CENTURA BANKS INC
S-4, 1999-12-06
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>   1

    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 6, 1999

                                                 REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------

                                    FORM S-4
                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------

                              CENTURA BANKS, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

<TABLE>
<S>                                  <C>                                  <C>
          NORTH CAROLINA                            6712                              56-1688522
  (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF       (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL               (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
  INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)         CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)              IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
             134 NORTH CHURCH STREET                              JOSEPH A. SMITH, JR.
        ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 27804               GENERAL COUNSEL AND CORPORATE SECRETARY
                  (252) 454-4400                                  CENTURA BANKS, INC.
          (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE,                         134 NORTH CHURCH STREET
  AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF            ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 27804
    REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                        (252) 454-4400
                                                          (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE,
                                                            AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
                                                            AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
</TABLE>

                            ------------------------
                                With copies to:

<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                              <C>                              <C>
      FRANK M. CONNER III              MICHAEL S. PATTERSON            ALEXANDER M. DONALDSON               STEVEN KAPLAN
       ALSTON & BIRD LLP             CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND          EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT             ARNOLD & PORTER
        NORTH BUILDING,              CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER            AND GENERAL COUNSEL            THURMAN ARNOLD BUILDING
           11TH FLOOR                 TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.           TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.          555 TWELFTH STREET, N.W.
 601 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.         4300 GLENWOOD AVENUE             4300 GLENWOOD AVENUE         WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004-1202
     WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004       RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27612    RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27612            (202) 942-5998
         (202) 756-3300                   (919) 881-0455                   (919) 881-0455
</TABLE>

 APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF SECURITIES TO THE PUBLIC:
As soon as practicable after the merger described in this Registration Statement
                               becomes effective.

    If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]

    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PROPOSED MAXIMUM    PROPOSED MAXIMUM     AMOUNT OF
               TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                  AMOUNT TO BE     OFFERING PRICE    AGGREGATE OFFERING   REGISTRATION
             SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED               REGISTERED(1)     PER UNIT(2)           PRICE(2)           FEE(3)
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>                <C>                  <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, no par value...........................   12,232,714           --              $553,190,534        $146,043
                                                                                                               ($118,405)
                                                                                                                 --------
                                                                                                                 $ 27,638
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) This Registration Statement covers the maximum number of shares of the
    common stock of the Registrant which is expected to be issued in connection
    with the merger.
(2) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee and based,
    pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the
    average of the high low sales prices of the shares of common stock of
    Triangle Bancorp, Inc. as listed on the New York Stock Exchange on December
    1, 1999.
(3) The registration fee of $146,043 is reduced pursuant to Rule 457(b) under
    the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by $118,405 (the amount of the fee
    paid by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 0-11 under the Securities Exchange
    Act of 1934, as amended, in connection with the filing of the preliminary
    proxy materials included in this Registration Statement with the Securities
    and Exchange Commission on November 5, 1999) resulting in a fee payable with
    this filing of $27,638.
                               ------------------
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE TIME UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(a), SHALL
DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2

                             JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
                  FOR THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
                 TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC. AND CENTURA BANKS, INC.

                                PROPOSED MERGER

     The boards of directors of Triangle Bancorp, Inc., a bank holding company
headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Centura Banks, Inc., a bank
holding company headquartered in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, have agreed to a
transaction which will result in the acquisition of Triangle by Centura.

     If the proposed merger is completed, Triangle stockholders will receive .45
of a share of Centura common stock for each share of Triangle common stock. This
multiple is subject to adjustment in limited circumstances as described in this
joint proxy statement-prospectus. The .45 multiple, as it may be adjusted, is
referred to as the "exchange ratio." The approximate number of shares to be
issued by Centura pursuant to the merger agreement is 12,075,214.

     Centura common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "CBC." Based on the closing price of Centura common stock on December 3,
1999 of $48.8125 and the .45 exchange ratio, Triangle stockholders will receive
approximately $21.97 worth of Centura common stock for each share of Triangle
common stock held. The actual value of the Centura common stock received by
Triangle stockholders in the merger will depend on the market value of Centura
common stock at the time of closing.

     A special meeting of Triangle stockholders will be held on February 3, 2000
at 4:00 p.m., local time, at The McKimmon Center, Gorman Street at Western
Boulevard, in Raleigh, North Carolina. At the Triangle special meeting, the
Triangle stockholders will be asked to approve the merger agreement governing
the merger. The merger cannot be completed unless the holders of a majority of
the           outstanding shares of Triangle common stock approve it.

     A special meeting of Centura stockholders will be held on February 3, 2000
at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Civic Room, 4th Floor, 131 North Church
Street, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. At the Centura special meeting, the
Centura stockholders will be asked to approve the issuance of the shares of
Centura common stock necessary to consummate the merger. The approval of the
issuance of shares of Centura common stock requires approval by a majority of
the shares of Centura common stock represented at the Centura special meeting.

     TRIANGLE STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE RISK FACTORS BEGINNING
ON PAGE 15 OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.

     NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THE SHARES OF CENTURA COMMON STOCK TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER OR
DETERMINED IF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

     The date of this joint proxy statement-prospectus is December 10, 1999. It
is first being mailed on December 17, 1999.
<PAGE>   3

                                  PLEASE NOTE

     No one has been authorized to provide Triangle or Centura stockholders with
any information other than the information included in this document and the
documents that are referred to herein. Stockholders of Triangle or Centura
should not rely on other information as being authorized by Triangle or Centura.

     This joint proxy statement-prospectus has been prepared as of December 10,
1999. There may be changes in the affairs of Centura or Triangle since that date
which are not reflected in this document.

     As used in this joint proxy statement-prospectus, the terms "Triangle" and
"Centura" refer to Triangle Bancorp, Inc. and Centura Banks, Inc., respectively,
and, where the context requires, to Triangle and Centura and their respective
subsidiaries.

                      HOW TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES IMPORTANT BUSINESS AND
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT CENTURA AND TRIANGLE THAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN OR
DELIVERED WITH THIS DOCUMENT. THIS INFORMATION IS DESCRIBED ON PAGE
UNDER "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION." YOU CAN OBTAIN FREE COPIES OF THIS
INFORMATION BY WRITING OR CALLING:

         Joseph A. Smith, Jr.
         General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
         Centura Banks, Inc.
         134 North Church Street
         Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804
         (Telephone: (252) 454-4400)

         Alexander M. Donaldson
         Executive Vice President and General Counsel
         Triangle Bancorp, Inc.
         4300 Glenwood Avenue
         Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
         (Telephone: (919) 881-0455 ext. 153)

     IN ORDER TO OBTAIN TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS, YOU MUST REQUEST THE
INFORMATION BY JANUARY 27, 2000.
<PAGE>   4

                             TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.
                              4300 GLENWOOD AVENUE
                         RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27612

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 3, 2000.

     Triangle Bancorp, Inc. will hold a special meeting of stockholders at The
McKimmon Center, Gorman Street at Western Boulevard, in Raleigh, North Carolina,
at 4:00 p.m., local time, on February 3, 2000, to vote on:

          (1) Merger.  The agreement and plan of reorganization, dated as of
     August 22, 1999, between Triangle Bancorp, Inc. and Centura Banks, Inc.,
     and the transactions contemplated by that agreement and plan of
     reorganization and the related plan of merger. These transactions include
     the merger of Triangle Bancorp, Inc. into a newly-formed, wholly-owned
     subsidiary of Centura Banks, Inc. Immediately after the merger, the merger
     subsidiary will be merged into Centura, and Triangle's banking subsidiaries
     will be merged into Centura Bank.

          (2) Other Business.  Any other matters that properly come before the
     special meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of the special
     meeting.

     Record holders of Triangle common stock at the close of business on
December 9, 1999, will receive notice of and may vote at the special meeting,
including any adjournments or postponements. The agreement and plan of
reorganization and the plan of merger require approval by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of Triangle common stock.

     YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. Whether or not you plan to attend the special
meeting, please take the time to vote by completing and mailing the enclosed
proxy card. If you sign, date and mail your proxy card without indicating how
you want to vote, we will vote your proxy in favor of the merger. If you do not
return your card or attend and vote in favor at the special meeting, the effect
will be a vote against the merger.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors

                                          Susan C. Gilbert
                                          Secretary

December 10, 1999

        YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR
                            APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.
<PAGE>   5

                              CENTURA BANKS, INC.
                            134 NORTH CHURCH STREET
                       ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 27804

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 3, 2000

     Centura Banks, Inc. will hold a special meeting of stockholders at the
Civic Room, 4th Floor, 131 North Church Street, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina,
at 10:00 a.m., local time, on February 3, 2000, to vote on:

          (1) Issuance of Shares.  The issuance of shares of Centura common
     stock necessary to consummate the merger of Triangle Bancorp, Inc., a North
     Carolina bank holding company, into a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary
     of Centura pursuant to the agreement and plan of reorganization, dated as
     of August 22, 1999, between Triangle and Centura.

          (2) Other Business.  Any other matters that properly come before the
     special meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of the special
     meeting.

     Record holders of Centura common stock at the close of business on December
9, 1999, will receive notice of and may vote at the special meeting, including
any adjournments or postponements. The approval of the issuance of the shares of
Centura common stock requires approval by the holders of a majority of the
shares of Centura common stock represented at the special meeting.

     YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. Whether or not you plan to attend the special
meeting, please take the time to vote by completing and mailing the enclosed
proxy card. If you sign, date and mail your proxy card without indicating how
you want to vote, we will vote your proxy in favor of the stock issuance.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors

                                          Joseph A. Smith, Jr.
                                          Secretary

December 10, 1999

            YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
                    VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE STOCK ISSUANCE.
<PAGE>   6

                     QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER

Q: WHAT AM I BEING ASKED TO VOTE UPON?

     A: If you are a Triangle stockholder, you are being asked to approve the
merger agreement and the related plan of merger, which provide for the merger of
Triangle into a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Centura. Immediately
after the merger, the merger subsidiary will be merged into Centura and
Triangle's banking subsidiaries will be merged into Centura Bank. As a result of
the merger you will become a stockholder of Centura and Centura will continue
Triangle's business.

     If you are a Centura stockholder, you are being asked to approve the
issuance of the shares of Centura common stock necessary to consummate the
merger under the merger agreement.

Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

     A: Just indicate on your proxy card how you want to vote, and sign, date,
and mail it in the enclosed envelope as soon as possible, so that your shares
will be represented at your meeting.

     If you sign, date, and send in your proxy and do not indicate how you want
to vote, your proxy will be voted in favor of the proposal to approve and adopt
the merger agreement and the related plan of merger, if you are a Triangle
stockholder, or to approve the issuance of the shares of Centura common stock
necessary to consummate the merger, if you are a Centura stockholder. If you are
a Triangle stockholder and you do not sign and send in your proxy or attend and
vote at the special meeting, it will have the effect of a vote against the
merger.

Q: IF MY SHARES ARE HELD IN "STREET NAME" BY MY BROKER, WILL MY BROKER VOTE MY
SHARES FOR ME?

     A: Your broker will vote your shares of Triangle common stock or Centura
common stock, as applicable, only if you provide instructions on how to vote.
You should instruct your broker how to vote your shares, following the
directions your broker provides. If you are a Triangle stockholder and you do
not provide instructions to your broker, your shares will not be voted and this
will have the effect of voting against the merger.

Q: SHOULD I SEND IN MY STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?

     A: No. After the merger is completed, we will send Triangle stockholders
written instructions for exchanging Triangle common stock certificates for
Centura common stock certificates. Centura stockholders will NOT be exchanging
their certificates.

                       WHO CAN HELP ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

     If you want additional copies of this document, or if you want to ask any
questions about the merger, you should contact:

    if you are a Triangle stockholder

    Alexander M. Donaldson
     Senior Vice President and
     General Counsel

    TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.
    4300 Glenwood Avenue
    Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
    (919) 881-0455

                                         or

    if you are a Centura stockholder

    Joseph A. Smith, Jr.
    General Counsel and
    Corporate Secretary

    CENTURA BANKS, INC.
    134 North Church Street
    Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804
    (252) 454-4400
<PAGE>   7

                   A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This document contains forward-looking statements about Centura and
Triangle following the merger. These statements can be identified by our use of
words like "expect," "may," "could," "intend," "project," "estimate" or
"anticipate." These forward-looking statements reflect our current views, but
they are based on assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other
factors. These factors include the following:

      (1) we may not fully realize the expected cost savings from the merger;

      (2) deposit attrition, customer loss, or revenue loss following the merger
          may be greater than we expect;

      (3) competitive pressure in the banking industry may increase
          significantly;

      (4) costs or difficulties related to the integration of the businesses of
          Centura and Triangle may be greater than we expect;

      (5) changes in the interest rate environment may reduce margins;

      (6) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, may be
          less favorable than we expect, resulting in, among other things,
          credit quality deteriorating;

      (7) changes may occur in the regulatory environment;

      (8) changes may occur in business conditions and inflation;

      (9) changes may occur in the securities markets; and

     (10) disruptions of the operations of Centura, Triangle, or any of their
          subsidiaries, or any other governmental or private entity may occur as
          a result of the "Year 2000 Problem."

     The forward-looking earnings estimates included in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus have not been examined or compiled by the independent
public accountants of Centura and Triangle, nor have our independent accountants
applied any procedures to our estimates. Accordingly, such accountants do not
express an opinion or any other form of assurance on them. Further information
on other factors that could affect the financial results of Centura after the
merger is included in the SEC filings incorporated by reference in this joint
proxy statement-prospectus.
<PAGE>   8

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
SUMMARY.....................................................    1
     The Companies..........................................    1
     The Merger.............................................    1
     What Triangle Stockholders Will Receive in the
      Merger................................................    1
     Effect of the Merger on Triangle Options...............    2
     No Dissenters' Rights in the Merger....................    2
     Your Expected Tax Treatment as a Result of the
      Merger................................................    2
     Comparative Market Prices of Common Stock..............    3
     Our Reasons for the Merger.............................    3
     Fairness Opinion of Triangle's Financial Advisor.......    3
     Fairness Opinion of Centura's Financial Advisor........    3
     Special Meeting of Stockholders........................    3
     Stockholder Votes Required.............................    4
     Voting Rights at the Special Meetings..................    4
     Recommendations to Stockholders........................    5
     Share Ownership of Management and Certain
      Stockholders..........................................    5
     Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger That May Be
      Different from Triangle Stockholders..................    5
     Effective Time.........................................    5
     Exchange of Stock Certificates.........................    5
     Regulatory Approval and Other Conditions...............    6
     Waiver, Amendment, and Termination.....................    6
     Accounting Treatment...................................    6
     Certain Differences in Stockholders' Rights............    6
     Stock Option Agreements................................    7
     Historical and Pro Forma Comparative Per Share Data....    8
     Selected Financial Data................................   10
     Selected Pro Forma Financial Information...............   13
RISK FACTORS................................................   15
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS............................   15
     Purpose................................................   15
     Date, Place, and Time..................................   16
     Record Date, Voting Rights, Required Vote, and
      Revocability of Proxies...............................   16
     Solicitation of Proxies................................   18
     No Dissenters' Rights..................................   19
     Recommendation.........................................   19
DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTION..................................   19
     The Merger.............................................   19
     What Triangle Stockholders Will Receive in the
      Merger................................................   19
     Effect of the Merger on Triangle Options...............   22
     Expected Tax Treatment as a Result of the Merger.......   22
     Background of and Reasons for the Merger...............   23
     Opinion of Triangle's Financial Advisor................   29
     Opinion of Centura's Financial Advisor.................   33
     Effective Time of the Merger...........................   38
     Distribution of Centura Stock Certificates.............   38
     Conditions to Consummation of the Merger...............   39
     Regulatory Approval....................................   40
     Waiver, Amendment, and Termination.....................   41
     Conduct of Business Pending the Merger.................   43
</TABLE>

                                       -i-
<PAGE>   9

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
     Management and Operations After the Merger.............   43
     Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.............   43
     Accounting Treatment...................................   45
     Expenses and Fees......................................   45
     Resales of Centura Common Stock........................   46
     Stock Option Agreements................................   46
EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS..............   47
     Anti-Takeover Provisions Generally.....................   47
     Authorized Capital Stock...............................   48
     Amendment of Charter and Bylaws........................   48
     Classified Board of Directors and Absence of Cumulative
      Voting................................................   50
     Director Removal and Vacancies.........................   51
     Limitations on Director Liability......................   51
     Indemnification........................................   52
     Special Meeting of Stockholders........................   53
     Stockholder Nominations and Proposals..................   54
     Fair Price Provision...................................   54
     Stockholder Votes Required for Certain Actions.........   55
     Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal........................   57
     Stockholders' Rights to Examine Books and Records......   57
     Dividends..............................................   58
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION.............................   58
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS.....................   65
BUSINESS OF TRIANGLE........................................   67
BUSINESS OF CENTURA.........................................   67
     General................................................   67
     Recent Developments....................................   68
     Anticipated Operating Results of the Merger............   68
CERTAIN REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS...........................   68
DESCRIPTION OF CENTURA CAPITAL STOCK........................   69
OTHER MATTERS...............................................   70
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.......................................   70
EXPERTS.....................................................   70
OPINIONS....................................................   70
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.........................   71
APPENDICES:
  Appendix A -- Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated
                as of August 22, 1999, by and between
                Triangle Bancorp, Inc. and Centura Banks,
                Inc.
  Appendix B -- Plan of Merger, dated as of December 1,
                1999, by and between Triangle Bancorp, Inc.
                and Centura Merger Subsidiary, Inc.
  Appendix C -- Opinion of Wheat First Securities, a
                division of First Union Securities, Inc.
  Appendix D -- Opinion of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
</TABLE>

                                      -ii-
<PAGE>   10

                                    SUMMARY

     This summary highlights selected information from this joint proxy
statement-prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is
important to you. You should carefully read this entire document and the other
documents we refer to in this document. These will give you a more complete
description of the transaction we are proposing. For more information about
Centura, see "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION" on page 71. We have included
page references in this summary to direct you to other places in this joint
proxy statement-prospectus where you can find a more complete description of the
topics we have summarized.

THE COMPANIES

(SEE PAGE 67 FOR TRIANGLE, PAGE 67 FOR CENTURA)

TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.
4300 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
(919) 881-0455

     Triangle is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Raleigh, North
Carolina. Triangle operates through its subsidiary banks, Triangle Bank and Bank
of Mecklenburg. Triangle Bank has 68 branches in eastern North Carolina. Bank of
Mecklenburg has three branches in the Charlotte area of North Carolina. Triangle
also operates through its wholly-owned leasing subsidiary, Coastal Leasing LLC.

     On September 30, 1999, Triangle had consolidated assets of approximately
$2.35 billion, consolidated loans of approximately $1.52 billion, consolidated
deposits of approximately $1.74 billion, and consolidated stockholders' equity
of approximately $168 million.

CENTURA BANKS, INC.
134 North Church Street
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804
(252) 454-4400

     Centura is a registered bank holding company headquartered in Rocky Mount,
North Carolina. Through Centura Bank and various other banking-related
subsidiaries, Centura provides a diversified range of financial services in the
communities in which it operates throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and
parts of Virginia. Centura maintains 227 banking offices and more than 230
automated teller machines.

     On March 26, 1999 Centura completed its merger with First Coastal
Bankshares, Inc., that was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.

     On September 30, 1999, Centura had consolidated assets of approximately
$8.88 billion, consolidated loans of approximately $5.85 billion, consolidated
deposits of approximately $6.03 billion, and consolidated stockholders' equity
of approximately $699 million.

THE MERGER (SEE PAGE 19)

     Centura will acquire Triangle by means of the merger of Triangle into a
newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Centura. Immediately after the merger,
the merger subsidiary will be merged into Centura, and Triangle's banking
subsidiaries will be merged into Centura Bank and Triangle's business will
continue to be conducted by Centura. After the merger, seven of Centura's 30
directors will be former directors of Triangle. Mr. Michael S. Patterson, who is
now the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Triangle, will become
Centura's Chairman of the board of directors. Mr. Patterson will have an
employment agreement with Centura.

WHAT TRIANGLE STOCKHOLDERS WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER (SEE PAGE 19)

     If we complete the merger, each Triangle stockholder will receive .45 of a
share of Centura common stock for each share of Triangle common stock held by
such stockholder at the date the merger is completed.

     Based on the closing price of Centura common stock on December 3, 1999 of
$48.8125, each Triangle stockholder will receive $21.97 worth of Centura common
stock for each share of Triangle common stock held by such stockholder at the
date the merger is completed. This exchange ratio is subject to change in
limited circumstances as described in this joint proxy statement-prospectus.
Also, the market price of Centura common stock may fluctuate between the date of
this joint proxy statement-prospectus and the date that the merger is completed,
altering the value of the shares of Centura common stock that the Triangle
stockholder will receive in the
<PAGE>   11

merger. For more information about what the Triangle stockholders will receive
if the merger is completed, see "DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTION -- What Triangle
Stockholders Will Receive in the Merger" on page 19 of this joint proxy
statement-prospectus.

     Centura will not issue any fractions of a share of common stock. Rather,
Centura will pay cash (without interest) for any fractional share interest any
Triangle stockholder would otherwise receive in the merger. The cash payment
will be in an amount equal to the fraction multiplied by the closing price of
one share of Centura common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last
trading day before the merger is completed.

EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON TRIANGLE OPTIONS
(SEE PAGE 22)

     Triangle has granted certain options to acquire Triangle common stock under
existing Triangle stock plans. If the merger is completed, Centura will assume
each outstanding option. Each option will then become an option to purchase
Centura common stock, and Centura will agree to deliver Centura common stock on
the exercise of each option. The number of Centura shares that may be purchased
and the exercise price under the option will be adjusted based on the exchange
ratio which determines the number of shares of Centura common stock that
Triangle stockholders receive in the merger in exchange for each share of
Triangle common stock. Centura will assume all options outstanding at the
effective time of the merger whether or not the holder then has the right to
exercise the option.

NO DISSENTERS' RIGHTS IN THE MERGER
(SEE PAGE 19)

     Triangle stockholders do not have statutory dissenters' rights in relation
to the merger.

YOUR EXPECTED TAX TREATMENT AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER (SEE PAGE 22)

     We expect that, for federal income tax purposes, Triangle stockholders will
not recognize any gain or loss upon the exchange of all of their Triangle shares
for shares of Centura common stock. But Triangle stockholders may recognize
taxable gain or loss related to any cash Triangle stockholders receive in lieu
of a fractional share of Centura common stock. See the discussion above under
"-- What Triangle Stockholders Will Receive in the Merger" on page 19 of this
joint proxy statement-prospectus. Before the merger can be completed, Centura
and Triangle expect to receive an opinion of Alston & Bird LLP, with respect to
material federal income tax consequences of the merger. If this opinion is not
received and the material federal income tax consequences of the merger were
substantially different from those described in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, Triangle would resolicit the approval of its stockholders
prior to completing the merger.

     Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences of the merger to
each Triangle stockholder will depend on that stockholder's specific situation.
Each Triangle stockholder should consult his or her own tax advisors to
determine the effect of the merger under federal, state, local, and foreign tax
laws.

                                       -2-
<PAGE>   12

COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES OF COMMON STOCK (SEE PAGE 65)

     Shares of Triangle common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol "TGL." Shares of Centura common stock are traded on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CBC." The table shows you the closing
sales prices for Triangle and Centura common stock on August 20, 1999, the last
trading day before we announced the execution of the agreement, and on December
3, 1999, the latest practicable date before the mailing of this joint proxy
statement-prospectus. The table also shows you the "equivalent price per
Triangle share" or the value Triangle stockholders will receive in the merger
for each share of Triangle common stock such stockholder owns.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    EQUIVALENT PRICE
                                                        TRIANGLE       CENTURA        PER TRIANGLE
                                                      COMMON STOCK   COMMON STOCK       SHARE(1)
                                                      ------------   ------------   ----------------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>            <C>
August 20, 1999.....................................     $16.50        $52.00            $23.40
December 3, 1999....................................     $21.25        $48.8125          $21.97
</TABLE>

- ---------------
(1) The equivalent price per share of Triangle common stock at each specified
    date represents the closing sale price of a share of Centura common stock on
    such date multiplied by an exchange ratio of .45. See "COMPARATIVE MARKET
    PRICES AND DIVIDENDS" on page 65.

     Triangle stockholders should obtain current stock price quotations for
Centura common stock and Triangle common stock. As described below, the number
of shares of Centura common stock to be issued in connection with the merger is
subject to adjustment under limited circumstances.

OUR REASONS FOR THE MERGER (SEE PAGE 23)

     Triangle and Centura believe that the merger will result in a company with
expanded opportunities for profitable growth. In addition, we anticipate that
the combined resources and capital of Triangle and Centura will improve our
ability to compete in the changing and competitive financial services industry.

FAIRNESS OPINION OF TRIANGLE'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR (SEE PAGE 29)

     In deciding to approve the merger, the Triangle board considered an opinion
from its financial advisor, Wheat First Securities, a division of First Union
Securities, Inc., that the exchange ratio is fair to Triangle stockholders from
a financial point of view. An updated opinion, dated as of the date of this
joint proxy statement-prospectus, is attached to this joint proxy
statement-prospectus as Appendix C. We encourage Triangle stockholders to read
this opinion.

FAIRNESS OPINION OF CENTURA'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR (SEE PAGE 33)

     In deciding to approve the merger, the Centura board considered an opinion
from its financial advisor, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., that the exchange
ratio is fair to Centura stockholders from a financial point of view. An updated
opinion, dated as of the date of this joint proxy statement-prospectus, is
attached to this joint proxy statement-prospectus as Appendix D. We encourage
Centura stockholders to read this opinion.

SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS (SEE PAGE 15)

     The Triangle special meeting will be held at The McKimmon Center, Gorman
Street at Western Boulevard, in Raleigh, North Carolina, at 4:00 p.m., local
time, on February 3, 2000. At the Triangle special meeting, Triangle
stockholders will be asked:

     (1) to approve the merger agreement; and

     (2) to act on any other matters that may be put to a vote at the Triangle
         special meeting.

     In order for the Triangle special meeting to be held, a quorum must be
present. A quorum is established when a majority of the shares of Triangle
common stock entitled to be cast on a matter are represented at the Triangle
special meeting either in person or by proxy.

     The Centura special meeting will be held at the Civic Room, 4th Floor, 131
North Church Street, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, at 10:00 a.m., local time,
on February 3, 2000. At

                                       -3-
<PAGE>   13

the Centura special meeting, Centura stockholders
will be asked:

     (1) to approve the issuance of up to 12,232,714 shares of Centura common
         stock to the stockholders of Triangle pursuant to the terms of the
         merger agreement;

     (2) to act on any other matters put to a vote at the Centura special
         meeting.

     In order for the Centura special meeting to be held, a quorum must be
present. A quorum is established when a majority of the shares of Centura common
stock entitled to be cast on a matter are represented at the Centura special
meeting, either in person or by proxy.

STOCKHOLDER VOTES REQUIRED (SEE PAGE 16)

     Assuming that a quorum is present at the Triangle special meeting, to
approve the merger, stockholders who own a majority of the outstanding shares of
Triangle common stock must vote for the merger.

     Assuming that a quorum is present at the Centura special meeting, to
approve the issuance of Centura common stock necessary to consummate the merger,
stockholders who own a majority of the shares represented at the Centura special
meeting must vote to approve the issuance of the shares of Centura common stock.

VOTING RIGHTS AT THE SPECIAL MEETINGS (SEE PAGE 16)

     If you owned shares of Triangle common stock as of the close of business on
December 9, 1999, the record date, you are entitled to vote at the Triangle
special meeting. On the Triangle record date,           shares of Triangle
common stock were outstanding. You will be entitled to one vote for each share
of Triangle common stock that was validly issued and outstanding and that you
owned on the Triangle record date. You may vote either by attending the special
meeting and voting your shares or by completing the enclosed proxy card and
mailing it to us in the enclosed envelope.

     We are seeking your proxy to use at the Triangle special meeting. We have
prepared this joint proxy statement-prospectus to assist you in deciding how to
vote and whether or not to grant your proxy to us. Please indicate on your proxy
card how you want to vote. Then sign, date and mail it to us as soon as possible
so that your shares will be represented at the Triangle special meeting. If you
sign, date and mail your proxy card without indicating how you wish to vote,
your proxy will be counted as a vote for the merger. If you fail to return your
proxy card and fail to vote at the Triangle special meeting, the effect will be
a vote against the merger. If you sign a proxy, you may revoke it at any time
before the Triangle special meeting or by attending and voting at the Triangle
special meeting. You cannot vote shares held in "street name"; only your broker
can. If you do not provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your
shares, your broker will not be permitted to vote them, and your shares will be
treated as votes against the merger.

     If you owned shares of Centura common stock as of the close of business on
December 9, 1999, the Centura record date, you are entitled to vote at the
Centura special meeting. On the Centura record date,           shares of Centura
common stock were outstanding. You will be entitled to one vote for each share
of Centura common stock that was validly issued and outstanding and that you
owned on the Centura record date. You may vote either by attending the Centura
special meeting and voting your shares or by completing the enclosed proxy card
and mailing it to us in the enclosed envelope.

     We are seeking your proxy to use at the Centura special meeting. We have
prepared this joint proxy statement-prospectus to assist you in deciding how to
vote and whether or not to grant your proxy to us. Please indicate on your proxy
card how you want to vote. Then sign, date and mail it to us as soon as possible
so that your shares will be represented at the Centura special meeting. If you
sign, date and mail your proxy card without indicating how you wish to vote,
your proxy will be counted as a vote to approve the issuance of shares of
Centura common stock necessary to consummate the merger. If you sign a proxy,
you may revoke it at any time before the Centura special meeting or by attending
and voting at the Centura special meeting. You cannot vote shares held in
"street name"; only your broker can. If you do not provide your broker with
instructions on how to vote your shares, your broker will not be permitted to
vote them.

                                       -4-
<PAGE>   14

RECOMMENDATIONS TO STOCKHOLDERS (SEE PAGE 19)

     Triangle's board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement
and the plan of merger. The Triangle board of directors believes that the
proposed merger is fair to Triangle stockholders and in the best interests of
Triangle stockholders. The Triangle board of directors recommends that Triangle
stockholders vote to approve the merger.

     Centura's board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and
has approved the issuance of shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the
merger agreement. The Centura board of directors recommends that Centura
stockholders vote to approve the issuance of Centura common stock pursuant to
the merger agreement.

SHARE OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS (SEE PAGES 16 AND 17)

     On the Triangle record date, Triangle's directors and executive officers,
their immediate family members and entities they control owned           shares,
or approximately      % of the outstanding shares of Triangle common stock. This
number does not include stock that the Triangle directors and executive officers
may acquire through exercising stock options.

     On the Triangle record date, one director of Centura owned 5,500 shares of
Triangle common stock and Centura held no shares of Triangle common stock other
than in a fiduciary capacity for others, or as a result of debts previously
contracted.

     On the Centura record date, Centura's directors and executive officers,
their immediate family members and entities they control owned           shares,
or approximately      % of the outstanding shares of Centura common stock. This
number does not include stock that the Centura directors and executive officers
may acquire through exercising stock options.

     On the Centura record date, Triangle's directors and executive officers
owned           shares of Centura common stock and Triangle held no shares of
Centura common stock in a fiduciary capacity for others, or as a result of debts
previously contracted.

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER THAT MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM TRIANGLE
STOCKHOLDERS (SEE PAGE 43)

     Triangle's directors and certain officers have employment or severance
agreements, stock options and other benefit plans and other arrangements that
may provide them with interests in and benefits from the merger that are
different from those of Triangle stockholders. The Triangle board of directors
was aware of these interests and considered them in approving and recommending
the merger.

EFFECTIVE TIME (SEE PAGE 38)

     The merger will become final at the time specified in the articles of
merger reflecting the merger to be filed with the Secretary of State in North
Carolina. If Triangle stockholders approve the merger at the Triangle special
meeting, and Centura stockholders approve the issuance of shares of Centura
common stock pursuant to the merger agreement at the Centura special meeting,
and Centura obtains all required regulatory approvals, we currently anticipate
that the merger will be completed during the first quarter of 2000.

     Triangle and Centura cannot assure you that we can obtain the necessary
stockholder and regulatory approvals or that the other conditions to
consummation of the merger can or will be satisfied.

EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES (SEE PAGE 38)

     Promptly after the merger is completed, Triangle stockholders will receive
a letter and instructions on how to surrender their Triangle stock certificates
in exchange for Centura stock certificates. Triangle stockholders will need to
carefully review and complete these materials and return them as instructed
along with their stock certificates for Triangle common stock. Triangle
stockholders should not send Triangle, Centura, or Centura's transfer agent any
stock certificates until they receive these instructions. For Triangle
stockholders who do not have stock certificates but hold shares of Triangle
common stock in the form of a book entry with Triangle's transfer agent, the
transfer agent will automatically exchange the shares.

     TRIANGLE STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND IN STOCK CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY
RECEIVE A LETTER AND

                                       -5-
<PAGE>   15

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SURRENDER TRIANGLE STOCK
CERTIFICATES.

     CENTURA STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT EXCHANGE THEIR SHARES OF CENTURA COMMON STOCK
PURSUANT TO THE MERGER AND SHOULD NOT SEND IN THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES.

REGULATORY APPROVAL AND OTHER CONDITIONS (SEE PAGES 40 AND 68)

     Centura is required to notify and obtain approvals from certain government
regulatory agencies before the merger may be completed, including the Federal
Reserve and other federal and state banking regulators. We expect that Centura
will obtain all required regulatory approvals, but we cannot assure this will
happen.

     In addition to the required regulatory approvals, the merger will be
completed only if certain conditions, including, but not limited to the
following, are met or waived, if waivable:

     (1) Triangle stockholders approve the merger at the Triangle special
         meeting;

     (2) Centura stockholders approve the issuance of the shares of Centura
         common stock pursuant to the merger agreement;

     (3) Triangle and Centura receive an opinion of counsel that the merger will
         qualify as a tax-free reorganization;

     (4) Triangle and Centura receive letters from Centura's accountants and
         Triangle's
          accountants concerning the pooling-of-
          interests accounting treatment of the merger (discussed below under
          "-- Accounting Treatment"); and

     (5) neither Centura nor Triangle has breached any of its representations or
         obligations under the merger agreement.

     In addition to these conditions, the merger agreement, attached to this
joint proxy statement-prospectus as Appendix A, describes other conditions that
must be met before the merger may be completed.

WAIVER, AMENDMENT, AND TERMINATION (SEE PAGE 41)

     Centura and Triangle may agree to terminate the merger agreement and elect
not to complete the merger at any time before the merger is completed.

     Each of the parties also can terminate the merger in certain other
circumstances, including if the merger is not completed by June 30, 2000. But a
party may not terminate the merger agreement for this reason, if (a) it
willfully breached the merger agreement and (b) its breach is the reason the
merger has not been completed.

     In addition, the parties may also terminate the merger if other
circumstances occur which are described in the merger agreement, attached to
this joint proxy statement-prospectus as Appendix A.

     The merger agreement may be amended by the written agreement of Triangle
and Centura. The parties may amend the merger agreement without stockholder
approval, even if Triangle stockholders have already approved the merger.
However, Triangle and Centura stockholders must approve any amendments that
would modify, in a material respect, the type or amount of consideration that
they will receive in the merger.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT (SEE PAGE 45)

     Centura intends to account for the merger as a pooling-of-interests
transaction for accounting and financial reporting purposes.

     Pooling-of-interests is an accounting method that assumes that each
company's stockholders have combined their ownership interests in such a manner
that each group becomes an owner of the combined, enlarged business. Under
pooling-of-interests, the earnings of each company are combined as though the
combination had occurred at the beginning of the earliest financial period
presented, and the assets of the acquired company are carried at their
historical book values.

CERTAIN DIFFERENCES IN STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS (SEE PAGE 47)

     When the merger is completed each Triangle stockholder will automatically
become a Centura stockholder. The rights of Centura stockholders differ from the
rights of Triangle stockholders in certain important ways. Many of these have to
do with provisions in Centura's articles of incorporation and bylaws and North
Carolina law. Certain of these provisions are intended to make a

                                       -6-
<PAGE>   16

takeover of Centura harder if the Centura board
of directors does not approve it.

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS (SEE PAGE 46)

     Triangle and Centura entered into option agreements under which (i)
Triangle granted Centura an option to purchase up to 5,014,000 shares of
Triangle common stock under certain circumstances if the merger is not
consummated and a third party attempts to take control of Triangle, and (ii)
Centura granted Triangle an option to purchase up to 2,256,000 shares of Centura
common stock under certain circumstances if the merger is not consummated and a
third party attempts to take control of Centura.

                                       -7-
<PAGE>   17

HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

     The following table shows certain comparative per share data relating to
net income, cash dividends, and book value. The equivalent pro forma information
is based on an exchange ratio of .45.

     We present the pro forma and equivalent pro forma data for your information
only. It does not necessarily indicate the results of operations or combined
financial position that would have resulted had Centura completed the merger at
the times indicated, and it does not necessarily indicate what future results of
operations or combined financial position will be.

     You should read the information shown below in conjunction with the
historical consolidated financial statements of Centura and Triangle and the
notes provided with them and related financial information appearing elsewhere
in this joint proxy statement prospectus. See "-- Selected Financial Data,"
"BUSINESS OF CENTURA -- Recent Developments" on page 68 of this joint proxy
statement-prospectus and "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION" on page 71 of
this joint proxy statement-prospectus.

                                       -8-
<PAGE>   18

                              CENTURA BANKS, INC.
                           AND TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.
              HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       NINE MONTHS
                                                           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,       ENDED
                                                           ------------------------   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                            1996     1997     1998        1999
                                                           ------   ------   ------   -------------
<S>                                                        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
NET INCOME
  Centura -- Historical
     Basic...............................................  $2.66    $3.22    $3.67        $2.60
     Diluted.............................................   2.60     3.15     3.60         2.57
  Pro forma (Centura and First Coastal)
     Basic...............................................   2.52     3.17     3.57         2.60
     Diluted.............................................   2.46     3.11     3.50         2.57
  Triangle -- Historical
     Basic...............................................   0.62     0.79     0.87         0.82
     Diluted.............................................   0.60     0.79     0.84         0.80
  Pro forma (Centura, First Coastal and Triangle)
     Basic...............................................   2.19     2.76     3.10         2.38
     Diluted.............................................   2.14     2.70     3.03         2.34
  Triangle equivalent pro forma(1)
     Basic...............................................   0.99     1.24     1.40         1.07
     Diluted.............................................   0.96     1.22     1.36         1.05
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE(2)
  Centura -- Historical..................................  $1.00    $1.06    $1.14        $0.93
  Pro forma (Centura and First Coastal)..................   0.91     1.03     1.11         0.92
  Triangle -- Historical.................................   0.18     0.25     0.32         0.28
  Pro forma (Centura, First Coastal and Triangle)........   0.76     0.89     1.00         0.84
  Triangle equivalent pro forma(1).......................   0.34     0.40     0.45         0.39
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  1998           1999
                                                              ------------   -------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
BOOK VALUE
  Centura -- Historical.....................................     $23.66         $24.51
  Pro forma (Centura and First Coastal).....................      23.88          24.51
  Triangle -- Historical....................................       6.47           6.66
  Pro forma (Centura, First Coastal and Triangle)...........      20.27          20.85
  Triangle equivalent pro forma(1)..........................       9.12           9.38
</TABLE>

- ---------------
(1) The equivalent pro forma per share data for Triangle is computed by
    multiplying pro forma information by an exchange ratio of .45.

(2) Centura has assumed that on a pro forma combined basis its pro forma cash
    dividends per share would be equivalent to Centura's historical cash
    dividends per share.

                                       -9-
<PAGE>   19

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The following tables present for Centura and for Triangle, selected
consolidated financial data for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1998
and 1999, and for the five-year period ended December 31, 1998. The information
is based on the consolidated financial statements contained in reports Centura
and Triangle have filed with the SEC, including their September 30, 1999
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. All of these documents are incorporated by
reference in this joint proxy statement-prospectus. See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION" on page 71.

     You should read the following tables in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements of Centura and Triangle described above and with the notes
to them.

     Historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected
for any future period. In the opinion of the respective managements of Centura
and Triangle, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments)
necessary to arrive at a fair statement of interim results of operations of
Centura and Triangle, respectively, have been included. With respect to Centura
and Triangle, results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1999 are not
necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim
period or for the year as a whole.

                        CENTURA SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA*

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                --------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------
                                   1994         1995         1996         1997         1998         1998         1999
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net interest income.........  $  214,362   $  239,659   $  266,800   $  286,867   $  318,091   $  236,139   $  253,173
  Provision for loan losses...       7,495        8,079        9,746       13,643       15,644       11,069       27,077
  Investment securities gains
    (losses)..................      (1,093)        (511)       1,798          151          686          662       (1,208)
  Other noninterest income....      62,384       77,462       92,832      112,117      139,835      103,295      119,657
  Noninterest expense.........     181,795      205,650      243,439      253,357      290,397      215,478      232,386
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
  Income before income
    taxes.....................      86,363      102,881      108,245      132,135      152,571      113,549      112,159
  Applicable income taxes.....      31,161       37,062       39,525       44,974       52,257       38,632       38,051
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
  Net income..................  $   55,202   $   65,819   $   68,720   $   87,161   $  100,314   $   74,917   $   74,108
                                ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
  Basic
    Net income................  $     2.07   $     2.39   $     2.52   $     3.17   $     3.57   $     2.67   $     2.60
  Diluted
    Net income................        2.04         2.35         2.46         3.11         3.50         2.62         2.57
    Cash dividends............         .74          .85         1.00         1.06         1.14         0.85         0.93
    Book value................       15.40        17.63        18.86        21.14        23.88        23.52        24.51
BALANCE SHEET DATA
  (AT PERIOD END):
  Total assets................  $5,377,757   $6,483,510   $6,900,110   $7,741,618   $8,795,560   $8,383,120   $8,876,485
  Loans.......................   3,681,259    4,349,986    4,563,684    5,053,713    5,852,830    5,460,334    5,852,553
  Allowance for loan losses...      52,492       59,038       63,105       68,576       72,310       71,390       72,619
  Investment securities.......   1,219,808    1,548,321    1,712,225    1,958,475    2,161,037    2,193,366    2,201,092
  Total deposits..............   4,242,469    4,938,014    5,157,424    5,772,368    6,068,649    5,965,548    6,034,436
  Borrowed funds..............     435,195      644,617      727,306      847,225    1,299,337    1,076,303    1,243,006
  Long-term debt
    Parent company............         683       26,539       26,395      100,251      103,093      103,236      103,136
    Subsidiary banks..........     216,718      291,157      380,517      327,962      511,191      438,777      683,966
  Total shareholders'
    equity....................     406,316      484,343      516,062      582,485      676,205      664,512      698,507
  Average assets..............   5,192,289    5,873,970    6,573,324    7,209,008    8,185,344    8,059,106    8,773,625
  Average shareholders'
    equity....................     398,990      463,825      494,483      552,100      639,787      628,550      697,049
Average shares outstanding
  (in thousands)
  Basic.......................      26,700       27,519       27,293       27,490       28,116       28,059       28,468
  Diluted.....................      27,104       28,058       27,959       28,058       28,675       28,620       28,883
</TABLE>

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   20

CENTURA SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (CONTINUED)*

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                --------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------
                                   1994         1995         1996         1997         1998         1998         1999
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
PROFITABILITY AND CAPITAL
RATIOS:
  Return on average assets....        1.06%        1.12%        1.05%        1.21%        1.23%        1.24%        1.13%
  Return on average equity....       13.84        14.19        13.90        15.79        15.68        15.94        14.21
  Net interest income
    (taxable-
    equivalent)/average
    earning assets............        4.24         4.17         4.15         4.09         3.98         4.38         4.31
  Loan/deposits...............       86.77        88.09        88.49        87.55        96.44        91.53        96.99
  Equity/assets (period
    end)......................        7.56         7.47         7.48         7.52         7.69         7.93         7.87
  Average total shareholders'
    equity/average total
    assets....................        7.68         7.90         7.52         7.66         7.82         7.80         7.94
  Leverage ratio..............        7.11         6.82         6.57         7.47         7.79         7.85         8.07
  Tier 1 capital/risk-weighted
    assets....................       10.56         9.92         9.61        10.67        10.18        10.47        10.43
  Total capital/risk-weighted
    assets....................       11.78        11.15        10.21        11.29        10.79        11.09        12.93
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS:
  Allowance/period-end
    loans**...................        1.44%        1.38%        1.40%        1.37%        1.27%        1.33%        1.26%
  Nonperforming loans/total
    loans**...................         .68          .52          .51          .60          .57          .60          .66
  Allowance/nonperforming
    loans.....................        2.13x        2.67x        2.76x        2.29x        2.24x        2.20x        1.91x
  Nonperforming assets/loans
    and foreclosed
    properties**..............         .92%         .72%         .63%         .73%         .67%         .70%         .72%
  Provision/average loans**...         .22          .20          .22          .29          .30          .21          .47
  Net charge-offs/average
    loans**...................         .08          .12          .16          .24          .26          .26          .62
</TABLE>

- ---------------
 * Restated for the merger with First Coastal Bankshares, Inc., completed March
   26, 1999, and accounted for as a pooling of interests.
** Excludes mortgage loans held for sale.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   21

                        TRIANGLE SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                --------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------
                                   1994         1995         1996         1997         1998         1998         1999
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net interest income.........  $   43,619   $   50,423   $   58,058   $   68,390   $   74,630   $   55,985   $   58,508
  Provision for losses on
    loans.....................       1,008           31        2,515        5,121        5,115        3,829        4,857
  Other noninterest income....       9,383       11,656       12,969       16,922       18,456       12,957       15,461
  Noninterest expense.........      41,071       43,072       44,876       50,125       54,896       42,340       38,003
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
  Income before income
    taxes.....................      10,923       18,976       23,636       30,066       33,075       22,773       31,109
  Applicable income taxes.....       3,740        6,460        8,840       10,540       11,217        7,668       10,430
                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
  Net income..................  $    7,183   $   12,516   $   14,796   $   19,526   $   21,858   $   15,105   $   20,679
                                ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
  Basic
    Net income................  $      .31   $      .52   $      .62   $      .79   $      .87   $      .60   $      .82
  Diluted
    Net income................         .30          .51          .60          .76          .84          .58          .80
    Cash dividends............         .05          .11          .18          .25          .32          .23          .28
    Book value................        4.61         5.30         5.66         6.14         6.47         6.44         6.66
BALANCE SHEET DATA
  (AT PERIOD END):
  Total assets................  $1,194,286   $1,384,135   $1,598,753   $2,015,637   $2,123,084   $2,025,607   $2,346,306
  Loans, net of unearned
    income....................     705,618      853,398    1,021,099    1,290,936    1,383,137    1,342,996    1,540,633
  Allowance for losses on
    loans.....................      14,871       13,738       14,812       17,797       19,584       19,305       21,082
  Investment securities.......     373,828      378,244      432,881      547,029      563,293      512,742      591,117
  Total deposits..............   1,000,472    1,137,847    1,344,803    1,550,240    1,625,898    1,608,314    1,742,781
  Short-term borrowings.......      25,152       39,822       38,980       61,506      158,980       88,302      260,820
  Total stockholders'
    equity....................     108,874      127,259      136,403      152,471      163,027      161,957      168,226
  Average assets..............   1,136,049    1,263,337    1,528,728    1,758,148    2,009,754    1,990,364    2,213,143
  Average stockholders'
    equity....................     108,226      118,272      130,939      145,950      159,621      158,483      167,708
  Average shares outstanding
    (in thousands)
    Basic.....................      23,245       23,946       24,056       24,657       25,112       25,093       25,157
    Diluted...................      23,623       24,375       24,785       25,561       25,903       25,861       25,757
PROFITABILITY AND CAPITAL
  RATIOS:
  Return on average assets....         .63%         .99%         .97%        1.11%        1.09%        1.01%        1.25%
  Return on average common
    equity....................        6.64        10.58        11.30        13.38        13.69        12.74        16.49
  Net interest income
    (taxable-equivalent)/
    average earning assets....        4.21         4.37         4.23         4.36         4.24         4.31         4.07
  Loan/deposits...............       70.53        75.00        75.93        83.27        85.07        83.50        88.40
  Equity/assets (period
    end)......................        9.12         9.19         8.53         7.56         7.68         8.00         7.17
  Average stockholders'
    equity/average total
    assets....................        9.53         9.36         8.57         8.30         7.94         7.96         7.58
  Leverage ratio..............        8.27         9.12         8.09         7.70         7.90         7.95         7.56
  Tier 1 capital/risk-weighted
    assets....................       10.64        12.91        11.83        10.87        10.17        10.22        10.64
  Total capital/risk-weighted
    assets....................       12.32        13.92        12.93        12.08        11.39        11.47        11.89
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS:
  Allowance/period-end
    loans.....................        2.11%        1.61%        1.45%        1.38%        1.42%        1.44%        1.37%
  Nonperforming loans/total
    loans.....................         .82          .69          .71          .66          .77          .87          .63
  Allowance/nonperforming
    loans.....................      258.00       234.00       204.00       208.00       184.00       165.00       217.00
  Nonperforming assets/loans
    and foreclosed
    properties................         .97          .77          .77          .71          .92          .99          .74
  Provision/average loans.....         .15         .004          .26          .44          .39          .39          .70
  Net charge-offs (average
    loans)....................         .50          .15          .14          .29          .25          .24          .31
</TABLE>

- ---------------

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   22

                    SELECTED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)

     The following unaudited pro forma combined condensed balance sheet presents
(a) the historical unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Triangle and Centura
at September 30, 1999, and (b) the pro forma combined condensed balance sheet of
Centura at September 30, 1999, giving effect to the merger, assuming the merger
is accounted for as a pooling of interests. The unaudited pro forma combined
condensed balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the historical
consolidated financial statements of Triangle and the historical consolidated
financial statements of Centura, including the respective notes thereto, which
are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement-prospectus, and the
unaudited pro forma financial information appearing elsewhere in this joint
proxy statement-prospectus. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed balance
sheet is not necessarily indicative of actual results that would have been
achieved had the transaction been consummated on the date indicated or which may
be obtained in the future.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        CENTURA AND
                                                                          ADJUSTMENTS    TRIANGLE
                                                                           INCREASE      PRO FORMA
                                                 CENTURA      TRIANGLE    (DECREASE)     COMBINED
                                                ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                             <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
BALANCE SHEET
(AT PERIOD END):
  Total assets................................  $8,876,485   $2,346,306                 $11,222,791
  Loans, net of unearned income...............   5,852,553    1,540,633                   7,393,186
  Allowance for losses on loans...............     (72,619)     (21,082)                    (93,701)
  Investment securities.......................   2,201,092      591,117                   2,792,209
  Deposits....................................   6,034,436    1,742,781                   7,777,217
  Borrowed funds..............................   1,243,006      260,820                   1,503,826
  Long-term debt..............................     787,102      143,454                     930,556
  Total shareholders' equity..................     698,507      168,226    ($35,660)        831,073
  Average assets..............................   8,773,625    2,213,143                  10,986,768
  Average shareholders' equity................     697,049      167,708                     864,757
  Average shares outstanding
     Basic....................................  28,468,226   25,157,391                  39,789,052
     Diluted..................................  28,882,785   25,756,492                  40,473,206
</TABLE>

- ---------------

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   23

PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

     The following unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of income
have been prepared for (i) the nine months ended September 30, 1999, and give
effect to the merger, assuming the merger is accounted for as a pooling of
interests, and (ii) each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1998 and give effect to the merger, assuming the merger is accounted for as a
pooling of interests, and Centura's merger with First Coastal Bankshares, Inc.
that was completed on March 26, 1999, and accounted for as a pooling of
interests. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of income
should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial
statements of Triangle and the historical consolidated financial statements of
Centura, including the respective notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this
joint proxy statement-prospectus. The pro forma financial information is not
necessarily indicative of actual results that would have been achieved had the
transactions been consummated at the beginning of the periods presented and is
not necessary indicative of future results.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     NINE MONTHS
                                                                                        ENDED
                                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,       SEPTEMBER
                                                    ------------------------------       30,
                                                      1996       1997       1998         1999
                                                    --------   --------   --------   ------------
                                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net interest income.............................  $324,858   $355,257   $392,721     $311,681
  Provision for loan losses.......................    12,261     18,764     20,759       31,934
  Securities gains, (losses), net.................     2,940      2,221      2,357         (623)
  Other noninterest income........................   104,659    126,969    156,620      134,533
  Noninterest expense.............................   288,315    303,482    345,293      270,389
                                                    --------   --------   --------     --------
  Income before income taxes......................   131,881    162,201    185,646      143,268
  Income taxes....................................    48,365     55,514     63,474       48,481
                                                    --------   --------   --------     --------
  Net income......................................  $ 83,516   $106,687   $122,172     $ 94,787
                                                    ========   ========   ========     ========
</TABLE>

                                      -14-
<PAGE>   24

                                  RISK FACTORS

     If the merger is consummated, Triangle stockholders will receive shares of
Centura common stock in exchange for their shares of Triangle common stock.
Triangle stockholders should be aware of particular risks and uncertainties that
are applicable to an investment in Centura common stock. Specifically, there are
risks and uncertainties that bear on Centura's future financial results and that
may cause Centura's future earnings and financial condition to be less than
Centura's expectations.

     Some of the risks and uncertainties relate to economic conditions generally
and would affect other financial institutions in similar ways. These aspects are
discussed above under the heading "A Warning About Forward-Looking Statements."
This section addresses particular risks and uncertainties that are specific to
Centura.

     The merger involves the integration of two companies that have previously
operated independently. Successful integration of Triangle's operations will
depend primarily on Centura's ability to consolidate operations, systems and
procedures and to eliminate redundancies and costs. We may not be able to
integrate our operations without encountering difficulties including, without
limitation:

     - the loss of key employees and customers;

     - the disruption of our businesses;

     - possible inconsistencies in standards, control procedures and policies;

     - unexpected problems with costs, operations, personnel, technology or
       credit; and

     - the assimilation of new operations, sites and personnel could divert
       resources from regular banking operations.

     Further, although we anticipate cost savings as a result of the merger to
be meaningful, we may be unable to fully realize any of the potential cost
savings expected. Finally, any cost savings which are realized may be offset by
losses in revenues or other changes to earnings.

                        SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

PURPOSE

     TRIANGLE

     Centura and Triangle are furnishing this joint proxy statement-prospectus
to holders of Triangle common stock in connection with the proxy solicitation by
Triangle's board of directors. The Triangle board of directors will use the
proxies at the special meeting of stockholders of Triangle to be held on
February 3, 2000, and at any adjournments.

     At the Triangle special meeting, holders of Triangle common stock will be
asked to vote upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization, dated as of August 22, 1999, between Centura and Triangle,
attached to this joint proxy statement-prospectus as Appendix A and the related
plan of merger, between Triangle and Centura Merger Subsidiary, Inc., attached
to this joint proxy statement-prospectus as Appendix B (together, the "merger
agreement"). Pursuant to the merger agreement, Centura will acquire Triangle by
means of the merger of Triangle with and into a newly-formed, wholly-owned
subsidiary of Centura. This subsidiary will be the surviving corporation in the
merger. Immediately after the merger, the subsidiary will be merged with and
into Centura. The outstanding shares of Triangle common stock will be converted
into shares of Centura common stock. Triangle stockholders will receive cash in
lieu of any fractional shares.

     CENTURA

     Centura and Triangle are furnishing this joint proxy statement-prospectus
to holders of Centura common stock in connection with the proxy solicitation by
Centura's board of directors. The Centura

                                      -15-
<PAGE>   25

board of directors will use the proxies at the Centura special meeting to be
held on February 3, 2000, and at any adjournments.

     At the Centura special meeting, holders of Centura common stock will be
asked to vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Centura
common stock pursuant to the merger agreement.

DATE, PLACE, AND TIME

     TRIANGLE

     The special meeting of Triangle's stockholders will be held at The McKimmon
Center, located at Gorman Street at Western Boulevard, in Raleigh, North
Carolina, at 4:00 p.m., local time, on February 3, 2000.

     CENTURA

     The special meeting of Centura's stockholders will be held at the Civic
Room, 131 North Church Street, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, on February 3, 2000.

RECORD DATE, VOTING RIGHTS, REQUIRED VOTE, AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES

     TRIANGLE

     Triangle's board of directors fixed the close of business on December 9,
1999, as the record date for determining those Triangle stockholders who are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Triangle special meeting. Only holders
of Triangle common stock of record on the books of Triangle at the close of
business on December 9, 1999 have the right to receive notice of and to vote at
the Triangle special meeting. On the Triangle record date, there were
shares of Triangle common stock issued and outstanding held by approximately
          holders of record.

     At the Triangle special meeting, Triangle stockholders will have one vote
for each share of Triangle common stock owned on the Triangle record date. The
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Triangle common stock
entitled to vote on a matter at the Triangle special meeting must be present in
order for a quorum to exist at the Triangle special meeting.

     To determine if a quorum is present, Triangle intends to count the
following:

     - shares of Triangle common stock present at the Triangle special meeting
       either in person or by proxy;

     - shares of Triangle common stock present in person at the Triangle special
       meeting but not voting; and

     - shares of Triangle common stock for which it has received proxies but
       with respect to which holders of shares have abstained on any matter.

Approval of the merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast at the Triangle special meeting.

     Brokers who hold shares in street name for customers who are the beneficial
owners of such shares may not give a proxy to vote those shares to approve the
merger without specific instructions from their customers. Any abstention,
non-voting share or "broker non-vote" will have the same effect as a vote
AGAINST the approval of the merger.

     Properly executed proxies that Triangle receives before the vote at the
Triangle special meeting that are not revoked will be voted in accordance with
the instructions indicated on the proxies. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED,
SUCH PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER, AND THE PROXY
HOLDER MAY VOTE THE PROXY IN ITS DISCRETION AS TO ANY OTHER MATTER WHICH MAY
COME PROPERLY BEFORE THE TRIANGLE SPECIAL MEETING. IF NECESSARY, THE PROXY
HOLDERS MAY VOTE IN FAVOR OF A PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE TRIANGLE SPECIAL MEETING
IN ORDER TO PERMIT FURTHER SOLICITATION OF PROXIES IF THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT

                                      -16-
<PAGE>   26

VOTES TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL AT THE TIME OF THE TRIANGLE SPECIAL MEETING.
HOWEVER, NO PROXY HOLDER WILL VOTE ANY PROXIES VOTED AGAINST APPROVAL OF THE
MERGER IN FAVOR OF A PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE TRIANGLE SPECIAL MEETING.

     A Triangle stockholder who has given a proxy solicited by Triangle's board
of directors may revoke it at any time prior to its exercise at the Triangle
special meeting by (1) giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of
Triangle, (2) properly submitting to Triangle a duly executed proxy bearing a
later date, or (3) attending the Triangle special meeting and voting in person.
All written notices of revocation and other communications with respect to
revocation of proxies should be sent to: Triangle Bancorp, Inc., 4300 Glenwood
Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina 27612, Attention: Susan C. Gilbert, Secretary.

     On the Triangle record date, Triangle's directors and executive officers,
including their immediate family members and affiliated entities owned
          shares or approximately      % of the outstanding shares of Triangle
common stock, or      % of the shares required to approve the merger. This
number does not include shares subject to options to purchase Triangle common
stock. We expect that the directors and executive officers of Triangle will vote
their shares in favor of the merger.

     On the Triangle record date, Centura held no shares of Triangle common
stock other than in a fiduciary capacity for others, or as a result of debts
previously contracted, and Triangle held no shares of Triangle common stock
other than in a fiduciary capacity for others with respect to which it has sole
or shared voting power. In addition, one director of Centura owned approximately
5,500 shares of Triangle on the Triangle record date, which shares had been
acquired as an investment well in advance of negotiation of the merger.

     CENTURA

     Centura's board of directors fixed the close of business on December 9,
1999, as the Centura record date for determining those Centura stockholders who
are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Centura special meeting. Only
holders of Centura common stock of record on the books of Centura at the close
of business on December 9, 1999 have the right to receive notice of and to vote
at the Centura special meeting. On the Centura record date, there were
          shares of Centura common stock issued and outstanding held by
approximately           holders of record.

     At the Centura special meeting, Centura stockholders will have one vote for
each share of Centura common stock owned on the Centura record date. The holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Centura common stock entitled to vote
at the Centura special meeting must be present in order for a quorum to exist at
the Centura special meeting.

     To determine if a quorum is present, Centura intends to count the
following:

     - shares of Centura common stock present at the Centura special meeting
       either in person or by proxy;

     - shares of Centura common stock present in person at the Centura special
       meeting but not voting; and

     - shares of Centura common stock for which it has received proxies but with
       respect to which holders of shares have abstained on any matter.

Approval of the issuance of shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the
merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
represented at the Centura special meeting.

     Brokers who hold shares in street name for customers who are the beneficial
owners of such shares may not give a proxy to vote those shares without specific
instructions from their customers.

     Properly executed proxies that Centura receives before the vote at the
Centura special meeting that are not revoked will be voted in accordance with
the instructions indicated on the proxies. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED,
SUCH PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF THE
SHARES OF CENTURA COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT, AND THE PROXY
HOLDER MAY VOTE THE
                                      -17-
<PAGE>   27

PROXY IN ITS DISCRETION AS TO ANY OTHER MATTER WHICH MAY COME PROPERLY BEFORE
THE CENTURA SPECIAL MEETING. IF NECESSARY, THE PROXY HOLDERS MAY VOTE IN FAVOR
OF A PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE CENTURA SPECIAL MEETING IN ORDER TO PERMIT FURTHER
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES IF THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT VOTES TO APPROVE THE
PROPOSAL AT THE TIME OF THE CENTURA SPECIAL MEETING. HOWEVER, NO PROXY HOLDER
WILL VOTE ANY PROXIES VOTED AGAINST APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF THE SHARES OF
CENTURA COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT IN FAVOR OF A PROPOSAL TO
ADJOURN THE CENTURA SPECIAL MEETING.

     A Centura stockholder who has given a proxy solicited by Centura's board of
directors may revoke it at any time prior to its exercise at the Centura special
meeting by (1) giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of Centura,
(2) properly submitting to Centura a duly executed proxy bearing a later date,
or (3) attending the Centura special meeting and voting in person. All written
notices of revocation and other communications with respect to revocation of
proxies should be sent to: Centura Banks, Inc., 134 North Church Street, Rocky
Mount, North Carolina 27804, Attention: Joseph A. Smith, Jr., Secretary.

     On the Centura record date, Centura's directors and executive officers,
including their immediate family members and affiliated entities owned
          shares or approximately      % of the outstanding shares of Centura
common stock, or      % of the shares required to approve the issuance of the
shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the merger agreement. This number
does not include shares subject to options to purchase Centura common stock. On
the Centura record date, Triangle's directors and executive officers owned
          shares of Centura common stock. We expect that the directors and
executive officers of Centura and Triangle will vote their shares in favor of
the merger.

     On the Centura record date, Triangle held no shares of Centura common stock
other than in a fiduciary capacity for others, or as a result of debts
previously contracted, and Centura held no shares of Centura common stock other
than in a fiduciary capacity for others with respect to which it has sole or
shared voting power.

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

     TRIANGLE

     Directors, officers and employees of Triangle may solicit proxies by mail,
in person, or by telephone or telegraph. They will receive no additional
compensation for such services. Triangle may, however, hire a professional proxy
solicitor who will receive a fee for its services. Triangle may also make
arrangements with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees, and
fiduciaries, if any, for the forwarding of solicitation materials to the
beneficial owners of Triangle common stock held of record by such persons.
Triangle will reimburse any such brokers, custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries
for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them for such services.
Triangle will pay its own expenses in connection with the merger, except that
Centura will pay one-half of the printing costs incurred in connection with the
printing of the registration statement and this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, as provided in the merger agreement. See "Description of
Transaction -- Expenses and Fees."

     CENTURA

     Directors, officers and employees of Centura may solicit proxies by mail,
in person, or by telephone or telegraph. They will receive no additional
compensation for such services. Centura may, however, hire a professional proxy
solicitor who will receive a fee for its services. Centura may also make
arrangements with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees, and
fiduciaries, if any, for the forwarding of solicitation materials to the
beneficial owners of Centura common stock held of record by such persons.
Centura will reimburse any such brokers, custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries
for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them for such services.
Centura will pay its own expenses in connection with the merger, except that
Triangle will pay one-half of the printing costs incurred in connection with the
registration statement and this joint proxy statement-prospectus, as provided in
the merger agreement. See "Description of Transaction -- Expenses and Fees."

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   28

NO DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

     TRIANGLE

     Triangle stockholders do not have dissenters' rights with respect to the
merger.

     CENTURA

     Centura stockholders do not have dissenters' rights with respect to the
issuance of shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the merger agreement.

RECOMMENDATION

     TRIANGLE

     Triangle's board of directors has unanimously approved the merger and
believes that the proposal to approve the merger is in the best interests of
Triangle and its stockholders. Triangle's board of directors recommends that you
vote FOR approval of the merger.

     CENTURA

     Centura's board of directors has unanimously approved the issuance of the
shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the merger agreement and believes
that the proposal is in the best interests of Centura and its stockholders.
Centura's board of directors recommends that you vote FOR approval of the
issuance of shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the merger agreement.

                           DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTION

     The following information describes material aspects of the merger. This
description does not provide a complete description of all the terms and
conditions of the merger agreement. It is qualified in its entirety by the
Appendices hereto, including the text of the merger agreement, which is attached
as Appendices A and B to this joint proxy statement-prospectus. The appendices,
including the merger agreement, are incorporated herein by reference. You are
urged to read the Appendices in their entirety.

THE MERGER

     The merger agreement provides for the acquisition of Triangle by Centura
pursuant to the merger of Triangle into a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary
of Centura. Immediately after the merger, the merger subsidiary will be merged
into Centura, and Triangle's banking subsidiaries, Triangle Bank and Bank of
Mecklenburg, will be merged into Centura Bank.

WHAT TRIANGLE STOCKHOLDERS WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER

     If we complete the merger, each Triangle stockholder will receive .45 of a
share of Centura common stock for each share of Triangle common stock held by
such stockholder at the date the merger is completed.

     Under certain limited circumstances described below, the exchange ratio
could be increased pursuant to certain provisions of the merger agreement. UNDER
NO CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD THE EXCHANGE RATIO BE LESS THAN .45 OF A SHARE OF CENTURA
COMMON STOCK FOR EACH SHARE OF TRIANGLE COMMON STOCK. Such an adjustment would
occur only if Triangle's board of directors elects to terminate the merger
agreement pursuant to the provisions of the merger agreement described below and
if Centura then elects to avoid termination of the merger agreement by
increasing the exchange ratio.

     For purposes of the description of these provisions and their operation the
following definitions apply:

     The "average closing price" is the average of the closing price of Centura
common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (as reported by The Wall
Street Journal, or, if not reported thereby, by

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   29

another authoritative source selected by Centura) for 10 consecutive full
trading days in which such shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange
ending at the close of trading on the "determination date."

     The "determination date" is the latest of the date on which approval of the
merger by the Federal Reserve is received (without regard to any requisite
waiting period), the date the merger is approved by Triangle stockholders, and
the date the issuance of shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the merger
agreement is approved by Centura stockholders.

     The "Centura ratio" is the number obtained by dividing the "average closing
price" by $52.00.

     The "index price" is the weighted average of the closing prices of the
common stock of the bank holding companies described as the "index group" in the
merger agreement as of a given date.

     The "index ratio" is the number obtained by dividing the index price on the
determination date by the index price as of August 20, 1999, and then
subtracting .15 from the result.

     If both:

     (1) the average closing price is less than $41.60 (i.e. $52.00 (the closing
         price of Centura common stock on the last trading day before the public
         announcement of the merger) multiplied by .8); and

     (2) the Centura ratio is less than the index ratio,

then Triangle may elect to terminate the merger agreement unless Centura
increases the exchange ratio such that the number of shares of Centura common
stock issued in exchange for each share of Triangle common stock has a value
(based on the average closing price) equal to the lesser of (i) $18.72
(corresponding to an average closing price of $41.60) or (ii) the value (based
on the average closing price) of the number of shares of Centura common stock
that would have been exchanged for each share of Triangle common stock if the
relative performance of the Centura common stock as determined above was 15%
lower than the relative performance of the index group. If the merger is
approved by Triangle stockholders, and both of the triggers discussed above are
subsequently met, Triangle's board of directors may elect not to terminate the
merger agreement and to consummate the merger anyway without resoliciting
Triangle stockholders.

     These conditions reflect the parties' agreement that Triangle stockholders
will assume the risk of declines in the value of Centura common stock to $41.60.
Any adjustment of the exchange ratio reflecting a decline in the price of
Centura common stock to below $41.60 would be dependent on whether the average
closing price of Centura common stock lags behind a market basket of comparable
bank holding company common stocks (the index group) by more than 15%.

     In making its determination of whether to terminate the merger agreement,
the Triangle board of directors will take into account, consistent with its
fiduciary duties, all relevant facts and circumstances that exist at such time,
including, without limitation, information concerning the business, financial
condition, results of operations, and prospects of Centura (including the recent
performance of Centura common stock, the historical financial data of Centura,
customary statistical measurements of Centura's financial performance, and the
future prospects for Centura common stock following the merger), and the advice
of Triangle's financial advisors and legal counsel. If the Triangle board of
directors elects to terminate the merger agreement, Centura would then determine
whether to proceed with the merger at the higher exchange ratio. In making this
determination, the principal factors Centura will consider include the projected
effect of the merger on Centura's pro forma earnings per share and whether
Centura's assessment of Triangle's earning potential as part of Centura
justifies the issuance of an increased number of Centura shares. If Centura
declines to adjust the exchange ratio, Triangle may elect to proceed without the
adjustment, provided it does so within 12 days after the determination date.
Centura is under no obligation to adjust the exchange ratio.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>   30

     The operation of the adjustment mechanism can be illustrated by three
scenarios. (For purposes of the scenarios, it has been assumed that the initial
exchange ratio is .45, the starting price of Centura common stock is $52.00, and
the index price, as of the starting date, is $100.)

          (1) The first scenario occurs if the average closing price is $41.60
     or greater. Under this scenario, regardless of any comparison between the
     Centura ratio and the index ratio, there would be no possible adjustment to
     the exchange ratio, even though the value of the consideration to be
     received by Triangle stockholders could have fallen from a pro forma $23.40
     per share, as of the starting date, to a pro forma $18.72 per share, as of
     the determination date.

          (2) The second scenario occurs if the average closing price is less
     than $41.60, but does not represent a decline from the starting price of
     more than 15% than the decline of the common stock prices of the index
     group. Under this scenario, there also would be no possible adjustment to
     the exchange ratio, even though the value of the consideration to be
     received by Triangle stockholders would have fallen from a pro forma $23.40
     per share, as of the starting date, to an amount based on the then lower
     average closing price of Centura common stock, as of the determination
     date, of less than a pro forma $18.72 per share.

          (3) The third scenario occurs if the average closing price declines
     below $41.60 and the Centura ratio is below the index ratio. Under this
     scenario, the adjustment in the exchange ratio is designed to ensure,
     subject to the Triangle board of directors exercising its rights to
     terminate the merger agreement and the Centura board of directors electing
     to avoid such termination, that if the merger is consummated the Triangle
     stockholders receive shares of Centura common stock having a value (based
     on the average closing price) that corresponds to at least $41.60 per
     Centura share or a 15% decline from the stock price performance reflected
     by the index group, whichever is less.

             Example 1 -- If the average closing price were $35.00, and the
        ending index price, as of the determination date, were $90, the Centura
        ratio (.6730) would be below the index ratio (.75, or .90 minus .15),
        and Triangle could terminate the merger agreement unless Centura elected
        within five days to increase the exchange ratio to equal .5014, which
        represents the lesser of (a) .5348 (the result of dividing $18.72 (the
        product of .8, $52.00, and the .45 exchange ratio) by the average
        closing price ($35.00), rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth) and (b)
        .5014 (the result of dividing the index ratio (.75) times .45 by the
        Centura ratio (.6730), rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth). Based on
        the assumed $35.00 average closing price, the new exchange ratio would
        represent a value to the Triangle stockholders of $17.55 per share.

             Example 2 -- If the average closing price were $35.00, and the
        ending index price, as of the determination date, were $100, the Centura
        ratio (.6730) would be below the index ratio (.85, or 1.00 minus .15),
        and Triangle could terminate the merger agreement unless Centura elected
        within five days to increase the exchange ratio to equal .5348, which
        represents the lesser of (a) .5348 (the result of dividing $18.72 (the
        product of .8, $52.00, and the .45 exchange ratio) by the average
        closing price ($35.00), rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth) and (b)
        .5684 (the result of dividing the index ratio (.85) times .45 by the
        Centura ratio (.6730), rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth). Based on
        the assumed $35.00 average closing price, the new exchange ratio would
        represent a value to the Triangle stockholders of pro forma $18.72 per
        share.

          However, it is possible that Triangle's board of directors would not
     elect to exercise its termination right, even if the average closing price
     is below $41.60 and the Centura ratio is below the index ratio. Under these
     circumstances, the exchange ratio would remain at .45, regardless of the
     fact that the average closing price is below $41.60. Conversely, it is
     possible that if Triangle's board of directors does elect to exercise its
     termination right, Centura's board of directors would not elect to increase
     the exchange ratio to prevent such termination, and under these
     circumstances the merger agreement would terminate unless Triangle elects
     to proceed without the adjustment.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>   31

     The actual market value of a share of Centura common stock at the effective
time of the merger and at the time certificates for those shares are delivered
following surrender and exchange of certificates for shares of Triangle common
stock may be more or less than the average closing price. Triangle stockholders
are urged to obtain current market prices for Centura common stock. See
"-- Comparative Market Prices and Dividends" on page 65.

EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON TRIANGLE OPTIONS

     When the merger becomes effective, each option granted under Triangle's
stock plans that is outstanding (the "options"), whether or not exercisable,
will become an option to purchase Centura common stock. Centura will assume each
option in accordance with the terms of Triangle's stock plans and stock option
or other agreement that evidences the option and will deliver Centura common
stock upon the exercise of each option. After the merger becomes effective,

     (1) Centura and its Compensation Committee will be substituted for Triangle
         and the Committee of Triangle's board of directors administering
         Triangle's plans;

     (2) each option assumed by Centura may be exercised only for shares of
         Centura common stock;

     (3) the number of shares of Centura common stock subject to the option will
         be equal to the number of shares of Triangle common stock subject to
         the option immediately before the merger becomes effective multiplied
         by the exchange ratio and rounding down to the nearest whole share; and

     (4) the per share exercise price under each option will be adjusted by
         dividing it by the exchange ratio and rounding up to the nearest cent.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Triangle option which is an "incentive
stock option" shall be adjusted as required by Section 424 of the Internal
Revenue Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, so as not to
constitute a modification, extension or renewal of the option, within the
meaning of Section 424(h) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     For information with respect to stock options held by Triangle's
management, see "-- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."

EXPECTED TAX TREATMENT AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER

     Centura and Triangle have not and do not intend to seek a ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") as to the federal income tax consequences of
the merger. The opinion of counsel, Alston & Bird LLP, as to certain of the
expected federal income tax consequences of the merger is an exhibit to the
registration statement and supports the following discussion of the anticipated
federal income tax consequences of the merger to stockholders of Triangle. This
discussion does not address, among other matters:

     (1) state, local, or foreign tax consequences of the merger;

     (2) federal income tax consequences to Triangle stockholders who are
         subject to special rules under the Internal Revenue Code, such as
         foreign persons, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies,
         financial institutions, dealers in stocks and securities, and persons
         who hold their stock as part of a straddle or conversion transaction;

     (3) federal income tax consequences affecting shares of Triangle common
         stock acquired upon the exercise of stock options, stock purchase plan
         rights, or otherwise as compensation;

     (4) the tax consequences to holders of options to acquire shares of
         Triangle common stock; and

     (5) the tax consequences to Centura and Triangle of any income and deferred
         gain recognized pursuant to Treasury Regulations issued under Section
         1502 of the Internal Revenue Code.

                                      -22-
<PAGE>   32

     Assuming that the merger is consummated in accordance with the merger
agreement, it is anticipated that the following federal income tax consequences
will occur:

     (1) The merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
         Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     (2) No gain or loss will be recognized by Centura, Triangle or Centura's
         merger subsidiary as a result of the merger.

     (3) No gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of Triangle as a
         result of the exchange of all of the shares of Triangle common stock
         that they own for Centura common stock pursuant to the merger, except
         that gain or loss will be recognized on the receipt of any cash in lieu
         of a fractional share.

     (4) The tax basis of Centura common stock to be received by the Triangle
         stockholders, who exchange all of their Triangle common stock for
         Centura common stock in the merger, will be the same as the tax basis
         of the Triangle common stock surrendered in exchange therefor (reduced
         by any amount allocable to a fractional share interest for which cash
         is received).

     (5) The holding period of the Centura common stock to be received by
         Triangle stockholders, who exchange all of their Triangle common stock
         for Centura common stock in the merger (and cash received in lieu of
         fractional shares of Centura common stock), will include the holding
         period of the Triangle common stock surrendered in exchange therefor,
         provided the Triangle shares were held as a capital asset by the
         Triangle stockholders on the date of the exchange.

     (6) The payment of cash to Triangle stockholders in lieu of fractional
         share interests of Centura common stock will be treated for federal
         income tax purposes as if the fractional shares were distributed as
         part of the exchange and then were redeemed by Centura. These cash
         payments will be treated as having been received as distributions in
         full payment in exchange for the Centura common stock redeemed, as
         provided in Section 302 of the Internal Revenue Code.

     The obligation of Centura and Triangle to complete the merger is
conditioned on, among other things, receipt by Centura and Triangle of an
opinion of Alston & Bird LLP, with respect to certain of the federal income tax
consequences of the merger. The conditions relating to the receipt of the tax
opinion may be waived by both Centura and Triangle. Neither Centura nor Triangle
currently intends to waive the conditions relating to the receipt of the tax
opinion. If the conditions relating to the receipt of the tax opinion were
waived and the material federal income tax consequences of the merger were
substantially different from those described in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, Triangle would resolicit the approval of its stockholders
prior to completing the merger.

     Tax consequences of the merger may vary depending upon the particular
circumstances of each Triangle stockholder. Accordingly, Triangle stockholders
are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences
to them of the merger, including the applicability and effect of state, local,
and foreign tax laws.

BACKGROUND OF AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER

     BACKGROUND.

     Triangle Bank was established in 1988. At the time the purpose was to
create a new, locally focused bank that could offer quality banking services to
consumers and small-to-medium sized businesses in the Raleigh, North Carolina
area. Triangle was established in 1992 as the parent holding company of Triangle
Bank.

     Following an acquisition in each of 1991 and 1993, Triangle's management
determined in 1994 that a well executed acquisition plan in concert with
internal growth would benefit Triangle. In particular, management believed a
well executed acquisition plan could (i) provide opportunities to achieve
economies of scale that would increase Triangle's efficiency and profitability;
(ii) improve Triangle's ability

                                      -23-
<PAGE>   33

to compete with the many financial institutions doing business in Triangle's
market area; (iii) result in an institution better able to respond to
technological changes; and (iv) enable the resulting institution to better
respond to the needs of its customers and the communities it serves.

     Triangle carried out this plan with success from 1995 to September 1998,
the date of its last acquisition. As a result of these acquisitions, Triangle
increased in asset size from approximately $302.7 million at December 31, 1993
to approximately $2.3 billion as of September 30, 1999. During the same period,
the number of Triangle Bank's branches has increased from 12 to 68, located
primarily in the central and eastern regions of North Carolina. In addition,
Bank of Mecklenburg, Triangle's other bank subsidiary, has three branches in
Charlotte. As of September 30, 1999, Triangle had a market capitalization of
approximately $467 million, compared to a market capitalization of approximately
$33 million at December 31, 1993.

     As part of its acquisition plan, Triangle reviewed its performance against
its peers, both in North Carolina and nationally, at least once a year. Triangle
also periodically conducted a strategic review during which Triangle examined
its strategic business alternatives, devoting particular attention to the
continuing consolidation and increasing competition in the banking and financial
services industries in North Carolina. North Carolina is home to many large,
aggressive commercial banking entities, including Triangle, and the banking
market in North Carolina in particular has been subject to significant
consolidation in recent years. As a result, competition in the local banking and
financial services industries has intensified. Triangle reaped the benefit of
this consolidation from 1993 through 1998.

     From 1994 through 1997, Triangle common stock out-performed most of its
peers as well as most securities markets in general. The latter half of 1998,
however, saw the price of Triangle common stock decline along with most other
bank issues and the markets in general. Despite Triangle's continued good
financial performance, the price of Triangle common stock remained essentially
flat through 1999 until the announcement of the merger.

     In recent years, Triangle had received inquiries from potential acquirors.
These inquiries were analyzed by Triangle's board of directors or its executive
committee, with the assistance of its financial advisor, Wheat First Securities,
a division of First Union Securities, Inc. ("Wheat First"). In general, any
possible price suggested in these inquiries was deemed inadequate by Triangle,
in consultation with Wheat First, based on Triangle's performance and prospects
compared to the performance and prospects of the potential acquirors. In light
of Triangle's performance and prospects, and the continued appreciation of
Triangle common stock, Triangle's board of directors had determined in the past
several years that Triangle stockholders, employees and communities would be
better served by remaining independent.

     In 1999, Triangle received preliminary expressions of interest from two
bank holding companies prior to the time that Centura contacted Triangle.
Management of Triangle reviewed the bank holding companies' expressions of
interest with Wheat First and Triangle's executive committee and determined that
it was not in the best interests of Triangle or the Triangle stockholders to
pursue these preliminary expressions of interest further.

     On August 4, 1999, Centura's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cecil
Sewell, visited Triangle's President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael S.
Patterson, to discuss the relative merits of a merger of Triangle and Centura.
Mr. Sewell and Mr. Patterson had previously worked together at one of Centura's
predecessor institutions and had continued to keep in contact, discussing from
time to time general economic and business conditions affecting their
institutions and the possibility, in very general terms, of combining the two
companies. Mr. Sewell stated that Triangle was Centura's top strategic
acquisition priority, based on similar cultures and markets, and suggested a
possible price in the mid-$20's for each share of Triangle common stock in a
stock-for-stock merger of the parties.

     After his meeting with Mr. Sewell, Mr. Patterson informed Robert L.
Guthrie, Chairman of the executive committee to Triangle's board of directors,
of Mr. Sewell's inquiry and Mr. Guthrie authorized Mr. Patterson to analyze the
merits of a possible merger with Centura. The proposed merger, including the
exchange ratio implied by the suggested price per share for Triangle common
stock as indicated by

                                      -24-
<PAGE>   34

Mr. Sewell, was given to Triangle's financial advisor, Wheat First, to review.
Wheat First's analysis indicated that a merger of Centura and Triangle, in the
price range indicated by Mr. Sewell, would be fair from a financial point of
view to the Triangle stockholders. On August 12, 1999, Mr. Patterson met with
Mr. Sewell to further discuss a possible merger with Centura at which meeting a
proposal was presented to Triangle by Centura, including an exchange ratio of
 .45 of a share of Centura common stock for each share of Triangle common stock.

     On August 17, 1999, Triangle's executive committee met to consider the
Centura proposal, including the exchange ratio. An analysis prepared by Wheat
First was reviewed. Triangle's executive committee considered the alternatives
available to Triangle, including remaining independent or merging with another
party. Triangle's executive committee unanimously approved the exchange ratio
and basic parameters of the merger and authorized Mr. Patterson to seek to
negotiate a definitive merger agreement with Centura. Negotiations ensued,
Centura executed a confidentiality agreement and the parties conducted due
diligence with respect to each other through August 21, 1999.

     In considering Centura's proposal, Triangle's executive committee compared
the two companies and found a similarity in corporate cultures as well as a
shared history of serving similar markets and engaging in small business and
retail lending. In addition, Triangle's executive committee considered Centura's
established electronic banking program, proven sales culture, existing fee-based
lines of business, such as insurance, brokerage, asset management and investment
banking services. By comparison, Triangle was just beginning to implement the
development of an electronic delivery channel for its products and services and
the development of a sales culture to further penetrate its existing markets.
Both of these initiatives would require the expenditure of a great deal of money
in hiring people, buying or leasing equipment and software, and training
employees, and would present a number of execution risks. The expense of these
items would have a significant impact on Triangle's future earnings. This
potential negative impact, coupled with Triangle's recent stock price, could
have been damaging to Triangle's ability to execute its strategic plan and to
provide an acceptable level of performance for the Triangle stockholders. In
addition, Triangle's management realized that its past practice of growing by
acquisition would be hampered in the future if the price of Triangle common
stock did not rise.

     Triangle's executive committee met again on August 22, 1999. At this
meeting, Triangle's management reviewed the progress of the negotiations with
Centura and Wheat First reviewed in detail the financial terms of Centura's
proposal. Wheat First reviewed the economic implications of Centura's proposed
exchange ratio of .45 of a share of Centura common stock for each share of
Triangle common stock. Based on the closing price of Centura common stock of
$52.00 on August 20, 1999, the exchange ratio represented $23.40 per share or
approximately 3.56 times Triangle's stated book value per share as of June 30,
1999 and approximately 21.7 times Triangle's annualized last quarter earnings,
based upon Triangle's earnings per share in the second quarter of 1999. Wheat
First compared the merger to 11 transactions announced since October 1, 1998
that Wheat First identified as comparable. Wheat First also reviewed with
Triangle's executive committee the possibility that Centura common stock might
currently be undervalued when compared to Centura's current performance and that
there was potential for appreciation inherent in Centura common stock that could
make the exchange ratio more attractive to Triangle stockholders.

     During the meeting, Triangle's executive committee also considered the
complementary nature of Centura's and Triangle's businesses and the synergies
that could be achieved by offering all of these business lines across an
expanded customer base. Triangle's executive committee also considered that Mr.
Patterson would become Chairman of the Board of the combined company and receive
an employment agreement with Centura and that seven of Centura's 30 directors
after the merger would be current members of Triangle's board of directors.
Triangle's executive committee considered these management and board
arrangements to be in the best interests of Triangle stockholders as continuing
stockholders of Centura. Triangle's executive committee also considered the
alternative of Triangle remaining independent and discussed that, given
competition in the marketplace and the expenditures required to upgrade and
expand Triangle's infrastructure, an independent Triangle would be unable to
achieve in the foreseeable future the same stockholder value represented by the
merger. Triangle's
                                      -25-
<PAGE>   35

executive committee also considered in general the terms of the proposed
agreement. After extensive discussion, Triangle's executive committee concluded
that it was in the best interests of Triangle and the Triangle stockholders and
other constituencies to merge with Centura and voted unanimously to recommend
the merger to the full Triangle board of directors.

     Later on August 22, 1999, all members of Triangle's board of directors met
to consider the merger. Wheat First again presented its analysis of the merger
and Triangle's board of directors considered in detail all of the matters
described above. After extensive discussion, the directors concluded that the
merger was in the best interests of Triangle and the Triangle stockholders and
other constituencies and unanimously approved the execution and delivery of the
merger agreement.

     REASONS FOR THE MERGER.

     TRIANGLE.  Triangle's board of directors has determined that the merger is
in the best interests of Triangle and the Triangle stockholders and has
unanimously approved the merger agreement and the plan of merger. In reaching
its determination, Triangle's board of directors considered a number of factors,
including, but not limited to, the following:

      (1) Information with respect to the financial condition, results of
          operations, business, and prospects of Triangle and Centura (see
          "BUSINESS OF TRIANGLE," "BUSINESS OF CENTURA," and
          "SUMMARY -- COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES OF COMMON STOCK" Price Range of
          Common Stock and Dividends") and a review, based in part on
          presentations by Wheat First and the due diligence reviews by Wheat
          First and management, of the business, operations, financial
          condition, earnings, and prospects of Centura;

      (2) The structure of the contemplated transaction, together with the
          exchange ratio in the merger from a number of valuation perspectives,
          as presented by Wheat First, and the current market value of the
          merger to the Triangle stockholders. Triangle's board of directors
          considered that, based upon the closing prices of Centura common stock
          and Triangle common stock on the last trading day preceding its
          approval of the merger (August 20, 1999), the exchange ratio
          represented a market premium at such time of $6.90 per share, or
          approximately 42%;

      (3) The opinion of Wheat First that as of August 22, 1999, the exchange
          ratio of .45 of a share of Centura common stock for each share of
          Triangle common stock was fair to the Triangle stockholders from a
          financial point of view (See "-- Opinion of Triangle's Financial
          Advisor");

      (4) The current and prospective economic and competitive environment
          facing Triangle; the range of possible values available to the
          Triangle stockholders by remaining independent and by pursuing other
          strategic options, including the likelihood of actually receiving
          those values; and the inability of Triangle to achieve comparable
          value in the foreseeable future by remaining independent;

      (5) The potential for appreciation of Centura common stock due to Centura
          being undervalued relative to its peers;

      (6) The potential ability of Centura, after the merger, to enhance the
          products and services currently provided by Triangle to its customers
          and the combined market share, after the merger, of Triangle and
          Centura in important markets in North Carolina;

      (7) The effect of the merger on Triangle's employees, customers and the
          communities it serves, including the impact of divestitures and cost
          saving measures associated with the merger;

      (8) The projected financial effects of the merger, including the cost
          savings (resulting from back office efficiencies, reductions in force,
          consolidations and other cost savings) of approximately $23 million in
          2000 and $32 million in 2001 and an increase in Centura earnings per
          share of approximately 0.4% ($.02 per share) in 2001 anticipated to
          result from the merger, and the effects of the merger on the
          risked-based and leverage capital ratios of the entity and its

                                      -26-
<PAGE>   36

          subsidiaries (see "PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION" and "-- Management
          and Operations After the Merger");

      (9) The number of seats on Centura's board of directors to be held by
          current Triangle directors, together with Mr. Patterson's management
          role in the combined entity and the terms of his employment agreement
          with Centura (see "-- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger");

     (10) The terms and conditions of the merger agreement and the plan of
          merger, including the tax-free nature of the merger and the treatment
          of the merger as a pooling-of-interests for accounting purposes, the
          stock option agreements, and the other documents executed in
          connection with the merger;

     (11) The fact that the pooling-of-interests accounting method is
          anticipated to be unavailable sometime in 2001, and the potential
          impact of the loss of such accounting method on values financial
          institutions can expect to receive in future transactions;

     (12) The provisions of the merger agreement permitting Triangle to
          terminate the merger if the price of Centura common stock falls more
          than a specified amount both in absolute terms and relative to an
          index based on the stock of other financial institutions, unless
          Centura agrees to adjust the exchange ratio upwards to offset the fall
          (see "-- What Triangle Stockholders Will Receive in the Merger" and
          "-- Conditions to Consummation of the Merger"); and

     (13) An evaluation of the risks to consummation of the merger, including,
          among others, the risks associated with obtaining all necessary
          regulatory approvals without the imposition of any condition which
          differs from conditions customarily imposed in approving acquisitions
          of the type contemplated by the merger agreement and compliance with
          which would materially adversely affect the anticipated benefits of
          the transaction to Centura.

     The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by
Triangle's board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but constitutes
all material factors considered by Triangle's board of directors. In view of the
variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger,
Triangle's board of directors did not find it practicable to, and did not,
quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative weights to the specific factors
considered in reaching its determination and individual directors may have given
different weight to different factors. In considering and approving the merger,
Triangle's board of directors relied upon information and analysis prepared by
management and by Wheat First. Throughout their deliberations, Triangle's
executive committee and Triangle's board of directors received the advice of
special counsel experienced in bank merger matters.

     Triangle's board of directors believes that the merger is in the best
interests of Triangle and the Triangle stockholders. ACCORDINGLY, TRIANGLE'S
BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE TRIANGLE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE
FOR THE MERGER.

     CENTURA.  Centura's board of directors has determined that the merger is in
the best interests of Centura and the Centura stockholders and has unanimously
approved the merger agreement. In reaching its determination, Centura's board of
directors considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the
following:

     (1) Transaction Strengthens Centura's North Carolina Franchise.  There is
         significant overlap of markets served by the two companies as Centura
         is in every market served by Triangle. The merger will increase the
         presence of the combined company in a number of markets. This is
         particularly true in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (i.e., non-rural)
         such as the Research Triangle area of North Carolina.

     (2) Transaction Leverages Centura's Strategy and Investments.  The merger
         will allow Centura to apply its customer information know-how and sales
         culture to a substantially increased number of households. This should
         result in providing additional and needed services to customers and
         greater profitability.

                                      -27-
<PAGE>   37

     (3) Information Concerning Triangle.  Centura's board of directors
         considered information in part derived from presentations by Keefe,
         Bruyette & Woods, Inc. and the due diligence review by Keefe, Bruyette
         & Woods, Inc. and management as well as its financial and legal
         advisors concerning the business, operations, earnings, asset quality,
         and financial condition of Triangle, and aspects of the Triangle
         franchise, including the market position of Triangle in each of the
         markets in which it operates and the compatibility of the community
         bank orientation of the operations of Triangle to that of Centura.
         Centura's board of directors concluded that Triangle is a well managed
         financial institution which is well positioned in its market areas and
         which presents an attractive opportunity for Centura to strengthen its
         franchise in all markets in which Triangle operates and to achieve
         certain economies of scale that would allow the combined entity to
         increase efficiency and enable cost savings in areas in which the
         franchises overlap.

     (4) Financial Terms of the Merger.  Centura's board of directors considered
         various financial aspects of the merger as reported by Centura's
         management and Centura's financial advisor, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods,
         Inc., including:

        - the relationship of the value of the consideration issuable in the
          merger to the market value (which represented a premium to Triangle's
          market price of approximately 42% as of August 20, 1999);

        - the anticipated effect of the merger on Centura's book value per share
          (with the merger resulting in an estimated decrease in tangible book
          value per share of approximately 11.5%);

        - a comparison of Triangle to selected peer banks and comparing pricing
          aspects of the merger to pricing characteristics of other merger
          transactions involving financial institutions; and

        - the projected financial effects of the merger, including the cost
          savings (resulting from back office efficiencies, reductions in force,
          consolidations and other cost savings) of approximately $23 million in
          2000 and $32 million in 2001 and an increase in Centura earnings per
          share of approximately 0.4% ($.02 per share) in 2001 anticipated to
          result from the merger, and the effects of the merger on the
          risk-based and leverage capital ratios of the entity and its
          subsidiaries (see "Pro Forma Financial Information" and "-- Management
          and Operations After the Merger");

     (5) Fairness of the Exchange Ratio to the Centura Stockholders.  Centura's
         board of directors considered the opinion of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods,
         Inc. that, as of August 22, 1999, the exchange ratio of .45 of a share
         of Centura common stock for each share of Triangle common stock was
         fair from a financial point of view to the Centura stockholders.

     (6) Nonfinancial Terms of the Merger.  Centura's board of directors
         considered various nonfinancial aspects of the merger, including the
         treatment of the merger as a tax-free exchange of Triangle common stock
         for Centura common stock for federal income tax purposes the
         anticipated level of divestitures and the likelihood of the merger
         being approved by applicable regulatory authorities without undue
         conditions or delay.

     (7) Pooling-of-Interests Accounting Treatment.  Centura's board of
         directors considered the fact that the pooling-of-interests accounting
         method is anticipated to be unavailable sometime in 2001, and the
         potential impact of the loss of such accounting method on values
         financial institutions can expect to receive in future transactions.

     (8) Transaction Risks.  Centura's board of directors also considered the
         risk associated with the merger, including, among others, the risks
         associated with obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals without
         the imposition of any condition which differs from conditions
         customarily imposed in approving acquisitions of the type contemplated
         by the merger agreement and compliance with which would materially
         adversely affect the anticipated benefits of the transaction to
         Centura.

                                      -28-
<PAGE>   38

     The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by
Centura's board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive but includes all
material factors considered by Centura's board of directors. In reaching its
determination to approve the merger and the merger agreement, Centura's board of
directors did not assign any relative or specific weights to the foregoing
factors, and individual directors may have given differing weights to different
factors. After deliberating with respect to the merger and the other
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and considering, among other
things, the matters discussed above and the opinion of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods,
Inc. referred to above, Centura's board of directors determined that the merger
is in the best interests of the Centura stockholders and unanimously approved
the merger agreement. CENTURA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE CENTURA
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THE SHARES OF CENTURA COMMON STOCK
NECESSARY TO CONSUMMATE THE MERGER.

OPINION OF TRIANGLE'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR

     Triangle retained Wheat First to act as its financial advisor in connection
with the merger and to render an opinion to Triangle's board of directors as to
the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio to the
holders of Triangle common stock. Wheat First is a nationally recognized
investment banking firm regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and
their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and
other purposes. Wheat First regularly publishes research reports regarding the
financial services industry and the businesses and securities of publicly owned
companies in that industry. In the ordinary course of its business, Wheat First
and its affiliates may actively trade in the equity securities of Triangle or
Centura for their accounts and the accounts of their customers, and therefore
may from time to time hold long or short positions in such security. The
Triangle board of directors selected Wheat First to serve as its financial
advisor in connection with the merger on the basis of such firm's expertise, its
six-year history of providing financial advisory and investment banking services
to Triangle and its consequent familiarity with Triangle and its operations.

     Representatives of Wheat First participated in the meeting of Triangle's
board of directors on August 22, 1999, at which the merger agreement was
considered and approved. At the meeting, Wheat First issued an oral opinion
that, as of such date, the exchange ratio was fair, from a financial point of
view, to the holders of Triangle common stock. A written opinion dated August
22, 1999 has been delivered to Triangle's board of directors to the effect that,
as of such date, the exchange ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to
the holders of Triangle common stock.

     The full text of the Wheat First's opinion, as updated to the date of this
joint proxy statement-prospectus, which sets forth certain assumptions made,
matters considered and limitations on review undertaken, is attached as Appendix
C to this joint proxy statement-prospectus, is incorporated herein by reference,
and should be read in its entirety in connection with this joint proxy
statement-prospectus. The summary of the opinion of Wheat First set forth in
this joint proxy statement-prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the opinion. No limitations were imposed by Triangle's board of directors
upon Wheat First with respect to the investigations made or procedures followed
by it in rendering the Triangle fairness opinion. Wheat First's opinion has been
furnished to Triangle's board of directors for its benefit and use. Wheat
First's opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, of the exchange ratio to the holders of Triangle common stock and does not
constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of Triangle as to how such
stockholder should vote on the merger.

     In arriving at its opinion of August 22, 1999, Wheat First reviewed certain
publicly available business and financial information relating to Triangle and
Centura and certain other information provided to it, including, among other
things the following: (i) Triangle's Annual Reports to Stockholders, Annual
Reports on Form 10-K and related financial information for the three fiscal
years ended December 31, 1998; (ii) Triangle's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
and related financial information for the periods ended March 31, 1999 and June
30, 1999; (iii) Centura's Annual Reports to Stockholders, Annual Reports on Form
10-K and related financial information for the three fiscal years ended December
31, 1998; (iv) Centura's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and related financial
information for the periods
                                      -29-
<PAGE>   39

ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999; (v) certain publicly available
information with respect to historical market prices and trading activities for
Triangle common stock and Centura common stock and for certain publicly traded
financial institutions which Wheat First deemed relevant; (vi) certain publicly
available information with respect to banking companies and the financial terms
of certain other mergers and acquisitions which Wheat First deemed relevant;
(vii) the merger agreement; (viii) certain estimates of the cost savings,
revenue enhancements and divestitures projected by Triangle and Centura for the
combined company; (ix) other financial information concerning the businesses and
operations of Triangle and Centura, including certain audited and unaudited
financial information and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for
Triangle and Centura prepared by the senior managements of these companies; and
(x) such financial studies, analyses, inquiries and other matters as Wheat First
deemed necessary. In addition, Wheat First met with members of the senior
managements of Triangle and Centura to discuss the business and prospects of
each company.

     In connection with its review, Wheat First relied upon and assumed the
accuracy and completeness of all of the foregoing information provided to it or
publicly available, including representations and warranties of Triangle and
Centura included in the merger agreement, and Wheat First has not assumed any
responsibility for independent verification of such information. Wheat First
relied upon the managements of Triangle and Centura as to the reasonableness and
achievability of their financial and operational forecasts and projections, and
the assumptions and bases therefor, provided to Wheat First, and assumed that
such forecasts and projections reflect the best currently available estimates
and judgments of such managements and that such forecasts and projections will
be realized in the amounts and in the time periods currently estimated by such
managements. Wheat First also assumed, without independent verification, that
the aggregate allowances for loan losses and other contingencies for Triangle
and Centura are adequate to cover such losses. Wheat First did not review any
individual credit files of Triangle or Centura, nor did it make an independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of Triangle or Centura.

     In connection with rendering its opinion dated as of August 22, 1999, Wheat
First performed a variety of financial analyses. The preparation of a fairness
opinion involves various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant
methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the
particular circumstances and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily
susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Moreover, the evaluation
of the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio to
holders of Triangle common stock (other than Centura and its affiliates) was to
some extent a subjective one based on the experience and judgment of Wheat First
and not merely the result of mathematical analysis of financial data.
Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors summarized below, Wheat First
believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting
portions of its analyses and of the factors considered by it, without
considering all analyses and factors, could create an incomplete view of the
evaluation process underlying its opinion. The ranges of valuations resulting
from any particular analysis described below should not be taken to be Wheat
First's view of the actual value of Triangle or Centura.

     In performing its analyses, Wheat First made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions and other
matters, many of which are beyond the control of Triangle or Centura. The
analyses performed by Wheat First are not necessarily indicative of actual
values or future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than
suggested by such analyses. Additionally, analyses relating to the values of
businesses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which
businesses actually may be sold. In rendering its opinion, Wheat First assumed
that, in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for the
merger, no conditions will be imposed that will have a material adverse effect
on the contemplated benefits of the merger, on a pro forma basis, to Centura.

     Wheat First's opinion is just one of the many factors taken into
consideration by Triangle's board of directors in determining to approve the
merger agreement. Wheat First's opinion does not address the relative merits of
the merger as compared to any alternative business strategies that might exist
for Triangle, nor does it address the effect of any other business combination
in which Triangle might engage.
                                      -30-
<PAGE>   40

     The following is a summary of the analyses performed by Wheat First in
connection with its written opinion delivered to Triangle's board of directors
on August 22, 1999:

     Comparison of Selected Companies.  Wheat First compared the financial
performance and market trading information of Centura to that of a group of
regional bank holding companies (the "Group"). This Group included: AmSouth
Bancorp, BB&T Corp., CCB Financial Corp., Colonial BancGroup, Inc., Compass
Bancshares Inc., First Citizens BancShares, Inc., First Virginia Banks, Inc.,
Mercantile Bankshares Corp., Regions Financial Corp., Riggs National Corp.,
SouthTrust Corp. and Union Planters Corp.

     The following table compares Centura to the Group on certain financial
ratios which are based on balance sheet and financial data as of or for the
three months ended June 30, 1999 (annualized where appropriate):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                GROUP
                                                                     ---------------------------
                                                           CENTURA   AVERAGE   MINIMUM   MAXIMUM
                                                           -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Equity/assets............................................    7.85%     8.17%     6.19%    12.58%
Non-performing assets/assets.............................    0.75      0.56      0.19      1.75
Reserves/non-performing assets...........................  114.96    230.63     60.16    518.12
Return on average assets.................................    1.32      1.34      0.70      2.06
Return on average equity.................................   16.58     16.39     11.12     20.87
</TABLE>

     The following table compares Centura to the Group on certain valuation
measures which are based on market values as of August 20, 1999, balance sheet
and financial data as of June 30, 1999, and "First Call" (as hereinafter
defined) estimated earnings per share. "First Call" is a data service that
monitors and publishes a compilation of earnings estimates produced by selected
research analysts regarding companies of interest to institutional investors.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                GROUP
                                                                     ---------------------------
                                                           CENTURA   AVERAGE   MINIMUM   MAXIMUM
                                                           -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Price/book...............................................   215.2%    237.5%    119.7%    363.9%
Dividend yield...........................................     2.5       2.6       1.0       4.6
Price/1999 earnings per share estimate...................    13.1x     14.6x     10.2x     17.7x
Price/2000 earnings per share estimate...................    11.7      13.2       9.6      16.1
</TABLE>

     Analysis of Selected Transactions.  Wheat First performed an analysis of
premiums paid in eleven selected pending or recently completed bank acquisitions
in the eastern United States announced since October 1, 1998 where the announced
deal value was between $200 million and $1 billion (the "Selected
Transactions"). Price paid relative to current market price, book value,
estimated current year earnings, trailing twelve months earnings latest quarter
earnings annualized and the transaction price to earnings ratio relative to the
acquiror's price to earnings ratio in the Selected Transactions were compared to
the multiples and premiums implied by the consideration offered by Centura in
the merger. The Selected Transactions included the following pending
transactions: Old National/ANB Corp.; BB&T Corp./Premier Bancshares; Fifth
Third Bancorp/Peoples Bank Corp.; Hudson United Bancorp/JeffBanks, Inc.; Sky
Financial Group, Inc./Mahoning National Bancorp; Citizens Banking Corp/F&M
Bancorporation; Old Kent Financial Corp./Pinnacle Banc Group, Inc.; Union
Planters Corp./Republic Banking; Summit Bancorp/Prime Bancorp; BB&T
Corp./Mason-Dixon Bancshares, Inc.; and Sky Financial Group, Inc./First Western
Bancorp.

                                      -31-
<PAGE>   41

     Based on the market value of Centura common stock on August 20, 1999, and
financial data as of June 30, 1999, the analysis yielded ratios of the implied
consideration to be paid by Centura to Triangle. The following table compares
these implied values to the considerations paid in the Selected Transactions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          SELECTED TRANSACTIONS
                                                                       ---------------------------
                                                       CENTURA OFFER   AVERAGE   MINIMUM   MAXIMUM
                                                       -------------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>       <C>       <C>
Premium to market price..............................       41.8%        32.5%     (5.2)%    74.2%
Price/Book value.....................................      356.2        292.8     205.1     417.8
Price/estimated earnings per share...................       19.2x        21.3x     19.0x     25.2x
Price/latest twelve months earnings per share........       22.7         23.0      16.5      27.4
Price/latest quarter annualized earnings per share...       21.7         23.2      19.2      28.6
Premium to acquiror price/earnings per share.........       64.5%        26.2%      3.3%     62.5%
</TABLE>

     The following table outlines comparisons which are based on financial data
as of the period ended June 30, 1999, for Triangle and the twelve months
reporting period prior to the announcement of each transaction for each acquiree
in the Selected Transactions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SELECTED TRANSACTION ACQUIREES
                                                                      ------------------------------
                                                           TRIANGLE   AVERAGE    MINIMUM    MAXIMUM
                                                           --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Equity/assets............................................    7.21%      9.12%      6.72%     12.01%
Nonaccrual loans plus loans ninety days past
  due/assets.............................................    0.47       0.49       0.12       1.18
Return on average assets.................................    1.24       1.22       0.96       1.79
Return on average equity.................................   16.28      13.57      10.00      16.52
Efficiency ratio.........................................   48.73      58.63      45.86      66.73
</TABLE>

     Contribution Analysis.  Wheat First analyzed the relative contribution of
Triangle and Centura to the pro forma combined company based upon certain
balance sheet and income statement items including assets, deposits,
stockholders' equity and estimated earnings. This analysis included balance
sheet data as of June 30, 1999, market values as of August 20, 1999, and First
Call consensus earnings estimates for Centura and Triangle. Wheat First then
compared the relative contribution of such balance sheet and income statement
items with the fully diluted ownership percentage of the combined company of
approximately 29% for Triangle stockholders based on the exchange ratio. The
contribution analysis showed that under the Centura proposal, Triangle would
contribute approximately 21% of the combined assets, 23% of the combined
deposits, 19% of the combined stockholder's equity (before merger-related
expenses) and 20% of the 1999 estimated earnings of the two companies (before
cost savings).

     Discounted Dividends Analysis.  Using discounted dividends analysis, Wheat
First estimated the present value of the future stream of dividends that
Triangle could produce over the next five years, under various circumstances,
assuming the company performed in accordance with the earnings forecasts of
management and an assumed level of expense savings was achieved. Wheat First
then estimated the terminal values for Triangle common stock at the end of the
period by applying multiples ranging from 11x to 14x projected earnings in year
five. The dividend streams and terminal values were then discounted to present
values using different discount rates (ranging from 14% to 18%) chosen to
reflect different assumptions regarding the required rates of return to holders
or prospective buyers of Triangle common stock. This discounted dividend
analysis indicated reference ranges of between $20.64 and $28.85 per share of
Triangle common stock. These values compare to the consideration offered by
Centura to Triangle in the merger of $23.40 per share of Triangle common stock
based on the market value of Centura common stock on August 20, 1999.

     Impact Analysis.  Wheat First analyzed the pro forma financial impact of
the merger on Centura's fully diluted GAAP earnings per share. For purposes of
these analyses, Wheat First utilized earnings per share projections provided by
management of Centura for Centura and Triangle for 2000. Wheat First performed
this analysis using Centura management assumptions with respect to operating
synergies, required regulatory divestitures and deposit repricing, and assumed
that those synergies, divestitures and

                                      -32-
<PAGE>   42

margin enhancements were fully phased-in for the entirety of 2000. Wheat First's
analyses of the merger from Centura's perspective showed that the merger,
compared to continued operation of Centura on a stand-alone basis, would be
accretive to Centura's GAAP estimated earnings in 2000.

     No company or transaction used as a comparison in the above analysis is
identical to Triangle, Centura or the merger. Accordingly, an analysis of the
results of the foregoing necessarily involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of
the companies and other factors that could affect the public trading value of
the companies used for comparison in the above analysis.

     Wheat First's opinion dated as of August 22, 1999 is based solely upon the
information available to Wheat First and the economic, market and other
circumstances as they existed as of such date and has been updated to the date
of this joint proxy statement-prospectus without a material difference in
results. Events occurring after that date could materially affect the
assumptions and conclusions contained in the opinion of Wheat First. Wheat First
has not undertaken to reaffirm or revise its opinion or otherwise comment on any
events occurring after the date hereof.

     As compensation for Wheat First's services, Triangle has agreed to pay
Wheat First advisory fees of $250,000 at signing of the definitive agreement and
an additional fee that will amount to .85% of the aggregate consideration
received by Triangle stockholders at the time of closing (when the previously
paid $250,000 is included). Triangle has agreed also to reimburse Wheat First
for its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the activities
contemplated by its engagement, regardless of whether the merger is consummated.
Triangle has further agreed to indemnify Wheat First against certain
liabilities, including certain liabilities under federal securities laws. The
payment of the above fees is not contingent upon Wheat First rendering a
favorable opinion with respect to the merger.

OPINION OF CENTURA'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR

     On August 16, 1999, Centura engaged Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. ("KBW")
to provide a fairness opinion in connection with the merger with Triangle.
Pursuant to the terms of its engagement, KBW agreed to assist Centura in
analyzing, structuring, negotiating and effecting a transaction with Triangle.
Centura selected KBW because KBW is a nationally recognized investment banking
firm with substantial experience in transactions similar to the merger and is
familiar with Centura and its business. As part of its investment banking
business, KBW is continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions.

     As part of its engagement, representatives of KBW attended the meeting of
Centura's board of directors held on August 22, 1999, at which Centura's board
of directors considered and approved the merger agreement. At the August 22,
1999 meeting, KBW rendered an oral opinion (subsequently confirmed in writing)
that, as of such date, the exchange ratio was fair to the holders of shares of
the Centura common stock from a financial point of view. Such opinion was
reconfirmed in writing as of the date of this joint proxy statement-prospectus.

     The full text of KBW's updated written opinion dated as of the date of this
joint proxy statement-prospectus is attached as Appendix D to this joint proxy
statement-prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The description of
the opinion set forth herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to
Appendix D. The Centura stockholders are urged to read the opinion in its
entirety for a description of the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters
considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by KBW
in connection therewith.

     KBW'S OPINION IS DIRECTED TO CENTURA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ADDRESSES
ONLY THE EXCHANGE RATIO. IT DOES NOT ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING BUSINESS DECISION TO
PROCEED WITH THE MERGER AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY CENTURA
STOCKHOLDER AS TO HOW SUCH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING WITH
RESPECT TO THE MERGER OR ANY OTHER MATTER RELATED THERETO.

     KBW has informed Centura that in arriving at its written opinion dated
August 22, 1999, KBW, among other things: (1) reviewed Centura's Annual Reports
on Form 10-K and related audited financial
                                      -33-
<PAGE>   43

information for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 and Centura's
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and related unaudited financial information for
the quarterly periods ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999; (2) reviewed
Triangle's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and related audited financial information
for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 and Triangle's quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q and related unaudited financial information for the
quarterly periods ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999; (3) reviewed certain
limited financial information, including financial forecasts, relating to the
respective businesses, earnings, assets and prospects of Centura and Triangle
furnished to KBW by senior management of Centura and Triangle, as well as
projected cost savings estimates and transaction related expenses expected to
result from the merger furnished to it by Centura's senior management; (4)
conducted certain limited discussions with members of senior management of
Centura and Triangle concerning the respective businesses, financial condition,
earnings, assets, liabilities, operations, regulatory condition, financial
forecasts, contingencies and prospects of Centura and Triangle and their
respective views as to the future financial performance of Centura, Triangle,
and the combined entity, as the case may be, following the merger; (5) reviewed
the historical market prices and trading activity for Centura common stock and
Triangle common stock and compared them with that of certain publicly traded
companies which KBW deemed to be relevant; (6) compared the respective results
of operations of Centura and Triangle with those of certain companies which KBW
deemed to be relevant; (7) reviewed the amount and timing of the expected
savings following the merger as prepared, and discussed with it, by Centura's
senior management; (8) considered, based upon information provided by Centura's
senior management, the pro forma impact of the merger on Centura's earnings and
book value per share, consolidated capitalization and certain balance sheet and
profitability ratios; (9) reviewed the merger agreement; and (10) reviewed such
other financial studies and analyses and performed such other investigations and
took into account such other matters as KBW deemed necessary.

     In preparing its opinion, KBW, with Centura's consent, assumed and relied
on the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other information supplied
or otherwise made available to it by Centura and Triangle, including that
contemplated in the numbered items above, and KBW has not assumed responsibility
for independently verifying such information or undertaken an independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities, contingent or otherwise,
of Centura or Triangle or any of the subsidiaries of Centura or Triangle, nor
has it been furnished any such evaluation or appraisal. KBW is not an expert in
the evaluation of allowances for loan losses, and, with Centura's consent, it
has not made an independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan
losses of Centura or Triangle, nor has it reviewed any individual credit files
relating to Centura or Triangle, and, with Centura's consent, it assumed that
the respective aggregate allowances for loan losses for both Centura and
Triangle are adequate to cover such losses and will be adequate on a pro forma
basis for the combined entity. In addition, it has not conducted any physical
inspection of the properties or facilities of Centura or Triangle. With
Centura's consent, KBW also assumed and relied upon the senior management of
Centura and Triangle as to the reasonableness and achievability of the financial
forecasts (and the assumptions and bases therefor) provided to, and discussed
with, KBW. In that regard, KBW has assumed with Centura's consent that such
forecasts, including without limitation, financial forecasts, evaluations of
contingencies, expected savings and operating synergies resulting from the
merger and projections regarding underperforming and non-performing assets, net
charge-offs, adequacy of reserves, future economic conditions and results of
operations reflect the best currently available estimates and judgments of the
senior management of Centura and Triangle and/or the combined entity, as the
case may be. KBW's opinion is predicated on the merger receiving the tax and
accounting treatment contemplated in the merger agreement. KBW's opinion was
necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and
the information made available to it as of, the date of its opinion.

     KBW's opinion was rendered without regard to the necessity for, or level
of, any restrictions, obligations, undertakings or divestitures which may be
imposed or required in the course of obtaining regulatory approval for the
merger.

     In connection with rendering its opinion dated August 22, 1999, KBW
performed a variety of financial analyses, consisting of those summarized below.
The summary set forth below does not purport to be a

                                      -34-
<PAGE>   44

complete description of the analyses performed by KBW in this regard, although
it describes all material analyses performed by KBW. The preparation of a
fairness opinion involves various determinations as to the most appropriate and
relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of these methods to
the particular circumstances and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily
susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. Accordingly,
notwithstanding the separate factors summarized below, KBW believes that its
analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of KBW's
analyses and factors considered by it, without considering all analyses and
factors, or attempting to ascribe relative weights to some or all such analyses
and factors, could create an incomplete view of the evaluation process
underlying KBW's opinion.

     In performing its analyses, KBW made numerous assumptions with respect to
industry performance, general business and economic conditions and other
matters, many of which are beyond the control of Centura, Triangle and KBW. The
analyses performed by KBW are not necessarily indicative of actual values or
future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested
by such analyses. Such analyses were prepared solely as part of KBW's analysis
of the fairness to the Centura stockholders of the exchange ratio and were
provided to Centura's board of directors in connection with the delivery of
KBW's opinion. KBW gave the various analyses described below approximately
similar weight and did not draw any specific conclusions from or with regard to
any one method of analysis. With respect to the comparison of selected companies
analysis and the analysis of selected merger transactions summarized below, no
company utilized as a comparison is identical to Centura or Triangle.
Accordingly, an analysis of comparable companies and comparable business
combinations is not mathematical; rather it involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning the differences in financial and operating characteristics
of the companies and other factors that could affect the public trading values
or announced merger transaction values, as the case may be, of the companies
concerned. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the
process at which Centura and Triangle might actually be sold or the prices at
which any securities may trade at the present time or at any time in the future.
In addition, as described above, KBW's opinion is just one of many factors taken
into consideration by the Centura board.

     The projections furnished to KBW and used by it in certain of its analyses
were prepared by the senior management of Centura and Triangle. Centura and
Triangle do not publicly disclose internal management projections of the type
provided to KBW in connection with its review of the merger, and as a result,
such projections were not prepared with a view towards public disclosure. The
projections were based on numerous variables and assumptions which are
inherently uncertain, including, without limitation, factors related to general
economic and competitive conditions, and accordingly, actual results could vary
significantly from those set forth in such projections.

     The following is a summary of the material analyses presented by KBW to
Centura's board of directors on August 22, 1999 (the "KBW Report") in connection
with its August 22, 1999 opinion.

     Summary of Proposal.  KBW calculated multiples which were based on the
assumed per share purchase price of $23.40 (derived by multiplying the exchange
ratio of .45 by $52.00, the last reported sale price for the Centura common
stock before the public announcement of the execution of the merger agreement).
Triangle's June 30, 1999 stated book value was $6.57, stated tangible book value
was $5.67, and 1999 and 2000 earnings per share estimates (provided by I/B/E/S,
a nationally recognized earnings consolidator) were $1.09 and $1.20,
respectively. Based on this data, the price to stated book value multiple was
3.56 times, the price to stated tangible book value multiple was 4.12 times, and
the price to the 1999 and 2000 earnings estimates per share was 21.47 and 19.50
times, respectively.

     Analysis of Selected Merger Transactions.  KBW reviewed certain financial
data related to comparable nationwide in-market or overlapping pooling
acquisitions of bank holding companies announced between August 23, 1997 and
August 20, 1999 with announced deal values from $200 million to $2 billion. The
transactions included in the comparable transactions group were: BB&T
Corporation/Premier Bancshares Inc., Fifth Third Bancorp/People Bank Corp. of
Indianapolis, Webster Financial Corp./New England Community Bancorp Inc.,
Peoples Heritage Financial Group/Banknorth Group Inc., Zions
Bancorporation/Pioneer Bancorporation, Chittenden Corporation/Vermont Financial
Services Corp.,

                                      -35-
<PAGE>   45

BB&T Corporation/MainStreet Financial Corp., FirstMerit Corporation/Signal
Corp., First Commonwealth Financial/Pioneer Bancshares Inc., Old Kent Financial
Corp./First Evergreen Corporation, First Midwest Bancorp/Heritage Financial
Services Inc., United Bankshares Inc./George Mason Bankshares. The results of
KBW's review are set forth in the following table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     ANNOUNCED          ANNOUNCED
                                                                  COMPARABLE GROUP   COMPARABLE GROUP
                                                    TRANSACTION       AVERAGE             MEDIAN
                                                    -----------   ----------------   ----------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>                <C>
Deal price/book value.............................       356%            317%               318%
Deal price/tangible book value....................       412             347                321
Deal price/trailing 12 months earnings per
  share...........................................     24.33x          25.93x             26.50x
Deal price/total assets...........................     26.60%          28.94%             29.88%
Estimated cost savings............................        55              31                 30
</TABLE>

     No company or transaction used as a comparison in the above analysis is
identical to Centura, Triangle or the merger. Accordingly, an analysis of the
results of the foregoing is not mathematical; rather, it involves complex
considerations and judgements concerning differences in financial and operating
characteristics of the companies and other factors that could affect the public
trading value of the companies to which they are being compared.

     Selected Peer Groups Analyses.  KBW compared the financial performance and
market performance of Centura and the pro forma company based on various
financial measures of earnings performance, operating efficiency, capital
adequacy and asset quality and various measures of market performance, including
market/book values, price to earnings and dividend yields to those of a group of
comparable Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic bank holding companies. For purposes of
such analysis, the financial information used by KBW was as of and for the
quarter ended June 30, 1999, and data for Centura was as of and for the six
months ended June 30, 1999. Stock price information was as of August 19, 1999.
The companies in the peer group were First Tennessee National Corp, Compass
Bancshares, Inc., Hibernia Corporation, Colonial BancGroup, Inc., FirstMerit
Corporation, First Virginia Banks, Inc., CCB Financial Corporation, Mercantile
Bankshares Corp., National Commerce Bancorp., Trustmark Corporation, One Valley
Bancorp, Inc., Riggs National Corporation, United Bankshares, Inc., and
Provident Bankshares Corp. The results of these comparisons are set forth in the
following table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PEER GROUP   PEER GROUP
                                                       CENTURA   PRO FORMA    AVERAGE       MEDIAN
                                                       -------   ---------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                    <C>       <C>         <C>          <C>
Return on average assets (1).........................    1.26%      1.51%        1.38%        1.39%
Return on average equity (1).........................   15.92      18.23        16.36        16.28
Net interest margin..................................    4.24       4.37         4.22         4.08
Efficiency ratio.....................................   60.58      52.61        56.36        56.42
Equity/assets........................................    7.92       8.29         8.37         8.44
Tangible equity/tangible assets......................    6.18       6.67         7.65         7.65
Loan loss reserves/non-performing loans..............  135.00        n/a       379.00       386.00
Net charge-offs/average loans........................     .35        .35          .25          .24
Non-performing assets/loans + other real estate
  owned..............................................    1.04        .83          .48          .44
Stock price/book value...............................    2.15x     2.40x         2.60x        2.46x
Stock price/tangible book value......................    2.82       3.04         2.87         2.67
Stock price/1999 earnings per share..................   13.20        n/a        15.77        15.77
Stock price/2000 earnings per share..................   11.66        n/a        14.13        14.28
Dividend yield.......................................    2.46%      2.46%        2.48%        2.71%
</TABLE>

- ---------------
(1) Excludes $8.4 million of non-recurring charges related to the First Coastal
    merger.

     For purposes of the above calculations, all earnings estimates are from
I/B/E/S, a nationally recognized earnings consolidator.

                                      -36-
<PAGE>   46

     In addition, KBW compared the financial performance and market performance
of Triangle based on various financial measures of earnings performance,
operating efficiency, capital adequacy and asset quality and various measures of
market performance, including market/book values, price to earnings and dividend
yields to those of a group of comparable Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic bank
holding companies. For purposes of such analysis, the financial information used
by KBW was as of and for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, and data for Triangle
was as of and for the six months ended June 30, 1999. Stock price information
was as of August 19, 1999. The companies in the peer group were Fulton Financial
Corporation, Carolina First Corporation, Hancock Holding Company, F&M National
Corporation, WesBanco, Inc., Community Trust Bancorp, Alabama National BanCorp.,
Mid-America Bancorp, F&M Bancorp, FCNB Corp., Century South Banks, Inc.,
Republic Bancorp, Inc., and Farmers Capital Bank Corp. The results of these
comparisons are set forth in the following table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         PEER GROUP   PEER GROUP
                                                              TRIANGLE     MEDIAN      AVERAGE
                                                              --------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>          <C>
Return on average assets....................................     1.26%       1.17%        1.08%
Return on average equity....................................    16.18       11.87        11.90
Net interest margin.........................................     4.10        4.41         4.42
Efficiency ratio............................................    48.89       60.95        61.98
Equity/assets...............................................     7.77        9.90        10.18
Tangible equity/tangible assets.............................     6.80        9.06         8.79
Loan loss reserves/non-performing loans.....................   230.00      314.00       325.00
Net charge-offs/average loans...............................      .31         .23          .18
Non-performing assets/loans + other real estate owned.......      .71         .67          .61
Stock price/book value......................................     2.49x       1.95x        2.16x
Stock price/tangible book value.............................     2.89        2.14         2.25
Stock price/1999 earnings per share.........................    15.02       15.95        16.11
Stock price/2000 earnings per share.........................    13.65       14.55        14.87
Dividend yield..............................................     2.44%       2.77%        3.04%
</TABLE>

     Financial Impact Analysis.  KBW performed pro forma merger analysis that
combined projected income statement and balance sheet information. Assumptions
regarding the accounting treatment, acquisition adjustments and cost savings
were used to calculate the financial impact that the merger would have on
certain Centura projected financial results. This analysis indicated that the
merger is expected to be dilutive to estimated earnings per share in 2000 and be
accretive thereafter, and decrease book value and tangible book value per share
based on quarter ended June 30, 1999 financial data. This analysis was based on
I/B/E/S estimates of Centura and Triangle's 2000 and 2001 earnings per share
(with 2001 estimates calculated by applying the growth rates in I/B/E/S
estimates from 1999 to 2000 to the 2000 estimates), and on Centura's management
estimates of the expected savings and a non-recurring merger and restructuring
charge to be realized or incurred by Centura in connection with the merger.
These projections were discussed with both Centura management and Triangle
management. The actual results achieved by Centura following the merger will
vary from the projected results, and the variations may be material.

     In connection with its opinion dated as of the date of this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, KBW performed procedures to update, as necessary, certain
of the analyses described above and reviewed the assumptions on which such
analyses described above were based and the factors considered in connection
therewith. KBW did not perform any analyses in addition to those described above
in updating its August 22, 1999 opinion.

     KBW has been retained by Centura's board of directors as an independent
contractor to act as financial adviser to Centura with respect to the merger.
KBW as part of its investment banking business, is continually engaged in the
valuation of banking businesses and their securities in connection with mergers
and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and
valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. As

                                      -37-
<PAGE>   47

specialists in the securities of banking companies, KBW has experience in, and
knowledge of, the valuation of banking enterprises. In the ordinary course of
its business as a broker-dealer, KBW may, from time to time, purchase securities
from, and sell securities to, Centura and Triangle and as a market maker in
securities KBW may from time to time have a long or short position in, and buy
or sell, debt or equity securities of Centura and Triangle for KBW's own account
and for the accounts of its customers.

     Centura and KBW have entered into a letter agreement dated August 16, 1999,
relating to the services to be provided by KBW in connection with the merger.
Centura has agreed to be KBW fees as follows: a cash fee of $100,000 following
the signing of the letter agreement. In addition, Centura will pay to KBW at the
time of closing a cash fee ("contingent fee") of $900,000. Pursuant to the KBW
engagement agreement, Centura also agreed to reimburse KBW for reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses and disbursements incurred in connection with its
retention and to indemnify against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the federal securities laws.

EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER

     Subject to the conditions to the obligations of the parties to effect the
merger, the merger will become effective on the date and at the time specified
in the articles of merger reflecting the merger to be filed with the Secretary
of State in North Carolina. Unless Centura and Triangle agree otherwise, they
will use reasonable efforts to cause the merger to become effective on the date
designated by Centura that is within 30 days after the last to occur of:

     (1) the effective date of the last consent of any regulatory authority
         having authority over and approving or exempting the merger (taking
         into account any required waiting period);

     (2) the date on which Triangle stockholders approve the merger; and

     (3) the date on which Centura stockholders approve the issuance of the
         shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the merger agreement.

     Centura and Triangle anticipate that the merger will become effective
during the first quarter of 2000. However, delays could occur.

     Centura and Triangle cannot assure you that the necessary stockholder and
regulatory approvals of the merger and the issuance of shares of Centura common
stock will be obtained or that other conditions to consummation of the merger
can or will be satisfied. Either Triangle's or Centura's board of directors may
terminate the merger agreement if the merger is not completed by June 30, 2000,
unless it is not completed because of the willful breach of the merger agreement
by the party seeking termination. See "-- Conditions to Consummation of the
Merger" and "-- Waiver, Amendment, and Termination."

DISTRIBUTION OF CENTURA STOCK CERTIFICATES

     Promptly after the merger is completed, each former Triangle stockholder
will be mailed a letter of transmittal and instructions for the exchange of the
certificates representing shares of Triangle common stock for certificates
representing shares of Centura common stock.

     Triangle stockholders should not send in certificates until they receive a
letter of transmittal and instructions.

     After Triangle stockholders surrender to the exchange agent certificates
for Triangle common stock with a properly completed letter of transmittal, the
exchange agent will mail such stockholders certificates representing the number
of shares of Centura common stock to which such stockholders are entitled and a
check for the amount to be paid in lieu of any fractional share (without
interest), if any, together with all undelivered dividends or distributions in
respect of the shares of Centura common stock (without interest thereon), if
any. Centura will not be obligated to deliver the consideration to any former
Triangle stockholder, until such stockholder has surrendered his or her Triangle
common stock certificates.

                                      -38-
<PAGE>   48

     Whenever a dividend or other distribution is declared by Centura on Centura
common stock with a Centura record date after the date on which the merger
became effective, the declaration will include dividends or other distributions
on all shares of Centura common stock that may be issued in the merger. However,
Centura will not pay any dividend or other distribution that is payable
following 30 days after the effective date of the merger to any former Triangle
stockholder who has not surrendered his or her Triangle common stock certificate
until the holder surrenders the certificate. If any Triangle stockholder's
common stock certificate has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, the exchange agent
will issue the shares of Centura common stock and any cash in lieu of fractional
shares upon the stockholder's submission of an affidavit claiming the
certificate to be lost, stolen, or destroyed by the stockholder of record and
the posting of a bond in such amount as Centura may reasonably direct as
indemnity against any claim that may be made against Centura with respect to the
certificate.

     At the time the merger becomes effective, the stock transfer books of
Triangle will be closed to Triangle's stockholders and no transfer of shares of
Triangle common stock by any stockholder will thereafter be made or recognized.
If certificates for shares of Triangle common stock are presented for transfer
after the merger becomes effective, they will be canceled and exchanged for
shares of Centura common stock, a check for the amount due in lieu of fractional
shares, if any, and any undelivered dividends on the Centura common stock.

CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER

     Centura and Triangle are required to complete the merger only after the
satisfaction of various conditions. These conditions include:

     - the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Triangle common
       stock must approve the merger;

     - the holders of a majority of the shares of Centura common stock
       represented at the Centura special meeting shall have approved the
       issuance of shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the merger
       agreement;

     - Centura and Triangle must receive certain required regulatory approvals;

     - Centura and Triangle must receive a written opinion of counsel as to the
       tax-free nature of the merger;

     - the shares of Centura common stock to be issued in the merger must be
       approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official
       notice of issuance;

     - the representations and warranties of Triangle and Centura as set forth
       in the merger agreement must be accurate as of the date of the merger
       agreement and as of the date the merger becomes effective;

     - Triangle and Centura must perform all agreements and comply with all
       covenants set forth in the merger agreement;

     - Centura and Triangle must receive all other consents that may be required
       to complete the merger or to prevent any default under any contract or
       permit which would be reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
       aggregate, a material adverse effect on Triangle or Centura;

     - Centura and Triangle must receive a letter as of the date the merger
       becomes effective from KPMG LLP to the effect that the merger will
       qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment;

     - Centura and Triangle must receive a letter as of the date the merger
       becomes effective from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the effect that such
       firm is not aware of any matters relating to Triangle and its
       subsidiaries that would preclude Triangle from participating in a merger
       qualifying for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment;

                                      -39-
<PAGE>   49

     - the absence of any law or order or any action taken by any court,
       governmental, or regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction
       prohibiting or restricting the merger or making it illegal;

     - Centura must receive agreements from each person Triangle reasonably
       believes may be deemed an affiliate of Triangle; and

     - certain other conditions must be satisfied, including the receipt of
       various certificates from the officers of Triangle and Centura.

     We cannot assure you as to when or if all of the conditions to the merger
can or will be satisfied or waived by the party permitted to do so. If the
merger is not effected on or before June 30, 2000, the board of directors of
either Triangle or Centura may terminate the merger agreement and abandon the
merger. See "-- Waiver, Amendment, and Termination."

REGULATORY APPROVAL

     Centura must receive certain regulatory approvals before the merger can be
completed. Centura and Triangle have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts
to obtain all regulatory approvals required. There is no assurance that these
regulatory approvals will be obtained, when they will be obtained, or, if
obtained, that there will not be litigation challenging these approvals. There
can likewise be no assurance that the U.S. Department of Justice or "DOJ" or any
state attorney general will not attempt to challenge the merger on antitrust
grounds, or, if a challenge is made, the result of the challenge.

     It is a condition to the completion of the merger that Centura and Triangle
receive all necessary regulatory approvals to the merger, without the imposition
by any regulator of any condition that, in the reasonable judgment of the
Centura board of directors, would so materially adversely impact the financial
or economic benefits of the merger as to make consummation of the merger
inadvisable. There can be no assurance that the regulatory approvals of the
merger will not contain terms, conditions or requirements which would have such
an impact.

     Triangle and Centura are not aware of any material governmental approvals
or actions that are required to complete the merger, except as described below.
Should any other approval or action be required, Triangle and Centura
contemplate that they would seek such approval or action.

     The merger is subject to approval by the Federal Reserve pursuant to
Section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended or "BHCA." Centura
and Triangle have filed the required application and notification with the
Federal Reserve for approval of the merger. Assuming Federal Reserve approval,
the parties may not consummate the merger until 30 days after that approval.
During that time, the DOJ may challenge the merger on antitrust grounds and seek
the divestiture of certain assets and liabilities. With the approval of the
Federal Reserve and the DOJ, the waiting period may be reduced to no fewer than
15 days.

     The Federal Reserve is prohibited from approving any transaction under the
applicable statutes that:

     - would result in a monopoly;

     - would be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or
       to attempt to monopolize the business of banking in any part of the
       United States; or

     - may have the effect in any section of the United States of substantially
       lessening competition, tending to create a monopoly or resulting in a
       restraint of trade, unless the Federal Reserve finds that the
       anti-competitive effects of the transaction are clearly outweighed in the
       public interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the
       convenience and needs of the communities to be served.

     In addition, in reviewing a transaction under the applicable statutes, the
Federal Reserve will consider the financial and managerial resources of the
companies and their subsidiary banks and the convenience and needs of the
communities to be served. As part of, or in addition to, consideration of these
factors, the parties anticipate that the Federal Reserve will consider the
regulatory status of Centura and Triangle,
                                      -40-
<PAGE>   50

current and projected economic conditions in the areas of the United States
where Centura and Triangle operate, and the overall capital and safety and
soundness standards established by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Improvement Act of 1991 or "FDICIA" and the regulations promulgated under the
FDICIA.

     Furthermore, the Federal Reserve will assess the degree to which Centura
and Triangle and their subsidiaries have taken appropriate steps to assure that
electronic data processing systems and those of their vendors are year 2000
compliant, as well as their plans for ensuring year 2000 readiness of the
combined company. Additional information about Centura's and Triangle's year
2000 compliance efforts to date may be found in each company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION" on page 71.

     Under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended or "CRA," the
Federal Reserve must take into account the record of performance of each of
Centura and Triangle in meeting the credit needs of the entire community,
including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, served by each company and
their subsidiaries. Each of Centura's and Triangle's subsidiary banks has a
satisfactory CRA rating with the appropriate federal regulator.

     The BHCA and Federal Reserve regulations require publication of notice of,
and the opportunity for public comment on, the application submitted by Centura
for approval of the merger, and authorize the Federal Reserve to hold a public
meeting in connection with the application if the Federal Reserve determines
that a meeting would be appropriate. Any meeting or comments provided by third
parties could prolong the period during which the application is subject to
review by the Federal Reserve.

     As noted above, the merger may not be consummated until 30 days after
Federal Reserve approval, during which time the DOJ may challenge the merger on
antitrust grounds and seek the divestiture of certain assets and liabilities.
With the approval of the Federal Reserve and the DOJ, the waiting period may be
reduced to no fewer than 15 days. The commencement of an antitrust action by the
DOJ would stay the effectiveness of Federal Reserve approval of the merger,
unless a court specifically orders otherwise. In reviewing the merger, the DOJ
could analyze the merger's effect on competition differently from the Federal
Reserve, and, thus, it is possible that the DOJ could reach a different
conclusion than the Federal Reserve regarding the merger's competitive effects.
While Centura and Triangle believe there are substantial arguments to the
contrary, failure of the DOJ to object to the merger may not prevent the filing
of antitrust actions by private persons or state attorneys general.

     In general, the Federal Reserve and the DOJ will examine the impact of the
merger on competition in various product and geographic markets, including
competition for deposits and loans. Centura and Triangle have proposed
divestitures of branches that together account for approximately $317 million in
deposits in North Carolina. Accompanying the divestiture will be associated
loans and an infrastructure to support those loans. Centura and Triangle believe
that their proposed divestiture is consistent with the antitrust guidelines of
the Federal Reserve and the DOJ, but can give no assurance that one or both of
these agencies will not seek greater levels of divestiture. Centura and Triangle
do not believe that the proposed divestiture will have any significant negative
effect on the combined company.

     The merger is also subject to the prior approval of the North Carolina
Banking Commission.

     Additionally, the proposed merger of Triangle's banking subsidiaries into
Centura Bank also is subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve and the
North Carolina Banking Commission. Such agencies will apply similar standards to
their review of the bank merger as applied to the merger of the holding
companies.

WAIVER, AMENDMENT, AND TERMINATION

     To the extent permitted by law, the boards of directors of Centura and
Triangle may agree in writing to amend the merger agreement, whether before or
after stockholder approval of the merger agreement; provided, however, that
after such stockholder approval, no amendments may be made which modify the

                                      -41-
<PAGE>   51

manner or basis of the consideration to be received by the holders of the
Triangle common stock without further stockholder approval. In addition, before
or at the time the merger becomes effective, either Triangle or Centura, or
both, may waive any default in the performance of any term of the merger
agreement by the other party or may waive or extend the time for the compliance
or fulfillment by the other party of any and all of its obligations under the
merger agreement. In addition, either Centura or Triangle may waive any of the
conditions precedent to its obligations under the merger agreement, unless a
violation of any law or governmental regulation would result. To be effective, a
waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized officer of Triangle or
Centura, as the case may be.

     At any time before the merger becomes effective, the boards of directors of
Centura and Triangle may agree to terminate the merger agreement. In addition,
either Triangle's board of directors or Centura's board of directors may
terminate the merger agreement in the following circumstances:

     (1) in certain circumstances, upon the inaccuracy of any representation or
         warranty of a party contained in the merger agreement if the inaccuracy
         cannot be or has not been cured within 30 days after the giving of
         written notice to the breaching party of such inaccuracy and which
         inaccuracy would provide the terminating party the ability to refuse to
         consummate the merger under the applicable standards set forth in the
         merger agreement (provided that the terminating party is not then in
         breach of any representation or warranty contained in the merger
         agreement under the applicable standard set forth in the merger
         agreement or in material breach of any covenant or other agreement
         contained in the merger agreement);

     (2) if a material breach by the other party of any covenant or agreement
         contained in the merger agreement cannot be or has not been cured
         within 30 days after the giving of written notice to the breaching
         party of such breach (provided that the terminating party is not then
         in breach of any representation or warranty contained in the merger
         agreement under the applicable standard set forth in the merger
         agreement or in material breach of any covenant or other agreement
         contained in the merger agreement);

     (3) if any consent of any regulatory authority required to complete the
         merger or other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement has
         been denied by final nonappealable action, or if any action taken by
         such authority is not appealed within the time limit for appeal;

     (4) if the stockholders of Triangle fail to approve the merger at the
          Triangle special meeting;

     (5) if the stockholders of Centura fail to approve the issuance of shares
         of Centura common stock pursuant to the merger agreement at the Centura
         special meeting;

     (6) if the merger is not consummated by June 30, 2000, provided that the
         failure to consummate is not caused by any willful breach of the merger
         agreement by the party electing to terminate; or

     (7) if any of the conditions precedent to the obligations of a party to
         consummate the merger cannot be satisfied by June 30, 2000 (provided
         that the terminating party is not then in breach of any representation
         or warranty contained in the merger agreement under the applicable
         standard set forth in the merger agreement or in material breach of any
         covenant or other agreement contained in the merger agreement).

     Triangle's and Centura's board of directors may also terminate the merger
agreement pursuant to the relevant provisions of the merger agreement described
in "-- What Triangle Stockholders Will Receive in the Merger" on page   .

     If the merger is terminated, the merger agreement will become void and have
no effect, except that certain provisions of the merger agreement, including
those relating to the obligations to share certain expenses and maintain the
confidentiality of certain information obtained, will survive. Termination of
the merger agreement will not relieve any breaching party from liability for any
uncured willful breach of a representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement.
The Stock Option Agreements are governed by their own terms as to their
termination. See "-- Expenses and Fees" and "-- Stock Option Agreement."

                                      -42-
<PAGE>   52

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER

     The merger agreement obligates Triangle to conduct its business only in the
usual, regular, and ordinary course before the merger becomes effective and
imposes certain limitations on the operations of Triangle and its banking
subsidiaries. These items are listed in Article 7 of the merger agreement which
is attached as Appendix A to this joint proxy statement-prospectus. The merger
agreement authorizes Triangle to declare and pay regular quarterly dividends on
the Triangle common stock at a rate of $.10 per share with usual record and
payment dates which conform to past practice. The merger agreement contemplates
that the merger will be timed to occur at such a time that the Triangle
stockholders will not fail to receive a dividend during a quarterly period, nor
will they receive a dividend on both their Triangle common stock and the Centura
common stock they receive in the merger during the same quarterly period.

     Triangle has also agreed that neither it nor any of its representatives
will directly or indirectly solicit any proposal for the acquisition of Triangle
or, except to the extent necessary to comply with the fiduciary duties of
Triangle's board of directors as advised by its counsel, furnish any non-public
information concerning Triangle that it is not legally obligated to furnish,
negotiate with respect to, or enter into any contract with respect to, any
proposal to acquire Triangle.

     Centura and Triangle have also agreed not to take any action that would (1)
materially adversely affect their ability to obtain any consents required for
the merger, or (2) materially adversely affect their ability to perform their
covenants and agreements under the merger agreement.

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER

     The merger will not change the present management team or board of
directors of Centura, except that at the first scheduled meetings of the boards
of directors of Centura and Centura Bank following the effective time of the
merger Centura and Centura Bank will expand the size of the Centura board of
directors and the Centura Bank board of directors and will elect Michael S.
Patterson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Triangle and six
other individuals from the Triangle board of directors. In addition, Mr.
Patterson, shall be appointed chairman of the board of Centura and Centura Bank
and a member of the Centura executive committee. Information concerning the
management of Centura is included in the documents incorporated by reference in
this joint proxy statement-prospectus. See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION." For additional information regarding the interests of certain
persons in the merger, see "-- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER

     General.  Certain members of Triangle's management and Triangle's board of
directors may be deemed to have certain interests in the merger that are in
addition to their interests as stockholders of Triangle generally. Triangle's
board of directors was aware of these interests and considered them, among other
matters, in approving the merger agreement.

     Stock Options.  Certain directors and executive officers of Triangle hold
options to purchase Triangle common stock. These options were issued under
Triangle's stock option plans. If the merger is consummated, those options
(whether or not they are exercisable at that time) will be converted into
options to purchase Centura common stock. Those options which would not
otherwise be exercisable at the effective time of the merger, will become
exercisable as a result of the merger, as a result of the change-of-control
provisions of these options.

     The following table sets forth, with respect to (1) each executive officer,
(2) a group consisting of all the executive officers, and (3) Triangle's
non-executive officer directors as a group, the number of shares

                                      -43-
<PAGE>   53

of Triangle common stock covered by outstanding Triangle options held by such
persons as of the Triangle record date.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           OPTIONS         WEIGHTED
                                               OPTIONS    CURRENTLY    AVERAGE EXERCISE   AGGREGATE VALUE
                                                HELD     EXERCISABLE      PER OPTION       OF OPTION (1)
                                               -------   -----------   ----------------   ---------------
<S>                                            <C>       <C>           <C>                <C>
Michael S. Patterson.........................  203,787      91,872          $13.04         $1,469,304.20
Robert E. Branch.............................   31,461       9,067           15.11            161,709.54
Debra L. Lee.................................   60,383      17,177           14.95            320,029.90
Steven R. Ogburn.............................   86,215      43,144           12.24            690,582.15
Edward O. Wessell............................   43,717      11,684           15.14            223,393.87
Executive Officer Group (five persons).......  425,563     172,944           13.52          2,864,038.90
Non-Executive Officer Director Group (25
  persons)...................................  673,138     327,704           12.46             5,243,745
</TABLE>

- ---------------
(1) Based on the closing price of Triangle common stock of $20.25 as listed on
    the New York Stock Exchange on December 3, 1999.

     When the merger becomes effective, each option granted under Triangle's
stock plans that is outstanding, whether or not exercisable will become an
option to purchase Centura common stock. See "-- Effect of the Merger on
Triangle Options."

     Severance Agreements.  Steven R. Ogburn, Debra L. Lee, Edward O. Wessell
and Robert E. Branch each have a "change of control" agreement with Triangle and
Triangle Bank. Each change of control agreement contains a provision stating
that in the event of termination of employment (other than for "cause" as
defined in such agreement) in connection with, or within a specified time after,
any change of control of Triangle or Triangle Bank, the employee will be paid a
termination payment in cash in a lump sum amount based on the employee's annual
compensation and benefits. The merger will constitute a change of control of
Triangle and, accordingly, if the employment of any of the above-named employees
is terminated without cause after the merger within the time period specified in
the applicable agreement, the employee will be entitled to the lump sum
termination payment. In addition, under the change of control agreements, the
employee is entitled to the lump sum termination payment in the event that he or
she voluntarily terminates employment after the merger under certain
circumstances set forth in the agreements. Centura and Triangle have agreed that
such circumstances will exist for one year following the merger. The following
chart shows you the amount of the termination payment that each Triangle
executive officer would be entitled to in the event of a qualifying termination
of employment:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     EXECUTIVE OFFICER                        PAYMENT AMOUNT
                     -----------------                        --------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Steven R. Ogburn............................................     $395,705
Debra L. Lee................................................     $410,399
Edward O. Wessell...........................................     $374,053
Robert E. Branch............................................     $344,935
</TABLE>

     Additional Severance Benefits.  Additionally, after the effective time of
the merger, employees of Triangle who become employees of Centura or a
subsidiary of Centura (but excluding any employee who is a party to an
employment or change of control agreement) and whose employment is terminated
subsequent to the effective time of the merger shall receive certain severance
benefits based on such employees' service with Centura and Triangle. Such
benefits range from one week of pay for each year of service with a minimum of
four weeks of pay and a maximum of 12 weeks of pay for employees who are not
officers, to four weeks of pay for each year of service with a minimum 16 weeks
of pay and a maximum of 52 weeks of pay for certain officers.

     Employment Agreement.  Centura has offered employment to Mr. Patterson. As
of the effective time of the merger, Centura will enter into an employment
agreement with Mr. Patterson with a term of approximately five years that will
replace his existing employment agreement with Triangle Bank. The new agreement
calls for the election of Mr. Patterson to Centura's and Centura Bank's boards
of directors where he will serve as chairman, and to the executive committee of
the board of directors of Centura. Under the terms of his employment agreement,
Mr. Patterson will be guaranteed a minimum annual salary

                                      -44-
<PAGE>   54

of $550,000 plus bonuses, stock options and other benefits and incentives
applicable to senior executive officers of Centura and Centura Bank on a basis
no less favorable than that of Centura's chief executive officer, including, but
not limited to, the opportunity to participate in Centura's Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan and Centura's Discounted Stock Option/Deferred
Compensation Program. If Mr. Patterson is terminated for any reason other than
for "cause" as defined in the employment agreement, Mr. Patterson will be
entitled to receive all salary and benefits under the employment agreement that
he would have been entitled to through the term of the agreement had he not been
terminated. If Mr. Patterson chooses to resign without "good reason," as defined
in the employment agreement, or is terminated for cause, Centura will have no
further obligations to Mr. Patterson, other than with respect to previously
earned or accrued compensation and benefits.

     As a condition to his entry into his employment agreement, Mr. Patterson
will waive any rights he might have (including, but not limited to, rights to
severance payments) under his existing employment agreement with Triangle Bank.

     Indemnification; Directors And Officers Insurance.  For a period of six
years after the completion of the merger, Centura has agreed to indemnify the
present and former directors, officers, employees, and agents of Triangle and
its subsidiaries against certain liabilities arising out of actions or omissions
occurring at or prior to the time the merger becomes effective (including the
merger) to the full extent permitted under North Carolina law, and Triangle's
articles of incorporation and bylaws. Centura has also agreed to use its
reasonable efforts to maintain in effect for a period of not less than three
years after completion of the merger, Triangle's existing directors' and
officers' liability insurance policy.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

     It is anticipated that the merger will be accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests. Under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting, the
recorded amounts of the assets and liabilities of Triangle will be carried
forward at their previously recorded amounts and the consolidated financial
statements of Centura for all periods presented will be restated to include the
financial condition and results of operations of Triangle.

     In order for the merger to qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting
treatment, substantially all (90% or more) of the outstanding Triangle common
stock must be exchanged for Centura common stock with substantially similar
terms. There are certain other criteria that must be satisfied in order for the
merger to qualify as a pooling-of-interests. Some of the criteria cannot be
satisfied until after the merger becomes effective. In addition, it is a
condition to closing the merger that KPMG LLP deliver a letter to Centura and
Triangle to the effect that the merger will qualify for pooling-of-interests
accounting treatment and that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP deliver a letter to
Centura and Triangle to the effect that such firm is not aware of any matters
relating to Triangle which would preclude Triangle from participating in a
merger qualifying for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.

     Certain conditions will be imposed on the exchange of Triangle common stock
for Centura common stock in the merger by affiliates of Triangle. Certain
restrictions will also be imposed on the transferability of the Centura common
stock received by those affiliates in the merger. These conditions and
restrictions will be imposed in order, among other things, to ensure the
availability of pooling-of-interests accounting treatment. For information
concerning these conditions and restrictions see "-- Resales of Centura Common
Stock."

EXPENSES AND FEES

     Centura and Triangle will each pay its own expenses in connection with the
merger, including filing, registration and application fees, printing fees, and
fees and expenses of its own financial or other consultants, investment bankers,
accountants, and counsel, except that each party will pay one-half of the
printing costs incurred in connection with the registration statement and this
joint proxy statement-prospectus.

                                      -45-
<PAGE>   55

RESALES OF CENTURA COMMON STOCK

     Centura common stock to be issued to Triangle stockholders in the merger
will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All shares of
Centura common stock received by Triangle stockholders in the merger will be
freely transferable after the merger by those Triangle stockholders who are not
considered to be "affiliates" of Triangle or Centura. "Affiliates" generally are
defined as persons or entities who control, are controlled by, or are under
common control with Triangle or Centura at the time of the Centura special
meeting (generally, executive officers, directors, and 10% or greater
stockholders).

     Rule 145, promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
restricts the sale of Centura common stock received in the merger by affiliates
of Triangle and certain of their family members and related entities. Under the
rule, during the first calendar year after the merger becomes effective,
affiliates of Triangle or Centura may resell publicly the Centura common stock
they receive in the merger but only within certain limitations as to the amount
of Centura common stock they can sell in any three-month period and as to the
manner of sale. After the one-year period, affiliates of Triangle who are not
affiliates of Centura may resell their shares without restriction. Centura must
continue to satisfy its reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") in order for affiliates to resell,
under Rule 145, shares of Centura common stock received in the merger.
Affiliates also would be permitted to resell Centura common stock received in
the merger pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or an available exemption from the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, registration requirements. This joint proxy
statement-prospectus does not cover any resales of Centura common stock received
by persons who may be deemed to be affiliates of Triangle or Centura.

     The SEC's guidelines regarding qualifying for the "pooling-of-interests"
method of accounting also limit sales of shares of Centura and Triangle by their
affiliates in connection with the merger. The SEC's guidelines indicate that the
"pooling-of-interests" method of accounting generally will not be challenged on
the basis of sales by affiliates of the acquiring or acquired company if such
affiliates do not dispose of any of the shares of the corporation they own, or
shares of a corporation they receive in connection with a merger, during the
period beginning 30 days before the merger is consummated and ending when
financial results covering at least 30 days of post-merger operations of the
combined companies have been published.

     Triangle has agreed to use its reasonable efforts to cause each person who
may be deemed to be an affiliate of Triangle to execute and deliver to Centura
not later than 30 days prior to the effective time of the merger, an agreement
intended to ensure compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
to preserve the ability of the merger to be accounted for as a
"pooling-of-interests." Each Triangle affiliate must agree not to sell, pledge,
transfer, or otherwise dispose of any Triangle common stock held by the
affiliate except as contemplated by the merger agreement or the affiliate
agreement. In addition, each Triangle affiliate must agree not to sell, pledge,
transfer or otherwise dispose of any Centura common stock received in the merger
(1) except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and (2)
until such time as financial results covering 30 days of combined operations of
Centura and Triangle have been published. Prior to publication of such results,
Centura will not transfer on its books any shares of Centura common stock
received by an affiliate in the merger. The stock certificates representing
Centura common stock issued to affiliates in the merger may bear a legend
summarizing these restrictions on transfer. See "-- Conditions to Consummation
of the Merger."

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS

     As an inducement and a condition to the parties entering into the merger
agreement, Triangle and Centura entered into stock option agreements, under
which (i) Triangle granted Centura an option to purchase up to 5,014,000 shares
(representing 19.9% of the shares issued and outstanding before giving effect to
the exercise of such option) of Triangle common stock at a cash price per share
equal to $18.00 and (ii) Centura granted Triangle an option to purchase up to
2,256,000 shares (representing 7.9% of the

                                      -46-
<PAGE>   56

shares issued and outstanding before giving effect to the exercise of such
option), at a cash price per share equal to $56.87, under the circumstances
described below, subject to possible adjustment in certain circumstances. Under
the stock option agreements, neither Triangle's nor Centura's total profit
resulting from the exercise of the options may exceed $25 million.

     The purpose of the option agreements is to increase the likelihood that the
merger will be completed by making it more difficult and more expensive for a
third party to gain control of either Triangle or Centura. Accordingly, the
options are exercisable only on the occurrence of certain events that generally
involve, in the case of either Triangle or Centura, the acquisition or attempted
acquisition of the company, a significant portion of its then outstanding common
stock or all or a significant portion of its assets.

     Although the shares issuable upon exercise of the options would represent
approximately 16.6% of the Triangle common stock or 7.3% of the Centura common
stock outstanding after exercise, neither Triangle nor Centura may acquire more
than 5% of the other's common stock, pursuant to the exercise of the option or
otherwise, without prior approval of the Federal Reserve. Unless and until it
exercises its option, Triangle and Centura disclaim beneficial ownership of the
common stock subject to the options.

                 EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS

     In the merger, stockholders of Triangle will exchange their shares of
Triangle for shares of Centura. Triangle is a North Carolina corporation
governed by North Carolina law and Triangle's articles of incorporation and
bylaws. Centura is a North Carolina corporation governed by North Carolina law
and Centura's articles of incorporation and bylaws. There are significant
differences between the rights of Triangle stockholders and Centura
stockholders. The following is a summary of relevant provisions of the articles
of incorporation and bylaws of Triangle and Centura setting forth the current
rights of Triangle stockholders and those of Centura's stockholders and
highlighting any significant differences to Triangle's stockholders as a result
of the merger.

     The following summary is not intended to be complete and is qualified it
its entirety by reference to the North Carolina Business Corporation Act, as
well as Centura's articles of incorporation and bylaws and Triangle's articles
of incorporation and bylaws.

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS GENERALLY

     Centura's articles of incorporation and bylaws contain certain provisions
designed to assist Centura's board of directors in playing a role if any group
or person attempts to acquire control of Centura so that Centura's board of
directors can protect the interests of Centura and its stockholders under the
circumstances. These provisions may help Centura's board of directors determine
that a sale of control is in the best interests of Centura's stockholders, or
enhance Centura's board of directors' ability to maximize the value to be
received by the stockholders upon a sale of control of Centura.

     Although Centura's management believes that these provisions are beneficial
to Centura's stockholders, they also may tend to discourage some takeover bids.
As a result, Centura's stockholders may be deprived of opportunities to sell
some or all of their shares at prices that represent a premium over prevailing
market prices. On the other hand, defeating undesirable acquisition offers can
be a very expensive and time-consuming process. To the extent that these
provisions discourage undesirable proposals, Centura may be able to avoid those
expenditures of time and money.

     These provisions also may discourage open market purchases by a company
that may desire to acquire Centura. Those purchases may increase the market
price of Centura common stock temporarily, and enable stockholders to sell their
shares at a price higher than that they might otherwise obtain. In addition,
these provisions may decrease the market price of Centura common stock by making
the stock less attractive to persons who invest in securities in anticipation of
price increases from potential acquisition attempts. The provisions also may
make it more difficult and time consuming for a potential acquiror to obtain
control of Centura through replacing the board of directors and management.
Furthermore, the provisions may make it more difficult for the Centura
stockholders to replace Centura' board of directors
                                      -47-
<PAGE>   57

or management, even if a majority of the Centura stockholders believe that
replacing Centura's board of directors or management is in the best interests
of Centura. Because of these factors, these provisions may tend to perpetuate
the incumbent board of directors and management. For more information about
these provisions, see --Authorized Capital Stock," "-- Amendment of Charter and
Bylaws," "-- Classified Board of Directors and Absence of Cumulative Voting,"
"-- Director Removal and Vacancies," "-- Limitations on Director Liability,"
"-- Indemnification," "-- Special Meeting of Stockholders," "-- Actions by
Stockholders Without a Meeting," "-- Stockholder Nominations and Proposals,"
"-- Stockholder Votes Required for Certain Actions" and "-- Fair Price
Provision."

AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK

     CENTURA.  Centura's articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of up
to (1) 50,000,000 shares of Centura common stock, of which 28,496,626 shares
were issued and outstanding as of September 30, 1999, and (2) 25,000,000 shares
of no par value preferred stock, of which no shares are issued. Centura's board
of directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of Centura common
stock without further action by the Centura stockholders, unless such action is
required in a particular case by applicable laws or regulations or by any stock
exchange upon which Centura's capital stock may be listed. The Centura
stockholders do not have the preemptive right to purchase or subscribe to any
unissued authorized shares of Centura common stock or any option or warrant for
the purchase thereof.

     Similarly, Centura's board of directors may issue, without any further
action by the Centura stockholders, shares of Centura preferred stock, in one or
more classes or series, with such voting, conversion, dividend, and liquidation
rights as Centura's board of directors may specify. In establishing and issuing
shares of Centura preferred stock, Centura's board of directors may designate
that Centura preferred stock will have voting rights in excess of one vote per
share or will vote as a separate class on any or all matters, thus diluting the
voting power of the Centura common stock. Centura's board of directors also may
designate that Centura preferred stock will have dividend rights that are
cumulative and that receive preferential treatment compared to Centura common
stock, and that Centura preferred stock will have liquidation rights with
priority over Centura common stock in the event of Centura's liquidation.

     Subject to the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares, Centura will
issue an estimated 12,075,214 shares of Centura common stock in connection with
the merger, including shares to be subject to assumed options and grants. Based
on the number of shares of Centura common stock outstanding on September 30,
1999, it is anticipated that, following the consummation of the merger, a total
of approximately 40,571,840 shares of Centura common stock will be outstanding
without taking into account any shares of Centura common stock repurchased by
Centura. See "BUSINESS OF CENTURA -- Recent Developments."

     The authority to issue additional shares of Centura common stock provides
Centura with the flexibility necessary to meet its future needs without the
delay resulting from seeking Centura stockholder approval. The authorized but
unissued shares of Centura common stock will be issuable from time to time for
any corporate purpose, including, without limitation, stock splits, stock
dividends, employee benefit and compensation plans, acquisitions, and public or
private sales for cash as a means of raising capital. Such shares could be used
to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of Centura.
In addition, the sale of a substantial number of shares of Centura common stock
to persons who have an understanding with Centura concerning the voting of such
shares, or the distribution or declaration of a dividend of shares of Centura
common stock (or the right to receive Centura common stock) to the Centura
stockholders, may have the effect of discouraging or increasing the cost of
unsolicited attempts to acquire control of Centura.

     TRIANGLE.  The authorized capital stock of Triangle consists of 50,000,000
shares of common stock, no par value per share, of which 25,250,119 shares were
outstanding as of September 30, 1999.

AMENDMENT OF CHARTER AND BYLAWS

     CENTURA.  Centura's articles of incorporation provide that the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of all the issued and outstanding
voting shares of capital stock is required to amend them.
                                      -48-
<PAGE>   58

However, if such amendment has received the prior approval by an affirmative
vote of a majority of "Disinterested Directors," as defined therein, then the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of all the shares of
capital stock of Centura issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, or such
greater percentage approval as is required by North Carolina law, is sufficient
to amend the articles. A "Disinterested Director" is defined in the articles as
any member of Centura's board of directors who is unaffiliated with, and not a
nominee of, a "Control Person", as defined therein, and who was a member of
Centura's board of directors prior to the time a Control Person became such, and
any successor of a Disinterested Director who is unaffiliated with, and not a
nominee of, a Control Person, who is recommended to succeed a Disinterested
Director by a majority of Disinterested Directors then on Centura's board of
directors. A "Control Person" is defined in Centura's articles of incorporation
as any corporation, person, group, or other entity, which together with its
affiliates, prior to a business combination (as described below) beneficially
owns 10% or more of the shares of any class of equity or convertible securities
of Centura, and any affiliate of any such corporation, person, group, or other
entity.

     Subject to certain restrictions set forth below, either Centura's board of
directors or the Centura stockholders may amend Centura's bylaws. Centura's
board of directors may amend the bylaws and adopt new bylaws except that:

     (1) a bylaw adopted or amended by the stockholders may not be readopted,
         amended, or repealed by Centura's board of directors if neither the
         articles nor a bylaw adopted by the stockholders authorizes Centura's
         board of directors to adopt, amend, or repeal that particular bylaw or
         the bylaws generally;

     (2) the Centura stockholders may adopt, amend, alter, change, or repeal the
         bylaws; provided that, in addition to any requirements of the North
         Carolina Business Corporation Act, the affirmative vote of the holders
         of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all shares then entitled
         to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a
         single class, is required for the stockholders to adopt, amend, alter,
         change, or repeal the bylaws.

     (3) A bylaw that fixes a greater quorum or voting requirement for Centura's
         board of directors may be amended or repealed:

        - if originally adopted by the stockholders, only by the stockholders,
          unless the bylaw permits amendment or repeal by Centura's board of
          directors; or

        - if originally adopted by the board of directors, either by the
          stockholders or by not less than a majority of Centura's board of
          directors and with a quorum and vote not less than that established by
          the Centura stockholders.

     TRIANGLE.  Triangle is subject to the requirements of the North Carolina
Business Corporation Act with respect to amendments of Triangle's articles of
incorporation. Generally, the North Carolina Business Corporation Act requires
that the votes cast in favor of an amendment to Triangle's articles of
incorporation must exceed the votes cast against such amendment in order for
Triangle to amend Triangle's articles of incorporation. While Triangle is
subject to the North Carolina Business Corporation Act, Triangle's articles of
incorporation require the affirmative vote of 75% of all shares present at a
meeting where the issue considered is to amend Triangle's articles of
incorporation. This provision of Triangle's articles of incorporation makes it
more difficult for amendments to Triangle's articles of incorporation to be
approved by the Triangle stockholders. Accordingly, such provision makes it more
difficult for provisions in Triangle's articles of incorporation to be changed
in the event of a hostile takeover attempt.

     Triangle's bylaws may be amended or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted
by action of Triangle's board of directors or the Triangle stockholders, except
as otherwise provided in Triangle's articles of incorporation or by the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act. Under the North Carolina Business Corporation
Act and the bylaws of Triangle, the board of directors may not readopt, amend or
repeal a bylaw adopted, amended or repealed by the stockholders if neither
Triangle's articles of incorporation nor a bylaw adopted by the stockholders
authorizes the board of directors to adopt, amend or
                                      -49-
<PAGE>   59

repeal that particular bylaw or the bylaws generally. The stockholders may amend
or repeal the bylaws of Triangle, even though the bylaws may also be amended or
repealed by the board of directors. Triangle's bylaws further provide that the
board of directors has no power to adopt a bylaw: (1) changing the statutory
requirement for a quorum of directors or action by directors or changing the
statutory requirement for a quorum of stockholders or action by stockholders;
(2) providing for management of Triangle otherwise than by the board of
directors or a committee thereof; (3) increasing or decreasing the fixed number
of the size of the board of directors or the range of directors, or changing
from a fixed number to a range, or visa versa; or (4) classifying and staggering
the election of directors.

     The bylaws of Triangle currently provide that the number of directors shall
be at least 10 but no more than 28. The board of directors may set the number of
directors in this range without stockholder approval. In addition, the bylaws
require the affirmative vote of 75% of shares of Triangle voting, in person or
by proxy, to increase or decrease the range and prohibit the board of directors
from changing the range without stockholder approval. The supermajority
requirement for a stockholder vote to change the range of the number of
directors makes it more difficult for Triangle's stockholders to increase the
size of Triangle's board of directors and elect directors to fill the vacancies
created thereby. Accordingly, one or more stockholders seeking to gain control
of Triangle's board of directors (for example, a tender offer or entity
attempting a hostile takeover) would find its task more difficult. This
requirement makes it more difficult for the size of Triangle's board of
directors to be increased without Triangle's existing board of directors'
consent.

CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ABSENCE OF CUMULATIVE VOTING

     CENTURA.  Centura's articles of incorporation provide that Centura's board
of directors is divided into three classes, with each class to be as nearly
equal in number as possible. The directors in each class serve three-year terms
of office. The effect of Centura having a classified board of directors is that
only approximately one third of the members of Centura's board of directors are
elected each year, which effectively requires two annual meetings for the
Centura stockholders to change a majority of the members of Centura's board of
directors. The purpose of dividing Centura's board of directors into classes is
to facilitate continuity and stability of leadership of Centura by ensuring that
experienced personnel familiar with Centura will be represented on Centura's
board of directors at all times, and to permit Centura's management to plan for
the future for a reasonable time. However, by potentially delaying the time
within which an acquirer could obtain working control of Centura's board of
directors, this provision may discourage some potential mergers, tender offers,
or takeover attempts.

     Pursuant to the bylaws, each stockholder generally is entitled to one vote
for each share of Centura common stock held and is not entitled to cumulative
voting rights in the election of directors as long as Centura common stock is
listed on a national securities exchange or held by more than 2,000 record
holders. With cumulative voting, a stockholder has the right to cast a number of
votes equal to the total number of such holder's shares multiplied by the number
of directors to be elected. The stockholder has the right to distribute all of
his votes in any manner among any number of candidates or to accumulate such
shares in favor of one candidate. Directors are elected by a plurality of the
total votes cast by all stockholders. With cumulative voting, it may be possible
for minority stockholders to obtain representation on the board of directors.
Without cumulative voting, the holders of more than 50% of the shares of Centura
common stock generally have the ability to elect 100% of the directors. As a
result, the holders of the remaining Centura common stock effectively may not be
able to elect any person to Centura's board of directors. The absence of
cumulative voting makes it more difficult for a Centura stockholder who acquires
less than a majority of the shares of Centura common stock to obtain
representation on Centura's board of directors.

     TRIANGLE.  Triangle's board of directors is divided into three classes,
with the number of directors in each class to be as nearly equal in number as
possible. Directors of each class are elected to hold office for three years.
Each director holds office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or
her term expires and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or
until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, removal or
disqualification.
                                      -50-
<PAGE>   60

     The holders of Triangle common stock are entitled to one vote per share
held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the Triangle stockholders.
The Triangle stockholders do not have the right to vote cumulatively in the
election of directors. As a result of the absence of cumulative voting, the
majority of votes represented at a legal quorum may elect all directors and the
remaining minority stockholders may not elect any directors. The absence of
cumulative voting makes it more difficult for stockholders who hold a minority
of outstanding shares of Triangle common stock to elect representatives of their
choice.

DIRECTOR REMOVAL AND VACANCIES

     CENTURA.  Centura's articles of incorporation provide that: (1) a director
may be removed by the Centura stockholders only upon the affirmative vote of the
holders of two-thirds of the voting power of all shares of Centura capital stock
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; and (2) vacancies on
Centura's board of directors may be filled only by Centura's board of directors.
The purpose of this provision is to prevent a majority stockholder from
circumventing the classified board system by removing directors and filling the
vacancies with new individuals selected by that stockholder. Accordingly, the
provision may have the effect of impeding efforts to gain control of Centura's
board of directors by anyone who obtains a controlling interest in Centura
common stock. The term of a director appointed to fill a vacancy expires at the
next meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected.

     TRIANGLE.  Triangle's articles of incorporation provide that a director may
be removed without cause by the stockholders only if (i) the removal without
cause is recommended to the stockholders by Triangle's board of directors
pursuant to a vote of not less than 75% of the directors then in office and (ii)
the stockholders approve such removal by a vote of 75% of the votes present at
the meeting where the issue is considered. Directors also are removable by the
stockholders with cause pursuant to a vote of 75% of the outstanding shares of
Triangle common stock, but no specific director recommendation is required.
Triangle's articles of incorporation define "cause" as "personal dishonesty,
incompetence, mental and physical incapacity, breach of fiduciary duty involving
personal profit, a failure to perform stated duties, or a violation of any law,
rule or regulation (other than a traffic violation or similar routine offense)
based on a conviction for such offense or an opinion of counsel to Triangle to
such effect."

     The supermajority provisions of Triangle's articles of incorporation
discouraged hostile takeover attempts so that Triangle will be able to follow
through with its business plan which it has developed in the interest of all
Triangle stockholders. Triangle's management believes that, for a financial
institution, allowing Triangle's board of directors members to be removed and
replaced without cause by the stockholders would open Triangle to acquisition or
control by interests that might not follow through with Triangle's board of
directors' business plan for Triangle.

LIMITATIONS ON DIRECTOR LIABILITY

     CENTURA.  Centura's articles of incorporation provide for the elimination
of the personal liability of each director arising out of an action by Centura
or otherwise for monetary damages for breach of his duty as a director, except
for liability with respect to (1) acts or omissions not made in good faith that
the director at the time of such breach knew or believed were in conflict with
the best interests of Centura, (2) any liability under Section 55-8-33 of the
General Statutes of North Carolina, or (3) any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit.

     Although this provision does not affect the availability of injunctive or
other equitable relief as a remedy for a breach of duty by a director, it does
limit the remedies available to a Centura stockholder who has a valid claim that
a director acted in violation of his duties, if the action is among those as to
which liability is limited. This provision may reduce the likelihood of
stockholder derivative litigation against directors and may discourage or deter
Centura stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for
breach of their duties, even though such action, if successful, might have
benefited Centura and its stockholders. The SEC has taken the position that
similar provisions added to other corporations' certificates of incorporation
would not protect those corporations' directors from liability for violations of
the federal securities laws.

                                      -51-
<PAGE>   61

     TRIANGLE.  Pursuant to the North Carolina Business Corporation Act,
Triangle's articles of incorporation of Triangle provide for the elimination of
personal liability of directors for monetary damage to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law. The limitation on monetary damages does not
preclude other equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
Further, such limitation may not be available for violations of federal and
state banking and securities laws.

INDEMNIFICATION

     CENTURA.  Under the North Carolina Business Corporation Act, a corporation
may indemnify any director against liability if the director:

     - conducted himself or herself in good faith;

     - reasonably believed, in the case of conduct in his or her official
       capacity with the corporation, that his or her conduct was in the best
       interests of the corporation, and in all other cases, that his or her
       conduct was at least not opposed to the corporation's best interests;

     - and, in the case of any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
       believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

     A North Carolina corporation may not indemnify a director:

     - in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in
       which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation; or

     - in connection with any other proceeding charging improper personal
       benefit to him, whether or not involving action in his official capacity,
       in which he was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was
       improperly received by him.

     Unless limited by its articles of incorporation, a North Carolina
corporation must indemnify, against reasonable expenses incurred by him or her,
a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defending
any proceeding to which he or she was a party because he or she is or was a
director of the corporation. Expenses incurred by a director in defending a
proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of
the proceeding if the director furnishes the corporation a written undertaking
by or on behalf of a director to repay such amount if it is ultimately
determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation
against such expenses. A director may apply for court-ordered indemnification
under certain circumstances.

     Unless a corporation's articles of incorporation provide otherwise,

     (1) an officer of a corporation is entitled to mandatory indemnification
         and is entitled to apply for court-ordered indemnification to the same
         extent as a director,

     (2) the corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer,
         employee, or agent of the corporation to the same extent as to a
         director, and

     (3) a corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an officer,
         employee, or agent who is not a director to the extent, consistent with
         public policy, that may be provided by its articles of incorporation,
         bylaws, general or specific action of its board of directors, or
         contract.

     In addition and separate and apart from the indemnification rights
discussed above, North Carolina law further provides that a corporation may in
its articles of incorporation or bylaws or by contract or resolution indemnify
or agree to indemnify any one or more of its directors, officers, employees, or
agents against liability and expenses in any proceeding (including without
limitation a proceeding brought by or on behalf of the corporation itself)
arising out of their status as such or their activities in any of the foregoing
capacities; provided, however, that a corporation may not indemnify or agree to
indemnify a person against liability or expenses he may incur on account of his
activities which were at the time taken known or believed by him to be clearly
in conflict with the best interests of the corporation. A corporation may
likewise and to the same extent indemnify or agree to indemnify any person who,
at the request of

                                      -52-
<PAGE>   62

the corporation, is or was serving as a director, officer, partner, trustee,
employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust, or other enterprise or as a trustee or administrator under
an employee benefit plan. Any such provision for indemnification may also
include provisions for recovery from the corporation of reasonable costs,
expenses, and attorneys' fees in connection with the enforcement of rights to
indemnification and may further include provisions establishing reasonable
procedures for determining and enforcing the rights granted therein.

     Centura's bylaws provide for the mandatory indemnification, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, of any person who at any time serves or has served as a
director or officer of Centura, or, at the request of Centura, is or was serving
as a director, officer, agent, partner, trustee, administrator, or employee of
another entity in the event such person is made or is threatened to be made, a
party to any threatened, pending, or completed civil, criminal, administrative,
investigative, or arbitrative action, suit, or proceeding and any appeal therein
(and any inquiry or investigation that could lead to such action, suit, or
proceeding), whether or not brought by or on behalf of Centura, seeking to hold
such person liable by reason of the fact that such person is or was acting in
such capacity. The indemnification provision in the Centura bylaws covers
reasonable expenses, including without limitation, all attorneys' fees actually
and necessarily incurred by such person in connection with any such action, suit
or proceeding, all reasonable payments made by such person in satisfaction of
any judgment, money decree, fine (including an excise tax assessed with respect
to an employee benefit plan), penalty, or settlement for which such person may
have become liable in such action, suit, or proceeding, and all reasonable
expenses incurred in enforcing the indemnification rights. Furthermore, Centura
may advance to such person his reasonable expenses incurred in connection with
any such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by Centura's board of
directors in the specific case or as authorized or required under any bylaw upon
receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount
unless it is ultimately determined that such person is entitled to be
indemnified by Centura against such expenses.

     Centura's bylaws further provide that Centura may, but is not required to,
indemnify any agent, employee, or other person as Centura's board of directors
deems appropriate. Centura's board of directors must take all such action as may
be necessary and appropriate to authorize Centura to pay the indemnification
required by the indemnification provision, including without limitation, to the
extent needed, making a good faith evaluation of the manner in which the
claimant for indemnity acted and of the reasonable amount of indemnity to such
claimant.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers, or persons controlling Centura pursuant
to the foregoing provisions, Centura has been informed that, in the opinion of
the Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

     TRIANGLE.  Triangle's bylaws provide for indemnification of its directors
and officers to the fullest extent permitted by North Carolina law. Under the
North Carolina Business Corporation Act, a corporation also may purchase
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer against
any liability arising out of his status as such. Triangle currently maintains
directors' and officers' liability insurance.

SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

     CENTURA.  Centura's bylaws provide that any group of four of Centura's
board of directors, the Chairman of the Board, or the President may call a
Centura special meeting of stockholders. The Centura stockholders do not have
the right to call a Centura special meeting or to require that Centura's board
of directors call such a meeting. As a result, this provision, taken together
with the restriction on the removal of directors, would prevent a substantial
Centura stockholder from compelling stockholder consideration of any proposal
(such as a proposal for a merger) over the opposition of Centura's board of
directors by calling a Centura special meeting of stockholders at which such
Centura stockholder could replace the entire Centura board of directors with
nominees who were in favor of such proposal.

                                      -53-
<PAGE>   63

     TRIANGLE.  Triangle's bylaws provide that special meetings of the Triangle
stockholders may be called at any time by the Chairman of Triangle's board of
directors, the President or Triangle's board of directors. Triangle stockholders
do not have the right to call a Triangle special meeting or to require that
Triangle's board of directors call such a meeting.

STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS

     CENTURA.  Centura's articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that no
Centura stockholder may nominate individuals for election to Centura's board of
directors.

     TRIANGLE.  Any Triangle stockholder wishing to nominate one or more
directors or bring any other business before a meeting of stockholders must
provide notice to Triangle at least 50 days before the meeting.

FAIR PRICE PROVISION

     CENTURA.  The fair price provision of Centura's articles of incorporation
applies to business combinations that have not received the approval of
two-thirds of Centura's full board of directors and is available only to Centura
stockholders who vote against such business combinations and who elect to sell
their shares to Centura for cash at the fair price of such shares. The fair
price provision requires that the consideration for such shares be paid in cash
by Centura and that the price per share be at least equal to the greater of the
following:

     (a) the highest price per share paid for Centura common stock during the
         four years immediately preceding the business combination vote by any
         Centura stockholder who beneficially owned 5.0% or more of Centura
         common stock and who votes in favor of the business combination;

     (b) the cash value of the highest price per share previously offered
         pursuant to a tender offer to the Centura stockholders within the four
         years immediately preceding the business combination vote;

     (c) the aggregate earnings per share of Centura common stock during the
         four fiscal quarters immediately preceding the business combination
         vote multiplied by the highest price/earnings ratio of Centura common
         stock at any time during the four fiscal quarters or up to the date the
         business combination vote occurs;

     (d) the highest price per share, including commissions and fees, paid by a
         Control Person in acquiring any of its holdings of Centura common
         stock; or

     (e) the fair value per share of Centura common stock as determined by an
         investment banking or appraisal firm chosen by a majority of the
         members of Centura's board of directors voting against the business
         combination, such fair value not taking into consideration the fact
         that the shares are held by a majority of the Centura stockholders.

     The fair price provision is designed primarily to discourage attempts to
acquire Centura in transactions utilizing two-tier pricing tactics, but the
provision may affect and potentially discourage other transactions that are not
two-tier structured. Transactions utilizing two-tier pricing tactics typically
involve the accumulation of a substantial block of a target corporation's stock
followed by a merger or other reorganization of the acquired corporation on
terms determined by the purchaser. In such two-tiered takeover attempts, the
purchaser generally pays cash to acquire a controlling interest in a corporation
and acquires the remaining interest by paying the remaining stockholders a price
lower than that paid to acquire the controlling interest. The board of directors
believes that the fair price provision may prevent some of the potential
inequities of two-tiered takeover attempts by encouraging persons interested in
acquiring Centura to negotiate in advance with Centura's board of directors
since, if two-thirds of Centura's full board of directors approves certain
business combinations, the fair price provision would be avoided. Centura's
board of directors believes that the interests of the Centura stockholders would
be best served by such negotiation based on careful consideration of all
relevant factors. Despite this belief, however, some Centura stockholders may
find the fair price provision disadvantageous to the extent it

                                      -54-
<PAGE>   64

discourages changes in control in which Centura stockholders might receive, for
at least some of their shares, a substantial premium above the market price paid
to Centura stockholders who vote against the business combination and then elect
to sell their shares to Centura for cash. Furthermore, the provision may
encourage Centura stockholders to vote against a business combination, which has
been approved by a majority of a quorum but less than two-thirds of Centura's
full board of directors. In addition, assets of Centura could be used to
reacquire shares, possibly at a substantial premium, from Centura stockholders
who voted against the transaction, which may be to the detriment of Centura
stockholders who voted for the transaction. Finally, if the fair price provision
has the effect of giving management more bargaining power in negotiation with a
potential acquiror, it could result in management using the bargaining power not
only to try to negotiate a favorable price for an acquisition, but also more
favorable terms for management.

     TRIANGLE.  Triangle's articles of incorporation have a fair price provision
similar to Centura's described above.

STOCKHOLDER VOTES REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN ACTIONS

     CENTURA.  Centura's articles of incorporation provide that, unless more
restrictively required by applicable law, any business combination, as defined
therein, must be approved by a majority of a quorum of Centura's board of
directors and must receive one of the following levels of Centura stockholder
approval:

     - at a Centura special or annual meeting of stockholders by an affirmative
       vote of the stockholders holding at least a majority of the shares of
       Centura common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereon,
       provided that such business combination has received the prior approval
       by a resolution adopted by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of
       Centura's full board of directors before such business combination is
       submitted for approval to the Centura stockholders; or

     - at a Centura special or annual meeting of stockholders by an affirmative
       vote of the stockholders holding at least two-thirds of the shares of
       Centura common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereon
       provided that such business combination has received the prior approval
       by a resolution adopted by an affirmative vote of at least a majority of
       a quorum of Centura's board of directors (but less than two-thirds of
       Centura's board of directors).

     In addition, if the business combination is approved by an affirmative vote
of at least two-thirds of the Centura stockholders entitled to vote and by a
majority of a quorum of Centura's board of directors but less than two-thirds of
Centura's full board of directors, the business combination must grant to
stockholders not voting to approve the business combination certain fair price
rights.

     Under Centura's articles of incorporation, a "business combination" is

     - any merger or consolidation of Centura into any other corporation,
       person, group, or other entity where Centura is not the surviving or
       resulting entity;

     - any merger or consolidation of Centura with or into any "Control Person"
       (as defined in the articles of incorporation) or with any corporation,
       person, group, or other entity where the merger or consolidation is
       proposed by or on behalf of a Control Person;

     - any sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially
       all of the assets of Centura;

     - any sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of more than 10% of the
       total assets of Centura (determined as of the end of the most recent
       fiscal year) to a Control Person;

     - the issuance of any securities of Centura to a Control Person;

     - the acquisition by Centura of any securities of a Control Person unless
       such acquisition begins prior to the person becoming a Control Person or
       is an attempt to prevent the Control Person from obtaining greater
       control of Centura;

                                      -55-
<PAGE>   65

     - the acquisition by Centura of all or substantially all of the assets of
       any Control Person or any entity where the acquisition is proposed by or
       on behalf of a Control Person;

     - the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution
       of Centura which is proposed by or on behalf of a Control Person;

     - any reclassification of securities or recapitalization of Centura which
       has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the outstanding
       shares of any class of equity or convertible securities of Centura which
       is beneficially owned or controlled by a Control Person;

     - any of the above transactions which are between Centura and any of its
       subsidiaries and which are proposed by or on behalf of any Control
       Person; or

     - any agreement, plan, contract, or other arrangement providing for any of
       the above transactions.

     The requirement of a supermajority vote of stockholders to approve certain
business transactions, as described above, may discourage a change in control of
Centura by allowing a minority of the Centura stockholders to prevent a
transaction favored by the majority of the Centura stockholders. Also, in some
circumstances, Centura's board of directors could cause a two-thirds vote to be
required to approve a transaction thereby enabling management to retain control
over the affairs of Centura and their positions with Centura. The primary
purpose of the supermajority vote requirement, however, is to encourage
negotiations with Centura's management by groups or corporations interested in
acquiring control of Centura and to reduce the danger of a forced merger or sale
of assets.

     TRIANGLE.  While Triangle is subject to the North Carolina Business
Corporation Act, Triangle's articles of incorporation provide that the
affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 80% of the outstanding shares
of Triangle common stock is required to approve certain transactions with
Triangle or any affiliate of Triangle specified therein, including any merger,
consolidation, sale of assets, share exchange, or dissolution. The supermajority
provision is inapplicable if the transaction has been approved (or in the case
of a dissolution recommended for stockholder approval) by two-thirds of all
directors of Triangle then in office or if the other entity is a corporation of
which a majority of the outstanding shares of all classes of stock entitled to
vote in elections of directors is owned of record or beneficially by Triangle or
its affiliates. The merger was unanimously approved by Triangle's board of
directors, making the supermajority provision inapplicable to it.

     For purposes of such provision, an "affiliate" is any individual,
corporation, partnership, trust, estate, or other entity who directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by,
or is under common control with, the party specified. Triangle's articles of
incorporation further provide that the board of directors, when evaluating the
merits of any transaction described in such provision, including any merger,
consolidation, sale of assets, or share exchange, or any offer of a party to
make a tender or exchange offer for any equity security of Triangle, shall, in
connection with the exercise of its judgment in determining what is in the best
interest of Triangle and its stockholders, give due consideration to all
relevant factors, including, without limitation, the social and economic effects
on the employees, depositors, customers, suppliers, and other constituents of
Triangle and its affiliates, and on the communities in which Triangle and its
affiliates operate or are located.

     The supermajority provision of Triangle's articles of incorporation may
have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of
Triangle, which some holders of Triangle common stock may deem to be in their
best interests.

     The constituency provision of Triangle's articles of incorporation may
discourage or make more difficult certain acquisition proposals or business
combinations and, therefore, may adversely affect the ability of stockholders to
benefit from certain transactions opposed by Triangle's board of directors. The
constituency provision would allow Triangle's board of directors to take into
account the effects of an acquisition proposal on a broad number of
constituencies and to consider any potential adverse effect in determining
whether to accept or reject such proposal.

                                      -56-
<PAGE>   66

DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL

     CENTURA.  Under the North Carolina Business Corporation Act, a stockholder
is generally entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment of the fair value of
his shares in the event of:

     (1) consummation of a plan of reorganization to which the corporation is a
         party, unless either

        - stockholder approval is not required by the North Carolina Business
          Corporation Act, or

        - such shares are then redeemable by the corporation at a price not
          greater than the cash to be received in exchange for such shares;

     (2) consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation is a
         party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired, unless such
         shares are then redeemable by the corporation at a price not greater
         than the cash to be received in exchange for such shares;

     (3) consummation of a sale or exchange of substantially all of the
         corporation's property other than in the usual and regular course of
         business, including a sale in dissolution, but not including a sale
         pursuant to court order or to a plan by which substantially all of the
         net proceeds of the sale will be distributed in cash to the
         stockholders within one year after the date of sale;

     (4) an amendment of the articles of incorporation that materially and
         adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares because it

        - alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares,

        - creates, alters, or abolishes a right in respect of redemption of the
          shares,

        - alters or abolishes a preemptive right of the holder of the shares to
          acquire shares or other securities,

        - excludes or limits the right of the shares to vote on any matter, or
          to cumulate votes,

        - reduces the number of shares owned by the stockholder to a fraction of
          a share if the fractional share so created is to be acquired for cash
          under the North Carolina Business Corporation Act, or

        - changes the corporation into a nonprofit corporation or cooperative
          organization; or

     (5) any corporate action taken pursuant to a stockholder vote, to the
         extent the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the
         board of directors provide that voting or nonvoting stockholders are
         entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares.

     The dissenters' rights described above are generally not available to
stockholders of a corporation, like Centura, with its common stock listed on a
national securities exchange. Centura's articles of incorporation and bylaws do
not provide for any such additional dissenters' rights.

     TRIANGLE.  Because Triangle is a North Carolina corporation listed on a
national securities exchange, Triangle stockholders do not have the dissenters'
rights.

STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS TO EXAMINE BOOKS AND RECORDS

     CENTURA.  The North Carolina Business Corporation Act gives a stockholder
of a North Carolina corporation the right to inspect and copy books and records
of the corporation during regular business hours, if he or she gives the
corporation written notice of his or her demand at least five business days
before the date of the inspection. In order to inspect certain records, written
demand must also be made in good faith and for a proper purpose and must
describe with reasonable particularity the purpose of the request and the
records the stockholder desires to inspect.

     TRIANGLE.  The Triangle stockholders have the right to inspect and copy
Triangle's books and records as set forth above.

                                      -57-
<PAGE>   67

DIVIDENDS

     CENTURA.  Centura's ability to pay dividends on its common stock is
governed by North Carolina corporate law. Under North Carolina corporate law,
dividends may be paid so long as the corporation would be able to pay its debts
as they become due in the ordinary course of business and the corporation's
total assets would not be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the
amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time
of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution to
stockholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the
distribution.

     There are various statutory limitations on the ability of Centura's banking
subsidiaries to pay dividends to Centura. See "Certain Regulatory
Considerations -- Payment of Dividends."

     TRIANGLE.  Triangle's ability to pay dividends on Triangle common stock is
substantially similar to Centura's ability to do so as described above.

                        PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     The following unaudited pro forma combined condensed balance sheet presents
(i) the historical unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Centura and Triangle
at September 30, 1999, and (ii) the pro forma combined condensed balance sheet
of Centura at September 30, 1999, giving effect to the merger, assuming the
merger is accounted for as a pooling of interests. The unaudited pro forma
combined condensed balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the
historical consolidated financial statements of Centura and the historical
consolidated financial statements of Triangle, including the respective notes
thereto, which are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus, and the unaudited pro forma financial information
appearing elsewhere in this joint proxy statement-prospectus. See "WHERE YOU CAN
FIND MORE INFORMATION," "SUMMARY -- Historical and Pro Forma Comparative Per
Share Data," and "-- Selected Financial Data." The effect of anticipated
merger-related charges (estimated for purposes of the pro forma financial
statements at $35.7 million, net of taxes) to be taken by Centura in connection
with the merger has been reflected in the pro forma combined condensed balance
sheet; however, since the anticipated merger charges are nonrecurring, they have
not been reflected in the pro forma combined condensed statement of income. The
pro forma combined condensed balance sheet is not necessarily indicative of the
combined condensed financial position that actually would have occurred if the
merger had been consummated at the date indicated or which may be obtained in
the future.

                                      -58-
<PAGE>   68

                       PRO FORMA CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PRO FORMA        CENTURA AND
                                                                          ADJUSTMENTS        TRIANGLE
                                                                           INCREASE          PRO FORMA
                                        CENTURA(1)(2)   TRIANGLE(1)   (DECREASE)(3)(5)(6)    COMBINED
                                        -------------   -----------   -------------------   -----------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                     <C>             <C>           <C>                   <C>
ASSETS
  Cash and due from banks.............   $  244,119     $   54,130                          $   298,249
  Due from banks, interest bearing....       14,363         38,391                               52,754
  Federal funds sold..................       59,571             --                               59,571
  Investment securities:
     Available for sale (cost of
       $2,722,568)....................    2,146,232        524,691                            2,670,923
     Held to maturity (fair value of
       $122,049)......................       54,860         66,426                              121,286
  Loans...............................    5,852,553      1,540,633                            7,393,186
     Less: allowance for loan
       losses.........................      (72,619)       (21,082)                             (93,701)
                                         ----------     ----------          -------         -----------
          Net loans...................    5,779,934      1,519,551                            7,299,485
  Bank premises and equipment.........      115,811         37,404                              153,215
  Other assets........................      461,595        105,713                              567,308
                                         ----------     ----------          -------         -----------
          Total assets................   $8,876,485     $2,346,306                          $11,222,791
                                         ==========     ==========          =======         ===========
LIABILITIES
  Deposits
     Demand, noninterest bearing......   $  967,488     $  205,503                          $ 1,172,991
     Interest-bearing.................    4,447,496      1,323,305                            5,770,801
     Time deposits over $100..........      619,452        213,973                              833,425
                                         ----------     ----------          -------         -----------
          Total deposits..............    6,034,436      1,742,781                            7,777,217
  Borrowed funds......................    1,243,006        260,820                            1,503,826
  Long-term debt......................      787,102        143,454                              930,556
  Other liabilities...................      113,434         31,025          $35,660             180,119
                                         ----------     ----------          -------         -----------
          Total liabilities...........    8,177,978      2,178,080           35,660          10,391,718
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Preferred stock, no par value,
     25,000,000 shares authorized;
     none issued......................           --             --               --                  --
  Common stock, no par value,
     50,000,000 shares authorized;
     shares issued and pro forma
     outstanding of 39,859,180 as of
     September 30, 1999...............      214,609         85,368                              299,977
  Common stock acquired by ESOP.......          (43)            --                                  (43)
  Retained earnings...................      505,379         94,375          (35,660)            564,094
  Accumulated other comprehensive
     loss.............................      (21,438)       (11,517)                             (32,955)
                                         ----------     ----------          -------         -----------
  Total shareholders' equity..........      698,507        168,226          (35,660)            831,073
                                         ----------     ----------          -------         -----------
  Total liabilities and equity........   $8,876,485     $2,346,306          $    --         $11,222,791
                                         ==========     ==========          =======         ===========
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to pro forma condensed financial information.
                                      -59-
<PAGE>   69

                   PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF
                        INCOME FOR CENTURA AND TRIANGLE
                                  (UNAUDITED)

     The following unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of income
have been prepared for (i) the nine months ended September 30, 1999, and give
effect to the merger, assuming the merger is accounted for as a pooling of
interests, and (ii) each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1998 and give effect to the merger, assuming the merger is accounted for as a
pooling of interests, and Centura's merger with First Coastal Bankshares, Inc.
("First Coastal") that was completed on March 26, 1999, and accounted for as a
pooling of interests. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of
income should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial
statements of Centura and the historical consolidated financial statements of
Triangle, including the respective notes thereto, which are incorporated by
reference in this joint proxy statement-prospectus, and the unaudited pro forma
financial information, including the notes thereto, appears elsewhere in this
joint proxy statement-prospectus. See "Documents Incorporated by Reference,"
"SUMMARY -- Historical and Pro Forma Comparative Per Share Data," and
"-- Selected Financial Data." The effect of anticipated merger-related charges
(estimated for purposes of the pro forma financial statements at $35.7 million
net of taxes) to be taken by Centura in connection with the merger has been
reflected in the pro forma combined condensed balance sheet; however, since the
anticipated merger-related charges are nonrecurring, they have not been
reflected in the pro forma combined condensed statements of income. The pro
forma financial data does not give effect to anticipated enhancements in revenue
and reductions in expenses at Triangle in connection with the merger. The pro
forma combined condensed statements of income are not necessarily indicative of
the results that actually would have occurred if the merger had been consummated
at the dates indicated or which may be obtained in the future.

                                      -60-
<PAGE>   70

                      PRO FORMA CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT

                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          CENTURA AND
                                                                                            TRIANGLE
                                                                                           PRO FORMA
                                                      CENTURA(1)      TRIANGLE(1)      COMBINED(4)(5)(6)
                                                    --------------   --------------   --------------------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>              <C>
INTEREST INCOME
  Loans, including fees...........................   $   378,848      $    96,314         $   475,162
  Investment securities...........................        97,260           23,670             120,930
  Short-term investments..........................         1,911              486               2,397
                                                     -----------      -----------         -----------
  Total interest income...........................       478,019          120,470             598,489
INTEREST EXPENSE
  Deposits........................................       149,486           48,673             198,159
  Borrowed funds..................................        44,118            6,810              50,928
  Long-term debt..................................        31,242            6,479              37,721
                                                     -----------      -----------         -----------
          Total interest expense..................       224,846           61,962             286,808
                                                     -----------      -----------         -----------
Net interest income...............................       253,173           58,508             311,681
  Provision for loan losses.......................        27,077            4,857              31,934
                                                     -----------      -----------         -----------
  Net interest income after provision.............       226,096           53,651             279,747
NONINTEREST INCOME
  Service charges on deposits.....................        40,165            7,010              47,175
  Credit cards and related fees...................         6,134              528               6,662
  Other service charges, commissions, fees........        26,051            1,804              27,855
  Fees for trust services.........................         7,768               --               7,768
  Mortgage income.................................        19,952            1,743              21,695
  Gain on sale of subsidary.......................         4,893               --               4,893
  Other noninterest income........................        14,694            3,791              18,485
  Securities (losses)/gains, net..................        (1,208)             585                (623)
                                                     -----------      -----------         -----------
  Total noninterest income........................       118,449           15,461             133,910
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
  Personnel.......................................       113,311           16,498             129,809
  Occupancy.......................................        14,871            4,084              18,955
  Equipment.......................................        15,800            3,780              19,580
  Foreclosed real estate..........................         1,273               65               1,338
  Merger-related expenses.........................         6,858                3               6,861
  Other operating expense.........................        80,273           13,573              93,846
                                                     -----------      -----------         -----------
          Total noninterest expense...............       232,386           38,003             270,389
                                                     -----------      -----------         -----------
  Income before income taxes......................       112,159           31,109             143,268
  Income taxes....................................        38,051           10,430              48,481
                                                     -----------      -----------         -----------
Net income........................................   $    74,108      $    20,679         $    94,787
                                                     ===========      ===========         ===========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
  Basic...........................................   $      2.60      $      0.82         $      2.38
  Diluted.........................................          2.57             0.80                2.34
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
  Basic...........................................    28,468,226       25,157,391          39,789,052
  Diluted.........................................    28,882,785       25,756,492          40,473,206
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to pro forma condensed financial information.
                                      -61-
<PAGE>   71

                      PRO FORMA CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       CENTURA, FIRST
                                                         CENTURA AND                    COASTAL, AND
                                                        FIRST COASTAL                     TRIANGLE
                                             FIRST        PRO FORMA                       PRO FORMA
                             CENTURA(1)    COASTAL(1)    COMBINED(7)    TRIANGLE(1)   COMBINED(4)(5)(6)
                             -----------   ----------   -------------   -----------   -----------------
                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE DATA)
<S>                          <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>
INTEREST INCOME
  Loans, including fees....  $   453,017   $   39,003    $   492,020    $   121,640      $   613,660
  Investment securities....      121,230        6,801        128,031         30,148          158,179
  Short-term investments...        1,418          249          1,667          1,540            3,207
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total interest income....      575,665       46,053        621,718        153,328          775,046
INTEREST EXPENSE
  Deposits.................      198,354       18,862        217,216         64,751          281,967
  Borrowed funds...........       48,321        8,418         56,739          8,108           64,847
  Long-term debt...........       29,672           --         29,672          5,839           35,511
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total interest expense...      276,347       27,280        303,627         78,698          382,325
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
Net interest income........      299,318       18,773        318,091         74,630          392,721
  Provision for loan
     losses................       15,144          500         15,644          5,115           20,759
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Net interest income after
     provision.............      284,174       18,273        302,447         69,515          371,962
NONINTEREST INCOME
  Service charges on
     deposits..............       48,139        1,045         49,184          8,306           57,490
  Credit cards and related
     fees..................        6,358           --          6,358            634            6,992
  Other service charges,
     commissions, fees.....       29,863        1,047         30,910          1,805           32,715
  Fees for trust
     services..............        9,304           --          9,304             --            9,304
  Mortgage income..........       17,689        4,871         22,560          3,609           26,169
  Other noninterest
     income................       22,753       (1,234)        21,519          2,431           23,950
  Securities gains, net....          594           92            686          1,671            2,357
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total noninterest
     income................      134,700        5,821        140,521         18,456          158,977
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
  Personnel................      134,114        9,326        143,440         21,750          165,190
  Occupancy................       15,913        2,497         18,410          5,006           23,416
  Equipment................       20,874        1,351         22,225          4,700           26,925
  Foreclosed real estate...        1,171           87          1,258             40            1,298
  Merger-related
     expenses..............           --           --             --          4,373            4,373
  Other operating
     expense...............       99,617        5,447        105,064         19,027          124,091
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total noninterest
     expense...............      271,689       18,708        290,397         54,896          345,293
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  INCOME BEFORE INCOME
     TAXES.................      147,185        5,386        152,571         33,075          185,646
  Income taxes.............       50,314        1,943         52,257         11,217           63,474
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
NET INCOME.................  $    96,871   $    3,443    $   100,314    $    21,858      $   122,172
                             ===========   ==========    ===========    ===========      ===========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
  Basic....................  $      3.67   $     0.69    $      3.57    $      0.87      $      3.10
  Diluted..................         3.60         0.67           3.50           0.84             3.03
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
  OUTSTANDING
  Basic....................   26,421,073    4,984,806     28,115,907     25,112,026       39,416,319
  Diluted..................   26,922,791    5,152,572     28,674,665     25,903,142       40,331,079
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to pro forma condensed financial information.
                                      -62-
<PAGE>   72

                      PRO FORMA CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       CENTURA, FIRST
                                                         CENTURA AND                     COASTAL AND
                                                        FIRST COASTAL                     TRIANGLE
                                             FIRST        PRO FORMA                       PRO FORMA
                             CENTURA(1)    COASTAL(1)    COMBINED(7)    TRIANGLE(1)   COMBINED(4)(5)(6)
                             -----------   ----------   -------------   -----------   -----------------
                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE DATA)
<S>                          <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>
INTEREST INCOME
  Loans, including fees....  $   406,078   $   40,037    $   446,115    $   109,432      $   555,547
  Investment securities....      107,369        8,359        115,728         25,751          141,479
  Short-term investments...        1,642          203          1,845          2,920            4,765
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total interest income....      515,089       48,599        563,688        138,103          701,791
INTEREST EXPENSE
  Deposits.................      183,941       19,728        203,669         61,358          265,027
  Borrowed funds...........       40,453        9,909         50,362          6,484           56,846
  Long-term debt...........       22,790           --         22,790          1,871           24,661
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total interest expense...      247,184       29,637        276,821         69,713          346,534
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
Net interest income........      267,905       18,962        286,867         68,390          355,257
  Provision for loan
     losses................       13,418          225         13,643          5,121           18,764
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Net interest income after
     provision.............      254,487       18,737        273,224         63,269          336,493
NONINTEREST INCOME
  Service charges on
     deposits..............       40,703          728         41,431          7,131           48,562
  Credit cards and related
     fees..................        5,036           --          5,036            466            5,502
  Other service charges,
     commissions, fees.....       21,956          831         22,787          1,390           24,177
  Fees for trust
     services..............        7,737           --          7,737             --            7,737
  Mortgage income..........       11,568        2,845         14,413          2,542           16,955
  Other noninterest
     income................       21,231         (518)        20,713          3,323           24,036
  Securities gains, net....          136           15            151          2,070            2,221
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total noninterest
     income................      108,367        3,901        112,268         16,922          129,190
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
  Personnel................      113,625        7,731        121,356         22,051          143,407
  Occupancy................       13,796        2,161         15,957          4,421           20,378
  Equipment................       21,632        1,070         22,702          3,540           26,242
  Foreclosed real estate...        1,373           97          1,470             16            1,486
  Merger-related
     expenses..............           --           --             --          2,651            2,651
  Other operating
     expense...............       86,950        4,922         91,872         17,446          109,318
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total noninterest
     expense...............      237,376       15,981        253,357         50,125          303,482
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  INCOME BEFORE INCOME
     TAXES.................      125,478        6,657        132,135         30,066          162,201
  Income taxes.............       42,420        2,554         44,974         10,540           55,514
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
NET INCOME.................  $    83,058   $    4,103    $    87,161    $    19,526      $   106,687
                             ===========   ==========    ===========    ===========      ===========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
  Basic....................  $      3.22   $     0.82    $      3.17    $      0.79      $      2.76
  Diluted..................         3.15         0.81           3.11           0.76             2.70
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
  OUTSTANDING
  Basic....................   25,798,324    4,974,937     27,489,803     24,657,449       38,585,655
  Diluted..................   26,331,392    5,079,515     28,058,427     25,560,528       39,560,665
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to pro forma condensed financial information.
                                      -63-
<PAGE>   73

                      PRO FORMA CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       CENTURA, FIRST
                                                         CENTURA AND                    COASTAL, AND
                                                        FIRST COASTAL                     TRIANGLE
                                             FIRST        PRO FORMA                       PRO FORMA
                             CENTURA(1)    COASTAL(1)    COMBINED(7)    TRIANGLE(1)   COMBINED(4)(5)(6)
                             -----------   ----------   -------------   -----------   -----------------
                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE DATA)
<S>                          <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>
INTEREST INCOME
  Loans, including fees....  $   379,044   $   37,590    $   416,634    $    88,734      $   505,368
  Investment securities....       88,928       10,523         99,451         27,485          126,936
  Short-term investments...        1,788          232          2,020          1,624            3,644
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total interest income....      469,760       48,345        518,105        117,843          635,948
INTEREST EXPENSE
  Deposits.................      169,046       23,897        192,943         54,164          247,107
  Borrowed funds...........       30,427        7,732         38,159          5,610           43,769
  Long-term debt...........       20,203           --         20,203             11           20,214
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total interest expense...      219,676       31,629        251,305         59,785          311,090
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
Net interest income........      250,084       16,716        266,800         58,058          324,858
  Provision for loan
     losses................        9,596          150          9,746          2,515           12,261
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Net interest income after
     provision.............      240,488       16,566        257,054         55,543          312,597
NONINTEREST INCOME
  Service charges on
     deposits..............       34,758          391         35,149          6,551           41,700
  Credit cards and related
     fees..................        3,452           --          3,452            375            3,827
  Other service charges,
     commissions, fees.....       17,023          513         17,536          1,058           18,594
  Fees for trust
     services..............        6,841           --          6,841             --            6,841
  Mortgage income..........       11,486        2,846         14,332          2,645           16,977
  Other noninterest
     income................       16,018         (496)        15,522          1,198           16,720
  Securities gains, net....        1,798                       1,798          1,142            2,940
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total noninterest
     income................       91,376        3,254         94,630         12,969          107,599
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
  Personnel................      109,667        6,433        116,100         20,623          136,723
  Occupancy................       12,657        2,139         14,796          3,875           18,671
  Equipment................       19,556        1,112         20,668          3,140           23,808
  Foreclosed real estate...          756          127            883            179            1,062
  Merger-related
     expenses..............           --           --             --            494              494
  Other operating
     expense...............       81,874        9,118         90,992         16,565          107,557
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  Total noninterest
     expense...............      224,510       18,929        243,439         44,876          288,315
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
  INCOME BEFORE INCOME
     TAXES.................      107,354          891        108,245         23,636          131,881
  Income taxes.............       39,203          322         39,525          8,840           48,365
                             -----------   ----------    -----------    -----------      -----------
NET INCOME.................  $    68,151   $      569    $    68,720    $    14,796      $    83,516
                             ===========   ==========    ===========    ===========      ===========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
  Basic....................  $      2.66   $     0.11    $      2.52    $      0.62      $      2.19
  Diluted..................         2.60         0.11           2.46           0.60             2.14
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
  OUTSTANDING
  Basic....................   25,605,621    4,964,107     27,293,417     24,056,284       38,118,745
  Diluted..................   26,261,830    4,991,666     27,958,996     24,785,058       39,112,272
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to pro forma condensed financial information.
                                      -64-
<PAGE>   74

               NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     (1) In the opinion of management of the respective companies, all
         adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position
         and results for the period have been included. Adjustments, if any, are
         normal and recurring in nature.

     (2) Centura's historical information as of and for the nine months ended
         September 30, 1999 includes the First Coastal merger that was completed
         on March 26, 1999 and accounted for as a pooling of interests.

     (3) Centura and Triangle expect to recognize, in connection with the
         transaction, merger related charges of approximately $40 to $60 million
         to be incurred in the first and second quarters of 2000. A liability of
         $48 million or $35.7 million, net of the related tax benefit, has been
         recorded in the unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Balance Sheet. Components
         of the merger charge are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             MILLIONS
                                                             --------
<S>                                                          <C>
Employee related...........................................   $ 9.3
Occupancy and equipment....................................     9.4
Conversion.................................................     7.0
Losses on sales of investment securities...................    10.0
Investment banker, legal and accounting fees, and other
  merger-related costs.....................................    12.3
                                                              -----
                                                              $48.0
</TABLE>

        Since the anticipated merger charges are nonrecurring, they have not
        been reflected in the Pro Forma Combined Condensed Statement of Income.

     (4) The merger of Triangle is presented under the pooling-of-interests
         method of accounting, with the issuance of Centura common stock for
         Triangle common stock at an exchange ratio of .45 of a share of Centura
         common stock for each share of Triangle common stock.

     (5) Centura expects to realize significant revenue enhancements and cost
         savings from the merger which are not reflected in the Pro Forma
         Condensed Financial Information; therefore, the pro forma information
         is not indicative of the results of future operations. However, there
         can be no assurance that anticipated revenue enhancements or cost
         savings will be achieved.

     (6) Centura and Triangle anticipate that, in order to obtain regulatory
         approvals for the merger, the companies will be required to divest
         approximately $317 million of deposits with a significant portion from
         the Rocky Mount, North Carolina market. No adjustment has been
         included, however, in the unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Financial
         Information for the anticipated divestitures.

     (7) The merger of First Coastal is presented under the pooling-of-interests
         method of accounting, with the issuance of Centura common stock for
         First Coastal common stock at an exchange ratio of .34 of a share of
         Centura common stock for each share of First Coastal common stock.

                    COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS

     Centura common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange the (the
"NYSE") under the symbol "CBC." Triangle common stock is traded on the NYSE
under the symbol "TGL." Prior to December 31, 1997, Triangle's common stock
traded on the Nasdaq NMS. The following table sets forth, for the indicated
periods, the high and low closing sale prices for the Centura and Triangle
common stock as reported by the NYSE, and the cash dividends declared per share
of Centura and Triangle common

                                      -65-
<PAGE>   75

stock for the indicated periods. The stock prices do not include retail
mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     CENTURA                      TRIANGLE(1)
                                          -----------------------------   ---------------------------
                                                                CASH                          CASH
                                             PRICE RANGE      DIVIDENDS     PRICE RANGE     DIVIDENDS
                                          -----------------     PAID      ---------------     PAID
                                           HIGH       LOW     PER SHARE    HIGH     LOW     PER SHARE
                                          -------   -------   ---------   ------   ------   ---------
<S>                                       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>
1997
- ----
     First Quarter......................  $44.875   $39.000     $ .25     $13.67   $10.67     $.07
     Second Quarter.....................   47.625    35.750       .27      15.00    12.33      .07
     Third Quarter......................   58.500    47.625       .27      20.00    14.50      .08
     Fourth Quarter.....................   69.000    55.875       .27      23.92    16.33      .08
                                                                -----                         ----
          Total.........................                        $1.06                         $.30
                                                                =====                         ====
1998
- ----
     First Quarter......................  $72.188   $64.688     $ .27     $23.58   $19.38     $.08
     Second Quarter.....................   75.500    61.313       .29      20.92    18.75      .09
     Third Quarter......................   71.125    56.000       .29      21.06    14.94      .09
     Fourth Quarter.....................   74.375    60.250       .29      19.75    14.88      .09
                                                                -----                         ----
          Total.........................                        $1.14                         $.35
                                                                =====                         ====
1999
- ----
     First Quarter......................  $73.875   $58.188     $ .29     $17.19   $15.19     $.09
     Second Quarter.....................   62.000    54.938       .32      17.00    15.38      .09
     Third Quarter......................   58.125    39.625       .32      21.50    15.63      .10
     Fourth Quarter (through December 3,
       1999)............................   52.833    41.375       .32      23.19    18.31      .10
                                                                -----                         ----
          Total.........................
                                                                =====                         ====
</TABLE>

- ---------------
(1) The dividends shown are dividends historically paid by Triangle on shares of
    Triangle common stock outstanding on the date declared without restating
    such dividends to reflect acquisitions of other entities by Triangle which
    were accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting. On
    June 30, 1998, Triangle effected a three-for-two split of Triangle common
    stock effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend, payable to stockholders
    of record on June 15, 1998. The information on Triangle presented in the
    table has been revised to give effect to the stock split.

     On December 3, 1999, the last sale price of Centura common stock as
reported on the NYSE was $48.8125 per share and the last sale price of Triangle
common stock as reported on the NYSE was $20.25 per share. On August 20, 1999,
the last business day prior to public announcement of the merger, the last sale
price of Centura common stock as reported by the NYSE was $52.00 per share and
the last sale price of Triangle common stock as reported on the NYSE was $16.50
per share.

     The holders of Centura common stock are entitled to receive dividends when
and if declared by Centura's board of directors out of funds legally available
therefor. Although Centura currently intends to continue to pay quarterly cash
dividends on the Centura common stock, there can be no assurance that Centura's
dividend policy will remain unchanged after completion of the merger. The
declaration and payment of dividends thereafter will depend upon business
conditions, operating results, capital and reserve requirements, and the Centura
board of directors' consideration of other relevant factors. The principal
sources of funds for the payment of dividends by Centura are dividends from
Centura Bank and its other banking-related subsidiaries.

     The holders of Triangle common stock are entitled to receive dividends when
and if declared by Triangle's board of directors out of funds legally available
therefor. Triangle has paid cash dividends each quarter since the third quarter
of 1994. The declaration and payment of dividends will depend upon business
conditions, operating results, capital and reserve requirements, and the
Triangle board of directors' consideration of other relevant factors. The
principal sources of funds for the payment of dividends by

                                      -66-
<PAGE>   76

Triangle are dividends from its subsidiaries, Triangle Bank, Bank of Mecklenburg
and Coastal Leasing LLC.

     Centura and Triangle are legal entities separate and distinct from their
subsidiaries and their revenues depend in significant part on the payment of
dividends from their respective subsidiary institutions. Centura's and
Triangle's subsidiary depository institutions are subject to certain legal
restrictions on the amount of dividends they are permitted to pay. See "Certain
Regulatory Considerations -- Payment of Dividends."

                              BUSINESS OF TRIANGLE

     Triangle, a North Carolina corporation, is a multi-bank holding company. On
September 30, 1999, Triangle had total consolidated assets of approximately
$2.35 billion, total consolidated loans of approximately $1.52 billion, total
consolidated deposits of approximately $1.74 billion, and total consolidated
stockholders' equity of approximately $168 million.

     Triangle conducts its business activities through Triangle Bank and Bank of
Mecklenburg, its bank subsidiaries. Through Triangle Bank and its various
subsidiaries, Triangle offers a broad range of financial services, throughout
North Carolina. Triangle Bank has 68 branches in Eastern North Carolina. Bank of
Mecklenburg has three branches in the Charlotte area of North Carolina. Triangle
also operates through its wholly-owned leasing subsidiary, Coastal Leasing LLC.

     Since the organization of Triangle Bank in January 1988, much of Triangle's
growth has occurred through 13 acquisitions of other depository institutions or
branches of other institutions. For additional information with respect to these
acquisitions, see Triangle's 1998 Form 10-K, Item 1: "RECENT ACQUISITIONS" and
"BUSINESS OF THE CORPORATION."

     The principal executive offices of Triangle are located at 4300 Glenwood
Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina 27612, and its telephone number at such address
is (919) 881-0455. Additional information with respect to Triangle and its
subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this joint
proxy statement-prospectus. See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."

                              BUSINESS OF CENTURA

GENERAL

     Centura, a North Carolina corporation, is a registered bank holding
company. On September 30, 1999, Centura had total consolidated assets of
approximately $8.876 billion, total consolidated loans of approximately $5.853
billion, total consolidated deposits of approximately $6.034 billion, and total
consolidated stockholders' equity of approximately $699 million.

     Centura conducts its business activities through Centura Bank, its bank
subsidiary. Through Centura Bank and its various subsidiaries, Centura offers a
broad range of financial services, throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and
the Hampton Roads Region of Virginia.

     Centura offers its customers a variety of services and delivery channels
including 227 full-service financial service offices; more than 230 ATMs at
financial centers and retail stores; its telephone banking center; its Internet
site; and its online money management software packages.

     The principal executive offices of Centura are located at 134 North Church
Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804, and its telephone number at such
address is (252) 454-4400. Additional information with respect to Centura and
its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this
joint proxy statement-prospectus. See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."

                                      -67-
<PAGE>   77

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

     Centura's board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to
approximately 1,000,000 shares of Centura common stock. Under the authorization,
the number of shares purchased shall be consistent with the treatment of the
Triangle acquisition as a pooling of interests. Such purchases may be completed
in privately negotiated transactions or in open market purchases and may be
discontinued at any time.

ANTICIPATED OPERATING RESULTS OF THE MERGER

     In connection with the execution of the merger agreement, Centura filed a
Current Report on Form 8-K which included information with respect to the
anticipated impact of the merger on the operating performance of Centura. In the
Form 8-K, Centura indicated that it expects the merger to be accretive to
earnings per share in 2001. It is estimated that pre-tax cost savings
opportunities, including the elimination of redundant operations, will total
approximately $32.0 million once the acquisition is fully integrated. The
transaction is projected to be 2.4% dilutive to Centura's earnings per share in
2000. The dilution is projected to be concentrated in the quarter that the
transaction closes (expected to be the first quarter of 2000), before the
realization of cost savings. Merger related charges of $50.0 million pre-tax in
the quarter of closing and an additional $10.0 million in the following quarter
are anticipated. See "A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" and "WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."

                       CERTAIN REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

     Centura and Triangle are bank holding companies registered with the Federal
Reserve. As such, each of Centura, Triangle and their non-bank subsidiaries are
subject to the supervision, examination, and reporting requirements of the Bank
Holding Company Act and the regulations of the Federal Reserve. Centura's and
Triangle's banking subsidiaries are also subject to supervision and examinations
by federal banking authorities. Set forth below is a brief summary of certain of
the areas of regulation. Information relating to Triangle is included in
Triangle's 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K. A more complete discussion of
Centura is included in Centura's 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K. See "WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."

     Centura and Triangle and their banking subsidiaries are subject to certain
federal and state laws and regulations relating to the following areas as
summarized below.

     - Restrictions on the Payment of Dividends -- Centura and Triangle are
       legal entities separate and distinct from their banking and other
       subsidiaries, but depend principally on dividends from their subsidiary
       depository institutions for cash flow to pay dividends to their
       stockholders. There are statutory and regulatory limitations on the
       payment of dividends by these subsidiary depository institutions to
       Centura and Triangle as well as by Centura and Triangle to their
       stockholders. Additionally, the subsidiary banks of Centura and Triangle
       are subject to dividend restrictions of the State of North Carolina, and
       to the regulations of the Federal Reserve. Under such dividend
       restrictions, at September 30, 1999, Centura Bank could declare aggregate
       dividends to Centura of approximately $142 million and Triangle's
       subsidiary banks could declare aggregate dividends to Triangle of
       approximately $94 million.

     - Capital Adequacy -- Centura and Triangle and their banking subsidiaries
       are required by state and federal regulators to comply with certain
       capital adequacy standards related to various risk exposure and the
       leverage position of financial institutions. Any bank or thrift that
       fails to meet its capital guidelines may be subject to a variety of
       enforcement remedies and certain other restrictions on its business. As
       of September 30, 1999 Centura, Triangle and their banking subsidiaries
       were in compliance with all such capital adequacy standards.

     - Support of Subsidiary Institutions -- Under Federal Reserve policy,
       Centura and Triangle are expected to act as sources of financial strength
       for, and commit their resources to support, Centura

                                      -68-
<PAGE>   78

Bank, Triangle Bank, Bank of Mecklenburg and the other banking subsidiaries,
even in times when Centura or Triangle might not be inclined to provide it.

     - Prompt Corrective Action -- Federal banking regulators are required to
       audit Centura Bank, Triangle Bank, Bank of Mecklenburg and the other
       banking subsidiaries to determine whether they are adequately
       capitalized. If a banking institution is deemed by regulators to be
       insufficiently capitalized, the regulators are required to take certain
       actions designed to improve the capitalization situation of the financial
       institution.

     On November 12, 1999, the President signed into law the Gramm-Leach-Bliley
Act. This statute contains several provisions that may affect how Centura does
business or the nature of the competition that it faces. The act permits banks,
insurance companies, and securities firms to affiliate within a single corporate
structure, now known as a financial holding company. Using the financial holding
company structure, insurance companies and securities firms may acquire bank
holding companies, such as Centura or Triangle, and bank holding companies may
acquire insurance companies and securities firms. A bank holding company that
wishes to become a financial holding company must satisfy a number of
conditions, including that all of the insured depository institution
subsidiaries of the bank holding company have at least a "Satisfactory" CRA
rating. In addition, a financial holding company may not commence a new
financial activity or acquire control of a company engaged in such activities
without satisfying this CRA requirement. As a result of the act, Centura may
face increased competition from more and larger financial institutions. The act
also may cause Centura to consider whether to expand its securities or insurance
businesses. Centura currently conducts retail securities brokerage and insurance
brokerage through subsidiaries of Centura Bank. The act allows increased
activity in the insurance and securities underwriting businesses, to be
conducted through a subsidiary of a financial holding company and would involve
both additional risk and regulatory burdens. Centura has not made any decisions
on whether to expand its insurance and securities operations.

     The act does not significantly alter the regulatory regime under which
Centura now operates. The Federal Reserve, Centura's current federal regulator
at both the bank and holding company level, and the North Carolina Commissioner
of Banks will remain Centura's regulators. The nature of the activities that
Centura may conduct in the bank or in a bank subsidiary remain, in the first
instance, a matter of North Carolina law. Centura's insurance and securities
businesses now are subject to regulation by the North Carolina insurance
commissioner and the SEC, respectively, and the act does not change this system.

     The act also contains several provisions respecting customer privacy. The
extent of Centura's obligations in this regard will not be known until the
Federal Reserve and the other federal banking agencies issue rules applicable to
banks, Centura will be required to disclose a privacy policy to its customers on
an annual basis. In addition, if Centura provides nonpublic personal information
about customers to third parties for use in the marketing of third party
products, it must first disclose this fact to its customers and provide them an
opportunity to opt out of the arrangement. The act does not limit the sharing of
information among affiliates within the Centura family, although Centura is
aware that some members of Congress are seeking to expand the law to cover
inter-affiliate sharing.

                      DESCRIPTION OF CENTURA CAPITAL STOCK

     Centura is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of Centura common stock,
of which 28,496,626 shares were issued and outstanding as of September 30, 1999.
Centura is also authorized to issue 25,000,000 shares of Centura preferred
stock, none of which is issued and outstanding.

     Holders of Centura common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as
may be declared by Centura's board of directors out of funds legally available
therefore. The ability of Centura to pay dividends is affected by the ability of
its subsidiary depository institution to pay dividends, which is limited by
applicable regulatory requirements and capital guidelines. At September 30,
1999, under such requirements and guidelines, Centura's subsidiary depository
institution had $142 million of undivided

                                      -69-
<PAGE>   79

profits legally available for the payment of dividends. See "CERTAIN REGULATORY
CONSIDERATIONS -- Payment of Dividends."

     For a further description of Centura capital stock, See "EFFECT OF THE
MERGER ON RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS" on page 47.

                                 OTHER MATTERS

     As of the date of this joint proxy statement-prospectus, neither Triangle's
board of directors nor Centura's board of directors knows of any matters that
will be presented for consideration at the Triangle or Centura special meetings
other than as described in this joint proxy statement-prospectus. However, if
any other matters properly come before the Triangle or Centura special meetings
or any adjournment or postponement of the Triangle or Centura special meetings
and are voted upon, the enclosed proxy will be deemed to confer discretionary
authority to the individuals named as proxies to vote the shares represented by
such proxies as to any such matters.

                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

     Triangle will hold its 2000 annual meeting of stockholders only if the
merger is not consummated. In order to be eligible for inclusion in Triangle's
proxy materials for the 2000 annual meeting, if held, any Triangle stockholder
proposal to take action at such meeting must have been received at Triangle's
executive offices at 4300 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina 27612, no
later than November 30, 1999. Any such proposals shall be subject to the
requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, North Carolina law and Triangle's articles of incorporation and bylaws.

     Centura expects to hold its next annual meeting of stockholders in April
2000, after the merger. Under the SEC rules, proposals of Centura stockholders
intended to be presented at that meeting must have been received by Centura at
its principal executive offices no later than November 11, 1999, to be included
in the proxy statement for the meeting.

                                    EXPERTS

     The consolidated financial statements of Centura Banks, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1998, have been incorporated herein by
reference and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG
LLP, independent certified public accountants, incorporated herein by reference,
and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

     The consolidated financial statements of Triangle Bancorp, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1998, have been incorporated herein by
reference and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, incorporated herein by
reference, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.

                                    OPINIONS

     The legality of the shares of Centura common stock to be issued in the
merger will be passed upon by Joseph A. Smith, Jr., General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary of Centura. Joseph A. Smith, Jr. is an officer of and
stockholder in, and receives compensation from, Centura. Mr. Smith owns 2,223
shares of Centura common stock and 19,507 stock options for shares of Centura
common stock of which 1,078 were vested as of the date of this joint proxy
statement-prospectus.

     Certain tax consequences of the transaction have been passed upon by Alston
& Bird LLP, Washington, D.C.

                                      -70-
<PAGE>   80

                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     Centura and Triangle file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and
information statements, and other information with the SEC under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. You may read and copy this information at the Public
Reference Section at the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the
Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an
Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other
information about issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of
that site is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, you can read and copy this
information at the regional offices of the SEC at 7 World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. You can also inspect reports, proxy and
information statements, and other information about Centura at the offices of
the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

     Centura filed a registration statement with the SEC under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the Centura common stock offered to the
Triangle stockholders. The registration statement contains additional
information about Centura and the Centura common stock. The SEC allows Centura
to omit certain information included in the registration statement from this
joint proxy statement-prospectus. The registration statement may be inspected
and copied at the SEC's public reference facilities described above.

     This joint proxy statement-prospectus incorporates important business and
financial information about Centura and Triangle that is not included in or
delivered with this joint proxy statement-prospectus. The following documents
filed with the SEC by Centura are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy
statement-prospectus (SEC File No. 1-10646):

     (1) Centura's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
         31, 1998;

     (2) Centura's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended
         March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999;

     (3) Centura's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 11, 1999, March 30,
         1999, April 5, 1999, April 7, 1999, July 8, 1999, August 22, 1999, and
         October 8, 1999.

     (4) The description of Centura's current management and Centura's board of
         directors contained in Centura's proxy statement filed pursuant to
         Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act for Centura's Annual Meeting of
         Stockholders held on April 15, 1998 and 1999;

     The following documents filed with the SEC by Triangle are incorporated by
reference in this joint proxy statement-prospectus (SEC File No. 0-19398):

     (1) Triangle's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
         December 31, 1998;

     (2) Triangle's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended
         March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999;

     (3) Triangle's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated March 17, 1999, August 22,
         1999 and November 30, 1999.

     Centura and Triangle also incorporate by reference additional documents
filed by them pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act after the date of this joint proxy statement-prospectus and prior to final
adjournment of the Triangle special meeting. Any statement contained in this
joint proxy statement-prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement-prospectus shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is, or is deemed to be,
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.

                                      -71-
<PAGE>   81

     You may obtain copies of the information incorporated by reference in this
joint proxy statement-prospectus upon written or oral request. The inside front
cover of this joint proxy statement-prospectus contains information about how
such requests should be made.

     All information contained in this joint proxy statement-prospectus or
incorporated herein by reference with respect to Centura was supplied by
Centura, and all information contained in this joint proxy statement-prospectus
with respect to Triangle was supplied by Triangle.

                                      -72-
<PAGE>   82

                                                                      APPENDIX A

                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
                                 BY AND BETWEEN
                             TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.
                                      AND
                              CENTURA BANKS, INC.

                          DATED AS OF AUGUST 22, 1999

                                       A-1
<PAGE>   83

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Parties 1
Preamble....................................................   A-6
ARTICLE 1 -- TRANSACTIONS AND TERMS OF MERGER...............   A-6
     1.1  Merger............................................   A-6
     1.2  Time and Place of Closing.........................   A-6
     1.3  Effective Time....................................   A-7
     1.4  Execution of Stock Option Agreements..............   A-7
ARTICLE 2 -- TERMS OF MERGER................................   A-7
     2.1  Articles of Incorporation.........................   A-7
     2.2  Bylaws............................................   A-7
     2.3  Directors and Officers............................   A-7
ARTICLE 3 -- MANNER OF CONVERTING SHARES....................   A-7
     3.1  Conversion of Shares..............................   A-7
     3.2  Anti-Dilution Provisions..........................   A-8
     3.3  Shares Held by Triangle or Centura................   A-8
     3.4  Fractional Shares.................................   A-8
     3.5  Conversion of Stock Rights........................   A-8
     3.6  Conversion of Triangle Warrants...................   A-9
ARTICLE 4 -- EXCHANGE OF SHARES.............................   A-9
     4.1  Exchange Procedures...............................   A-9
     4.2  Rights of Former Triangle Stockholders............  A-10
ARTICLE 5 -- REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TRIANGLE.....  A-10
     5.1  Organization, Standing, and Power.................  A-10
     5.2  Authority; No Breach By Agreement.................  A-11
     5.3  Capital Stock.....................................  A-11
     5.4  Triangle Subsidiaries.............................  A-12
     5.5  SEC Filings; Financial Statements.................  A-12
     5.6  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities................  A-13
     5.7  Absence of Certain Changes or Events..............  A-13
     5.8  Tax Matters.......................................  A-13
     5.9  Assets............................................  A-14
     5.10 Environmental Matters.............................  A-14
     5.11 Compliance with Laws..............................  A-15
     5.12 Labor Relations...................................  A-15
     5.13 Employee Benefit Plans............................  A-15
     5.14 Material Contracts................................  A-17
     5.15 Legal Proceedings.................................  A-18
     5.16 Reports...........................................  A-18
     5.17 Statements True and Correct.......................  A-18
     5.18 Accounting, Tax, and Regulatory Matters...........  A-18
     5.19 State Takeover Laws...............................  A-18
     5.20 Derivatives.......................................  A-19
     5.21 Year 2000.........................................  A-19
     5.22 Underwriting......................................  A-19
ARTICLE 6 -- REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CENTURA......  A-19
     6.1  Organization, Standing, and Power.................  A-19
     6.2  Authority; No Breach By Agreement.................  A-19
     6.3  Capital Stock.....................................  A-20
     6.4  Centura Subsidiaries..............................  A-20
</TABLE>

                                       A-2
<PAGE>   84

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
     6.5  SEC Filings; Financial Statements.................  A-21
     6.6  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities................  A-21
     6.7  Absence of Certain Changes or Events..............  A-21
     6.8  Tax Matters.......................................  A-21
     6.9  Assets............................................  A-22
     6.10 Environmental Matters.............................  A-23
     6.11 Compliance with Laws..............................  A-23
     6.12 Labor Relations...................................  A-24
     6.13 Employee Benefit Plans............................  A-24
     6.14 Legal Proceedings.................................  A-24
     6.15 Reports...........................................  A-24
     6.16 Statements True and Correct.......................  A-25
     6.17 Accounting, Tax, and Regulatory Matters...........  A-25
     6.18 Derivatives.......................................  A-25
     6.19 Year 2000.........................................  A-25
ARTICLE 7 -- CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING CONSUMMATION.......  A-26
     7.1  Affirmative Covenants of Both Parties.............  A-26
     7.2  Negative Covenants of Triangle....................  A-26
     7.3  Adverse Changes in Condition......................  A-27
     7.4  Reports...........................................  A-28
ARTICLE 8 -- ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS..........................  A-28
     8.1  Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement;
      Stockholder Approvals.................................  A-28
     8.2  Exchange Listing..................................  A-28
     8.3  Applications......................................  A-29
     8.4  Filings with State Office.........................  A-29
     8.5  Agreement as to Efforts to Consummate.............  A-29
     8.6  Investigation and Confidentiality.................  A-29
     8.7  Press Releases....................................  A-29
     8.8  Certain Actions...................................  A-30
     8.9  Accounting and Tax Treatment......................  A-30
     8.10 State Takeover Laws...............................  A-30
     8.11 Agreement of Affiliates...........................  A-30
     8.12 Employee Benefits and Contracts...................  A-31
     8.13 Indemnification...................................  A-31
     8.14 Certain Modifications.............................  A-33
     8.15 Centura Merger Subsidiary Organization............  A-33
ARTICLE 9 -- CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS TO
  CONSUMMATE................................................  A-33
     9.1  Conditions to Obligations of Each Party...........  A-33
     9.2  Conditions to Obligations of Centura..............  A-34
     9.3  Conditions to Obligations of Triangle.............  A-35
ARTICLE 10 -- TERMINATION...................................  A-36
    10.1  Termination.......................................  A-36
    10.2  Effect of Termination.............................  A-38
    10.3  Non-Survival of Representations and Covenants.....  A-38
</TABLE>

                                       A-3
<PAGE>   85

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
ARTICLE 11 -- MISCELLANEOUS.................................  A-39
     11.1  Definitions......................................  A-39
     11.2  Expenses.........................................  A-45
     11.3  Brokers and Finders..............................  A-45
     11.4  Entire Agreement.................................  A-45
     11.5  Amendments.......................................  A-46
     11.6  Waivers..........................................  A-46
     11.7  Assignment.......................................  A-46
     11.8  Notices..........................................  A-46
     11.9  Governing Law....................................  A-47
     11.10 Counterparts.....................................  A-47
     11.11 Captions.........................................  A-47
     11.12 Interpretations..................................  A-47
     11.13 Enforcement of Agreement.........................  A-47
     11.14 Severability.....................................  A-47
Signatures..................................................  A-48
</TABLE>

                                       A-4
<PAGE>   86

                                LIST OF EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                            DESCRIPTION
- -------                           -----------
<C>       <S>
  1.      Form of Triangle Stock Option Agreement. (sec. 1.4).
  2.      Form of Centura Stock Option Agreement. (sec. 1.4).
  3.      Form of Plan of Merger. (sec. 1.1).
  4.      Form of Affiliate Agreement. (sections 8.12, 9.2(d)).
</TABLE>

                                       A-5
<PAGE>   87

                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

     THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (this "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of August 22, 1999, by and between TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.
("Triangle"), a corporation organized and existing under the Laws of the State
of North Carolina, with its principal office located in Raleigh, North Carolina;
and CENTURA BANKS, INC. ("Centura"), a corporation organized and existing under
the Laws of the State of North Carolina, with its principal office located in
Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

                                    PREAMBLE

     The Boards of Directors of Triangle and Centura are of the opinion that the
transactions described herein are in the best interests of the parties to this
Agreement and their respective stockholders. This Agreement provides for the
acquisition of Triangle by Centura pursuant to the merger (the "Merger") of
Triangle with and into a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Centura
("Centura Merger Subsidiary"), organized under the Laws of the State of North
Carolina. Immediately following the Merger, Centura Merger Subsidiary will be
merged with and into Centura. At the effective time of the Merger, the
outstanding shares of the capital stock of Triangle shall be converted into
shares of the common stock of Centura (except as provided herein). As a result,
stockholders of Triangle shall become stockholders of Centura, and Centura shall
continue to conduct Triangle's business and operations. The transactions
described in this Agreement are subject to the approvals of the stockholders of
Triangle, the stockholders of Centura, the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, and certain state regulatory authorities, and the satisfaction
of certain other conditions described in this Agreement. It is the intention of
the parties to this Agreement that the Merger (i) for federal income tax
purposes shall qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and (ii) for accounting purposes shall
qualify for treatment as a pooling of interests.

     Immediately after the execution and delivery of this Agreement, as a
condition and inducement to the Parties' willingness to enter into this
Agreement, (i) Triangle is granting to Centura an option to purchase shares of
Triangle Common Stock (the "Triangle Stock Option Agreement"), in substantially
the form of Exhibit 1, and (ii) Centura is granting to Triangle an option to
purchase shares of Centura Common Stock (the "Centura Stock Option Agreement"),
in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.

     Certain terms used in this Agreement are defined in Section 11.1 of this
Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above and the mutual warranties,
representations, covenants, and agreements set forth herein, the Parties agree
as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1

                        TRANSACTIONS AND TERMS OF MERGER

     1.1 MERGER.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the
Effective Time, Triangle shall be merged with and into Centura Merger Subsidiary
in accordance with the provisions of Section 55-11-01 of the North Carolina
Business Corporation Act and with the effect provided in Section 55-11-06 of the
North Carolina Business Corporation Act (the "Merger"). Centura Merger
Subsidiary shall be the Surviving Corporation resulting from the Merger and
shall continue to be governed by the Laws of the State of North Carolina. The
Merger shall be consummated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, which has
been approved and adopted by the respective Boards of Directors of Triangle and
Centura, and the Plan of Merger, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3, which
has been approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of Triangle and will be
approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of Centura Merger Subsidiary upon
its organization. Immediately subsequent to the Merger, Centura Merger
Subsidiary shall be merged with and into Centura.

     1.2 TIME AND PLACE OF CLOSING.  The consummation of the Merger (the
"Closing") shall take place at 9:00 A.M. on the date that the Effective Time
occurs (or the immediately preceding day if the
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Effective Time is earlier than 9:00 A.M.), or at such other time as the Parties,
acting through their duly authorized officers, may mutually agree. The place of
Closing shall be at such location as may be mutually agreed upon by the Parties.

     1.3 EFFECTIVE TIME.  The Merger and the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement shall become effective on the date and at the time the North
Carolina Articles of Merger reflecting the Merger shall become effective with
the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina (the "Effective Time").
Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, unless otherwise mutually agreed
upon in writing by the duly authorized officers of each Party, the Parties shall
use their reasonable efforts to cause the Effective Time to occur on or before
the 10th business day (as designated by Centura) following the last to occur of
(i) the effective date (including expiration of any applicable waiting period)
of the last required Consent of any Regulatory Authority having authority over
and approving or exempting the Merger, and (ii) the date on which the
stockholders of Centura and Triangle approve the matters relating to this
Agreement required to be approved by such stockholders by applicable Law.

     1.4 EXECUTION OF STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS.  Immediately after the execution
of this Agreement and as a condition hereto, (i) Triangle is executing and
delivering to Centura the Triangle Stock Option Agreement, and (ii) Centura is
executing and delivering to Triangle the Centura Stock Option Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 2

                                TERMS OF MERGER

     2.1 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.  The Articles of Incorporation of Centura
Merger Subsidiary in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the
Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time
until otherwise amended or repealed.

     2.2 BYLAWS.  The Bylaws of Centura Merger Subsidiary in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation
after the Effective Time until otherwise amended or repealed.

     2.3 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.  The directors of Centura Merger Subsidiary in
office immediately prior to the Effective Time shall serve as the directors of
the Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective Time in accordance with
the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. The officers of Centura Merger
Subsidiary in office immediately prior to the Effective Time shall serve as the
officers of the Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective Time in
accordance with the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE 3

                          MANNER OF CONVERTING SHARES

     3.1 CONVERSION OF SHARES.  Subject to the provisions of this Article 3, at
the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part
of Centura or Triangle, or the stockholders of either of the foregoing, the
shares of the constituent corporations shall be converted as follows:

          (a) Each share of Centura Common Stock issued and outstanding
     immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain issued and outstanding
     from and after the Effective Time.

          (b) Each share of Centura Merger Subsidiary Common Stock issued and
     outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain issued and
     outstanding from and after the Effective Time.

          (c) Each share of Triangle Common Stock (excluding shares held by any
     Triangle Company or any Centura Company, in each case other than in a
     fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted) issued
     and outstanding at the Effective Time shall be converted into .45 of a

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<PAGE>   89

     share of Centura Common Stock (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section
     10.1(g) of this Agreement, the "Exchange Ratio").

     3.2 ANTI-DILUTION PROVISIONS.  In the event Triangle changes the number of
shares of Triangle Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the Effective
Time as a result of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or similar
transaction with respect to such stock, the Exchange Ratio shall be
proportionately adjusted. In the event Centura changes the number of shares of
Centura Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time as a
result of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or similar
transaction with respect to such stock and the record date therefor (in the case
of a stock dividend) or the effective date thereof (in the case of a stock split
or similar recapitalization for which a record date is not established) shall be
prior to the Effective Time, the Exchange Ratio shall be proportionately
adjusted.

     3.3 SHARES HELD BY TRIANGLE OR CENTURA.  Each of the shares of Triangle
Common Stock held by any Triangle Company or by any Centura Company, in each
case other than in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts previously
contracted, shall be canceled and retired at the Effective Time and no
consideration shall be issued in exchange therefor.

     3.4 FRACTIONAL SHARES.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, each holder of shares of Triangle Common Stock exchanged pursuant to
the Merger who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a
share of Centura Common Stock (after taking into account all certificates
delivered by such holder) shall receive, in lieu thereof, cash (without
interest) in an amount equal to such fractional part of a share of Centura
Common Stock multiplied by the market value of one share of Centura Common Stock
at the Effective Time. The market value of one share of Centura Common Stock at
the Effective Time shall be the closing price of Centura Common Stock on the
NYSE -- Composite Transactions List (as reported by The Wall Street Journal or,
if not reported thereby, any other authoritative source selected by Centura) on
the last trading day preceding the Effective Time. No such holder will be
entitled to dividends, voting rights, or any other rights as a stockholder in
respect of any fractional shares.

     3.5 CONVERSION OF STOCK RIGHTS.

          (a) At the Effective Time, each award, option, or other right to
     purchase or acquire shares of Triangle Common Stock pursuant to stock
     options, stock appreciation rights, or stock awards ("Triangle Rights")
     granted by Triangle under the Triangle Stock Plans, which are outstanding
     at the Effective Time, whether or not exercisable, shall be converted into
     and become rights with respect to Centura Common Stock, and Centura shall
     assume each Triangle Right, in accordance with the terms of the Triangle
     Stock Plan and stock option agreement by which it is evidenced, except that
     from and after the Effective Time, (i) Centura and its Compensation
     Committee shall be substituted for Triangle and the Committee of Triangle's
     Board of Directors (including, if applicable, the entire Board of Directors
     of Triangle) administering such Triangle Stock Plan, (ii) each Triangle
     Right assumed by Centura may be exercised solely for shares of Centura
     Common Stock (or cash in the case of stock appreciation rights), (iii) the
     number of shares of Centura Common Stock subject to such Triangle Right
     shall be equal to the number of shares of Triangle Common Stock subject to
     such Triangle Right immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by
     the Exchange Ratio, and (iv) the per share exercise price (or similar
     threshold price, in the case of stock awards) under each such Triangle
     Right shall be adjusted by dividing the per share exercise (or threshold)
     price under each such Triangle Right by the Exchange Ratio and rounding up
     to the nearest cent. Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (iii) of the
     preceding sentence, Centura shall not be obligated to issue any fraction of
     a share of Centura Common Stock upon exercise of Triangle Rights and any
     fraction of a share of Centura Common Stock that otherwise would be subject
     to a converted Triangle Right shall represent the right to receive a cash
     payment equal to the product of such fraction and the difference between
     the market value of one share of Centura Common Stock and the per share
     exercise price of such Right. The market value of one share of Centura
     Common Stock shall be the closing price of Centura Common Stock on the
     NYSE -- Composite Transactions List

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<PAGE>   90

     (as reported by The Wall Street Journal or, if not reported thereby, any
     other authoritative source selected by Centura) on the last trading day
     preceding the date of exercise of the Triangle Right. In addition,
     notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (iii) and (iv) of the first
     sentence of this Section 3.5, each Triangle Right which is an "incentive
     stock option" shall be adjusted as required by Section 424 of the Internal
     Revenue Code, so as not to constitute a modification, extension, or renewal
     of the option, within the meaning of Section 424(h) of the Internal Revenue
     Code. Centura agrees to take all necessary steps to effectuate the
     foregoing provisions of this Section 3.5.

          (b) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time,
     Centura shall deliver to the participants in each Triangle Stock Plan an
     appropriate notice setting forth such participant's rights pursuant thereto
     and the grants pursuant to such Triangle Stock Plan shall continue in
     effect on the same terms and conditions (subject to the adjustments
     required by Section 3.5(a) after giving effect to the Merger), and Centura
     shall comply with the terms of each Triangle Stock Plan to ensure, to the
     extent required by, and subject to the provisions of, such Triangle Stock
     Plan, that Triangle Rights which qualified as incentive stock options prior
     to the Effective Time continue to qualify as incentive stock options after
     the Effective Time. At or prior to the Effective Time, Centura shall take
     all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance sufficient shares of
     Centura Common Stock for delivery upon exercise of Triangle Rights assumed
     by it in accordance with this Section 3.5. As soon as reasonably
     practicable after the Effective Time, Centura shall file a registration
     statement on Form S-3 or Form S-8, as the case may be (or any successor or
     other appropriate forms), with respect to the shares of Centura Common
     Stock subject to such options and shall use its reasonable efforts to
     maintain the effectiveness of such registration statements (and maintain
     the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for
     so long as such options remain outstanding. With respect to those
     individuals who subsequent to the Merger will be subject to the reporting
     requirements under Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act, where applicable, Centura
     shall administer the Triangle Stock Plan assumed pursuant to this Section
     3.5 in a manner that complies with Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the 1934
     Act.

          (c) All restrictions or limitations on transfer with respect to
     Triangle Common Stock awarded under the Triangle Stock Plans or any other
     plan, program, or arrangement of any Triangle Company, to the extent that
     such restrictions or limitations shall not have already lapsed, and except
     as otherwise expressly provided in such plan, program, or arrangement,
     shall remain in full force and effect with respect to shares of Centura
     Common Stock into which such restricted stock is converted pursuant to
     Section 3.1 of this Agreement.

     3.6 CONVERSION OF TRIANGLE WARRANTS.  At the Effective Time, each Triangle
Warrant which is outstanding at the Effective Time, whether or not exercisable,
shall be converted into and become a right with respect to Centura Common Stock,
and Centura shall assume each Triangle Warrant, in accordance with the terms of
the agreement by which the Triangle Warrant is evidenced, except that from and
after the Effective Time, (i) each Triangle Warrant assumed by Centura may be
exercised solely for shares of Centura Common Stock, (ii) the number of shares
of Centura Common Stock subject to such Triangle Warrant shall be equal to the
number of shares of Triangle Common Stock subject to such Triangle Warrant
immediately prior to the Effective Time, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, and
(iii) the per share exercise price under each such Triangle Warrant shall be
adjusted by dividing the per share exercise price under each such Triangle
Warrant by the Exchange Ratio and rounding up to the nearest cent.

                                   ARTICLE 4

                               EXCHANGE OF SHARES

     4.1 EXCHANGE PROCEDURES.  Promptly after the Effective Time, Centura and
Triangle shall cause the exchange agent selected by Centura (the "Exchange
Agent") to mail to the former stockholders of Triangle appropriate transmittal
materials (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss
and title to the certificates theretofore representing shares of Triangle Common
Stock shall pass, only upon proper delivery of such certificates to the Exchange
Agent). After the Effective Time, each holder of
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<PAGE>   91

shares of Triangle Common Stock (other than shares to be canceled pursuant to
Section 3.3 of this Agreement) issued and outstanding at the Effective Time
shall surrender the certificate or certificates representing such shares to the
Exchange Agent and shall promptly upon surrender thereof receive in exchange
therefor the consideration provided in Section 3.1 of this Agreement, together
with all undelivered dividends or distributions in respect of such shares
(without interest thereon) pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Agreement. To the
extent required by Section 3.4 of this Agreement, each holder of shares of
Triangle Common Stock issued and outstanding at the Effective Time also shall
receive, upon surrender of the certificate or certificates representing such
shares, cash in lieu of any fractional share of Centura Common Stock to which
such holder may be otherwise entitled (without interest). Centura shall not be
obligated to deliver the consideration to which any former holder of Triangle
Common Stock is entitled as a result of the Merger until such holder surrenders
such holder's certificate or certificates representing the shares of Triangle
Common Stock for exchange as provided in this Section 4.1. The certificate or
certificates of Triangle Common Stock so surrendered shall be duly endorsed as
the Exchange Agent may require. Any other provision of this Agreement
notwithstanding, neither the Surviving Corporation nor the Exchange Agent shall
be liable to a holder of Triangle Common Stock for any amounts paid or property
delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to any applicable
abandoned property Law.

     4.2 RIGHTS OF FORMER TRIANGLE STOCKHOLDERS.  At the Effective Time, the
stock transfer books of Triangle shall be closed as to holders of Triangle
Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time and no transfer of Triangle
Common Stock by any such holder shall thereafter be made or recognized. Until
surrendered for exchange in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.1 of
this Agreement, each certificate theretofore representing shares of Triangle
Common Stock (other than shares to be canceled pursuant to Section 3.3 of this
Agreement) shall from and after the Effective Time represent for all purposes
only the right to receive the consideration provided in Sections 3.1 and 3.4 of
this Agreement in exchange therefor, subject, however, to the Surviving
Corporation's obligation to pay any dividends or make any other distributions
with a record date prior to the Effective Time which have been declared or made
by Triangle in respect of such shares of Triangle Common Stock in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement and which remain unpaid at the Effective Time.
To the extent permitted by Law, former stockholders of record of Triangle shall
be entitled to vote after the Effective Time at any meeting of Centura
stockholders the number of whole shares of Centura Common Stock into which their
respective shares of Triangle Common Stock are converted, regardless of whether
such holders have exchanged their certificates representing Triangle Common
Stock for certificates representing Centura Common Stock in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement. Whenever a dividend or other distribution is
declared by Centura on the Centura Common Stock, the record date for which is at
or after the Effective Time, the declaration shall include dividends or other
distributions on all shares issuable pursuant to this Agreement, but beginning
30 days after the Effective Time no dividend or other distribution payable to
the holders of record of Centura Common Stock as of any time subsequent to the
Effective Time shall be delivered to the holder of any certificate representing
shares of Triangle Common Stock issued and outstanding at the Effective Time
until such holder surrenders such certificate for exchange as provided in
Section 4.1 of this Agreement. However, upon surrender of such Triangle Common
Stock certificate, both the Centura Common Stock certificate (together with all
such undelivered dividends or other distributions without interest) and any
undelivered dividends and cash payments to be paid for fractional share
interests (without interest) shall be delivered and paid with respect to each
share represented by such certificate.

                                   ARTICLE 5

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TRIANGLE

     Triangle hereby represents and warrants to Centura as follows:

     5.1 ORGANIZATION, STANDING, AND POWER.  Triangle is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the Laws of the State of
North Carolina, and has the corporate power and authority to carry on its
business as now conducted and to own, lease, and operate its Material Assets.

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<PAGE>   92

Triangle is duly qualified or licensed to transact business as a foreign
corporation in good standing in the States of the United States and foreign
jurisdictions where the character of its Assets or the nature or conduct of its
business requires it to be so qualified or licensed, except for such
jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed is not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect on Triangle.

     5.2 AUTHORITY; NO BREACH BY AGREEMENT.

     (a) Triangle has the corporate power and authority necessary to execute,
deliver, and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Plan of Merger
and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The
execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger,
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein,
including the Merger, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
corporate action in respect thereof on the part of Triangle, subject to the
approval of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger by the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of Triangle Common Stock entitled to be cast thereon,
which is the only stockholder vote required for approval of this Agreement and
the Plan of Merger and consummation of the Merger by Triangle. Subject to such
requisite stockholder approval, this Agreement and the Plan of Merger represent
legal, valid, and binding obligations of Triangle, enforceable against Triangle
in accordance with their respective terms (except in all cases as such
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, moratorium, or similar Laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and except that the
availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance or injunctive
relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding may
be brought).

     (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Plan of
Merger by Triangle, nor the consummation by Triangle of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by Triangle with any of the
provisions hereof or thereof, will (i) conflict with or result in a breach of
any provision of Triangle's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or (ii)
constitute or result in a Default under, or require any Consent pursuant to, or
result in the creation of any Lien on any Asset of any Triangle Company under,
any Contract or Permit of any Triangle Company, where such Default or Lien, or
any failure to obtain such Consent, is reasonably likely to have, individually
or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle, or (iii) subject to
receipt of the requisite Consents referred to in Section 9.1(b) of this
Agreement, violate any Law or Order applicable to any Triangle Company or any of
their respective Material Assets.

     (c) Other than in connection or compliance with the provisions of the
Securities Laws, applicable state corporate and securities Laws, and rules of
the NYSE, and other than Consents required from Regulatory Authorities, and
other than notices to or filings with the Internal Revenue Service or the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation with respect to any employee benefit plans,
or under the HSR Act, and other than Consents, filings, or notifications which,
if not obtained or made, are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle, no notice to, filing with,
or Consent of, any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by
Triangle of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated in this Agreement
and the Plan of Merger.

     5.3 CAPITAL STOCK.

     (a) The authorized capital stock of Triangle consists, as of the date of
this Agreement, of 50,000,000 shares of Triangle Common Stock, of which
25,197,731 shares are issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement
and not more than 26,833,810 shares (together with such number of additional
shares that will be issued for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999 under
the Management Incentive Compensation Plan of Triangle) will be issued and
outstanding at the Effective Time. All of the issued and outstanding shares of
Triangle Common Stock are duly and validly issued and outstanding and are fully
paid and nonassessable under the North Carolina Business Corporation Act. None
of the outstanding shares of Triangle Common Stock has been issued in violation
of any preemptive rights of the current or past stockholders of Triangle.

                                      A-11
<PAGE>   93

     (b) Except as set forth in Section 5.3(a) of this Agreement or Section
5.3(b) of the Triangle Disclosure Memorandum, or as provided pursuant to the
Triangle Stock Option Agreement, there are no shares of capital stock or other
equity securities of Triangle outstanding and no outstanding Rights relating to
the capital stock of Triangle.

     5.4 TRIANGLE SUBSIDIARIES.  Triangle has disclosed in Section 5.4 of the
Triangle Disclosure Memorandum all of the Triangle Subsidiaries as of the date
of this Agreement. Except as set forth in Section 5.4 of the Triangle Disclosure
Memorandum, Triangle or one of its Subsidiaries owns all of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of each Triangle Subsidiary. No equity
securities of any Triangle Subsidiary are or may become required to be issued
(other than to another Triangle Company) by reason of any Rights, and there are
no Contracts by which any Triangle Subsidiary is bound to issue (other than to
another Triangle Company) additional shares of its capital stock or Rights or by
which any Triangle Company is or may be bound to transfer any shares of the
capital stock of any Triangle Subsidiary (other than to another Triangle
Company). There are no Contracts relating to the rights of any Triangle Company
to vote or to dispose of any shares of the capital stock of any Triangle
Subsidiary. All of the shares of capital stock of each Triangle Subsidiary held
by a Triangle Company are duly authorized, validly issued, and fully paid and,
except as provided in statutes pursuant to which depository institution
Subsidiaries are organized, nonassessable under the applicable corporation Law
of the jurisdiction in which such Subsidiary is incorporated or organized and
are owned by the Triangle Company free and clear of any Lien. Except as set
forth in Section 5.4 of the Triangle Disclosure Memorandum, each Triangle
Subsidiary is either a bank or a corporation, and is duly organized, validly
existing, and (as to corporations) in good standing under the Laws of the
jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or organized, and has the corporate
power and authority necessary for it to own, lease, and operate its Assets and
to carry on its business as now conducted. Each Triangle Subsidiary is duly
qualified or licensed to transact business as a foreign corporation in good
standing in the States of the United States and foreign jurisdictions where the
character of its Assets or the nature or conduct of its business requires it to
be so qualified or licensed, except for such jurisdictions in which the failure
to be so qualified or licensed is not reasonably likely to have, individually or
in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle. Each Triangle
Subsidiary that is a depository institution is an "insured institution" as
defined in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and applicable regulations
thereunder, and the deposits in which are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund or
Savings Association Insurance Fund.

     5.5 SEC FILINGS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

     (a) Triangle has filed and made available to Centura all forms, reports,
and documents required to be filed by Triangle with the SEC since December 31,
1995 (collectively, the "Triangle SEC Reports"). The Triangle SEC Reports (i) at
the time filed, complied in all Material respects with the applicable
requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, as the case may be, and (ii) did
not at the time they were filed (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior
to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing) contain any
untrue statement of a Material fact or omit to state a Material fact required to
be stated in such Triangle SEC Reports or necessary in order to make the
statements in such Triangle SEC Reports, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. Except for Triangle Subsidiaries that are
registered as a broker, dealer, or investment advisor or filings required due to
fiduciary holdings of the Triangle Subsidiaries, none of Triangle's Subsidiaries
is required to file any forms, reports, or other documents with the SEC.

     (b) Each of the Triangle Financial Statements (including, in each case, any
related notes) contained in the Triangle SEC Reports, including any Triangle SEC
Reports filed after the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time,
complied or will comply as to form in all Material respects with the applicable
published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, was prepared or
will be prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis
throughout the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes to such
financial statements, or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by
Form 10-Q of the SEC), and fairly presented or will fairly present the
consolidated financial position of Triangle and its Subsidiaries as at the
respective dates and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows
for the periods indicated, except that the unaudited interim financial
statements were or are
                                      A-12
<PAGE>   94

subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments which were not or are not
expected to be Material in amount or effect.

     5.6 ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  No Triangle Company has any
Liabilities that are reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle, except Liabilities which are
accrued or reserved against in the consolidated balance sheets of Triangle as of
June 30, 1999, included in the Triangle Financial Statements or reflected in the
notes thereto and except for Liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business subsequent to June 30, 1999. No Triangle Company has incurred or paid
any Liability since June 30, 1999, except for such Liabilities incurred or paid
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past business practice and
which are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.

     5.7 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS.  Since June 30, 1999, except as
disclosed in the Triangle Financial Statements, (i) there have been no events,
changes, or occurrences which have had, or are reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle, and
(ii) the Triangle Companies have conducted their respective businesses in the
ordinary and usual course (excluding the incurrence of expenses in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby).

     5.8 TAX MATTERS.

     (a) All Tax Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of any of the
Triangle Companies have been timely filed, or requests for extensions have been
timely filed, granted, and have not expired for Taxable Periods ended on or
before December 31, 1998, and, to the Knowledge of Triangle, all Tax Returns
filed are complete and accurate in all Material respects. All Tax Returns for
Taxable Periods ending on or before the date of the most recent fiscal year end
immediately preceding the Effective Time will be timely filed or requests for
extensions will be timely filed. All Taxes shown on filed Tax Returns have been
paid. There is no audit examination, deficiency, or refund Litigation with
respect to any Taxes, that is reasonably likely to result in a determination
that would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
Triangle, except to the extent reserved against in the Triangle Financial
Statements dated prior to the date of this Agreement. All Taxes and other
Liabilities due with respect to completed and settled examinations or concluded
Litigation have been paid.

     (b) None of the Triangle Companies has executed an extension or waiver of
any statute of limitations on the assessment or collection of any Tax due
(excluding such statutes that relate to years currently under examination by the
Internal Revenue Service or other applicable taxing authorities) that is
currently in effect.

     (c) Adequate provision for any Taxes due or to become due for any of the
Triangle Companies for the period or periods through and including the date of
the respective Triangle Financial Statements has been made and is reflected on
such Triangle Financial Statements.

     (d) Each of the Triangle Companies is in compliance with, and its records
contain all information and documents (including properly completed IRS Forms
W-9) necessary to comply with, all applicable information reporting and Tax
withholding requirements under federal, state, and local Tax Laws, and such
records identify with specificity all accounts subject to backup withholding
under Section 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code, except for such instances of
noncompliance and such omissions as are not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.

     (e) Except as set forth in Section 5.8(e) of the Triangle Disclosure
Memorandum, none of the Triangle Companies has made any payments, is obligated
to make any payments, or is a party to any contract, agreement, or other
arrangement that could obligate it to make any payments that would be disallowed
as a deduction under Section 280G or 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     (f) There are no Material Liens with respect to Taxes upon any of the
Assets of the Triangle Companies.

                                      A-13
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     (g) Except as set forth in Section 5.8(g) of the Triangle Disclosure
Memorandum, there has not been an ownership change, as defined in Internal
Revenue Code Section 382(g), of the Triangle Companies that occurred during or
after any Taxable Period in which the Triangle Companies incurred a net
operating loss that carries over to any Taxable Period ending after December 31,
1998.

     (h) No Triangle Company has filed any consent under Section 341(f) of the
Internal Revenue Code concerning collapsible corporations.

     (i) After the date of this Agreement, no Material election with respect to
Taxes will be made without the prior consent of Centura, which consent will not
be unreasonably withheld.

     (j) No Triangle Company has or has had a permanent establishment in any
foreign country, as defined in any applicable tax treaty or convention between
the United States and such foreign country.

     5.9 ASSETS.  The Triangle Companies have good and marketable title, free
and clear of all Liens, to all of their respective Assets. All Material tangible
properties used in the businesses of the Triangle Companies are in good
condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and are usable in the ordinary
course of business consistent with Triangle's past practices. All Assets which
are Material to Triangle's business on a consolidated basis, held under leases
or subleases by any of the Triangle Companies, are held under valid Contracts
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms (except as enforceability
may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
or other Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and
except that the availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance or
injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any
proceedings may be brought), and each such Contract is in full force and effect.
The Triangle Companies currently maintain insurance in amounts, scope, and
coverage reasonably necessary for their operations. None of the Triangle
Companies has received notice from any insurance carrier that (i) such insurance
will be canceled or that coverage thereunder will be reduced or eliminated, or
(ii) premium costs with respect to such policies of insurance will be
substantially increased, in either case as a result of extraordinary loss
experienced on the part of such Triangle Company. The Assets of the Triangle
Companies include all Assets required to operate the business of the Triangle
Companies as presently conducted in all Material respects.

     5.10 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

     (a) Each Triangle Company, its Participation Facilities, and its Loan
Properties are, and have been, in compliance with all Environmental Laws, except
those violations which are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.

     (b) There is no Litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of Triangle,
threatened before any court, governmental agency, or authority, or other forum
in which any Triangle Company or any of its Participation Facilities has been
or, with respect to threatened Litigation, may reasonably be expected to be
named as a defendant (i) for alleged noncompliance (including by any
predecessor) with any Environmental Law or (ii) relating to the release into the
environment of any Hazardous Material, whether or not occurring at, on, under,
or involving a site owned, leased, or operated by any Triangle Company or any of
its Participation Facilities, except for such Litigation pending or threatened
that is not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.

     (c) There is no Litigation pending, or to the Knowledge of Triangle,
threatened before any court, governmental agency, or board, or other forum in
which any of its Loan Properties (or Triangle in respect of such Loan Property)
has been or, with respect to threatened Litigation, may reasonably be expected
to be named as a defendant or potentially responsible party (i) for alleged
noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with any Environmental Law or (ii)
relating to the release into the environment of any Hazardous Material, whether
or not occurring at, on, under, or involving a Loan Property, except for such
Litigation pending or threatened that is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.

                                      A-14
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     (d) To the Knowledge of Triangle, during the period of (i) any Triangle
Company's ownership or operation of any of their respective current properties,
(ii) any Triangle Company's participation in the management of any Participation
Facility, or (iii) any Triangle Company's holding of a security interest in a
Loan Property, there have been no releases of Hazardous Material in, on, under,
or affecting (or potentially affecting) such properties, except such as are not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect on Triangle. Prior to the period of (i) any Triangle Company's ownership
or operation of any of their respective current properties, (ii) any Triangle
Company's participation in the management of any Participation Facility, or
(iii) any Triangle Company's holding of a security interest in a Loan Property,
to the Knowledge of Triangle, there were no releases of Hazardous Material in,
on, under, or affecting any such property, Participation Facility, or Loan
Property, except such as are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.

     5.11 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  Triangle is duly registered as a bank holding
company under the BHC Act. Each Triangle Company has in effect all Permits
necessary for it to own, lease, or operate its Material Assets and to carry on
its business as now conducted, except for those Permits the absence of which are
not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect on Triangle, and there has occurred no Default under any such
Permit, other than Defaults which are not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle. None of
the Triangle Companies:

          (a) is in violation of any Laws, Orders, or Permits applicable to its
     business or employees conducting its business, except for violations which
     are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
     Material Adverse Effect on Triangle; and

          (b) has received any notification or communication from any agency or
     department of federal, state, or local government or any Regulatory
     Authority or the staff thereof (i) asserting that any Triangle Company is
     not in compliance with any of the Laws or Orders which such governmental
     authority or Regulatory Authority enforces, where such noncompliance is
     reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
     Adverse Effect on Triangle, (ii) threatening to revoke any Permits, the
     revocation of which is reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
     aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle, or (iii) requiring any
     Triangle Company (x) to enter into or consent to the issuance of a cease
     and desist order, formal agreement, directive, commitment, or memorandum of
     understanding, or (y) to adopt any Board resolution or similar undertaking,
     which restricts materially the conduct of its business, or in any manner
     relates to its capital adequacy, its credit or reserve policies, its
     management, or the payment of dividends.

     5.12 LABOR RELATIONS.  No Triangle Company is the subject of any Litigation
asserting that it or any other Triangle Company has committed an unfair labor
practice (within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act or comparable
state Law) or seeking to compel it or any other Triangle Company to bargain with
any labor organization as to wages or conditions of employment, nor is any
Triangle Company a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement,
Contract, or other agreement or understanding with a labor union or labor
organization, nor is there any strike or other labor dispute involving any
Triangle Company, pending or threatened, or to the Knowledge of Triangle, is
there any activity involving any Triangle Company's employees seeking to certify
a collective bargaining unit or engaging in any other organization activity.

     5.13 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.

     (a) Triangle has disclosed to Centura in Section 5.13 of the Triangle
Disclosure Memorandum, and has delivered or made available to Centura prior to
the execution of this Agreement correct and complete copies in each case of, all
Material Triangle Benefits Plans. For purposes of this Agreement, "Triangle
Benefit Plans" means all pension, retirement, profit-sharing, deferred
compensation, stock option, employee stock ownership, severance pay, vacation,
bonus, or other incentive plan, all other written employee programs or
agreements, all medical, vision, dental, or other health plans, all life
insurance plans, and all other employee benefit plans or fringe benefit plans,
including, without limitation, "employee benefit plans"
                                      A-15
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as that term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA maintained by, sponsored in
whole or in part by, or contributed to by, any Triangle Company for the benefit
of employees, retirees, dependents, spouses, directors, independent contractors,
or other beneficiaries and under which employees, retirees, dependents, spouses,
directors, independent contractors, or other beneficiaries are eligible to
participate. Any of the Triangle Benefit Plans which is an "employee welfare
benefit plan," as that term is defined in Section 3(l) of ERISA, or an "employee
pension benefit plan," as that term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, is
referred to herein as a "Triangle ERISA Plan." Any Triangle ERISA Plan which is
also a "defined benefit plan" (as defined in Section 414(j) of the Internal
Revenue Code or Section 3(35) of ERISA) is referred to herein as a "Triangle
Pension Plan." Neither Triangle nor any Triangle Company has an "obligation to
contribute" (as defined in ERISA Section 4212) to a "multiemployer plan" (as
defined in ERISA Sections 4001(a)(3) and 3(37)(A)). Each "employee pension
benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, ever maintained by any
Triangle Company that was intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code and with respect to which any Triangle Company has any
Liability, is disclosed as such in Section 5.13 of the Triangle Disclosure
Memorandum.

     (b) Triangle has delivered or made available to Centura prior to the
execution of this Agreement correct and complete copies of the following
documents: (i) all trust agreements or other funding arrangements for such
Triangle Benefit Plans (including insurance contracts), and all amendments
thereto, (ii) with respect to any such Triangle Benefit Plans or amendments, all
determination letters, Material rulings, Material opinion letters, Material
information letters, or Material advisory opinions issued by the Internal
Revenue Service, the United States Department of Labor, or the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation after December 31, 1996, (iii) annual reports or returns,
audited or unaudited financial statements, actuarial valuations and reports, and
summary annual reports prepared for any Triangle Benefit Plan with respect to
the most recent plan year, and (iv) the most recent summary plan descriptions
and any Material modifications thereto.

     (c) All Triangle Benefit Plans are in compliance with the applicable terms
of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and any other applicable Laws, the breach
or violation of which is reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle. A favorable determination
letter or opinion letter has been issued by the Internal Revenue Service with
respect to each Triangle ERISA Plan which is intended to be qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and Triangle is not aware of any
circumstances which will or could reasonably be expected to result in revocation
of any such favorable determination letter or opinion letter. Each trust created
under any Triangle ERISA Plan has been determined to be exempt from Tax under
Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and Triangle is not aware of any
circumstance which will or could reasonably be expected to result in revocation
of such exemption. With respect to each Triangle Benefit Plan to the Knowledge
of Triangle, no event has occurred which will or could reasonably give rise to a
loss of any intended Tax consequences under the Internal Revenue Code or to any
Tax under Section 511 of the Internal Revenue Code that is reasonably likely,
individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.
There is no Material pending or, to the Knowledge of Triangle, threatened
Litigation relating to any Triangle ERISA Plan.

     (d) No Triangle Company has engaged in a transaction with respect to any
Triangle Benefit Plan that, assuming the Taxable Period of such transaction
expired as of the date of this Agreement, would subject any Triangle Company to
a Material tax or penalty imposed by either Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue
Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA in amounts which are reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle. Neither
Triangle nor any administrator or fiduciary of any Triangle Benefit Plan (or any
agent of any of the foregoing) has engaged in any transaction, or acted or
failed to act in any manner which could reasonably be expected to subject
Triangle to any direct or indirect Liability (by indemnity or otherwise) for
breach of any fiduciary, co-fiduciary, or other duty under ERISA, where such
Liability, individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Triangle. No oral or written representation or
communication with respect to any aspect of the Triangle Benefit Plans has been
made to employees of any Triangle Company which is not in accordance with the
written or otherwise preexisting terms and provisions of such plans,

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<PAGE>   98

where any Liability with respect to such representation or disclosure is
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.

     (e) No Triangle Pension Plan is subject to Section 302 of ERISA or Section
412 of the Internal Revenue Code. Neither any Triangle Pension Plan nor any
"single-employer plan," within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA,
currently or formerly maintained by any Triangle Company, or the single-employer
plan of any entity which is considered one employer with Triangle under Section
4001 of ERISA or Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of
ERISA (whether or not waived) (a "Triangle ERISA Affiliate") has an "accumulated
funding deficiency" within the meaning of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue
Code or Section 302 of ERISA. Any required contributions with respect to a
Triangle Pension Plan or any single-employer plan of a Triangle ERISA Affiliate
have or will be timely made and there is no lien or expected to be a lien under
Internal Revenue Code Section 412(n) or ERISA Section 302(f) or Tax under
Internal Revenue Code Section 4971. No Triangle Company has provided, or is
required to provide, security to a Triangle Pension Plan or to any
single-employer plan of a Triangle ERISA Affiliate pursuant to Section
401(a)(29) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     (f) No Liability under Title IV of ERISA has been or is expected to be
incurred by any Triangle Company with respect to any defined benefit plan
currently or formerly maintained by any of them or by any Triangle ERISA
Affiliate that has not been satisfied in full (other than Liability for Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation premiums, which have been paid when due, except to
the extent any failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle).

     (g) Except as disclosed in Section 5.13 of the Triangle Disclosure
Memorandum, no Triangle Company has any obligations for retiree health and
retiree life benefits under any of the Triangle Benefit Plans other than with
respect to benefit coverage mandated by applicable Law.

     (h) Except as set forth in Section 5.13 of the Triangle Disclosure
Memorandum, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will, by themselves, (i)
result in any payment (including, without limitation, severance, unemployment
compensation, golden parachute, or otherwise) becoming due to any director or
any employee of any Triangle Company from any Triangle Company under any
Triangle Benefit Plan or otherwise, (ii) increase any benefits otherwise payable
under any Triangle Benefit Plan, or (iii) result in any acceleration of the time
of payment or vesting of any such benefit.

     5.14 MATERIAL CONTRACTS.  Except as set forth in Section 5.14 of the
Triangle Disclosure Memorandum, none of the Triangle Companies, nor any of their
respective Assets, businesses, or operations, is a party to, or is bound or
affected by, or receives benefits under, (i) any employment, severance,
termination, consulting, or retirement Contract providing for aggregate payments
to any Person in any calendar year in excess of $75,000, (ii) any Contract
relating to the borrowing of money by any Triangle Company or the guarantee by
any Triangle Company of any such obligation (other than Contracts evidencing
deposit liabilities, purchases of federal funds, fully-secured repurchase
agreements, and Federal Home Loan Bank advances of depository institution
Subsidiaries, trade payables, and Contracts relating to borrowings or guarantees
made in the ordinary course of business), and (iii) any other Contract or
amendment thereto that would be required to be filed as an exhibit to a Form
10-K filed by Triangle with the SEC as of the date of this Agreement that has
not been filed as an exhibit to Triangle's Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998, or in another SEC Document and identified to Centura
(together with all Contracts referred to in Sections 5.9 and 5.13(a) of this
Agreement, the "Triangle Contracts"). With respect to each Triangle Contract:
(i) the Contract is in full force and effect; (ii) no Triangle Company is in
Default thereunder, other than Defaults which are not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle; (iii)
no Triangle Company has repudiated or waived any Material provision of any such
Contract; and (iv) no other party to any such Contract is, to the Knowledge of
Triangle, in Default in any respect, other than Defaults which are not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect on Triangle, or has repudiated or waived any Material provision
thereunder. Except for Federal Home Loan Bank advances, the junior subordinated
debentures associated with the outstanding Capital

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Securities of Triangle Capital Trust and other term liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business, all of the indebtedness of any Triangle Company for
money borrowed is prepayable at any time by such Triangle Company without
penalty or premium.

     5.15 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

     (a) There is no Litigation instituted or pending, or, to the Knowledge of
Triangle, threatened against any Triangle Company, or against any Asset,
employee benefit plan, interest, or right of any of them, that is reasonably
likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
Triangle, nor are there any Orders of any Regulatory Authorities, other
governmental authorities, or arbitrators outstanding against any Triangle
Company, that are reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.

     (b) Section 5.15(b) of the Triangle Disclosure Memorandum includes a
summary report of all Litigation as of the date of this Agreement to which any
Triangle Company is a party and which names a Triangle Company as a defendant or
cross-defendant and where the maximum exposure is estimated to be $100,000 or
more.

     5.16 REPORTS.  Since January 1, 1996, or the date of organization if later,
each Triangle Company has timely filed all reports and statements, together with
any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that it was required to
file with any Regulatory Authorities, except failures to file which are not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect on Triangle. As of their respective dates, each of such reports and
documents, including the financial statements, exhibits, and schedules thereto,
complied in all Material respects with all applicable Laws.

     5.17 STATEMENTS TRUE AND CORRECT.  None of the information supplied or to
be supplied by any Triangle Company or any Affiliate thereof regarding Triangle
or such Affiliate for inclusion in the Registration Statement to be filed by
Centura with the SEC will, when the Registration Statement becomes effective, be
false or misleading with respect to any Material fact, or contain any untrue
statement of a Material fact, or omit to state any Material fact required to be
stated thereunder or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
None of the information supplied or to be supplied by any Triangle Company or
any Affiliate thereof for inclusion in the Joint Proxy Statement to be mailed to
Centura's and Triangle's stockholders in connection with the Stockholders'
Meetings will, when first mailed to the stockholders of Centura and Triangle, be
false or misleading with respect to any Material fact, or contain any
misstatement of Material fact, or omit to state any Material fact required to be
stated thereunder or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or, in the case of the
Joint Proxy Statement or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, at the
time of the Stockholders' Meetings, be false or misleading with respect to any
Material fact, or omit to state any Material fact required to be stated
thereunder or necessary to correct any Material statement in any earlier
communication with respect to the solicitation of any proxy for the
Stockholders' Meetings. All documents that any Triangle Company or any Affiliate
thereof is responsible for filing with any Regulatory Authority in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby will comply as to form in all Material
respects with the provisions of applicable Law.

     5.18 ACCOUNTING, TAX, AND REGULATORY MATTERS.  No Triangle Company or any
Affiliate thereof has taken or agreed to take any action, and Triangle has no
Knowledge of any fact or circumstance that is reasonably likely, to (i) prevent
the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, from qualifying for
pooling-of-interests accounting treatment, (ii) prevent the Merger from
qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code, or (iii) materially impede or delay receipt of any
Consents of Regulatory Authorities referred to in Section 9.1(b) of this
Agreement or result in the imposition of a condition or restriction of the type
referred to in the last sentence of such Section.

     5.19 STATE TAKEOVER LAWS.  Each Triangle Company has taken all necessary
action to exempt the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from any
applicable "moratorium," "control share," "fair

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price," "business combination," or other anti-takeover laws and regulations of
the State of North Carolina (collectively, "Takeover Laws").

     5.20 DERIVATIVES.  All interest rate swaps, caps, floors, option
agreements, futures and forward contracts, and other similar risk management
arrangements, whether entered into for Triangle's own account, or for the
account of one or more of the Triangle Subsidiaries or their customers, were
entered into (i) in accordance with prudent business practices and all
applicable Material Laws, and (ii) with counterparties believed to be
financially responsible.

     5.21 YEAR 2000.  Triangle has completed the four phases of its Year 2000
readiness program, as described in the May 5, 1997, Statement of the Federal
Financial Institutions Examination Council ("FFIEC"), entitled "Year 2000
Project Management Awareness" and the April 10, 1998, "Guidance Concerning
Testing for Year 2000 Readiness." Triangle has made available to Centura
complete and accurate copies of its Year 2000 remediation contingency plan, as
described in the FFIEC Statements of March 17, 1998, and May 13, 1998, entitled
"Guidance Concerning Institution Due Diligence in Connection with Service
Provider and Software Vendor Year 2000 Readiness" and "Guidance Concerning
Contingency Planning in Connection with Year 2000 Readiness," respectively.
Triangle has completed the four phases of the business resumption contingency
planning process, as set forth in the guidance issued by FFIEC on December 11,
1998, and May 13, 1998, and has provided to Centura a complete and accurate copy
of its business resumption contingency plan, written documentation supporting
the plan's development and validation, the results of tests on the plan, and a
schedule for any future tests.

     5.22 UNDERWRITING.  Triangle has underwritten each loan reflected as an
Asset in the Triangle Financial Statements in accordance with Triangle's
underwriting procedures as set forth in its policies manual previously provided
to Centura and has, in its files, appropriate documentation, including notes and
collateralization documents, for each loan that are the legal, valid, binding
obligations of the obligor of each loan, enforceable in accordance with their
terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, conservatorship,
moratorium, or similar Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally and except that the availability of the equitable remedy of specific
performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court
before which any proceeding may be brought), except to the extent the failure to
underwrite a loan in accordance with Triangle's underwriting procedures or to
maintain appropriate documentation is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle.

                                   ARTICLE 6

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CENTURA

     Centura hereby represents and warrants to Triangle as follows:

     6.1 ORGANIZATION, STANDING, AND POWER.  Centura is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the Laws of the State of
North Carolina, and has the corporate power and authority to carry on its
business as now conducted and to own, lease, and operate its Material Assets.
Centura is duly qualified or licensed to transact business as a foreign
corporation in good standing in the States of the United States and foreign
jurisdictions where the character of its Assets or the nature or conduct of its
business requires it to be so qualified or licensed, except for such
jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed is not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect on Centura.

     6.2 AUTHORITY; NO BREACH BY AGREEMENT.

     (a) Centura has the corporate power and authority necessary to execute,
deliver, and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery, and performance of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein,
including the Merger, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
corporate action in respect thereof on the part of Centura, subject to the
approval of the issuance of the

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shares of Centura Common Stock pursuant to the Merger by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of Centura Common Stock present or
represented at the Centura Stockholders' Meeting, which is the only stockholder
vote required for the consummation of the Merger by Centura. Subject to such
requisite stockholder approval, this Agreement represents a legal, valid, and
binding obligation of Centura, enforceable against Centura in accordance with
its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership,
conservatorship, moratorium, or similar Laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and except that the availability of the equitable
remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion
of the court before which any proceeding may be brought).

     (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Centura, nor
the consummation by Centura of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor
compliance by Centura with any of the provisions hereof, will (i) conflict with
or result in a breach of any provision of Centura's Articles of Incorporation or
Bylaws, (ii) constitute or result in a Default under, or require any Consent
pursuant to, or result in the creation of any Lien on any Asset of any Centura
Company under, any Contract or Permit of any Centura Company, where such Default
or Lien, or any failure to obtain such Consent, is reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura, or (iii)
subject to receipt of the requisite Consents referred to in Section 9.1(b) of
this Agreement, violate any Law or Order applicable to any Centura Company or
any of their respective Material Assets.

     (c) Other than in connection or compliance with the provisions of the
Securities Laws, applicable state corporate and securities Laws, and rules of
the NYSE, and other than Consents required from Regulatory Authorities, and
other than notices to or filings with the Internal Revenue Service or the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation with respect to any employee benefit plans,
or under the HSR Act, and other than Consents, filings, or notifications which,
if not obtained or made, are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura, no notice to, filing with,
or Consent of, any public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by
Centura of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated in this Agreement
and the Plan of Merger.

     6.3 CAPITAL STOCK.  The authorized capital stock of Centura consists, as of
the date of this Agreement, of (i) 50,000,000 shares of Centura Common Stock, of
which 28,465,362 shares were issued and outstanding as of June 30, 1999, and
(ii) 25,000,000 shares of Centura Preferred Stock, none of which is issued and
outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Centura Common Stock
are, and all of the shares of Centura Common Stock to be issued in exchange for
shares of Triangle Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger, when issued in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be, duly and validly issued
and outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable under the North Carolina
Business Corporation Act. None of the outstanding shares of Centura Common Stock
has been, and none of the shares of Centura Common Stock to be issued in
exchange for shares of Triangle Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger
will be, issued in violation of any preemptive rights of the current or past
stockholders of Centura.

     6.4 CENTURA SUBSIDIARIES.  Centura or one of its Subsidiaries owns all of
the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each Centura Subsidiary.
No equity securities of any Centura Subsidiary are or may become required to be
issued (other than to another Centura Company) by reason of any Rights, and
there are no Contracts by which any Centura Subsidiary is bound to issue (other
than to another Centura Company) additional shares of its capital stock or
Rights or by which any Centura Company is or may be bound to transfer any shares
of the capital stock of any Centura Subsidiary (other than to another Centura
Company). There are no Contracts relating to the rights of any Centura Company
to vote or to dispose of any shares of the capital stock of any Centura
Subsidiary. All of the shares of capital stock of each Centura Subsidiary held
by a Centura Company are fully paid and, except as provided in statutes pursuant
to which depository institution Subsidiaries are organized, nonassessable under
the applicable corporation Law of the jurisdiction in which such Subsidiary is
incorporated or organized and are owned by the Centura Company free and clear of
any Lien. Each Centura Subsidiary is either a bank or a corporation, and is duly
organized, validly existing, and (as to corporations) in good standing under the
Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or organized, and has the
corporate power and authority necessary
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for it to own, lease, and operate its Assets and to carry on its business as now
conducted. Each Centura Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed to transact
business as a foreign corporation in good standing in the States of the United
States and foreign jurisdictions where the character of its Assets or the nature
or conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified or licensed, except
for such jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed is
not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect on Centura. Each Centura Subsidiary that is a depository
institution is an "insured institution" as defined in the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act and applicable regulations thereunder, and the deposits in which
are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund or Savings Association Insurance Fund.

     6.5 SEC FILINGS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

     (a) Centura has filed and made available to Triangle all forms, reports,
and documents required to be filed by Centura with the SEC since December 31,
1995 (collectively, the "Centura SEC Reports"). The Centura SEC Reports (i) at
the time filed, complied in all Material respects with the applicable
requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, as the case may be, and (ii) did
not at the time they were filed (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior
to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing) contain any
untrue statement of a Material fact or omit to state a Material fact required to
be stated in such Centura SEC Reports or necessary in order to make the
statements in such Centura SEC Reports, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. Except for Centura Subsidiaries that are
registered as a broker, dealer, or investment advisor or filings required due to
fiduciary holdings of the Centura Subsidiaries, none of Centura Subsidiaries is
required to file any forms, reports, or other documents with the SEC.

     (b) Each of the Centura Financial Statements (including, in each case, any
related notes) contained in the Centura SEC Reports, including any Centura SEC
Reports filed after the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time,
complied or will comply as to form in all Material respects with the applicable
published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, was or will be
prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the
periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes to such financial
statements or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of
the SEC), and fairly presented or will fairly present the consolidated financial
position of Centura and its Subsidiaries as at the respective dates and the
consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the periods indicated,
except that the unaudited interim financial statements were or are subject to
normal and recurring year-end adjustments which were not or are not expected to
be Material in amount or effect.

     6.6 ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  No Centura Company has any
Liabilities that are reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura, except Liabilities which are
accrued or reserved against in the consolidated balance sheets of Centura as of
June 30, 1999, included in the Centura Financial Statements or reflected in the
notes thereto and except for Liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business subsequent to June 30, 1999. No Centura Company has incurred or paid
any Liability since June 30, 1999, except for such Liabilities incurred or paid
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past business practice and
which are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on Centura.

     6.7 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS.  Since June 30, 1999, except as
disclosed in the Centura Financial Statements delivered prior to the date of
this Agreement, (i) there have been no events, changes or occurrences which have
had, or are reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on Centura, and (ii) the Centura Companies have
conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary and usual course
(excluding the incurrence of expenses in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby).

     6.8 TAX MATTERS.

     (a) All Tax Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of any of the
Centura Companies have been timely filed, or requests for extensions have been
timely filed, granted, and have not expired for Taxable Periods ended on or
before December 31, 1998, and, to the Knowledge of Centura, all Tax Returns
filed

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are complete and accurate in all Material respects. All Tax Returns for Taxable
Periods ending on or before the date of the most recent fiscal year end
immediately preceding the Effective Time will be timely filed or requests for
extensions will be timely filed. All Taxes shown on filed Tax Returns have been
paid. There is no audit examination, deficiency, or refund Litigation with
respect to any Taxes, that is reasonably likely to result in a determination
that would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
Centura, except to the extent reserved against in the Centura Financial
Statements dated prior to the date of this Agreement. All Taxes and other
Liabilities due with respect to completed and settled examinations or concluded
Litigation have been paid.

     (b) None of the Centura Companies has executed an extension or waiver of
any statute of limitations on the assessment or collection of any Tax due
(excluding such statutes that relate to years currently under examination by the
Internal Revenue Service or other applicable taxing authorities) that is
currently in effect.

     (c) Adequate provision for any Taxes due or to become due for any of the
Centura Companies for the period or periods through and including the date of
the respective Centura Financial Statements has been made and is reflected on
such Centura Financial Statements.

     (d) Each of the Centura Companies is in compliance with, and its records
contain all information and documents (including properly completed IRS Forms
W-9) necessary to comply with, all applicable information reporting and Tax
withholding requirements under federal, state, and local Tax Laws, and such
records identify with specificity all accounts subject to backup withholding
under Section 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code, except for such instances of
noncompliance and such omissions as are not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura.

     (e) None of the Centura Companies has made any payments, is obligated to
make any payments, or is a party to any contract, agreement, or other
arrangement that could obligate it to make any payments that would be disallowed
as a deduction under Section 280G or 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     (f) There are no Material Liens with respect to Taxes upon any of the
Assets of the Centura Companies.

     (g) There has not been an ownership change, as defined in Internal Revenue
Code Section 382(g), of the Centura Companies that occurred during or after any
Taxable Period in which the Centura Companies incurred a net operating loss that
carries over to any Taxable Period ending after December 31, 1998.

     (h) No Centura Company has filed any consent under Section 341(f) of the
Internal Revenue Code concerning collapsible corporations.

     (i) After the date of this Agreement, no Material election with respect to
Taxes will be made without the prior consent of Triangle, which consent will not
be unreasonably withheld.

     (j) No Centura Company has or has had a permanent establishment in any
foreign country, as defined in any applicable tax treaty or convention between
the United States and such foreign country.

     6.9 ASSETS.  The Centura Companies have good and marketable title, free and
clear of all Liens, to all of their respective Assets. All Material tangible
properties used in the businesses of the Centura Companies are in good
condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and are usable in the ordinary
course of business consistent with Centura's past practices. All Assets which
are Material to Centura's business on a consolidated basis, held under leases or
subleases by any of the Centura Companies, are held under valid Contracts
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms (except as enforceability
may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
or other Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and
except that the availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance or
injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any
proceedings may be brought), and each such Contract is in full force and effect.
The Centura Companies currently maintain insurance similar in amounts, scope,
and coverage reasonably necessary for their operations. None of the Centura
Companies has received notice from any insurance carrier that (i) such
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insurance will be canceled or that coverage thereunder will be reduced or
eliminated, or (ii) premium costs with respect to such policies of insurance
will be substantially increased, in either case as a result of extraordinary
loss experienced on the part of such Centura Company. The Assets of the Centura
Companies include all Assets required to operate the business of the Centura
Companies as presently conducted in all Material respects.

6.10 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

     (a) Each Centura Company, its Participation Facilities, and its Loan
Properties are, and have been, in compliance with all Environmental Laws, except
those violations which are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura.

     (b) There is no Litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of Centura,
threatened before any court, governmental agency, or authority, or other forum
in which any Centura Company or any of its Participation Facilities has been or,
with respect to threatened Litigation, may reasonably be expected to be named as
a defendant (i) for alleged noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with
any Environmental Law or (ii) relating to the release into the environment of
any Hazardous Material, whether or not occurring at, on, under, or involving a
site owned, leased, or operated by any Centura Company or any of its
Participation Facilities, except for such Litigation pending or threatened that
is not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect on Centura.

     (c) There is no Litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of Centura,
threatened before any court, governmental agency, or board, or other forum in
which any of its Loan Properties (or Centura in respect of such Loan Property)
has been or, with respect to threatened Litigation, may reasonably be expected
to be named as a defendant or potentially responsible party (i) for alleged
noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with any Environmental Law or (ii)
relating to the release into the environment of any Hazardous Material, whether
or not occurring at, on, under, or involving a Loan Property, except for such
Litigation pending or threatened that is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura.

     (d) To the Knowledge of Centura, during the period of (i) any Centura
Company's ownership or operation of any of their respective current properties,
(ii) any Centura Company's participation in the management of any Participation
Facility, or (iii) any Centura Company's holding of a security interest in a
Loan Property, there have been no releases of Hazardous Material in, on, under,
or affecting (or potentially affecting) such properties, except such as are not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect on Centura. Prior to the period of (i) any Centura Company's ownership or
operation of any of their respective current properties, (ii) any Centura
Company's participation in the management of any Participation Facility, or
(iii) any Centura Company's holding of a security interest in a Loan Property,
to the Knowledge of Centura, there were no releases of Hazardous Material in,
on, under, or affecting any such property, Participation Facility, or Loan
Property, except such as are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura.

     6.11 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  Centura is duly registered as a bank holding
company under the BHC Act. Each Centura Company has in effect all Permits
necessary for it to own, lease, or operate its Material Assets and to carry on
its business as now conducted, except for those Permits the absence of which are
not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect on Centura, and there has occurred no Default under any such
Permit, other than Defaults which are not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura. None of
the Centura Companies:

          (a) is in violation of any Laws, Orders, or Permits applicable to its
     business or employees conducting its business, except for violations which
     are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
     Material Adverse Effect on Centura; and

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<PAGE>   105

          (b) has received any notification or communication from any agency or
     department of federal, state, or local government or any Regulatory
     Authority or the staff thereof (i) asserting that any Centura Company is
     not in compliance with any of the Laws or Orders which such governmental
     authority or Regulatory Authority enforces, where such noncompliance is
     reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
     Adverse Effect on Centura, (ii) threatening to revoke any Permits, the
     revocation of which is reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
     aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura, or (iii) requiring any
     Centura Company (x) to enter into or consent to the issuance of a cease and
     desist order, formal agreement, directive, commitment, or memorandum of
     understanding, or (y) to adopt any Board resolution or similar undertaking,
     which restricts materially the conduct of its business, or in any manner
     relates to its capital adequacy, its credit or reserve policies, its
     management, or the payment of dividends.

     6.12 LABOR RELATIONS.  No Centura Company is the subject of any Litigation
asserting that it or any other Centura Company has committed an unfair labor
practice (within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act or comparable
state Law) or seeking to compel it or any other Centura Company to bargain with
any labor organization as to wages or conditions of employment, nor is any
Centura Company a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement,
Contract, or other agreement or understanding with a labor union or labor
organization, nor is there any strike or other labor dispute involving any
Centura Company, pending or threatened, or to the Knowledge of Centura, is there
any activity involving any Centura Company's employees seeking to certify a
collective bargaining unit or engaging in any other organization activity.

     6.13 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.  All Centura Plans are in compliance with the
applicable terms of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and any other applicable
Laws, the breach or violation of which is reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Centura. For
purposes of this Agreement, the term "Centura Plan" means each bonus, incentive
compensation, severance pay, medical, or other insurance program, retirement
plan, or other employee benefit plan program, agreement, or arrangement
sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by Centura or any trade or business,
whether or not incorporated, that together with Centura or any of its
Subsidiaries would be deemed a "single employer" under Section 414 of the
Internal Revenue Code (a "Centura ERISA Affiliate") or under which Centura or
any Centura ERISA Affiliate has any Liability or obligation. No Liability under
Title IV of ERISA has been incurred by Centura or any Centura ERISA Affiliate
that has not been satisfied in full, and no condition exists that presents a
Material risk to Centura or any Centura ERISA Affiliate of incurring any such
Liability. With respect to any Centura Plan that is subject to Title IV of
ERISA, full payment has been made, or will be made in accordance with Section
404(a)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, of all amounts that Centura or any
Centura ERISA Affiliate is required to pay under Section 412 of the Internal
Revenue Code or under the terms of the Centura Plans, and no accumulated funding
deficiency (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code)
exists with respect to any Centura Plan. There are no Material actions, suits,
or claims pending, or, to the Knowledge of Centura, threatened or anticipated
relating to any Centura Plan. There has been no Material adverse change in the
financial position or funded status of any Centura Plan that is subject to Title
IV of ERISA since the date of the information relating to the financial position
and funded status of each such plan contained in Centura's Form 10-K filed for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.

     6.14 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.  Except as disclosed in the Centura Financial
Statements, there is no Litigation instituted or pending, or, to the Knowledge
of Centura, threatened against any Centura Company, or against any Asset,
employee benefit plan, interest, or right of any of them, that is reasonably
likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
Centura, nor are there any Orders of any Regulatory Authorities, other
governmental authorities, or arbitrators outstanding against any Centura
Company, that are reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on Centura.

     6.15 REPORTS.  Since January 1, 1996, or the date of organization if later,
each Centura Company has timely filed all reports and statements, together with
any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that it was required to
file with any Regulatory Authorities, except failures to file which are not
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reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect on Centura. As of their respective dates, each of such reports and
documents, including the financial statements, exhibits, and schedules thereto,
complied in all Material respects with all applicable Laws.

     6.16 STATEMENTS TRUE AND CORRECT.  None of the information supplied or to
be supplied by any Centura Company or any Affiliate thereof regarding Centura or
such Affiliate for inclusion in the Registration Statement to be filed by
Centura with the SEC will, when the Registration Statement becomes effective, be
false or misleading with respect to any Material fact, or contain any untrue
statement of a Material fact, or omit to state any Material fact required to be
stated thereunder or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
None of the information supplied or to be supplied by any Centura Company or any
Affiliate thereof for inclusion in the Joint Proxy Statement to be mailed to
Triangle's and Centura's stockholders in connection with the Stockholders'
Meetings, will, when first mailed to the stockholders of Triangle and Centura,
be false or misleading with respect to any Material fact, or contain any
misstatement of Material fact, or omit to state any Material fact required to be
stated thereunder or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or, in the case of the
Joint Proxy Statement or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, at the
time of the Stockholders' Meetings, be false or misleading with respect to any
Material fact, or omit to state any Material fact required to be stated
thereunder or necessary to correct any Material statement in any earlier
communication with respect to the solicitation of any proxy for the
Stockholders' Meetings. All documents that any Centura Company or any Affiliate
thereof is responsible for filing with any Regulatory Authority in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby will comply as to form in all Material
respects with the provisions of applicable Law.

     6.17 ACCOUNTING, TAX, AND REGULATORY MATTERS.  No Centura Company or any
Affiliate thereof has taken or agreed to take any action, and Centura has no
Knowledge of any fact or circumstance that is reasonably likely, to (i) prevent
the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, from qualifying for
pooling-of-interests accounting treatment, (ii) prevent the Merger from
qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code, or (iii) materially impede or delay receipt of any
Consents of Regulatory Authorities referred to in Section 9.1(b) of this
Agreement or result in the imposition of a condition or restriction of the type
referred to in the last sentence of such Section.

     6.18 DERIVATIVES.  All interest rate swaps, caps, floors, option
agreements, futures and forward contracts, and other similar risk management
arrangements, whether entered into for Centura's own account, or for the account
of one or more the Centura Subsidiaries or their customers, were entered into
(i) in accordance with prudent business practices and all applicable Laws, and
(ii) with counterparties believed to be financially responsible.

     6.19 YEAR 2000.  Centura has completed the four phases of its Year 2000
readiness program, as described in the May 5, 1997, Statement of the FFIEC,
entitled "Year 2000 Project Management Awareness" and the April 10, 1998,
"Guidance Concerning Testing for Year 2000 Readiness." Centura has made
available to Triangle complete and accurate copies of its Year 2000 remediation
contingency plan, as described in the FFIEC Statements of March 17, 1998, and
May 13, 1998, entitled "Guidance Concerning Institution Due Diligence in
Connection with Service Provider and Software Vendor Year 2000 Readiness" and
"Guidance Concerning Contingency Planning in Connection with Year 2000
Readiness," respectively. Centura has completed the four phases of the business
resumption contingency planning process, as set forth in the guidance issued by
FFIEC on December 11, 1998, and May 13, 1998, and has provided to Triangle a
complete and accurate copy of its business resumption contingency plan, written
documentation supporting the plan's development and validation, the results of
tests on the plan, and a schedule for any future tests.

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                                   ARTICLE 7

                    CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING CONSUMMATION

     7.1 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF BOTH PARTIES.  Unless the prior written
consent of the other Party shall have been obtained, and except as otherwise
expressly contemplated herein, each Party shall and shall cause each of its
Subsidiaries to (i) operate its business only in the usual, regular, and
ordinary course, (ii) preserve intact its business organization and Assets and
maintain its rights and franchises, (iii) use its reasonable efforts to maintain
its current employee relationships, and (iv) take no action which would (a)
adversely affect the ability of any Party to obtain any Consents required for
the transactions contemplated hereby without imposition of a condition or
restriction of the type referred to in the last sentence of Section 9.1(b) of
this Agreement, or (b) adversely affect the ability of any Party to perform its
covenants and agreements under this Agreement; provided that in the case of
Centura, the provisions of this Section 7.1 (other than the provisions of clause
(iv) above) shall not be deemed to preclude Centura from continuing to implement
its program of acquiring unaffiliated depository and nondepository institutions.

     7.2 NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF TRIANGLE.  From the date of this Agreement until
the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement, Triangle
covenants and agrees that it will not do or agree or commit to do, or permit any
of its Subsidiaries to do or agree or commit to do, any of the following without
the prior written consent of the chief executive officer or chief financial
officer of Centura, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld:

          (a) amend the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or other governing
     instruments of any Triangle Company; or

          (b) incur, guarantee, or otherwise become responsible for, any
     additional debt obligation or other obligation for borrowed money (other
     than indebtedness of a Triangle Company to another Triangle Company) in
     excess of an aggregate of $500,000 (for the Triangle Companies on a
     consolidated basis), except in the ordinary course of the business
     consistent with past practices (which shall include, for Triangle
     Subsidiaries that are depository institutions, creation of deposit
     liabilities, purchases of federal funds, advances from the Federal Reserve
     Bank or Federal Home Loan Bank, and entry into repurchase agreements fully
     secured by U.S. government or agency securities), or impose, or suffer the
     imposition, on any Asset of any Triangle Company of any Lien or permit any
     such Lien to exist (other than in connection with deposits, repurchase
     agreements, bankers acceptances, "treasury tax and loan" accounts
     established in the ordinary course of business, the satisfaction of legal
     requirements in the exercise of trust powers, and Liens in effect as of the
     date hereof that are disclosed in the Triangle Disclosure Memorandum); or

          (c) repurchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire or exchange (other than
     exchanges in the ordinary course under employee benefit plans), directly or
     indirectly, any shares, or any securities convertible into any shares, of
     the capital stock of any Triangle Company, or declare or pay any dividend
     or make any other distribution in respect of Triangle's capital stock,
     provided that Triangle may (to the extent legally and contractually
     permitted to do so), but shall not be obligated to, declare and pay regular
     quarterly cash dividends on the shares of Triangle Common Stock at a rate
     of $.10 per share with usual and regular record and payment dates in
     accordance with past practice as disclosed in Section 7.2(c) of the
     Triangle Disclosure Memorandum and such dates may not be changed without
     the prior written consent of Centura; provided, that, notwithstanding the
     provisions of Section 1.3 of this Agreement, the Parties shall cooperate in
     selecting the Effective Time to ensure that, with respect to the quarterly
     period in which the Effective Time occurs, the holders of Triangle Common
     Stock do not receive both a dividend in respect of their Triangle Common
     Stock and a dividend in respect of Centura Common Stock or fail to receive
     any dividend; or

          (d) except for this Agreement, or pursuant to the Triangle Stock
     Option Agreement or pursuant to the exercise of Rights outstanding as of
     the date of this Agreement and pursuant to the terms thereof in existence
     on the date of this Agreement (or, in the case of the Management Incentive

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     Compensation Plan, additional Rights that will be issued for the fiscal
     year ending December 31, 1999), issue, sell, pledge, encumber, authorize
     the issuance of, enter into any Contract to issue, sell, pledge, encumber,
     or authorize the issuance of, or otherwise permit to become outstanding,
     any additional shares of Triangle Common Stock or any other capital stock
     of any Triangle Company, or any stock appreciation rights, or any option,
     warrant, conversion, or other right to acquire any such stock, or any
     security convertible into any such stock; or

          (e) adjust, split, combine, or reclassify any capital stock of any
     Triangle Company or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities
     in respect of or in substitution for shares of Triangle Common Stock, or
     sell, lease, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of or otherwise encumber (i)
     any shares of capital stock of any Triangle Subsidiary (unless any such
     shares of stock are sold or otherwise transferred to another Triangle
     Company) or (ii) any Asset other than in the ordinary course of business
     for reasonable and adequate consideration; or

          (f) except for purchases of U.S. Treasury securities or U.S.
     Government agency securities and for purchases of other securities in the
     ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, which in either
     case have maturities of three years or less, purchase any securities or
     make any Material investment, either by purchase of stock or securities,
     contributions to capital, Asset transfers, or purchase of any Assets, in
     any Person other than a wholly-owned Triangle Subsidiary, or otherwise
     acquire direct or indirect control over any Person, other than in
     connection with (i) foreclosures in the ordinary course of business, (ii)
     acquisitions of control by a depository institution Subsidiary in its
     fiduciary capacity, or (iii) the creation of new wholly-owned Subsidiaries
     organized to conduct or continue activities otherwise permitted by this
     Agreement; or

          (g) grant any increase in compensation or benefits to the employees or
     officers of any Triangle Company, except in accordance with past practice
     and consistent with budget data previously provided to Centura or as
     required by Law; pay any severance or termination pay or any bonus other
     than pursuant to written policies or written Contracts in effect on the
     date of this Agreement; enter into or amend any severance agreements with
     officers of any Triangle Company; grant any increase in fees or other
     increases in compensation or other benefits to directors of any Triangle
     Company; or voluntarily accelerate the vesting of any stock options or
     other stock-based compensation or employee benefits; or

          (h) enter into or amend any employment Contract between any Triangle
     Company and any Person (unless such amendment is required by Law) that the
     Triangle Company does not have the unconditional right to terminate without
     Liability (other than Liability for services already rendered), at any time
     on or after the Effective Time; or

          (i) adopt any new employee benefit plan of any Triangle Company or
     make any Material change in or to any existing employee benefit plans of
     any Triangle Company other than any such change that is required by Law or
     that, in the opinion of counsel, is necessary or advisable to maintain the
     tax qualified status of any such plan; or

          (j) make any significant change in any Tax or accounting methods or
     systems of internal accounting controls, except as may be appropriate to
     conform to changes in Tax Laws or regulatory accounting requirements or
     GAAP; or

          (k) commence any Litigation other than as necessary for the prudent
     operation of its business or settle any Litigation involving any Liability
     of any Triangle Company for Material money damages or restrictions upon the
     operations of any Triangle Company; or

          (l) except in the ordinary course of business, modify, amend, or
     terminate any Material Contract or waive, release, compromise, or assign
     any Material rights or claims.

     7.3 ADVERSE CHANGES IN CONDITION.  Each Party agrees to give written notice
promptly to the other Party upon becoming aware of the occurrence or impending
occurrence of any event or circumstance relating to it or any of its
Subsidiaries which (i) is reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on it or (ii) would cause or constitute a
Material breach of any of its

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representations, warranties, or covenants contained herein, and to use its
reasonable efforts to prevent or promptly to remedy the same.

     7.4 REPORTS.  Each Party and its Subsidiaries shall file all reports
required to be filed by it with Regulatory Authorities between the date of this
Agreement and the Effective Time and shall deliver to the other Party copies of
all such reports promptly after the same are filed. If financial statements are
contained in any such reports filed with the SEC, such financial statements will
fairly present the consolidated financial position of the entity filing such
statements as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations,
changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the periods then ended in
accordance with GAAP (subject in the case of interim financial statements to
normal recurring year-end adjustments that are not Material). As of their
respective dates, such reports filed with the SEC will comply in all Material
respects with the Securities Laws and will not contain any untrue statement of a
Material fact or omit to state a Material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading. Any financial statements contained
in any other reports to another Regulatory Authority shall be prepared in
accordance with Laws applicable to such reports.

                                   ARTICLE 8

                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

     8.1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT; JOINT PROXY STATEMENT; STOCKHOLDER
APPROVALS.  As soon as reasonably practicable after execution of this Agreement,
Centura shall file the Registration Statement with the SEC, and shall use its
reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective under
the 1933 Act and take any action required to be taken under the applicable state
Blue Sky or securities Laws in connection with the issuance of the shares of
Centura Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger. Triangle shall furnish all
information concerning it and the holders of its capital stock as Centura may
reasonably request in connection with such action. Triangle shall call a
Stockholders' Meeting, to be held as soon as reasonably practicable after the
Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, for the purpose of
voting upon approval of this Agreement and such other related matters as it
deems appropriate. Centura shall call a Stockholders' Meeting, to be held as
soon as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement is declared
effective by the SEC, for the purpose of voting upon approval of the issuance of
shares of Centura Common Stock pursuant to the Merger and such other related
matters as it deems appropriate. In connection with the Stockholders' Meetings,
(i) Centura and Triangle shall prepare and file with the SEC a Joint Proxy
Statement and mail such Joint Proxy Statement to their respective stockholders,
(ii) the Parties shall furnish to each other all information concerning them
that they may reasonably request in connection with such Joint Proxy Statement,
(iii) the Boards of Directors of Centura and Triangle shall recommend to their
respective stockholders the approval of the matters submitted for approval, and
(iv) the Boards of Directors and officers of Centura and Triangle shall use
their reasonable efforts to obtain such stockholders' approvals, provided that
each of Centura and Triangle may withdraw, modify, or change in an adverse
manner to the other Party its recommendations if the Board of Directors of such
Party, after having consulted with and based upon the advice of outside counsel,
determines in good faith that the failure to so withdraw, modify, or change its
recommendation could constitute a breach of the fiduciary duties of such Party's
Board of Directors under applicable Law. In addition, nothing in this Section
8.1 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall prohibit accurate disclosure by either
Party of information that is required to be disclosed in the Registration
Statement or the Joint Proxy Statement or in any other document required to be
filed with the SEC (including, without limitation, a Solicitation/Recommendation
Statement on Schedule 14D-9) or otherwise required to be publicly disclosed by
applicable Law or regulations or rules of the NYSE.

     8.2 EXCHANGE LISTING.  Centura shall use its reasonable efforts to list,
prior to the Effective Time, on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
issuance, the shares of Centura Common Stock to be issued to the holders of
Triangle Common Stock pursuant to the Merger.

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     8.3 APPLICATIONS.  Centura shall promptly prepare and file, and Triangle
shall cooperate in the preparation and, where appropriate, filing of,
applications with all Regulatory Authorities having jurisdiction over the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement seeking the requisite Consents
necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     8.4 FILINGS WITH STATE OFFICE.  Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of this Agreement, Centura Merger Subsidiary shall execute and file
the North Carolina Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State
of North Carolina in connection with the Closing.

     8.5 AGREEMENT AS TO EFFORTS TO CONSUMMATE.  Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, each Party agrees to use, and to cause its
Subsidiaries to use, its reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper, or
advisable under applicable Laws to consummate and make effective, as soon as
reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, using its
reasonable efforts to lift or rescind any Order adversely affecting its ability
to consummate the transactions contemplated herein and to cause to be satisfied
the conditions referred to in Article 9 of this Agreement; provided, that
nothing herein shall preclude either Party from exercising its rights under this
Agreement. Each Party shall use, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to
use, its reasonable efforts to obtain all Consents necessary or desirable for
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     8.6 INVESTIGATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY.

     (a) Prior to the Effective Time, each Party shall keep the other Party
advised of all Material developments relevant to its business and to
consummation of the Merger and shall permit the other Party to make or cause to
be made such investigation of the business and properties of it and its
Subsidiaries and of their respective financial and legal conditions as the other
Party reasonably requests, provided that such investigation shall be reasonably
related to the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not interfere
unnecessarily with normal operations. No investigation by a Party shall affect
the representations and warranties of the other Party.

     (b) Each Party shall, and shall cause its advisers and agents to, maintain
the confidentiality of all confidential information furnished to it by the other
Party concerning its and its Subsidiaries' businesses, operations, and financial
positions and shall not use such information for any purpose except in
furtherance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If this
Agreement is terminated prior to the Effective Time, each Party shall promptly
return or certify the destruction of all documents and copies thereof, and all
work papers containing confidential information received from the other Party.

     (c) Each Party agrees to give the other Party notice as soon as practicable
after any determination by it of any fact or occurrence relating to the other
Party which it has discovered through the course of its investigation and which
represents, or is reasonably likely to represent, either a Material breach of
any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement of the other Party or which
has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the other
Party.

     (d) Neither Party nor any of their respective Subsidiaries shall be
required to provide access to or to disclose information where such access or
disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of its customers, jeopardize
the attorney-client or similar privilege with respect to such information or
contravene any Law, rule, regulation, Order, judgment, decree, fiduciary duty,
or agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The Parties will
use their reasonable efforts to make appropriate substitute disclosure
arrangements, to the extent practicable, in circumstances in which the
restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.

     8.7 PRESS RELEASES.  Prior to the Effective Time, Centura and Triangle
shall consult with each other as to the form and substance of any press release
or other public disclosure materially related to this Agreement or any other
transaction contemplated hereby; provided, that nothing in this Section 8.7
shall be deemed to prohibit any Party from making any disclosure which its
counsel deems necessary or advisable in order to satisfy such Party's disclosure
obligations imposed by Law.
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     8.8 CERTAIN ACTIONS.  Except with respect to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, no Triangle Company nor any Affiliate thereof
nor any Representative thereof retained by any Triangle Company shall, directly
or indirectly, initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitate (including
by way of furnishing information) any inquiries or the making of any Acquisition
Proposal. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Triangle and its
Board of Directors shall be permitted (i) to the extent applicable, to comply
with Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the 1934 Act with regard to an
Acquisition Proposal, (ii) to engage in any discussions or negotiations with, or
provide any information to, any Person in response to an unsolicited bona fide
written Acquisition Proposal by any such Person, if and only to the extent that
(a) Triangle's Board of Directors concludes in good faith and consistent with
its fiduciary duties to Triangle's stockholders under applicable Law that such
Acquisition Proposal could reasonably be expected to result in a Superior
Proposal, (b) prior to providing any information or data to any Person in
connection with an Acquisition Proposal by any such Person, Triangle's Board of
Directors receives from such Person an executed confidentiality agreement
containing confidentiality terms at least as stringent as those contained in the
Confidentiality Agreements, and (c) prior to providing any information or data
to any Person or entering into discussions or negotiations with any Person,
Triangle's Board of Directors notifies Centura promptly of such inquiries,
proposals, or offers received by, any such information requested from, or any
such discussions or negotiations sought to be initiated or continued with, any
of its Representatives indicating, in connection with such notice, the name of
such Person and the material terms and conditions of any inquiries, proposals or
offers. Triangle agrees that it will promptly keep Centura informed of the
status and terms of any such proposals or offers and the status and terms of any
such discussions or negotiations. Triangle agrees that it will, and will cause
its officers, directors and Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to
be terminated any activities, discussions, or negotiations existing as of the
date of this Agreement with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to any
Acquisition Proposal. Triangle agrees that it will use reasonable best efforts
to promptly inform its directors, officers, key employees, agents, and
Representatives of the obligations undertaken in this Section 8.8. Nothing in
this Section 8.8 shall (i) permit Triangle to terminate this Agreement (except
as specifically provided in Article 10) or (ii) affect any other obligation of
Centura or Triangle under this Agreement.

     8.9 ACCOUNTING AND TAX TREATMENT.  Each of the Parties undertakes and
agrees to use its reasonable efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and to take
no action which would cause the Merger not to qualify, for treatment as a
pooling of interests for accounting purposes and as a "reorganization" within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code for federal income
tax purposes.

     8.10 STATE TAKEOVER LAWS.  Each Triangle Company shall take all necessary
steps to exempt the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from, or if
necessary challenge the validity or applicability of, any applicable Takeover
Laws.

     8.11 AGREEMENT OF AFFILIATES.  Triangle has disclosed in Section 8.11 of
the Triangle Disclosure Memorandum each Person whom it reasonably believes may
be deemed an "affiliate" of Triangle for purposes of Rule 145 under the 1933
Act. Triangle shall use its reasonable efforts to cause each such Person to
deliver to Centura not later than 30 days prior to the Effective Time, a written
agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit 4, providing that such Person
will not sell, pledge, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the shares of Triangle
Common Stock held by such Person except as contemplated by such agreement or by
this Agreement and will not sell, pledge, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the
shares of Centura Common Stock to be received by such Person upon consummation
of the Merger except in compliance with applicable provisions of the 1933 Act
and the rules and regulations thereunder and until such time as financial
results covering at least 30 days of combined operations of Centura and Triangle
have been published within the meaning of Section 201.01 of the SEC's
Codification of Financial Reporting Policies. Shares of Centura Common Stock
issued to such affiliates of Triangle in exchange for shares of Triangle Common
Stock shall not be transferable until such time as financial results covering at
least 30 days of combined operations of Centura and Triangle have been published
within the meaning of Section 201.01 of the SEC's Codification of Financial
Reporting Policies, regardless of whether each such affiliate has provided the
written agreement referred to in this Section 8.11 (and Centura shall be
entitled

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to place restrictive legends upon certificates for shares of Centura Common
Stock issued to affiliates of Triangle pursuant to this Agreement to enforce the
provisions of this Section 8.11). Centura shall not be required to maintain the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the 1933 Act for the purposes
of resale of Centura Common Stock by such affiliates.

     8.12 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND CONTRACTS.  Following the Effective Time, but in
no event earlier than the consolidation of Triangle's depository institution
Subsidiaries with Centura's depository institution Subsidiaries, Centura shall
provide generally to officers and employees of the Triangle Companies, who at or
after the Effective Time become employees of a Centura Company (the "Continuing
Employees"), employee benefits under employee benefit plans on terms and
conditions which when taken as a whole are substantially equivalent to those
currently provided by the Centura Companies to their similarly situated officers
and employees. For purposes of participation and vesting (but not accrual of
benefits) under such employee benefit plans, (i) service under any qualified
plans of Triangle shall be treated as service under Centura's qualified plans,
and (ii) service under any other employee benefit plans of Triangle shall be
treated as service under any similar employee benefit plans maintained by
Centura. Centura shall cause the Centura welfare benefit plans that cover the
Continuing Employees after the Effective Time to (i) waive any waiting period
and restrictions and limitations for preexisting conditions or insurability, and
(ii) cause any deductible, co-insurance, or maximum out-of-pocket payments made
by the Continuing Employees under Triangle's welfare benefit plans to be
credited to such Continuing Employees under the Centura welfare benefit plans,
so as to reduce the amount of any deductible, co-insurance, or maximum
out-of-pocket payments payable by the Continuing Employees under the Centura
welfare benefit plans. The continued coverage of the Continuing Employees under
the employee benefits plans maintained by Triangle and/or any Triangle
Subsidiary immediately prior to the Effective Time during a transition period
not to exceed six months shall be deemed to provide the Continuing Employees
with benefits that are no less favorable than those offered to other employees
of Centura and its Subsidiaries, provided that after the Effective Time there is
no Material reduction (determined on an overall basis) in the benefits provided
under the Triangle employee benefit plans. Except as expressly provided in the
Supplemental Letter, Centura also shall cause Triangle and its Subsidiaries to
honor all employment, severance, consulting, and other compensation Contracts
disclosed in Section 8.12 of the Triangle Disclosure Memorandum to Centura
between any Triangle Company and any current or former director, officer, or
employee thereof, and all provisions of the Triangle Benefit Plans. To the
extent that Centura has agreed to cause Triangle or the appropriate Triangle
Subsidiary to honor the Contracts as set forth in the preceding sentence (the
"Triangle Compensation Contracts"), Centura acknowledges that (i) the Merger
constitutes a "Change of Control" and "Change in Control" (as applicable) for
all purposes pursuant to any such Triangle Compensation Contracts, and (ii) that
a "Termination Event" will exist under such Triangle Compensation Contracts
throughout the one-year period (or such shorter period as may be provided for in
the particular Triangle Compensation Contract) following the Effective Time.
Centura shall use all reasonable efforts to identify, and offer employment
opportunities to, qualified, satisfactorily performing employees of Triangle or
any Triangle Company in vacant positions within the business operations of
Centura and the Centura Companies for which such employees are qualified.
Centura shall give, and shall cause each Centura Company to give, priority
consideration to all such employees vis-a-vis all individuals other than current
employees of Centura or any Centura Company.

     8.13 INDEMNIFICATION.

     (a) From and after the Effective Time, in the event of any threatened or
actual claim, action, suit, proceeding, or investigation, whether civil,
criminal, or administrative, including, without limitation, any such claim,
action, suit, proceeding or investigation in which any person who is now, or has
been at any time prior to the date of this Agreement, or who becomes prior to
the Effective Time, a director or officer of Triangle or any Triangle Subsidiary
(the "Indemnified Parties") is, or is threatened to be, made a party based in
whole or in part on, or arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to (i)
the fact that he is or was a director, officer, trustee administering an
employee benefit plan, or employee of Triangle, any of the Triangle
Subsidiaries, or any of their respective predecessors or (ii) this Agreement or
any of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether in any case asserted or
arising before or after the Effective

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Time, Centura shall indemnify and hold harmless, as and to the fullest extent
permitted by Law, each such Indemnified Party against any Liability (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses in advance of the final disposition of
any claim, suit, proceeding, or investigation to each Indemnified Party to the
fullest extent permitted by Law upon receipt of any undertaking required by
applicable Law), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement in connection
with any such threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding, or
investigation, and in the event of any such threatened or actual claim, action,
suit, proceeding, or investigation (whether asserted or arising before or after
the Effective Time), the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel reasonably
satisfactory to them; provided, however, that (a) Centura shall have the right
to assume the defense thereof and upon such assumption Centura shall not be
liable to any Indemnified Party for any legal expenses of other counsel or any
other expenses subsequently incurred by any Indemnified Party in connection with
the defense thereof, except that if Centura elects not to assume such defense or
counsel for the Indemnified Parties reasonably advises the Indemnified Parties
that there are issues which raise conflicts of interest between Centura and the
Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel reasonably
satisfactory to them, and Centura shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of
such counsel for the Indemnified Parties, (b) Centura shall not be liable for
any settlement effected without its prior written consent (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld), and (c) Centura shall have no obligation
hereunder to any Indemnified Party when and if a court of competent jurisdiction
shall ultimately determine, and such determination shall have become final and
nonappealable, that indemnification of such Indemnified Party in the manner
contemplated hereby is prohibited by applicable Law. Centura's obligations under
this Section 8.13(a) continue in full force and effect for a period of six years
after the Effective Time; provided, however, that all rights to indemnification
in respect of any claim (a "Claim") asserted or made within such period shall
continue until the final disposition of such Claim.

     (b) Centura agrees that all rights to indemnification and all limitations
on Liability existing in favor of the directors, officers, and employees of
Triangle and its Subsidiaries (the "Covered Parties") as provided in their
respective Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or similar governing instruments
as in effect as of the date of this Agreement with respect to matters occurring
prior to the Effective Time shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full
force and effect, and shall be honored by such entities or their respective
successors as if they were the indemnifying party thereunder, without any
amendment thereto, for a period of six years after the Effective Time; provided,
however, that all rights to indemnification in respect of any Claim asserted or
made within such period shall continue until the final disposition of such
Claim; provided, further, however, that nothing contained in this Section
8.13(b) shall be deemed to preclude the liquidation, consolidation, or merger of
Triangle or any Triangle Subsidiary, in which case all of such rights to
indemnification and limitations on Liability shall be deemed to so survive and
continue notwithstanding any such liquidation, consolidation, or merger. Without
limiting the foregoing, in any case in which approval by Centura is required to
effectuate any indemnification, Centura shall direct, at the election of the
Indemnified Party, that the determination of any such approval shall be made by
independent counsel mutually agreed upon between Centura and the Indemnified
Party.

     (c) Centura, from and after the Effective Time, will directly or indirectly
cause the persons who served as directors or officers of any Triangle Company at
or before the Effective Time to be covered by Triangle's existing directors' and
officers' liability insurance policy (provided that Centura may substitute
therefor policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and
conditions which are not less advantageous than such policy). Such insurance
coverage shall commence at the Effective Time and will be provided for a period
of no less than three years after the Effective Time.

     (d) If Centura or any of its successors or assigns shall consolidate with
or merge into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving
Person of such consolidation or merger or shall transfer all or substantially
all of its Assets to any Person, then and in each case, proper provision shall
be made so that the successors and assigns of Centura shall assume the
obligations set forth in this Section 8.13.

     (e) The provisions of this Section 8.13 are intended to be for the benefit
of and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party, his or her heirs and
representatives.

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     8.14 CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS.  Centura and Triangle shall consult with
respect to their loan, litigation, and real estate valuation policies and
practices (including loan classifications and levels of reserves) and Triangle
shall make such modifications or changes to its policies and practices, if any,
prior to the Effective Time, as may be mutually agreed upon. Centura and
Triangle also shall consult with respect to the character, amount, and timing of
restructuring and Merger-related expense charges to be taken by each of the
Parties in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
shall take such charges in accordance with GAAP as may be mutually agreed upon
by the Parties. Neither Party's representations, warranties, and covenants
contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be inaccurate or breached in any
respect as a consequence of any modifications or charges undertaken solely on
account of this Section 8.14.

     8.15 CENTURA MERGER SUBSIDIARY ORGANIZATION.  Centura shall organize
Centura Merger Subsidiary under the Laws of the State of North Carolina. Prior
to the Effective Time, the outstanding capital stock of Centura Merger
Subsidiary shall consist of 1,000 shares of Centura Merger Subsidiary Common
Stock, all of which shall be owned by Centura. Prior to the Effective Time,
Centura Merger Subsidiary shall not (i) conduct any business operations
whatsoever or (ii) enter into any contract or agreement of any kind, acquire any
assets, or incur any Liability, except as may be specifically contemplated by
this Agreement or the Plan of Merger or as the Parties may otherwise agree.
Centura, as the sole stockholder of Centura Merger Subsidiary, shall vote prior
to the Effective Time the shares of Centura Merger Subsidiary Common Stock in
favor of the Plan of Merger. At the Effective Time, Centura Merger Subsidiary
shall be a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the Laws of the
State of North Carolina, with the corporate power and authority necessary to
execute, deliver, and perform its obligations under the Plan of Merger and to
consummate the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Merger.

                                   ARTICLE 9

               CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS TO CONSUMMATE

     9.1 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF EACH PARTY.  The respective obligations of
each Party to perform this Agreement and to consummate the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions, unless waived by both Parties pursuant to Section 11.6 of
this Agreement:

          (a) STOCKHOLDER APPROVALS.  The stockholders of Triangle shall have
     approved this Agreement and the Plan of Merger, and the consummation of the
     transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the Merger, as and
     to the extent required by Law, by the provisions of any governing
     instruments, and by the rules of the NYSE. The stockholders of Centura
     shall have approved the issuance of shares of Centura Common Stock pursuant
     to the Merger, as and to the extent required by Law, by the provisions of
     any governing instruments, and by the rules of the NYSE.

          (b) REGULATORY APPROVALS.  All Consents of, filings and registrations
     with, and notifications to, all Regulatory Authorities required for
     consummation of the Merger shall have been obtained or made and shall be in
     full force and effect and all waiting periods required by Law shall have
     expired. No Consent obtained from any Regulatory Authority which is
     necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
     conditioned or restricted in a manner (excluding such matters agreed to by
     the Parties in the Supplemental Letter) which in the reasonable good faith
     judgment of the Board of Directors of Centura would so materially adversely
     impact the economic or business benefits of the transactions contemplated
     by this Agreement, that had such condition or requirement been known as of
     the date of this Agreement, Centura would not, in its reasonable judgment,
     have entered into this Agreement.

          (c) CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.  Each Party shall have obtained any and
     all Consents required for consummation of the Merger (other than those
     referred to in Section 9.1(b) of this Agreement) or for the preventing of
     any Default under any Contract or Permit of such Party which, if not
     obtained

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     or made, is reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
     Material Adverse Effect on such Party.

          (d) LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.  No court or governmental or Regulatory
     Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued,
     promulgated, enforced, or entered any Law or Order (whether temporary,
     preliminary, or permanent) or taken any other action which prohibits,
     restricts, or makes illegal consummation of the transactions contemplated
     by this Agreement.

          (e) REGISTRATION STATEMENT.  The Registration Statement shall be
     effective under the 1933 Act, no stop orders suspending the effectiveness
     of the Registration Statement shall have been issued, no action, suit,
     proceeding, or investigation by the SEC to suspend the effectiveness
     thereof shall have been initiated and be continuing, and all necessary
     approvals under state securities Laws or the 1933 Act or 1934 Act relating
     to the issuance or trading of the shares of Centura Common Stock issuable
     pursuant to the Merger shall have been received.

          (f) EXCHANGE LISTING.  The shares of Centura Common Stock issuable
     pursuant to the Merger shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE,
     subject to official notice of issuance.

          (g) TAX MATTERS.  Each Party shall have received a written opinion or
     opinions from Alston & Bird LLP, in a form reasonably satisfactory to such
     Party (the "Tax Opinion"), substantially to the effect that: (i) the Merger
     will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
     the Internal Revenue Code; (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by
     holders of Triangle Common Stock who exchange all of their Triangle Common
     Stock solely for Centura Common Stock pursuant to the Merger (except with
     respect to any cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest in
     Centura Common Stock); (iii) the tax basis of the Centura Common Stock
     received by holders of Triangle Common Stock who exchange all of their
     Triangle Common Stock solely for Centura Common Stock in the Merger (plus
     cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest in Centura Common
     Stock) will be the same as the tax basis of the Triangle Common Stock
     surrendered in exchange for the Centura Common Stock (reduced by an amount
     allocable to a fractional share interest in Centura Common Stock for which
     cash is received); and (iv) the holding period of the Centura Common Stock
     received by holders who exchange all of their Triangle Common Stock solely
     for Centura Common Stock in the Merger (plus cash received in lieu of a
     fractional share interest in Centura Common Stock) will be the same as the
     holding period of the Triangle Common Stock surrendered in exchange
     therefor, provided that such Triangle Common Stock is held as a capital
     asset at the Effective Time.

          (h) POOLING LETTER.  Each Party shall have received a letter, dated as
     of the Effective Time, in a form reasonably acceptable to such Party, from
     KPMG LLP to the effect that the Merger will qualify for
     pooling-of-interests accounting treatment. Each Party shall have received a
     letter, dated as of the Effective Time, in a form reasonably acceptable to
     such Party, from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the effect that such firm is
     not aware of any matters relating to Triangle and its Subsidiaries which
     would preclude Triangle from participating in a merger qualifying for
     pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.

     9.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF CENTURA.  The obligations of Centura to
perform this Agreement and consummate the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions,
unless waived by Centura pursuant to Section 11.6(a) of this Agreement:

          (a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  For purposes of this Section
     9.2(a), the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Triangle set
     forth in this Agreement shall be assessed as of the date of this Agreement
     and as of the Effective Time with the same effect as though all such
     representations and warranties had been made on and as of the Effective
     Time (provided that representations and warranties which are confined to a
     specified date shall speak only as of such date). The representations and
     warranties of Triangle set forth in Section 5.3 of this Agreement shall be
     true and correct (except for inaccuracies which are de minimis in amount).
     The representations and warranties of Triangle set forth in Sections 5.18
     and 5.19 of this Agreement shall be true and

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     correct in all Material respects. There shall not exist inaccuracies in the
     representations and warranties of Triangle set forth in this Agreement
     (including the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 5.3,
     5.18, and 5.19) such that the aggregate effect of such inaccuracies has, or
     is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Triangle;
     provided that, for purposes of this sentence only, those representations
     and warranties which are qualified by references to "material, "Material,"
     "Material Adverse Effect," or variations thereof, or to the "Knowledge" of
     Triangle or to a matter being "known" by Triangle shall be deemed not to
     include such qualifications.

          (b) PERFORMANCE OF AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS.  Each and all of the
     agreements and covenants of Triangle to be performed and complied with
     pursuant to this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby
     prior to the Effective Time shall have been duly performed and complied
     with in all Material respects.

          (c) CERTIFICATES.  Triangle shall have delivered to Centura (i) a
     certificate, dated as of the Effective Time and signed on its behalf by its
     duly authorized officers, to the effect that the conditions of its
     obligations set forth in Section 9.2(a) and 9.2(b) of this Agreement have
     been satisfied, and (ii) certified copies of resolutions duly adopted by
     Triangle's Board of Directors and stockholders evidencing the taking of all
     corporate action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery, and
     performance of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated hereby, all in such reasonable detail as Centura and its
     counsel shall request.

          (d) AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS.  Centura shall have received from each
     affiliate of Triangle the affiliates agreement referred to in Section 8.11
     of this Agreement, to the extent necessary to assure in the reasonable
     judgment of Centura that the transactions contemplated hereby will qualify
     for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.

     9.3 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF TRIANGLE.  The obligations of Triangle to
perform this Agreement and consummate the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions,
unless waived by Triangle pursuant to Section 11.6(b) of this Agreement:

          (a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  For purposes of this Section
     9.3(a), the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Centura set
     forth in this Agreement shall be assessed as of the date of this Agreement
     and as of the Effective Time with the same effect as though all such
     representations and warranties had been made on and as of the Effective
     Time (provided that representations and warranties which are confined to a
     specified date shall speak only as of such date). The representations and
     warranties of Centura set forth in Section 6.3 of this Agreement shall be
     true and correct (except for inaccuracies which are de minimis in amount).
     The representations and warranties of Centura set forth in Section 6.17 of
     this Agreement shall be true and correct in all Material respects. There
     shall not exist inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of
     Centura set forth in this Agreement (including the representations and
     warranties set forth in Sections 6.3 and 6.17) such that the aggregate
     effect of such inaccuracies has, or is reasonably likely to have, a
     Material Adverse Effect on Centura; provided that, for purposes of this
     sentence only, those representations and warranties which are qualified by
     references to "material," "Material," "Material Adverse Effect," or
     variations thereof, or to the "Knowledge" of Centura or to a matter being
     "known" by Centura shall be deemed not to include such qualifications.

          (b) PERFORMANCE OF AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS.  Each and all of the
     agreements and covenants of Centura to be performed and complied with
     pursuant to this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby
     prior to the Effective Time shall have been duly performed and complied
     with in all Material respects.

          (c) CERTIFICATES.  Centura shall have delivered to Triangle (i) a
     certificate, dated as of the Effective Time and signed on its behalf by its
     duly authorized officers, to the effect that the conditions of its
     obligations set forth in Section 9.3(a) and 9.3(b) of this Agreement have
     been satisfied, and (ii) certified copies of resolutions duly adopted by
     Centura's Board of Directors and stockholders evidencing the taking of all
     corporate action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery, and
            6
                                      A-35
<PAGE>   117

     performance of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated hereby, all in such reasonable detail as Triangle and its
     counsel shall request.

                                   ARTICLE 10

                                  TERMINATION

     10.1 TERMINATION.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement,
and notwithstanding the approval of this Agreement by the stockholders of
Triangle or Centura, this Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned
at any time prior to the Effective Time:

          (a) By mutual consent of the Board of Directors of Centura and the
     Board of Directors of Triangle; or

          (b) By the Board of Directors of either Party (provided that the
     terminating Party is not then in breach of any representation or warranty
     contained in this Agreement under the applicable standard set forth in
     Section 9.2(a) of this Agreement in the case of Triangle and Section 9.3(a)
     of this Agreement in the case of Centura or in Material breach of any
     covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement) in the event of an
     inaccuracy of any representation or warranty of the other Party contained
     in this Agreement which cannot be or has not been cured within 30 days
     after the giving of written notice to the breaching Party of such
     inaccuracy and which inaccuracy would provide the terminating Party the
     ability to refuse to consummate the Merger under the applicable standard
     set forth in Section 9.2(a) of this Agreement in the case of Triangle and
     Section 9.3(a) of this Agreement in the case of Centura; or

          (c) By the Board of Directors of either Party (provided that the
     terminating Party is not then in breach of any representation or warranty
     contained in this Agreement under the applicable standard set forth in
     Section 9.2(a) of this Agreement in the case of Triangle and Section 9.3(a)
     in the case of Centura) in the event of a Material breach by the other
     Party of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement which cannot
     be or has not been cured within 30 days after the giving of written notice
     to the breaching Party of such breach; or

          (d) By the Board of Directors of either Party in the event (i) any
     Consent of any Regulatory Authority required for consummation of the Merger
     and the other transactions contemplated hereby shall have been denied by
     final nonappealable action of such authority or if any action taken by such
     authority is not appealed within the time limit for appeal, or (ii) the
     stockholders of Centura or Triangle fail to vote their approval of the
     matters submitted for the approval by such stockholders at the
     Stockholders' Meetings where the transactions were presented to such
     stockholders for approval and voted upon; or

          (e) By the Board of Directors of either Party in the event that the
     Merger shall not have been consummated by June 30, 2000, if the failure to
     consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on or before such date is
     not caused by any breach of this Agreement by the Party electing to
     terminate pursuant to this Section 10.1(e); or

          (f) By the Board of Directors of either Party (provided that the
     terminating Party is not then in breach of any representation or warranty
     contained in this Agreement under the applicable standard set forth in
     Section 9.2(a) of this Agreement in the case of Triangle and Section 9.3(a)
     of this Agreement in the case of Centura or in Material breach of any
     covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement) in the event that
     any of the conditions precedent to the obligations of such Party to
     consummate the Merger cannot be satisfied or fulfilled by the date
     specified in Section 10.1(e) of this Agreement; or

                                      A-36
<PAGE>   118

          (g) By the Board of Directors of Triangle, if it determines by a vote
     of a majority of the members of its entire Board, at any time during the
     ten-day period commencing two days after the Determination Date, if both of
     the following conditions are satisfied:

             (1) the Average Closing Price shall be less than the product of (i)
        0.80 and (ii) the Starting Price; and

             (2) (i) the quotient obtained by dividing the Average Closing Price
        by the Starting Price (such number being referred to herein as the
        "Centura Ratio") shall be less than (ii) the quotient obtained by
        dividing the Index Price on the Determination Date by the Index Price on
        the Starting Date and subtracting 0.15 from the quotient in this clause
        (2)(ii) (such number being referred to herein as the "Index Ratio");

     subject, however, to the following three sentences. If Triangle refuses to
     consummate the Merger pursuant to this Section 10.1(g), it shall give
     prompt written notice thereof to Centura; provided, that such notice of
     election to terminate may be withdrawn at any time within the
     aforementioned ten-day period. During the five-day period commencing with
     its receipt of such notice, Centura shall have the option to elect to
     increase the Exchange Ratio to equal the lesser of (i) the quotient
     (rounded to the nearest one-ten-thousandth) obtained by dividing (1) the
     product of 0.80, the Starting Price, and the Exchange Ratio (as then in
     effect) by (2) the Average Closing Price, and (ii) the quotient (rounded to
     the nearest one-ten-thousandth) obtained by dividing (1) the product of the
     Index Ratio and the Exchange Ratio (as then in effect) by (2) the Centura
     Ratio. If Centura makes an election contemplated by the preceding sentence,
     within such five-day period, it shall give prompt written notice to
     Triangle of such election and the revised Exchange Ratio, whereupon no
     termination shall have occurred pursuant to this Section 10.1(g) and this
     Agreement shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms (except as
     the Exchange Ratio shall have been so modified), and any references in this
     Agreement to "Exchange Ratio" shall thereafter be deemed to refer to the
     Exchange Ratio as adjusted pursuant to this Section 10.1(g).

          For purposes of this Section 10.1(g), the following terms shall have
     the meanings indicated:

             "Average Closing Price" shall mean the average of the daily last
        sales prices of Centura Common Stock as reported on the
        NYSE -- Composite Transactions List (as reported by The Wall Street
        Journal or, if not reported thereby, another authoritative source as
        chosen by Centura) for the ten consecutive full trading days in which
        such shares are traded on the NYSE -- Composite Transactions List ending
        at the close of trading on the Determination Date.

             "Determination Date" shall mean the later of the date on which (i)
        the Consent of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
        (without regard to any requisite waiting period thereof) to the Merger
        shall be received and (ii) the Triangle and Centura stockholders approve
        the Merger at the Stockholders' Meetings.

             "Index Group" shall mean the 13 bank holding companies listed
        below, the common stocks of all of which shall be publicly traded and as
        to which there shall not have been, since the Starting Date and before
        the Determination Date, any public announcement of a proposal for such
        company to be acquired or for such company to acquire another company or
        companies in transactions with a value exceeding 25% of the acquiror's
        market capitalization. In the event that any such company or companies
        are removed from the Index Group, the weights (which shall be determined
        based upon the number of outstanding shares of common stock) shall be

                                      A-37
<PAGE>   119

        redistributed proportionately for purposes of determining the Index
        Price. The 13 bank holding companies and the weights attributed to them
        are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   BANK HOLDING COMPANIES                     WEIGHTING
                   ----------------------                     ---------
<S>                                                           <C>
CCB Financial Corporation...................................     4.30%
Colonial BancGroup, Inc.....................................    11.80
Compass Bancshares, Inc.....................................    12.00
First Virginia Banks, Inc...................................     5.30
FirstMerit Corporation......................................     9.60
Hibernia Corporation........................................    16.90
Mercantile Bankshares Corporation...........................     7.30
National Commerce Bancorporation............................    11.40
One Valley Bancorp, Inc.....................................     3.50
Provident Bankshares Corporation............................     2.70
Riggs National Corporation..................................     3.00
Trustmark Corporation.......................................     7.60
United Bankshares, Inc......................................     4.60
                                                               ------
          Total.............................................   100.00%
                                                               ======
</TABLE>

             "Index Price" on a given date shall mean the weighted average
        (weighted in accordance with the factors listed above) of the last sales
        prices of the companies composing the Index Group.

             "Starting Date" shall mean the last full trading day immediately
        preceding the date of the announcement by press release of the Merger.

             "Starting Price" shall mean the last sale price per share of
        Centura Common Stock as reported on the NYSE -- Composite Transactions
        List (as reported by The Wall Street Journal or, if not reported
        thereby, another authoritative source as chosen by Centura) on the
        Starting Date.

          If any company belonging to the Index Group or Centura declares or
     effects a stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, split-up,
     combination, exchange of shares, or similar transaction between the date of
     this Agreement and the Determination Date, the prices for the common stock
     of such company or Centura shall be appropriately adjusted for the purposes
     of applying this Section 10.1(g).

     10.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION.  In the event of the termination and
abandonment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1 of this Agreement, this
Agreement and the Supplemental Letter shall become void and have no effect,
except that (i) the provisions of this Section 10.2 and Article 11 and Section
8.6(b) of this Agreement shall survive any such termination and abandonment, and
(ii) a termination pursuant to Sections 10.1(b), 10.1(c), or 10.1(f) of this
Agreement shall not relieve the breaching Party from Liability for an uncured
willful breach of a representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement giving rise
to such termination. The Triangle Stock Option Agreement and the Centura Stock
Option Agreement shall be governed by their respective terms.

     10.3 NON-SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS.  The respective
representations, warranties, obligations, covenants, and agreements of the
Parties shall not survive the Effective Time except this Section 10.3 and
Articles 2, 3, 4, and 11 and Sections 8.11 and 8.13 of this Agreement.

                                      A-38
<PAGE>   120

                                   ARTICLE 11

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

     11.1 DEFINITIONS.

     (a) Except as otherwise provided herein, the capitalized terms set forth
below shall have the following meanings:

          "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL" with respect to a Party shall mean any tender
     offer or exchange offer or any proposal for a merger, acquisition of all of
     the stock or Assets of, or other business combination involving such Party
     or any of its Subsidiaries or the acquisition of a substantial equity
     interest in, or a substantial portion of the Assets of, such Party or any
     of its Subsidiaries.

          "AFFILIATE" of a Person shall mean: (i) any other Person directly, or
     indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by
     or under common control with such Person; (ii) any officer, director,
     partner, employer, or direct or indirect beneficial owner of any 10% or
     greater equity or voting interest of such Person; or (iii) any other Person
     for which a Person described in clause (ii) acts in any such capacity.

          "AGREEMENT" shall mean this Agreement and Plan of Reorganization,
     including the Exhibits (and excepting the Triangle Stock Option Agreement
     and the Centura Stock Option Agreement) delivered pursuant hereto and
     incorporated herein by reference.

          "ASSETS" of a Person shall mean all of the assets, properties,
     businesses, and rights of such Person of every kind, nature, character, and
     description, whether real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible,
     accrued or contingent, or otherwise relating to or utilized in such
     Person's business, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, whether or
     not carried on the books and records of such Person, and whether or not
     owned in the name of such Person or any Affiliate of such Person and
     wherever located.

          "BHC ACT" shall mean the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
     amended.

          "CENTURA COMMON STOCK" shall mean the no par value common stock of
     Centura.

          "CENTURA COMPANIES" shall mean, collectively, Centura and all Centura
     Subsidiaries.

          "CENTURA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" shall mean (i) the consolidated
     statements of condition (including related notes and schedules, if any) of
     Centura as of June 30, 1999, and as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
     related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash
     flows (including related notes and schedules, if any) for the six months
     ended June 30, 1999, and for each of the three years ended December 31,
     1998, 1997, and 1996, as filed by Centura in SEC Documents, and (ii) the
     consolidated statements of condition of Centura (including related notes
     and schedules, if any) and related statements of income, changes in
     stockholders' equity, and cash flows (including related notes and
     schedules, if any) included in SEC Documents filed with respect to periods
     ended subsequent to June 30, 1999.

          "CENTURA MERGER SUBSIDIARY COMMON STOCK" shall mean the no par value
     common stock of Centura Merger Subsidiary.

          "CENTURA PREFERRED STOCK" shall mean the no par value preferred stock
     of Centura.

          "CENTURA STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT" shall mean the stock option agreement
     by and between Centura and Triangle, in substantially the form of Exhibit
     2.

          "CENTURA SUBSIDIARIES" shall mean the Subsidiaries of Centura and any
     corporation, bank, savings association, or other organization acquired as a
     Subsidiary of Centura in the future and owned by Centura at the Effective
     Time.

          "CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS" shall mean those certain Confidentiality
     Agreements, entered into prior to the date of this Agreement, between
     Triangle and Centura.
                                      A-39
<PAGE>   121

          "CONSENT" shall mean any consent, approval, authorization, clearance,
     exemption, waiver, or similar affirmation by any Person pursuant to any
     Contract, Law, Order, or Permit.

          "CONTRACT" shall mean any written or oral agreement, arrangement,
     authorization, commitment, contract, indenture, instrument, lease,
     obligation, plan, practice, restriction, understanding, or undertaking of
     any kind or character, or other document to which any Person is a party or
     that is binding on any Person or its capital stock, Assets, or business.

          "DEFAULT" shall mean (i) any breach or violation of or default under
     any Contract, Order, or Permit, (ii) any occurrence of any event that with
     the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a
     breach or violation of or default under any Contract, Order, or Permit, or
     (iii) any occurrence of any event that with or without the passage of time
     or the giving of notice would give rise to a right to terminate or revoke,
     change the current terms of, or renegotiate, or to accelerate, increase, or
     impose any Liability under, any Contract, Order, or Permit, where, in any
     such event, such Default is reasonably likely to have, individually or in
     the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on a Party.

          "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" shall mean all Laws relating to pollution or
     protection of human health or the environment (including ambient air,
     surface water, ground water, land surface, or subsurface strata) and which
     are administered, interpreted, or enforced by the United States
     Environmental Protection Agency and state and local agencies with
     jurisdiction over, and including common law in respect of, pollution or
     protection of the environment, including the Comprehensive Environmental
     Response Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.
     ("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42
     U.S.C. 6901 et seq. ("RCRA"), and other Laws relating to emissions,
     discharges, releases, or threatened releases of any Hazardous Material, or
     otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use,
     treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling of any Hazardous
     Material.

          "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
     1974, as amended.

          "EXHIBITS" 1 through 4, inclusive, shall mean the Exhibits so marked,
     copies of which are attached to this Agreement. Such Exhibits are hereby
     incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof, and may be
     referred to in this Agreement and any other related instrument or document
     without being attached hereto.

          "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles,
     consistently applied during the periods involved.

          "HAZARDOUS MATERIAL" shall mean (i) any hazardous substance, hazardous
     material, hazardous waste, regulated substance, or toxic substance (as
     those terms are defined by any applicable Environmental Laws) and (ii) any
     chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, petroleum, petroleum products, or oil
     (and specifically shall include asbestos requiring abatement, removal, or
     encapsulation pursuant to the requirements of governmental authorities and
     any polychlorinated biphenyls).

          "HSR ACT" shall mean Section 7A of the Clayton Act, as added by Title
     II of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended,
     and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          "INTERNAL REVENUE CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
     as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          "JOINT PROXY STATEMENT" shall mean the joint proxy statement used by
     Centura and Triangle to solicit the approval of their respective
     stockholders of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, which
     shall include the prospectus of Centura relating to the issuance of the
     Centura Common Stock to holders of Triangle Common Stock.

          "KNOWLEDGE" as used with respect to a Person (including references to
     such Person being aware of a particular matter) shall mean the personal
     knowledge of the chairman, president, chief financial

                                      A-40
<PAGE>   122

     officer, chief accounting officer, chief credit officer, general counsel,
     or any executive vice president of such Person.

          "LAW" shall mean any code, law, ordinance, regulation, reporting or
     licensing requirement, rule, or statute applicable to a Person or its
     Assets, Liabilities, or business, including those promulgated, interpreted,
     or enforced by any Regulatory Authority.

          "LIABILITY" shall mean any direct or indirect, primary or secondary,
     liability, indebtedness, obligation, penalty, cost, or expense (including
     costs of investigation, collection, and defense), claim, deficiency,
     guaranty, or endorsement of or by any Person (other than endorsements of
     notes, bills, checks, and drafts presented for collection or deposit in the
     ordinary course of business) of any type, whether accrued, absolute or
     contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, matured or unmatured, or otherwise.

          "LIEN" shall mean any conditional sale agreement, default of title,
     easement, encroachment, encumbrance, hypothecation, infringement, lien,
     mortgage, pledge, reservation, restriction, security interest, title
     retention, or other security arrangement, or any adverse right or interest,
     charge, or claim of any nature whatsoever of, on, or with respect to any
     property or property interest, other than (i) Liens for property Taxes not
     yet due and payable, and (ii) for depository institution Subsidiaries of a
     Party, pledges to secure deposits, and other Liens incurred in the ordinary
     course of the banking business.

          "LITIGATION" shall mean any action, arbitration, cause of action,
     claim, complaint, criminal prosecution, demand letter, governmental or
     other examination or investigation, hearing, inquiry, administrative or
     other proceeding, or notice (written or oral) by any Person alleging
     potential Liability or requesting information relating to or affecting a
     Party, its business, its Assets (including Contracts related to it), or the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement, but shall not include regular,
     periodic examinations of depository institutions and their Affiliates by
     Regulatory Authorities.

          "LOAN PROPERTY" shall mean any property owned, leased, or operated by
     the Party in question or by any of its Subsidiaries or in which such Party
     or Subsidiary holds a security or other interest (including an interest in
     a fiduciary capacity), and, where required by the context, includes the
     owner or operator of such property, but only with respect to such property.

          "MATERIAL" for purposes of this Agreement shall be determined in light
     of the facts and circumstances of the matter in question; provided that any
     specific monetary amount stated in this Agreement shall determine
     materiality in that instance.

          "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" on a Party shall mean an event, change, or
     occurrence which, individually or together with any other event, change, or
     occurrence, has a Material adverse impact on (i) the financial condition,
     results of operations, or business of such Party and its Subsidiaries,
     taken as a whole, or (ii) the ability of such Party to perform its
     obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the Merger or the other
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement, provided that "Material
     Adverse Effect" shall not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes in
     banking and similar Laws of general applicability or interpretations
     thereof by courts or governmental authorities, (b) changes in GAAP or
     regulatory accounting principles generally applicable to banks and their
     holding companies, (c) actions and omissions of a Party (or any of its
     Subsidiaries) taken with the prior consent of the other Party in
     contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (d) the Merger
     and compliance with the provisions of this Agreement on the operating
     performance of the Parties.

          "NASD" shall mean the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

          "NORTH CAROLINA BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT" shall mean the North
     Carolina Business Corporation Act.

          "1933 ACT" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

                                      A-41
<PAGE>   123

          "1934 ACT" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          "NORTH CAROLINA ARTICLES OF MERGER" shall mean the Articles of Merger
     to be executed by Centura Merger Subsidiary and filed with the Secretary of
     State of the State of North Carolina relating to the Merger as contemplated
     by Section 1.1 of this Agreement.

          "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

          "ORDER" shall mean any administrative decision or award, decree,
     injunction, judgment, order, quasi-judicial decision or award, ruling, or
     writ of any federal, state, local, or foreign or other court, arbitrator,
     mediator, tribunal, administrative agency, or Regulatory Authority.

          "PARTICIPATION FACILITY" shall mean any facility or property in which
     the Party in question or any of its Subsidiaries participates in the
     management (including, but not limited to, participating in a fiduciary
     capacity) and, where required by the context, said term means the owner or
     operator of such facility or property, but only with respect to such
     facility or property.

          "PARTY" shall mean either Triangle or Centura, and "PARTIES" shall
     mean both Triangle and Centura.

          "PERMIT" shall mean any federal, state, local, and foreign
     governmental approval, authorization, certificate, easement, filing,
     franchise, license, notice, permit, or right to which any Person is a party
     or that is or may be binding upon or inure to the benefit of any Person or
     its securities, Assets, or business.

          "PERSON" shall mean a natural person or any legal, commercial, or
     governmental entity, such as, but not limited to, a corporation, general
     partnership, joint venture, limited partnership, limited liability company,
     trust, business association, group acting in concert, or any person acting
     in a representative capacity.

          "PLAN OF MERGER" shall mean the plan of merger by and between Triangle
     and Centura Merger Subsidiary, in substantially the form of Exhibit 3.

          "REGISTRATION STATEMENT" shall mean the Registration Statement on Form
     S-4, or other appropriate form, including any pre-effective or
     post-effective amendments or supplements thereto, filed with the SEC by
     Centura under the 1933 Act with respect to the shares of Centura Common
     Stock to be issued to the stockholders of Triangle in connection with the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          "REGULATORY AUTHORITIES" shall mean, collectively, the Federal Trade
     Commission, the United States Department of Justice, the Board of the
     Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Comptroller of
     the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of
     Thrift Supervision, all state regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over
     the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, the NASD, and the SEC.

          "REPRESENTATIVE" shall mean any investment banker, financial advisor,
     attorney, accountant, consultant, or other representative of a Person.

          "RIGHTS" shall mean all arrangements, calls, commitments, Contracts,
     options, rights to subscribe to, scrip, understandings, warrants, or other
     binding obligations of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities
     or rights convertible into or exchangeable for, shares of the capital stock
     of a Person or by which a Person is or may be bound to issue additional
     shares of its capital stock or other Rights.

          "SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

          "SEC DOCUMENTS" shall mean all forms, proxy statements, registration
     statements, reports, schedules, and other documents filed, or required to
     be filed, by a Party or any of its Subsidiaries with any Regulatory
     Authority pursuant to the Securities Laws.

                                      A-42
<PAGE>   124

          "SECURITIES LAWS" shall mean the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the
     Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Investment Advisors Act of
     1940, as amended, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the
     rules and regulations of any Regulatory Authority promulgated thereunder.

          "STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS" shall mean the respective meetings of the
     stockholders of Centura and Triangle to be held pursuant to Section 8.1 of
     this Agreement, including any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

          "SUBSIDIARIES" shall mean all those corporations, banks, associations,
     or other entities of which the entity in question owns or controls 50% or
     more of the outstanding equity securities either directly or through an
     unbroken chain of entities as to each of which 50% or more of the
     outstanding equity securities is owned directly or indirectly by its
     parent; provided, there shall not be included any such entity acquired
     through foreclosure or any such entity the equity securities of which are
     owned or controlled in a fiduciary capacity.

          "SUPERIOR PROPOSAL" means, with respect to Triangle, any written
     Acquisition Proposal made by a Person other than Centura which is for (i)
     (a) a merger, reorganization, consolidation, share exchange, business
     combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or similar
     transaction involving Triangle as a result of which either (1) Triangle's
     stockholders prior to such transaction (by virtue of their ownership of
     Triangle's shares) in the aggregate cease to own at least 50% of the voting
     securities of the entity surviving or resulting from such transaction (or
     the ultimate parent entity thereof) or (2) the individuals comprising the
     Board of Directors of Triangle prior to such transaction do not constitute
     a majority of the board of directors of such ultimate parent entity, (b) a
     sale, lease, exchange, transfer, or other disposition of at least 50% of
     the assets of Triangle and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a single
     transaction or a series of related transactions, or (c) the acquisition,
     directly or indirectly, by a Person of beneficial ownership of 25% or more
     of the common stock of Triangle whether by merger, consolidation, share
     exchange, business combination, tender, or exchange offer or otherwise, and
     (ii) which is otherwise on terms which the Board of Directors of Triangle
     in good faith concludes (after consultation with its financial advisors and
     outside counsel), taking into account, among other things, all legal,
     financial, regulatory, and other aspects of the proposal and the Person
     making the proposal, (a) would, if consummated, result in a transaction
     that is more favorable to its stockholders (in their capacities as
     stockholders), from a financial point of view, than the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement (after giving effect to the Triangle Stock
     Option Agreement) and (b) is reasonably capable of being completed.

          "SUPPLEMENTAL LETTER" shall mean the supplemental letter of even date
     herewith between the Parties relating to certain understandings and
     agreements in addition to those included in this Agreement.

          "SURVIVING CORPORATION" shall mean Centura Merger Subsidiary as the
     surviving corporation resulting from the Merger.

          "TAX" OR "TAXES" shall mean all federal, state, local, and foreign
     taxes, charges, fees, levies, imposts, duties, or other assessments,
     including income, gross receipts, excise, employment, sales, use, transfer,
     license, payroll, franchise, severance, stamp, occupation, windfall
     profits, environmental, federal highway use, commercial rent, customs
     duties, capital stock, paid-up capital, profits, withholding, Social
     Security, single business and unemployment, disability, real property,
     personal property, registration, ad valorem, value added, alternative or
     add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax or governmental fee of any kind
     whatsoever, imposed or required to be withheld by the United States or any
     state, local, or foreign government or subdivision or agency thereof,
     including any interest, penalties, or additions thereto.

          "TAXABLE PERIOD" shall mean any period prescribed by any governmental
     authority, including the United States or any state, local, or foreign
     government or subdivision or agency thereof for which a Tax Return is
     required to be filed or Tax is required to be paid.

                                      A-43
<PAGE>   125

          "TAX RETURN" shall mean any report, return, information return, or
     other information required to be supplied to a taxing authority in
     connection with Taxes, including any return of an affiliated or combined or
     unitary group that includes a Party or its Subsidiaries.

          "TRIANGLE COMMON STOCK" shall mean the no par value common stock of
     Triangle.

          "TRIANGLE COMPANIES" shall mean, collectively, Triangle and all
     Triangle Subsidiaries.

          "TRIANGLE DISCLOSURE MEMORANDUM" shall mean the written information
     entitled "Triangle Disclosure Memorandum" delivered prior to the execution
     of this Agreement to Centura describing in reasonable detail the matters
     contained therein and, with respect to each disclosure made therein,
     specifically referencing each Section or subsection of this Agreement under
     which such disclosure is being made. Information disclosed with respect to
     one Section or subsection shall not be deemed to be disclosed for any other
     purpose hereunder. The inclusion of any matter in this document shall not
     be deemed an admission or otherwise to imply that any such matter is
     Material for purposes of this Agreement.

          "TRIANGLE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" shall mean (i) the consolidated
     statements of condition (including related notes and schedules, if any) of
     Triangle as of June 30, 1999, and as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
     related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash
     flows (including related notes and schedules, if any) for the six months
     ended June 30, 1999, and for each of the three years ended December 31,
     1998, 1997, and 1996, as filed by Triangle in SEC Documents, and (ii) the
     consolidated statements of condition of Triangle (including related notes
     and schedules, if any) and related statements of income, changes in
     stockholders' equity, and cash flows (including related notes and
     schedules, if any) included in SEC Documents filed with respect to periods
     ended subsequent to June 30, 1999.

          "TRIANGLE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT" shall mean the stock option
     agreement by and between Triangle and Centura, in substantially the form of
     Exhibit 1.

          "TRIANGLE STOCK PLANS" shall mean the following stock plans of
     Triangle: (i) 1998 Omnibus Stock Plan; (ii) 1988 Incentive Stock Option
     Plan; (iii) 1998 Non-qualified Stock Option Plan for Directors; (iv) stock
     options assumed in connection with acquisitions of other financial
     institutions; and (v) the Management Incentive Compensation Plan.

          "TRIANGLE SUBSIDIARIES" shall mean the Subsidiaries of Triangle, which
     shall include the Triangle Subsidiaries described in Section 5.4 of this
     Agreement and any corporation, bank, savings association, or other
     organization acquired as a Subsidiary of Triangle in the future and owned
     by Triangle at the Effective Time.

          "TRIANGLE WARRANTS" shall mean the warrants issued by Unity Bank &
     Trust Company and assumed by Triangle in connection with the acquisition of
     Unity Bank & Trust Company.

     (b) The terms set forth below shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in
the referenced sections:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
Average Closing Price......................................  Section 10.1(g)
Centura ERISA Affiliate....................................  Section 6.13
Centura Ratio..............................................  Section 10.1(g)
Centura SEC Reports........................................  Section 6.5(a)
Claim......................................................  Section 8.13(a)
Closing....................................................  Section 1.2
Covered Party..............................................  Section 8.13(b)
Determination Date.........................................  Section 10.1(g)
Effective Time.............................................  Section 1.3
Exchange Agent.............................................  Section 4.1
Exchange Ratio.............................................  Section 3.1(b)
FFIEC......................................................  Section 5.21
</TABLE>

                                      A-44
<PAGE>   126
<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
Indemnified Party..........................................  Section 8.13
Index Group................................................  Section 10.1(g)
Index Price................................................  Section 10.1(g)
Index Ratio................................................  Section 10.1(g)
Merger.....................................................  Section 1.1
Starting Date..............................................  Section 10.1(g)
Starting Price.............................................  Section 10.1(g)
Takeover Laws..............................................  Section 5.19
Tax Opinion................................................  Section 9.1(g)
Triangle Benefit Plans.....................................  Section 5.13(a)
Triangle Contracts.........................................  Section 5.14
Triangle ERISA Affiliate...................................  Section 5.13(e)
Triangle ERISA Plan........................................  Section 5.13(a)
Triangle Rights............................................  Section 3.6(a)
Triangle Pension Plan......................................  Section 5.13(a)
Triangle SEC Reports.......................................  Section 5.5(a)
</TABLE>

     (c) Any singular term in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the
plural, and any plural term the singular. Whenever the words "include,"
"includes," or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed
followed by the words "without limitation."

     11.2 EXPENSES.

     (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 11.2, each of the Parties
shall bear and pay all direct costs and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf
in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including filing,
registration, and application fees, printing fees, and fees and expenses of its
own financial or other consultants, investment bankers, accountants, and
counsel, except that each of the Parties shall bear and pay one-half of the
printing costs incurred in connection with the printing of the Registration
Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement.

     (b) Nothing contained in this Section 11.2 shall constitute or shall be
deemed to constitute liquidated damages for the willful breach by a Party of the
terms of this Agreement or otherwise limit the rights of the nonbreaching Party.

     11.3 BROKERS AND FINDERS.  Except for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. as to
Centura and except for Wheat First Securities, a division of First Union Capital
Markets Corp., as to Triangle, each of the Parties represents and warrants that
neither it nor any of its officers, directors, employees, or Affiliates has
employed any broker or finder or incurred any Liability for any financial
advisory fees, investment bankers' fees, brokerage fees, commissions, or
finders' fees in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby. In the event of a claim by any broker or finder based upon his, her, or
its representing or being retained by or allegedly representing or being
retained by Triangle or Centura, each of Triangle and Centura, as the case may
be, agrees to indemnify and hold the other Party harmless of and from any
Liability in respect of any such claim.

     11.4 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this
Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein)
constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all prior arrangements or
understandings with respect thereto, written or oral (including any provision of
the Confidentiality Agreements which would act to preclude Centura or Triangle,
as the case may be, (or any Holder as defined in the Triangle Stock Option
Agreement or the Centura Stock Option Agreement, as the case may be, from
exercising its rights under such stock option agreement) to the extent that the
Triangle Stock Option Agreement or the Centura Stock Option Agreement, as the
case may be, is in force and effect, but excluding the Supplemental Letter).
Nothing in this Agreement expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any
Person, other than the Parties or their respective successors, any rights,
remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement,
other than as provided in Sections 8.11 and 8.13 of this Agreement.
                                      A-45
<PAGE>   127

     11.5 AMENDMENTS.  To the extent permitted by Law, this Agreement may be
amended by a subsequent writing signed by each of the Parties upon the approval
of the Boards of Directors of each of the Parties, whether before or after
stockholder approval of this Agreement has been obtained; provided, that the
provisions of this Agreement relating to the manner or basis in which shares of
Triangle Common Stock will be exchanged for Centura Common Stock shall not be
amended (except in accordance with Section 10.1(g) of this Agreement) after the
Stockholders' Meetings without the requisite approval of the holders of the
issued and outstanding shares of Centura Common Stock and Triangle Common Stock,
as the case may be, entitled to vote thereon.

     11.6 WAIVERS.

     (a) Prior to or at the Effective Time, Centura, acting through its Board of
Directors, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or other authorized
officer, shall have the right to waive any Default in the performance of any
term of this Agreement by Triangle, to waive or extend the time for the
compliance or fulfillment by Triangle of any and all of its obligations under
this Agreement, and to waive any or all of the conditions precedent to the
obligations of Centura under this Agreement, except any condition which, if not
satisfied, would result in the violation of any Law. No such waiver shall be
effective unless in writing signed by a duly authorized officer of Centura.

     (b) Prior to or at the Effective Time, Triangle, acting through its Board
of Directors, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or other
authorized officer, shall have the right to waive any Default in the performance
of any term of this Agreement by Centura, to waive or extend the time for the
compliance or fulfillment by Centura of any and all of its obligations under
this Agreement, and to waive any or all of the conditions precedent to the
obligations of Triangle under this Agreement, except any condition which, if not
satisfied, would result in the violation of any Law. No such waiver shall be
effective unless in writing signed by a duly authorized officer of Triangle.

     (c) The failure of any Party at any time or times to require performance of
any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right of such Party at a
later time to enforce the same or any other provision of this Agreement. No
waiver of any condition or of the breach of any term contained in this Agreement
in one or more instances shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or
continuing waiver of such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition
or of the breach of any other term of this Agreement.

     11.7 ASSIGNMENT.  Except as expressly contemplated hereby, neither this
Agreement nor any of the rights, interests, or obligations hereunder shall be
assigned by any Party hereto (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without
the prior written consent of the other Party. Subject to the preceding sentence,
this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable
by the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

     11.8 NOTICES.  All notices or other communications which are required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered by hand, by
facsimile transmission, by registered or certified mail, postage pre-paid, or by
courier or overnight carrier, to the persons at the addresses set forth below
(or at such other address as may be provided hereunder), and shall be deemed to
have been delivered as of the date so delivered:

     Triangle:          TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.
                        4300 Glenwood Avenue
                        Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
                        Telecopy Number: (919) 781-6042

                        Attention: Michael S. Patterson
                                   President, Chief Executive Officer, and
                                   Chairman of the Board
                                          and
                                   Alexander M. Donaldson
                                   General Counsel


                                      A-46
<PAGE>   128

     Copy to Counsel: ARNOLD & PORTER
                      Thurman Arnold Building
                      555 Twelfth Street, N.W.
                      Washington, D.C. 20004-1202
                      Telecopy Number: (202) 942-5999
                      Attention: Steven Kaplan

     Centura:         CENTURA BANKS, INC.
                      134 North Church Street
                      Rocky Mount, North Carolina
                      Telecopy Number: (252) 454-8283
                      Attention: Cecil W. Sewell, Jr.
                                 Chairman of the Board and
                                 Chief Executive Officer
                                      and
                                 Joseph A. Smith, Jr.
                                 General Counsel

     Copy to Counsel: ALSTON & BIRD LLP
                      601 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
                      North Building, 11th Floor
                      Washington, D.C. 20004-2601
                      Telecopy Number: (202) 756-3333
                      Attention: Frank M. Conner III

     11.9 GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the Laws of the State of North Carolina.

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

     11.11 CAPTIONS.  The captions contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and are not part of this Agreement.

     11.12 INTERPRETATIONS.  Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or
ambiguity herein shall be construed or resolved against any Party, whether under
any rule of construction or otherwise. No Party to this Agreement shall be
considered the draftsman. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement
has been reviewed, negotiated, and accepted by all Parties and their attorneys
and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the
words used so as fairly to accomplish the purposes and intentions of the
Parties.

     11.13 ENFORCEMENT OF AGREEMENT.  The Parties hereto agree that irreparable
damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement was
not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was otherwise breached.
It is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States or any state
having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they
are entitled at law or in equity.

     11.14 SEVERABILITY.  Any term or provision of this Agreement which is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this
Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted
to be only so broad as is enforceable.

                                      A-47
<PAGE>   129

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed on its behalf and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and
attested by officers thereunto as of the day and year first above written.

ATTEST:                                     TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
              By: /s/ SUSAN C. GILBERT                                 By: /s/ MICHAEL S. PATTERSON
 ---------------------------------------------------        ---------------------------------------------------
                  Susan C. Gilbert                                         Michael S. Patterson
                      Secretary                                   President, Chief Executive Officer, and
                                                                           Chairman of the Board

[CORPORATE SEAL]

ATTEST:                                                    CENTURA BANKS, INC.

            By: /s/ JOSEPH A. SMITH, JR.                               By: /s/ CECIL W. SEWELL, JR.
 ---------------------------------------------------        ---------------------------------------------------
                Joseph A. Smith, Jr.                                       Cecil W. Sewell, Jr.
                 Corporate Secretary                                     Chairman of the Board and
                                                                          Chief Executive Officer
[CORPORATE SEAL]
</TABLE>

                                      A-48
<PAGE>   130

                                                                      APPENDIX B

                                 PLAN OF MERGER
                                       OF
                             TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.
                                 WITH AND INTO
                        CENTURA MERGER SUBSIDIARY, INC.

     Pursuant to this Plan of Merger dated as of December 1, 1999 ("Plan of
Merger"), TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC. ("Triangle"), a corporation organized and
existing under the Laws of the State of North Carolina, shall be merged with and
into CENTURA MERGER SUBSIDIARY, INC. ("Centura Merger Subsidiary"), a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CENTURA BANKS, INC., a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina ("Centura").

                                   ARTICLE 1

                                  DEFINITIONS

     Except as otherwise provided herein, the capitalized terms set forth below
shall have the following meanings:

     1.1 "ARTICLES OF MERGER" shall mean the Articles of Merger to be executed
by Centura Merger Subsidiary and filed with the Secretary of State of the State
of North Carolina relating to the Merger as contemplated by Section 2.1 of this
Plan of Merger.

     1.2 "CENTURA COMMON STOCK" shall mean the no par value common stock of
Centura.

     1.3 "CENTURA COMPANIES" shall mean, collectively, Centura and all Centura
Subsidiaries.

     1.4 "CENTURA MERGER SUBSIDIARY COMMON STOCK" shall mean the no par value
common stock of Centura Merger Subsidiary.

     1.5 "CONSENT" shall mean any consent, approval, authorization, clearance,
exemption, waiver, or similar affirmation by any Person pursuant to any
Contract, Law, Order, or Permit.

     1.6 "EFFECTIVE TIME" shall mean the date and time on which the Merger
becomes effective pursuant to the Laws of the State of North Carolina as defined
in Section 2.2 of this Plan of Merger.

     1.7 "EXCHANGE AGENT" shall mean the exchange agent selected by Centura.

     1.8 "INTERNAL REVENUE CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

     1.9 "LAW" shall mean any code, law, ordinance, regulation, reporting or
licensing requirement, rule, or statute applicable to a person or its assets,
liabilities, or business, including those promulgated, interpreted, or enforced
by any Regulatory Authority.

     1.10 "MERGER" shall mean the merger of Triangle into and with Centura
Merger Subsidiary as provided in Section 2.1 of this Plan of Merger.

     1.11 "MERGER AGREEMENT" shall mean the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization, dated as of August 22, 1999, by and between Centura and
Triangle.

     1.12 "NORTH CAROLINA BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT" shall mean the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act.

     1.13 "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

                                       B-1
<PAGE>   131

     1.14 "PARTY" shall mean either Triangle or Centura Merger Subsidiary, and
"PARTIES" shall mean both Triangle and Centura Merger Subsidiary.

     1.15 "REGULATORY AUTHORITIES" shall mean, collectively, the Federal Trade
Commission, the United States Department of Justice, the Board of the Governors
of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency,
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of Thrift Supervision, all
state regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Parties and their
respective Subsidiaries, the NYSE, and the SEC.

     1.16 "SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

     1.17 "SUBSIDIARIES" shall mean all those corporations, banks, associations,
or other entities of which the entity in question owns or controls 50% or more
of the outstanding equity securities either directly or through an unbroken
chain of entities as to each of which 50% or more of the outstanding equity
securities is owned directly or indirectly by its parent; provided, there shall
not be included any such entity acquired through foreclosure or any such entity
the equity securities of which are owned or controlled in a fiduciary capacity.

     1.18 "SUPPLEMENTAL LETTER" shall mean the supplemental letter of even date
herewith between Triangle and Centura relating to certain understandings and
agreements in addition to those included in this Plan of Merger.

     1.19 "SURVIVING CORPORATION" shall refer to Centura Merger Subsidiary as
the surviving corporation resulting from the Merger.

     1.20 "TRIANGLE COMMON STOCK" shall mean the no par value common stock of
Triangle.

     1.21 "TRIANGLE COMPANIES" shall mean, collectively, Triangle and all
Triangle Subsidiaries.

     1.22 "TRIANGLE STOCK PLANS" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger
Agreement.

     1.23 "TRIANGLE WARRANTS" shall mean the warrants issued by Unity Bank &
Trust Company and assumed by Triangle in connection with the acquisition of
Unity Bank & Trust Company.

     Any capitalized term not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to
it in the Merger Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 2

                        TRANSACTIONS AND TERMS OF MERGER

     2.1 MERGER.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan of Merger, at
the Effective Time, Triangle shall be merged with and into Centura Merger
Subsidiary in accordance with the provisions of Section 55-11-01 of the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act and with the effect provided in Section
55-11-06 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act (the "Merger"). Centura
Merger Subsidiary shall be the Surviving Corporation resulting from the Merger
and shall continue to be governed by the Laws of the State of North Carolina.

     2.2 EFFECTIVE TIME.  The Merger and the other transactions contemplated by
this Plan of Merger shall become effective on the date and at the time the
Articles of Merger become effective with the Secretary of State of the State of
North Carolina (the "Effective Time"). Subject to the terms and conditions
hereof, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing by the duly authorized
officers of each Party, the Parties shall use their reasonable efforts to cause
the Effective Time to occur on or before the 10th business day (as designated by
Centura) following the last to occur of (i) the effective date (including
expiration of any applicable waiting period) of the last required Consent of any
Regulatory Authority having authority over and approving or exempting the
Merger, and (ii) the date on which the stockholders of Centura and Triangle
approve the matters relating to this Plan of Merger required to be approved by
such stockholders by applicable Law.

                                       B-2
<PAGE>   132

     2.3 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.  The Articles of Incorporation of Centura
Merger Subsidiary in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the
Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time
until otherwise amended or repealed.

     2.4 BYLAWS.  The Bylaws of Centura Merger Subsidiary in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation
after the Effective Time until otherwise amended or repealed.

     2.5 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.  The directors of Centura Merger Subsidiary in
office immediately prior to the Effective Time shall serve as the directors of
the Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective Time in accordance with
the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. The officers of Centura Merger
Subsidiary in office immediately prior to the Effective Time shall serve as the
officers of the Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective Time in
accordance with the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE 3

                          MANNER OF CONVERTING SHARES

     3.1 CONVERSION OF SHARES.  Subject to the provisions of this Article 3, at
the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part
of Centura or Triangle, or the stockholders of either of the foregoing, the
shares of the constituent corporations shall be converted as follows:

          (a) Each share of Centura Common Stock issued and outstanding
     immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain issued and outstanding
     from and after the Effective Time.

          (b) Each share of Centura Merger Subsidiary Common Stock issued and
     outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain issued and
     outstanding from and after the Effective Time.

          (c) Each share of Triangle Common Stock (excluding shares held by any
     Triangle Company or any Centura Company, in each case other than in a
     fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted) issued
     and outstanding at the Effective Time shall be converted into .45 of a
     share of Centura Common Stock (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section
     10.1(g) of the Merger Agreement, the "Exchange Ratio").

     3.2 ANTI-DILUTION PROVISIONS.  In the event Triangle changes the number of
shares of Triangle Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the Effective
Time as a result of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or similar
transaction with respect to such stock, the Exchange Ratio shall be
proportionately adjusted. In the event Centura changes the number of shares of
Centura Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time as a
result of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or similar
transaction with respect to such stock and the record date therefor (in the case
of a stock dividend) or the effective date thereof (in the case of a stock split
or similar recapitalization for which a record date is not established) shall be
prior to the Effective Time, the Exchange Ratio shall be proportionately
adjusted.

     3.3 SHARES HELD BY TRIANGLE OR CENTURA.  Each of the shares of Triangle
Common Stock held by any Triangle Company or by any Centura Company, in each
case other than in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts previously
contracted, shall be canceled and retired at the Effective Time and no
consideration shall be issued in exchange therefor.

     3.4 FRACTIONAL SHARES.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan of
Merger, each holder of shares of Triangle Common Stock exchanged pursuant to the
Merger who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share
of Centura Common Stock (after taking into account all certificates delivered by
such holder) shall receive, in lieu thereof, cash (without interest) in an
amount equal to such fractional part of a share of Centura Common Stock
multiplied by the market value of one share of Centura Common Stock at the
Effective Time. The market value of one share of Centura

                                       B-3
<PAGE>   133

Common Stock at the Effective Time shall be the last sale price of Centura
Common Stock on the NYSE - Composite Transactions List (as reported by The Wall
Street Journal or, if not reported thereby, any other authoritative source
selected by Centura) on the last trading day preceding the Effective Time. No
such holder will be entitled to dividends, voting rights, or any other rights as
a stockholder in respect of any fractional shares.

     3.5 CONVERSION OF STOCK RIGHTS.

     (a) At the Effective Time, each award, option, or other right to purchase
or acquire shares of Triangle Common Stock pursuant to stock options, stock
appreciation rights, or stock awards ("Triangle Rights") granted by Triangle
under the Triangle Stock Plans, which are outstanding at the Effective Time,
whether or not exercisable, shall be converted into and become rights with
respect to Centura Common Stock, and Centura shall assume each Triangle Right,
in accordance with the terms of the Triangle Stock Plan and stock option
agreement by which it is evidenced, except that from and after the Effective
Time, (i) Centura and its Compensation Committee shall be substituted for
Triangle and the Committee of Triangle's Board of Directors (including, if
applicable, the entire Board of Directors of Triangle) administering such
Triangle Stock Plan, (ii) each Triangle Right assumed by Centura may be
exercised solely for shares of Centura Common Stock (or cash in the case of
stock appreciation rights), (iii) the number of shares of Centura Common Stock
subject to such Triangle Right shall be equal to the number of shares of
Triangle Common Stock subject to such Triangle Right immediately prior to the
Effective Time multiplied by the Exchange Ratio and rounded down to the nearest
whole share, and (iv) the per share exercise price (or similar threshold price,
in the case of stock awards) under each such Triangle Right shall be adjusted by
dividing the per share exercise (or threshold) price under each such Triangle
Right by the Exchange Ratio and rounding up to the nearest cent. Notwithstanding
the provisions of clause (iii) of the preceding sentence, each Triangle Right
which is an "incentive stock option" shall be adjusted as required by Section
424 of the Internal Revenue Code, so as not to constitute a modification,
extension, or renewal of the option, within the meaning of Section 424(h) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Centura agrees to take all necessary steps to effectuate
the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.5.

     (b) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, Centura
shall deliver to the participants in each Triangle Stock Plan an appropriate
notice setting forth such participant's rights pursuant thereto and the grants
pursuant to such Triangle Stock Plan shall continue in effect on the same terms
and conditions (subject to the adjustments required by Section 3.5(a) after
giving effect to the Merger), and Centura shall comply with the terms of each
Triangle Stock Plan to ensure, to the extent required by, and subject to the
provisions of, such Triangle Stock Plan, that Triangle Rights which qualified as
incentive stock options prior to the Effective Time continue to qualify as
incentive stock options after the Effective Time. At or prior to the Effective
Time, Centura shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance
sufficient shares of Centura Common Stock for delivery upon exercise of Triangle
Rights assumed by it in accordance with this Section 3.5. As soon as reasonably
practicable after the Effective Time, Centura shall file a registration
statement on Form S-3 or Form S-8, as the case may be (or any successor or other
appropriate forms), with respect to the shares of Centura Common Stock subject
to such options and shall use its reasonable efforts to maintain the
effectiveness of such registration statements (and maintain the current status
of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long as such options
remain outstanding. With respect to those individuals who subsequent to the
Merger will be subject to the reporting requirements under Section 16(a) of the
1934 Act, where applicable, Centura shall administer the Triangle Stock Plan
assumed pursuant to this Section 3.5 in a manner that complies with Rule 16b-3
promulgated under the 1934 Act.

     (c) All restrictions or limitations on transfer with respect to Triangle
Common Stock awarded under the Triangle Stock Plans or any other plan, program,
or arrangement of any Triangle Company, to the extent that such restrictions or
limitations shall not have already lapsed, and except as otherwise expressly
provided in such plan, program, or arrangement, shall remain in full force and
effect with respect to shares of Centura Common Stock into which such restricted
stock is converted pursuant to Section 3.1 of this Plan of Merger.

                                       B-4
<PAGE>   134

     3.6 CONVERSION OF TRIANGLE WARRANTS.  At the Effective Time, each Triangle
Warrant which is outstanding at the Effective Time, whether or not exercisable,
shall be converted into and become a right with respect to Centura Common Stock,
and Centura shall assume each Triangle Warrant, in accordance with the terms of
the agreement by which the Triangle Warrant is evidenced, except that from and
after the Effective Time, (i) each Triangle Warrant assumed by Centura may be
exercised solely for shares of Centura Common Stock, (ii) the number of shares
of Centura Common Stock subject to such Triangle Warrant shall be equal to the
number of shares of Triangle Common Stock subject to such Triangle Warrant
immediately prior to the Effective Time, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, and
(iii) the per share exercise price under each such Triangle Warrant shall be
adjusted by dividing the per share exercise price under each such Triangle
Warrant by the Exchange Ratio and rounding up to the nearest cent.

                                   ARTICLE 4

                               EXCHANGE OF SHARES

     4.1 EXCHANGE PROCEDURES.  Promptly after the Effective Time, Centura and
Triangle shall cause the exchange agent selected by Centura (the "Exchange
Agent") to mail to the former stockholders of Triangle appropriate transmittal
materials (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss
and title to the certificates theretofore representing shares of Triangle Common
Stock shall pass, only upon proper delivery of such certificates to the Exchange
Agent). After the Effective Time, each holder of shares of Triangle Common Stock
(other than shares to be canceled pursuant to Section 3.3 of this Plan of
Merger) issued and outstanding at the Effective Time shall surrender the
certificate or certificates representing such shares to the Exchange Agent and
shall promptly upon surrender thereof receive in exchange therefor the
consideration provided in Section 3.1 of this Plan of Merger, together with all
undelivered dividends or distributions in respect of such shares (without
interest thereon) pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Plan of Merger. To the extent
required by Section 3.4 of this Plan of Merger, each holder of shares of
Triangle Common Stock issued and outstanding at the Effective Time also shall
receive, upon surrender of the certificate or certificates representing such
shares, cash in lieu of any fractional share of Centura Common Stock to which
such holder may be otherwise entitled (without interest). Centura shall not be
obligated to deliver the consideration to which any former holder of Triangle
Common Stock is entitled as a result of the Merger until such holder surrenders
such holder's certificate or certificates representing the shares of Triangle
Common Stock for exchange as provided in this Section 4.1. The certificate or
certificates of Triangle Common Stock so surrendered shall be duly endorsed as
the Exchange Agent may require. Any other provision of this Plan of Merger
notwithstanding, neither the Surviving Corporation nor the Exchange Agent shall
be liable to a holder of Triangle Common Stock for any amounts paid or property
delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to any applicable
abandoned property Law.

     4.2 RIGHTS OF FORMER TRIANGLE STOCKHOLDERS.  At the Effective Time, the
stock transfer books of Triangle shall be closed as to holders of Triangle
Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time and no transfer of Triangle
Common Stock by any such holder shall thereafter be made or recognized. Until
surrendered for exchange in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.1 of
this Plan of Merger, each certificate theretofore representing shares of
Triangle Common Stock (other than shares to be canceled pursuant to Section 3.3
of this Plan of Merger) shall from and after the Effective Time represent for
all purposes only the right to receive the consideration provided in Sections
3.1 and 3.4 of this Plan of Merger in exchange therefor, subject, however, to
the Surviving Corporation's obligation to pay any dividends or make any other
distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which have been
declared or made by Triangle in respect of such shares of Triangle Common Stock
in accordance with the terms of this Plan of Merger and which remain unpaid at
the Effective Time. To the extent permitted by Law, former stockholders of
record of Triangle shall be entitled to vote after the Effective Time at any
meeting of Centura stockholders the number of whole shares of Centura Common
Stock into which their respective shares of Triangle Common Stock are converted,
regardless of whether such holders have exchanged their certificates
representing Triangle Common Stock for certificates representing Centura Common
Stock in accordance with the provisions of this Plan of Merger. Whenever a
dividend or other
                                       B-5
<PAGE>   135

distribution is declared by Centura on the Centura Common Stock, the record date
for which is at or after the Effective Time, the declaration shall include
dividends or other distributions on all shares issuable pursuant to this Plan of
Merger, but beginning 30 days after the Effective Time no dividend or other
distribution payable to the holders of record of Centura Common Stock as of any
time subsequent to the Effective Time shall be delivered to the holder of any
certificate representing shares of Triangle Common Stock issued and outstanding
at the Effective Time until such holder surrenders such certificate for exchange
as provided in Section 4.1 of this Plan of Merger. However, upon surrender of
such Triangle Common Stock certificate, both the Centura Common Stock
certificate (together with all such undelivered dividends or other distributions
without interest) and any undelivered dividends and cash payments to be paid for
fractional share interests (without interest) shall be delivered and paid with
respect to each share represented by such certificate.

                                   ARTICLE 5

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

     5.1 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.  Consummation of the Merger by Centura Merger
Subsidiary shall be conditioned on the satisfaction of, or waiver by Centura of
the conditions precedent to the Merger set forth in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 of the
Merger Agreement. Consummation of the Merger by Triangle shall be conditioned on
the satisfaction of, or waiver by Triangle of, of the conditions precedent to
the Merger set forth in Sections 9.1 and 9.3 of the Merger Agreement.

     5.2 TERMINATION.  This Plan of Merger may be terminated at any time prior
to the Effective Time by the parties hereto as provided in Article 10 of the
Merger Agreement.

     5.3 COUNTERPARTS.  This Plan of Merger may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be an original; but all of such counterparts together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

     In Witness Whereof, the parties have caused their duly authorized officers
to execute this Plan of Merger as of the date first above written.

                                          TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.

<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
ATTEST:                                          By:
       ------------------------------               --------------------------------------
           Susan C. Gilbert                          Michael S. Patterson
           Secretary                                 President, Chief Executive Officer, and
                                                     Chairman of the Board
</TABLE>

                                          CENTURA MERGER SUBSIDIARY, INC.

<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
ATTEST:                                          By:
       ------------------------------               --------------------------------------
           Joseph A. Smith, Jr.                      Cecil W. Sewell, Jr.
           Secretary                                 President
</TABLE>

                                       B-6
<PAGE>   136

                                                                      APPENDIX C

                     [LETTERHEAD OF WHEAT FIRST SECURITIES]

December   , 1999

Board of Directors
Triangle Bancorp, Inc.
4300 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612

Members of the Board:

     Triangle Bancorp, Inc. ("Triangle") and Centura Banks, Inc. ("Centura")
have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and a Plan of Merger
each dated as of August 22, 1999 (collectively, the "Merger Agreement"),
pursuant to which Triangle will combine with Centura by means of the merger (the
"Merger") of Triangle with and into Centura. Upon consummation of the Merger,
each of the outstanding shares of the common stock, no par value, of Triangle
("Triangle Stock") (other than shares held by dissenting shareholders or shares
held by Centura) will be converted into 0.450 shares of the common stock of
Centura ("Centura Stock"), as adjusted in accordance with the terms of the
Merger Agreement (the "Exchange Ratio").

     You have asked us whether, in our opinion, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from
a financial point of view, to the holders of Triangle Stock (other than Centura
and its affiliates).

     Wheat First Securities, a division of First Union Capital Markets Corp.
("Wheat First"), as part of its investment banking business, is regularly
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. In the ordinary course
of our business as a broker-dealer, we may, from time to time, have a long or
short position in, and buy or sell, debt or equity securities of Triangle or
Centura for our own account or for the accounts of our customers. Wheat First
will receive a fee from Triangle for our financial advisory services, which
include rendering this opinion.

     In arriving at the opinion set forth below, we have conducted discussions
with members of senior management of Triangle and Centura concerning their
businesses and prospects and have reviewed certain publicly available business
and financial information and certain other information prepared or provided to
us in connection with the Merger, including, among other things, the following:

     (1) Triangle's Annual Reports to Stockholders, Annual Reports on Form 10-K
         and related financial information for the three fiscal years ended
         December 31, 1998;

     (2) Triangle's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March
         31, 1999, and June 30, 1999;

     (3) Centura's Annual Reports to Stockholders, Annual Reports on Form 10-K
         and related financial information for the three fiscal years ended
         December 31, 1998;

     (4) Centura's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March
         31, 1999, and June 30, 1999;

     (5) Certain publicly available information with respect to historical
         market prices and trading activities for Triangle Stock and Centura
         Stock and for certain publicly traded financial institutions which
         Wheat First deemed relevant;

     (6) Certain publicly available information with respect to banking
         companies and the financial terms of certain other mergers and
         acquisitions which Wheat First deemed relevant;

     (7) The Merger Agreement;

                                       C-1
<PAGE>   137

     (8) Other financial information concerning the businesses and operations of
         Triangle and Centura, including certain audited and unaudited financial
         information and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for
         Triangle and Centura prepared by the senior managements of those
         companies; and

     (9) Such financial studies, analyses, inquiries and other matters as we
         deemed necessary.

     In preparing our opinion, we have relied on and assumed the accuracy and
completeness of all information provided to us or publicly available, including
the representations and warranties of Triangle and Centura included in the
Merger Agreement, and we have not assumed any responsibility for independent
verification of such information. We have relied upon the managements of
Triangle and Centura as to the reasonableness and achievability of their
financial and operational forecasts and projections, and the assumptions and
bases therefor, provided to us, and, with your consent, we have assumed that
such forecasts and projections reflect the best currently available estimates
and judgments of such managements, and that such forecasts and projections will
be realized in the amounts and in the time periods currently estimated by such
managements. We also assumed, without independent verification, that the
aggregate allowances for loan losses and other contingencies for Triangle and
Centura are adequate to cover such losses. We did not review any individual
credit files of Triangle or Centura, nor did we make an independent evaluation
or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of Triangle or Centura. We also
assumed that, in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for
the Merger, no conditions will be imposed that will have a material adverse
effect on the contemplated benefits of the Merger, on a pro forma basis, to
Centura.

     Our opinion is necessarily based upon market, economic and other conditions
as they exist and can be evaluated on the date hereof and the information made
available to us through the date hereof. Events occurring after that date could
materially affect the assumptions and conclusions contained in our opinion. We
have not undertaken to reaffirm or revise this opinion or otherwise comment on
any events occurring after the date hereof. Wheat First's opinion is directed to
the Board of Directors of Triangle and relates only to the fairness, from a
financial point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to the holders of Triangle Stock
(other than Centura and its affiliates) and does not address any other aspect of
the Merger or constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Triangle as to
how such shareholder should vote with respect to the Merger. Wheat First's
opinion does not address the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any
alternative business strategies that might exist for Triangle, nor does it
address the effect of any other business combination in which Triangle might
engage.

     It is understood that this opinion may be included in its entirety in the
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. This opinion may not, however, be summarized,
excerpted from or otherwise publicly referred to without our prior written
consent.

     On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that as
of the date hereof the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view,
to the holders of Triangle Stock (other than Centura and its affiliates).

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          WHEAT FIRST SECURITIES,
                                          a division of First Union Capital
                                          Markets Corp.

                                       C-2
<PAGE>   138

                                                                      APPENDIX D

                 [LETTERHEAD OF KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC.]

                               December   , 1999

Centura Banks, Inc.
134 North Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Members of the Board:

     You have requested our opinion as investment bankers as to the fairness,
from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of Centura Banks, Inc.
("Centura") of the exchange ratio in the proposed merger (the "Merger") of
Centura with Triangle Bancorp, Inc. ("Triangle"), pursuant to the Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated as of August 22, 1999 between Centura, and Triangle (the
"Agreement"). Under the terms of the Merger, each outstanding share of common
stock of Triangle will be exchanged for .4500 shares of common stock of Centura
(the "Exchange Ratio"). Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. ("KBW") was informed by
Centura, and assumed for purposes of its opinion, that the Merger (as defined
herein) would be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests under generally
accepted accounting principles and that the Merger will otherwise be consummated
on the terms contemplated by the Agreement.

     KBW as part of its investment banking business is continually engaged in
the valuation of banking businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. As specialists in the
securities of banking companies we have experience in, and knowledge of, the
valuation of banking enterprises. In the ordinary course of our business as a
broker-dealer, we may, from time to time, purchase securities from, and sell
securities to Centura and Triangle and as a market maker in securities, we may
from time to time have a long or short position in, and buy or sell, debt or
equity securities of Centura and Triangle for our own account and for the
accounts of our customers. To the extent we have any such position as of the
date of this opinion it has been disclosed to Centura. We have acted as a
financial advisor to the Board of Directors of Centura in rendering this
fairness opinion and will receive a fee from Centura for our services.

     In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the
Agreement and the related stock option agreement; Annual Reports to Stockholders
of Centura and Triangle for the three years ended December 31, 1998; certain
interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of Centura
and Triangle, and certain internal financial analyses and adjusted budget
forecasts for Centura and Triangle prepared by management. We also have held
discussions with members of the senior management of Centura and Triangle
regarding the past and current business operations, regulatory relationships,
financial condition and future prospects of their respective companies. In
addition, we have compared certain financial and stock market information for
Centura and Triangle with similar information for certain other companies the
securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed the financial terms of certain
recent business combinations in the banking industry and performed such other
studies and analyses as we considered appropriate.

     In conducting our review and arriving at our opinion, we have relied upon
and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other
information provided to us or publicly available and we have not assumed any
responsibility for independently verifying any of such information. We have
relied upon the management of Centura and Triangle as to the reasonableness and
achievability of the adjusted budget forecasts (and the assumptions and bases
therefor) provided to us, and we have assumed that such forecasts reflect the
best currently available estimates and judgments of Triangle and Centura and
that such forecasts will be realized in the amounts and in the time period
currently estimated by such managements. We have also assumed that the aggregate
allowances for loan losses for Centura and Triangle are adequate to cover such
losses. In rendering our opinion, we have not made or obtained any

                                       D-1
<PAGE>   139

evaluations or appraisals of the property of Centura or Triangle nor have we
examined any individual credit files.

     We have considered such financial and other factors as we have deemed
appropriate under the circumstances, including among others the following: (i)
the historical and current financial position and results of operations of
Centura and Triangle; (ii) the assets and liabilities of Centura and Triangle;
and (iii) the nature and terms of certain other merger transactions involving
banks and bank holding companies. We have also taken into account our assessment
of general economic, market and financial conditions and our experience in other
transactions, as well as our experience in securities valuation and our
knowledge of the banking industry generally. Our opinion is necessarily based
upon conditions as they exist and can be evaluated on the date hereof and the
information made available to us through the date hereof.

     Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the
date hereof, the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Agreement is fair, from a
financial point of view, to the common shareholders of Centura.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC.

                                       D-2
<PAGE>   140

                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

     The Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant provides as
follows:

     TWELFTH: INDEMNIFICATION OF CERTAIN PERSONS:

     To the fullest extent permitted by North Carolina law, the Corporation may
indemnify or purchase and maintain insurance to indemnify any of its directors,
officers, employees or agents and any persons who may serve at the request of
the Corporation as directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any
other corporation, firm, association, national banking association,
state-chartered bank, trust company, business trust, organization or any other
type of entity whether or not the Corporation shall have any ownership interest
in such entity. Such indemnification(s) may be provided for in the Bylaws, or by
resolution of the board of directors or by appropriate contract with the person
involved.

     Article IX, Section 4 of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws
provides as follows:

     INDEMNIFICATION:

     Any person who at any time serves or has served as a director or officer of
the Corporation, or at the request of the Corporation is or was serving as an
officer, director, agent, partner, trustee, administrator, or employee for any
other foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
employee benefit plan, or other enterprise, shall be indemnified by the
Corporation to the fullest extent from time to time permitted by law in the
event he is made, or is threatened to be made, a party to any threatened,
pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or
arbitrative action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therein (and any inquiry
or investigation that could lead to such action, suit or proceeding), whether or
not brought by or on behalf of the Corporation, seeking to hold him liable by
reason of the fact that he is or was acting in such capacity. In addition, the
board may provide such indemnification for the employees and agents of the
Corporation as it deems inappropriate.

     The rights of those receiving indemnification hereunder shall, to the
fullest extent from time to time permitted by law, cover (i) reasonable
expenses, including without limitation all attorney's fees actually and
necessarily incurred by him in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding, (ii) all reasonable payments made by him in satisfaction of any
judgment, money decree, fine (including an excise tax assessed with respect to
an employee benefit plan), penalty, or settlement for which he may have become
liable in such action, suit or proceeding; and (iii) all reasonable expenses
incurred in enforcing the indemnification rights provided herein.

     Expenses incurred by anyone entitled to receive indemnification under this
section in defending a proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of
the final disposition of such proceeding as authorized by the board of directors
in the specific case or as authorized or required under any provisions in the
bylaws or by any applicable resolution or contract upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay such amount unless it shall
ultimately be determined that he is entitled to be indemnified by the
Corporation against such expenses.

     The board of directors of the Corporation shall take all such action as may
be necessary and appropriate to authorize the Corporation to pay the
indemnification required by this bylaw, including without limitation, to the
extent needed, making a good faith evaluation of the manner in which the
claimant for indemnity acted and of the reasonable amount of indemnity due him.

     Any person who at any time serves or has served in any of the aforesaid
capacities for or on behalf of the Corporation shall be deemed to be doing or to
have done so in reliance upon, and as consideration for, the right of
indemnification provided herein. Any repeal or modification of these
indemnification provisions shall not affect any rights or obligations existing
at the time of such repeal or modification. The rights provided for herein shall
inure to the benefit of the legal representatives of any such person and shall
not

                                      II-1
<PAGE>   141

be exclusive of any other rights to which such person may be entitled apart from
the provisions of this bylaw.

     The rights granted herein shall not be limited by the provisions contained
in N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 55-8-51 (or its successor).

ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS.

     The following exhibits are filed herein or have been, as noted, previously
filed:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
  NO.                             DESCRIPTION
- -------   ------------------------------------------------------------
<C>       <S>
  2.1     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of August 22,
          1999, by and between Triangle Bancorp, Inc. and Centura
          Banks, Inc. (included as Appendix A to the joint proxy
          statement-prospectus included in this Registration
          Statement).
  2.2     Plan of Merger, dated as of December 1,1999, by and between
          Triangle Bancorp, Inc. and Centura Banks, Inc. (included as
          Appendix B to the joint proxy statement-prospectus included
          in this Registration Statement).
  5.1     Opinion of Joseph A. Smith, Jr., General Counsel and
          Corporate Secretary of Centura Banks, Inc. as to the
          validity of the shares of Centura Banks, Inc. common stock.
  8.1     Opinion of Alston & Bird LLP as to federal income tax
          consequences.
 23.1     Consent of KPMG LLP (for Centura).
 23.2     Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (for Triangle).
 23.3     Consent of Joseph A. Smith, Jr., General Counsel and
          Corporate Secretary of Centura Banks, Inc. (included in
          Exhibit 5.1).
 23.4     Consent of Alston & Bird llp (to be filed by amendment and
          included in Exhibit 8.1).
 23.5     Consent of Wheat First Securities.
 23.6     Consent of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
 23.7     Consent of Michael S. Patterson.
 24.1     Power of Attorney (contained on the signature page hereof).
 99.1     Form of Proxy of Triangle Bancorp, Inc.
 99.2     Form of Proxy of Centura Banks, Inc.
</TABLE>

ITEM 22.  UNDERTAKINGS.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

     (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement;

          (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
     Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act");

          (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
     the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
     post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
     represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
     registration statement; and

          (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
     distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
     material change in such information in the registration statement.

     (2) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section
13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by
reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration

                                      II-2
<PAGE>   142

statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.

     (3) That for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form
of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.

     (4) That for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     (5) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification
is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

     (6) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by
reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form
S-4, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the
incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This
includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective
date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the
request.

     (7) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information
concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that
was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became
effective.

     (8) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
hereunder through the use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration
statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus
will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with
respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to
the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

     (9) That every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant to Paragraph (8)
immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section
10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities
subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration
statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                                      II-3
<PAGE>   143

                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this amendment to the registration statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Rocky Mount, State of North Carolina on this the 6th day of December, 1999.

                                          REGISTRANT

                                          CENTURA BANKS, INC.

                                          By:   /s/ CECIL W. SEWELL, JR.
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Cecil W. Sewell, Jr.
                                            Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                            Executive Officer

     We, the undersigned directors and officers of Centura Banks, Inc. do hereby
constitute and appoint Joseph A. Smith, Jr. and Frank L. Pattillo, and each of
them, our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for us and in our name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration
Statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents
in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and we do
hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SIGNATURE                                TITLE                   DATE
                   ---------                                -----                   ----
<C>                                               <S>                         <C>
            /s/ CECIL W. SEWELL, JR.              Chairman of the Board and   October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------    Chief Executive Officer
              Cecil W. Sewell, Jr.

             /s/ FRANK L. PATTILLO                Director and Vice Chairman  October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
               Frank L. Pattillo

            /s/ WILLIAM H. WILKERSON              Director and President      October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
              William H. Wilkerson

            /s/ STEVEN J. GOLDSTEIN               Chief Financial Officer     October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
              Steven J. Goldstein

              /s/ W. CAROL FULGHUM                Principal Accounting        October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------    Officer
                W. Carol Fulghum

                                                  Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
              Richard H. Barnhardt
</TABLE>

                                      II-4
<PAGE>   144

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SIGNATURE                                TITLE                   DATE
                   ---------                                -----                   ----
<C>                                               <S>                         <C>
              /s/ C. WOOD BEASLEY                 Director                    October 28, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
                C. Wood Beasley

            /s/ THOMAS A. BETTS, JR.              Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
              Thomas A. Betts, Jr.

               /s/ H. TATE BOWERS                 Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
                 H. Tate Bowers

              /s/ ERNEST L. EVANS                 Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
                Ernest L. Evans

            /s/ BERNARD W. FRANKLIN               Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
              Bernard W. Franklin

              /s/ SUSAN E. GRAVELY                Director                    October 26, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
                Susan E. Gravely

                /s/ JOHN H. HIGH                  Director                    October 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
                  John H. High

             /s/ ROBERT L. HUBBARD                Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
               Robert L. Hubbard

            /s/ WILLIAM H. KINCHELOE              Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
              William H. Kincheloe

              /s/ CHARLES T. LANE                 Director                    October 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
                Charles T. Lane

              /s/ JOSEPH H. NELSON                Director                    October 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
                Joseph H. Nelson

            /s/ DEAN E. PAINTER, JR.              Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
              Dean E. Painter, Jr.

            /s/ O. TRACY PARKS, III               Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
              O. Tracy Parks, III

          /s/ WILLIAM H. REDDING, JR.             Director                    October 25, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
            William H. Redding, Jr.
</TABLE>

                                      II-5
<PAGE>   145

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SIGNATURE                                TITLE                   DATE
                   ---------                                -----                   ----
<C>                                               <S>                         <C>
           /s/ CHARLES M. REEVES, III             Director                    October 26, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
             Charles M. Reeves, III

          /s/ GEORGE T. STRONACH, III             Director                    October 26, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
            George T. Stronach, III

          /s/ ALEXANDER P. THORPE, III            Director                    October 21, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
            Alexander P. Thorpe, III

             /s/ CHARLES P. WILKINS               Director                    October 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------
               Charles P. Wilkins
</TABLE>

                                      II-6
<PAGE>   146

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
  NO.                             DESCRIPTION
- -------   ------------------------------------------------------------
<C>       <S>
  5.1     Opinion of Joseph A. Smith, Jr., General Counsel and
          Corporate Secretary of Centura Banks, Inc. as to the
          validity of the shares of Centura Banks, Inc. common stock.
  8.1     Opinion of Alston & Bird LLP as to federal income tax
          consequences.
 23.1     Consent of KPMG LLP (for Centura).
 23.2     Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (for Triangle).
 23.3     Consent of Joseph A. Smith, Jr., General Counsel and
          Corporate Secretary of Centura Banks, Inc. (included in
          Exhibit 5.1).
 23.4     Consent of Alston & Bird llp (included in Exhibit 8.1).
 23.5     Consent of Wheat First Securities.
 23.6     Consent of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
 23.7     Consent of Michael S. Patterson.
 24.1     Power of Attorney (contained on the signature page hereof).
 99.1     Form of Proxy of Triangle.
 99.2     Form of Proxy of Centura.
</TABLE>

                                      II-7

<PAGE>   1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                        [CENTURA BANKS, INC. LETTERHEAD]

                                December 6, 1999

Centura Banks, Inc.
134 North Church Street
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804

                  RE:  12,232,714 SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE PER
                       SHARE OF CENTURA BANKS, INC., A NORTH CAROLINA
                       CORPORATION ("CENTURA")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

                  The undersigned has participated in the preparation of a
registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") for filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect to not more than
12,232,714 shares of Centura's common stock, no par value per share which may be
issued by Centura pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as
of August 22, 1999, by and between Centura and Triangle Bancorp, Inc. (the
"Agreement").

                  For purposes of rendering the opinion expressed herein, the
undersigned has examined Centura's articles of incorporation and all amendments
thereto; Centura's by-laws and amendments thereto; and such of Centura's
corporate records as the undersigned has deemed necessary and material to
rendering the undersigned's opinion. The undersigned has relied upon
certificates of public officials and representations of Centura officials, and
has assumed that all documents examined by the undersigned as originals are
authentic, that all documents submitted to the undersigned as photocopies are
exact duplicates of original documents, and that all signatures on all
documents are genuine.

                  Further, the undersigned is familiar with, and has supervised
all corporate action taken in connection with the authorization of the issuance
and offering of the subject securities.

                  Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subsequent
assumptions, qualifications and exceptions, it is the undersigned's opinion
that:

                  1. Centura is a duly organized and validly existing
corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of North Carolina and
has all requisite power and authority to issue, sell and deliver the subject
securities, and to carry on its business and own its property; and

<PAGE>   2

Centura Banks, Inc.
December 6, 1999
Page Two


                  2. The shares of Centura common stock to be issued by Centura
pursuant to the Agreement have been duly authorized and when issued by Centura
in accordance therewith, such shares of Centura common stock will be fully paid
and nonassessable.

                  The opinions expressed above are limited by the following
assumptions, qualifications, and exceptions.

                       (a) The undersigned is licensed to practice law only in
       the State of North Carolina and expresses no opinion with respect to the
       effect of the laws other than those of the State of North Carolina and
       of the United States of America.

                       (b) The opinions stated herein are based upon statutes,
       regulations, rules, court decisions, and other authorities existing and
       effective as of the date of this opinion letter, and the undersigned
       undertakes no responsibility to update or supplement said opinions in
       the event of or in response to any subsequent changes in the law or said
       authorities, or upon the occurrence after the date hereof of events or
       circumstances that, if occurring prior to the date hereof, might have
       resulted in different opinions.

                       (c) These opinions have been rendered solely for the
       benefit of Centura and no other person or entity shall be entitled to
       rely hereon without the express written consent of the undersigned.

                       (d) This opinion is limited to the legal matters
       expressly set forth herein, and no opinion is to be implied or inferred
       beyond the legal matters expressly so addressed.

                  The undersigned hereby consents to the undersigned being
named as a party rendering a legal opinion under the caption "Opinions" in the
joint proxy statement-prospectus constituting part of the Registration
Statement and to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as well as all state regulatory bodies and jurisdictions where
qualification is sought for the sale of the subject securities.

                  The undersigned is an officer of, and receives compensation
from Centura and therefore is not independent from Centura.

                                                 Very truly yours,

                                                 CENTURA BANKS, INC.

                                                 By: /s/ JOSEPH A. SMITH, JR.
                                                     ------------------------
                                                     Joseph A. Smith, Jr.

<PAGE>   1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 8.1

                              ALSTON & BIRD LLP
                         601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
                          North Building, 11th Floor
                             Washington, DC 20004

                             202-756-3300 (Phone)
                              202-756-3333 (Fax)

                               December 6, 1999


Centura Banks, Inc.
134 North Church Street
Rocky Mount, North Carolina  27804

       RE:    Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement")
              with respect to shares issued pursuant to the Agreement and Plan
              of Reorganization by and Between Triangle Bancorp, Inc.
              ("Triangle") and Centura Banks, Inc. ("Centura") dated as of
              August 22, 1999 (the "Reorganization Agreement")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

       We have acted as counsel to Centura in connection with the registration
of shares of its Common Stock (the "Common Stock"), issuable pursuant to the
Reorganization Agreement, as set forth in the Registration Statement that is
being filed on the date hereof by Centura with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"). This opinion is provided pursuant to the requirements of
Item 21(a) of Form S-4 and Item 601(b)(8) of Regulation S-K. All capitalized
terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the
Reorganization Agreement.

       In the Merger, Triangle will merge into a newly-formed, wholly-owned
subsidiary of Centura, pursuant to North Carolina law, and each outstanding
share of Triangle Common Stock (the only class outstanding) is to be converted
into a fractional share of Centura Common Stock. Immediately after that merger,
the merger subsidiary will be merged with and into Centura. The "Merger"
includes both mergers. Cash will be paid in lieu of issuance of fractional
shares. Triangle shareholders are not entitled to dissent to the Merger.

       In giving this opinion we have reviewed, and with your permission we have
relied upon the representations and warranties contained in or the facts
described in the Reorganization Agreement, the Registration Statement, and
certificates dated December 3, 1999 in which officers of Triangle and officers
of Centura make certain representations on behalf of Triangle and Centura
regarding the Merger (which statements we have neither investigated nor
verified) ("Tax Certificates"). We also have reviewed such other documents as we
have considered necessary and appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.

<PAGE>   2
Centura Banks, Inc.
December 6, 1999
Page 2


       In giving this opinion we have with your permission assumed that the
statements in the Tax Certificates will be true as of the Effective Time, and
that any representation or statement made "to the best of knowledge" or
similarly qualified is correct without such qualification. As to all matters in
which a person or entity has represented that such person or entity either is
not a party to, or does not have, or is not aware of, any plan or intention,
understanding or agreement, we have assumed that there is in fact no such plan,
intention, understanding or agreement. We also assume that (a) the Merger will
be consummated in accordance with the Agreement, and (b) Triangle's only
outstanding stock (as that term is used in Section 368 of the Internal Revenue
Code) is the Triangle Common Stock.

       Based on the foregoing, and subject to the limitations herein, we are of
the opinion that under existing law, upon consummation of the Merger in
accordance with the Agreement, for federal income tax purposes:

              (1)    The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the
                     meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

              (2)    No gain or loss will be recognized by Centura, Triangle or
                     Centura's merger subsidiary as a result of the Merger.

              (3)    No gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of
                     Triangle as a result of the exchange of all of the shares
                     of Triangle Common Stock that they own for Centura Common
                     Stock pursuant to the Merger, except that gain or loss will
                     be recognized on the receipt of any cash in lieu of a
                     fractional share.

              (4)    The tax basis of Centura Common Stock to be received by the
                     Triangle shareholders, who exchange all of their Triangle
                     Common Stock for Centura Common Stock in the Merger, will
                     be the same as the tax basis of the Triangle Common Stock
                     surrendered in exchange therefor (reduced by any amount
                     allocable to a fractional share interest for which cash is
                     received).

              (5)    The holding period of the Centura Common Stock to be
                     received by Triangle shareholders, who exchange all of
                     their Triangle Common Stock for Centura Common Stock in the
                     Merger (and cash received in lieu of fractional shares of
                     Centura Common Stock), will include the holding period of
                     the Triangle Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor,
                     provided the Triangle shares were held as a capital asset
                     by the Triangle shareholders on the date of the exchange.

              (6)    The payment of cash to Triangle shareholders in lieu of
                     fractional share interests of Centura Common Stock will be
                     treated for federal income tax purposes as if the
                     fractional shares were distributed as part of the exchange
                     and then were redeemed by Centura. These cash

<PAGE>   3

Centura Banks, Inc.
December 6, 1999
Page 3


                     payments will be treated as having been received as
                     distributions in full payment in exchange for the Centura
                     Common Stock redeemed, as provided in Section 302 of the
                     Internal Revenue Code.

       We express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
United States of America. Further, our opinion is limited to the specific
conclusions set forth above, and no other opinions are expressed or implied. Our
opinion does not address among other matters: (1) state, local, or foreign tax
consequences of the Merger; (2) federal income tax consequences to Triangle
shareholders who are subject to special rules under the Internal Revenue Code,
such as foreign persons, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies,
financial institutions, dealers in stocks and securities, and persons who hold
their stock as part of a straddle or conversion transaction; (3) federal income
tax consequences affecting shares of Triangle Common Stock acquired upon the
exercise of stock options, stock purchase plan rights, or otherwise as
compensation; (4) the tax consequences to holders of options to acquire shares
of Triangle Common Stock; and (5) the tax consequences to Centura and Triangle
of any income and deferred gain recognized pursuant to Treasury Regulations
issued under Section 1502 of the Internal Revenue Code.

       This opinion represents our best legal judgment, but it is not binding on
any governmental agency and is not a guarantee of result. Changes to the Code,
regulations, the rulings thereunder, or changes by the courts in the
interpretation of the authorities relied upon, may be applied retroactively and
may affect the opinions expressed herein. Any material defect in any assumption
or representation on which we have relied might adversely affect our opinions.

       We furnish this opinion to you solely to support the discussion set forth
under the headings "SUMMARY - Your Expected Tax Treatment as a Result of the
Merger," "DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTION - Expected Tax Treatment as a Result of
the Merger" in the Registration Statement, and we do not consent to its use for
any other purpose. We hereby consent to be named in the Registration Statement
under the foregoing headings and to the filing of a copy of this opinion as
Exhibit 8 to the Registration statement. In giving this consent, we do not
admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by
Section 7 of the Securities Act, or the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder.

                                             Very truly yours,

                                             ALSTON & BIRD LLP

                                             /s/ JASPER L. CUMMINGS, JR.

                                             Jasper L. Cummings, Jr.
                                             A partner of the firm

JLC/ppb

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

The Board of Directions of
Centura Banks, Inc.

We consent to the use of our report incorporated herein by reference and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the joint proxy
statement-prospectus.

                                            /s/ KPMG LLP
                                            KPMG LLP

Raleigh, North Carolina
December 6, 1999


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


The Board of Directors
Triangle Bancorp, Inc.


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of Centura Banks, Inc. of our report dated January 19,
1999 relating to the financial statements of Triangle Bancorp, Inc. which are
incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement. We also consent to
the reference of our firm under the headings "Conditions to Consummation of the
Merger", "Accounting Treatment", "Experts", and Article 9 of the "Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization by and between Triangle Bancorp, Inc., and Centura Banks,
Inc." in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP


Raleigh, North Carolina
December 6, 1999

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5

                       CONSENT OF WHEAT FIRST SECURITIES

         We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form
S-4 of our letter to the Board of Directors of Triangle Bancorp, Inc., included
as Appendix C to the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus that is a part of this
Registration Statement, and to the references to such letter and to our firm in
such Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus. In giving such consent we do not thereby
admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

                                                     /s/ WHEAT FIRST SECURITIES

                                                     WHEAT FIRST SECURITIES

Richmond, Virginia
Date:  December 6, 1999

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.6

                    CONSENT OF KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC.

         We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form
S-4 of our letter to the Board of Directors of Centura Banks, Inc., included as
Appendix D to the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus that is a part of this
Registration Statement, and to the references to such letter and to our firm in
such Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus. In giving such consent we do not thereby
admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

                                             /s/ KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC.

                                             KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC.

New York, New York
Date:  December 6, 1999

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.7

                        CONSENT OF MICHAEL S. PATTERSON

         The undersigned hereby consents, pursuant to Rule 438 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to the reference to him under the caption,
"DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTION - Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger," in
the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus, which is part of this Registration
Statement on Form S-4.

                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     /s/ Michael S. Patterson
                                                     --------------------
Raleign, North Carolina
December 6, 1999

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1

                             TRIANGLE BANCORP, INC.

               SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS, FEBRUARY 3, 2000

          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

         The undersigned hereby appoints Debra L. Lee and Steven R. Ogburn, or
either of them in case the other is unable or unwilling to act, as Proxies,
each with the power to appoint his or her substitute, and hereby authorizes
them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all of the shares of voting
stock of Triangle Bancorp, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on December
6, 1999, at the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on February 3, 2000,
or any adjournments thereof. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
represented at the meeting may authorize the adjournment of the meeting;
provided, however, that no proxy which is voted against the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization, dated as of August 22, 1999 by and between Centura Banks,
Inc. and Triangle Bancorp, Inc. (the "Agreement") will be voted in favor of
adjournment to solicit further proxies for such proposal.

   1.  Adoption of the Agreement and the related Plan of Merger by and between
       Centura Merger Subsidiary, Inc. and Triangle Bancorp, Inc.

               [ ]  FOR           [ ]  AGAINST              [ ]  ABSTAIN

   2.  In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
       business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments
       thereof.

   THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENT
   AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND THE RELATED PLAN OF MERGER.

   THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
   HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER, BUT IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS
   PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

       The undersigned acknowledges receipt from Triangle Bancorp, Inc. prior
to the execution of this proxy of Notice of the Special Meeting and the related
joint proxy statement-prospectus.

       DATED:  ________________

<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>
                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Signature

                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Signature, if held jointly

                                          Please sign exactly as name appears on this proxy card. When shares
                                          are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as
                                          attorney-in-fact, executor, administrator, personal representative,
                                          trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
                                          corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or
                                          other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in
                                          partnership name by authorized person
</TABLE>

     PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE
                               ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2

                              CENTURA BANKS, INC.

               SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS, FEBRUARY 3, 2000

       THIS JOINT PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

         The undersigned hereby appoints _________________ and
___________________, or either of them in case the other is unable or unwilling
to act, as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby
authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all of the
shares of voting stock of Centura Banks, Inc. held of record by the undersigned
on December 6, 1999, at the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
February 3, 2000, or any adjournments thereof. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares represented at the meeting may authorize the adjournment
of the meeting; provided, however, that no proxy which is voted against the
issuance of shares of Centura common stock pursuant to the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization, dated as of August 22, 1999 by and between Centura Banks,
Inc. and Triangle Bancorp, Inc. (the "Agreement") will be voted in favor of
adjournment to solicit further proxies for such proposal.

   1. Approval of the issuance of shares of Centura common stock pursuant to
      the Agreement.

               [ ]  FOR           [ ]  AGAINST              [ ]  ABSTAIN

   2.  In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
       business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments
       thereof.

   THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENT
   AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND THE RELATED PLAN OF MERGER.

   THIS JOINT PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER
   DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER, BUT IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE,
   THIS JOINT PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

       The undersigned acknowledges receipt from Centura Banks, Inc. prior to
the execution of this proxy of Notice of the Special Meeting and the related
joint proxy statement-prospectus.

       DATED:  ________________

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Signature

                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Signature, if held jointly

                                          Please sign exactly as name appears on this joint proxy card. When
                                          shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as
                                          attorney-in-fact, executor, administrator, personal representative,
                                          trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
                                          corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or
                                          other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in
                                          partnership name by authorized person
</TABLE>

     PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE
                               ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.



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