time and who  terminate  their
employment with the Seller as a result of the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement (the "Affected Participants"). Seller shall cause the Benefit Plans to
pay the Affected  Participants  their accrued benefits under such plans when and
as provided in such plans,  and for purposes of  determining  when such benefits
become payable, the Affected Participants shall be deemed to have separated from
service on the date of Closing.

               (b) Seller makes no  representations  or warranties about whether
any of the  Employees  will  remain  employed at the  Banking  Center  after the
Effective  Time.  Seller  will use  reasonable  best  efforts  to  maintain  the
Employees as employees of Seller at the Banking Center until the Effective Time.
Any Employee  whose  employment  will be terminated  for any reason prior to the

                                       9
<PAGE>

Effective  Time or who elects not to be an employee of Purchaser  shall be dealt
with by Seller in its sole and absolute discretion. Seller agrees that, prior to
the Effective  Time, it will not transfer any person  (except for Stuart Fields,
the current  branch  manager) who is an employee at the Banking Center as of the
date of this Agreement to any of its other branch offices,  and, for a period of
twelve (12) months after the Effective  Time, it will not solicit for employment
any Employee  who becomes  employed by  Purchaser  as of the  Effective  Time (a
"Transferred Employee").

               (c)  Purchaser  agrees  that for a period of twelve  (12)  months
after the Effective Time, it will not terminate a Transferred  Employee  without
cause without paying to such Transferred  Employee a severance  benefit equal to
the greater of (i) two weeks salary for each year of credited service (including
prior years of service to First Savings or any of its subsidiaries) and (ii) his
or her salary for four months.

               (d)  Prior to the  Effective  Time,  Seller  will not  grant  any
increase in the salary or wages of any of its  employees  at the Banking  Center
other than normal  increases at times and in amounts  consistent  with  Seller's
past practices and customary  salary review policies and procedures,  and except
for a one time increase to compensate for increased  health  benefit  costs,  as
described in the merger agreement between First Bank and First Savings Bank.

               (e) Seller shall permit Purchaser to provide training with regard
to Purchaser's operations, policies, and procedures before the Effective Time at
Purchaser's  sole cost and expense.  Such training may, at  Purchaser's  option,
take place at the Banking Center, but, except with Seller's prior consent, shall
take place outside of Seller's normal business hours.

               Section 1.7                  Records and Data Processing.
                                            ---------------------------

               (a) As of the Effective Time,  Purchaser shall become responsible
for maintaining the files,  documents and records referred to in this Agreement.
Purchaser  will preserve and safekeep  such  documents as required by applicable
law and sound banking  practice for the joint  benefit of Seller and  Purchaser.
After the Effective Time,  Purchaser will permit Seller and its representatives,
at  reasonable  times and upon  reasonable  notice and at Seller's  expense,  to
examine,  inspect,  copy and reproduce  any such files,  documents or records as
Seller deems reasonably necessary.

               (b) After the Effective  Time,  Seller will permit  Purchaser and
its  representatives,  for  reasonable  cause,  at  reasonable  times  and  upon
reasonable  notice and at Purchaser's  expense,  to examine,  inspect,  copy and
reproduce files,  documents or records retained by Seller,  regarding the assets
and liabilities transferred under this Agreement;  provided,  however, that upon
the occurrence  following the Effective Time of any dispute,  inquiry or request
regarding  a deposit  account or Loan  assumed by or  transferred  to  Purchaser
pursuant  to this  Agreement  and which  relates to the status of,  transactions
occurring  in, or the  servicing of, such account or Loan prior to the Effective
Time,  then, upon Purchaser's  request,  Seller will make a good faith effort to
provide  Purchaser with any and all information in its records pertinent to such
dispute,  inquiry or request,  together  with copies of  pertinent  documents or
instruments  reasonably  requested  by  Purchaser,  in order to  respond to such

                                       10
<PAGE>

dispute,  inquiry or request within a period of time and in a manner  consistent
with standard  banking  practices and customs and applicable  law.  Seller shall
provide such  information to Purchaser at no charge for the first six (6) months
after  Closing,   and  thereafter  may  impose  a  reasonable  charge  for  such
information at its standard research rates.

               (c) It is  understood  that  certain of  Seller's  documents  and
records may be available only in the form of  photocopies,  film copies or other
non-original and non-paper media.

               Section 1.8                  Security and Insurance.
                                            -----------------------
As of the Effective Time, Purchaser shall be solely responsible for the security
of and  insurance  on all persons and  property  located in or about the Banking
Center.

               Section  1.9 Taxes  and  Fees;  Proration  of  Certain  Expenses.
Purchaser  shall be responsible for the payment of all fees and taxes related to
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;  provided, that Purchaser shall
not be  responsible  for, or have any  liability  with  respect to, taxes on any
income to Seller  arising  out of this  transaction,  and Seller  agrees that it
shall pay, or  represents  that it has paid, in a timely manner any and all such
income taxes. Purchaser shall not be responsible for any income tax liability of
Seller  arising from the business or operations of the Banking Center before the
Effective  Time, and Seller shall not be responsible  for any tax liabilities of
Purchaser  arising from the business or operations  of the Banking  Center after
the Effective Time. Utility payments,  telephone  charges,  real property taxes,
personal  property taxes,  rent,  salaries,  deposit insurance  premiums,  other
ordinary  operating expenses of the Banking Center and other expenses related to
the liabilities  assumed or assets purchased hereunder shall be prorated between
the  parties  as of the  Effective  Time.  To the  extent any such item has been
prepaid by Seller for a period  extending beyond the Effective Time, there shall
be a proportionate monetary adjustment in favor of Seller.

               Section 1.10                 Property Matters.
                                            ----------------

               (a) Seller agrees to deliver to Purchaser,  as soon as reasonably
possible  after  the  execution  of this  Agreement,  copies  of all  (i)  title
information  in  possession  of Seller,  including,  but not limited  to,  title
insurance policies,  attorneys' opinions on title,  surveys,  covenants,  deeds,
notes and mortgages and easements relating to the Real Property, and (ii) copies
of reports,  surveys,  notices,  correspondence  or other  information  known to
Seller and  relating  to the  environmental  condition  of the Real  Property or
violations of laws or  regulations  relating to the  environment.  Such delivery
shall  constitute  no  warranty  by Seller as to the  accuracy  or  completeness
thereof or that Purchaser is entitled to rely thereon.

               (b)  At  its  option  and  expense,  Purchaser  may  cause  to be
conducted (i) a title  examination,  physical survey,  zoning compliance review,
and  structural  inspection of the Real Property and  improvements  thereon (the
"Property Examination") and (ii) site inspections,  historic reviews, regulatory
analyses, and Phase 1 environmental  assessments of the Real Property,  together
with such  other  studies,  testing  and  intrusive  sampling  and  analyses  as
Purchaser shall deem necessary or desirable  (collectively,  the  "Environmental
Survey");  provided,  however,  that,  without prior written  consent of Seller,
Purchaser will not conduct any ground water  monitoring or install any test well
or undertake  any  investigation  that requires a permit or license from, or the
reporting  of the  investigation  or the  results  thereof  to, a local or state

                                       11
<PAGE>

environmental  regulatory authority or the U.S. Environmental  Protection Agency
("Intrusive Testing"). Purchaser may update any such Property Examination and/or
Environmental Survey to a date immediately prior to the Closing.

               (c) If in the course of the Property Examination or Environmental
Survey  Purchaser  discovers a "Material  Defect" (as defined in Subsection  (d)
below with  respect to the Real  Property,  Purchaser  will give prompt  written
notice  thereof  to  Seller  (but in any event  prior to 5:00  p.m.  on the 60th
calendar  day  following  the date of this  Agreement)  describing  the facts or
conditions  constituting  the Material  Defect and the measures which  Purchaser
reasonably  believes are necessary to correct such Material  Defect.  Seller and
Purchaser  shall  discuss and agree upon what  measures are  necessary to remedy
such defect and  thereafter  Seller shall respond to  Purchaser's  notice before
5:00 p.m. on the 20th business day after its receipt advising  Purchaser whether
Seller elects to cure the Material Defect. Absent such a response,  Seller shall
be deemed to have  declined to cure such  Material  Defect.  If Seller elects to
cure,  then Seller  shall  proceed with such cure and shall  complete  such cure
within 45 days  thereafter or within such  additional  period as shall be agreed
upon by Seller  and  Purchaser,  provided  that  completion  of the cure of such
defect shall be a condition to Purchaser's obligation to close.

               If in the  course of any  updating  of the  Property  Examination
and/or  Environmental  Survey Purchaser discovers a Material Defect with respect
to the Real  Property,  Purchaser  will give  written  notice  thereof to Seller
within five banking days following its discovery thereof (but in any event prior
to the Closing)  describing  the facts or conditions  constituting  the Material
Defect and the measures  which  Purchaser  reasonably  believes are necessary to
correct such Material  Defect.  Seller and Purchaser  shall discuss and agree on
what  measures are  necessary to remedy such defect and Seller shall  respond to
Purchaser's  notice before 5:00 p.m. on the tenth business day after its receipt
advising  Purchaser  whether Seller elects to cure the Material  Defect.  Absent
such a response,  Seller shall be deemed to have  declined to cure such Material
Defect.  If Seller elects to cure,  then Seller shall proceed with such cure and
shall  complete such cure within 45 days  thereafter  or within such  additional
period as shall be agreed upon by Seller and Purchaser, provided that completion
of the cure of such defect shall be a condition  to  Purchaser's  obligation  to
close.  The Closing  shall be delayed for such period as shall be  necessary  to
accommodate  Seller's  ten-business  day  period  within  which  to  respond  to
Purchaser's  notice and, in the event Seller elects to cure the Material Defect,
to  accommodate  the above 45-day (or longer,  if agreed upon by  Purchaser  and
Seller)  cure period (or such  shorter  period as is required for Seller to cure
the Material Defect).

               If  Seller  elects  not to cure or is not  able  to  cure,  or if
Purchaser  and Seller are not able to agree on the steps  necessary  to cure,  a
Material  Defect  (whether  discovered  during the  initial or updated  Property
Examination or Environmental Survey), or if Seller does not consent to Intrusive
Testing  proposed to be conducted by Purchaser,  then  Purchaser  shall have the
option  exercisable  upon  written  notice to  Seller to (i) waive the  Material
Defect;  (ii) purchase the Assets (other than the Real  Property) and assume the
Deposit  Liabilities  associated  with the Banking  Center,  but lease such Real
Property "as is" without any  representation  or warranty or any  liability  for
environmental  damage,  maintenance,  taxes or insurance  for a period of twelve
(12) months, at a reasonable cost to be agreed upon by Seller and Purchaser,  in
order to allow for  relocation of the business of the Banking  Center to another
facility; or (iii) terminate this Agreement.

               (d) For purposes of this  Agreement,  a "Material  Defect"  shall
include:

                             (i) the  existence of any lien (other than the lien
               of real  property  taxes not yet due and  payable),  encumbrance,
               easement,  covenant, or other restriction,  title imperfection or
               title  irregularity,  or the  existence of any facts or condition
               that  constitutes  a  breach  of  Seller's   representations  and
               warranties  contained in Section 4.7 below, in any such case that
               Purchaser  reasonably  believes  will  affect its use of the Real

                                       12
<PAGE>

               Property  for the  purpose of the  operation  of a branch bank or
               materially  affects  the  value  or  marketability  of  the  Real
               Property;

                             (ii) the encroachment by an improvement on the Real
               Property onto other property or onto any easement, a violation of
               any setback  requirement,  the  encroachment of an improvement on
               any other property onto the Real Property,  or the existence of a
               zoning  restriction that does not permit use of the Real Property
               as a branch banking facility without  grandfathering  or variance
               and  without  site  plan  review  or  the   construction  of  any
               additional improvements;

                             (iii) the  existence  of any  structural  defect or
               state of  disrepair  in the  improvements  on the  Real  Property
               (including any equipment,  fixtures or other  components  related
               thereto) that Purchaser reasonably believes would cost as much as
               $10,000 or more to repair or correct; or

                             (iv)  the  existence  of  facts  or   circumstances
               relating to the Banking Center reflecting that:

                                            (A)   there   likely   has   been  a
                             discharge,  disposal,  release, threatened release,
                             or  emission  by  any  person  of  any   "Hazardous
                             Substance" (as defined below) on, from,  under, at,
                             or relating to the Real Property, or

                                            (B) that any  action  has been taken
                             or not taken,  or a condition  or event  likely has
                             occurred  or  exists,  with  respect  to  the  Real
                             Property   associated   with  that   Branch   which
                             constitutes   or  would   constitute   a   material
                             violation  of any  "Environmental  Law" (as defined
                             below),

                             as to which Purchaser reasonably believes, based on
                             the advice of legal  counsel or other  consultants,
                             that Purchaser  could become  responsible or liable
                             for  assessment,  removal,  remediation,   monetary
                             damages,  or  civil,   criminal  or  administrative
                             penalties  or  other   corrective   action  and  in
                             connection  with  which the  amount of  expense  or
                             liability  which  it could  incur  or for  which it
                             could  become   responsible  or  liable   following
                             consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated by
                             this  Agreement  at any time or over any  period of
                             time could equal or exceed $10,000.

               (e) For purposes of this  Agreement,  "Environmental  Laws" shall
include, without limitation:

                             (i)  all  federal,   state,   and  local  statutes,
               regulations,  ordinances, orders, decrees, and similar provisions
               having the force or effect of law (including  without  limitation
               the  Comprehensive   Environmental  Response,   Compensation  and
               Liability Act; the Superfund Amendment and  Reauthorization  Act;
               the Federal  Insecticide,  Fungicide  and  Rodenticide  Act;  the
               Hazardous Materials Transportation Act; the Resource Conservation
               and  Recovery  Act;  the Clean Water Act;  the Clean Air Act; the
               Toxic Substances  Control Act; the Oil Pollution Act; the Coastal
               Zone  Management  Act; any  "Superfund" or  "Superlien"  law; the
               North  Carolina Oil Pollution and  Hazardous  Substances  Control
               Act;  the North  Carolina  Water and Air  Resources  Act; and the
               North Carolina  Occupational Safety and Health Act, including any
               amendments thereto from time to time).


                                       13
<PAGE>


                             (ii)           all contractual agreements, and

                             (iii) all common law  concerning  public health and
               safety,  worker health and safety, and pollution or protection of
               the environment,  including  without  limitation all standards of
               conduct and bases of obligations  relating to the presence,  use,
               production,  generation,  handling,  transportation,   treatment,
               storage, disposal,  distribution,  labeling,  reporting, testing,
               processing,  discharge,  release, threatened release, control, or
               clean-up of any Hazardous Substances.

                             "Hazardous    Substance"   means   any   materials,
               substances,  wastes,  chemical substances,  or mixtures presently
               listed, defined,  designated, or classified as hazardous,  toxic,
               or dangerous,  or otherwise  regulated,  under any  Environmental
               Law, whether by type or quantity,  including  without  limitation
               pesticides,  pollutants,  contaminants,  toxic chemicals, oil, or
               other  petroleum  products or  byproducts,  asbestos or materials
               containing  (or  presumed to contain)  asbestos,  polychlorinated
               biphenyls,  urea  formaldehyde  foam insulation,  lead, radon, or
               radioactive material.


                                   ARTICLE II

                           CLOSING AND EFFECTIVE TIME

               Section 2.1 Effective Time. The purchase of assets and assumption
of  liabilities  provided  for in this  Agreement  shall occur at a closing (the
"Closing") to be held at the offices of Robinson,  Bradshaw & Hinson,  P.A., 101
North Tryon Street, Suite 1900, Charlotte,  North Carolina, at 10:00 a.m., local
time,  within  thirty-one (31) calendar days following the date of all approvals
by regulatory  agencies and after all statutory waiting periods have expired, or
at such other place, time or date on which the parties shall mutually agree. The
effective time (the "Effective Time") shall be 2:00 p.m., local time, on the day
on which the Closing occurs.

               Section 2.2                  Closing.
                                            -------

               (a) All  actions  taken and  documents  delivered  at the Closing
shall be deemed to have been taken and  executed  simultaneously,  and no action
shall be deemed taken nor any document  delivered  until all have been taken and
delivered.

               (b) At the Closing,  subject to all the terms and  conditions  of
this  Agreement,  Seller  shall  deliver to  Purchaser  or, in the case of items
(b)(5), (6), (7), (9) and (10), make reasonably available to Purchaser:

                             (1) with  respect to the Real  Property,  a limited
               warranty deed with documentary stamps affixed  transferring title
               to the Real Property to Purchaser;

                             (2) a Bill  of  Sale,  in  substantially  the  form
               attached  hereto as Exhibit B (the "Bill of Sale"),  transferring
               to Purchaser  all of Seller's  interest in the Personal  Property
               and in the Loans;

                             (3) an  Assignment  and  Assumption  Agreement,  in
               substantially   the  form  attached  hereto  as  Exhibit  C  (the
               "Assignment  and  Assumption   Agreement"),   assigning  Seller's


                                       14
<PAGE>

               interest in the Contracts, the Equipment Leases, the Safe Deposit
               Contracts, and the Deposit Liabilities;

                             (4)  consents in form  reasonably  satisfactory  to
               Purchaser  from third  persons  that are  required  to effect the
               assignments set forth in the Assignment and Assumption Agreement,
               including,  but not limited to, the lessors  under the  Equipment
               Leases (to the extent required by such leases);

                             (5)  Seller's  keys to the safe  deposit  boxes and
               Seller's  records related to the safe deposit box business at the
               Banking Center;

                             (6) Seller's records related to the Loans;

                             (7)  Seller's   records   related  to  the  deposit
               accounts assumed by Purchaser;

                             (8)  Seller's  records  related to the Safe deposit
               box business at the Banking Center.

                             (9)  immediately  available funds in the net amount
               shown as owing to Purchaser  by Seller on the Closing  Statement,
               if any;

                             (10) the Coins and Currency;

                             (11) such of the other  Assets to be  purchased  as
               shall be capable of physical delivery;

                             (12) a certificate  of a proper  officer of Seller,
               dated as of the date of Closing, certifying to the fulfillment of
               all conditions  that are the obligation of Seller and that all of
               the  representations  and  warranties of Seller set forth in this
               Agreement  remain  true and  correct  in all  respects  as of the
               Effective Time;

                             (13)  certified  copies  of  (A)  the  Articles  of
               Incorporation  and Bylaws of Seller and (B) a  resolution  of the
               Board of  Directors of Seller  approving  the sale of the Banking
               Center contemplated hereby;

                             (14)  such  certificates  and  other  documents  as
               Purchaser may  reasonably  require to evidence (i) the receipt by
               Seller of all necessary  corporate and regulatory  authorizations
               and approvals for the consummation of the  transactions  provided
               for in this  Agreement and (ii) transfer and sale to Purchaser of
               the Assets;

                             (15) a Closing Statement, substantially in the form
               attached hereto as Exhibit D (the "Closing Statement");

                             (16) an affidavit of Seller  certifying that Seller
               is not a  "foreign  person" as  defined  in the  federal  Foreign
               Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980; and

                             (17) the Power of Attorney.

                                       15
<PAGE>


               It is understood that the items listed in subsections  (b)(5) and
(9) shall be transferred after the Banking Center has closed for business on the
date of Closing and that the records listed in  subsections  (b)(5) and (6) will
be transferred as soon as possible after the Closing,  but in no event more than
five (5) business days after the Closing.

               (c) At the Closing,  subject to all the terms and  conditions  of
this Agreement, Purchaser shall deliver to Seller:

                             (1) the Assignment and Assumption Agreement;

                             (2) a  certificate  and receipt  acknowledging  the
               delivery  and receipt of  possession  of the property and records
               referred to in this Agreement;

                             (3)  immediately  available funds in the net amount
               shown as owing to Seller by Purchaser  on the Closing  Statement,
               if any;

                             (4) a certificate of a proper officer of Purchaser,
               dated as of the date of Closing, certifying to the fulfillment of
               all conditions  that are the obligation of Purchaser and that all
               of the  representations  and warranties of Purchaser set forth in
               this Agreement  remain true and correct in all respects as of the
               Effective Time;

                             (5)  certified   copies  of  (A)  the  Articles  of
               Incorporation and Bylaws of the Purchaser and (B) a resolution of
               the Board of Directors of Purchaser approving the purchase of the
               Banking Center contemplated hereby;

                             (6) such certificates and other documents as Seller
               may  reasonably  require to evidence  the receipt of Purchaser of
               all  necessary   corporate  and  regulatory   authorizations  and
               approvals for the consummation of the  transactions  provided for
               in this Agreement; and

                             (7)    the Closing Statement.

               Section 2.3                  Post-Closing Adjustments.
                                            ------------------------

               (a) Not later than fifteen (15) business days after the Effective
Time (the "Post-Closing  Balance Sheet Delivery Date"),  Seller shall deliver to
Purchaser  a  balance  sheet  dated as of the  Effective  Time and  prepared  in
accordance  with Seller's  customary  practices and  procedures  reflecting  the
assets sold and assigned and the liabilities  transferred and assumed  hereunder
(the  "Post-Closing  Balance  Sheet").  Additionally,  Seller  shall  deliver to
Purchaser a list of the Loans,  individually identified by account number, which
list shall be appended to the Bill of Sale.  Seller shall afford  Purchaser  and
its  accountants  and  attorneys the  opportunity  to review all work papers and
documentation used by Seller in preparing the Post-Closing Balance Sheet. Within
fifteen (15) business days  following the  Post-Closing  Balance Sheet  Delivery
Date (the  "Adjustment  Payment  Date"),  Seller and Purchaser shall meet at the
offices of Seller in Troy, North Carolina to effect the transfer of any funds as
may be necessary to reflect changes in such assets and  liabilities  between the
Pre-Closing  Balance Sheet,  and the Post-Closing  Balance Sheet,  together with

                                       16
<PAGE>

interest thereon computed from the Effective Time to the Adjustment Payment Date
at the applicable Federal Funds Rate (as hereinafter defined).

               (b) In the  event  that a dispute  arises  as to the  appropriate
amounts to be paid to either party on the  Adjustment  Payment Date,  each party
shall pay to the other on such  Adjustment  Payment Date all amounts  other than
those as to which a dispute  exists.  Any disputed  amounts  retained by a party
that are later  found to be due to the other  party  shall be paid to such other
party promptly upon resolution with interest thereon from the Adjustment Payment
Date to the date paid at the applicable Federal Funds Rate.

               (c) The Federal  Funds Rate shall be the mean of the high and low
rates  quoted for  Federal  Funds in the Money  Rates  Column of the Wall Street
Journal adjusted as such mean may increase or decrease during the period between
the Effective Time and the Adjustment Payment Date.


                                   ARTICLE III

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

               Section 3.1 Seller's  Indemnification of Purchaser.  Seller shall
indemnify,  hold  harmless and defend  Purchaser  from and against any breach by
Seller of any  representation  or  warranty  contained  herein  and all  claims,
losses,  liabilities,  demands and obligations,  including reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses,  arising out of any actions,  suits or proceedings  commenced
prior to the  Effective  Time  (other than  proceedings  to prevent or limit the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby) relating to operations at
the Banking Center; and, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,  Seller
shall further indemnify, hold harmless and defend Purchaser from and against all
claims,  losses,  liabilities,  demands and  obligations,  including  reasonable
attorneys'  fees  and  expenses,  and all real  estate  taxes,  intangibles  and
franchise taxes,  sales and use taxes,  social security and unemployment  taxes,
all accounts  payable and  operating  expenses  (including  salaries,  rents and
utility  charges)  incurred by Seller prior to the Effective  Time and which are
claimed or demanded  on or after the  Effective  Time,  or that arise out of any
actions,  suits or proceedings commenced on or after the Effective Time and that
relate to operations at the Banking Center prior to the Effective Time.

               Section  3.2  Purchaser's  Indemnification  of Seller.  Purchaser
shall indemnify,  hold harmless and defend Seller from and against any breach by
Purchaser of any  representation  or warranty  contained  herein and all claims,
losses,  liabilities,  demands and obligations,  including reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses,  and all real estate taxes,  intangibles and franchise taxes,
sales and use taxes,  social  security  and  unemployment  taxes,  all  accounts
payable and operating expenses (including salaries,  rents and utility charges),
that Seller may  receive,  suffer or incur in  connection  with  operations  and
transactions  occurring  after the  Effective  Time and that involve the Banking
Center,  the assets  transferred  or the  liabilities  assumed  pursuant to this
Agreement.


                                       17
<PAGE>


               Section 3.3                  Claims for Indemnity.
                                            --------------------

               (a) A  claim  for  indemnity  under  Sections  3.1 or 3.2 of this
Agreement  may be made by the  claiming  party at any time prior to twelve  (12)
months after the Effective  Time by the giving of written  notice thereof to the
other party.  Such written notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis
upon which such claim for indemnity is made. In the event that any such claim is
made within such prescribed twelve (12) month period,  the indemnity relating to
such claim shall  survive  until such claim is resolved.  Claims not made within
such  twelve (12) month  period  shall  cease,  and no  indemnity  shall be made
therefor.

               (b) In the event  that any  person or entity  not a party to this
Agreement  shall  make  any  demand  or claim  or file or  threaten  to file any
lawsuit,  which demand, claim or lawsuit may result in any liability,  damage or
loss to one  party  hereto  of the kind for  which  such  party is  entitled  to
indemnification  pursuant  to Section  3.1 or 3.2 hereof,  then,  after  written
notice is provided by the indemnified  party to the  indemnifying  party of such
demand,  claim or lawsuit,  the indemnifying party shall have the option, at its
cost and expense, to retain counsel for the indemnified party to defend any such
demand, claim or lawsuit. In the event that the indemnifying party shall fail to
respond  within five (5) calendar  days after receipt of such notice of any such
demand,  claim or lawsuit,  then the indemnified  party shall retain counsel and
conduct the defense of such demand, claim or lawsuit as it may in its discretion
deem proper, at the cost and expense of the indemnifying party. In effecting the
settlement of any such demand,  claim or lawsuit, an indemnified party shall act
in good faith,  shall consult with the  indemnifying  party and shall enter into
only such settlement as the indemnifying  party shall approve (the  indemnifying
party's  approval  will not be  unreasonably  withheld and will be implied if it
does not respond  within ten (10)  calendar days of its receipt of the notice of
such settlement offer).

               Section  3.4  Limitations  on  Indemnification.   Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Article III, no indemnification shall
be required to be made by either  party until the  aggregate  amount of all such
claims by a party exceeds  $15,000.  Once such aggregate amount exceeds $15,000,
such party shall  thereupon  be entitled to  indemnification  for all amounts in
excess of such $15,000. IN ADDITION, THE PARTIES SHALL HAVE NO OBLIGATIONS UNDER
THIS ARTICLE III FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL LIABILITY, DAMAGE OR LOSS THE INDEMNIFIED
PARTY MAY SUFFER AS THE RESULT OF ANY DEMAND, CLAIM OR LAWSUIT.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

               In addition  to Seller's  other  representations  and  warranties
contained elsewhere in this Agreement,  Seller hereby represents and warrants to
Purchaser as follows,  which  representations  and warranties  shall survive the
Effective Time for a period of twelve (12) months:

               Section  4.1  Corporate  Organization.  Seller  is  a  bank  duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
North  Carolina.  Seller  has  the  corporate  power  and  authority  to own its

                                       18
<PAGE>

properties,  to carry on its business as currently  conducted  and to effect the
transactions contemplated herein.

               Section 4.2 No Violation. The Banking Center has been operated in
all material respects in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Neither the execution and delivery of this  Agreement,  nor the  consummation of
the transactions contemplated herein, will violate or conflict with (a) Seller's
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws;  (b) any material provision of any material
agreement  or any other  material  restriction  of any kind to which Seller is a
party or by which  Seller is  bound;  (c) any  material  statute,  law,  decree,
regulation or order of any governmental authority; or (d) any material provision
that will result in a default under, or which will cause the acceleration of the
maturity of, any material obligation or loan to which Seller is a party.

               Section 4.3  Corporate  Authority.  The execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have
been duly  authorized  by  Seller's  Board of  Directors.  No further  corporate
authorization   is  necessary   for  Seller  to  consummate   the   transactions
contemplated hereunder.

               Section 4.4                  Enforceable Agreement.
                                            ---------------------

This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Seller and is
the legal, valid and binding agreement of Seller, enforceable in accordance with
its terms.

               Section  4.5  No  Brokers.  All  negotiations  relative  to  this
Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  have been  carried on by
Seller and Purchaser, and there has been no participation or intervention by any
other person, firm or corporation  employed or engaged by or on behalf of Seller
in such a manner as to give rise to any valid claim against  Seller or Purchaser
for a brokerage commission, finder's fee or like commission.

               Section 4.6 Personal  Property.  Seller owns,  and will convey to
Purchaser at the Closing,  all of Seller's  right,  title and interest to all of
the  Personal  Property  and the Loans free and clear of any claims,  mortgages,
liens,  security  interests,  pledges or encumbrances of any kind, except as may
otherwise be set forth in this Agreement.

               Section   4.7  Real   Property.   Seller   makes  the   following
representations regarding the Real Property; provided, however, that Purchaser's
sole remedy for a breach of the  representations  and warranties in this Section
4.7 shall be as  provided  in  Section  1.10(c),  and such  representations  and
warranties shall not survive the Closing:

               (a) except as set forth in Schedule 4.7,  Seller has no knowledge
of any condemnation proceedings pending against the Real Property;


               (b) except as set forth in Schedule  4.7,  Seller has not entered
into any  agreement  regarding the Real  Property,  and the Real Property is not
subject to any claim, demand, suit, lien,  proceeding or litigation of any kind,
pending or outstanding,  or to the knowledge of Seller,  threatened or likely to
be made or  instituted,  that would in any way be binding upon  Purchaser or its
successors  or  assigns  or  materially  affect  or  limit  Purchaser's  or  its
successors'  or assigns' use and  enjoyment  of the Real  Property or that would

                                       19
<PAGE>


materially  limit or  restrict  Purchaser's  right or ability to enter into this
Agreement and consummate the sale and purchase contemplated hereby; and

               (c) Seller has or will have at Closing  good and  marketable  fee
simple title to the Real  Property  and, at Closing,  will own the Real Property
outright subject to no mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, lease, charge,
encumbrance or conditional  sales or other title retention  agreement except for
real property  taxes not yet due and payable,  and  easements and  rights-of-way
that do not materially  interfere with the use of the Real Property as a Banking
Center.

               (d) No  improvement  on the Real Property  encroaches  onto other
property  or onto any  easement  or violates  any  setback  requirement,  and no
improvement on any other property  encroaches  onto the Real Property.  The Real
Property is zoned so as to permit its use as a branch banking  facility  without
site plan review or the construction of any additional improvements.

               Section 4.8 Condition of Property. Subject to Section 1.10 above,
the Real  Property  and the  Personal  Property  to be  purchased  by  Purchaser
hereunder  are sold AS IS,  WHERE  IS,  with no  warranties  or  representations
whatsoever,  except  as  may be  expressly  represented  or  warranted  in  this
Agreement.

               Section 4.9 Loans. With respect to each Loan sold and transferred
to Purchaser at the Effective Time,  Seller represents and warrants to Purchaser
that (i) such Loan is a valid loan that  complies in all material  respects with
applicable  laws and  regulations,  (ii) the  balance  of  principal  and unpaid
interest of such Loan as shown on Seller's books and records as of the Effective
Time is true and correct as of such date, (iii) each signature on documents held
by Seller in connection  with such Loan are genuine;  (iv) if such Loan purports
to be  secured,  Seller  has a valid  and  enforceable  lien  on the  collateral
described in the documents relating to such Loan, and such lien has the priority
described in Seller's  loan files  relating to such Loan,  and (v) Seller has no
knowledge that such Loan is subject to any defense,  dispute or  counterclaim on
the part of any obligor.

               Section 4.10 Limitation of Representations and Warranties. Except
as may be expressly represented or warranted in this Agreement by Seller, Seller
makes no representations or warranties whatsoever with regard to any asset being
transferred  to  Purchaser  or any  liability  or  obligation  being  assumed by
Purchaser or as to any other matter or thing.


                                    ARTICLE V

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

               Purchaser  hereby  represents  and warrants to Seller as follows,
which  representations  and  warranties  shall survive the Effective  Time for a
period of twelve (12) months:

               Section 5.1 Corporate  Organization.  Purchaser is a savings bank
duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
State of North Carolina.  Purchaser has the corporate power and authority to own

                                       20
<PAGE>

the properties being acquired,  to assume the liabilities  being transferred and
to effect the transactions contemplated herein.

               Section 5.2 No  Violation.  Neither the execution and delivery of
this Agreement,  nor the consummation of the transactions  contemplated  herein,
will  violate or conflict  with (a) the Articles of  Incorporation  or Bylaws of
Purchaser,  any  material  provision  of any  material  agreement  or any  other
material  restriction  of any  kind to  which  Purchaser  is a party or by which
Purchaser is bound; (b) any material statute,  law, decree,  regulation or order
of any governmental authority; or (c) any material provision that will result in
a default  under,  or cause the  acceleration  of the  maturity of, any material
obligation or loan to which Purchaser is a party.

               Section 5.3  Corporate  Authority.  The execution and delivery of
this Agreement,  and the consummation of the transactions  contemplated  herein,
have been duly  authorized  by the Board of Directors of  Purchaser.  No further
corporate  authorization on the part of Purchaser is necessary to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereunder.

               Section 5.4 Enforceable  Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly
authorized,  executed and  delivered by  Purchaser  and is the legal,  valid and
binding agreement of Purchaser enforceable in accordance with its terms.

               Section  5.5  No  Brokers.  All  negotiations  relative  to  this
Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  have been  carried on by
Seller and Purchaser, and there has been no participation or intervention by any
other  person,  firm or  corporation  employed  or  engaged  by or on  behalf of
Purchaser in such a manner as to give rise to any valid claim against  Seller or
Purchaser for a brokerage commission, finder's fee or like commission.


                                   ARTICLE VI

            OBLIGATIONS OF PARTIES PRIOR TO AND AFTER EFFECTIVE TIME

               Section 6.1 Full Access.  Seller shall afford to the officers and
authorized  representatives  of  Purchaser,  upon prior  notice  and  subject to
Seller's  normal  security  requirements,  access to the  properties,  books and
records  pertaining to the Banking  Center in order that Purchaser may have full
opportunity to make  reasonable  investigations,  at reasonable  times,  without
interfering with the normal business and operations of the Banking Center or the
affairs of Seller.  The  officers of Seller  shall  furnish  Purchaser  with one
standard  set  of  such  additional  financial  and  operating  data  and  other
information  as to its business and properties at the Banking  Center,  or where
otherwise located,  as Purchaser may, from time to time,  reasonably request and
as shall be available,  including, without limitation,  information required for
inclusion in all governmental applications necessary to effect this transaction.
Any  additional  copies of such  information  shall be produced  and provided at
Purchaser's expense.  Nothing in this Section 6.1 shall require Seller to breach
any  obligation of  confidentiality  or to reveal any  proprietary  information,
trade  secrets or  marketing  or  strategic  plans.  Records,  including  credit
information,  relating  to the  Loans  will  be made  available  for  review  by

                                       21
<PAGE>

Purchaser  following the  execution of this  Agreement.  It is  understood  that
certain of Seller's  records may be available  only in the form of  photocopies,
film copies or other non-original and non-paper media.

               Section 6.2  Delivery of Magnetic  Media  Records.  Seller  shall
prepare  at its  expense  and make  available  to  Purchaser  at  Seller's  data
processing  center,  magnetic  media records in Seller's  field format not later
than sixty (60) calendar days after the execution of this  Agreement and further
shall make available to Purchaser  such records  updated as of the Closing Date,
which records shall contain the  information  related to the items  described in
Sections  2.2(b)(6)  and  (b)(7)  above.  Such  updated  records  shall  be made
available at such time after Closing as agreed to by the parties. At its option,
Seller may  provide  such  reports in paper  format  instead of  magnetic  media
format.

               Section 6.3 Application for Approval to Effect Purchase of Assets
and  Assumption of  Liabilities.  Within thirty (30) calendar days following the
execution  of this  Agreement,  Purchaser  shall  prepare and file  applications
required by law with the  appropriate  regulatory  authorities  for  approval to
purchase and assume the aforesaid assets and liabilities,  to establish a branch
office at the location of the Banking Center and to effect in all other respects
the  transactions   contemplated  herein.   Purchaser  agrees  to  process  such
applications  in a diligent manner and on a priority basis and to provide Seller
promptly with a copy of such  applications as filed (except for any confidential
portions thereof) and all material notices, orders, opinions, correspondence and
other documents with respect thereto,  and to use its best efforts to obtain all
necessary regulatory approvals. On the date hereof, Purchaser knows of no reason
why such  applications  should not receive all such  approvals.  Purchaser shall
promptly  notify  Seller upon  receipt by  Purchaser  of  notification  that any
application  provided for hereunder  has been denied.  Seller shall provide such
assistance  and  information  to Purchaser as shall be reasonably  necessary for
Purchaser  to  comply  with  the  requirements  of  the  applicable   regulatory
authorities.

               Section 6.4       Conduct of Business; Maintenance of Properties.
                                 ----------------------------------------------

From the date hereof until the Effective Time, Seller covenants that it will:


               (a) carry on the business of the Banking Center  substantially in
the same manner as on the date hereof,  use all  reasonable  efforts to preserve
intact its current business organization and preserve its business relationships
with depositors,  customers and others having business relationships with it and
whose accounts will be retained at the Banking Center;  provided,  however, that
Seller  need  not,  in  its  sole  discretion,   advertise  or  promote  new  or
substantially  new customer services in the principal market area of the Banking
Center;

               (b) provide  reasonable  cooperation with and assist Purchaser in
assuring  the  orderly  transition  of the  business  of the  Banking  Center to
Purchaser from the Seller; and

               (c) maintain the Real  Property and the Personal  Property in its
current condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

               Section 6.5 No Solicitation by Seller. Following the date of this
Agreement and through the Effective Time,  Seller shall not transfer the deposit
account or loan of any  customer of the Banking  Center  (with the  exception of
those deposit  accounts  described in


                                       22
<PAGE>


Section  1.3(b)(3),  (4),  (5), (6) and (7) above,  or those loans  described in
Section 1.4(b) above,  which will not be assumed by or transferred to Purchaser)
to any of its other banking offices,  or solicit any deposit or loan customer of
the Banking Center to transfer his or its deposit  account or loan. For a period
of twelve (12) months after the  Effective  Time,  Seller will not  specifically
target and solicit  customers of the Banking Center;  provided,  however,  these
restrictions  shall not restrict  general mass  mailings,  telemarketing  calls,
statement stuffers and other similar communications  directed to all the current
customers of Seller or Seller's affiliates, or to the public or newspaper, radio
or television  advertisements  of a general  nature or otherwise  prevent Seller
from  taking  such  actions as may be  required  to comply  with any  applicable
federal or state laws,  rules or regulations.  In addition,  these  restrictions
shall  not  restrict  the  ability  of  Seller  to  install,  operate  and serve
customers' needs through automated teller machines at any location.

               Section 6.6 Further Actions. The parties hereto shall execute and
deliver  such  instruments  and take such other  actions as the other  party may
reasonably require in order to carry out the intent of this Agreement.

               Section 6.7 Fees and Expenses. Purchaser shall be responsible for
the  costs  of all  title  examinations,  title  insurance  fees,  surveys,  its
attorneys'  and  accountants'  fees and  expenses,  recording  costs,  and other
expenses related to this  transaction.  Seller shall be responsible for transfer
fees and documentary stamps related to its sale of the Real Property and for its
attorneys' and accountants' fees and expenses related to this transaction.

               Section 6.8 Breaches with Third Parties. If the assignment of any
material claim, contract,  license, lease,  commitment,  sales order or purchase
order (or any material claim or right or any benefit arising thereunder) without
the consent of a third party would  constitute  a breach  thereof or  materially
affect the rights of Purchaser or Seller  thereunder,  then such  assignment  is
hereby made subject to such consent or approval being obtained.

               Section 6.9  Insurance.  As of the  Effective  Time,  Seller will
discontinue  its insurance  coverage  maintained in connection  with the Banking
Center and the activities conducted thereon.  Purchaser shall be responsible for
all insurance  protection for the Banking  Center's  premises and the activities
conducted thereon immediately following the Effective Time. Pending the Closing,
risk of loss shall be the responsibility of Seller.

               Section 6.10 Public  Announcements.  Seller and  Purchaser  agree
that, from the date hereof, neither shall make any public announcement or public
comment regarding this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein without
first  consulting with the other party hereto and reaching an agreement upon the
substance  and  timing of such  announcement  or  comment.  Further,  Seller and
Purchaser acknowledge the sensitivity of this transaction to the Employees,  and
no  announcements  or  communications  with the public or the Employees shall be
made without the prior approval of Seller.

               Section  6.11 Tax  Reporting.  Seller  shall  comply with all tax
reporting  obligations with respect to the transferred assets and liabilities on
or before the Effective  Time, and Purchaser shall comply with all tax reporting
obligations  with respect to the transferred  assets and  liabilities  after the
Effective Time.


                                       23
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE VII

                      CONDITIONS TO PURCHASER'S OBLIGATIONS

               The   obligation  of  Purchaser  to  complete  the   transactions
contemplated in this Agreement are conditioned  upon  fulfillment,  on or before
the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

               Section   7.1    Representations   and   Warranties   True.   The
representations and warranties made by Seller in this Agreement shall be true in
all  material  respects  on  and  as  of  the  Effective  Time  as  though  such
representations  and warranties were made at and as of such time, except for any
changes permitted by the terms hereof or consented to by Purchaser.

               Section 7.2  Obligations  Performed.  Seller shall (a) deliver or
make available to Purchaser those items required by Section 2.2 hereof,  and (b)
perform and comply in all material  respects with all obligations and agreements
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or on
the Effective Time.

               Section 7.3 No Adverse  Litigation.  As of the Effective Time, no
action,  suit or proceeding shall be pending or threatened  against Purchaser or
Seller that is reasonably  likely to (a)  materially  and  adversely  affect the
business,  properties  and assets of the Banking  Center,  or (b) materially and
adversely affect the transactions contemplated herein.

               Section 7.4 Regulatory  Approval.  Purchaser  shall have received
all  necessary  regulatory  approvals  of  the  transactions  provided  in  this
Agreement,  no  such  approval  shall  include  any  condition  which  Purchaser
reasonably considers to be materially  disadvantageous or burdensome, all notice
and waiting periods required by law to pass shall have passed,  no proceeding to
enjoin,  restrain,  prohibit or  invalidate  such  transactions  shall have been
instituted or threatened,  and any  conditions of any regulatory  approval shall
have been met.

               Section 7.5             Absence of Certain Events or Conditions.
                                       ---------------------------------------

               (a) There shall not have occurred any material  adverse change in
the business of the Banking Center, and no circumstances shall exist which, with
the  passage  of time or  otherwise,  likely  will  result in any such  material
adverse change.

               (b)  There  shall  not have  been any  significant  damage  to or
destruction  of the  improvements  located on the Real  Estate  which (i) is not
covered by property insurance in an amount necessary to fully repair such damage
or  destruction  and the  proceeds of which have been either used to repair such
damage  or  destruction  or  assigned  to  Purchaser  or (ii)  would  materially
interfere with its use as a bank branch.

               (c) No action or conduct which, if taken or engaged in by Seller,
would  constitute  or  result in a  material  breach or  violation  of  Seller's
obligations,  representations or warranties under this Agreement shall have been
taken or engaged in by First Savings Bank prior to its merger into Seller.

                                       24
<PAGE>

               (d) In the event that Seller has agreed to cure a Material Defect
as  provided  in  Section  1.10  above,  such  Material  Defect  shall have been
corrected in the manner agreed upon by Purchaser and Seller.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                       CONDITIONS TO SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS

               The   obligation   of  Seller  to   complete   the   transactions
contemplated in this Agreement are conditioned  upon  fulfillment,  on or before
the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

               Section   8.1    Representations   and   Warranties   True.   The
representations and warranties made by Purchaser in this Agreement shall be true
in all  material  respects  at  and as of the  Effective  Time  as  though  such
representations  and warranties were made at and as of such time, except for any
changes permitted by the terms hereof or consented to by Seller.

               Section 8.2 Obligations Performed. Purchaser shall (a) deliver to
Seller those items required by Section 2.2 hereof, and (b) perform and comply in
all material  respects  with all  obligations  and  agreements  required by this
Agreement to be performed  or complied  with by it prior to or on the  Effective
Time.

               Section 8.3 No Adverse  Litigation.  As of the Effective Time, no
action,  suit or proceeding shall be pending or threatened  against Purchaser or
Seller that might materially and adversely affect the transactions  contemplated
hereunder.

               Section 8.4 Regulatory  Approval.  Purchaser  shall have received
from  the  appropriate  regulatory  authorities  approval  of  the  transactions
contemplated herein,  waiting periods required by law to pass shall have passed,
no proceeding to enjoin,  restrain,  prohibit or  invalidate  such  transactions
shall have been  instituted or threatened,  and any conditions of any regulatory
approval  shall have been met,  and such  approvals  shall not have  imposed any
condition that is materially disadvantageous or burdensome to Seller.

               Section 8.5  Consummation  of Mergers..  Seller,  First  Bancorp,
First  Savings and First  Savings  Bank shall have  completed  the  transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement,  specifically, the merger of First Savings
into First Bancorp and the merger of First  Savings Bank into Seller,  such that
Seller shall own the Banking Center.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                   TERMINATION

               Section  9.1  Methods  of  Termination.  This  Agreement  may  be
terminated in any of the following ways:

                                       25
<PAGE>

               (a) by either Purchaser or Seller, in writing,  five (5) calendar
days in advance of such termination, if the Closing has not occurred by February
28, 2001;

               (b) at any time on or prior to the  Effective  Time by the mutual
consent in writing of Purchaser and Seller;

               (c) by  Purchaser,  in writing,  if the  conditions  set forth in
Article  VII of this  Agreement  shall  not have been met by Seller or waived in
writing by Purchaser within  thirty-one (31) business days following the date of
all approvals by regulatory  agencies and after all  statutory  waiting  periods
have expired;

               (d) by Seller, in writing, if the conditions set forth in Article
VIII of this Agreement shall not have been met by Purchaser or waived in writing
by  Seller  within  thirty-one  (31)  business  days  following  the date of all
approvals by regulatory  agencies and after all statutory  waiting  periods have
expired;

               (e) any time prior to the Effective Time, by Purchaser or Seller,
in writing,  if the other party shall have been in breach of any  representation
and warranty in any material respect (as if such representation and warranty had
been made on and as of the date  hereof  and on the date of the notice of breach
referred to below),  or in breach of any  covenant,  undertaking  or  obligation
contained  herein,  and such  breach has not been cured by the earlier of thirty
(30)  calendar  days after the giving of notice to the  breaching  party of such
breach or the date specified in (c) and (d) above; provided, however, that there
shall be no cure period in connection with any breach of Section 6.3 hereof,  so
long as such  breach by  Purchaser  was not caused by any action or  inaction of
Seller,  and Seller may  terminate  this  Agreement  immediately  if  regulatory
applications  are not filed within  thirty (30)  calendar days after the date of
this Agreement as provided in that Section;

               (f) by Seller  or  Purchaser  in  writing  at any time  after any
applicable  regulatory  authority  has denied  approval  of any  application  of
Purchaser for approval of the transactions contemplated herein; or

               (g)    in accordance with Section 1.10 hereof.

               Section  9.2  Procedure  Upon   Termination.   In  the  event  of
termination  pursuant  to Section  9.1 hereof,  and except as  otherwise  stated
therein,  written  notice  thereof  shall be given to the other party,  and this
Agreement  shall  terminate  immediately  upon receipt of such notice  unless an
extension is consented to by the party having the right to terminate.

               If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein,

               (a) each party will return all  documents,  work papers and other
materials  of the  other  party,  including  photocopies  or other  duplications
thereof,  relating to this  transaction,  whether  obtained  before or after the
execution hereof, to the party furnishing the same; and

               (b) all information  received by either party hereto with respect
to the business of the other party (other than information  which is a matter of
public  knowledge or which has heretofore  been published in any publication for

                                       26
<PAGE>

public  distribution  or  filed as  public  information  with  any  governmental
authority)  shall not at any time be used for any business purpose by such party
or disclosed by such party to third persons.

               Section  9.3  Payment  of  Expenses.   Should  the   transactions
contemplated  herein  not be  consummated  because  of a party's  breach of this
Agreement,  in addition to such damages as may be  recoverable in law or equity,
the other  party  shall be entitled  to recover  from the  breaching  party upon
demand, itemization and documentation, its reasonable outside legal, accounting,
consulting and other out-of-pocket expenses.


                                    ARTICLE X

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

               Section 10.1 Amendment and  Modification.  The parties hereto, by
mutual  consent  of their  duly  authorized  officers,  may  amend,  modify  and
supplement  this  Agreement  in such  manner  as may be  agreed  upon by them in
writing.

               Section 10.2 Waiver or Extension. Except with respect to required
approvals of  applicable  governmental  authorities,  either  party,  by written
instrument  signed by a duly  authorized  officer,  may  extend the time for the
performance  of any of the  obligations or other acts of the other party and may
waive (a) any  inaccuracies  in the  representations  and  warranties  contained
herein or in any document  delivered  pursuant hereto or (b) compliance with any
of the undertakings, obligations, covenants or other acts contained herein.

               Section 10.3 Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions
hereof  shall be binding  upon,  and shall  inure to the benefit of, the parties
hereto and their  permitted  assigns,  but neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights,  interests or obligations  hereunder  shall be assigned by either of the
parties hereto without the prior written consent of the other.

               Section 10.4 Addresses for Notices,  Etc. All notices,  requests,
demands,  consents and other communications provided for hereunder and under the
related  documents  shall be effective  upon receipt and shall be in writing and
mailed (by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested), telegraphed,
telexed,  telecopied or personally delivered (with receipt thereof acknowledged)
to the applicable party at the address indicated below:

                If to Seller:                First Bank
                                             341 North Main Street
                                             P.O. Box 508
                                             Troy, North Carolina  27371
                                             Attention:  James H. Garner
                                             Facsimile:  (910) 576-0662

                with a copy to:              Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.
                                             101 North Tryon Street, Suite 1900
                                             Charlotte, North Carolina  28246
                                             Attention:  Henry H. Ralston
                                             Facsimile:  (704) 378-4000

                                       27
<PAGE>


                if to Purchaser:             Bank of Davie
                                             352 Highway 801 South
                                             Advance, North Carolina  27006
                                             Attention:  Robert E. Marziano
                                             Facsimile:  (336) 998-1004

                with a copy to:              Ward and Smith, P.A.
                                             1001 College Court
                                             New Bern, North Carolina  28562
                                             Attention:  William R. Lathan
                                             Facsimile:  (252) 672-5477

or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party
in a written  notice to the other party  complying as to delivery with the terms
of this Section.

               Section  10.5  Counterparts.   This  Agreement  may  be  executed
simultaneously  in two or more  counterparts,  each of which  shall be deemed an
original,  but  all  of  which  together  shall  constitute  one  and  the  same
instrument.

               Section 10.6 Headings.  The headings of the Sections and Articles
of this Agreement are inserted for  convenience  only and shall not constitute a
part thereof.

               Section 10.7 Governing Law. This Agreement  shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of North Carolina.

               Section 10.8 Sole Agreement.  This Agreement and the Exhibits and
Schedules  hereto  represent  the sole  agreement  between  the  parties  hereto
respecting the transactions contemplated hereby and all prior or contemporaneous
written or oral proposals, agreements in principle, representations,  warranties
and  understandings  between  the  parties  with  respect  to such  matters  are
superseded hereby and merged herein.

               Section 10.9 Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is
invalid or unenforceable, the balance of this Agreement shall remain in effect.

               Section  10.10  Parties in Interest.  Nothing in this  Agreement,
express or implied, expressly including,  without limiting the generality of the
foregoing in any way, the provisions of Section  1.6(a)  hereof,  is intended or
shall be construed to confer upon or give to any person  (other than the parties
hereto,  their successors and permitted assigns) any rights or remedies under or
by reason of this Agreement,  or any term,  provision,  condition,  undertaking,
warranty, representation, indemnity, covenant or agreement contained herein.



                         [Signatures on following page]




                                       28
<PAGE>



               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement
to be duly  executed  by their  duly  authorized  officers  as of the date first
written above.


ATTEST:                                        FIRST BANK


By:       /s/ Delores George               By:        /s/ James H. Garner
          -------------------                         --------------------
Name:     Delores George                   Name:      James H. Garner
Title:    VP Asst. Secretary               Title:     Pres. CEO


                                               BANK OF DAVIE


By:       /s/ Brenda B. Smith              By:        /s/ Robert E. Marziano
          --------------------                        ----------------------
Name:     Brenda B. Smith                  Name:      Robert E. Marziano
Title:    Secretary                        Title:     President and CEO



<
                                       29
<PAGE>



                               SCHEDULE 1.1(a)(1)


All that  certain  tract or  parcel  of land  situate  in the Town of  Carthage,
Carthage Township,  Moore County, North Carolina, and beginning at a stake where
the western edge of McNeill Street  intersects  with the northern edge of Monroe
Street in the Town of Carthage, and running thence from said beginning corner as
the northern edge of Monroe Street.  North 51(degree) 00' West 92.00 feet to the
corner of a brick wall (C. T.  Sinclair's  building);  thence as Sinclair's line
and  beyond,  North  39(degree)  10' East 104.10 feet to an iron pin beside a 4"
iron pipe;  thence  South  51(degree)  00' East 92.06 feet to an iron pin in the
western edge of McNeill Street;  thence with the western edge of McNeill Street,
South  39(degree) 12' West 104.10 feet to the point of beginning,  and being the
same and  identical  property  described as the First Tract in Deed dated August
12, 1983, from Sherwood F. Lapping,  Trustee,  to The Carolina Bank, recorded in
the Moore County, North Carolina, Registry, Deed Book 505, page 430.

The above  description  taken  from  survey  made by C. H. Blue and  Associates,
Southern Pines,  North Carolina,  and shown on plat entitled,  "Survey for First
Federal Savings & Loan of Moore County,  N. C.,  Carthage,  Moore County,  North
Carolina", dated June 19, 1984.



<PAGE>

                                      A-2

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


               THIS  POWER  OF   ATTORNEY   is  dated  this  the  _____  day  of
_____________,  2000, by FIRST BANK, a North Carolina bank ("First Bank"), to be
effective as of 2:00 p.m. on ______________, 2000.

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

               WHEREAS,  First Bank and Bank of Davie ("Purchaser") have entered
into a Purchase and Assumption  Agreement dated as of ______________,  2000 (the
"Agreement"),  which provides for the sale by First Bank to Purchaser of certain
Assets (as defined in the Bill of Sale); and

               WHEREAS,  in a Bill of Sale to  Purchaser  dated  ______________,
2000 (the "Bill of  Sale"),  First Bank has  agreed,  from time to time,  at the
request of Purchaser,  to execute,  acknowledge and deliver to Purchaser any and
all instruments,  documents, endorsements,  assignments,  information, materials
and other  papers that may be  reasonably  required to (i) transfer to Purchaser
certain Assets being acquired by Purchaser pursuant to the Agreement,  including
loans and the collateral therefor to the extent of First Bank's interest in such
collateral and files and records  relating to such loans,  (ii) enable Purchaser
to bill, collect, service and administer the loans transferred thereby and (iii)
give full force and effect to the intent and purpose of the Bill of Sale.

               NOW, THEREFORE,  for good and valuable consideration,  receipt of
which is  hereby  acknowledged,  First  Bank  hereby  irrevocably  appoints  and
authorizes  the  President  or  any  Vice  President,  or the  Secretary  or any
Assistant Secretary, of Purchaser as its attorney-in-fact solely for the purpose
of endorsing and recording,  pursuant to the Bill of Sale, certificates of title
for  vehicles  and  similar  documents,  provided  such power of attorney is not
intended to and does not convey to Purchaser  any right to endorse or record any
documents of title  relating to  collateral  other than  collateral  transferred
pursuant to the Bill of Sale as described in the preceding paragraph.

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  First Bank has caused this Power of Attorney
to be duly executed by its duly authorized  officer as of the day and year first
above written.


                               FIRST BANK


                               By:            ______________________________

                               Name:          _________________________

                               Title:         _________________________


                                      A-1

<PAGE>


STATE OF ____________________  )
                               )                PROBATE
COUNTY OF __________________   )


               PERSONALLY  APPEARED before me the  undersigned  witness and made
oath that s/he saw the within named FIRST BANK, by  ______________________,  its
______________,  sign,  and as its act and  deed  deliver  the  within  Power of
Attorney and that s/he with the other  witness  whose name is  subscribed  above
witnessed the execution thereof.


                                     WITNESS


                                     _________________________________________



Sworn to before me this _______ day of _______________, 2000.



__________________________________

Notary Public for  ______________________

My Commission Expires: ________________________


[NOTARIAL SEAL]


                                      A-2

<PAGE>


B-2

                                    EXHIBIT B

                                  BILL OF SALE


               THIS BILL OF SALE is dated this _____ day of ____________,  2000,
by FIRST BANK, a North Carolina bank ("Seller").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

               WHEREAS, Seller and Bank of Davie ("Purchaser"), a North Carolina
savings bank, have entered into a Purchase and Assumption  Agreement dated as of
______________, 2000 (the "Agreement"), which provides for the sale by Seller to
Purchaser  of certain  personal  property and loans  related to Seller's  office
located in Carthage,  North Carolina (the "Banking Center"), all as set forth in
the Agreement;

               NOW,  THEREFORE,  Seller,  for good and  valuable  consideration,
receipt of which is hereby  acknowledged,  does  hereby  grant,  bargain,  sell,
assign,  set over, convey and transfer to Purchaser all of its right,  title and
interest in and to the following assets (the "Assets"):

(a)  all  furniture,  fixtures,  leasehold  improvements,  equipment  and  other
tangible  personal  property  located  on or affixed  to the Real  Property  (as
defined in the  Agreement),  except for those items listed in Schedule 1.1(b) of
the Agreement;

(b) all of the loans maintained,  serviced and listed in Seller's general ledger
as loans of the Banking  Center  (except for those  loans  described  in Section
1.4(b) of the Agreement), a list of such specific loans to be attached hereto on
the Post-Closing Balance Sheet Delivery Date (the "Loans"); and

               (c) all of Seller's  records related to the Loans,  the Equipment
Leases, the Deposit Liabilities and other liabilities (as such terms are defined
or described in the Agreement).

               Seller,  for itself and its successors  and assigns,  does hereby
covenant and agree to and with  Purchaser and its successors and assigns that it
(i) is seized  of, and has the right to convey to  Purchaser,  such title to the
Assets as is provided in the Agreement,  (ii) will warrant and defend said title
to the Assets in the manner  provided in the  Agreement,  and (iii) shall,  from
time to time, at the request of Purchaser,  execute,  acknowledge and deliver to
Purchaser any and all further instruments, documents, endorsements, assignments,
information,  materials  and other  papers  that may be  reasonably  required to
transfer the Assets to Purchaser, to enable Purchaser to bill, collect,  service
and  administer  the Loans and to give full force and effect to the full  intent
and purposes of this Bill of Sale.



                                       B-1
<PAGE>


               IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  Seller  has caused  this Bill of Sale to be
duly  executed by its duly  authorized  officers  and its  corporate  seal to be
affixed hereto, all as of the day and year first above written.


                               FIRST BANK


[CORPORATE SEAL]               By:     ______________________________

                               Name:   ______________________________

                               Title:  ______________________________
ATTEST:


_________________________

______________ Secretary




<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT C

                       ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT


               THIS  ASSIGNMENT  AND  ASSUMPTION  AGREEMENT is entered into this
_____ day of ________________, 2000, by and between First Bank, a North Carolina
bank ("Seller"), and BANK OF DAVIE, a North Carolina bank ("Purchaser").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

               WHEREAS,  Seller and  Purchaser  have entered into a Purchase and
Assumption  Agreement  dated as of  _________________,  2000 (the  "Agreement"),
which  provides for the  assignment by Seller of all of its rights and interests
in and to certain  leases,  contracts,  deposit  accounts and other  liabilities
related to Seller's  offices  located in Carthage,  North Carolina (the "Banking
Center"),  and the  assumption by Purchaser of all of Seller's  liabilities  and
obligations thereunder, all as set forth in the Agreement;

               NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing,  and for other
good and  valuable  consideration,  receipt of which is hereby  acknowledged  by
Seller  and  Purchaser,  Seller  hereby  assigns,  transfers  and  sets  over to
Purchaser  all of Seller's  rights and  interest to, and  Purchaser  does hereby
assume all of Seller's  liabilities  and  obligations  in connection  with,  the
following assets (the "Assets");

               (a) all  equipment  leases,  except for leases listed on Schedule
1.1(b) of the  Agreement,  for  equipment  located at the  Banking  Center  (the
"Equipment Leases");

               (b) all deposit  accounts  located at the Banking Center,  except
for those deposit  accounts and  liabilities  described in Section 1.3(b) of the
Agreement (the "Deposit Liabilities"); and

               (c) the Safe Deposit Contracts (as defined in the Agreement).

               This  Assignment and Assumption  Agreement shall be binding upon,
and  shall  inure to the  benefit  of  Seller  and  Purchaser  and each of their
respective  successors  and  assigns  and  shall be  subject  to the  terms  and
conditions of the Agreement. In the event of a conflict between any of the terms
and  provisions  hereof  and the  Agreement,  the  Agreement  shall be deemed to
control.

               This  Assignment  and  Assumption  Agreement,  and the rights and
obligations  of the parties  hereunder,  shall be governed by and  construed  in
accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina.

               IN  WITNESS   WHEREOF,   the  parties  hereto  have  caused  this
Assignment  and  Assumption  Agreement  to be executed by their duly  authorized
officers and their corporate  seals to be affixed hereto,  all as of the day and
year first above written.


                                            FIRST BANK


[CORPORATE SEAL]                       By:  ________________________________


                                            Name:   ___________________________

                                            Title:  ___________________________

ATTEST:


________________________

______________ Secretary



                                       C-1


<PAGE>

                                            BANK OF DAVIE


[CORPORATE SEAL]                       By:  ________________________________


                                            Name:   ___________________________

                                            Title:  ___________________________
ATTEST:


_________________________

______________ Secretary



<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT D

                                CLOSING STATEMENT


                 (Pre-Closing Balance Sheet as of _____________)



                 (Pre-Closing Balance Sheet as of _____________)


Cash due Purchaser for:

        Deposit Liabilities (including accrued interest)

        Pro rata Safe Deposit Contracts                      ___________

        Pro rata Real Property taxes                         ___________

        Deed stamps                                          ___________

        Total Cash due Purchaser:                            ___________

Cash due Seller for:

        Real and Personal Property                           ___________

        Coins and currency                                   ___________

        Premium on deposits                                  ___________

        Loans and other assets (including accrued interest)  ___________

        Pro rata FDIC insurance                              ___________

        Total Cash due Seller:
        Net Cash due (Purchaser) (Seller)                    ___________


                                      C-2

<PAGE>


               Seller hereby  approves the Closing  Statement  and  acknowledges
receipt of the cash due Seller. Purchaser hereby approves the Closing Statement,
acknowledges receipt of the cash due Purchaser and assumes liability for payment
of all taxes and other  expenses as provided for in the Purchase and  Assumption
Agreement  between  Seller and Purchaser  dated as of  _____________,  2000 (the
"Agreement").  Seller and Purchaser agree to make subsequent  adjustments to the
extent necessary in accordance with Section 2.3 of the Agreement.



                  FIRST BANK


                  By:            ______________________________
                  Name:          ______________________________
                  Title:         ______________________________
                  Date:          ______________________________


                  BANK OF DAVIE


                  By:            ______________________________
                  Name:          ______________________________
                  Title:         ______________________________
                  Date:          ______________________________





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