SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORP /NC/
10-K, 1997-03-17
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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                                 UNITED STATES
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
                                   FORM 10-K
 
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
                                    OF 1934
 
                          FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED:
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-10853
 
                               ----------------
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
            NORTH CAROLINA                           56-0939887
       (STATE OF INCORPORATION)         (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
 
        200 WEST SECOND STREET                          27101
     WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA                   (ZIP CODE)
    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
               OFFICES)
 
                               ----------------
 
                                (910) 733-2000
             (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
 
                               ----------------
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
                                   OF 1934:
 
                                               NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
           TITLE OF EACH CLASS                  ON WHICH REGISTERED
         -----------------------               --------------------- 
 
      COMMON STOCK, $5 PAR VALUE               NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
         SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS                 NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
 
  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.
 
  Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                               Yes  X     No
                                   ---       ---
 
  The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant at January 31, 1997 was approximately $4.2 billion. The number of
shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding on January 31, 1997 was
109,466,577.
 
  Portions of the Proxy Statement of the Registrant for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 22, 1997, are incorporated by reference in
Part III of this Report.
 
                     The Exhibit Index begins on page 81.
 
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                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                          ------
 <C>      <C>     <S>                                                     <C>
 PART I    Item 1 Business.............................................     4
           Item 2 Properties...........................................   18, 59
           Item 3 Legal Proceedings....................................     70
           Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Shareholders......     2
                  None.
 PART II   Item 5 Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related    38-39
                   Shareholder Matters.................................
                  On November 7, 1996, the Registrant issued 70,207
                   shares of common stock to the three shareholders of
                   an insurance agency based in Greenville, South
                   Carolina in exchange for the transfer of
                   substantially all of the net assets of such agency
                   to Branch Banking and Trust Company ("BB&T-NC"). On
                   November 13, 1996, the Registrant issued 48,120
                   shares of common stock to the two shareholders of a
                   second insurance agency based in Greenville, South
                   Carolina in exchange for the transfer of
                   substantially all of the net assets of such agency
                   to BB&T-NC. On November 22, 1996, the Registrant
                   issued 492,063 shares of common stock to the five
                   shareholders of an insurance agency based in
                   Columbia, South Carolina in exchange for the
                   transfer of substantially all of the net assets of
                   such agency to BB&T-NC. The Registrant made each of
                   the foregoing issuances in reliance on the exemption
                   from registration provided under Section 4(2) of the
                   Securities Act and based on the number of purchasers
                   (as to each transaction and in the aggregate), their
                   ability to evaluate the merits and risks of the
                   investment and the absence of public solicitation of
                   investors.
           Item 6 Selected Financial Data..............................     42
           Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                   Condition and Results of Operations.................     19
           Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..........     41
                  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and
                   1995................................................     45
                  Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the
                   years in the three-year period ended December 31,
                   1996................................................     46
                  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders'
                   Equity for each of the years in the three-year
                   period ended December 31, 1996......................     47
                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the
                   years in the three-year period ended December 31,
                   1996................................................     48
                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........     49
                  Report of Independent Public Accountants.............     44
                  Quarterly Financial Summary for 1996 and 1995........     41
           Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
                   Accounting and Financial Disclosures.
                  None.
 PART III Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...   *, 15
          Item 11 Executive Compensation...............................     *
          Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
                   Management..........................................     *
          Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.......     *
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
 <C>     <C>     <S>
 PART IV Item 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-
                  K
          (a)(1) Financial Statements (See Item 8 for reference).
             (2) Financial Statement Schedules normally required on Form 10-K
                  are omitted since they are not applicable.
             (3) Exhibits have been filed separately with the Commission and
                  are available upon written request.
          (b)    Southern National Corporation ("Southern National") filed a
                  Form 8-K on January 22, 1996, under Item 5 to report the
                  results of operations and financial condition as of December
                  31, 1995. Southern National filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on
                  April 15, 1996 to report the results of operations and
                  financial condition as of March 31, 1996. Southern National
                  filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on May 3, 1996 to report plans
                  to acquire Regional Acceptance Corporation of Greenville,
                  North Carolina. Southern National filed a Form 8-K under Item
                  5 on July 12, 1996 to report the results of operations and
                  financial condition as of June 30, 1996. Southern National
                  filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on August 27, 1996 to report
                  plans to acquire Fidelity Financial Bankshares Corporation of
                  Richmond, Virginia. Southern National filed a Form 8-K under
                  Item 5 on September 3, 1996 to report that the acquisition of
                  Regional Acceptance Corporation had been completed through
                  the issuance of 5.85 million shares of common stock. Southern
                  National filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on October 11, 1996 to
                  report the results of operations and financial condition as
                  of September 30, 1996. Southern National filed a Form 8-K
                  under Item 5 on October 11, 1996 to report plans to purchase
                  a number of common shares equal to the amount issued in the
                  Fidelity Financial Bankshares Corporation transaction.
                  Southern National also reported that the transaction would be
                  accounted for as a purchase, instead of a pooling of
                  interests, which was originally planned. Southern National
                  filed a Form 8-K under Item 5 on November 4, 1996 to report
                  plans to acquire United Carolina Bancshares Corporation of
                  Whiteville, North Carolina. Southern National filed a Form 8-
                  K under Item 5 on December 19, 1996 to announce the adoption
                  of a shareholder rights plan. Southern National filed a Form
                  8-K under Item 5 on January 14, 1997 to report the results of
                  operations and financial condition as of December 31, 1996.
</TABLE>
- --------
* The information called for by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to
  the information that appears under the headings "Additional Matters Relating
  to the SNC Meeting--Election of Directors" and "--Section 16(a) Beneficial
  Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the
  1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
 The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to
 the information that appears under the headings "Additional Matters Relating
 to the SNC Meeting--Compensation of Executive Officers", "Retirement Plans"
 and "SNC Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation" in the
 Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
 The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to
 the information that appears under the headings "Additional Matters Relating
 to the SNC Meeting--Security Ownership" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial
 Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the
 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
 The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to
 the information that appears under the headings "Additional Matters Relating
 to the SNC Meeting--Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
 Participation" and "Transactions with Officers and Directors" in the
 Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
  Southern National Corporation ("Southern National" or the "Corporation") is
a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Southern National conducts its operations in North Carolina, South Carolina
and Virginia primarily through its commercial banking subsidiaries and, to a
lesser extent, through its other subsidiaries. Substantially all of Southern
National's loans are to businesses and individuals in the Carolinas and
Virginia. The principal assets of Southern National are all of the outstanding
shares of common stock of Branch Banking and Trust Company, of Winston-Salem,
North Carolina; BB&T Financial Corporation of South Carolina, located in
Greenville, South Carolina, which in turn owns all the outstanding shares of
Branch Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina; BB&T Financial Corporation
of Virginia, which in turn owns all the outstanding shares of Branch Banking
and Trust Company of Virginia; and Regional Acceptance Corporation of
Greenville, North Carolina.
 
 Subsidiaries
 
  Branch Banking and Trust Company ("BB&T-NC"), Southern National's largest
subsidiary, is the oldest bank in North Carolina and currently operates
through 299 banking offices throughout North Carolina. BB&T-NC focuses on
providing a wide range of banking services in its local market for retail and
commercial customers, including small and mid-sized businesses, public
agencies and local governments, trust customers and individuals. BB&T-NC's
subsidiaries include BB&T Leasing Corp., in Charlotte, North Carolina, which
offers lease financing to commercial businesses. BB&T Investment Services,
Inc., also a wholly-owned subsidiary of BB&T-NC located in Wilson, North
Carolina, offers customers investment alternatives, including discount
brokerage services, fixed-rate and variable-rate annuities, mutual funds and
government and municipal bonds. BB&T Insurance Services, Inc., located in
Raleigh, North Carolina, offers life and property and casualty insurance on an
agency basis. Southern National currently has the largest independent
insurance agency network in North and South Carolina. BB&T-NC has numerous
additional subsidiaries, including Goddard Technology Corporation, which
engages in the design and production of imaging and security devices and
programs, and Prime Rate Premium Finance Corporation, Inc., which provides
insurance premium financing and services to customers in Virginia and the
Carolinas. BB&T-NC also owns 51% of AutoBase Information Systems, Inc.
("AutoBase"), a Charlotte, North Carolina-based company that uses advanced
technologies to simplify the car-buying process for consumers and automotive
dealers.
 
  Branch Banking & Trust Company of South Carolina ("BB&T-SC") serves South
Carolina through 95 banking offices. BB&T-SC focuses on providing a wide range
of banking services in its local market for retail and commercial customers,
including small and mid-sized businesses, public agencies, local governments,
trust customers and individuals. BB&T-SC's subsidiaries include BB&T
Investment Services of South Carolina, Inc., which is licensed as a general
broker/dealer of securities and is currently engaged in the retailing of
mutual funds, U.S. Government securities, municipal securities, fixed and
variable rate insurance annuity products and unit investment trusts.
 
  Branch Banking & Trust Company of Virginia ("BB&T-VA"), operates 21 banking
offices in the Hampton Roads Region of Virginia. BB&T-VA offers a full range
of commercial and retail banking services and provides Southern National with
a strong initial presence in Virginia.
 
  Regional Acceptance Corporation ("Regional Acceptance"), a subsidiary of
Southern National, was acquired effective September 1, 1996. Regional
Acceptance, which operates 28 branch offices in the Carolinas, Tennessee and
Virginia, specializes in indirect financing for consumer purchases of mid-
model and late-model used automobiles.
 
  Unified Investors Life Insurance Company ("Unified") is a reinsurer and
underwriter of certain credit life and credit accident and health insurance
policies written by a non-affiliated insurance company in connection with
loans made by the bank subsidiaries.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  The following table discloses selected information related to Southern
National's banking subsidiaries:
 
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                                    TABLE 1
                SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF BANKING SUBSIDIARIES
         AS OF / FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      BB&T-NC                           BB&T-SC                       BB&T-VA
                        ----------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------
                           1996        1995        1994        1996       1995       1994      1996     1995     1994
                        ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>
Total assets........... $16,595,684 $15,991,534 $15,245,447 $3,826,477 $3,818,547 $4,084,659 $790,955 $737,462 $700,343
Securities.............   4,164,538   4,236,682   4,088,564    929,753    942,193  1,064,061  147,019  154,358  187,461
Loans and leases, net
 of unearned income*...  11,253,963  10,599,611   9,922,471  2,635,833  2,703,600  2,725,868  550,218  505,767  450,798
Deposits...............  11,975,969  11,544,525  10,925,196  2,987,021  2,923,981  2,956,733  690,318  669,000  628,750
Shareholder's equity...   1,307,223   1,111,680   1,104,458    373,622    360,262    303,058   67,039   60,734   47,865
Net interest income....     609,150     555,765     549,231    159,000    153,669    157,550   35,144   31,231   28,863
Provision for loan and
 lease losses..........      36,875      24,772       8,004      7,355      4,718      7,241    2,550    1,910    2,600
Noninterest income.....     277,775     198,122     183,862     54,459     55,094     44,432   10,296    4,650    8,793
Noninterest expense....     543,788     528,477     446,902    128,315    114,915    120,929   24,839   25,965   24,832
Net income.............     208,406     136,016     183,240     52,785     58,566     47,109   11,791    4,853    7,011
</TABLE>
- --------
* Includes loans held for sale.
 
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 Acquisitions and Pending Mergers
 
  Profitability and market share have been enhanced through both internal
growth and acquisitions in recent years. The acquisition strategy of Southern
National is focused on three primary objectives: (1) to pursue in-market
acquisitions of high-quality banks and thrifts in the $250 million to $5
billion range, (2) to acquire companies in niche markets that provide products
or services that can be offered to Southern National's current customer base,
and (3) to build a portfolio of "venture capital" investments by taking an
equity interest in first and second stage companies that have a product with
potential application for the financial services industry.
 
  On September 1, 1996, Southern National acquired Regional Acceptance in a
stock transaction valued at $167 million. Regional Acceptance's shareholders
received .3861 shares of Southern National's common stock for each share of
common stock held.
 
  On August 22, 1996, Southern National announced plans to acquire Fidelity
Financial Bankshares Corporation of Richmond, Virginia, ("Fidelity") in a
stock transaction valued at $59.4 million. Fidelity, with $321 million in
assets, operates seven branches in the Richmond metropolitan area through its
subsidiary, Fidelity Federal Savings Bank. The savings bank will merge into
BB&T-VA. The merger of Fidelity will be accounted for as a purchase.
 
  On August 29, 1996, Southern National announced that it had become a
majority shareholder of AutoBase, by purchasing 51% of the Charlotte, North
Carolina-based company's outstanding common stock. AutoBase will continue to
operate under its name as a subsidiary of BB&T-NC.
 
  Southern National also purchased certain assets and liabilities of four
insurance agencies during 1996 with combined premiums of $65 million. These
agencies were Boyle-Vaughan Associates, Inc., of Columbia, South Carolina, the
William Goldsmith Agency Inc. and the C. Dan Joyner Insurance Agency, both of
Greenville, South Carolina and the James R. Lingle Agency, Inc. of Florence,
South Carolina. These acquisitions solidify Southern National's position as
the Carolinas' largest network of independent insurance agencies.
 
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  On November 4, 1996, Southern National and United Carolina Bancshares
Corporation ("UCB") jointly announced the signing of a merger agreement. The
merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests in which UCB
shareholders will receive 1.135 shares of Southern National common stock for
each share of UCB common stock held. The transaction is valued at $985
million.
 
  On January 23, 1997, Southern National announced plans to acquire Refloat,
Inc. of Mount Airy, North Carolina, and its principal subsidiary, Sheffield
Financial Corp., a finance company in Clemmons, North Carolina that
specializes in loans to small commercial lawn care businesses across the
country.
 
  On February 4, 1997, Southern National announced plans to acquire Phillips
Factors Corporation and its subsidiaries, Phillips Financial Corporation and
Phillips Acceptance Corporation, all of High Point, North Carolina. Phillips
Financial Corporation, which will operate as a subsidiary of Southern
National, purchases and manages receivables in the temporary staffing industry
nationwide. It also provides payroll processing services to that industry.
Phillips Factors Corporation buys and manages account receivables primarily in
the furniture, textiles and home furnishings-related industries.
 
 Competition
 
  The banking industry is highly competitive and dramatic change continues to
occur. The banking subsidiaries of Southern National compete actively with
national and state banks, savings and loan associations, securities dealers,
mortgage bankers, finance companies and insurance companies. Competition for
financial products continues to grow as customers move to nontraditional
financial institutions. For additional information on markets, Southern
National's competitive position and strategies, see "Market Area" and "Lending
Activities" below.
 
MARKET AREA
 
  Southern National's primary market area consists of North Carolina, South
Carolina and Virginia. The area's employment base consists of manufacturing
industries, service, wholesale/retail, financial centers and agricultural
enterprises. Among the primary area industries in which Southern National has
significant commercial lending relationships are textiles, furniture and
health care. Southern National believes its current market area is adequate to
support consistent growth in assets and deposits in the future. Even so,
management expects to continue to employ aggressive growth strategies,
including possible expansion into neighboring states. The current market area
includes numerous small communities that Southern National seeks to serve.
Management believes that maintaining a community bank approach as asset size
and available services grow will strengthen the Corporation's ability to move
into new states and communities and to target small to mid-sized commercial
customers in these areas.
 
LENDING ACTIVITIES
 
  The primary goal of the Southern National lending function is to help
customers achieve their financial goals and secure their financial futures.
This purpose can best be accomplished by building strong, profitable customer
relationships over time, with Southern National becoming an important
contributor to the prosperity and well-being of its customers. Southern
National's philosophy of lending is to attempt to meet all legitimate business
and consumer credit needs within defined market segments where standards of
safety, profitability and liquidity can be met.
 
  Southern National focuses lending efforts on small to intermediate
commercial and industrial loans, one-to-four family residential mortgage loans
and other consumer loans. Typically, fixed-rate mortgage loans are sold in the
secondary mortgage market and adjustable-rate mortgages are retained for the
portfolio. Loan growth typically follows economic cycles and has been steady,
with increasing momentum, during 1996. Management's lending strategy is to
establish market share in strategic cities and develop customer relationships
by providing quality products and services to the customer base. Once the
relationship is established, management focuses on
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
small business lending and retail banking through the branches to generate
additional growth. During 1996, management's lending focus emphasized
marketing loan products from a quality, service-driven perspective. After the
merger of Southern National and BB&T Financial Corporation in early 1995,
pricing strategies surrounding loans and deposits were very competitive in
order to protect current market positions and retain customer relationships.
However, market research performed during and after the merger identified
quality service as the primary concern of borrowers.
 
  It is Southern National's intention to conduct lending activities in the
context of the Corporation's community bank focus, with decentralized lending
decisions made as close to the customer as practicable.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 2
                   COMPOSITION OF LOAN AND LEASE PORTFOLIO*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31,
                         -----------------------------------------------------------
                            1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Loans--
 Commercial, financial
  and agricultural...... $ 2,375,121 $ 2,098,306 $ 2,679,046 $ 2,031,561 $ 1,868,658
 Real estate--
  construction and land
  development...........   1,228,043     949,513     701,181     702,108     592,267
 Real estate--mortgage..   8,513,945   8,671,941   7,787,792   7,114,136   5,947,434
 Consumer...............   1,830,519   1,716,399   1,702,058   1,608,443   1,532,536
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  Loans held for invest-
   ment.................  13,947,628  13,436,159  12,870,077  11,456,248   9,940,895
  Loans held for sale...     219,469     245,280     136,855     682,097     426,281
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
   Total loans..........  14,167,097  13,681,439  13,006,932  12,138,345  10,367,176
Leases..................     576,991     376,152     304,544     225,312     170,358
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  Total loans and
   leases............... $14,744,088 $14,057,591 $13,311,476 $12,363,657 $10,537,534
                         =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Balances are gross of unearned income.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 One-to-Four Family Residential Mortgage Lending
 
  Southern National engages in mortgage loan originations by offering fixed-
and adjustable-rate government and conventional loans for the purpose of
constructing, purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied properties. As
mentioned above, the Corporation usually retains adjustable-rate loans for the
portfolio and sells fixed-rate loans and government loans within the secondary
mortgage market. Servicing rights on loans sold are typically retained by
Southern National. Loans are generally offered in amounts up to 95% of the
appraised value of the collateral for terms up to 30 years based on the
qualifications of the borrower. Except in the Community Reinvestment Act
("CRA") program discussed below, private mortgage insurance is required in an
amount sufficient to reduce Southern National's exposure to less than 80% of
the loan-to-value ratio. Pricing for mortgage loans is established to be
highly-competitive with area lenders. Southern National does not originate
loans with negative amortization. Risks associated with the residential
lending function include interest rate risk, which is mitigated through the
sale of substantially all fixed-rate loans, and default risk by the borrower,
which is lessened through underwriting procedures and private mortgage
insurance. Southern National also purchases mortgage loans through various
correspondents and subjects them to the same underwriting and investment
strategies as loans originated through the branch delivery system.
 
  The Corporation also offers, as part of its CRA program, more flexible
underwriting criteria to broaden the availability of mortgage loans in the
communities Southern National serves. CRA loans are available at loan-to-
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
value ratios up to 97% for households with incomes up to a specified
percentage of county median incomes. Such loans do not require private
mortgage insurance. These loans are currently retained in the portfolio since
they do not meet the necessary requirements to be sold in the secondary
mortgage market at the time of origination.
 
 Commercial Lending
 
  Southern National's commercial lending program is generally targeted to
serve small to middle-market businesses with sales of $250 million or less,
although in-house limits do allow lending to larger customers, including
national customers who have some reasonable business connections with the
Corporation's geographically-served markets. Commercial lending includes
commercial, financial, agricultural, industrial and real estate loans. Pricing
on commercial loans, driven largely by competition, is usually tied to the
prime rate.
 
 Construction Lending
 
  Real estate construction loans include 12 month contract housing loans which
are intended to convert to permanent one-to-four family residential mortgage
loans upon completion of the construction. These loans have terms and options
similar to residential mortgage loans and allow a rate to be "locked in" by
the borrower during the 12 month construction period. The loans also allow a
"float down" option once during the term of the construction loan. Southern
National also originates commercial construction loans. These loans are
usually to in-market developers, businesses, individuals or real estate
investors for the construction of commercial structures in the Corporation's
market area, including, but not limited to, industrial facilities, apartments,
shopping centers, office buildings, hotels and warehouses. The properties may
be for sale, lease or owner-occupancy. The Corporation generally requires the
borrower to make a commitment to "take-out" the construction loan and
typically requires significant levels of pre-sales, pre-leasing or, in the
case of owner-occupied properties, that the owner has adequate resources to
repay the debt. Generally, these loans carry floating interest rates tied to
the Corporation's prime interest rate or some other similar index, and range
in term from six to eighteen months.
 
 Consumer Lending
 
  Southern National offers various consumer loan products. Both secured and
unsecured loans are marketed to existing clients and to any other creditworthy
candidates. Standard Home Equity Loans and Lines are underwritten with note
amounts and credit limits that ensure consistency with the Corporation's loan-
to-value policy (80% for consumer loans secured by real estate). Numerous
forms of unsecured loans, including revolving credits (bankcards, DDA
overdraft protection and personal lines of credit) are provided and various
installment loan products, including vehicle loans, are offered. Pricing of
such loans is based, to a great degree, on in-market competition. Closed-end
installment loans are usually priced as fixed-rate simple interest loans,
while most revolving products are priced with variable rates.
 
  Through the acquisition of Regional Acceptance, Southern National is
expanding the sales finance function by accepting riskier loans on customer
purchases of mid-model to late-model used automobiles. Such loans are priced
higher than Southern National's normal grade consumer loans based on the
higher level of risk associated with these types of loans.
 
 Leasing
 
  Southern National provides commercial leasing products and services in North
Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia primarily through BB&T Leasing Corp.
("Leasing"). Since Leasing is a separate subsidiary, it is not restricted to
North and South Carolina to obtain business. Leasing provides three primary
products: finance or capital leases, true leases (as defined under the
Internal Revenue Code) and other operating leases. Leasing provides products
and services for small to medium-sized commercial customers primarily in
Southern National's market area. Such products include vehicles, rolling stock
and tangible personal property. Leasing is
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
seeking to augment the existing customer base with larger commercial
customers. For the twenty-two year history with Southern National, the sales
effort of Leasing has been directed at fleet leasing. The mix of vehicle and
equipment leases has remained approximately 75% vehicle to 25% equipment.
 
  Southern National also solicits leasing business from municipalities in
North and South Carolina through its subsidiary banks.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 3
              SELECTED LOAN MATURITIES AND INTEREST SENSITIVITY*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           COMMERCIAL,
                                            FINANCIAL
                                               AND      REAL ESTATE:
                                           AGRICULTURAL CONSTRUCTION   TOTAL
                                           ------------ ------------ ----------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
Fixed rate:
  1 year or less (2)......................  $  185,734   $  189,241  $  374,975
  1-5 years...............................     294,990       93,208     388,198
  After 5 years...........................      65,553          --       65,553
                                            ----------   ----------  ----------
    Total.................................     546,277      282,449     828,726
                                            ----------   ----------  ----------
Variable rate:
  1 year or less (2)......................     859,556      633,547   1,493,103
  1-5 years...............................     877,845      312,047   1,189,892
  After 5 years...........................      91,443          --       91,443
                                            ----------   ----------  ----------
    Total.................................   1,828,844      945,594   2,774,438
                                            ----------   ----------  ----------
      Total loans and leases (1)..........  $2,375,121   $1,228,043  $3,603,164
                                            ==========   ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Balances are gross of unearned income.
 
(1) The table excludes:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                           <C>
      (i)   consumer loans to individuals for household, family and
            other personal expenditures............................ $  1,830,519
      (ii)  real estate mortgage loans..............................   8,513,945
      (iii) loans held for sale....................................      219,469
      (iv)  leases..................................................     576,991
                                                                    ------------
                                                                    $ 11,140,924
                                                                    ============
</TABLE>
 
(2) Includes loans due on demand.
 
  Scheduled repayments are reported in the maturity category in which the
payment is due. Determinations of maturities are based upon contract terms.
Southern National's credit policy does not permit automatic renewals of loans.
At the scheduled maturity date (including balloon payment date), the customer
must request a new loan to replace the matured loan and execute a new note
with rate, terms and conditions renegotiated at that time.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NONACCRUAL LOANS AND LEASES
 
  It is Southern National's policy to place commercial loans and leases on
nonaccrual status when full collection of principal and interest becomes
doubtful, or when any portion of principal or interest becomes 90 days past
due, whichever occurs first. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status,
interest receivable is reversed
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
against interest income in the current period and any prior year interest is
charged off. Interest payments received thereafter are applied as a reduction
to the remaining principal balance so long as concern exists as to the
ultimate collection of the principal. Loans and leases are removed from
nonaccrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest
and when the collectability of principal or interest is no longer doubtful.
 
  Mortgage loans and other consumer loans are also placed on nonaccrual status
when full collection of principal and interest becomes doubtful, but they are
subject to longer periods of time before they are automatically placed on
nonaccrual. This period of time varies for different types of consumer loans.
 
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
  The allowance for loan and lease losses is established through a provision
for loan and lease losses based on management's evaluation of the risk
inherent in the loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of loan
activity. This evaluation, which includes a review of loans for which full
collectability may not be reasonably assured, considers the loans' risk
grades, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, economic
conditions, historical loan loss experience and other factors that warrant
consideration in providing for an adequate reserve. Southern National utilizes
ten "risk grades" to determine the repayment capacity of borrowers. Southern
National's objective is to maintain a loan portfolio that is diverse in terms
of loan type, industry concentration, geographic distribution and borrower
concentration in order to reduce overall credit risk by minimizing the adverse
impact of any single event or combination of related events. Although
management believes that the best information available is used to determine
the adequacy of the allowance, the nature of the process by which management
determines the appropriate allowance for credit losses requires the exercise
of considerable judgment. Unforeseen market conditions could result in
adjustments in the allowance which would affect earnings. Future additions to
Southern National's allowance will be the result of periodic loan, property
and collateral reviews as well as projected changes in overall economic and
real estate markets.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 4
                       ALLOCATION OF RESERVE BY CATEGORY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                1996              1995              1994              1993              1992
                          ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                   % LOANS           % LOANS           % LOANS           % LOANS           % LOANS
                                   IN EACH           IN EACH           IN EACH           IN EACH           IN EACH
                           AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY  AMOUNT  CATEGORY
                          -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Balance at end of period
 applicable to:
 Commercial, financial
  and agricultural......  $ 25,750    16%   $ 27,824    15%   $ 35,869    20%   $ 44,018    17%   $ 31,036    18%
Real estate:
 Construction and land
  development...........    11,036     8      13,443     7      10,874     5      12,311     6      10,260     5
 Mortgage...............    77,251    60      76,079    63      63,186    60      63,996    62      50,444    60
                          --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---
 Real estate--total.....    88,287    68      89,522    70      74,060    65      76,307    68      60,704    65
                          --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---
Consumer................    38,626    12      27,254    13      25,812    13      24,581    14      21,677    15
Leases..................     3,679     4       3,443     2         906     2       1,218     1       1,313     2
Unallocated.............    27,590   --       27,545   --       37,455   --       24,664   --       21,910   --
                          --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---    --------   ---
 Total..................  $183,932   100%   $175,588   100%   $174,102   100%   $170,788   100%   $136,640   100%
                          ========   ===    ========   ===    ========   ===    ========   ===    ========   ===
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to Southern
National's allowance for loan and lease losses for the most recent five years.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 5
              COMPOSITION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------
                             1996         1995         1994         1993         1992
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance, beginning of
 period.................  $   175,588  $   174,102  $   170,788  $   138,456  $   117,113
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Charge-offs:
  Commercial, financial
   and agricultural.....       (8,966)     (10,151)     (10,759)     (23,912)     (27,131)
  Real estate...........      (10,555)      (9,993)      (6,694)      (7,502)     (10,796)
  Consumer..............      (39,195)     (23,969)     (13,467)     (14,369)     (18,873)
  Lease receivables.....         (768)        (614)        (647)        (771)      (1,428)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
   Total charge-offs....      (59,484)     (44,727)     (31,567)     (46,554)     (58,228)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Recoveries:
  Commercial, financial
   and agricultural.....        4,632        4,177        6,770        5,892        3,872
  Real estate...........        4,501        2,567        2,308        1,261        3,340
  Consumer..............        4,898        4,442        4,208        3,716        3,096
  Lease receivables.....          136          395          295          149          188
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
   Total recoveries.....       14,167       11,581       13,581       11,018       10,496
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net charge-offs.........      (45,317)     (33,146)     (17,986)     (35,536)     (47,732)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Provision charged to
  expense...............       53,661       34,632       20,181       54,558       63,584
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Allowance of loans
  acquired in purchase
  transactions..........          --           --         1,119       13,310        3,675
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Balance, end of period..  $   183,932  $   175,588  $   174,102  $   170,788  $   136,640
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Average loans and
 leases*................  $14,190,985  $13,768,629  $12,456,509  $11,235,092  $10,194,358
Net charge-offs as a
 percentage of average
 loans and leases.......         0.32%        0.24%        0.14%        0.32%        0.47%
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Loans and leases are net of unearned income and include loans held for sale.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NONPERFORMING ASSETS AND CLASSIFIED ASSETS
 
  Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and leases, foreclosed real
estate and other repossessions. Loans are considered delinquent in most cases
the first day after payment is due. After a loan has been delinquent for ten
days, Southern National mails a reminder notice to borrowers, and if the
borrower does not contact a collection officer, late charges are assessed on
the sixteenth day after the due date. Numerous attempts to work with the
borrower to establish a repayment plan are made throughout the delinquent
period of the loan. When a commercial loan or unsecured consumer loan becomes
90 days past due, the loan is placed on nonaccrual status. For mortgage and
most other consumer loans, the period of time before a delinquent loan is
placed on nonaccrual status varies, as discussed above. In some cases, loans
may be placed on nonaccrual status earlier based on specific circumstances
surrounding the loan. If the collection of principal and/or interest becomes
doubtful at any time during the collection process, the loan is placed on
nonaccrual status. Every effort is made to reach an
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
agreement on payment with the borrower. If it becomes necessary to foreclose
on loans, acquired assets are aggressively marketed to minimize the cost of
carrying such assets.
 
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
 
  Southern National maintains a portion of its assets as investment
securities. Banks are allowed to purchase, sell, deal in and hold certain
investment securities as prescribed by bank regulations. These investments
include all obligations of the U.S. Treasury, agencies of the Federal
government, obligations of any state or political subdivision, various types
of corporate debt, mutual funds, limited equity securities and certain
derivative securities.
 
  Investment portfolio activities are governed internally by a written, board-
approved investment policy. Investment policy is carried out by the
Corporation's Asset and Liability Committee ("ALCO") which meets regularly to
review the economic environment, assess current activities for appropriateness
and establish investment strategies. The ALCO also has much broader
responsibilities which are discussed in the section, Market Risk Management,
of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
  Investment strategies are established by the ALCO in consideration of the
interest rate cycle, balance sheet mix, actual and anticipated loan demand,
funding opportunities and the overall interest rate sensitivity of the
Corporation. In general, the investment portfolio is managed in a manner
appropriate to the attainment of the following goals: (i) to provide a
sufficient margin of liquid assets and liabilities to cover unanticipated
deposit and loan fluctuations, seasonal funds flow variations and overall
funds management objectives; (ii) to provide eligible securities to secure
public funds and trust deposits as prescribed by law; and (iii) to earn the
maximum return on funds invested that is commensurate with meeting the
requirements of (i) and (ii).
 
  Within the overall context of the primary purposes of portfolio management
as just described, investment strategy during 1996 was established and
continually adjusted within an environment of stable short-term interest rates
since the second quarter, as set by the Federal Reserve's Open Market
Committee.
 
  At December 31, 1996, the investment portfolio represented approximately 25%
of the total assets of the Corporation. Management has judged overall
liquidity and interest rate sensitivity to be adequate to allow the continued
growth of both the investment and loan portfolios. As described below, during
1996 and 1995 whole mortgage loans were securitized and placed in the
investment portfolio, increasing investment yields, improving the liquidity of
those assets, and reducing required loan reserves. A similar amount of lower-
yielding investments was allowed to mature; thus, the total amount of
securities holdings was only slightly reduced as a percentage of total assets.
Overall liquidity was maintained at acceptable levels and balance sheet
profitability was increased.
 
  As has been the case for the past several years, investment activity during
1996 was centered on obligations of the U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies.
Including mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasuries and Federal agencies
comprised 92% of the total book value of the portfolio at year end. The value
of these securities from return and quality perspectives made them relatively
more attractive than other types of investments. Emphasis continued to be
placed on short and intermediate-term maturities, balancing reasonable
stability between liquidity and yield. The average contractual maturity of the
entire portfolio at December 31, 1996 was 7 years and 4 months compared to 3
years at December 31, 1995. This increase in maturity reflects rapid growth in
Southern National's holdings of mortgage-backed securities resulting from the
securitization of $1.2 billion of mortgage loans during 1995 and 1996. These
mortgage-backed securities have replaced U.S. Treasuries in the portfolio
which have significantly shorter contractual maturities than mortgage-backed
securities. However, the actual cash flows relating to the investment
portfolio, particularly for mortgage-backed securities, are expected to be
significantly shorter than contractual maturity because the actual payments of
the securities and the resultant opportunity to reinvest those cash flows are
subject to prepayments. At December 31, 1996, the approximate
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
expected maturity of Southern National's investment portfolio was 3 years.
Table 11--"Securities" shows the maturity distribution by category of Southern
National's investment portfolio at December 31, 1996.
 
  The following table provides information regarding the composition of
Southern National's securities portfolio.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 6
                      COMPOSITION OF SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                              --------------------------------
                                                 1996       1995       1994
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Securities held to maturity (at amortized
 cost):
  U.S. Treasury, government and agency obli-
   gations................................... $    6,283 $    9,461 $1,190,558
  States and political subdivisions..........    118,435    144,508    165,520
  Mortgage-backed securities.................        --         --     608,676
  Other securities...........................        --         --         665
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total securities held to maturity........    124,718    153,969  1,965,419
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Securities available for sale (at estimated
 fair value):
  U.S. Treasury, government and agency
   obligations...............................  3,115,625  4,060,423  3,024,792
  States and political subdivisions..........     22,875     20,773     16,918
  Mortgage-backed securities.................  1,725,715    977,727    310,314
  Other securities...........................    272,574    142,421    107,674
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    Total securities available for sale......  5,136,789  5,201,344  3,459,698
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
Total securities............................. $5,261,507 $5,355,313 $5,425,117
                                              ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SOURCES OF FUNDS
 
  Deposits are the primary source of funds for lending and investing
activities. The amortization and scheduled payment of loans and maturities of
investment securities provide a stable source of funds, while deposit
fluctuations and loan prepayments are significantly influenced by the overall
interest rate environment and other market conditions. Federal Home Loan Bank
("FHLB") advances, Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowed funds
all provide supplemental liquidity sources based on specific needs, or if
management determines that these are the best sources of funds to meet current
requirements.
 
 Deposits
 
  Customer deposits are attracted principally from within Southern National's
market area through the offering of a broad selection of deposit instruments
including demand deposits, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, passbook
and statement savings accounts, money rate savings, certificates of deposit
and individual retirement accounts. Deposit account terms vary with respect to
the minimum balance required, the time period the funds must remain on deposit
and the interest rate. Interest rates paid on specific deposits are set by the
ALCO and are determined based on (i) the interest rates offered by
competitors, (ii) anticipated needs for cash and the timing of the cash flow
needs offset by the availability of more cost-effective funding sources and
(iii) anticipated future economic conditions and interest rates. Customer
deposits are attractive sources of liquidity because of stability, pricing
control and the ability to generate fee income through the cross-sale of
deposit-related services.
 
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 7
                        TIME DEPOSITS $100,000 AND OVER
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                       <C>
Maturity
  Less than three months.................................       $  881,276
  Four through six months................................          451,835
  Seven through twelve months............................          352,348
  Over twelve months.....................................          318,921
                                                                ----------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996.............................       $2,004,380
                                                                ==========
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1996, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are $5.7
billion, $2.1 billion, $214.2 million, $151.7 million and $57.9 million for
each of the next five years. The maturities for 2002 and later years total
$22.7 million.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 Short-Term Borrowed Funds
 
  Southern National's ability to borrow significant funds through non-deposit
sources generates additional flexibility to meet the needs of customers by
offsetting liquidity risk and to reach the goals set by the ALCO. Components
of short-term borrowed funds at year end were master notes, securities sold
under repurchase agreements, FHLB advances, Federal funds purchased and U.S.
Treasury tax and loan deposit notes payable.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 8
                           SHORT-TERM BORROWED FUNDS
 
  The following information summarizes certain pertinent information for the
past three years on short-term borrowed funds:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996        1995        1994
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
Maximum outstanding at any month-end
 during the year.......................... $2,326,704  $3,828,258  $3,060,225
Average outstanding during the year.......  2,011,565   3,148,179   2,389,428
Average interest rate during the year.....       5.27%       5.91%       4.33%
Average interest rate at end of year......       4.79        5.36        5.48
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CAPITAL ADEQUACY AND RESOURCES
 
  Overall capital adequacy is monitored on an ongoing basis by management and
reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors. Southern National's principal
capital planning goals are to provide an adequate return to shareholders while
retaining a sufficient base from which to provide future growth and compliance
with all regulatory standards. Close attention is given to regulatory levels
of capital as percentages of assets and risk-weighted assets. The accompanying
table outlines the regulatory minimums for Tier 1 capital, total risk-based
capital and the leverage ratio, as well as such amounts for Southern National
as of December 31, 1996.
 
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    TABLE 9
                               CAPITAL ADEQUACY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        REGULATORY SOUTHERN BB&T-  BB&T-  BB&T-
                                         MINIMUMS  NATIONAL  NC     SC     VA
                                        ---------- -------- -----  -----  -----
<S>                                     <C>        <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>
Risk-based capital ratios:
  Tier 1 capital (1)...................    4.0%      11.7%  11.0%  14.4%  11.7%
  Total risk-based capital (2).........    8.0       14.7   12.3   15.7   12.9
Tier 1 leverage ratio (3)..............    3.0        8.0    7.5    9.7    8.6
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Shareholders' equity less non-qualifying intangible assets; computed as a
    ratio of risk-weighted assets, as defined in the risk-based capital
    guidelines.
(2) Tier 1 capital plus qualifying loan loss allowance and subordinated debt;
    computed as a ratio of risk-weighted assets as defined in the risk-based
    capital guidelines.
(3) Tier 1 capital computed as a ratio of fourth quarter average assets less
    goodwill.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF SOUTHERN NATIONAL
 
  Southern National's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is John A. Allison,
IV. Mr. Allison is 48 and has 26 years of service with the Corporation. (For
purposes of this paragraph, the term "Corporation" refers to both Southern
National Corporation and the former BB&T Financial Corporation.) W. Kendall
Chalk is the Senior Executive Vice President for the Lending Group. Mr. Chalk
is 51 and has served for 22 years. Robert E. Greene is the President of Branch
Banking and Trust Company and is the Senior Executive Vice President for
Administrative Services for the Corporation. Mr. Greene is 47 and has served
the Corporation for 24 years. Kelly S. King is the President of Southern
National Corporation and is the Senior Executive Vice President for the
Branching Network. Mr. King is 48 and has 25 years of service with the
Corporation. Morris D. Marley is the Senior Executive Vice President for Funds
Management. Mr. Marley is 46 and has served the Corporation for 12 years.
Scott E. Reed is the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer. Mr. Reed is 48 and has 25 years of service with the Corporation.
Michael W. Sperry is the Senior Executive Vice President for Corporate
Banking. Mr. Sperry is 52 and has 7 years of service with the Corporation.
Henry G. Williamson, Jr. is the Chief Operating Officer for the Corporate
Group. Mr. Williamson is 49 and has 25 years of service with the Corporation.
Prior to the merger of BB&T Financial Corporation with Southern National
Corporation in 1995, Messrs. Allison, Chalk, King, Reed and Williamson served
in substantially the same positions with BB&T Financial Corporation.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                       CERTAIN REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
  As a bank holding company, Southern National is subject to regulation under
the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (as amended, the "BHCA") and the
examination and reporting requirements of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board"). Under the BHCA, a bank
holding company may not directly or indirectly acquire ownership or control of
more than 5% of the voting shares or substantially all of the assets of any
additional bank or merge or consolidate with another bank holding company
without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. The BHCA also
generally limits the activities of a bank holding company to that of banking,
managing or controlling banks, or any other activity which is determined to be
so closely related to banking or to managing or controlling banks that an
exception is allowed for those activities.
 
  As state-chartered commercial banks, BB&T-NC, BB&T-SC and BB&T-VA
(collectively, the "Banks") are subject to regulation, supervision and
examination by state bank authorities in their respective home states. These
authorities include the North Carolina Commissioner, in the case of BB&T-NC,
the South Carolina Commissioner, in the case of BB&T-SC, and the Virginia
State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Financial Institutions, in the case
of BB&T-VA. Each of the Banks is also subject to regulation, supervision and
examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). State
and federal law also govern the activities in which the Banks engage, the
investments they make and the aggregate amount of loans that may be granted to
one borrower. Various consumer and compliance laws and regulations also affect
the Banks' operations.
 
  The earnings of Southern National's subsidiaries, and therefore the earnings
of Southern National, are affected by general economic conditions, management
policies and the legislative and governmental actions of various regulatory
authorities, including those referred to above. The following description
summarizes some of the state and federal laws to which Southern National and
the Banks are subject. To the extent statutory or regulatory provisions or
proposals are described, the description is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the particular statutory or regulatory provisions or proposals.
 
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS
 
  Southern National is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking
and other subsidiaries. A major portion of the revenues of Southern National
result from amounts paid as dividends to Southern National by its bank
subsidiaries. Southern National's banking subsidiaries are subject to state
laws and regulations that limit the amount of dividends they can pay. In
addition, both Southern National and the Banks are subject to various general
regulatory policies relating to the payment of dividends, including
requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums. The
Federal Reserve Board has indicated that banking organizations should
generally pay dividends only if (1) the organization's net income available to
common shareholders over the past year has been sufficient to fund fully the
dividends and (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention appears
consistent with the organization's capital needs, asset quality and overall
financial condition. Southern National does not expect that any of these laws,
regulations or policies will materially impact the ability of its Banks to pay
dividends. During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Banks recorded $125.7
million in cash dividends to Southern National.
 
CAPITAL
 
  The Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC have issued substantially similar
risk-based and leverage capital guidelines applicable to banking organizations
they supervise. Under the risk-based capital requirements, Southern National
and the Banks are each generally required to maintain a minimum ratio of total
capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet
activities, such as standby letters of credit), of 8%. At least half of the
total capital is to be composed of common equity, retained earnings and
qualifying perpetual preferred stock, less certain intangibles ("Tier 1
capital"). The remainder may consist of certain subordinated
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
debt, certain hybrid capital instruments and other qualifying preferred stock
and a limited amount of the loan loss allowance ("Tier 2 capital" and,
together with Tier 1 capital, "total capital"). At December 31, 1996, Southern
National's Tier 1 capital and total capital ratios were 11.7% and 14.7%,
respectively, and the ratio of total capital to total risk-adjusted assets for
BB&T-NC, BB&T-SC, and BB&T-VA were 12.3%, 15.7% and 12.9%, respectively.
 
  In addition, each of the Federal bank regulatory agencies has established
minimum leverage capital ratio requirements for banking organizations. These
requirements provide for a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to
adjusted average quarterly assets equal to 3% for banks and bank holding
companies that meet certain specified criteria. All other banks and bank
holding companies will generally be required to maintain a leverage ratio of
at least 100 to 200 basis points above the stated minimum. Southern National's
leverage ratio at December 31, 1996 was 8.0%, and the Banks' leverage ratios
were 7.5%, 9.7% and 8.6%, respectively.
 
  The risk-based capital standards of both the Federal Reserve Board and the
FDIC explicitly identify concentrations of credit risk and the risk arising
from non-traditional activities, as well as an institution's ability to manage
these risks, as important factors to be taken into account by the agency in
assessing an institution's overall capital adequacy. The capital guidelines
also provide that an institution's exposure to a decline in the economic value
of its capital due to changes in interest rates be considered by the agency as
a factor in evaluating a bank's capital adequacy. The Federal Reserve Board
also has recently issued additional capital guidelines for bank holding
companies that engage in certain trading activities.
 
DEPOSIT INSURANCE ASSESSMENTS
 
  The deposits of each Bank are insured by the FDIC up to the limits set forth
under applicable law. A majority of the deposits of the Banks are subject to
the deposit insurance assessments of the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") of the
FDIC. However, approximately 40% of the deposits of BB&T-NC and BB&T-SC
(relating to the Banks' acquisitions of various savings associations) are
subject to assessments imposed by the Savings Association Insurance Fund
("SAIF") of the FDIC.
 
  Pursuant to budget reconciliation legislation enacted in 1996, the FDIC
imposed a special assessment on SAIF-assessable deposits of $.657 per $100 of
SAIF-assessable deposits in order to increase the SAIF's net worth to 1.25% of
SAIF-insured deposits as of October 1, 1996. Certain institutions that engaged
in thrift acquisitions, including BB&T-NC and BB&T-VA, received a 20% discount
on the assessment. As a result, the pre-tax impact of the special assessment
on Southern National was approximately $33 million and was recorded as an
expense as of September 30, 1996.
 
  The FDIC thereafter equalized the assessment rates for BIF-insured and SAIF-
insured deposits effective January 1, 1997. Thus, for the semi-annual period
beginning January 1, 1997, the assessments imposed on all FDIC deposits for
deposit insurance have an effective rate ranging from 0 to 27 basis points per
$100 of insured deposits, depending on the institution's capital position and
other supervisory factors. However, because the legislation enacted in 1996
requires that both SAIF-insured and BIF-insured deposits pay a pro rata
portion of the interest due on the obligations issued by the Financing
Corporation ("FICO"), the FDIC is assessing BIF-insured deposits an additional
1.30 basis points per $100 of deposits, and SAIF-insured deposits an
additional 6.48 basis points per $100 of deposits, to cover those obligations.
 
OTHER SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS REGULATIONS
 
  There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on bank holding
companies and their depository institution subsidiaries by Federal law and
regulatory policy that are designed to reduce potential loss exposure to the
depositors of such depository institutions and to the FDIC insurance funds in
the event the depository institution becomes in danger of default or is in
default. For example, under a policy of the Federal Reserve Board with respect
to bank holding company operations, a bank holding company is required to
serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository
institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
in circumstances where it might not do so otherwise. In addition, the "cross-
guarantee" provisions of Federal law require insured depository institutions
under common control to reimburse the FDIC for any loss suffered or reasonably
anticipated by either the SAIF or the BIF as a result of the default of a
commonly controlled insured depository institution or for any assistance
provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled insured depository institution
in danger of default. The FDIC may decline to enforce the cross-guarantee
provision if it determines that a waiver is in the best interests of the SAIF
or the BIF or both. The FDIC's claim for reimbursement is superior to claims
of shareholders of the insured depository institution or its holding company
but is subordinate to claims of depositors, secured creditors and holders of
subordinated debt (other than affiliates) of the commonly controlled insured
depository institution.
 
  The Federal banking agencies also have broad powers under current Federal
law to take prompt corrective action to resolve problems of insured depository
institutions. The extent of these powers depends upon whether the institution
in question is well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized,
significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, as defined by
the law. As of December 31, 1996, Southern National and each of the Banks were
classified as well-capitalized.
 
  State regulatory authorities also have broad enforcement powers over the
Banks, including the power to impose fines and other civil and criminal
penalties, and to appoint a conservator (with the approval of the Governor in
the case of North Carolina) in order to conserve the assets of any such
institution for the benefit of depositors and other creditors. The North
Carolina Commissioner also has the authority to take possession of a state
bank in certain circumstances, including, among other things, when it appears
that such bank has violated its charter or any applicable laws, is conducting
its business in an unauthorized or unsafe manner, is in an unsafe or unsound
condition to transact its business or has an impairment of its capital stock.
 
INTERSTATE BANKING AND BRANCHING
 
  Current Federal law authorizes interstate acquisitions of banks and bank
holding companies without geographic limitation. Effective June 1, 1997, a
bank headquartered in one state will be authorized to merge with a bank
headquartered in another state, as long as neither of the states has opted out
of such interstate merger authority prior to such date. States are authorized
to enact laws permitting such interstate bank merger transactions prior to
June 1, 1997, as well as authorizing a bank to establish "de novo" interstate
branches. North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia have enacted early "opt
in" laws, permitting interstate bank merger transactions. Once a bank has
established branches in a state through an interstate merger transaction, the
bank may establish and acquire additional branches at any location in the
state where a bank headquartered in that state could have established or
acquired branches under applicable Federal or state law.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  At December 31, 1996, Southern National had approximately 7,800 full-time-
equivalent employees.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  Southern National and its significant subsidiaries occupy headquarters
offices that are either owned or operated under long-term leases and also own
free-standing operations centers in Wilson, Charlotte and Lumberton, North
Carolina. Branch office locations are variously owned or leased. The premises
occupied by Southern National and its subsidiaries are considered to be well-
located and suitably equipped to serve as financial service facilities. See
Note F. "Premises and Equipment" of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
in this report.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results
of operations of Southern National Corporation ("Southern National" or the
"Corporation") for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, and related financial information are presented in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and related notes to assist in the
evaluation of Southern National's 1996 performance.
 
  This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the
financial condition, results of operations and business of Southern National.
These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties.
Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the
following possibilities: (1) competitive pressure in the banking industry
increases significantly; (2) changes in the interest rate environment reduce
margins; (3) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, are
less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a
deterioration in credit quality; (4) changes occur in the regulatory
environment; (5) changes occur in business conditions and inflation; (6)
expected cost savings associated with pending mergers cannot be fully
realized; (7) deposit attrition, customer loss or revenue loss following
pending mergers is greater than expected; (8) required operational
divestitures associated with pending mergers are greater than expected; and
(9) changes occur in the securities markets.
 
  Economic indicators during 1996 revealed steady, modest growth in the
economy and relatively low pressure on inflation. Job growth, retail sales,
auto sales and home sales were moderate, with growth rates easing by the end
of the year. Consumer confidence remained high throughout 1996, despite low
levels of growth in the gross domestic product. The Federal Reserve's Open
Market Committee, which determines pricing on key central funding sources,
voted to cut the Federal funds rate 25 basis points to 5.25% in January, 1996.
This was the central bank's only action on interest rates during the year. The
commercial banking industry experienced slower growth in loans, with overall
loan growth falling into the single digits. 1996 continued to be a year of
industry consolidation, with several large bank mergers. Credit quality also
began to modestly erode during the year, particularly in revolving credit
portfolios, creating concern for institutions with large credit card
portfolios.
 
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
  Average assets totaled $20.6 billion in 1996, an increase of approximately
 .8% over the average of $20.4 billion in 1995. Average assets increased 7.0%
in 1995 compared to 1994. At the end of 1996, assets totaled $21.2 billion.
The modest growth during 1996 reflects a restructuring of the balance sheet
undertaken by management during 1995. As further discussed below, Southern
National has changed the composition of assets by securitizing mortgage loans
and replacing U.S. Treasuries in the securities portfolio with the resulting
mortgage-backed securities. These efforts have improved net interest margin by
improving the yields of both the loans and securities portfolios while
enabling management to pay down more volatile short-term borrowed funds. These
actions have served to improve earnings while maintaining a steady level of
total and average assets.
 
  Southern National's other assets increased $120.9 million in 1996 as a
result of increases in cash surrender value of life insurance, up $58.9
million, mortgage servicing rights, which increased $18.8 million, and
intangible assets, up $13.9 million.
 
  The five-year compound rate of growth in average assets was 8.5%. Over the
same five-year period, the compound annual growth rates based on average
balances have been 9.0% for loans, 9.2% for securities and 5.3% for deposits.
All growth rates have been enhanced by the effects of acquisitions accounted
for as purchases.
 
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 10
                      COMPOSITION OF AVERAGE TOTAL ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    % CHANGE
                                                                 ----------------
                                                                 1996 V.  1995 V.
                             1996         1995         1994       1995     1994
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  -------
                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>      <C>
Securities*.............  $ 5,175,119  $ 5,405,773  $ 5,350,982    (4.3)%    1.0 %
Federal funds sold and
 other earning assets...       13,631       44,384      130,670   (69.3)   (66.0)
Loans and leases, net of
 unearned income**......   14,190,985   13,768,629   12,456,509     3.1     10.5
                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Average earning assets..   19,379,735   19,218,786   17,938,161      .8      7.1
Non-earning assets......    1,194,335    1,185,084    1,134,455      .8      4.5
                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Average total assets....  $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616      .8 %    7.0 %
                          ===========  ===========  ===========
Average earning assets
 as percent of average
 total assets...........         94.2%        94.2%        94.1%
                          ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
 * Based on amortized cost.
** Includes loans held for sale based on lower of amortized cost or market.
   Amounts are gross of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SECURITIES
 
  The securities portfolios provide earnings and liquidity, as well as
providing an effective tool in managing interest rate risk. Management has
historically emphasized investments with a maturity of five years or less
because of the changing interest rate environment and to provide greater
flexibility in balance sheet management. As a result of the acquisition of
longer-term mortgage-backed securities, and the runoff of lower-yielding,
shorter maturity U.S. Treasuries, the maturity of the total portfolio now
exceeds seven years. However, the actual expected maturity of the investment
portfolio is approximately three years because of the faster prepayment
streams associated with mortgage-backed securities. U.S. Treasury securities,
which continue to comprise the majority of the portfolio, provide adequate
current yields with minimal risk and maturities structured to address
liquidity concerns.
 
  During the fourth quarter of 1995 and throughout 1996, Southern National
securitized mortgages held in the loan portfolio and transferred them to the
investment portfolio. Management determined that this strategy would increase
yields in the investment portfolio by allowing lower-yielding securities to
run off and replacing them with higher-yielding mortgage-backed securities.
 
  Total outstanding securities decreased 1.8% in 1996 to a total of $5.3
billion at the end of the year. Securities held to maturity only make up 2.4%
of the total portfolio and are primarily composed of investments in states and
municipalities. Such securities are carried at amortized cost and totaled
$124.7 million at year end, compared to $154.0 million outstanding at the end
of 1995. Market valuation gains in the Corporation's held-to-maturity category
affect neither earnings nor capital. The held-to-maturity portfolio had a net
unrealized gain of $3.7 million at December 31, 1996.
 
  Securities available for sale totaled $5.1 billion at year end and are
carried at estimated fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115. The available-for-sale portfolio is
primarily composed of investments in U.S. Treasuries, government and agency
obligations, which, excluding mortgage-backed securities, composed 60.7% of
the outstanding balance at year end. This percentage has decreased from the
1995 percentage of 78.1%, which reflects management's efforts to invest in
higher yielding mortgage-backed securities obtained through the securitization
of a portion of Southern National's mortgage loan portfolio. At December 31,
1996, mortgage-backed securities comprised 33.6% of the available-
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
for-sale portfolio, compared to 18.8% at the end of 1995. The available-for-
sale portfolio also contains investments in states and municipalities, which
composed less than 1% of the portfolio, and equity and other securities, which
composed the remaining 5.3% of the portfolio. The percentage of holdings in
states and municipalities did not significantly change from the prior year.
 
  The available-for-sale portfolio composed 97.6% of total securities. During
the fourth quarter of 1995, Southern National transferred $1.6 billion of
securities which were previously classified as held to maturity to the
available-for-sale category. The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
provided enterprises the opportunity to make a one-time reassessment of the
classification of all investment securities held at that time, such that the
reclassification of any security from the held-to-maturity category would not
call into question the enterprise's intent to hold other debt securities to
maturity in the future. Management believes that this classification allows
more flexibility in the day-to-day management of the overall portfolio than
the held-to-maturity classifications. Southern National held no securities
classified as trading at December 31, 1996 or 1995.
 
  The market value of the available-for-sale portfolio was $20.1 million
greater than the amortized cost of these securities. At December 31, 1996,
Southern National's available-for-sale portfolio had net unrealized
appreciation, net of tax, of $11.8 million, which is reported as a separate
component of equity. This compares to net unrealized appreciation of $31.2
million at December 31, 1995. Equity adjustments resulting from market
valuation gains and losses do not represent permanent increases or reductions
in equity. If securities that are categorized as available for sale are held
until they mature for strategic reasons, or if market values improve during
the period of time held, any fluctuations in estimated fair value will be
reflected as a separate component of equity, net of tax. If securities so
designated are sold, then the actual gains or losses realized are reported in
current period earnings.
 
  The fully taxable equivalent ("FTE") yield on the total securities portfolio
was 6.69% for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to 6.22% for the
prior year. The improvement in FTE yield resulted from higher yields for each
category of investments. U.S. Treasuries improved from 6.05% to 6.50%,
mortgage-backed securities increased from 6.60% to 6.94% and state and
municipal securities grew from 8.94% to 8.99%.
 
  Management expects interest rates to remain relatively stable throughout
1997. A major investment strategy for the first half of 1997 will be to
selectively replace lower-yielding securities with other high-quality U.S.
Treasury and Federal agency obligations, with short and intermediate
maturities. The Corporation's Asset/Liability Management Committee ("ALCO")
will continually evaluate such strategies in consideration of actual economic
and balance sheet developments.
 
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 11
                                  SECURITIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                              --------------------------------
                                              CARRYING VALUE AVERAGE YIELD (3)
                                              -------------- -----------------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>            <C>
U.S. Treasury, government and agency obliga-
 tions (1)
  Within one year............................   $  568,228         6.31%
  One to five years..........................    2,837,819         6.56
  Five to ten years..........................      152,960         6.55
  After ten years............................    1,288,616         7.21
                                                ----------         ----
    Total....................................    4,847,623         6.70
                                                ----------         ----
States and political subdivisions
  Within one year............................       18,944         8.46
  One to five years..........................       90,759         8.81
  Five to ten years..........................       31,262         8.80
  After ten years............................          345         7.83
                                                ----------         ----
    Total....................................      141,310         8.76
                                                ----------         ----
Other securities
  Within one year............................          100         6.24
  One to five years..........................        2,968         8.22
  Five to ten years..........................      185,556         6.68
                                                ----------         ----
    Total....................................      188,624         6.70
                                                ----------         ----
Securities with no stated maturity...........       83,950         8.22
                                                ----------         ----
    Total securities (2).....................   $5,261,507         6.78%
                                                ==========         ====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Included in U.S. Treasury, government and agency obligations are mortgage-
    backed securities totaling $1.7 billion classified as available for sale
    and disclosed at estimated fair value. These securities are included in
    each of the categories based upon final stated maturity dates. The
    original contractual lives of these securities range from five to 30
    years; however, a more realistic average maturity would be substantially
    shorter because of the monthly return of principal on certain securities.
(2) Includes securities held to maturity of $124.7 million disclosed at
    amortized cost and securities available for sale of $5.1 billion disclosed
    at estimated fair value.
(3) Taxable equivalent basis as applied to amortized cost.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
LOANS AND LEASES
 
  Net loans and leases, including loans held for sale, totaled approximately
$14.4 billion at the end of 1996. This represented an increase of $623.7
million in 1996 or 4.5%. This rate of growth includes the impact of $1.2
billion in mortgage loans securitizations. Excluding the impact of the
mortgage loan securitizations, loans and leases, including loans held for
sale, grew at a rate of 10.1% from December 31, 1995 to December 31, 1996.
Average loans for the twelve months increased 3.1% over the prior year.
Excluding the impact of the securitizations, average loans increased 7.9%
compared with year-end 1995.
 
  The objective of these loan securitizations has been to maintain adequate
regulatory liquidity requirements while using proceeds from maturities of
lower-yielding U.S. Treasuries to fund higher-yielding consumer and commercial
loans and to reduce short-term borrowed funds.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  The net yield on loans has decreased from 9.23% for the twelve months ended
December 1995 to 9.12% for the current year, attributable to overall market
rates. A better indicator of the success of the balance sheet management
strategies is the improvement in overall net interest margin (FTE) from 4.14%
in 1995 to 4.45% for the current year.
 
  Southern National's long range lending strategy is to maintain a rate of
internal growth which approximates that of its markets in the Carolinas and
Virginia. Management believes that this will result in a rate of increase
which will be sustainable and profitable. Average commercial loans increased
at a rate of 7.4% during 1996 and yielded 9.0%. Average consumer loans grew
7.2% over the course of the year and yielded 10.5%. Average mortgage loans,
including the impact of securitizations, decreased 6.9% during 1996, while
yielding 7.9%. Excluding the impact of the securitizations, average mortgage
loans increased 9.3%.
 
  The acquisition of Regional Acceptance Corporation ("Regional Acceptance")
in the third quarter of 1996 is expected to increase consumer loan growth and
change the composition of the loan portfolio to include a greater percentage
of higher-yielding consumer loans. Regional Acceptance specializes in indirect
financing for consumer purchases of mid-model and late-model used automobiles.
 
  Southern National concentrated efforts on expanding the leasing function
throughout 1996. Municipal leasing, primarily tax-exempt leases with counties
and municipalities, was stronger than in the prior year. The leasing function,
which provides a quality stream of earnings, has developed numerous lease-
based products and services that have been effectively marketed to current
Southern National customers and noncustomers. End of period lease receivables,
gross of unearned income, grew $200.8 million or 53.3%, during 1996.
 
  Management will seek to continue the current balance sheet strategies
entering 1997. The trends in loan growth show increasing momentum in demand
during the third and fourth quarters of 1996. Excluding the impact of the
mortgage loan securitizations, end of period loans grew at an annualized rate
of 12.3% during the fourth quarter of 1996 compared to the third quarter.
Growth in average loans improved to 10.0% for the fourth quarter compared to
the third quarter, with particular strength in commercial loans, which
increased 14.3% over the same time frame.
 
ASSET QUALITY
 
  The credit quality of the loan and lease portfolio remained relatively
constant during 1996 compared to 1995. As reflected in Table 12--"Asset
Quality," nonperforming assets ("NPAs") were $80.2 million at year end, up
$4.3 million or 5.6% for the year. However, as a percentage of total assets,
NPAs were .38% at December 31, 1996 compared to .37% at the end of the prior
year. As a percentage of loans plus foreclosed properties, NPAs were .55% at
December 31, 1996 compared to .54% at the end of 1995. The allowance for loan
and lease losses as a percentage of loans and leases was 1.26% at December 31,
1996, compared to 1.26% at December 31, 1995. Loans 90 days or more past due
and still accruing interest increased slightly during 1996 to a balance of
$32.1 million compared to a December 31, 1995 balance of $29.1 million. These
ratios reflect very consistent levels of asset quality during the year. Net
charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases increased from .24% in
1995 to .32% in 1996, primarily as a result of higher charge-offs in consumer
lending. Management considers a charge-off level of .32% to be within
reasonable norms from an historical perspective.
 
  Regional Acceptance also experienced higher-than-expected net charge-offs in
the last two quarters of 1996. These higher net charge-offs are indicative of
the current nature of the used automobile financing industry. This level of
net charge-offs is not expected to have a material impact on Southern
National's consolidated financial condition or consolidated results of
operations.
 
  Southern National assigns risk grades to all commercial loans in the
portfolio. This assignment of loans to one of ten categories is based upon the
relative strength of the repayment source. All significant loans in the four
highest risk grades are reviewed monthly for appropriateness of risk grade,
accrual status and loss reserves. Management does not anticipate any
significant deterioration in asset quality levels during 1997.
 
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  The following table reflects relevant asset quality information for Southern
National for the most recent three years.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 12
                                 ASSET QUALITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                     -------------------------
                                                      1996     1995     1994
                                                     -------  -------  -------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                  <C>      <C>      <C>
Nonaccrual loans and leases*........................ $59,717  $62,231  $48,545
Foreclosed property.................................  20,452   13,652   13,521
                                                     -------  -------  -------
Nonperforming assets................................ $80,169  $75,883  $62,066
                                                     =======  =======  =======
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing... $32,052  $29,094  $24,224
                                                     =======  =======  =======
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS
  Nonaccrual loans and leases as a percentage of
   loans and leases.................................     .41%     .45%     .36%
  Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:
    Total assets....................................     .38      .37      .31
    Loans and leases plus foreclosed property.......     .55      .54      .47
  Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans
   and leases.......................................     .32      .24      .14
  Allowance for losses as a percentage of loans and
   leases...........................................    1.26     1.26     1.32
  Ratio of allowance for losses to:
    Net charge-offs.................................    4.06X    5.30x    9.68x
    Nonaccrual loans and leases.....................    3.08     2.82     3.59
</TABLE>
- --------
NOTE:  Items referring to loans and leases are net of unearned income, gross
       of the allowance and include loans held for sale.
   *   Includes $16.0 million of impaired loans at December 31, 1996. See Note
       A in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DEPOSITS AND OTHER BORROWINGS
 
  Management's primary objectives for funding balance sheet activity are to
provide adequate, stable, cost-effective sources of funds. Core deposits
compose Southern National's primary funding source, despite trends away from
traditional transaction and savings accounts by depositors. As depositors have
sought greater returns in recent years, growth rates for deposits have
typically not kept pace with asset growth. Southern National's total deposits
at December 31, 1996, compared to year-end 1995, increased 1.8% to $15.0
billion. This modest increase was led by a 5.6% increase in noninterest-
bearing demand deposits and a 10.6% increase in money rate savings accounts.
These increases were offset somewhat by a 13.5% decrease in deposits in
savings and interest checking accounts. Other time deposits, including
individual retirement accounts and certificates of deposit, increased less
than 1% and remain Southern National's largest component of total deposits at
54.9%. Average deposits increased 3.7% in 1996 to a balance of $14.8 billion.
 
  Management also used various other short-term borrowed funds to meet funding
needs. Among these are Federal funds purchased, which composed 35.0% of total
short-term borrowed funds and securities sold under repurchase agreements,
which composed 29.4% of short-term borrowed funds at year end. Management also
utilized master notes, U.S. Treasury tax and loan deposit notes and short-term
Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances to supplement short-term funding
needs. In certain circumstances, management also used foreign deposits and, to
a lesser degree, brokered certificates of deposit. Although average short-term
borrowed funds decreased $1.1 billion or 36.1%, this was offset by a $538.0
million increase in average foreign deposits, which are classified as other
time deposits. Management has diversified both short-term and long-term
funding
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
sources and the shift to foreign deposits represents an effort to establish
available credit lines with nonbank providers of such funds. Total short-term
borrowed funds at year-end 1996 decreased $332.1 million or 12.8% compared to
year-end 1995.
 
  The rates paid on average short-term borrowed funds decreased from 5.91% in
1995 to 5.27% during 1996. This decrease resulted from a decline in short-term
money market rates as well as the increased availability of short-term funding
sources providing management the ability to execute on a more cost-effective
strategy.
 
  Management also employs long-term debt for additional funding, and
management significantly increased reliance on longer-term funding sources
during 1996. Southern National's total end of period outstanding long-term
debt increased 48.3% to $2.1 billion. On average, long-term debt increased
$731.0 million. Southern National's long-term debt consists primarily of FHLB
advances, which composed 67.0% of total outstanding long-term debt at December
31, 1996. FHLB advances are the most cost-effective long-term funding source
and the FHLB provides Southern National the flexibility to structure the debt
to manage interest rate risk and liquidity as needed. In an effort to
diversify long-term funding sources, management developed various debt
programs, including a $2 billion senior and subordinated banknote program. The
initial debt issuance was $225 million for five years at a fixed coupon rate
of 5.70%. The remainder of the $424.8 million outstanding at year end was
shorter-term floating rate banknotes. In addition to the $2 billion banknote
program, Southern National also registered $1 billion in debt for future
funding needs. On May 21, 1996, Southern National issued $250 million of 7.05%
subordinated long-term notes which mature in 2003. The average rate paid on
long-term debt during 1996 decreased from 6.26% for 1995 to 5.78% for 1996.
 
  Southern National continually considers liquidity needs in evaluating
funding sources. The ultimate goal is to maintain funding flexibility, which
will allow Southern National to react rapidly to opportunities brought about
by growth and market volatility. Management will continue to focus on
traditional core funding strategies during 1997, including targeting growth in
noninterest-bearing deposits.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 13
             COMPOSITION OF AVERAGE DEPOSITS AND OTHER BORROWINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                % CHANGE
                                                                             ----------------
                                                                             1996 V.  1995 V.
                               1996             1995             1994         1995     1994
                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------  -------
                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>         <C>  <C>         <C>  <C>         <C>  <C>      <C>
Savings, interest
 checking and MRS
 sweeps.................  $ 3,156,994  17% $ 3,237,553  18% $ 3,433,750  20%   (2.5)%   (5.7)%
Money rate savings......    1,416,791   8    1,552,431   8    1,971,263  11    (8.7)   (21.2)
Other time deposits.....    8,346,545  44    7,715,365  42    7,155,207  41     8.2      7.8
                          ----------- ---  ----------- ---  ----------- ---
Total interest-bearing
 deposits...............   12,920,330  69   12,505,349  68   12,560,220  72     3.3      (.4)
Noninterest-bearing
 demand deposits........    1,857,207  10    1,745,827   9    1,738,508  10     6.4       .4
                          ----------- ---  ----------- ---  ----------- ---
Total deposits..........   14,777,537  79   14,251,176  77   14,298,728  82     3.7      (.3)
Short-term borrowed
 funds..................    2,011,565  11    3,148,179  17    2,389,428  14   (36.1)    31.8
Long-term debt..........    1,858,569  10    1,127,575   6      677,227   4    64.8     66.5
                          ----------- ---  ----------- ---  ----------- ---
Total deposits and other
 borrowings.............  $18,647,671 100% $18,526,930 100% $17,365,383 100%     .6%     6.7 %
                          =========== ===  =========== ===  =========== ===   =====    =====
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Consolidated net income for 1996 totaled $283.7 million, which generated
primary earnings per share of $2.56 and fully diluted earnings per share of
$2.54. Net income for the prior year was $186.3 million and net earnings for
1994 were $243.8 million. Primary earnings per share were $1.65 in 1995 and
$2.21 in 1994, while fully diluted per share earnings were $1.62 and $2.16,
respectively.
 
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
  Management utilizes the return on average assets ratio to measure the
profitability of each dollar of assets and to compare Southern National's
performance to peers. The returns on average assets produced by the earnings
discussed above were 1.38% for 1996, .91% for 1995 and 1.28% for 1994.
Management's target return on average assets is 1.25%, which places Southern
National among industry leaders. A similar measure of profitability is return
on average common equity. Southern National's returns on average common equity
were 17.21%, 11.84% and 17.07%, for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively.
 
  Southern National incurred significant nonrecurring expenses during both
1996 and 1995 which are reflected in the earnings and profitability ratios
above. During the third quarter of 1996, Southern National recorded a one-time
assessment by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") which was
charged to all financial institutions with deposits insured by the Savings
Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"). The impact of Southern National's
assessment was approximately $33 million on a pre-tax basis. On an after-tax
basis, the assessment totaled $21.3 million or $.19 per fully diluted share.
Excluding the impact of the assessment, Southern National's net income for
1996 would have been $304.9 million or $2.73 per fully diluted share.
Recurring earnings for 1996 provided returns of 1.48% on average assets and
18.51% on average common shareholders' equity.
 
  During 1995, Southern National incurred $108.0 million in pre-tax
nonrecurring expenses relating to the merger between Southern National and
BB&T Financial Corporation ("BB&T") and $19.8 million in securities losses
resulting from a restructuring of the securities portfolio. These costs were
offset somewhat by a $12.3 million gain on the sale of divested deposits made
necessary by the merger. The net after-tax impact of these nonrecurring items
and securities losses was to reduce net income by $76.3 million. Excluding the
impact of these nonrecurring items, Southern National's net income for 1995
would have been $262.7 million, or $2.29 per fully diluted share. Recurring
earnings for 1995 produced returns of 1.29% on average assets and 16.83% on
average common shareholders' equity.
 
  On a recurring basis, Southern National's net income grew $42.3 million or
16.1% during 1996. Fully diluted earnings per share increased $.44 or 19.2%.
Southern National accomplished many objectives which were established in
conjunction with the merger of Southern National and BB&T. The success in
achieving goals set by management led to the growth in recurring earnings.
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
 
  Net interest income is Southern National's primary source of revenue. The
amount of net interest income is influenced by a number of factors, including
the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the
interest rates earned and paid to obtain the asset-generating funds. The
difference between rates earned on interest-earning assets (with an adjustment
made to tax-exempt income to provide comparability with taxable income) and
the cost of supporting funds is measured by the net yield. The accompanying
table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest
expense and distinguishes between the changes related to average outstanding
balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities (volume)
and the changes related to average interest rates on such assets and
liabilities (rate). Changes attributable to both volume and rate have been
allocated proportionately.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
                                   TABLE 14
                 NET INTEREST INCOME AND RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                 AVERAGE BALANCES                YIELD/RATE
                                                      -------------------------------------    ------------------
                                                          1996         1995         1994       1996   1995   1994
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
                                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>    <C>   <C>
ASSETS
Securities (1):
   U.S. Treasury, government and other (5)........... $ 5,024,926  $ 5,235,169  $ 5,171,260    6.62%  6.13%  5.74%
   States and political subdivisions.................     150,193      170,604      179,722    8.99   8.94   9.08
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Total securities (5)..........................   5,175,119    5,405,773    5,350,982    6.69   6.22   5.85
Other earning assets (2).............................      13,631       44,384      130,670    5.65   5.75   3.97
Loans and leases, net of unearned income (1)(3)(4)(5)  14,190,985   13,768,629   12,456,509    9.12   9.23   8.42
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Total earning assets..........................  19,379,735   19,218,786   17,938,161    8.47   8.37   7.62
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Non-earning assets............................   1,194,335    1,185,084    1,134,455
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------
            Total assets............................. $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616
                                                      ===========  ===========  ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits:
   Savings, interest-checking and MRS sweeps......... $ 3,156,994  $ 3,237,553  $ 3,433,750    1.70   2.26   2.19
   Money rate savings................................   1,416,791    1,552,431    1,971,263    3.62   3.59   2.73
   Other time deposits...............................   8,346,545    7,715,365    7,155,207    5.51   5.55   4.37
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Total interest-bearing deposits...............  12,920,330   12,505,349   12,560,220    4.37   4.46   3.52
Short-term borrowed funds............................   2,011,565    3,148,179    2,389,428    5.27   5.91   4.33
Long-term debt.......................................   1,858,569    1,127,575      677,227    5.78   6.26   6.04
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Total interest-bearing liabilities............  16,790,464   16,781,103   15,626,875    4.63   4.85   3.75
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------    ----   ----   ----
       Noninterest-bearing demand deposits...........   1,857,207    1,745,827    1,738,508
       Other liabilities.............................     266,864      273,911      235,183
       Shareholders' equity..........................   1,659,535    1,603,029    1,472,050
                                                      -----------  -----------  -----------
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity. $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616
                                                      ===========  ===========  ===========
Average interest rate spread.........................                                          3.84   3.52   3.87
Net yield on earning assets..........................                                          4.45%  4.14%  4.36%
                                                                                               ====   ====   ====
Taxable equivalent adjustment........................
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                                       1996 V. 1995
                                                                                             ---------------------------------
                                                                  INCOME/EXPENSE                              CHANGE DUE TO
                                                       ---------------------------------      INCREASE   ---------------------
                                                          1996        1995        1994       (DECREASE)     RATE      VOLUME
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
                                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>       <C>
ASSETS
Securities (1):
   U.S. Treasury, government and other (5)...........  $ 332,725   $ 320,950   $ 296,933     $   11,775   $ 25,009  $  (13,234)
   States and political subdivisions.................     13,503      15,255      16,323         (1,752)        83      (1,835)
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Total securities (5)..........................    346,228     336,205     313,256         10,023     25,092     (15,069)
Other earning assets (2).............................        771       2,552       5,184         (1,781)       (41)     (1,740)
Loans and leases, net of unearned income (1)(3)(4)(5)  1,293,802   1,270,390   1,049,190         23,412    (15,224)     38,636
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Total earning assets..........................  1,640,801   1,609,147   1,367,630         31,654      9,827      21,827

       Non-earning assets............................

            Total assets.............................

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits:
   Savings, interest-checking and MRS sweeps.........     53,531      73,203      75,125        (19,672)   (17,892)     (1,780)
   Money rate savings................................     51,226      55,664      53,874         (4,438)       463      (4,901)
   Other time deposits...............................    459,990     428,282     312,877         31,708     (3,098)     34,806
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Total interest-bearing deposits...............    564,747     557,149     441,876          7,598    (20,527)     28,125
Short-term borrowed funds............................    105,936     186,194     103,493        (80,258)   (18,685)    (61,573)
Long-term debt.......................................    107,437      70,599      40,927         36,838     (5,790)     42,628
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Total interest-bearing liabilities............    778,120     813,942     586,296        (35,822)   (45,002)      9,180
                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------     ----------  ---------  ----------
       Noninterest-bearing demand deposits...........
       Other liabilities.............................
       Shareholders' equity..........................

          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.

Average interest rate spread.........................
Net yield on earning assets..........................  $ 862,681     795,205   $ 781,334     $   67,476  $  54,829  $   12,647
                                                       =========   =========   =========     ==========  =========  ==========
Taxable equivalent adjustment........................  $  34,188   $  32,535   $  28,088
                                                       =========   =========   =========
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>    
                                                                      1995 v. 1994
                                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                                             Change due to
                                                         INCREASE     --------------------------
                                                         DECREASE)        Rate         Volume
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>           <C> 
ASSETS
Securities (1):
   U.S. Treasury, government and other (5)...........    $   24,017   $    20,309   $      3,708
   States and political subdivisions.................        (1,068)         (250)          (818)
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Total securities (5)..........................        22,949        20,059          2,890
Other earning assets (2).............................        (2,632)        1,706         (4,338)
Loans and leases, net of unearned income (1)(3)(4)(5)       221,200       105,149        116,051
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Total earning assets..........................       241,517       126,914        114,603
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Non-earning assets............................

            Total assets.............................

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits:
   Savings, interest-checking and MRS sweeps.........        (1,922)        2,461         (4,383)
   Money rate savings................................         1,790        14,683        (12,893)
   Other time deposits...............................       115,405        89,425         25,980
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Total interest-bearing deposits...............       115,273       106,569          8,704
Short-term borrowed funds............................        82,701        44,253         38,448
Long-term debt.......................................        29,672         1,526         28,146
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Total interest-bearing liabilities............       227,646       152,348         75,298
                                                         ----------   -----------   ------------
       Noninterest-bearing demand deposits...........
       Other liabilities.............................
       Shareholders' equity..........................

          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.

Average interest rate spread.........................
Net yield on earning assets..........................    $   13,871   $   (25,434)  $     39,305
                                                         ==========   ===========   ============
Taxable equivalent adjustment........................


</TABLE>
- -----------------
(1) Yields related to securities, loans and leases exempt from both Federal
    and state income taxes, Federal income taxes only or state income taxes
    only are stated on a taxable equivalent basis assuming tax rates in effect
    for the periods presented.
(2) Includes Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale
    agreements or similar arrangements.
(3) Loan fees, which are not material for any of the periods shown, have been
    included for rate calculation purposes.
(4) Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances. Only the
    interest collected on such loans has been included as income.
(5) Includes assets which were held for sale or available for sale at
    amortized cost.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
  For 1996, net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis ("FTE")
totaled $862.7 million, compared with $795.2 million in 1995 and $781.3
million in 1994. During 1996, there was improvement in interest income from
investment securities, up $10.0 million, and from loans, up $23.4 million.
During the same time frame, reduced interest rates and the use of more cost-
effective funding sources drove total interest expense down $35.8 million.
Comparing 1995 with 1994, net interest income increased $13.9 million.
 
  The taxable equivalent net yield on average earning assets is the primary
measure used in evaluating the effectiveness of the management of earning
assets and funding liabilities. The net yield on average earning assets was
4.45% in 1996, 4.14% in 1995 and 4.36% in 1994. The increase in margin during
1996 reflects management's efforts to restructure the balance sheet by
securitizing mortgage loans and holding the resulting mortgage-backed
securities in the securities available-for-sale portfolio instead of holding
lower-yielding U.S. Treasuries, as discussed earlier. The yield on total
earning assets increased 10 basis points, driven by higher volumes of average
loans and higher rates earned on average investments. Also, management's use
of more cost-effective funding strategies, such as growing core deposits,
particularly noninterest-bearing deposits, and utilizing more stable FHLB
advances and other longer-term debt, rather than more volatile short-term
borrowed funds, contributed to the improved margin. The cost of total
interest-bearing liabilities decreased 22 basis points because of
significantly lower rates paid on all funding sources except money rate
savings.
 
  The 22 basis point margin decline during 1995 was caused by aggressive
pricing strategies for loans and deposits put in place by management following
the merger of Southern National and BB&T in an effort to protect the customer
base. While the total yield on interest-earning assets increased 75 basis
points over 1994, the rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increased
110 basis points during the year.
 
PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
 
  A provision for loan and lease losses is charged against earnings in order
to maintain the allowance for loan and lease losses at a level considered
adequate by management to absorb potential losses existing in the loan
portfolio. The amount of the provision is based on continuing evaluation of
problem loans, analytical reviews of loan loss experience in relation to
outstanding loans, management's judgment with respect to current and expected
economic conditions and their impact on the existing loan portfolio. The
provision recorded by Southern National in 1996 was $53.7 million, compared
with $34.6 million in 1995 and $20.2 million in 1994.
 
  The increase in the provision for loan and lease losses was influenced by
two factors: charge-offs and growth in loans. During recent years, Southern
National has experienced unusually low levels of charge-offs. During 1995,
many asset quality indicators began to return to historically normal levels.
Also, growth in loans during 1995 and 1996 was relatively strong. At December
31, 1996 and 1995, the allowance was 1.26% of loans and leases outstanding.
The coverage ratio of nonaccrual loans and leases was at 3.08 times, up
slightly from the prior year ratio of 2.82 times.
 
  The allowance for loan and lease losses is tested for adequacy on a
quarterly basis. Specific reserves are allocated to problem commercial loans
of $1 million or more, assuming the most conservative repayment scenario. All
other commercial loans are segregated into one of ten risk categories
according to the relative strength of the borrower and the repayment sources.
Reserve allocations are then determined by multiplying outstandings in each
category by factors based on historical loan loss experience. Reserve
allocations are derived for consumer loans based on product type, such as
mortgage, retail, bankcard, etc. Allocations are determined by applying
historical loss ratios to estimated outstandings, with adjustments made for
current and anticipated business conditions. This approach, which relates the
allowance to problem loans, is employed because changes in problem loans--both
the level relative to outstandings and the mix by risk category--are leading
indicators of changes in portfolio loss potential.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
NONINTEREST INCOME
 
  Noninterest income includes service charges on deposit accounts, trust
revenues, mortgage banking income, insurance commissions, gains and losses on
securities transactions and other commissions and fees derived from banking
and bank-related activities. Over the past five years, noninterest income has
grown at a compound annual rate of 10.6%.
 
  An important element of the merger of Southern National and BB&T was the
additional marketing capability provided by merging the operations of the
banks and the ability to cross-sell the stronger services of the existing
banks to the customers of the other banks, which would grow noninterest
income. The primary strategic objective for 1996 was to achieve these
enhancements in fee-based revenues, and management set a goal of 20% growth in
earnings from noninterest income. Actual growth during 1996 was 28.7%. The
more significant components of this increase are discussed below.
 
  Noninterest income for 1996 totaled $297.4 million, compared with $231.0
million in 1995 and $229.9 million in 1994. The $66.4 million increase during
1996 resulted from growth in all areas of fee-based income combined with gains
on the sale of securities of $3.2 million compared with prior year losses on
sales of securities of $18.6 million. These losses were also the primary
factor contributing to the flat rate of growth in noninterest income during
1995 compared with 1994. The securities losses were composed primarily of the
$19.8 million losses incurred in association with the securities restructuring
undertaken in the first quarter of 1995. The impact of these securities losses
was offset to an extent by a $12.3 million gain on the sale of divested
deposits. This divestiture was necessary because of antitrust regulations
associated with the Southern National merger with BB&T.
 
  The percentage of total revenues, calculated as net interest income plus
noninterest income excluding securities gains or losses, derived from
noninterest (fee-based) income for 1996 was 25.7%, up from 23.9% in 1995 and
22.5% during 1994. Management hopes to grow this percentage to 30% in coming
years.
 
  Service charges on deposit accounts represent the largest single source of
noninterest revenue. Such revenues totaled $107.6 million in 1996, an increase
of $18.0 million or 20.0% from 1995. Service charges during 1995 totaled $89.6
million, which was a 5.3% increase compared with the prior year. The primary
factor contributing to the significant growth in service charges on deposit
accounts during 1996 was a change in the fee structure implemented during the
first quarter. Deposit services are typically repriced annually to reflect
current costs and competitive factors.
 
  Mortgage banking income (which includes normal servicing fees and profits
and losses from the origination and sale of loans) increased $7.9 million or
30.1% to a total of $34.4 million for 1996. Mortgage banking income totaled
$26.4 million in 1995 and $24.9 million in 1994. The primary components of the
1996 increase were servicing fees on loans sold, which increased $5.5 million,
and increases in net gains on sales of mortgage loans because of the
capitalization of mortgage servicing rights under SFAS No. 122.
 
  Agency insurance commissions, which include insurance commissions generated
through Southern National's extensive agency network, increased approximately
$6.8 million or 43.5% in 1996 to a total of $22.4 million. Agency insurance
commissions totaled $15.6 million in 1995 and $13.8 million in 1994. The
insurance agencies have become an increasingly important source of noninterest
revenue for Southern National, and this trend is expected to continue in the
future. Southern National currently maintains the largest independent
insurance agency network in the Carolinas. During 1996, certain assets and
liabilities of four insurance agencies in South Carolina were acquired with
combined premiums totaling $65 million. These acquisitions, accounted for
under the purchase method, increased agency insurance commissions during 1996.
Southern National intends to continue to expand its insurance agency
operations through both acquisitions and internally generated growth.
 
  Other insurance commissions, which include credit-related products offered
through the banking network to borrowers, totaled $11.2 million during 1996,
up 3.0% from the 1995 balance of $10.9 million. Such commissions totaled $10.4
million during 1994.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  The offering of trust services has been a traditional service of Southern
National. Trust income from corporate and personal trust services totaled
$22.8 million in 1996. This was an increase of $4.2 million or 22.4% over
income of $18.6 million in 1995, which in turn was an increase of $1.4 million
or 8.4% over the $17.2 million earned in 1994. Managed assets totaled $5.0
billion at the end of 1996. Southern National also offers its own family of
mutual funds and manages seven mutual funds with total assets in excess of
$800 million, which provide investment alternatives both for trust clients and
for other customers. The broker/dealer subsidiaries are the principal
marketing agents of Southern National's proprietary mutual funds.
 
  Other nondeposit fees and commissions, including bankcard fees, increased by
$14.2 million to a level of $68.8 million in 1996 compared with $54.6 million
for 1995. During 1995, other nondeposit fees and commissions increased 13.2%
from the 1994 income of $48.3 million. Major sources of nondeposit fees and
commissions generating the increases include merchant discounts, up $5.4
million or 35.5% from the 1995 balance and up $7.5 million from the income
recorded in 1994. Another significant component, investment brokerage
commissions, increased $6.8 million during 1996 to a total of $14.7 million.
Investment brokerage commissions increased 9.6% during 1995 to a total of $8.0
million.
 
  Other income decreased $6.8 million or 20.0% for 1996 because of a $12.3
million gain realized during the second quarter of 1995 on the divestiture of
deposits which was undertaken to comply with antitrust restrictions following
the Southern National merger with BB&T. Excluding the impact of this gain,
other income would have increased $5.5 million. Other income in 1995 totaled
$33.9 million, up 25.1% from the 1994 balance of $27.1 million.
 
  The ability to generate significant additional amounts of noninterest
revenues in the future will be a requisite to the ultimate success of Southern
National. Through its subsidiaries, Southern National will continue to focus
on four primary areas--mortgage banking, trust, insurance and investment
brokerage activities. Management has invested in the development of
noninterest income products and services for delivery in future years and has
targeted an overall growth rate of 20% per year.
 
  Southern National has also undertaken plans to develop a number of
alternative delivery systems for products and services. During 1996, a PC-
based home banking product called BB&T OnLine was introduced. Management
believes that the service will be an effective tool both for individuals and
small business customers. Southern National currently has plans to expand the
ATM network to grow fee income and to provide added convenience to customers.
Also, Southern National introduced a "loan-by-phone" service and developed an
integrated small business lending process with expert systems and a well-
trained human support system. Southern National currently has plans to open a
"call center" during 1997 to provide greater customer service.
 
  Southern National will also continue to explore strategic acquisitions of
insurance agencies, finance companies and other entities to improve
noninterest income.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 15
                              NONINTEREST INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 % CHANGE
                                                              ----------------
                                                              1996 V.  1995 V.
                                    1996     1995      1994    1995     1994
                                  -------- --------  -------- -------  -------
                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                               <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
Service charges on deposits...... $107,581 $ 89,621  $ 85,106   20.0 %   5.3 %
Mortgage banking income..........   34,352   26,408    24,920   30.1     6.0
Trust income.....................   22,811   18,629    17,180   22.4     8.4
Agency insurance commissions.....   22,353   15,572    13,830   43.5    12.6
Other insurance commissions......   11,189   10,866    10,413    3.0     4.4
Securities gains (losses), net...    3,206  (18,600)    3,074     NM      NM
Merchant discounts...............   20,574   15,189     7,665   35.5    98.2
Other bankcard income............    7,851    9,259    10,006  (15.2)   (7.5)
Investment brokerage
 commissions.....................   14,722    7,951     7,256   85.2     9.6
Other bank service fees and
 commissions.....................   20,885   17,960    14,538   16.3    23.5
International income.............    3,206    2,895     2,600   10.7    11.3
Amortization of negative
 goodwill........................    6,238    6,239     6,283    --      (.7)
Other noninterest income.........   22,421   29,005    26,990  (22.7)    7.5
                                  -------- --------  --------  -----    ----
  Total noninterest income....... $297,389 $230,994  $229,861   28.7 %    .5 %
                                  ======== ========  ========  =====    ====
</TABLE>
- --------
NM--not meaningful.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
  Noninterest expense for 1996 decreased $27.2 million or 4.0% to a total of
$654.1 million. This followed an increase of 15.5% in 1995 to a total of
$681.2 million. Certain material, nonrecurring costs and expenses affecting
noninterest expense were recorded during both 1996 and 1995. As discussed
earlier, Southern National recorded a special, one-time SAIF assessment during
the third quarter of 1996 totaling approximately $33 million on a pretax
basis. During 1995, Southern National incurred $107.5 million of nonrecurring
costs related to the merger of Southern National and BB&T. Excluding the
impact of the nonrecurring items from both 1996 and 1995, noninterest expense
would have increased $47.3 million or 8.2% from 1995 to 1996. The five-year
compound rate of growth in noninterest expense has been 8.3%.
 
  An important objective following the merger of Southern National and BB&T
was controlling costs. The combining companies expected to achieve significant
cost savings through the elimination of redundant personnel and systems, which
are among the benefits usually associated with an in-market merger. Through
the implementation of a hiring freeze and an early retirement program, as well
as by completing the conversion of the systems of the two companies during
1995, the cost savings have been achieved.
 
  Total personnel expense decreased $43.9 million or 12.7% in 1996 compared to
1995. The 1995 expense was 16.8% higher than personnel expense recorded in
1994. Total personnel expense includes salaries and wages, as well as pension
and other employee benefits. The decrease during 1996 reflects $59.8 million
of nonrecurring merger-related costs recorded in the prior year. These costs
included severance pay, termination of employment contracts, early retirement
packages and other related benefits. Excluding these nonrecurring charges,
total personnel expense, the largest component of noninterest expense, would
have increased $15.8 million or 5.5% to $302.4 million. The increase in
recurring personnel costs reflects higher incentive-related compensation.
 
  Premiums paid to the FDIC for deposit insurance increased $19.8 million or
86.2% to a total of $42.8 million for 1996. For 1995, the expense decreased
$9.7 million or 29.7%. As discussed earlier, Southern National
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
recorded $33 million of Federal deposit insurance expense during the third
quarter of 1996 associated with a special assessment to recapitalize the SAIF.
This assessment was offset by rate reductions on FDIC insurance expense which
became effective during the latter part of 1995. The rate paid on insurance
premiums increased from an annual rate of $.12 per $100 of deposits in 1990 to
$.23 per $100 of deposits for the period beginning July 1, 1991. However, in
1995, the FDIC reduced the rates paid from $.23 per $100 to $.04 on deposits
insured by the Bank Insurance Fund and on January 1, 1996, the FDIC eliminated
the deposit insurance premium. Combined with continued flat deposit growth,
this rate decrease resulted in significant savings on deposit insurance
premiums during the third and fourth quarters of 1995, resulting in the
decrease in expense from 1994.
 
  Net occupancy expense totaled $46.1 million in 1996. This represented a
decrease of $3.1 million or 6.3% over the expense of $49.2 million incurred in
1995, which in turn was 11.2% greater than the expense of $44.3 million
recorded in 1994. Furniture and equipment expense totaled $57.5 million in
1996, compared with $58.7 million in 1995 and $44.3 million in 1994. These
fluctuations include the impact in 1995 of $10.4 million of nonrecurring
charges relating to branch closings and the consolidation of bank operations
and systems associated with the Southern National and BB&T merger. Combined
occupancy and equipment expense, excluding nonrecurring charges, would have
increased $6.1 million or 6.2% in 1996 compared to 1995. Depreciation of
property and equipment purchased in connection with implementing the merger
was a major component of the increase.
 
  Other expense increased only $1.2 million from 1995 to 1996, primarily
because of an elevated level of merger-related expenses recorded during 1995.
These merger-related expenses included operational charge-offs, branch and
departmental supplies, donations, legal fees, accounting fees, printing costs,
regulatory filing fees and professional services. Excluding the impact of
these charges, other noninterest expenses would have increased $38.8 million
or 23.3%. This increase was driven by several components. A primary strategic
objective for 1996 was to increase BB&T brand identity. Southern National
increased advertising and marketing expenditures to accomplish this objective.
Advertising costs totaled $19.0 million during 1996, up from $11.5 million
recorded in 1995 and $10.7 million recorded in 1994. As a result of this
program, it is estimated that awareness of the BB&T brand increased 50%. Other
costs include higher amortization of intangibles and mortgage servicing
rights, which increased $2.2 million in 1996 because of lower interest rates,
and conversion costs associated with the merger of Regional Acceptance.
 
  Many computer systems will incur data processing difficulties resulting from
date codings of transactions after the year 1999. Southern National recognized
expenses during 1996 to begin to upgrade certain computer software and
operating systems to enable the systems to function properly in the year 2000.
Southern National's computer systems are not programmed to consider the start
of a new century, and the process of upgrading the systems' date recognition
to make them year-2000 compliant will continue in the future. Management
anticipates expenditures associated with this upgrade of at least $7 million
to $8 million to be expensed as incurred over the next three years.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 16
                              NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 % CHANGE
                                                              ----------------
                                                              1996 V.  1995 V.
                                     1996     1995     1994    1995     1994
                                   -------- -------- -------- -------  -------
                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Salaries and wages...............  $245,486 $286,321 $240,468  (14.3)%   19.1 %
Pension and other employee bene-
 fits............................    56,897   59,987   56,077   (5.2)     7.0
Net occupancy expense on bank
 premises........................    46,103   49,220   44,281   (6.3)    11.2
Furniture and equipment expense..    57,491   58,657   44,299   (2.0)    32.4
Federal deposit insurance premi-
 ums.............................    42,820   22,995   32,697   86.2    (29.7)
Other insurance..................     3,275    4,733    4,174  (30.8)    13.4
Foreclosed property expense......     1,952    3,168    4,645  (38.4)   (31.8)
Amortization expense on
 intangibles and mortgage
 servicing rights................    12,779   10,600    7,700   20.6     37.7
Software.........................     5,049    8,507    5,403  (40.6)    57.4
Telephone........................    11,929   11,968   10,921    (.3)     9.6
Donations........................     5,295    7,341    3,832  (27.9)    91.6
Advertising and public rela-
 tions...........................    18,956   11,466   10,688   65.3      7.3
Travel...........................     5,248    5,159    4,064    1.7     26.9
Professional services............    19,564   20,462   12,247   (4.4)    67.1
Supplies.........................    11,429   17,786   10,207  (35.7)    74.3
Loan and lease expense...........    28,903   22,227   17,034   30.0     30.5
Deposit related expense..........    12,282   10,677   11,755   15.0     (9.2)
Other noninterest expenses.......    68,595   69,954   69,303   (1.9)      .9
                                   -------- -------- --------
  Total noninterest expense......  $654,053 $681,228 $589,795   (4.0)%   15.5 %
                                   ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
  Southern National's provision for income taxes during 1996 was $134.5
million, a 47.1% increase over the provision recorded in 1995. The provision
for income taxes in 1994 totaled $129.3 million. The significant increase in
the provision in 1996 reflects lower earnings in the prior year resulting from
the merger-related costs discussed above. Excluding the impact of the SAIF
assessment during 1996 and the merger-related costs during 1995, the provision
for income taxes increased $15.7 million or 12.0% because of higher recurring
pretax earnings.
 
  Because of its investments in tax-exempt loans and securities and certain
tax planning strategies, the effective tax rates were actually 32.2% in 1996,
32.9% in 1995 and 34.6% in 1994.
 
MARKET RISK MANAGEMENT
 
  The effective management of market risk is essential to achieving the
Corporation's objectives. As a financial institution, Southern National's
primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk. A prime objective in
interest rate risk management is the avoidance of wide fluctuations in net
interest income through balancing the impact of changes in interest rates on
interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities. Management uses
balance sheet repositioning as an efficient and cost-effective means of
managing interest rate risk. This is accomplished through strategic pricing of
asset and liability accounts. The expected result of strategic pricing is the
development of appropriate maturity and repricing streams in those accounts to
produce consistent net income during adverse interest rate environments. The
ALCO monitors loan, investment and liability portfolios to ensure
comprehensive management of interest rate risk on the balance sheet. These
portfolios are analyzed for proper fixed-rate and variable-rate "mixes" given
a specific interest rate outlook.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  Asset/liability management activities are designed to achieve relatively
stable net interest margins and assure liquidity by coordinating the volumes,
maturities or repricings and interest rate sensitivities of earning assets,
deposits and borrowed funds. It is the responsibility of the ALCO to determine
and achieve the most appropriate size and mix of earning assets and interest-
bearing liabilities, as well as ensure an adequate level of liquidity and
capital, while achieving desired growth in earnings and total assets. The ALCO
also sets policy guidelines and establishes long-term strategies with respect
to interest rate exposure and liquidity. The ALCO meets regularly to review
Southern National's interest rate and liquidity risk exposures in relation to
present and prospective market and business conditions, and adopts funding and
balance sheet management strategies that are intended to ensure that the
potential impact on earnings and liquidity of fluctuations in interest rates
is within conservative standards.
 
  Southern National also utilizes off-balance sheet financial instruments to
manage interest rate sensitivity and net interest income. These instruments,
commonly referred to as derivatives, primarily consist of interest rate swaps,
caps, floors, financial forward and futures contracts and options written and
purchased. Management accounts for these financial instruments as hedges when
the following conditions are met: (1) the specific assets, liabilities, firm
commitments or anticipated transactions (or an identifiable group of
essentially similar items) to be hedged expose Southern National to interest
rate risk or price risk; (2) the financial instrument reduces that exposure;
(3) the financial instrument is designated as a hedge at inception; and (4) at
the inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge period, there is a high
correlation of changes in the fair value or the net interest income associated
with the financial instrument and the hedged items. Southern National does not
utilize derivatives for trading purposes.
 
  Derivative contracts are written in amounts referred to as notional amounts.
Notional amounts do not represent amounts to be exchanged between parties and
are not a measure of financial risks, but only provide the basis for
calculating payments between the counterparties. On December 31, 1996,
Southern National had outstanding interest rate swaps, caps and floors with
notional amounts totaling $1.1 billion. The estimated fair value of open
contracts used for risk management purposes at December 31, 1996, reflected
pretax net unrealized gains of $5.8 million.
 
  Southern National's derivatives used in interest rate risk management are
primarily used to hedge variable rate commercial loans, adjustable rate
mortgage loans, retail certificates of deposit and fixed rate notes. These
hedges contributed net interest expense of $154,200 in 1996, compared with net
interest expense of $10.3 million in 1995 and net interest income of $900,000
in 1994.
 
  Southern National utilizes written covered over-the-counter call options on
specific securities in the available-for-sale securities portfolio in order to
enhance returns. If the securities decrease in value and the option expires
unexercised, Southern National recognizes the premium as income. If the
securities increase in value and the written call option is exercised,
Southern National forfeits the appreciation on the securities exceeding the
option exercise price.
 
  Southern National also utilizes over-the-counter purchased put options and
net purchased put options (combination of purchased put option and written
call option) in its mortgage banking activities. These options are used to
hedge the mortgage warehouse and pipeline against increasing interest rates.
Written call options are used in tandem with purchased put options to create a
net purchased put option that reduces the cost of the hedge.
 
  A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its cash flows, and
therefore its value, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or
reference rate. Credit risk arises when amounts receivable from a counterparty
exceed those payable. The risk of loss with any counterparty is limited to a
small fraction of the notional amount. Southern National deals only with
national market makers with strong credit ratings in its derivatives
activities. Southern National further mitigates the risk of loss by subjecting
counterparties to credit reviews and approvals similar to those used in making
loans and other extensions of credit. All of the derivative contracts to which
Southern National is a party settle monthly, quarterly or semiannually.
Accordingly, the amount of off-balance sheet credit exposure to which Southern
National is exposed at any time is immaterial. Further, Southern National has
netting agreements with the dealers with which it does business. Because of
these netting agreements, Southern National had a minimal amount of off-
balance sheet credit exposure at December 31, 1996.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
  SFAS No. 119, "Disclosures About Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" requires, among other things, certain
quantitative and qualitative disclosures with regard to the amounts, nature
and terms of derivative financial instruments. See Note Q, "Derivatives and
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments," for the required quantitative
disclosures.
 
  Southern National's interest rate sensitivity is illustrated in the
following interest rate sensitivity gap table. The table reflects rate-
sensitive positions at December 31, 1996, and is not necessarily reflective of
positions throughout each year. The carrying amounts of interest-rate-
sensitive assets and liabilities and the notional amounts of swaps and other
derivative financial instruments are presented in the periods in which they
next reprice to market rates or mature and are aggregated to show the interest
rate sensitivity gap. To reflect anticipated prepayments, certain asset and
liability categories are included in the table based on estimated rather than
contractual maturity dates.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 17
                    INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY GAP ANALYSIS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 EXPECTED REPRICING OR MATURITY DATE
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               WITHIN            ONE TO           THREE TO          AFTER FIVE
                              ONE YEAR         THREE YEARS       FIVE YEARS           YEARS              TOTAL
                          -----------------  ----------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------
                            AMOUNT     RATE    AMOUNT    RATE    AMOUNT    RATE    AMOUNT    RATE     AMOUNT    RATE
                          -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  -----  ----------- ----
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>   <C>         <C>   <C>         <C>   <C>         <C>    <C>         <C>
ASSETS
 Securities and other
  interest-earning
  assets*...............  $ 1,212,853  6.86% $1,618,464  6.55% $1,519,034  6.97% $  892,146   7.05% $ 5,242,497 6.83%
 Federal funds sold and
  securities purchased
  under resale
  agreements or similar
  arrangements..........       19,940  5.25         --    --          --    --          --     --        19,940 5.25
 Loans and leases.......    9,414,183  8.70   3,280,158  8.36   1,416,070  8.68     473,653  14.46   14,584,064 8.81
                          -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  -----  ----------- ----
TOTAL INTEREST-EARNING
 ASSETS.................   10,646,976         4,898,622         2,935,104         1,365,799          19,846,501
                          -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  -----  ----------- ----
LIABILITIES
 Time deposits..........    6,693,613  5.37   1,289,270  6.00     209,652  6.22      22,686   6.28    8,215,221 5.49
 Savings and interest
  checking**............          --    --      825,756  1.56     275,252  1.56     275,252   1.56    1,376,260 1.56
 Money rate savings**...    1,686,009  3.30   1,686,009  3.30         --    --          --     --     3,372,018 3.30
 Federal funds
  purchased.............      793,075  5.27         --    --          --    --          --     --       793,075 5.27
 Other borrowings.......    2,491,821  5.14     141,427  6.38     506,633  5.74     382,114   5.07    3,521,995 5.27
                          -----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  ----  ----------  -----  ----------- ----
TOTAL INTEREST-BEARING
 LIABILITIES............   11,664,518         3,942,462           991,537           680,052          17,278,569
                          -----------        ----------        ----------        ----------         -----------
ASSET-LIABILITY GAP.....   (1,017,542)          956,160         1,943,567           685,747
                          -----------        ----------        ----------        ----------
DERIVATIVES AFFECTING
 INTEREST RATE
 SENSITIVITY
 Pay fixed interest rate
  swaps.................      288,629  5.35    (268,817) 5.31     (15,520) 5.27      (4,292)  5.98
 Receive fixed interest
  rate swaps............     (450,000) 5.36     200,000  6.11         --    --      250,000   6.90
 Basis swaps............     (250,000) 5.51     250,000  5.53         --    --          --     --
 Floors.................     (105,000)  --      105,000   --          --    --          --     --
                          -----------        ----------        ----------        ----------
INTEREST RATE
 SENSITIVITY GAP........  $(1,533,913)       $1,242,343        $1,928,047        $  931,455
                          ===========        ==========        ==========        ==========
CUMULATIVE INTEREST RATE
 SENSITIVITY GAP........  $(1,533,913)       $ (291,570)       $1,636,477        $2,567,932
                          ===========        ==========        ==========        ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
 * Securities based on amortized cost.
** Projected runoff of non-maturity deposits was computed based upon decay
   rate assumptions developed by bank regulators to assist banks in addressing
   FDICIA rule 305.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
INFLATION AND CHANGING INTEREST RATES
 
  The majority of assets and liabilities of financial institutions are
monetary in nature and, therefore, differ greatly from most commercial and
industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or
inventories. Fluctuations in interest rates and the efforts of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve ("FRB") to regulate money and credit
conditions have a greater effect on a financial institution's profitability
than do the effects of higher costs for goods and services. Through its
balance sheet management function, Southern National is positioned to respond
to changing interest rates and inflationary trends.
 
  Simulation Analysis takes into account the current contractual agreements
that Southern National has made with its customers on deposits, borrowings,
loans, investments and any commitments to enter into those transactions.
Management monitors Southern National's interest sensitivity by means of a
computer-based asset/liability model that incorporates current volumes and
rates, maturity streams, repricing opportunities and anticipated growth. The
model calculates an earnings estimate based on current portfolio balances and
rates, less any balances that are scheduled to reprice or mature. Balances and
rates that will replace the previous balances and any anticipated growth are
added. This level of detail is needed to correctly simulate the effect that
changes in interest rates and anticipated balances will have on the earnings
of Southern National. This method is subject to the assumptions that underlie
the process, but it provides a better illustration of true earnings potential
than other analyses such as static or dynamic gap.
 
  The asset/liability management process involves various analyses. Management
determines the most likely outlook for the economy and interest rates by
analyzing environmental factors including regulatory changes, monetary and
fiscal policies and the overall state of the economy. Southern National's
current and prospective liquidity position, current balance sheet volumes and
projected growth, accessibility of funds for short-term needs and capital
maintenance are all considered, given the current environmental situation.
Management proceeds by analyzing interest rate sensitivity, risk-based capital
requirements and results from past strategies to develop a strategy to meet
performance goals.
 
  The following table represents the sensitivity position of Southern National
as of a point in time. This position can be modified by management within a
short time period if necessary. This tabular data does not reflect the impact
of a change in the credit quality of Southern National's assets and
liabilities. To attempt to quantify the potential change in net interest
income, given a change in interest rates, various interest rate scenarios are
applied to the projected balances, maturities and repricing opportunities. The
resulting change in net interest income reflects the level of sensitivity that
net income has in relation to changing interest rates.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 18
                   INTEREST SENSITIVITY SIMULATION ANALYSIS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             INTEREST                                                               ANNUALIZED
               RATE                                                                 PERCENTAGE
             SCENARIO                                                               CHANGE IN
             --------                                                              NET INTEREST
              LINEAR                      PRIME                                       INCOME
            -----------                   -----                                    ------------
            <S>                           <C>                                      <C>
               +3.00%                     11.25%                                      (1.97)%
               +1.50                       9.75                                       (1.32)
            Most likely                    8.25                                         --
               -1.50                       6.75                                       (0.05)
               -3.00                       5.25                                       (0.21)
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Management has established parameters for asset/liability management which
prescribe a maximum impact on net interest income of 3% for a 150 basis point
change over six months from the most likely interest rate scenario, and no
more than a maximum 6% for a 300 basis point change over 12 months. It is
management's
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
ongoing objective to effectively manage the impact of changes in interest
rates and minimize the resulting effect on earnings as evidenced by the
preceding table.
 
LIQUIDITY
 
  Liquidity represents a bank's continuing ability to meet its funding needs,
primarily deposit withdrawals, timely repayment of borrowings and other
liabilities and funding of loan commitments. In addition to its level of
liquid assets, many other factors affect a bank's ability to meet liquidity
needs, including access to additional funding sources, total capital position
and general market conditions.
 
  Traditional sources of liquidity include proceeds from maturity of
securities, repayment of loans and growth in core deposits. Federal funds
purchased, repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowed funds
supplement these traditional sources. Management believes liquidity obtainable
from these sources is adequate to meet current requirements.
 
  Total cash and cash equivalents decreased to $659.7 million at December 31,
1996 compared to $705.7 million in 1995 and $671.8 million in 1994. Net cash
provided by operating activities for the year increased by $74.5 million to
$327.4 million from $253.0 million in 1995, a decrease of $261.2 million from
1994. Cash provided by operating activities in 1994 was $514.1 million. The
1996 increase was primarily the result of significantly higher net income and
cash flows from mortgage banking activities.
 
  Net cash flows used in investing activities increased from $570.6 million in
1995 to $712.9 million in 1996. Cash used in investing activities during 1995
decreased $983.5 million from $1.6 billion in 1994. The primary factor
creating the current year increase in cash flows used in investing activities
was an $888.3 million increase in cash flows used in lending activities offset
by a $752.5 million increase in cash flows provided by investing activities.
 
  Cash flows provided by financing activities decreased to $339.5 million in
1996 primarily because of a $160.1 million increase in cash flows used in the
redemption of common stock offset by a $194.7 million increase in cash flows
provided by long-term debt. Cash flows provided by financing activities were
$852.2 million in 1994 because of increases in short-term borrowed funds.
 
CAPITAL ADEQUACY AND RESOURCES
 
  The maintenance of appropriate levels of capital is a management priority.
Overall capital adequacy is monitored on an ongoing basis by management and
reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors. Southern National's principal
capital planning goals are to provide an adequate return to shareholders while
retaining a sufficient base from which to provide future growth and compliance
with all regulatory standards.
 
  Shareholders' equity grew 1.0% in 1996. Additional equity has come from the
retention of earnings and from new shares of stock issued under employee
benefit and stock option plans and the dividend reinvestment plan. The modest
growth in total shareholders' equity during the year reflects current year
earnings, reduced by resources used for the redemption of 6.8 million shares
of common stock and the declaration of $111.3 million in common and preferred
dividends. 4.3 million of the shares repurchased were used to meet the
requirements of the conversion of preferred stock, which was redeemed on March
29, 1996.
 
  Southern National adopted SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments
in Debt and Equity Securities," in 1994. The provisions of this statement
require securities classified as available for sale to be carried at estimated
fair value with net unrealized appreciation or depreciation recorded as an
adjustment to shareholders' equity. At the end of 1996, Southern National had
recorded cumulative net unrealized appreciation of $11.8 million, net of tax.
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 19
                        CAPITAL--COMPONENTS AND RATIOS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                         ----------------------
                                                            1996        1995
                                                         ----------  ----------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN
                                                              THOUSANDS)
      <S>                                                <C>         <C>
      Tier 1 capital.................................... $1,666,481  $1,630,645
      Tier 2 capital....................................    426,662     155,036
                                                         ----------  ----------
      Total regulatory capital.......................... $2,093,143   1,785,681
                                                         ==========  ==========
      Risk-based capital ratios:
        Tier 1 capital..................................       11.7%       13.2%
        Total regulatory capital........................       14.7        14.4
        Tier 1 leverage ratio...........................        8.0         7.9
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Traditionally, Southern National has been considered to be strongly
capitalized. The ratio of shareholders' equity to year-end assets was 8.1% at
the end of 1996, compared with 8.3% a year earlier. While management views the
equity-to-assets ratio as the principal indicator of capital strength,
additional measures are used by regulators. Bank holding companies and their
subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital measures. The risk-based
capital ratios measure the relationship of capital to a combination of balance
sheet and off-balance sheet risk. The values of both balance sheet and off-
balance sheet items are adjusted to reflect these risks.
 
  Tier 1 capital is required to be at least 4% of risk-weighted assets, and
total capital must be at least 8% of risk-weighted assets. The Tier 1 capital
ratio for Southern National at the end of 1996 was 11.7%, and the total
capital ratio was 14.7%. At the end of 1995, those ratios were 13.2% and
14.4%, respectively.
 
  Another measure used by regulators is the leverage ratio, which is the ratio
of tangible equity to tangible assets. The minimum required leverage ratio for
a well-capitalized bank is 3%, while the leverage ratio for Southern National
was 8.0% at the end of 1996 and 7.9% at the end of 1995.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 20
                        SELECTED EQUITY DATA AND RATIOS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1996    1995    1994
                                                       ------  ------  ------
<S>                                                    <C>     <C>     <C>
Book value per common share at year end............... $15.82  $15.04  $13.44
Book value per common share percentage increase over
 prior year end.......................................   5.19%  11.90%   6.41%
Common dividends per share as a percentage increase
 over prior year......................................  16.28   16.22   15.63
Equity at year end to year end:
  Total assets........................................   8.14    8.29    7.64
  Net loans and leases*...............................  12.01   12.42   11.69
  Deposits............................................  11.56   11.65   10.66
  Equity and long-term debt...........................  45.73   55.29   62.62
</TABLE>
- --------
* Amounts are net of unearned income and the allowance for loan and lease
  losses and include loans held for sale.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
STOCK AND DIVIDENDS
 
  The management of Southern National continually monitors capital for
adequacy to provide a foundation for future asset growth and to promote
investor and depositor confidence. At the end of 1996, Southern National
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
had 109.3 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding compared to
109.2 million shares outstanding at the previous year end.
 
  Southern National's ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on
earnings from operations, the adequacy of capital and the availability of
liquid assets for distribution. Southern National's ability to replenish
liquid assets available for distribution is primarily dependent on the ability
of the banking subsidiaries to pay dividends to Southern National.
Historically, Southern National's cash dividends have been approximately one
third of earnings resulting from management's goal to retain sufficient
capital to support future growth and to meet regulatory requirements while
providing a competitive return on investment to shareholders. Southern
National's common dividend payout ratio, computed by dividing dividends per
common share by earnings available per common share, was 39.1% in 1996.
Excluding the impact of the nonrecurring charges discussed in "Analysis of
Results of Operations," the dividend payout ratio would have been 36.4%.
Southern National's quarterly cash dividend per common share was increased
17.4% after the second quarter to $.27 per common share. This increase marked
the 24th consecutive year that cash dividends have been increased. A
discussion of dividend restrictions is included in Note N--"Regulatory
Requirements and Other Restrictions."
 
  On January 11, 1996, Southern National announced a plan to repurchase up to
4.3 million shares of common stock. On February 28, 1996, Southern National
announced that these shares would be used in the anticipated conversion of the
outstanding preferred stock which was redeemed on March 29, 1996, at the price
of $104.05 per share.
 
  Southern National's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") under the symbol "SNB." Southern National's common stock was held by
approximately 42,900 holders of record at December 31, 1996. The accompanying
table, "Quarterly Common Stock Summary," sets forth the high, low and last
sales prices for the common stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape and
the cash dividends paid per share of common stock for each of the last eight
quarters.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 21
                        QUARTERLY COMMON STOCK SUMMARY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1996                           1995
                  ------------------------------ ------------------------------
                      SALES PRICES                   SALES PRICES
                  -------------------- DIVIDENDS -------------------- DIVIDENDS
                   HIGH   LOW    LAST    PAID     HIGH   LOW    LAST    PAID
                  ------ ------ ------ --------- ------ ------ ------ ---------
<S>               <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Quarter Ended
  March 31....... $29.75 $25.88 $27.75   $ .23   $22.38 $18.88 $19.88   $.20
  June 30........  31.75  28.88  31.75     .23    24.13  19.88  24.00    .20
  September 30...  33.88  28.63  33.25     .27    27.13  23.63  26.25    .23
  December 31....  36.75  33.38  36.25     .27    27.00  25.63  26.25    .23
    Year.........  36.75  25.88  36.25    1.00    27.13  18.88  26.25    .86
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
 
  Net income for the fourth quarter of 1996 was $79.7 million, compared to
earnings of $72.3 million for the prior year. On a per share basis, fully
diluted net income was $.72 for the quarter compared to $.63 a year ago.
Annualized returns on average assets and average equity were 1.51% and 18.54%,
respectively, for the fourth quarter.
 
  Southern National showed improved net interest income of $214.0 million for
the fourth quarter of 1996 compared to $195.9 million for the same period
during 1995. The increased earnings also resulted from higher noninterest
income, which totaled $80.4 million for the fourth quarter, up from $62.1
million from the fourth quarter of 1995. Southern National's noninterest
expense was $163.2 million, up from the $141.3 million recorded in the fourth
quarter of the prior year.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
  The provision for loan and lease losses increased steadily and significantly
from the first quarter of 1995 through the fourth quarter of 1996. The
increase resulted from ongoing growth in the loan portfolio and higher net
charge-offs.
 
  The $19.8 million net securities losses reflected in the first quarter of
1995 resulted from a restructuring of the securities portfolio which was
undertaken to conform the investment policies and portfolios of Southern
National and BB&T after the merger.
 
  Noninterest income grew significantly during the past two years as reflected
in Table 22. This growth has resulted from higher revenues from service
charges on deposits, insurance commissions, investment brokerage commissions
and mortgage banking income. The ability of Southern National to cross-sell
products and services to the new customer base following the merger provided
much of the growth in fee-based income.
 
  Noninterest expense fluctuated significantly on a quarterly basis in the
past two years as reflected in Table 22. As discussed earlier, Southern
National incurred significant nonrecurring expenses in both 1995 and 1996.
During 1995, Southern National recorded $107.5 million of nonrecurring merger-
related expenses in noninterest expense. On a quarterly basis, such amounts
totaled $83.4 million, $14.9 million, $6.5 million and $2.7 million for the
first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively. During 1996, Southern
National incurred approximately $33 million in Federal deposit insurance
expense as part of a special, one-time SAIF assessment. This expense was
recorded during the third quarter of 1996. Excluding the impact of this
assessment, Southern National's noninterest expense grew steadily each quarter
of 1996, primarily driven by increased advertising and public relations
expense and higher amortization of intangibles and mortgage servicing rights.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  The accompanying table, "Quarterly Financial Summary--Unaudited," presents
condensed information relating to eight quarters in the period ended December
31, 1996.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   TABLE 22
                    QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY--UNAUDITED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996                                              1995
                         ------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------
                           FOURTH       THIRD      SECOND        FIRST       FOURTH       THIRD      SECOND       FIRST
                           QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER
                         ----------- ----------- -----------  -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF
 OPERATIONS
Net interest income
 FTE...................  $   223,284 $   215,925 $   215,769  $   207,703  $   204,100 $   198,400 $   197,840 $   194,865
FTE adjustment.........        9,326       8,348       8,446        8,068        8,611       8,514       7,958       7,452
Provision for loan and
 lease losses..........       15,500      13,500      13,261       11,400       11,317       7,933       7,742       7,640
Securities gains
 (losses), net.........        2,663         705        (154)          (8)         131       1,114         --      (19,845)
Other noninterest
 income................       77,731      74,217      73,238       68,997       61,947      61,611      68,505      57,531
Noninterest expense....      163,204     187,734     153,471      149,644      141,319     147,121     161,952     231,628
Provision for income
 taxes.................       35,968      25,299      37,508       35,729       32,650      32,971      28,784      (2,942)
                         ----------- ----------- -----------  -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)......  $    79,680 $    55,966 $    76,167  $    71,851  $    72,281 $    64,586 $    59,909 $   (10,435)
                         =========== =========== ===========  ===========  =========== =========== =========== ===========
Fully diluted net
 income (loss) per
 share.................  $       .72 $       .50 $       .68  $       .64  $       .63 $       .56 $       .52 $      (.11)
                         =========== =========== ===========  ===========  =========== =========== =========== ===========
SELECTED AVERAGE
 BALANCES
Assets.................  $21,031,881 $20,703,073 $20,400,678  $20,154,199  $20,579,829 $20,745,290 $20,409,207 $19,930,321
Securities, at
 amortized cost........    5,408,963   5,353,806   4,975,231    4,957,943    5,321,514   5,452,924   5,466,584   5,382,220
Loans and leases *.....   14,326,427  14,145,593  14,269,580   14,021,351   14,051,563  14,020,701  13,698,285  13,347,077
Total earning assets...   19,746,603  19,514,382  19,255,591   18,996,854   19,425,295  19,504,658  19,212,426  18,776,112
Deposits...............   15,018,071  14,993,074  14,589,355   14,504,637   14,221,698  14,211,266  14,305,800  14,266,875
Short-term borrowed
 funds.................    1,881,838   1,823,310   2,129,143    2,215,462    3,029,962   3,297,130   3,336,221   2,972,965
Long-term debt.........    2,161,321   1,977,109   1,779,639    1,511,577    1,376,756   1,309,932     910,946     905,484
Total interest-bearing
 liabilities...........   17,133,286  16,939,964  16,649,842   16,433,353   16,738,813  17,113,131  16,852,509  16,459,062
Shareholders' equity...    1,709,689   1,642,720   1,631,951    1,653,414    1,680,616   1,623,677   1,580,953   1,541,939
</TABLE>
- --------
* Loans and leases are net of unearned income and include loans held for sale.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
                 SIX-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY AND SELECTED RATIOS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         FIVE-YEAR
                                                                                                         COMPOUND
                             1996         1995         1994         1993         1992         1991      GROWTH RATE
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Interest income.........  $ 1,606,613  $ 1,576,612  $ 1,339,542  $ 1,212,986  $ 1,218,407  $ 1,252,172      5.1%
Interest expense........      778,120      813,942      586,296      509,110      592,675      746,400       .8
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net interest income.....      828,493      762,670      753,246      703,876      625,732      505,772     10.4
Provision for loan and
 lease losses...........       53,661       34,632       20,181       54,558       63,584       76,922     (6.9)
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net interest income
 after provision for
 loan and lease losses..      774,832      728,038      733,065      649,318      562,148      428,850     12.6
Noninterest income......      297,389      230,994      229,861      223,229      187,541      179,419     10.6
Noninterest expense.....      654,053      681,228      589,795      667,441      513,649      438,617      8.3
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Income before income
 taxes..................      418,168      277,804      373,131      205,106      236,040      169,652     19.8
Provision for income
 taxes..................      134,504       91,463      129,289       78,925       84,322       51,640     21.1
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Income before cumulative
 effect of changes in
 accounting principles..      283,664      186,341      243,842      126,181      151,718      118,012     19.2
 Less: cumulative effect
    of changes in
    accounting
    principles, net of
    income taxes                  --           --           --        33,792          --           --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net income..............  $   283,664  $   186,341  $   243,842  $    92,389  $   151,718  $   118,012     19.2
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
PER COMMON SHARE
Average shares
 outstanding (000's)
 Primary................      110,486      109,777      108,143      104,317       97,610       89,195      4.4
 Fully diluted..........      111,836      114,802      113,194      110,201      105,277       92,620      3.8
Primary earnings
 Income before
  cumulative effect.....  $      2.56  $      1.65  $      2.21  $      1.16  $      1.51  $      1.32     14.2
 Less: cumulative
  effect................          --           --           --           .33          --           --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net income.............  $      2.56  $      1.65  $      2.21  $       .83  $      1.51  $      1.32     14.2
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Fully diluted
 Income before
  cumulative effect.....  $      2.54  $      1.62  $      2.16  $      1.16  $      1.44  $      1.28     14.7
 Less: cumulative
  effect................          --           --           --           .33          --           --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net income.............  $      2.54  $      1.62  $      2.16  $       .83  $      1.44  $      1.28     14.7
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Cash dividends
 declared...............  $      1.00  $       .86  $       .74  $       .64  $       .50  $       .46     16.8
Shareholders' equity....        15.82        15.04        13.44        12.63        12.71        11.64      6.3
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS
Securities at carrying
 value..................  $ 5,176,841  $ 5,394,372  $ 5,340,070  $ 4,670,213  $ 3,998,587  $ 3,336,542      9.2
Loans and leases *......   14,008,824   13,591,113   12,290,880   11,087,053   10,069,318    9,123,809      9.0
Other assets............    1,388,405    1,418,385    1,441,666    1,369,128    1,339,256    1,251,716      2.1
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total assets...........  $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616  $17,126,394  $15,407,161  $13,712,067      8.5
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Deposits................  $14,777,537  $14,251,176  $14,298,728  $13,546,050  $12,601,590  $11,398,365      5.3
Other liabilities.......    2,278,429    3,422,090    2,624,611    1,590,357    1,453,887    1,238,147     13.0
Long-term debt..........    1,858,569    1,127,575      677,227      597,519      153,064      142,359     67.2
Common shareholders'
 equity.................    1,644,376    1,530,684    1,397,907    1,318,325    1,132,815      933,196     12.0
Preferred shareholders'
 equity.................       15,159       72,345       74,143       74,143       65,805          --        NM
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity..  $20,574,070  $20,403,870  $19,072,616  $17,126,394  $15,407,161  $13,712,067      8.5
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
PERIOD END BALANCES
Total assets............  $21,246,562  $20,636,430  $19,971,602  $18,927,837  $16,016,224  $14,475,718      8.0
Deposits................   14,953,914   14,684,056   14,314,154   14,594,952   13,044,173   12,166,090      4.2
Long-term debt..........    2,051,767    1,383,935      910,755      837,241      423,211      417,050     37.5
Shareholders' equity....    1,729,169    1,711,342    1,525,548    1,420,790    1,275,877    1,030,257     10.9
SELECTED PERFORMANCE
 RATIOS
Rate of return on:
 Average total assets...         1.38%         .91%        1.28%         .54%         .98%         .86%
 Average common
  shareholders' equity..        17.21        11.84        17.07         6.61        12.99        12.65
Dividend payout.........        39.06        52.12        33.48        77.11        33.11        34.85
Average equity to
 average assets.........         8.07         7.86         7.72         8.13         7.78         6.81
</TABLE>
- --------
* Loans and leases are net of unearned income and the allowance for losses.
  Amounts include loans held for sale.
NM--Not meaningful.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
              MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
  The management of Southern National is responsible for the preparation of the
financial statements, related financial data and other information in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial statements are prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts based on
management's estimates and judgment where appropriate. Financial information
appearing throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with the
financial statements.
 
  Southern National's accounting system, which records, summarizes and reports
financial transactions, is supported by an internal control structure which
provides reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that transactions
are recorded in accordance with Southern National's policies and established
accounting procedures. As an integral part of the internal control structure,
Southern National maintains a professional staff of internal auditors who
monitor compliance with and assess the effectiveness of the internal control
structure.
 
  The Audit Committee of Southern National's Board of Directors, composed
solely of outside directors, meets regularly with Southern National's
management, internal auditors and independent public accountants to review
matters relating to financial reporting, internal control structure and the
nature, extent and results of the audit effort. The independent public
accountants and the internal auditors have access to the Audit Committee with
or without management present.
 
  The financial statements have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, who render an independent opinion on
management's financial statements. Their appointment was recommended by the
Audit Committee, approved by the Board of Directors and ratified by the
shareholders. Their examination provides an objective assessment of the degree
to which Southern National's management meets its responsibility for financial
reporting. Their opinion on the financial statements is based on auditing
procedures which include reviewing the internal control structure to determine
the timing and scope of audit procedures and performing selected tests of
transactions and records as they deem appropriate. These auditing procedures
are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance that the financial
statements are fairly presented in all material respects.
 
John A. Allison              Scott E. Reed                Sherry A. Kellett
Chairman and                 Chief Financial Officer      Controller
Chief Executive Officer
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
 
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholders of Southern National Corporation:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Southern
National Corporation, (a North Carolina corporation) and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income,
changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principals used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Southern National
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
  As explained in Note A to the consolidated financial statements, effective
January 1, 1995, the Company changed its method of accounting for mortgage
servicing rights.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Charlotte, North Carolina,
 January 14, 1997.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1996         1995
                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
ASSETS
 Cash and due from banks............................. $   638,748  $   585,527
 Interest-bearing deposits with banks................       1,046        1,172
 Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
  resale agreements or similar arrangements..........      19,940      118,977
 Securities available for sale.......................   5,136,789    5,201,344
 Securities held to maturity (market value: $128,410
  in 1996 and $159,886 in 1995)......................     124,718      153,969
 Loans held for sale.................................     219,469      245,280
 Loans and leases, net of unearned income............  14,364,595   13,706,711
  Allowance for loan and lease losses................    (183,932)    (175,588)
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Loans and leases, net............................  14,180,663   13,531,123
                                                      -----------  -----------
 Premises and equipment, net.........................     319,082      313,858
 Other assets........................................     606,107      485,180
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total assets..................................... $21,246,562  $20,636,430
                                                      ===========  ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Deposits:
  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits................ $ 1,990,415  $ 1,885,725
  Savings and interest checking......................   1,376,260    1,591,488
  Money rate savings.................................   3,372,018    3,049,810
  Other time deposits................................   8,215,221    8,157,033
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total deposits...................................  14,953,914   14,684,056
 Short-term borrowed funds...........................   2,263,303    2,595,416
 Long-term debt......................................   2,051,767    1,383,935
 Accounts payable and other liabilities..............     248,409      261,681
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total liabilities................................  19,517,393   18,925,088
                                                      -----------  -----------
 Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $5 par, 5,000,000 shares
   authorized, none issued and outstanding at
   December 31, 1996 and 733,869 at December 31,
   1995..............................................         --         3,669
  Common stock, $5 par, 300,000,000 shares
   authorized, issued and outstanding 109,297,489 at
   December 31, 1996 and 109,151,655 at December 31,
   1995..............................................     546,487      545,758
  Additional paid-in capital.........................     134,758      269,404
  Retained earnings..................................   1,038,067      865,658
  Loan to employee stock ownership plan and unvested
   restricted stock..................................      (1,952)      (4,314)
  Net unrealized appreciation on securities available
   for sale, net of tax of $8,247 in 1996 and $20,013
   in 1995...........................................      11,809       31,167
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total shareholders' equity.......................   1,729,169    1,711,342
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity....... $21,246,562  $20,636,430
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
 
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1996       1995        1994
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>         <C>
INTEREST INCOME
  Interest and fees on loans and leases.....  $1,282,521 $1,261,658  $1,042,553
  Interest and dividends on securities......     323,360    312,423     291,805
  Interest on short-term investments........         732      2,531       5,184
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
    Total interest income...................   1,606,613  1,576,612   1,339,542
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
INTEREST EXPENSE
  Interest on deposits......................     564,747    557,149     441,876
  Interest on short-term borrowed funds.....     105,936    186,194     103,493
  Interest on long-term debt................     107,437     70,599      40,927
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
    Total interest expense..................     778,120    813,942     586,296
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NET INTEREST INCOME.........................     828,493    762,670     753,246
  Provision for loan and lease losses.......      53,661     34,632      20,181
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN
 AND LEASE LOSSES...........................     774,832    728,038     733,065
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NONINTEREST INCOME
  Service charges on deposits...............     107,581     89,621      85,106
  Mortgage banking income...................      34,352     26,408      24,920
  Trust income..............................      22,811     18,629      17,180
  Agency insurance commissions..............      22,353     15,572      13,830
  Other insurance commissions...............      11,189     10,866      10,413
  Bankcard fees.............................      28,425     24,448      17,671
  Other nondeposit fees and commissions.....      40,410     30,186      30,594
  Securities gains (losses), net............       3,206    (18,600)      3,074
  Other income..............................      27,062     33,864      27,073
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
    Total noninterest income................     297,389    230,994     229,861
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
  Personnel expense.........................     302,383    346,308     296,545
  Occupancy and equipment expense...........     103,594    107,877      88,580
  Federal deposit insurance expense.........      42,820     22,995      32,697
  Other expense.............................     205,256    204,048     171,973
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
    Total noninterest expense...............     654,053    681,228     589,795
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
EARNINGS
  Income before income taxes................     418,168    277,804     373,131
  Provision for income taxes................     134,504     91,463     129,289
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
NET INCOME..................................     283,664    186,341     243,842
  Preferred dividend requirements...........         610      5,079       5,198
                                              ---------- ----------  ----------
  Income applicable to common shares........  $  283,054 $  181,262  $  238,644
                                              ========== ==========  ==========
PER COMMON SHARE
  Net income:
    Primary.................................  $     2.56 $     1.65  $     2.21
                                              ========== ==========  ==========
    Fully Diluted...........................  $     2.54 $     1.62  $     2.16
                                              ========== ==========  ==========
  Cash dividends declared...................  $     1.00 $      .86  $      .74
                                              ========== ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
 
                SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           SHARES OF                       ADDITIONAL   RETAINED       TOTAL
                            COMMON     PREFERRED  COMMON    PAID-IN     EARNINGS   SHAREHOLDERS'
                             STOCK       STOCK    STOCK     CAPITAL    AND OTHER*     EQUITY
                          -----------  --------- --------  ----------  ----------  -------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1993, AS PREVIOUSLY
 REPORTED...............  100,823,294   $ 3,850  $504,116  $ 275,426   $  615,334   $1,398,726
 Merger with Regional
  Acceptance Corporation
  accounted for under
  the pooling of
  interests method......    5,791,500       --     28,957     (9,823)       2,930       22,064
                          -----------   -------  --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1993, AS RESTATED......  106,614,794     3,850   533,073    265,603      618,264    1,420,790
ADD (DEDUCT)
 Net income.............          --        --        --         --       243,842      243,842
 Common stock issued....    2,480,938       --     12,405     26,161          (36)      38,530
 Redemption of common
  stock.................   (1,086,485)      --     (5,432)   (18,130)         --       (23,562)
 Net unrealized
  depreciation on
  securities available
  for sale..............          --        --        --         --       (72,584)     (72,584)
 Cash dividends declared
  by merged companies...          --        --        --         --       (51,652)     (51,652)
 Cash dividends declared
  by Southern National:
 Common stock...........          --        --        --         --       (30,156)     (30,156)
 Preferred stock........          --        --        --         --        (5,198)      (5,198)
 Other..................          --        --        --       2,165        3,373        5,538
                          -----------   -------  --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1994...................  108,009,247     3,850   540,046    275,799      705,853    1,525,548
ADD (DEDUCT)
 Net income.............          --        --        --         --       186,341      186,341
 Common stock issued....    3,030,923       --     15,155     33,663          --        48,818
 Redemption of common
  stock.................   (1,993,351)      --     (9,967)   (37,344)         --       (47,311)
 Preferred stock
  cancellations and
  conversions...........      104,836      (181)      524     (2,714)         --        (2,371)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation on
  securities available
  for sale..............          --        --        --         --       103,751      103,751
 Cash dividends declared
  by Southern National:
 Common stock...........          --        --        --         --      (101,483)    (101,483)
 Preferred stock........          --        --        --         --        (5,079)      (5,079)
 Other..................          --        --        --         --         3,128        3,128
                          -----------   -------  --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1995...................  109,151,655     3,669   545,758    269,404      892,511    1,711,342
ADD (DEDUCT)
 Net income.............          --        --        --         --       283,664      283,664
 Common stock issued....    2,584,625       --     12,922     55,258          --        68,180
 Redemption of common
  stock.................   (6,773,483)      --    (33,867)  (173,520)         --      (207,387)
 Preferred stock
  cancellations and
  conversions...........    4,334,692    (3,669)   21,674    (18,005)         --           --
 Net unrealized
  depreciation on
  securities available
  for sale..............          --        --        --         --       (19,358)     (19,358)
 Cash dividends declared
  by Southern National:
 Common stock...........          --        --        --         --      (110,645)    (110,645)
 Preferred stock........          --        --        --         --          (610)        (610)
 Other..................          --        --        --       1,621        2,362        3,983
                          -----------   -------  --------  ---------   ----------   ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1996...................  109,297,489   $   --   $546,487  $ 134,758   $1,047,924   $1,729,169
                          ===========   =======  ========  =========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Other includes net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities
  available for sale, unvested restricted stock and a loan to the employee
  stock ownership plan.
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                 SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1996         1995         1994
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income............................. $   283,664  $   186,341  $   243,842
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to
  net cash provided by operating
  activities:
 Provision for loan and lease losses....      53,661       34,632       20,181
 Depreciation of premises and
  equipment.............................      39,852       36,264       35,730
 Amortization of intangibles and
  mortgage servicing rights.............      12,779       10,600        7,700
 Accretion of negative goodwill.........      (6,238)      (6,310)      (1,114)
 Amortization of unearned stock
  compensation..........................       2,450        3,128        1,711
 Discount accretion and premium
  amortization on securities, net.......       2,168      (27,193)        (571)
 Loss (gain) on sales of securities,
  net...................................      (3,206)      18,600       (3,074)
 Loss (gain) on sales of loans and
  mortgage loan servicing rights, net...      (8,293)       2,379        1,327
 Loss (gain) on disposals of premises
  and equipment, net....................         178        3,971       (1,759)
 Loss on foreclosed property and other
  real estate, net......................         519        4,129          169
 Proceeds from sales of loans held for
  sale..................................   1,343,123      789,164      596,249
 Purchases of loans held for sale.......    (429,523)    (311,059)     (33,351)
 Origination of loans held for sale,
  net of principal collected............    (879,496)    (589,413)    (272,115)
 Decrease (increase) in:
  Accrued interest receivable...........      21,104      (19,415)     (24,207)
  Other assets..........................    (104,688)      16,791      (79,612)
 Increase (decrease) in:
  Accrued interest payable..............       4,424       10,992        2,880
  Accounts payable and other
   liabilities..........................      (5,044)      89,377       20,142
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
   Net cash provided by operating
    activities..........................     327,434      252,978      514,128
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Proceeds from sales of securities
  available for sale....................     593,567    1,290,237      772,597
 Proceeds from maturities of securities
  available for sale....................   2,129,525    1,087,926      792,590
 Purchases of securities available for
  sale..................................  (1,871,172)  (2,531,842)  (1,490,117)
 Proceeds from maturities of securities
  held to maturity......................      31,296      290,300      460,987
 Purchases of securities held to
  maturity..............................      (2,228)      (8,103)    (862,317)
 Leases made to customers...............     (72,390)     (18,091)     (44,379)
 Principal collected on leases..........      48,222       14,620       41,661
 Loan originations, net of principal
  collected.............................  (1,283,633)    (458,303)  (1,191,968)
 Purchases of loans.....................    (232,236)    (189,997)     (27,864)
 Net cash acquired in transactions
  accounted for under the purchase
  method................................       1,887          --         2,262
 Purchases and originations of mortgage
  servicing rights......................     (24,302)     (16,751)      (2,948)
 Proceeds from disposals of premises and
  equipment.............................       7,314       16,373        6,897
 Purchases of premises and equipment....     (61,548)     (58,404)     (71,175)
 Proceeds from sales of foreclosed
  property..............................      14,661       11,979       27,413
 Proceeds from sales of other real
  estate held for development or sale...       8,127        1,728        9,519
 Other, net.............................         --        (2,287)      22,696
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
   Net cash used in investing
    activities..........................    (712,910)    (570,615)  (1,554,146)
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Net increase (decrease) in deposits....     269,858      369,902     (280,798)
 Net (decrease) increase in short-term
  borrowed funds........................    (332,107)    (392,180)   1,136,146
 Proceeds from long-term debt...........   1,586,766    2,945,052      356,439
 Repayments of long-term debt...........    (918,934)  (2,471,872)    (282,925)
 Net proceeds from common stock issued..      47,462       43,781       23,668
 Redemption of common stock.............    (207,387)     (47,311)     (23,562)
 Preferred stock cancellations and
  conversions...........................         --        (2,371)         --
 Cash dividends paid on common and
  preferred stock.......................    (106,124)     (93,465)     (76,805)
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
   Net cash provided by financing
    activities..........................     339,534      351,536      852,163
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
 NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND
  CASH EQUIVALENTS......................     (45,942)      33,899     (187,855)
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING
  OF YEAR...............................     705,676      671,777      859,632
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF
  YEAR.................................. $   659,734  $   705,676  $   671,777
                                         ===========  ===========  ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
 INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
 Interest............................... $   773,043  $   803,377  $   583,705
 Income taxes...........................     133,510      116,361      147,619
Noncash financing and investing
 activities:
 Transfer of securities from held to
  maturity to available for sale........         --     1,560,412          --
 Transfer of loans to foreclosed
  property..............................      19,568        9,567       20,358
 Transfer of fixed assets to other real
  estate owned..........................      10,466       21,846          --
 Common stock issued upon conversion of
  debentures............................         --         4,896          --
 Restricted stock issued................          88          --           --
 Securitization of mortgage loans.......     817,268      354,882        7,497
                                         ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
                SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
  Southern National Corporation ("Southern National" or "Parent Company") is a
multi-bank holding company organized under the laws of North Carolina and
registered with the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act
of 1956, as amended. Branch Banking and Trust Company ("BB&T-NC"), Branch
Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina ("BB&T-SC") and Branch Banking and
Trust Company of Virginia ("BB&T-VA") (collectively, the "Banks" or the
"Subsidiaries") comprise the Parent Company's principal subsidiaries.
 
  The accounting and reporting policies of Southern National Corporation and
Subsidiaries are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The following is
a summary of the more significant policies.
 
NOTE A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Principles of Consolidation
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Southern National include the
accounts of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries. In consolidation, all
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Prior
period financial statements have been restated to include the accounts of
companies acquired in material transactions accounted for as poolings of
interests (See Note B.) Results of operations of companies acquired in
transactions accounted for as purchases are included from the dates of
acquisition.
 
  Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform with
statement presentations for 1996. The reclassifications have no effect on
either shareholders' equity or net income as previously reported.
 
 Nature of Operations
 
  Southern National is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Winston-
Salem, North Carolina. Southern National conducts its operations in North
Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia primarily through its commercial banking
subsidiaries and, to a lesser extent, through its other subsidiaries. Southern
National's subsidiaries provide a full range of traditional commercial banking
services and additional services including investment brokerage, insurance and
leasing. Substantially all of Southern National's loans are to businesses and
individuals in the Carolinas and Virginia.
 
 Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing
bank balances, Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale
agreements or similar arrangements. Generally, both cash and cash equivalents
are considered to have maturities of three months or less. Accordingly, the
carrying amount of such instruments is considered a reasonable estimate of
fair value.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
 Securities
 
  Southern National classifies investment securities in one of three
categories: held to maturity, available for sale and trading. Debt securities
acquired with both the intent and ability to be held to maturity are
classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Gains or losses
realized from the sale of securities held to maturity, if any, are determined
by specific identification and are included in noninterest income.
 
  Securities, which may be used to meet liquidity needs arising from
unanticipated deposit and loan fluctuations, changes in regulatory capital and
investment requirements, or unforeseen changes in market conditions, including
interest rates, market values or inflation rates, are classified as available
for sale. Securities available for sale are reported at estimated fair value,
with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of
shareholders' equity, net of tax. Gains or losses realized from the sale of
securities available for sale are determined by specific identification and
are included in noninterest income.
 
  Trading account securities, of which none were held on December 31, 1996 and
1995, are selected according to fundamental and technical analyses that
identify potential market movements. Trading account securities are positioned
to take advantage of such movements and are reported at fair value. Market
adjustments, fees, gains or losses and interest income earned on trading
account securities are included in noninterest income. Gains or losses
realized from the sale of trading securities are determined by specific
identification.
 
  During the fourth quarter of 1995, Southern National transferred $1.6
billion of securities which were previously classified as held to maturity
under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" to the
available-for-sale category. The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
provided enterprises the opportunity to make a one-time reassessment of the
classification of all investment securities held at that time, such that the
reclassification of any security from the held-to-maturity category would not
call into question the enterprise's intent to hold other debt securities to
maturity in the future. Management anticipates that this classification will
allow more flexibility in the day-to-day management of the overall portfolio
than the prior classifications.
 
 Loans Held for Sale
 
  Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or market value on an
aggregate loan basis. Gains or losses realized on the sales of loans are
recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between
the net sales proceeds and the carrying value of the loans sold, adjusted for
any yield differential and a normal servicing fee. Any resulting deferred
premium or discount is amortized, as an adjustment of servicing income, over
the estimated lives of the loans using the level-yield method.
 
 Loans and Lease Receivables
 
  Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the
foreseeable future or until maturity or until the loans are repaid are
reported at their outstanding principal balances adjusted for any deferred
fees or costs and unamortized premiums or discounts. The net amount of
nonrefundable loan origination fees, including commitment fees and certain
direct costs associated with the lending process are deferred and amortized to
interest income over the contractual lives of the loans using methods which
approximate level-yield, with adjustments for prepayments as they occur. If
the loan commitment expires unexercised, the income is recognized upon
expiration of the commitment. Discounts and premiums are amortized to interest
income over the estimated life of the loans using methods which approximate
level-yield.
 
  Commercial loans and substantially all installment loans accrue interest on
the unpaid balance of the loans. Lease receivables consist primarily of direct
financing leases on rolling stock, equipment and real property. Lease
receivables are stated at the total amount of lease payments receivable plus
guaranteed residual values, less unearned income. Recognition of income over
the lives of the lease contracts approximates the level-yield method.
 
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
  As of January 1, 1995, Southern National adopted SFAS No. 114, "Accounting
by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," which was amended by SFAS No. 118,
"Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan--Income Recognition and
Disclosures." SFAS No. 114, as amended, requires that impaired loans be
measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted
at the loan's effective interest rate, or as a practical expedient, at the
loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan
is collateral-dependent. A loan is impaired when, based on current information
and events, it is probable that Southern National will be unable to collect
all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When
the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the
loan, the impairment is recorded through a valuation allowance. Southern
National had previously measured the allowance for credit losses using methods
similar to those prescribed in SFAS No. 114. As a result of adopting these
statements, no additional allowance for loan losses was required as of January
1, 1995.
 
  The total recorded investment for impaired loans at December 31, 1996, was
$16.0 million, offset by a valuation allowance of $2.2 million, which resulted
in a net carrying value of $13.8 million. There were no investments in
impaired loans which did not have a related valuation allowance. The average
recorded investment in impaired loans during 1996 totaled $20.0 million.
Southern National recognizes no interest income on loans that are impaired.
Cash receipts for both principal and interest are applied directly to
principal.
 
  Southern National's policy is to disclose as impaired loans all commercial
loans, greater than $250,000, that are on nonaccrual status. Substantially all
other loans made by Southern National are excluded from the scope of SFAS No.
114 as they are large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans (residential
mortgage and consumer installment) that are collectively evaluated for
impairment.
 
 Allowance for Losses
 
  The provision for loan and lease losses charged to noninterest expense is
the estimated amount required to maintain the allowance for loan and lease
losses at a level adequate to cover estimated incurred losses related to loans
and leases currently outstanding. The primary factors considered in
determining the allowance are the distribution of loans by risk class, the
amount of the allowance specifically allocated to nonperforming loans and
other problem loans, prior years' loan loss experience, economic conditions in
Southern National's market areas and the growth of the credit portfolio. While
management uses the best information available in establishing the allowance
for losses, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic
conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the
valuations or if required by regulators based upon information at the time of
their examinations. Such adjustments to original estimates, as necessary, are
made in the period in which these factors and other relevant considerations
indicate that loss levels may vary from previous estimates.
 
 Nonperforming Assets
 
  Nonperforming assets include loans and leases on which interest is not being
accrued and foreclosed property. Foreclosed property consists of real estate
and other assets acquired through customers' loan defaults.
 
  Commercial and unsecured consumer loans and leases are generally placed on
nonaccrual status when concern exists that principal or interest is not fully
collectible, or when any portion of principal or interest becomes 90 days past
due, whichever occurs first. Mortgage loans and most other consumer loans past
due 90 days or more may remain on accrual status if management determines that
concern over the collectability of principal and interest is not significant.
When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, interest receivable is reversed
against interest income in the current period. Interest payments received
thereafter are applied as a reduction to the remaining principal balance when
concern exists as to the ultimate collection of the principal. Loans and
leases are removed from nonaccrual status when they become current as to both
principal and interest and when concern no longer exists as to the
collectability of principal or interest.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
  Assets acquired as a result of foreclosure are valued at the lower of cost
or fair value, and carried thereafter at the lower of cost or fair value less
estimated costs to sell the asset. Cost is the sum of unpaid principal,
accrued but unpaid interest and acquisition costs associated with the loan.
Any excess of unpaid principal over fair value at the time of foreclosure is
charged to the allowance for losses. Generally, such properties are appraised
annually and the carrying value, if greater than the fair value, less costs to
sell, is adjusted with a charge to income. Routine maintenance costs, declines
in market value and net losses on disposal are included in other noninterest
expense.
 
 Premises and Equipment
 
  Premises, equipment, capital leases and leasehold improvements are stated at
cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. Depreciation is computed
principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of
the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line
basis over the lesser of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the
improvements. Capitalized leases are amortized by the same methods as premises
and equipment over the estimated useful lives or the lease term, whichever is
lesser. Obligations under capital leases are amortized using the interest
method to allocate payments between principal reduction and interest expense.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The operating results of Southern National and its subsidiaries are included
in a consolidated Federal income tax return. Each subsidiary pays its
calculated portion of Federal income taxes to Southern National, or receives
payment from Southern National to the extent that tax benefits are realized.
Deferred income taxes have been provided where different accounting methods
have been used for reporting for income tax purposes and for financial
reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based
on future tax consequences of the differences arising from their carrying
values and respective tax bases. In the event of changes in the tax laws,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted in the period of the
enactment of those changes, with effects included in income.
 
  The operating results of acquired institutions were included in their
respective income tax returns prior to consummation of the acquisitions.
 
 Derivatives and Off-Balance Sheet Instruments
 
  Southern National utilizes a variety of derivative financial instruments to
manage various financial risks. These instruments include financial forward
and futures contracts, options written and purchased, interest rate caps and
floors and interest rate swaps. Management accounts for these financial
instruments as hedges when the following conditions are met: (1) the specific
assets, liabilities, firm commitments or anticipated transactions (or an
identifiable group of essentially similar items) to be hedged expose Southern
National to interest rate risk or price risk; (2) the financial instrument
reduces that exposure; (3) the financial instrument is designated as a hedge
at inception; and (4) at the inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge
period, there is a high correlation of changes in the fair value or the net
interest income associated with the financial instrument and the hedged items.
 
  The net interest payable or receivable on interest rate swaps, caps and
floors that are designated as hedges is accrued and recognized as an
adjustment to the interest income or expense of the related asset or
liability. For interest rate forwards, futures and options qualifying as a
hedge, gains and losses are deferred and are recognized in income as an
adjustment of yield. Gains and losses from early terminations of derivatives
are deferred and amortized as yield adjustments over the shorter of the
remaining term of the hedged asset or liability or the remaining term of the
derivative instrument. Upon disposition or settlement of the asset or
liability being hedged, deferral accounting is discontinued and any gains or
losses are recognized in income. Derivative financial instruments that fail to
qualify as a hedge are carried at fair value with gains and losses recognized
in current earnings.
 
  Southern National utilizes written covered over-the-counter call options on
specific securities in the available-for-sale securities portfolio in order to
enhance returns. Fees received are deferred and recognized in
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
noninterest income upon exercise or expiration. Written options are carried at
estimated fair value. Unrealized and realized gains and losses on written call
options are included with securities gains and losses.
 
  Southern National also utilizes over-the-counter purchased put options and
net purchased put options (combination of purchased put option and written
call option) in its mortgage banking activities. These options are used to
hedge the mortgage warehouse and pipeline against increasing interest rates.
Written call options are used in tandem with purchased put options to create a
net purchased put option that reduces the cost of the hedge. Net unrealized
gains and losses on purchased put options and net purchased put options are
carried with loans held for sale at the lower of cost or market on an
aggregate basis. Realized gains and losses on purchased put options and net
purchased put options are included in mortgage banking income.
 
 Per Share Data
 
  Primary net income per common share has been computed by dividing net income
applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of shares of common
stock and common stock equivalents of dilutive stock options outstanding
during the years.
 
  Fully diluted net income per common share has been computed by dividing net
income, as adjusted for the interest expense related to convertible debt, by
the weighted average number of shares of common stock, common stock
equivalents and other potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the
years. Other potentially dilutive securities include the number of shares
issuable upon conversion of the preferred stock. Restricted stock grants are
considered as issued for purposes of calculating net income per share.
 
  Weighted average numbers of shares were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1996        1995        1994
                                             ----------- ----------- -----------
   <S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
   Primary.................................. 110,486,127 109,776,710 108,142,988
   Fully diluted............................ 111,836,200 114,801,843 113,193,681
</TABLE>
 
 Intangible Assets
 
  The cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in transactions
accounted for as purchases (goodwill), premiums paid on acquisitions of
deposits (core deposit intangibles) and other identifiable intangible assets
are included in other assets in the "Consolidated Balance Sheets." Such assets
are being amortized on straight-line or accelerated bases over periods ranging
from 5 to 15 years. At December 31, 1996, Southern National had $54.4 million
recorded as goodwill and $9.0 million as core deposit and other intangibles,
net of amortization. Negative goodwill is created when the fair value of the
net assets purchased exceeds the purchase price. Such balances are included in
other liabilities in the "Consolidated Balance Sheets" and are being amortized
over periods ranging from 10 to 15 years. At December 31, 1996, Southern
National had negative goodwill totaling $39.2 million, net of amortization.
 
 Mortgage Servicing Rights
 
  Amounts paid to acquire the right to service certain mortgage loans are
capitalized and amortized over the estimated lives of the loans to which they
relate. In May 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage
Servicing Rights," which amends SFAS No. 65, "Accounting for Certain Mortgage
Banking Activities." SFAS No. 122 requires that mortgage banking enterprises
recognize, as separate assets, rights to service mortgage loans for others,
however those servicing rights are acquired. The statement further requires
mortgage banking enterprises to assess their capitalized mortgage servicing
rights for impairment based on the fair value of those rights. Southern
National elected, in the third quarter of 1995, to adopt this statement
effective as of January 1, 1995. The impact of the adoption of this statement
resulted in additional mortgage banking income of $7.0 million, before taxes,
or $.04 per fully diluted share, after taxes, during 1995. SFAS No. 122
prohibits retroactive application to prior years. At December 31, 1996,
Southern National had capitalized mortgage servicing rights totaling $37.1
million.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
 Changes in Accounting Principles and Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
  During 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." This statement
establishes accounting standards for long-lived assets, certain identifiable
intangibles and goodwill related to those assets to be held and to be disposed
of. The statement requires such assets to be reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. Any resulting impairment loss is required to be
reported in the period in which the recognition criteria are first applied and
met. Southern National adopted the provisions of the statement on January 1,
1996. The implementation did not have a material impact on the consolidated
financial position or consolidated results of operations.
 
  In October of 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation," which establishes financial accounting and reporting
standards for stock-based compensation plans. The statement defines a fair
value based method of accounting for an employee stock option or similar
equity instrument and encourages the adoption of that method of accounting.
However, the statement also allows entities to continue to account for such
plans under Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25. Entities
electing to remain with the accounting in Opinion No. 25 must make pro forma
disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value based
method of accounting defined in the statement had been applied. Southern
National adopted the statement effective January 1, 1996 and elected to
continue to account for stock-based compensation plans under the provisions of
Opinion No. 25. Therefore, the implementation of the statement did not have an
impact on Southern National's consolidated financial position or consolidated
results of operations. The required pro forma disclosures relating to SFAS No.
123 are presented in Note J.
 
  In June of 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities," which
provides accounting and reporting standards for such transactions based on
consistent application of a financial components approach. This approach
recognizes the financial and servicing assets an entity controls and the
liabilities it has incurred, as well as derecognizes financial assets when
control has been surrendered and liabilities when they are extinguished. The
statement requires that liabilities and derivatives incurred or obtained by
transferors as part of a transfer of financial assets be initially measured at
fair value, if practicable. It also requires that servicing assets and other
retained interests in the transferred assets be measured by allocating the
previous carrying amount between the assets sold, if any, and retained
interests, if any, based on their relative fair values at the date of
transfer. In December 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the
Effective Date of Certain Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125." This
statement allows the implementation of certain provisions of SFAS No. 125 to
be deferred for one year. Southern National adopted SFAS No. 125, as amended
by SFAS No. 127, effective January 1, 1997. Management does not anticipate
that the adoption of these statements will have a material impact on Southern
National's consolidated financial position or consolidated results of
operations.
 
 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
  As referenced in the "Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows," Southern
National acquired assets and assumed liabilities in transactions accounted for
under the purchase method of accounting. The fair values of these assets
acquired and liabilities assumed, at acquisition, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996    1995    1994
                                                     --------  ----- --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                               <C>       <C>   <C>
   Fair value of net assets acquired................ $  1,394  $ --  $  6,203
   Purchase price...................................  (22,256)   --   (15,016)
                                                     --------  ----- --------
   Excess of purchase price over net assets ac-
    quired.......................................... $(20,862) $ --  $ (8,813)
                                                     ========  ===== ========
</TABLE>
 
  During the first quarter of 1996, Southern National redeemed all outstanding
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock. This transaction, a noncash financing
activity, resulted in the conversion of 733,869 shares of preferred stock into
4,334,692 shares of common stock.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
 Income and Expense Recognition
 
  Items of income and expense are recognized using the accrual basis of
accounting, except for some immaterial amounts.
 
NOTE B. ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS
 
 Completed Mergers and Acquisitions
 
  On June 1, 1994, Southern National completed the acquisition of McLean,
Brady & McLean Agency, Inc. ("McLean") by the issuance of 38,823 shares of
Southern National common stock. In conjunction with the acquisition of McLean,
Southern National recorded $1.1 million of expiration rights which are being
amortized over 10 years.
 
  On June 6, 1994, Southern National completed the acquisition of Leasing
Associates, Inc. by the issuance of 97,876 shares of Southern National common
stock.
 
  On November 1, 1994, Southern National completed the acquisition of Prime
Rate Premium Finance Corporation, Inc. and related interests, Agency
Technologies, Inc. and IFCO, Inc. ("Prime Rate") by the issuance of 590,406
shares of Southern National common stock. In conjunction with the acquisition
of Prime Rate, Southern National recorded $8.8 million of goodwill which is
being amortized over 15 years.
 
  On June 30, 1996, Southern National completed the purchase of certain fixed
assets and expiration rights from the James R. Lingle Agency of Florence,
South Carolina. In conjunction with the purchase, Southern National recorded
expiration rights totaling $1.7 million which are being amortized over 15
years.
 
  On August 28, 1996, Southern National became a majority shareholder of
AutoBase Information Systems, Inc. ("AutoBase"), through the purchase of 51%
of AutoBase's outstanding common stock. In conjunction with this investment,
Southern National recorded $1.2 million in goodwill which is being amortized
over 15 years.
 
  During November 1996, Southern National completed the acquisitions of three
insurance agencies in South Carolina. On November 7, 1996, Southern National
completed the acquisition of the William Goldsmith Agency Inc., ("Goldsmith")
of Greenville, South Carolina through the issuance of 70,207 shares of common
stock. On
November 13, 1996, Southern National completed the acquisition of the C. Dan
Joyner Insurance Agency ("Joyner"), based in Greenville, South Carolina
through the issuance of 48,120 shares of common stock. Boyle-Vaughan
Associates, Inc. ("Boyle-Vaughan"), based in Columbia, South Carolina was
acquired on November 22, 1996 through the issuance of 492,063 shares of common
stock. In conjunction with the purchase of these agencies, Southern National
recorded $17.9 million in goodwill, which is being amortized over 15 years.
These acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
 
  The above-discussed acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting, and, therefore, the financial information contained
herein includes data relevant to the acquirees since the date of acquisition.
The pro forma effects of 1996 purchases, as if they had been acquired as of
the beginning of the year, are not material.
 
  On June 30, 1994, Southern National completed the acquisition of L.S.B.
Bancshares Inc., of Lexington, S.C. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, The
Lexington State Bank and The Community Bank of South Carolina ("LSB"). The
transaction was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests, and, accordingly, the
consolidated financial statements include the results of LSB for all periods
presented. The merger was consummated through the issuance of 5,707,694 shares
of Southern National common stock. At the date of acquisition, LSB had assets
of approximately $707,000.
 
  On February 28, 1995, Southern National and BB&T Financial Corporation
("BB&T") completed a merger. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling-
of-interests in which BB&T shareholders received 1.45
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
shares of the common stock of the resulting company for each share of BB&T
stock held. On January 10, 1995, Southern National acquired Commerce Bank
(subsequently, BB&T-VA) through the issuance of 5,210,476 shares of Southern
National common stock for all of the outstanding stock of Commerce Bank.
 
  On September 1, 1996, Southern National completed the acquisition of
Regional Acceptance Corporation of Greenville, N.C. ("Regional Acceptance") in
a transaction accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. Regional Acceptance's
shareholders received .3861 shares of Southern National's common stock for
each share of common stock held. Southern National issued 5.85 million shares
in exchange for all of the outstanding stock of Regional Acceptance. Prior to
the consummation of the Merger, Regional Acceptance recorded total revenues
and net income of $26.0 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
 
  The following presentation reflects key line items on an historical basis
for Southern National and Regional Acceptance and on a pro forma combined
basis assuming the merger was effective as of and for the periods presented.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          HISTORICAL
                                                            BASIS
                                        SOUTHERN NATIONAL ----------  SOUTHERN
                                          AS ORIGINALLY    REGIONAL   NATIONAL
                                            REPORTED      ACCEPTANCE  RESTATED
                                        ----------------- ---------- -----------
                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                         DATA)
   <S>                                  <C>               <C>        <C>
   1995
    Net interest income................    $   741,549     $ 21,121  $   762,670
    Net income.........................        178,133        8,208      186,341
    Net earnings per share
     Primary...........................           1.66          .55         1.65
     Fully diluted.....................           1.64          .55         1.62
    Assets.............................     20,492,929      143,501   20,636,430
    Deposits...........................     14,684,056          --    14,684,056
    Shareholders' equity...............      1,674,063       37,279    1,711,342
   1994
    Net interest income................    $   736,766     $ 16,480  $   753,246
    Net income.........................        236,872        6,970      243,842
    Net earnings per share
     Primary...........................           2.26          .46         2.21
     Fully diluted.....................           2.21          .46         2.16
    Assets.............................     19,855,063      116,539   19,971,602
    Deposits...........................     14,314,154          --    14,314,154
    Shareholders' equity...............      1,496,477       29,071    1,525,548
</TABLE>
 
 Pending Mergers and Acquisitions
 
  On August 22, 1996, Southern National announced plans to acquire Fidelity
Financial Bankshares Corporation ("Fidelity") in a transaction to be accounted
for as a purchase. Fidelity's shareholders will receive .7137 shares of
Southern National common stock for each share of Fidelity stock held. The
transaction, which closed in the first quarter of 1997, was valued at $59.4
million on August 22, 1996.
 
  On November 4, 1996, Southern National and United Carolina Bancshares
Corporation ("UCB") jointly announced the signing of an agreement to merge.
The transaction will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests in which UCB
shareholders will receive 1.135 shares of Southern National's common stock in
exchange for each share of UCB common stock held. The market transaction has
an indicated total value of $985 million based on the November 1, 1996 closing
prices of the stock of both institutions. The merger, if approved, is expected
to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 1997.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
  On January 23, 1997, Southern National announced plans to acquire Refloat,
Inc. of Mount Airy, North Carolina, and its principal subsidiary, Sheffield
Financial Corp., a finance company in Clemmons, North Carolina that
specializes in loans to small commercial lawn care businesses across the
country.
 
  On February 4, 1997, Southern National announced plans to acquire Phillips
Factors Corporation and its subsidiaries, Phillips Financial Corporation and
Phillips Acceptance Corporation, all of High Point, North Carolina. Phillips
Financial Corporation, which will operate as an autonomous subsidiary of
Southern National, purchases and manages receivables in the temporary staffing
industry nationwide. It also provides payroll processing services to that
industry. Phillips Factors Corporation buys and manages account receivables
primarily in the furniture, textiles and home furnishings-related industries.
 
NOTE C. SECURITIES
 
  The amortized costs and approximate fair values of securities were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    DECEMBER 31, 1996                     DECEMBER 31, 1995
                          ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
                                          GROSS                                 GROSS
                                       UNREALIZED                            UNREALIZED
                          AMORTIZED  --------------- ESTIMATED  AMORTIZED  --------------- ESTIMATED
                             COST     GAINS  LOSSES  FAIR VALUE    COST     GAINS  LOSSES  FAIR VALUE
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>
Securities held to matu-
 rity:
 U.S. Treasury, govern-
  ment and agency obli-
  gations...............  $    6,283 $   --  $     4 $    6,279 $    9,461 $   --  $   172 $    9,289
 States and political
  subdivisions..........     118,435   3,835     139    122,131    144,508   6,194     105    150,597
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
 Total securities held
  to maturity...........     124,718   3,835     143    128,410    153,969   6,194     277    159,886
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
Securities available for
 sale:
 U.S. Treasury, govern-
  ment and agency obli-
  gations...............   3,111,323  15,452  11,150  3,115,625  4,013,272  54,400   7,249  4,060,423
 States and political
  subdivisions..........      22,885     166     176     22,875     20,612     257      96     20,773
 Mortgage-backed securi-
  ties..................   1,709,951  29,406  13,642  1,725,715    973,339   8,415   4,027    977,727
 Equity and other secu-
  rities................     272,574       2       2    272,574    142,942       3     524    142,421
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
 Total securities avail-
  able for sale.........   5,116,733  45,026  24,970  5,136,789  5,150,165  63,075  11,896  5,201,344
                          ---------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----------
 Total securities.......  $5,241,451 $48,861 $25,113 $5,265,199 $5,304,134 $69,269 $12,173 $5,361,230
                          ========== ======= ======= ========== ========== ======= ======= ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Securities with a book value of approximately $3.0 billion and $2.4 billion
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were pledged to secure municipal
deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, Federal Reserve
discount window borrowings and for other purposes as required by law.
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, there was no concentration of investments in
obligations of states and political subdivisions that were secured by or
payable from the same taxing authority or revenue source and that exceeded ten
percent of shareholders' equity.
 
  Proceeds from sales of securities during 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $593.6
million, $1.3 billion and $772.6 million, respectively. Gross gains of $5.4
million, $2.7 million and $3.6 million and gross losses of $2.2 million, $21.3
million and $527,000 were realized on those sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the securities portfolio at
December 31, 1996, by contractual maturity, are shown in the accompanying
table. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because
borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without
call or prepayment penalties. For purposes of the maturity table, mortgage-
backed securities, which are not due at a single maturity date, have been
allocated over maturity groupings based on the weighted average contractual
maturities of underlying collateral.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                      HELD TO MATURITY    AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                     ------------------- ---------------------
                                               ESTIMATED            ESTIMATED
                                     AMORTIZED   FAIR    AMORTIZED     FAIR
   DEBT SECURITIES                     COST      VALUE      COST      VALUE
   ---------------                   --------- --------- ---------- ----------
                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
   Due in one year or less.......... $ 24,778  $ 24,811  $  561,818 $  562,494
   Due after one year through five
    years...........................   80,620    83,147   2,853,004  2,848,723
   Due after five years through ten
    years...........................   19,270    20,399     351,612    350,507
   Due after ten years..............       50        53   1,266,349  1,291,115
                                     --------  --------  ---------- ----------
     Total debt securities.......... $124,718  $128,410  $5,032,783 $5,052,839
                                     ========  ========  ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE D. LOANS AND LEASES
 
  Loans and leases were composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1996        1995
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Loans--
     Commercial, financial and agricultural............ $ 2,375,121 $ 2,098,306
     Real estate--construction and land development....   1,228,043     949,513
     Real estate--mortgage.............................   8,513,945   8,671,941
     Consumer..........................................   1,830,519   1,716,399
                                                        ----------- -----------
       Loans held for investment.......................  13,947,628  13,436,159
                                                        ----------- -----------
     Leases............................................     576,991     376,152
                                                        ----------- -----------
       Total loans and leases..........................  14,524,619  13,812,311
         Less: unearned income.........................     160,024     105,600
                                                        ----------- -----------
       Loans and leases, net of unearned income........ $14,364,595 $13,706,711
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The net investment in direct financing leases was $470.5 million and $315.5
million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Southern National had
loans held for sale at December 31, 1996 and 1995 totaling $219.5 million and
$245.3 million, respectively.
 
  Southern National's only significant concentration of credit at December 31,
1996 occurred in real estate loans, which totaled $10.0 billion. However, this
amount was not concentrated in any specific market or geographic area other
than the Banks' primary market.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
  The following table provides an analysis of loans made to the directors and
executive officers of Southern National and all significant subsidiaries and
their interests, which in the aggregate exceeded $60,000 at any time during
1996. All amounts shown represent loans made by Southern National's subsidiary
banks in the ordinary course of business at the Banks' normal credit terms,
including interest rate and collateralization prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with other persons:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                          ----------------------
     <S>                                                  <C>
     Balance, December 31, 1995..........................        $ 98,338
     Additions...........................................          62,441
     Repayments..........................................          19,514
                                                                 --------
     BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996..........................        $141,265
                                                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE E. ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES
 
  An analysis of the allowance for losses is presented in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                     1996      1995      1994
                                                   --------  --------  --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                             <C>       <C>       <C>
   Balance, January 1............................. $175,588  $174,102  $170,788
   Provision for losses charged to expense........   53,661    34,632    20,181
   Allowances of purchased companies..............      --        --      1,119
                                                   --------  --------  --------
     Subtotal.....................................  229,249   208,734   192,088
                                                   --------  --------  --------
   Loans charged-off..............................  (59,484)  (44,727)  (31,567)
   Recoveries.....................................   14,167    11,581    13,581
                                                   --------  --------  --------
     Net charge-offs..............................  (45,317)  (33,146)  (17,986)
                                                   --------  --------  --------
   Balance, December 31........................... $183,932  $175,588  $174,102
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, loans not currently accruing interest
totaled $64.4 million, $66.2 million and $48.5 million, respectively. Loans 90
days or more past due and still accruing interest totaled $32.1 million, $29.1
million and $24.2 million, at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The gross interest income that would have been earned during 1996 if the
outstanding nonaccrual loans and leases had been current in accordance with
the original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period (or since
origination, if held for part of the period) was approximately $5.5 million.
Foreclosed property was $18.8 million, $13.7 million and $13.5 million at
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE F. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------
                                                                1996     1995
                                                              -------- --------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN
                                                                 THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                        <C>      <C>
   Land and land improvements................................ $ 49,178 $ 47,158
   Buildings and building improvements.......................  230,122  224,730
   Furniture and equipment...................................  240,917  235,149
   Capitalized leases on premises and equipment..............    3,804    4,257
                                                              -------- --------
                                                               524,021  511,294
   Less--accumulated depreciation and amortization...........  204,939  197,436
                                                              -------- --------
     Net premises and equipment.............................. $319,082 $313,858
                                                              ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  Depreciation expense, which is included in occupancy and equipment expense,
was $39.9 million, $36.3 million and $35.7 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
 
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
  Southern National has noncancellable leases covering certain premises and
equipment. Total rent expense applicable to operating leases was $24.5
million, $29.4 million and $22.4 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Future minimum lease payments for operating and capitalized
leases for years subsequent to 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                LEASES
                                                         ---------------------
                                                         OPERATING CAPITALIZED
                                                         --------- -----------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN
                                                              THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                   <C>       <C>
   Year ended December 31:
     1997............................................... $ 17,588    $  465
     1998...............................................   17,005       465
     1999...............................................   16,260       465
     2000...............................................   15,906       465
     2001...............................................   15,050       465
     2002 and years later...............................   97,853     5,316
                                                         --------    ------
   Total minimum lease payments......................... $179,662     7,641
                                                         ========
   Less--amount representing interest...................              4,080
                                                                     ------
   Present value of net minimum payments on capitalized
    leases (Note I).....................................             $3,561
                                                                     ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE G. LOAN SERVICING
 
  Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying
"Consolidated Balance Sheets." The unpaid principal balances of mortgage loans
serviced for others were $6.7 billion and $5.4 billion at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
 
  The following is a summary of capitalized mortgage servicing rights, net of
accumulated amortization and adjustments necessary to present the balances at
the lower of cost or estimated fair value, which are included in the
"Consolidated Balance Sheets:"
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CAPITALIZED
                                                                  MORTGAGE
                                                                  SERVICING
                                                                   RIGHTS
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1996     1995
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN
                                                                 THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                         <C>      <C>
   Balance, January 1,........................................ $18,265  $ 4,670
     Amount capitalized.......................................  24,302   16,751
     Amortization expense.....................................  (5,203)  (2,761)
     Change in valuation allowance............................    (290)    (395)
                                                               -------  -------
   Balance, December 31,...................................... $37,074  $18,265
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
  Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are being amortized on a disaggregated
loan basis using an accelerated method over the estimated life of the
servicing income. The servicing rights portfolio is analyzed each quarter to
identify possible impairment using a disaggregated discounted cash flow
methodology that is stratified by predominant risk characteristics. These
characteristics include stratification based on interest rates in intervals of
150 basis points, type of loan and maturity of loan. Following is an analysis
of the aggregate changes in the valuation allowances for mortgage servicing
rights in 1996 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           VALUATION ALLOWANCE
                                                          FOR MORTGAGE SERVICING
                                                                  RIGHTS
                                                          ----------------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                    <C>
   Balance, January 1, 1995..............................         $  --
     Additions...........................................            395
                                                                  ------
   Balance, December 31, 1995............................            395
                                                                  ------
     Additions...........................................          1,184
     Reductions..........................................           (894)
                                                                  ------
   BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996............................         $  685
                                                                  ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE H. SHORT-TERM BORROWED FUNDS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996        1995
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Federal funds purchased............................. $   743,075 $   812,165
   Term Federal funds purchased........................      50,000     350,000
   Securities sold under agreements to repurchase......     664,457     689,517
   Master notes........................................     566,225     396,273
   U.S. Treasury tax and loan deposit notes payable....      86,938      63,588
   Short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances..........     150,000     175,000
   Other short-term borrowed funds.....................       2,608     108,873
                                                        ----------- -----------
     Total short-term borrowed funds................... $ 2,263,303 $ 2,595,416
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  Federal funds purchased represent unsecured borrowings from other banks and
generally mature daily. Term Federal funds purchased are identical to Federal
funds; however, maturities vary and are greater than one day. Securities sold
under agreements to repurchase are borrowings collateralized by securities of
the U.S. Government or its agencies and have maturities ranging from one to
ninety days. U.S. Treasury tax and loan deposit notes payable are payable upon
demand to the U.S. Treasury. Master notes are unsecured, non-negotiable
obligations of Southern National (variable rate commercial paper). Short-term
Federal Home Loan Bank advances are typically unsecured and generally mature
daily.
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
NOTE I. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            1996        1995
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                   <C>         <C>
   $5 million Industrial Revenue Bond, dated 1984, se-
    cured by premises with a net book value of
    $5,708,000 at December 31, 1996, due in quarterly
    installments of $83,340 through the second quarter
    1999, and one final installment of $82,940 in 1999.
    Interest rate is variable--76.99% of prime--6.352%
    at December 31, 1996...............................  $     1,000 $     1,250
   Capitalized leases, varying maturities to 2028 with
    rates from 8.11% to 12.65%. This represents the un-
    amortized balances due on leases of various facili-
    ties...............................................        3,561       4,125
   Medium-term bank notes, unsecured, varying maturi-
    ties to 2001 with rates from 5.31% to 5.70%........      424,794     201,979
   Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank, varying matu-
    rities to 2016 with rates from 1.00% to 8.95%......    1,373,795   1,175,830
   $250 million Subordinated Notes, unsecured, dated
    May 21, 1996, maturing May 23, 2003 with an inter-
    est rate of 7.05%*.................................      248,019          --
   Other mortgage indebtedness.........................          598         751
                                                         ----------- -----------
                                                         $ 2,051,767 $ 1,383,935
                                                         =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Subordinated notes qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 2
  supplementary capital.
 
  Excluding the capitalized leases set forth in Note F, future debt maturities
total $2.0 billion and are $550.5 million, $339.6 million, $175.5 million,
$111.7 million, and $418.4 million for the next five years. The maturities for
2002 and later years are $452.5 million.
 
NOTE J. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  The authorized capital stock of Southern National consists of 300,000,000
shares of common stock, $5 par value, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
$5 par value. At December 31, 1996, 109,297,489 shares of common stock and no
shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
 Stock Option Plans
 
  At December 31, 1996, Southern National had the following stock-based
compensation plans: the 1994 and the 1995 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans
("Omnibus Plans"), the Incentive Stock Option Plan ("ISOP"), the Non-Qualified
Stock Option Plan ("NQSOP") and the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan
("Directors' Plan"), which are described below. Southern National accounts for
these plans under Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, under
which no compensation cost has been recognized. Had compensation cost for
these plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for
awards under those plans, consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, Southern
National's pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share would have
been as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996     1995
                                                               -------- --------
   <S>                                                         <C>      <C>
   Net income:
     As reported.............................................. $283,664 $186,341
     Pro Forma................................................  281,282  186,028
   Primary EPS:
     As reported..............................................     2.56     1.65
     Pro Forma................................................     2.54     1.65
   Fully Diluted EPS:
     As reported..............................................     2.54     1.62
     Pro Forma................................................     2.52     1.62
</TABLE>
 
  The SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options
granted prior to January 1, 1995; therefore, the weighted average fair value
of options granted prior to that date has not been calculated. The fair value
of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-
Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions
used for grants in 1996 and 1995, respectively: dividend yield of 3.5% for
both years; expected volatility of 20% for both years; risk free interest
rates of 6.46% and 5.65%; and expected lives of 6.76 years and 6.06 years.
 
  Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to
options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation
cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years.
 
  In April 1994 and May 1995, the shareholders approved the Omnibus Plans
which cover the award of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options,
shares of restricted stock, performance shares and stock appreciation rights.
In April 1996, the shareholders approved an amendment to the 1995 Omnibus Plan
that increased the maximum number of shares issuable under the terms of the
plan to 6,000,000 shares. The combined shares issuable under both Omnibus
Plans is 10,000,000. The Omnibus Plans are intended to allow Southern National
to recruit and retain employees with ability and initiative and to associate
the employees' interests with those of Southern National and its shareholders.
At December 31, 1996, 2,187,207 incentive stock options at prices ranging from
$5.8828 to $36.625 and 2,056,395 non-qualified stock options at prices ranging
from $.01 to $23.3655 were outstanding. The stock options vest over 3 years
and have a 10 year term.
 
  The ISOP and the NQSOP were established to retain key officers and key
management employees and to offer them the incentive to use their best efforts
on behalf of Southern National. The plans, which expire on December 19, 2000,
further provide for up to 1,101,000 shares of common stock to be reserved for
the granting of options, which have a four year vesting schedule and must be
exercised within ten years from the date granted. Incentive stock options
granted must have an exercise price equal to at least 100% of the fair market
value of common stock on the date granted, and the non-qualified stock options
must have an exercise price equal to at least 85% of the fair market value on
the date granted. At December 31, 1996, options to purchase 348,660 shares of
common stock at prices ranging from $9.50 to $16.75 were outstanding pursuant
to the NQSOP. At December 31, 1996, options to purchase 157,329 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $19.777 were outstanding pursuant to the
ISOP.
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
  The Directors' Plan is intended to provide incentives to non-employee
directors to remain on the Board of Directors and share in the profitability
of Southern National. The plan creates a deferred compensation system for
participating non-employee directors. Each non-employee director may elect to
defer 0%, 50% or 100% of the annual retainer fee for each calendar year and
apply that percentage toward the grant of options to purchase Southern
National common stock. Such elections are required to be in writing and are
irrevocable for each calendar year. The exercise price at which shares of
Southern National common stock may be purchased shall be equal to 75% of the
market value of the common stock as of the date of grant. Options are vested
in six months and may be exercised anytime thereafter until the expiration
date, which is 10 years from the date of grant. The Directors' Plan provides
for the reservation of up to 400,000 shares of Southern National common stock.
At December 31, 1996, options to purchase 291,143 shares of common stock at
prices ranging from $12.7155 to $22.07 were outstanding pursuant to the
Directors' Plan.
 
  Southern National also has options outstanding from companies acquired in
prior years. These options, which have not been included in the plans
described above, totaled 297,067 as of December 31, 1996, with option prices
ranging from $2.6667 to $23.7069.
 
  A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans at December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 and changes during the years then ended is presented
below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1996                 1995                 1994
                          -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                     WTD. AVG.            WTD. AVG.            WTD. AVG.
                                     EXERCISE             EXERCISE             EXERCISE
                           SHARES      PRICE    SHARES      PRICE    SHARES      PRICE
                          ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------
<S>                       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
Outstanding at beginning
 of year................  5,766,004   $18.18   5,068,067   $15.53   4,546,234   $13.38
Granted.................    102,321    25.73   1,292,163    25.73   1,178,149    19.52
Exercised...............   (482,954)   12.40    (548,511)   11.40    (601,492)    6.87
Forfeited or Expired....    (47,570)   15.65     (45,715)   19.22     (54,824)   18.58
                          ---------   ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------
Outstanding at end of
 year...................  5,337,801   $18.86   5,766,004   $18.18   5,068,067   $15.53
                          =========   ======   =========   ======   =========   ======
Options exercisable at
 year-end...............  4,343,933   $17.41   4,133,341   $15.68   2,564,531   $12.53
</TABLE>
 
  The weighted average fair value of options granted was $6.89 and $5.12 per
option at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
  The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at
December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          OPTIONS OUTSTANDING          OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                   --------------------------------- ------------------------
                                WEIGHTED-
                                 AVERAGE   WEIGHTED-                WEIGHTED-
                     NUMBER     REMAINING   AVERAGE      NUMBER      AVERAGE
     RANGE OF      OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE  EXERCISABLE AT EXERCISE
 EXERCISE PRICES   AT 12/31/96    LIFE       PRICE      12/31/96      PRICE
 ---------------   ----------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------
 <S>               <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>            <C>
       $.01             1,497      4.7yrs   $ 0.01         1,497     $ 0.01
 $ 2.67 to $ 3.79      37,516      7.1        3.33        37,516       3.33
 $ 4.97 to $ 7.45      23,778      0.9        7.26        23,778       7.26
 $ 7.71 to $10.22     343,182      4.0        9.14       343,182       9.14
 $11.72 to $17.50   1,848,284      4.6       14.32     1,848,284      14.32
 $18.13 to $26.75   3,050,035      7.9       22.84     2,087,892      21.87
 $28.88 to $36.63      33,509      9.6       33.89         1,784      29.63
                    ---------      ---      ------     ---------     ------
                    5,337,801      6.5yrs   $18.86     4,343,933     $17.41
                    =========      ===      ======     =========     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
 Shareholder Rights Plan
 
  On January 17, 1997, pursuant to the Rights Agreement approved by the Board
of Directors, Southern National distributed to shareholders one preferred
stock purchase right for each share of Southern National's common stock then
outstanding. Initially, the rights, which expire in 10 years, are not
exercisable and are not transferable apart from the common stock. The rights
will become exercisable only if a person or group acquires 20% or more of
Southern National's common stock, or Southern National's Board of Directors
determines, pursuant to the terms of the Rights Agreement, that any person or
group that has acquired 10% or more of Southern National's common stock is an
"Adverse Person." Each right would then enable the holder to purchase 1/100th
of a share of a new series of Southern National preferred stock at an initial
exercise price of $145.00. The Board of Directors will be entitled to redeem
the rights at $.01 per right under certain circumstances specified in the
Rights Agreement.
 
  Under the terms of the Rights Agreement, if any person or group becomes the
beneficial owner of 25% or more of Southern National's common stock, with
certain exceptions, or if the Board of Directors determines that any 10% or
more stockholder is an "Adverse Person," each right will entitle its holder
(other than the person triggering exercisability of the rights) to purchase,
at the right's then-current exercise price, shares of Southern National's
common stock having a value of twice the right's exercise price. In addition,
if after any person or group has become a 20% or more stockholder, Southern
National is involved in a merger or other business combination transaction
with another person in which its common stock is changed or converted, or
sells 50% or more of its assets or earning power to another person, each right
will entitle its holder to purchase, at the right's then-current exercise
price, shares of common stock of such other person having a value of twice the
right's exercise price.
 
NOTE K. INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision for income taxes was composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996      1995      1994
                                                  --------  --------  --------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                            <C>       <C>       <C>
   Current expense:
     Federal..................................... $128,583  $102,548  $137,459
     State.......................................    2,289     3,785    10,567
                                                  --------  --------  --------
                                                   130,872   106,333   148,026
   Deferred expense (benefit)....................    3,632   (14,870)  (18,737)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
   Provision for income taxes.................... $134,504  $ 91,463  $129,289
                                                  ========  ========  ========
 
  The reasons for the difference between the provision for income taxes and
the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to
income before income taxes were as follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996      1995      1994
                                                  --------  --------  --------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                            <C>       <C>       <C>
   Federal income taxes at statutory rates of
    35%.......................................... $146,359  $ 97,232  $130,596
   Tax-exempt income from securities, loans and
    leases less related non-deductible interest
    expense......................................   (7,158)   (6,503)   (6,597)
   State income taxes, net of Federal tax bene-
    fit..........................................    1,793     2,096     4,136
   Other, net....................................   (6,490)   (1,362)    1,154
                                                  --------  --------  --------
   Provision for income taxes.................... $134,504  $ 91,463  $129,289
                                                  ========  ========  ========
   Effective income tax rate.....................     32.2%     32.9%     34.6%
                                                  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
  The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant
portions of the net deferred tax assets (liabilities) in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                     ------------------------
                                                        1996         1995
                                                     -----------  -----------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                               <C>          <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Allowance for losses........................... $    70,476  $    66,438
     Deferred compensation..........................      16,945       17,817
     Postretirement benefits other than pensions....      11,280       10,651
     Other..........................................      16,344       16,610
                                                     -----------  -----------
   Total tax deferred assets........................     115,045      111,516
                                                     -----------  -----------
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Tax accounting method changes..................      (6,599)     (10,493)
     Depreciation...................................     (18,765)     (15,390)
     Net unrealized appreciation on securities
      available for sale............................      (8,248)     (20,014)
     Lease financing................................     (15,623)     (13,558)
     Pension plan contribution......................      (6,363)      (3,705)
     Other..........................................     (13,504)      (9,067)
                                                     -----------  -----------
   Total tax deferred liabilities...................     (69,102)     (72,227)
                                                     -----------  -----------
   Net deferred tax asset........................... $    45,943  $    39,289
                                                     ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The deferred tax assets have been determined to be realizable, and,
accordingly, a valuation allowance was not required. At December 31, 1996,
there were no operating losses, income tax credits or alternative minimum tax
credit carryforwards.
 
  Securities transactions resulted in income tax expense (benefits) of $1.1
million, ($7.1 million) and $1.2 million related to securities gains (losses)
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE L. BENEFIT PLANS
 
  Southern National has various employee benefit plans and arrangements.
Employees of acquired entities typically participate in existing Southern
National plans upon consummation of the acquisitions. Credit is usually given
to these employees for years of service at the acquired institution. The
combination of actuarial information for the benefit plans of the acquired
entities is not meaningful because the benefits offered in those plans and
assumptions used in the calculations related to those plans are superseded by
the benefits offered in the Southern National plans and the assumptions used
in the Southern National calculations. Accordingly, the actuarial information
presented for retirement plans and postretirement benefits is that of Southern
National as originally presented.
 
  The following table discloses expenses relating to employee benefit plans on
a restated basis.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1996    1995*   1994*
                                                        ------- ------- -------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>     <C>     <C>
   Defined benefit plans............................... $ 9,919 $15,632 $10,705
   Defined contribution and ESOP plans.................  10,252   9,235   9,502
                                                        ------- ------- -------
     Total expense related to benefit plans............ $20,171 $24,867 $20,207
                                                        ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
  --------
  * Amounts restated for material acquisitions accounted for as poolings-of-
    interests.
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
 Retirement Plans
 
  Prior to the merger of Southern National and BB&T, both companies had
noncontributory defined benefit plans covering substantially all employees.
Benefits were based on years of service, age at retirement and the employee's
compensation as defined.
 
  Effective January 1, 1996, Southern National's and BB&T's pension plans were
merged into a single noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. This plan
covers substatntially all employees of the merged institution. Benefits are
based on years of service, age at retirement and the employee's compensation
during the five highest consecutive years of earnings within the last ten
years of employment.
 
  Southern National's contributions to the plan were in amounts between the
minimum required for funding standard account purposes and the maximum
deductible for Internal Revenue Service purposes.
 
  Supplemental retirement benefits are provided to certain key officers under
supplemental executive retirement plans ("SERPs"), which are not qualified
under the Internal Revenue Code. Although technically unfunded plans,
insurance policies on the lives of the covered employees partially fund future
benefits.
 
  Net periodic pension cost, which is included in employee benefits expense,
consisted of the following components in 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996      1995      1994
                                                   --------  --------  --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                             <C>       <C>       <C>
   Service cost................................... $  8,860  $  9,658  $  9,431
   Interest cost..................................   11,755    10,864     9,504
   Actual return on assets........................  (18,498)  (25,226)      711
   Early retirement...............................      --      3,372       --
   Net amortization and deferral and other........    7,453    16,414   (10,699)
                                                   --------  --------  --------
     Net periodic pension cost.................... $  9,570  $ 15,082  $  8,947
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth the plans' funded status at December 31, 1996
and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    PLANS FOR WHICH        PLANS FOR WHICH
                                     ASSETS EXCEED       ACCUMULATED BENEFITS
                                 ACCUMULATED BENEFITS       EXCEED ASSETS
                                 ----------------------  ----------------------
                                    1996        1995        1996       1995
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
   Accumulated benefit obliga-
    tion
     Vested benefits...........  $ (120,396) $ (104,000) $      --   $     --
     Nonvested benefits........      (3,107)     (3,566)        --         --
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------
                                 $ (123,503) $ (107,566) $      --   $     --
                                 ==========  ==========  ==========  =========
   Projected benefit obligation
    at December 31.............  $ (161,157) $ (140,394) $  (11,483) $  (9,929)
   Plan assets at fair value...     162,126     129,574         --         --
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------
   Plan assets in excess of
    (less than) projected bene-
    fit obligation.............         969     (10,820)    (11,483)    (9,929)
   Unrecognized transition
    amount.....................      (5,345)     (6,162)        321        364
   Unrecognized prior service
    cost.......................      (6,699)     (7,503)      3,314      3,313
   Unrecognized net loss.......      16,951      16,717       3,233      3,214
   Minimum liability adjust-
    ment.......................         --          --         (620)    (2,597)
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------
   Prepaid (accrued) pension
    cost included in other
    assets (other
    liabilities)...............  $    5,876  $   (7,768) $   (5,235) $  (5,635)
                                 ==========  ==========  ==========  =========
</TABLE>
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
  Actuarial assumptions used in calculating these amounts were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1996  1995   1994
                                                          ----  ----  -------
   <S>                                                    <C>   <C>   <C>
   Rate of increase in future compensation............... 5.5%  5.5%  4.8-6.0%
   Weighted average discount rate........................ 7.5   7.5     7.8
   Weighted average expected long-term rate of return on
    assets............................................... 8.0   8.0   8.0-9.0
</TABLE>
 
  Plan assets consist primarily of investments in mutual funds consisting of
equity investments, obligations of the U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies and
corporations. Plan assets included $11.2 million and $7.9 million of Southern
National common stock at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
 Postretirement Benefits
 
  Prior to merger, both Southern National and BB&T revised their retiree
health care plans in preparation for the implementation of SFAS No. 106,
"Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." Effective
January 1, 1996, both plans were merged into a single plan. The new plan
covers employees retiring after December 31, 1995 who are eligible for
participation in the Southern National pension plan and have at least ten
years of service. The plan requires retiree contributions, with a subsidy by
Southern National based upon years of service of the employee at the time of
retirement. The subsidy is periodically reviewed for adjustment. The plan
provides flexible benefits to retirees which may also be used for dependents.
 
  The following table sets forth the components of the retiree benefit plan
and the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements at December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 --------  --------  ---------
   <S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   NET PERIODIC POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT COST:
     Service cost..............................  $    739  $    972  $     990
     Interest cost.............................     2,029     2,248      1,841
     Amortization of net loss and other........       --        156        104
                                                 --------  --------  ---------
       Total expense...........................  $  2,768  $  3,376  $   2,935
                                                 ========  ========  =========
   RECONCILIATION OF FUNDED STATUS:
     Accumulated postretirement benefit obliga-
      tion.....................................  $(29,046) $(30,735) $ (27,590)
     Unrecognized net loss.....................        69     3,348      1,356
                                                 --------  --------  ---------
       Accrued postretirement benefit costs in-
        cluded in other liabilities............  $(28,977) $(27,387) $ (26,234)
                                                 ========  ========  =========
 
  Actuarial assumptions used in calculating these amounts were:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 --------  --------  ---------
   <S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
   Annual rate of increase in the per capita
    cost of health care claims
     Current year..............................    11.0%   8.0-11.0% 10.0-12.0%
     Final constant amount.....................     5.0    4.75-5.0     5.0
     Annual decrease...........................     1.0     .8-1.0      1.0
   General inflation rate......................     4.0      4.0        4.0
   Weighted average discount rate..............     7.5      7.5        7.8
   Impact of 1% increase in assumed health care
    cost on:
     Net periodic benefit cost.................     3.0    2.0-3.0    0.0-1.0
     Expected postretirement benefit obliga-
      tion.....................................     5.0    3.0-4.0    1.1-3.0
</TABLE>
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
 401-k Savings Plan
 
  Prior to 1996, Southern National had an Employee Stock Ownership Plan which
allowed all employees to acquire common stock in Southern National by
contributing up to 15% of their salaries to the plan. Southern National
matched 100% of each employee's contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of the
employee's salary. BB&T had a Savings and Thrift Plan which permitted eligible
employees to make contributions up to 16% of base compensation, with matching
contributions up to 4% of the employee's base compensation. Effective January
1, 1996, Southern National's Employee Stock Ownership Plan was merged into the
former BB&T Savings and Thrift Plan to form the Southern National Corporation
401-k Savings Plan. The new plan permits employees to contribute up to 16% of
their compensation. Southern National matches up to 6% of the employee's
compensation with a 100% matching contribution.
 
 Settlement Agreements
 
  In connection with the merger of Southern National and BB&T, two executive
officers of Southern National agreed to retire during 1995. Southern National
entered into settlement agreements with both executive officers to settle
existing employment contracts. One of the settlement agreements provides for
annual payments of $1,655,000 less the company-provided portion of certain
benefits payable under existing benefit plans. The payments continue for the
life of the officer and his current wife but in no event for a period of less
than fifteen years. The executive officer has agreed not to compete in a
defined geographic area for fifteen years and to serve as a consultant to the
merged company for five years. The settlement agreement with the other
executive officer provides for annual payments of $312,000 for ten years or
until death. The present value of future payments to be made pursuant to these
agreements was recorded in 1995.
 
 Other
 
  There are various other employment contracts, deferred compensation
arrangements and covenants not to compete with selected members of management
and certain retirees.
 
NOTE M. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Southern National is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet
risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its
customers and to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These
financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, options written,
standby letters of credit and financial guarantees, interest rate caps and
floors written, interest rate swaps and forward and futures contracts.
 
  Southern National's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance
by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend
credit and standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written is
represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Southern
National uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional
obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              CONTRACT OR
                                                          NOTIONAL AMOUNT AT
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1996        1995
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Financial instruments whose contract amounts repre-
    sent credit risk:
     Commitments to extend, originate or purchase
      credit..........................................  $ 6,042,999 $ 4,372,503
     Standby letters of credit and financial guaran-
      tees written....................................      200,222     138,911
     Commercial letters of credit.....................       19,811      27,742
   Financial instruments whose notional or contract
    amounts exceed the amount of credit risk:
     Commitments to sell loans and securities.........      213,991     261,000
     Foreign exchange contracts.......................      103,506     109,747
</TABLE>
 
  Commitments to extend credit are arrangements to lend to a customer as long
as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are
expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do
not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Southern National
evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount
and type of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by Southern National upon
extension of credit, is based on management's evaluation of the
creditworthiness of the counterparty.
 
  Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional
commitments issued by Southern National to guarantee the performance of a
customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support
public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond
financing and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing
letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan
facilities to customers, and letters of credit are collateralized when
necessary.
 
  Forward commitments to sell mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities
are contracts for delayed delivery of securities in which Southern National
agrees to make delivery at a specified future date of a specified instrument,
at a specified price or yield. Risks arise from the possible inability of
counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movements in
securities' values and interest rates.
 
 Legal Proceedings
 
  The nature of the business of Southern National's banking subsidiaries
ordinarily results in a certain amount of litigation. The subsidiaries of
Southern National are involved in various legal proceedings, all of which are
considered incidental to the normal conduct of business. Management believes
that the liabilities arising from these proceedings will not have a materially
adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or consolidated results
of operations of Southern National.
 
NOTE N. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS
 
  Southern National is required by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System to maintain reserve balances based on certain percentages of
deposit types subject to various adjustments. At December 31, 1996, these
reserves amounted to $73.0 million.
 
  Subject to restrictions imposed by state laws and federal regulations, the
Boards of Directors of the subsidiary banks could have declared dividends from
their retained earnings up to $818.1 million at December 31, 1996. The
subsidiary banks are prohibited from paying dividends from their capital stock
and paid-in capital accounts and are required by regulatory authorities to
maintain minimum capital levels. Southern National was in compliance with
these requirements at December 31, 1996.
 
  Southern National is subject to various regulatory capital requirements
administered by the Federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital
requirements can initiate certain mandatory--and possibly additional
discretionary--actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct
material effect on Southern National's financial statements. Under capital
adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action,
Southern National must meet specific capital guidelines that involve
quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-
sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Southern
National's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative
judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other
factors.
 
  See Table 19 in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" for additional disclosure concerning regulatory
capital requirements.
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
NOTE O. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996       1995
                                                          ---------- ----------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
ASSETS
  Cash and due from banks................................ $    5,860 $    5,318
  Interest-bearing bank balances.........................    587,330    396,331
  Investment securities..................................     20,074     17,870
  Investment in banking subsidiaries.....................  1,742,214  1,523,981
  Investment in other subsidiaries.......................     51,538     41,408
  Premises...............................................      5,708      5,879
  Receivables from subsidiaries and other assets.........    182,441    161,881
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total assets......................................... $2,595,165 $2,152,668
                                                          ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Short-term borrowed funds.............................. $  566,225 $  396,273
  Dividends payable......................................     29,521     24,389
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities...............     21,231     19,414
  Long-term debt.........................................    249,019      1,250
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total liabilities....................................    865,996    441,326
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total shareholders' equity...........................  1,729,169  1,711,342
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........... $2,595,165 $2,152,668
                                                          ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
                          CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996      1995       1994
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>        <C>
INCOME
  Dividends from subsidiaries...................  $ 125,708 $ 226,386  $138,201
  Interest and other income from subsidiaries...     31,411    17,269    13,291
  Interest on investment securities.............      1,850       900     1,560
  Other income..................................      7,835     6,143     3,595
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
    Total income................................    166,804   250,698   156,647
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
EXPENSES
  Interest expense..............................     33,845    17,859    12,393
  Occupancy expense.............................        171       171       172
  Other expenses................................      6,297    23,126     6,927
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
    Total expenses..............................     40,313    41,156    19,492
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
Income before income tax benefit and equity in
 undistributed earnings of subsidiaries.........    126,491   209,542   137,155
Income tax benefit..............................        354     6,140       433
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
Income before equity in undistributed earnings
 of subsidiaries................................    126,845   215,682   137,588
Net income of subsidiaries (less than) in excess
 of dividends from subsidiaries.................    156,819   (29,341)  106,254
                                                  --------- ---------  --------
NET INCOME......................................  $ 283,664 $ 186,341  $243,842
                                                  ========= =========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
 
                      CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1996       1995       1994
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income..................................  $ 283,664  $ 186,341  $ 243,842
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash provided by operating activities:
 Net income of subsidiaries (less than) in
  excess of dividends from subsidiaries......   (156,819)    29,341   (106,254)
 Depreciation of premises and equipment......        171        171        172
 Amortization of unearned compensation.......      2,450      3,172      1,711
 Discount accretion and premium amortiza-
  tion.......................................        192       (298)        83
 Loss (gain) on sales of securities..........         (9)       100        --
 Loss on disposals of other real estate
  owned......................................        --         240        --
 Loss on disposal of premises and equipment..        --          29        --
 (Increase) decrease in other assets.........    103,440   (146,243)    39,640
 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
  accrued liabilities........................      1,817      6,011       (955)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash provided by operating activities..    234,906     78,864    178,239
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Proceeds from sales of securities available
  for sale...................................         14         87     10,128
 Proceeds from maturities of securities
  available for sale.........................        --      63,500     65,002
 Purchases of securities available for sale..     (2,300)    (2,601)   (63,177)
 Proceeds from sales of securities held to
  maturity...................................        --         520        --
 Repayment of note from bank subsidiary......        --         --      30,000
 Sale of savings bank subsidiary to bank sub-
  sidiary....................................        --         --      58,883
 Proceeds from sales of premises and equip-
  ment.......................................        --          79        --
 Investment in subsidiaries..................    (68,625)      (264)   (67,492)
 Advances to subsidiaries....................   (306,857)       --         --
 Repayment of advances to subsidiaries.......    182,875        --         --
 Other.......................................        --         --     (32,328)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash (used in) provided by investing
   activities................................   (194,893)    61,321      1,016
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Net increase (decrease) in long-term debt...    247,625     (7,333)   (53,333)
 Net increase in short-term borrowed funds...    169,952    142,004     95,614
 Repayment of advance from bank subsidiary...        --         --     (58,250)
 Net proceeds from common stock issued.......     47,462     43,781     23,668
 Redemption of common stock..................   (207,387)   (47,311)   (23,562)
 Preferred stock cancellations and conver-
  sions......................................        --      (2,371)       --
 Cash dividends paid on common and preferred
  stock......................................   (106,124)   (93,465)   (76,805)
 Other.......................................        --         --       1,656
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing
   activities................................    151,528     35,305    (91,012)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS....    191,541    175,490     88,243
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF
 YEAR........................................    401,649    226,159    137,916
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR.....  $ 593,190  $ 401,649  $ 226,159
                                               =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE P. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,"
requires Southern National to disclose the estimated fair value of its on- and
off-balance sheet financial instruments. A financial instrument is defined by
SFAS No. 107 as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity or a
contract that creates a contractual obligation or right to deliver to or
receive cash or another financial instrument from a second entity on
potentially favorable or unfavorable terms.
 
  Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market
data and information about the financial instrument. SFAS No. 107 specifies
that fair values should be calculated based on the value of one trading unit
without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations
of ownership of a
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
financial instrument, possible tax ramifications, estimated transaction costs
that may result from bulk sales or the relationship between various financial
instruments. Because no readily available market exists for a significant
portion of Southern National's financial instruments, fair value estimates for
these instruments are based on judgments regarding current economic
conditions, currency and interest rate risk characteristics, loss experience
and other factors. Many of these estimates involve uncertainties and matters
of significant judgment and cannot be determined with precision. Therefore,
the calculated fair value estimates cannot always be substantiated by
comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realizable in
a current sale of the instrument. Changes in assumptions could significantly
affect the estimates.
 
  The following methods and assumptions were used by Southern National in
estimating the fair value of its financial instruments at December 31, 1996
and 1995.
 
  Cash and cash equivalents: For these short-term instruments, the carrying
amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair values.
 
  Securities: Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices, if
available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on
quoted market prices for similar securities.
 
  Loans receivable: The fair values for loans are estimated using discounted
cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans
with similar terms and credit quality. The carrying amounts of accrued
interest approximate fair values.
 
  Deposit liabilities: The fair values for demand deposits, interest-checking
accounts, savings accounts and certain money market accounts are, by
definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date, i.e.,
their carrying amounts. Fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated
using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current interest rates
to aggregate expected maturities.
 
  Short-term borrowed funds: The carrying amounts of Federal funds purchased,
borrowings under repurchase agreements, master notes and other short-term
borrowed funds approximate their fair values.
 
  Long-term debt: The fair values of long-term debt are estimated based on
quoted market prices for similar instruments or by using discounted cash flow
analyses, based on Southern National's current incremental borrowing rates for
similar types of instruments.
 
  Interest rate swap agreements: The fair values of interest rate swaps (used
for hedging purposes) are the estimated amounts that Southern National would
receive or pay to terminate the swap agreements at the reporting date, taking
into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the
swap counterparties.
 
  Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial
guarantees written: The fair values of commitments are estimated using the
fees charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the
remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the
counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair values also consider the
difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.
The fair values of guarantees and letters of credit are estimated based on
fees currently charged for similar agreements.
 
  Other off-balance sheet instruments: The fair values for off-balance sheet
instruments (futures, forwards, options, and commitments to sell or purchase
financial instruments) are estimated based on quoted prices, if available. For
instruments for which there are no quoted prices, fair values are estimated
using current settlement values or pricing models.
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1996                      1995
                            ------------------------  ------------------------
                             CARRYING       FAIR       CARRYING       FAIR
                              AMOUNT        VALUE       AMOUNT        VALUE
                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Financial assets:
  Cash and cash equiva-
   lents................... $   659,734  $   659,734  $   705,676  $   705,676
  Securities available for
   sale....................   5,136,789    5,136,789    5,201,344    5,201,344
  Securities held to matu-
   rity....................     124,718      128,410      153,969      159,886
  Loans and leases
    Loans..................  14,113,609   14,109,547   13,636,450   13,735,361
    Leases.................     470,455          N/A      315,541          N/A
    Allowance for losses...    (183,932)         N/A     (175,588)         N/A
                            -----------               -----------
      Net loans and
       leases.............. $14,400,132               $13,776,403
                            ===========               ===========
Financial liabilities:
  Deposits................. $14,953,914   14,994,860  $14,684,056   14,717,187
  Short-term borrowed
   funds...................   2,263,303    2,263,303    2,595,416    2,595,416
  Long-term debt...........   2,048,206    2,144,364    1,379,810    1,385,634
  Capitalized leases.......       3,561          N/A        4,125          N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                             NOTIONAL/                 NOTIONAL/
                             CONTRACT       FAIR       CONTRACT       FAIR
                              AMOUNT        VALUE       AMOUNT        VALUE
                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Unrecognized financial in-
 struments:
  Interest rate swaps, caps
   and floors.............. $ 1,144,114  $     5,775  $   743,413  $    (6,067)
  Commitments to extend,
   originate or purchase
   credit..................   6,042,999      (11,251)   4,372,503       (7,654)
  Standby and commercial
   letters of credit and
   financial guarantees
   written.................     220,033       (3,300)     166,653       (2,500)
  Commitments to sell loans
   and securities..........     213,991          733      261,000       (3,232)
  Foreign exchange con-
   tracts..................     103,506          312      109,747          --
  Option contracts pur-
   chased..................      14,000          142        8,000          --
  Option contracts writ-
   ten.....................      14,000          --         8,000         (160)
</TABLE>
- --------
N/A--Not applicable.
 
NOTE Q. DERIVATIVES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  Interest rate volatility often increases to the point that balance sheet
repositioning through the use of account repricing and other on-balance sheet
strategies cannot occur rapidly enough to avoid adverse net income effects. At
those times, off-balance sheet or synthetic hedges are utilized. During 1996,
management used interest rate swaps, caps and floors to supplement balance
sheet repositioning. Such actions were designed to lower the interest
sensitivity of Southern National toward a neutral position.
 
  Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements between two parties to
exchange a series of cash flows representing interest payments. A swap allows
both parties to transform the repricing characteristics of an asset or
liability from a fixed to a floating rate, a floating rate to a fixed rate, or
one floating rate to another floating rate. The underlying principal positions
are not affected. Swap terms generally range from one year to ten years
depending on the need. At December 31, 1996, derivatives with a total notional
value of $1.1 billion, with terms ranging up to seven years, were outstanding.
 
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
  The following tables set forth certain information concerning Southern
National's interest rate swaps at December 31, 1996:
 
                     INTEREST RATE SWAPS, CAPS AND FLOORS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 NOTIONAL      RECEIVE       PAY        FAIR
       TYPE                       AMOUNT        RATE        RATE       VALUE
       ----                     -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------
 <S>                            <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
 Receive fixed swaps........... $  485,000        6.60%       5.50%  $    6,698
 Pay fixed swaps...............    304,114        5.50        5.43          (25)
 Basis swaps...................    250,000        5.53        5.51       (1,251)
 Floors........................    105,000         --          --           353
                                ----------    --------    --------   ----------
 Total......................... $1,144,114        6.02%       5.48%  $    5,775
                                ==========    ========    ========   ==========
<CAPTION>
                                  RECEIVE     PAY FIXED  BASIS SWAPS
  YEAR-TO-DATE ACTIVITY         FIXED SWAPS     SWAPS    AND FLOORS    TOTAL
  ---------------------         -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------
 <S>                            <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
 Balance, December 31, 1995.... $  140,000    $353,413    $250,000   $  743,413
 Additions.....................    450,000       2,015     105,000      557,015
 Maturities/amortizations......   (105,000)    (51,314)        --      (156,314)
                                ----------    --------    --------   ----------
 Balance, December 31, 1996.... $  485,000    $304,114    $355,000   $1,144,114
                                ==========    ========    ========   ==========
<CAPTION>
                                 ONE YEAR    ONE TO FIVE FIVE TO 10
 ATURITY SCHEDULEM                OR LESS       YEARS       YEARS      TOTAL
- -----------------               -----------  ----------- ----------- ----------
 <S>                            <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
 Receive fixed swaps........... $   35,000    $200,000    $250,000   $  485,000
 Pay fixed swaps...............     15,485     284,337       4,292      304,114
 Basis swaps...................        --      250,000         --       250,000
 Floors........................        --      105,000         --       105,000
                                ----------    --------    --------   ----------
 Total......................... $   50,485    $839,337    $254,292   $1,144,114
                                ==========    ========    ========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
  As of December 31, 1996, unearned income from new swap transactions
initiated during 1996 was $6.4 million. There were no unamortized deferred
gains or losses from terminated transactions remaining at year end. Active
transactions resulted in pretax net expenses of $300,000.
 
  In addition to interest rate swaps, Southern National utilizes written
covered over-the-counter call options on specific securities in the available-
for-sale portfolio in order to enhance returns. During 1996, options were
written on securities totaling $375.0 million. Option fee income was $1.1
million for 1996. There were no unexercised options outstanding at December
31, 1996 or 1995.
 
  Southern National also utilizes over-the-counter purchased put options and
net purchased put options (combination of purchased put option and written
call option) in its mortgage banking activities. These options are used to
hedge the mortgage warehouse and pipeline against increasing interest rates.
Written call options are used in tandem with purchased put options to create a
net purchased put option that reduces the cost of the hedge. At December 31,
1996, net purchased put option contracts with a notional value of $14.0
million were outstanding.
 
  The $1.1 billion of derivatives used in interest rate risk management are
primarily used to hedge variable rate commercial loans, adjustable rate
mortgage loans, retail certificates of deposit and fixed rate notes. Southern
National does not utilize derivatives for trading purposes.
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
  Although off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments do not expose
Southern National to credit risk equal to the notional amount, such agreements
generate credit risk to the extent of the fair value gain in an off-balance
sheet derivative financial instrument if the counterparty fails to perform.
Such risk is minimized based on the quality of the counterparties and the
consistent monitoring of these agreements. The counterparties to these
transactions were large commercial banks and investment banks. Annually, the
counterparties are reviewed for creditworthiness by Southern National's credit
policy group. Where appropriate, master netting agreements are arranged or
collateral is obtained in the form of rights to securities. At December 31,
1996, Southern National's interest rate swaps, caps and floors reflected an
unrealized gain of $5.8 million.
 
  Other risks associated with interest-sensitive derivatives include the
impact on fixed positions during periods of changing interest rates. Indexed
amortizing swaps' notional amounts and maturities change based on certain
interest rate indices. Generally, as rates fall, the notional amounts decline
more rapidly, and as rates increase notional amounts decline more slowly.
Under unusual circumstances, financial derivatives also increase liquidity
risk, which could result from an environment of rising interest rates in which
derivatives produce negative cash flows while being offset by increased cash
flows from variable rate loans. Such risk is considered insignificant due to
the relatively small derivative positions held by Southern National. At
December 31, 1996, Southern National had no indexed amortizing swaps
outstanding.
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, AS OF MARCH 17,
1997.
 
                                          Southern National Corporation
                                           (Registrant)
 
                                                  /s/ John A. Allison, IV
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                    JOHN A. ALLISON, IV
                                              CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF
                                                     EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES INDICATED AS OF MARCH 17, 1997.
 
                                                  /s/ John A. Allison, IV
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   JOHN A. ALLISON, IV
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF
                                                    EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
                                                     /s/ Scott E. Reed
                                          _____________________________________
                                                      SCOTT E. REED
                                           SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
                                                 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
 
                                                   /s/ Sherry A. Kellett
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    SHERRY A. KELLETT
                                              EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
                                                       CONTROLLER
 
  A Majority of the Directors of the Registrant are included.
 
                                                   /s/ Paul B. Barringer
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    PAUL B. BARRINGER
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                /s/ W. R. Cuthbertson, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 W. R. CUTHBERTSON, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                    /s/ Ronald E. Deal
                                          _____________________________________
                                                     RONALD E. DEAL
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
                                                   /s/ A. J. Dooley, Sr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    A. J. DOOLEY, SR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                  /s/ Joe L. Dudley, Sr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   JOE L. DUDLEY, SR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                     /s/ Tom D. Efird
                                          _____________________________________
                                                      TOM D. EFIRD
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                 /s/ O. William Fenn, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  O. WILLIAM FENN, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                   /s/ Paul S. Goldsmith
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    PAUL S. GOLDSMITH
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                 /s/ Lloyd Vincent Hackley
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  LLOYD VINCENT HACKLEY
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                   /s/ Ernest F. Hardee
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    ERNEST F. HARDEE
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                 /s/ Richard Janeway, M.D.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  RICHARD JANEWAY, M.D.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                /s/ J. Ernest Lathem, M.D.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 J. ERNEST LATHEM, M.D.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                       78
<PAGE>
 
                                                   /s/ James H. Maynard
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    JAMES H. MAYNARD
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                /s/ Joseph A. McAleer, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 JOSEPH A. MCALEER, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                  /s/ Albert O. McCauley
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   ALBERT O. MCCAULEY
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                               /s/ James Dickson McLean, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                JAMES DICKSON MCLEAN, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                  /s/ Charles E. Nichols
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   CHARLES E. NICHOLS
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                   /s/ L. Glenn Orr, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                    L. GLENN ORR, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                  /s/ A. Winniett Peters
                                          _____________________________________
                                                   A. WINNIETT PETERS
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                /s/ Richard L. Player, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                 RICHARD L. PLAYER, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                               /s/ C. Edward Pleasants, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                C. Edward Pleasants, Jr.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                       79
<PAGE>
 
                                                    /s/ Nido R. Qubein
                                          _____________________________________
                                                     NIDO R. QUBEIN
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                                 /s/ A. Tab Williams, Jr.
                                          _____________________________________
                                                  A. TAB WILLIAMS, JR.
                                                        DIRECTOR
 
                                       80
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.              DESCRIPTION                          LOCATION
 -------            -----------                          --------
 <C>     <S>                                <C>
  2(a)   Agreement and Plan of              Incorporated herein by reference
          Reorganization dated as of July    to Registration No. 33-57681.
          29, 1994 and amended and
          restated as of October 22, 1994
          between Southern National and
          BB&T.
  2(b)   Plan of Merger as of July 29,      Incorporated herein by reference
          1994 as amended and restated on    to Registration No. 33-57861.
          October 22, 1994 between
          Southern National and BB&T.
  2(c)   Agreement and Plan of              Filed herewith.
          Reorganization dated as of
          November 1, 1996 between
          Southern National Corporation
          and United Carolina Bancshares
          Corporation, as amended.
  3(a)   Amended and Restated Articles of   Filed herewith.
          Incorporation of Southern
          National Corporation, as
          amended.
  3(b)   Bylaws of Southern National        Incorporated herein by reference
          Corporation, as amended.           to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registration
                                             Statement on Form S-4 filed
                                             June 29, 1989 (No. 33-29586.)
  4(a)   Articles of Amendment to Amended   Included in Exhibit 3(a).
          and Restated Articles of
          Incorporation of Southern
          National Corporation related to
          Junior Participating Preferred
          Stock.
  4(b)   Rights Agreement dated as of       Incorporated herein by reference
          December 17, 1996 between          to Exhibit 1 to the registration
          Southern National Corporation      statement on Form 8-A dated
          and Branch Banking and Trust       January 10, 1997.
          Company, Rights Agent.
  4(c)   Subordinated Indenture             Incorporated herein by reference
          (including Form of Subordinated    to Exhibit 4(d) of Registration
          Debt Security) between Southern    No. 333-029899.
          National Corporation and State
          Street Bank and Trust Company,
          Trustee, dated as of May 24,
          1996.
  4(d)   Senior Indenture (including Form   Incorporated herein by
          of Senior Debt Security)           reference to Exhibit 4(c)
          between Southern National          of Registration
          Corporation and State Street       No. 333-02899.
          Bank and Trust Company,
          Trustee, dated as of May 24,
          1996.
 10(a)*  Death Benefit Only Plan, Dated     Incorporated herein by
          April 23, 1990, by and between     reference to Registration
          Branch Banking and Trust           No. 33-33984.
          Company (as successor to
          Southern National Bank of North
          Carolina) and L. Glenn
          Orr, Jr.
 10(b)*  Non-Employee Directors' Deferred   Filed herewith.
          Compensation and Stock Option
          Plan of Southern National
          Corporation.
 10(c)*  Southern National Corporation      Incorporated herein by
          1994 Omnibus Stock Incentive       reference to Registration
          Plan.                              No. 33-57865.
 10(d)*  Settlement and Non-Compete         Incorporated herein by
          Agreement, dated February 28,      reference to Registration
          1995, by and between Southern      No. 33-56437.
          National Corporation and L.
          Glenn Orr, Jr.
 10(e)*  Settlement Agreement, Waiver and   Incorporated herein by
          General Release dated September    reference to Registration
          19, 1994, by and between           No. 33-56437.
          Southern National Corporation,
          Branch Banking and Trust
          Company (as successor to
          Southern National Bank of North
          Carolina) and Gary E. Carlton.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                DESCRIPTION                             LOCATION
 -------              -----------                             --------
 <C>     <S>                                     <C>
 10(f)   Southern National Corporation Savings   Incorporated herein by
          and Thrift Plan.                        reference to Registration
                                                  No. 33-57867.
 10(g)*  Southern National Corporation 1995      Filed herewith.
          Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan.
 10(h)*  Form of Branch Banking and Trust        Incorporated by reference
          Company                                 to the identified exhibit
          Long-Term Incentive Plan.               under Southern National
                                                  Corporation's (as
                                                  successor to BB&T
                                                  Financial Corporation)
                                                  Form 10-Q, filed May 14, 1991.
 10(i)*  Form of Branch Banking and Trust        Incorporated by reference
          Company                                 to the identified exhibit
          Executive Incentive Compensation        under Southern National
          Plan.                                   Corporation's (as
                                                  successor to BB&T
                                                  Financial Corporation)
                                                  Form 10-K, filed February 22,
                                                  1985.
 10(j)*  Southern National Deferred              Filed herewith.
          Compensation Plan for Key Executives
 10(k)*  Southern National Supplemental          Filed herewith.
          Executive Retirement Plan
 10(l)*  Branch Banking and Trust Supplemental   Filed herewith.
          Executive Retirement Plan
 11      Statement re Computation of Earnings    Filed herewith.
          Per Share.
 21      Subsidiaries of the Registrant.         Filed herewith.
 22      Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual     Future filing incorporated
          Meeting                                 by reference pursuant to
          of Shareholders, dated April 22,        the General Instruction G(3).
          1997.
 23(a)   Consent of Independent Public           Filed herewith.
          Accountants.
 23(b)   Opinion of Independent Public           Filed herewith.
          Accountants.
 27      Financial Data Schedule.                Filed as an exhibit to the
                                                  electronically-filed
                                                  document as required.
</TABLE>
- --------
* Management compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
                                       82

<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 2(c)
                             AMENDED AND RESTATED
                     AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION




                    UNITED CAROLINA BANCSHARES CORPORATION
                                      and
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                -----------------
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----
<S>      <C>                                                                                                    <C> 
ARTICLE I
         DEFINITIONS..............................................................................................1

ARTICLE II
         THE MERGER...............................................................................................6
         2.1      Merger..........................................................................................6
                  ------
         2.2      Filing; Plan of Merger..........................................................................6
                  ----------------------
         2.3.     Effective Time..................................................................................6
                  --------------
         2.4      Closing.........................................................................................6
                  -------
         2.5      Effect of Merger................................................................................7
                  ----------------
         2.6      Further Assurances..............................................................................7
                  ------------------
         2.7      Merger Consideration............................................................................7
                  --------------------
         2.8      Conversion of Shares; Payment of Merger Consideration...........................................8
                  -----------------------------------------------------
         2.9      Dissenting Shares...............................................................................9
                  -----------------
         2.10     Conversion of Stock Options.....................................................................9
                  ---------------------------
         2.11     Merger of Subsidiary...........................................................................11
                  --------------------
         2.12     Anti-Dilution..................................................................................11
                  -------------

ARTICLE III
         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UCB...................................................................11
         3.1      Capital Structure..............................................................................11
                  -----------------
         3.2      Organization, Standing and Authority...........................................................12
                  ------------------------------------
         3.3      Ownership of Subsidiaries......................................................................12
                  --------------------------
         3.4      Organization, Standing and Authority of the Subsidiaries.......................................12
                  --------------------------------------------------------
         3.5      Authorized and Effective Agreement.............................................................12
                  ----------------------------------
         3.6      Securities Filings.............................................................................13
                  ------------------
         3.7      Financial Statements; Minute Books.............................................................13
                  ----------------------------------
         3.8      Material Adverse Change........................................................................14
                  -----------------------
         3.9      Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.............................................................14
                  ----------------------------------
         3.10     Properties.....................................................................................14
                  ----------
         3.11     Environmental Matters..........................................................................14
                  ---------------------
         3.12     Allowance for Loan Losses......................................................................15
                  -------------------------
         3.13     Tax Matters....................................................................................15
                  -----------
         3.14     Employees; Compensation; Benefit Plans.........................................................16
                  --------------------------------------
         3.15     Certain Contracts..............................................................................20
                  -----------------
         3.16     Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals........................................................20
                  ---------------------------------------
         3.17     Compliance with Laws...........................................................................21
                  --------------------
         3.18     Brokers and Finders............................................................................21
                  -------------------
         3.19     Loans..........................................................................................21
                  -----
         3.20     Repurchase Agreements..........................................................................21
                  ---------------------
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>               <C>                                                                                           <C> 
         3.21     Deposit Accounts...............................................................................22
                  ----------------
         3.22     Related Party Transactions.....................................................................22
                  --------------------------
         3.23     Certain Information............................................................................22
                  -------------------
         3.24     Accounting, Tax and Regulatory Matters.........................................................22
                  --------------------------------------
         3.25     State Takeover Laws............................................................................23
                  -------------------
         3.26     Derivatives Contracts..........................................................................23
                  ---------------------
         3.27     Fairness Opinion...............................................................................23
                  ----------------

ARTICLE IV
         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
         OF SNC..................................................................................................23
         4.1      Capital Structure of SNC.......................................................................23
                  ------------------------
         4.2      Organization, Standing and Authority of SNC....................................................23
                  -------------------------------------------
         4.3      Authorized and Effective Agreement.............................................................24
                  ----------------------------------
         4.4      Organization, Standing and Authority of SNC Subsidiaries.......................................24
                  --------------------------------------------------------
         4.5      Securities Documents...........................................................................25
                  --------------------
         4.6      Financial Statements...........................................................................25
                  --------------------
         4.7      Material Adverse Change........................................................................25
                  -----------------------
         4.8      Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals........................................................25
                  ---------------------------------------
         4.9      Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.............................................................26
                  ----------------------------------
         4.10     Allowance for Loan Losses......................................................................26
                  -------------------------
         4.11     Tax Matters....................................................................................26
                  -----------
         4.12     Compliance with Laws...........................................................................26
                  --------------------
         4.13     Certain Information............................................................................27
                  -------------------
         4.14     Accounting, Tax and Regulatory Matters.........................................................27
                  --------------------------------------
         4.15     Share Ownership................................................................................27
                  ---------------

ARTICLE V
         COVENANTS...............................................................................................27
         5.1      Shareholders' Meetings.........................................................................27
                  ----------------------
         5.2      Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.......................................28
                  --------------------------------------------------------
         5.3      Plan of Merger; Reservation of Shares..........................................................28
                  -------------------------------------
         5.4      Additional Acts................................................................................29
                  ---------------
         5.5      Best Efforts...................................................................................29
                  ------------
         5.6      Certain Accounting Matters.....................................................................29
                  --------------------------
         5.7      Access to Information..........................................................................29
                  ---------------------
         5.8      Press Releases.................................................................................30
                  --------------
         5.9      Forbearances of UCB............................................................................30
                  -------------------
         5.10     Employment Agreements..........................................................................33
                  ---------------------
         5.11     Affiliates.....................................................................................33
                  ----------
         5.12     Employee Benefit Plans.........................................................................33
                  ----------------------
         5.13     Directors and Officers Protection..............................................................34
                  ---------------------------------
         5.14     Forbearances of SNC............................................................................35
                  -------------------
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>               <C>                                                                                           <C> 
         5.15     Assumption of Agreement by Acquiror............................................................35
                  -----------------------------------
         5.16     Reports........................................................................................36
                  -------
         5.17     Exchange Listing...............................................................................36
                  ----------------

ARTICLE VI
         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT....................................................................................36
         6.1      Conditions Precedent --SNC and UCB.............................................................36
                  ----------------------------------
         6.2      Conditions Precedent -- UCB....................................................................38
                  ---------------------------
         6.3      Conditions Precedent -- SNC ...................................................................38
                  ---------------------------
ARTICLE VII
         TERMINATION, WAIVER AND AMENDMENT.......................................................................40
         7.1      Termination....................................................................................40
                  -----------
         7.2      Effect of Termination..........................................................................43
                  ---------------------
         7.3      Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants..........................................43
                  -----------------------------------------------------
         7.4      Waiver.........................................................................................43
                  ------
         7.5      Amendment or Supplement........................................................................44
                  -----------------------

ARTICLE VIII
         MISCELLANEOUS...........................................................................................44
         8.1      Expenses.......................................................................................44
                  --------
         8.2      Entire Agreement...............................................................................44
                  ----------------
         8.3      No Assignment..................................................................................45
                  -------------
         8.4      Notices........................................................................................45
                  -------
         8.5      Captions.......................................................................................46
                  --------
         8.6      Counterparts...................................................................................46
                  ------------
         8.7      Governing Law..................................................................................46
                  -------------
         8.8      Predecessor Agreement..........................................................................46
                  ---------------------

</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION



     AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION ("Reorganization
Agreement" or "Agreement"), dated as of November 1, 1996, between UNITED
CAROLINA BANCSHARES CORPORATION ("UCB"), a North Carolina corporation having its
principal office at Whiteville, North Carolina, and SOUTHERN NATIONAL
CORPORATION ("SNC"), a North Carolina corporation having its principal office at
Winston-Salem, North Carolina;


                                R E C I T A L S:
                                - - - - - - - - 

     The parties desire that UCB shall be merged with and into SNC (said
transaction being hereinafter referred to as the "Merger") pursuant to a plan of
merger (the "Plan of Merger") substantially in the form set forth in Articles of
Merger attached as Annex A hereto ("Articles of Merger"), and the parties desire
to provide for certain undertakings, conditions, representations, warranties and
covenants in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

          1.1 Definitions
              -----------

     When used herein, the capitalized terms set forth below shall have the
following meanings:

     "Bank Holding Company Act" shall mean the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956,
as amended.

     "Business Day" shall mean all days other than Saturdays, Sundays and
Federal Reserve holidays.

     "Closing Date" shall mean the date specified pursuant to Section 2.4 as the
date on which the parties hereto shall close the transactions contemplated
herein.

     "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
     "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     "CRA" shall mean the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended.

     "Disclosed" shall mean disclosed in a Securities Document filed with the
Commission or in the UCB Disclosure Letter.

     "Effective Time" shall mean the time specified in Section 2.3 as the
Effective Time of the Merger.

     "Environmental Claim" means any written notice from any governmental
authority or third party alleging potential liability (including, without
limitation, potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs,
governmental response costs, natural resources damages, property damages,
personal injuries or penalties) arising out of, based upon, or resulting from
the presence, or release into the environment, of any Materials of Environmental
Concern.

     "Environmental Laws" means all applicable federal, state and local laws and
regulations, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, that relate to pollution or protection of
human health or the environment.

     "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

     "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     "FDIA" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended.

     "FDIC" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

     "Federal Reserve Board" shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System.

     "Financial Statements" shall mean (a) with respect to SNC, (i) the
consolidated balance sheets (including related notes and schedules, if any) of
SNC as of December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993, and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows (including related
notes and schedules, if any) for each of the three years ended December 31,
1995, 1994, and 1993, as filed by SNC in Securities Documents and (ii) the
consolidated balance sheets of SNC (including related notes and schedules, if
any) and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and
cash flows (including related notes and schedules, if any) included in
Securities Documents filed by SNC with respect to periods ended subsequent to
December 31, 1995, and (b) with respect to UCB, (i) the consolidated balance
sheets (including related notes and schedules, if any) of UCB as of December 31,
1995, 1994, and 1993, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes
in shareholders' equity and cash flows (including related notes and schedules,
if any) for each of the three years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993 as
filed by UCB in Securities Documents and (ii) the consolidated balance sheets of
UCB (including related

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
notes and schedules, if any) and the related consolidated statements of income,
changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows (including related notes and
schedules, if any) included in Securities Documents filed by UCB with respect to
periods ended subsequent to December 31, 1995.

     "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus" shall mean the joint proxy statement and
prospectus, together with any supplements thereto, sent to shareholders of UCB
and the shareholders of SNC to solicit their votes in connection with this
Agreement and the Plan of Merger.

     "Material Adverse Effect" on SNC or UCB shall mean an event, change, or
occurrence which, individually or together with any other event, change or
occurrence, has a material adverse effect on (i) the financial condition,
results of operations, business or business prospects of SNC and the SNC
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or UCB and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
or (ii) the ability of SNC or UCB to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, provided that "Material Adverse Effect" shall not be deemed to
include the impact of (a) actions and omissions of a party (or any of its
affiliates) taken with the prior informed consent of the other party in
contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (b) the direct
effects of compliance with this Agreement on the operating performance of the
parties, including expenses incurred by the parties in consummating the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     "Materials of Environmental Concern" means pollutants, contaminants,
wastes, toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum products and any other
materials regulated under Environmental Laws.

     "NCBCA" shall mean the North Carolina Business Corporation Act as amended.

     "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

     "Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement of SNC with
respect to the SNC Common Stock to be issued in the Merger as declared effective
by the Commission under the Securities Act.

     "Rights" shall mean warrants, options, rights, convertible securities and
other arrangements or commitments which obligate an entity to issue or dispose
of any of its capital stock or other ownership interests, and stock appreciation
rights, performance units and similar stock-based rights whether or not they
obligate the issuer thereof to issue stock or other securities or to pay cash.

     "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     "Securities Documents" shall mean all reports, proxy statements,
registration statements and all similar documents filed, or required to be
filed, pursuant to the Securities Laws.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     "Securities Laws" shall mean the Securities Act; the Exchange Act; the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
as amended; the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as amended; and the rules and
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

     "SNC Common Stock" shall mean the shares of common stock, par value $5.00
per share, of SNC.

     "SNC Option Agreement" shall mean the Option Agreement dated as of even
date herewith under which SNC has an option to purchase shares of UCB, which
shall be executed immediately following execution of this Reorganization
Agreement.

     "SNC Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries of SNC, which shall include
any corporation, bank, savings association, or other organization acquired as a
Subsidiary of SNC in the future and held as a Subsidiary by SNC at the Effective
Time.

     "Stock Option Plan" shall mean, collectively or singularly, UCB's 1986 Key
Employee Stock Option Plan; 1995 Stock Option and Incentive Award; Stock Option
Policy for Nonemployee Directors of Triad Bank; Triad Bank Employees' Stock
Option Plan (Non-qualified); Seaboard Savings Bank, Inc., SSB 1993 Nonstatutory
Stock Option Plan for Directors; Seaboard Savings Bank, Inc., SSB 1993 Incentive
Stock Option Plan; and Bank of Iredell 1987 Employee Nonqualified Stock Option
Program.

     "Stock Option" shall mean, collectively, any option, granted under the
Stock Option Plan and unexercised on the date hereof, to acquire shares of UCB
Common Stock, aggregating 357,577 shares.

     "Subsidiaries" shall mean all those corporations, associations, or other
business entities of which the entity in question either 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 the equity securities of which are owned or
controlled in a fiduciary capacity).

     "TILA" shall mean the Truth in Lending Act, as amended.

     "UCB Common Stock" shall mean the shares of common stock, par value $4.00
per share, of UCB.

     "UCB Disclosure Letter" shall mean the written information entitled "UCB
Disclosure Letter" dated the date of this Agreement and delivered not later than
ten days after the execution of this Agreement by UCB to SNC, and describing in
reasonable detail the matters contained therein. Each disclosure made therein
shall be in existence on the date of this Agreement and shall specifically
reference each Section of this Agreement under which such disclosure is made.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Information disclosed with respect to one Section shall not be deemed to be
disclosed for purposes of any other Section not specifically referenced.

     "UCB Option Agreement" shall mean the Option Agreement dated as of even
date herewith under which UCB has an option to purchase shares of SNC, which
shall be executed immediately following execution of this Reorganization
Agreement.

     "UCB Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries of UCB, which shall include
any corporation, bank, savings association, or other organization acquired as a
Subsidiary of UCB in the future and held as a Subsidiary by UCB at the Effective
Time.

          1.2   Terms Defined Elsewhere
                -----------------------

          The capitalized terms set forth below are defined in the following
          sections:
 

          Agreement                                          Introduction  
          Articles of Merger                                 Recitals      
          Average Closing Price                              Section 7.1(i)
          Closing                                            Section 2.4   
          Closing Date                                       Section 2.4   
          Closing Value                                      Section 2.7   
          Constituent Corporations                           Section 2.1   
          Determination Date                                 Section 7.1(i)
          Dissenting Shareholder                             Section 2.9   
          Dissenting Shares                                  Section 2.9   
          Employee                                           Section 5.12  
          Exchange Ratio                                     Section 2.7   
          Index Group                                        Section 7.1(i)
          Maximum Amount                                     Section 5.13(b)
          Merger                                             Recitals
          Merger Consideration                               Section 2.7
          PBGC                                               Section 3.14(b)(iv)
          Plan                                               Section 3.14(b)(i)
          Plan of Merger                                     Recitals
          Reorganization Agreement                           Introduction
          SNC                                                Introduction
          SNC Option Plan                                    Section 2.10(c)
          SNC Ratio                                          Section 7.1(A)(2)
          Surviving Corporation                              Section 2.1(a)
          UCB                                                Introduction
          UCB-SC                                             Section 3.4

 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE II
                                   THE MERGER

 2.1  Merger
      ------

      SNC and UCB are constituent corporations (the "Constituent Corporations")
to the Merger as contemplated by the NCBCA.  At the Effective Time:

      (a) UCB shall be merged with and into SNC in accordance with the 
applicable provisions of the NCBCA, with SNC being the surviving corporate
entity (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Surviving Corporation").

      (b) The separate existence of UCB shall cease and the Merger shall in all
respects have the effect provided for in Section 2.5.

      (c) The Articles of Incorporation of SNC at the Effective Time shall
become the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation.

      (d) The Bylaws of SNC at the Effective Time shall become the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation.

 2.2  Filing; Plan of Merger
      ----------------------

      The Merger shall not become effective unless this Agreement and the Plan
of Merger are duly approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
each of UCB (subject in the case of UCB to the provisions of Article X of its
Articles of Incorporation) and SNC entitled to be voted. Upon fulfillment or
waiver of the conditions specified in Article VI and provided that this
Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Article VII, the Constituent
Corporations will cause the Articles of Merger to be executed and filed with the
Office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina. The Plan of Merger is
incorporated herein by reference, and adoption of this Agreement by the Boards
of Directors of the Constituent Corporations and approval by the shareholders of
the Constituent Corporations shall constitute adoption and approval of the Plan
of Merger.

2.3   Effective Time
      --------------

      The Merger shall be effective at the day and hour specified in the
Articles of Merger filed with the Secretary of State of North Carolina (herein
sometimes referred to as the "Effective Time").

2.4   Closing
      -------

      The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the
"Closing") shall take place at the executive offices of SNC, BB&T Financial
Center, 200 West Second Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at 11:00 a.m. on
the Business Day designated by SNC which is within thirty

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
days following the satisfaction of the conditions to Closing set forth in
Article VI, or such later date as the parties may otherwise agree (the "Closing
Date").

2.5  Effect of Merger
     ----------------

     From and after the Effective Time, the separate existence of UCB shall
cease, and the Surviving Corporation shall thereupon and thereafter, to the
extent consistent with its Articles of Incorporation, possess all the rights,
privileges, immunities, and franchises, of a public as well as of a private
nature, of each of the Constituent Corporations; and all property, real,
personal and mixed, and all debts due on whatever account, and all other choses
in action, and all and every other interest of or belonging to or due to each of
the Constituent Corporations shall be taken and deemed to be transferred to and
vested in the Surviving Corporation without further act or deed; and the title
to any real estate or any interest therein vested in either of the Constituent
Corporations shall not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Merger.
The Surviving Corporation shall thenceforth be responsible and liable for all
the liabilities, obligations and penalties of each of the Constituent
Corporations; and any claim existing or action or proceeding, civil or criminal,
pending by or against either of the Constituent Corporations may be prosecuted
as if the Merger had not taken place, or the Surviving Corporation may be
substituted in its place; and any judgment rendered against either of the
Constituent Corporations may be enforced against the Surviving Corporation.
Neither the rights of creditors nor any liens upon the property of either of the
Constituent Corporations shall be impaired by reason of the Merger.

2.6  Further Assurances
     ------------------

     If, at any time after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall
consider or be advised that any further deeds, assignments or assurances in law
or any other actions are necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect or
confirm of record or otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation, the title to any
property or rights of the Constituent Corporations acquired or to be acquired by
reason of, or as a result of, the Merger, the Constituent Corporations agree
that such Constituent Corporations and their proper officers and directors shall
and will execute and deliver all such proper deeds, assignments and assurances
in law and do all things necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect or
confirm title to such property or rights in the Surviving Corporation and
otherwise to carry out the purpose of this Agreement, and that the proper
officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation are fully authorized and
directed in the name of the Constituent Corporations or otherwise to take any
and all such actions.



2.7  Merger Consideration
     --------------------

     As used herein, the term "Merger Consideration" shall mean the whole shares
of SNC Common Stock to be exchanged for each share of UCB Common Stock issued
and outstanding as of the Effective Time, and cash (without interest) to be
payable in exchange for any fractional share

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
of SNC Common Stock which would otherwise be exchanged for a share of UCB Common
Stock. The number of shares of SNC Common Stock to be issued in exchange for
each issued and outstanding share of UCB Common Stock shall be in the ratio of
1.135 shares of SNC Common Stock for each share of UCB Common Stock issued and
outstanding (subject to possible adjustment pursuant to Section 7.1(h), the
"Exchange Ratio").  The value of any fractional share shall be determined by
multiplying the fractional part of such share of SNC Common Stock by the market
value of one share of SNC Common Stock at the Effective Time, which shall be the
closing price of such 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 SNC) on the first trading day preceding the
Effective Time.  No such holder will be entitled to dividends, voting rights, or
any other rights as a shareholder in respect of any fractional shares.

2.8  Conversion of Shares; Payment of Merger Consideration
     -----------------------------------------------------

     (a) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action
on the part of UCB or the holders of record of UCB Common Stock, each share of
UCB Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be converted into and shall represent the right to receive, upon surrender
of the certificate representing such share of UCB Common Stock (as provided in
paragraph (d) below), the Merger Consideration.

     (b) Each share of the common stock of SNC issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue to be issued and
outstanding.

     (c) Until surrendered, each outstanding certificate which prior to the
Effective Time represented one or more shares of UCB Common Stock shall be
deemed upon the Effective Time for all purposes to represent only the right to
receive the Merger Consideration as described in this Section 2.8.  No interest
will be paid or accrued on the Merger Consideration upon the surrender of the
certificate or certificates representing shares of UCB Common Stock. With
respect to any certificate for UCB Common Stock that has been lost or destroyed,
the Surviving Corporation shall pay the Merger Consideration attributable to
such certificate upon receipt of a surety bond or other adequate indemnity and
evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of ownership of the shares represented
thereby.  After the Effective Time, no transfer of the shares of UCB Common
Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be made on the
stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation.

     (d) Promptly after the Effective Time, SNC shall cause to be delivered or
mailed to each UCB shareholder a form of letter of transmittal and instructions
for use in effecting the surrender of the certificates which, immediately prior
to the Effective Time, represented any shares of UCB Common Stock in exchange
for the Merger Consideration.  Upon surrender of such certificates, together
with such letter of transmittal duly executed and completed in accordance with
the instructions thereto, and such other documents as may be reasonably
requested, SNC shall promptly cause the transfer to the persons entitled thereto
of the Merger Consideration.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     (e) The Surviving Corporation shall pay any dividends or other
distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which have been
declared or made by UCB in respect of shares of UCB 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 shareholders of record of UCB shall be
entitled to vote after the Effective Time at any meeting of SNC shareholders the
number of whole shares of SNC Common Stock into which their respective shares of
UCB Common Stock are converted, regardless of whether such holders have
exchanged their certificates representing UCB Common Stock for certificates
representing SNC Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement.  Whenever a dividend or other distribution is declared by SNC on the
SNC 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 of
SNC Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Agreement, but after the Effective
Time no dividend or other distribution payable to the holders of record of SNC
Common Stock as of any time subsequent to the Effective Time shall be delivered
to the holder of any certificate until such holder surrenders such certificate
for exchange as provided in this Section 2.8.  Upon surrender of such
certificate, both the SNC Common Stock certificate and any undelivered dividends
and cash payments payable hereunder (without interest) shall be delivered and
paid with respect to each share represented by such certificate.

2.9 Dissenting Shares
    -----------------

     Any UCB shareholder who shall have dissented from the Merger in accordance
with the NCBCA and who has properly exercised such shareholder's rights to
demand payment of the value of the Shareholder's shares (the "Dissenting
Shares") as provided in the NCBCA (the "Dissenting Shareholder") shall
thereafter have only such rights, if any, as are provided a Dissenting
Shareholder in accordance with the NCBCA and shall have no rights under Sections
2.7 and 2.8; provided, however, that if a Dissenting Shareholder shall withdraw
(in accordance with the NCBCA) the demand for such appraisal or shall become
ineligible for such appraisal, then such Dissenting Shareholder's Dissenting
Shares automatically shall cease to be Dissenting Shares and shall be converted
into and represent only the right to receive from the Surviving Corporation the
Merger Consideration provided for in Section 2.7 upon surrender of the
certificate representing the Dissenting Shares.

2.10 Conversion of Stock Options
     ---------------------------

     (a) At the Effective Time, each Stock Option then outstanding, whether or
not then exercisable, shall be converted into and become rights with respect to
SNC Common Stock, and SNC shall assume each Stock Option, in accordance with the
terms of the Stock Option Plan and stock option agreement, or other agreement,
by which it is evidenced, except that from and after the Effective Time (i) SNC
and its Compensation Committee shall be substituted for UCB and the Committee of
UCB's Board of Directors administering the Stock Option Plan, (ii) each Stock
Option assumed by SNC may be exercised solely for shares of SNC Common Stock,
(iii) the number of shares of SNC Common Stock subject to such Stock Option
shall be the number of whole shares of SNC (omitting any fractional share)
determined by multiplying the number of shares of UCB

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Common Stock subject to such Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective
Time by the Exchange Ratio, and (iv) the per share exercise price under each
such Stock Option shall be adjusted by dividing the per share exercise price
under each such Stock Option by the Exchange Ratio and rounding up to the
nearest cent.  In addition, notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (iii) and
(iv) of the first sentence of this Section 2.10(a), each Stock Option which is
an "incentive stock option" shall be adjusted as required by Section 424 of the
Code, and the Regulations promulgated thereunder, so as to continue as an
incentive stock option under Section 424(a) of the Code, and so as not to
constitute a modification, extension, or renewal of the option, within the
meaning of Section 424(h) of the Code.  SNC and UCB agree to take all necessary
steps to effectuate the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.10.

     (b) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, SNC shall deliver to
the participants in the Stock Option Plan an appropriate notice setting forth
such participant's rights pursuant thereto, and the grants pursuant to such
Stock Option Plan shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions
(subject to the adjustments required by Section 2.10(a) after giving effect to
the Merger). SNC shall comply with the terms of the Stock Option Plan to ensure,
to the extent required by and subject to the provisions of such Stock Option
Plan, that Stock Options 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, SNC shall take all corporate
action necessary to reserve for issuance sufficient shares of SNC Common Stock
for delivery upon exercise of Stock Options assumed by it in accordance with
this Section 2.10.  As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, SNC 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 SNC
Common Stock subject to Stock 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 Exchange Act, where applicable, SNC shall administer the
Stock Option Plan assumed pursuant to this Section 2.10 in a manner that
complies with Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act to the extent
necessary to preserve for such individuals the benefits of Rule 16b-3 to the
extent such benefits were available to them prior to the Effective Time.  UCB
hereby represents that the Stock Option Plan in its current form complies with
Rule 16b-3 to the extent, if any, required as of November 1, 1996.

     (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.10, SNC may
at its election substitute as of the Effective Time options under the Southern
National Corporation 1995 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the "SNC Option Plan")
for all or a part of the Stock Options, subject to the following conditions: (i)
the requirements of Section 2.10(a)(iii) and (iv) shall be met; (ii) such
substitution shall not constitute a modification, extension or renewal of any of
the Stock Options which are incentive stock options; (iii) the substituted
options shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions as the Stock
Option Plan or other document granting the Stock Option; and (iv) each grant of
a substitute option shall have been specifically approved in advance by the full
Board of Directors of SNC or by a committee consisting solely of "non-employee"
directors as defined in

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Rule 16b-3.  As soon as practicable following the Effective Time, SNC shall
deliver to the participants receiving substitute options under the SNC Option
Plan an appropriate notice setting forth such participant's rights pursuant
thereto.  SNC has reserved under the SNC Option Plan adequate shares of SNC
Common Stock for delivery upon exercise of any such substituted options. SNC
hereby represents that the SNC Option Plan in its current form complies with
Rule 16b-3 to the extent, if any, required as of November 1, 1996.

2.11 Merger of Subsidiary
     --------------------

     In the event that SNC shall request, UCB shall cooperate in taking such
actions, and shall cooperate in causing the UCB Subsidiaries to take such
actions, as may be required in order to effect, at the Effective Time, the
merger of one or more of the UCB Subsidiaries with and into, in each case, one
of the SNC Subsidiaries.

2.12 Anti-Dilution
     -------------

     In the event SNC changes the number of shares of SNC Common Stock issued
and outstanding prior to the Effective Time as a result of a stock split, stock
dividend or other similar recapitalization, and the record date thereof (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.

                                  ARTICLE III
                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UCB

     Except as otherwise Disclosed, UCB represents and warrants to SNC as
follows:

3.1 Capital Structure
    -----------------

     The authorized capital stock of UCB consists of 40,000,000 shares of UCB
Common Stock, and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $10.00 per
share.  As of the date hereof, 24,266,175 shares of UCB Common Stock are issued
and outstanding, and no other shares of capital stock of UCB, common or
preferred, are issued and outstanding.  All outstanding shares of UCB Common
Stock have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.  No other classes of capital stock of UCB are authorized.  No
shares of capital stock have been reserved for any purpose, except for (i)
357,577 shares of UCB Common Stock in connection with the Stock Option Plan,
(ii) 4,828,960 shares of UCB Common Stock in connection with the SNC Option
Agreement, (iii) 2,500,000 shares of UCB Common Stock in connection with its
401(k) plan; and (iv) 900,000 shares of UCB Common Stock in connection with its
Long-Term Incentive Plan. Except as set forth herein, there are no Rights
authorized, issued or outstanding with respect to the capital stock of UCB.
Holders of UCB Common Stock do not have preemptive rights.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
3.2  Organization, Standing and Authority
     ------------------------------------

     UCB is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of North Carolina with full corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as now conducted and to own, lease and
operate its assets.  UCB is not required to be qualified to do business in any
other state of the United States or foreign jurisdiction.  UCB is registered as
a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act.

3.3  Ownership of  Subsidiaries
     --------------------------

     Except as Disclosed in the UCB Disclosure Letter, UCB does not own,
directly or indirectly, any outstanding capital stock or other voting securities
or ownership interests of any corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other
organization which would constitute a Subsidiary, except for the UCB
Subsidiaries.  The outstanding shares of capital stock of the UCB Subsidiaries
are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and all such
shares are directly or indirectly owned by UCB free and clear of all liens,
claims and encumbrances or preemptive rights of any person.  No Rights are
authorized, issued or outstanding with respect to the capital stock of the UCB
Subsidiaries, and there are no agreements, understandings or commitments
relating to the right of UCB to vote or to dispose of said shares.  None of the
shares of capital stock of the UCB Subsidiaries has been issued in violation of
the preemptive rights of any person.

3.4  Organization, Standing and Authority of the Subsidiaries
     --------------------------------------------------------

     Each UCB Subsidiary which is an insured depository institution is a state-
chartered, non-member commercial bank.  Each of the UCB Subsidiaries is validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization.  Each
of the UCB Subsidiaries has full power and authority to carry on its business as
now conducted, and is duly qualified to do business in its state of
organization.  No UCB Subsidiary is required to be qualified to do business in
any other state of the United States or foreign jurisdiction other than such UCB
Subsidiary's state of organization, or is engaged in any activities that have
not been Disclosed.

3.5  Authorized and Effective Agreement
     ----------------------------------

     (a) UCB has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and
(subject to receipt of all necessary governmental approvals and the receipt of
approval of the UCB shareholders of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger) to
perform all of its obligations under this Reorganization Agreement, the Articles
of Merger, the UCB Option Agreement and the SNC Option Agreement. The execution
and delivery of this Reorganization Agreement, the Articles of Merger and said
Option Agreements, and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action
in respect thereof, except in the case of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger,
the approval of UCB shareholders pursuant to and to the extent required by
applicable law.  This Agreement and the Plan of Merger constitute legal, valid
and binding obligations of UCB, and each is enforceable against UCB in
accordance with its

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
terms, in each such case subject to (i) bankruptcy, fraudulent transfer,
insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, conservatorship, receivership, or other
similar laws from time to time in effect relating to or affecting the
enforcement of rights of creditors of FDIC insured institutions or the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally; and (ii) general principles of
equity, and except that the availability of equitable remedies or injunctive
relief is within the discretion of the appropriate court.

     (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Articles of
Merger, the UCB Option Agreement or the SNC Option Agreement, nor consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by UCB with
any of the provisions hereof or thereof, shall (i) conflict with or result in a
breach of any provision of the articles of incorporation or by-laws of UCB or
any UCB Subsidiary, (ii) subject to receipt of any required consents or
approvals, constitute or result in a breach of any term, condition or provision
of, or constitute a default under, or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration with respect to, or result in the creation of any
lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or asset of UCB or any UCB
Subsidiary pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, agreement
or other instrument or obligation, or (iii) subject to receipt of all required
governmental approvals, violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute,
rule or regulation applicable to UCB or any UCB Subsidiary.

3.6 Securities Filings
    ------------------

     UCB has timely filed all Securities Documents required by the Securities
Laws since December 31, 1993.  UCB shall Disclose to SNC a true and complete
copy of each Securities Document filed by UCB with the Commission after December
31, 1993 and prior to the date hereof, which are all of the Securities Documents
that UCB was required to file during such period.  As of their respective dates
of filing, such Securities Documents complied in all material respects with the
Securities Laws as then in effect, and did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.

3.7 Financial Statements; Minute Books
    ----------------------------------

     The Financial Statements of UCB fairly present or will fairly present, as
the case may be, the consolidated financial position of UCB and the UCB
Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of
operations, changes in shareholders' equity and statements of cash flows for the
periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited interim statements, to
normal year-end audit adjustments that are not material in amount or effect) in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to financial
institutions applied on a consistent basis.  The minute books of UCB and each of
the UCB Subsidiaries contain or will contain at Closing legally sufficient
records of all meetings and other corporate actions of its shareholders and
Board of Directors (including committees of its Board of Directors).

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
3.8  Material Adverse Change
     -----------------------

     Since December 31, 1995, UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries have not incurred any
material liability except as disclosed in the most recent UCB Financial
Statements, or entered into any transactions with affiliates, other than in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, nor has there been
any change, or any event involving a prospective change, in the business,
financial condition or results of operations of UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries
which has had, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect on
UCB.

3.9  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
     ----------------------------------

     Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has any liability (contingent or
otherwise) that is material to UCB on a consolidated basis or that, when
combined with all other similar liabilities, would be material to UCB on a
consolidated basis, except as disclosed in the most recent Financial Statements
of UCB and except for liabilities made in the ordinary course of its business
since the date of UCB's most recent Financial Statements.

3.10 Properties
     ----------

     (a) UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries have good and marketable title, free and
clear of all liens, encumbrances, charges, defaults or equitable interests, to
all of the properties and assets, real and personal, reflected on the
consolidated balance sheet included in the Financial Statements of UCB as of
December 31, 1995 or acquired after such date, except (i) liens for current
taxes not yet due and payable, (ii) pledges to secure deposits and other liens
incurred in the ordinary course of banking business, (iii) such imperfections of
title, easements and encumbrances, if any, as are not material in character,
amount or extent, or (iv) dispositions and encumbrances for adequate
consideration in the ordinary course of business.

     (b) All leases and licenses pursuant to which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary, as
lessee or licensee, leases or licenses rights to real or personal property, are
valid and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

3.11 Environmental Matters
     ---------------------

     Except as Disclosed:

     (a) UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries are in compliance with all Environmental
Laws. Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has received any communication alleging
that UCB or the UCB Subsidiary is not in such compliance, and there are no
present circumstances that would prevent or interfere with the continuation of
such compliance.

     (b) UCB has not received notice of any pending, and there are no pending
or, to the best of UCB's knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral
or other proceedings, asserting

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Environmental Claims or other claims, causes of action or governmental
investigations of any nature, seeking to impose, or that could result in the
imposition of, any liability arising under any Environmental Laws upon (i) UCB
or any UCB Subsidiary, (ii) any person or entity whose liability for any
Environmental Claim UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has or may have retained or
assumed, either contractually or by operation of law, (iii) any real or personal
property owned or leased by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary, or any real or personal
property which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has or is judged to have managed or
supervised or participated in the management of, or (iv) any real or personal
property in which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary holds a security interest securing a
loan recorded on the books of UCB or any UCB Subsidiary.  Neither  UCB nor any
UCB Subsidiary is subject to any agreement, order, judgment, decree or
memorandum by or with any court, governmental authority, regulatory agency or
third party imposing any such liability.

        (c)    UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material
respects with all recommendations contained in any environmental audits,
analyses and surveys relating to all real and personal property owned or leased
by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary and all real and personal property which UCB or any
UCB Subsidiary has or is judged to have managed or supervised or participated in
the management of.

        (d)    There are no past or present actions, activities, circumstances,
conditions, events or incidents that could reasonably form the basis of any
Environmental Claim or other claim or action or governmental investigation that
could result in the imposition of any liability arising under any Environmental
Laws against UCB or any UCB Subsidiary or against any person or entity whose
liability for any Environmental Claim UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has or may have
retained or assumed, either contractually or by operation of law.

3.12    Allowance for Loan Losses
        -------------------------

        The allowance for loan losses reflected on the consolidated balance
sheets included in the Financial Statements of UCB is or will be in the opinion
of UCB's management adequate in all material respects as of their respective
dates, under the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and
applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines as they apply to banks and
bank holding companies, to provide for reasonably anticipated losses on
outstanding loans net of recoveries.

3.13    Tax Matters
        -----------

        (a)    UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries, and each of their predecessors,
have timely filed (or requests for extensions have been timely filed and any
such extensions have been granted and have not expired) all federal, state and
local (and, if applicable, foreign) tax returns required by applicable law to be
filed by them (including, without limitation, estimated tax returns, income tax
returns, information returns, and withholding and employment tax returns) and
have paid, or where payment is not required to have been made, have set up an
adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all taxes required to be paid in
respect of the periods covered by such returns and, as of the Effective

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Time, will have paid, or where payment is not required to have been made, will
have set up an adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all taxes for any
subsequent periods ending on or prior to the Effective Time.  Neither UCB nor
any UCB Subsidiary will have any material liability for any such taxes in excess
of the amounts so paid or reserves or accruals so established.

        (b)    Except as Disclosed, all federal, state and local (and, if
applicable, foreign) tax returns filed by UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries are
complete and accurate in all material respects. Neither UCB nor any UCB
Subsidiary is delinquent in the payment of any tax, assessment or governmental
charge. No deficiencies for any tax, assessment or governmental charge have been
proposed, asserted or assessed (tentatively or otherwise) against UCB or any UCB
Subsidiary which have not been settled and paid. There are currently no
agreements in effect with respect to UCB or any UCB Subsidiary to extend the
period of limitations for the assessment or collection of any tax. No audit
examination or deficiency or refund litigation with respect to such returns is
pending.

3.14    Employees; Compensation; Benefit Plans.
        -------------------------------------- 

        (a)    Compensation. UCB shall have Disclosed a complete and correct
               ------------
list of the name, age, position, rate of compensation and any incentive
compensation arrangements, bonuses or commissions or fringe or other benefits,
whether payable in cash or in kind, of each director, shareholder, independent
contractor, consultant and agent of UCB and of each UCB Subsidiary and each
other person (other than an employee as such) to whom UCB or any UCB Subsidiary
pays or provides, or has an obligation, agreement (written or unwritten), policy
or practice of paying or providing, retirement, health, welfare or other
benefits of any kind or description whatsoever.

        (b)    Employee Benefit Plans.
               ---------------------- 

                     (i)    UCB shall have Disclosed an accurate and complete
               list of all Plans, as defined below, contributed to, maintained
               or sponsored by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary, to which UCB or any
               UCB Subsidiary is obligated to contribute or has any liability or
               potential liability, whether direct or indirect, including all
               Plans contributed to, maintained or sponsored by each member of
               the controlled group of corporations, within the meaning of
               Sections 414(b), 414(c), 414(m) and 414(o) of the Code, of which
               UCB or any UCB Subsidiary is a member. For purposes of this
               Agreement, the term "Plan" shall mean a plan, arrangement,
               agreement or program described in the foregoing provisions of
               this Section 3.14(b)(i) and which is: (A) a profit-sharing,
               deferred compensation, bonus, stock option, stock purchase,
               pension, retainer, consulting, retirement, severance, welfare or
               incentive plan, agreement or arrangement, whether or not funded
               and whether or not terminated, (B) an employment agreement, (C) a
               personnel policy or fringe benefit plan, policy, program or
               arrangement providing for benefits or perquisites to current or
               former employees, officers, directors or agents, whether or not
               funded, and whether or not terminated, including without
               limitation benefits relating to automobiles, clubs, vacation,
               child care, parenting, sabbatical, sick leave,

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
               severance, medical, dental, hospitalization, life insurance and
               other types of insurance, or (D) any other employee benefit plan
               as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, whether or not funded and
               whether or not terminated.

                     (ii)   Except as Disclosed, neither UCB nor any UCB
               Subsidiary contributes to, has an obligation to contribute to or
               otherwise has any liability or potential liability with respect
               to (A) any multiemployer plan as defined in Section 3(37) of
               ERISA, (B) any plan of the type described in Sections 4063 and
               4064 of ERISA or in section 413 of the Code (and regulations
               promulgated thereunder), or (C) any plan which provides health,
               life insurance, accident or other "welfare-type" benefits to
               current or future retirees or former employees or directors,
               their spouses or dependents, other than in accordance with
               Section 4980B of the Code or applicable state continuation
               coverage law.

                     (iii)  Except as Disclosed, none of the Plans obligates UCB
               or any UCB Subsidiary to pay separation, severance, termination
               or similar-type benefits solely as a result of any transaction
               contemplated by this Agreement or solely as a result of a "change
               in control," as such term is used in Section 280G of the Code
               (and regulations promulgated thereunder).

                     (iv)   Each Plan has been maintained, funded and
               administered in compliance in all respects with its own terms and
               in compliance in all respects with all applicable laws and
               regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Code. No
               actions, suits, claims, complaints, charges, proceedings,
               hearings, examinations, investigations, audits or demands with
               respect to the Plans (other than routine claims for benefits) are
               pending or threatened, and there are no facts which could give
               rise to or be expected to give rise to any actions, suits,
               claims, complaints, charges, proceedings, hearings, examinations,
               investigations, audits or demands. No Plan that is subject to the
               funding requirements of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of
               ERISA has incurred any "accumulated funding deficiency" as such
               term is defined in such Sections of ERISA and the Code, whether
               or not waived, and each Plan has always fully met the funding
               standards required under Title I of ERISA and Section 412 of the
               Code. No liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
               ("PBGC") (except for routine payment of premiums) has been or is
               expected to be incurred with respect to any Plan that is subject
               to Title IV of ERISA, no reportable event (as such term is
               defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) has occurred with respect to
               any such Plan, and the PBGC has not commenced or threatened the
               termination of any Plan. None of the assets of UCB or any UCB
               Subsidiary is the subject of any lien arising under Section
               302(f) of ERISA or Section 412(n) of the Code, 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
               neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has been required to post any
               security pursuant to Section 307 of ERISA or Section 401(a)(29)
               of the Code, and there are no facts which could be expected to
               give rise to such lien or such posting of security. No event has
               occurred and no condition exists that would subject UCB or any
               UCB Subsidiary to any tax under Sections 4971, 4972, 4977 or 4979
               of the Code or to a fine or penalty under Section 502(c) of
               ERISA.

                     (v)    Each Plan that is intended to be qualified under
               Section 401(a) of the Code, and each trust (if any) forming a
               part thereof, has received a favorable determination letter from
               the Internal Revenue Service as to the qualification under the
               Code of such Plan and the tax exempt status of such related
               trust, and nothing has occurred since the date of such
               determination letter that could adversely affect the
               qualification of such Plan or the tax exempt status of such
               related trust.

                     (vi)   No underfunded "defined benefit plan" (as such term
               is defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) has been, during the five
               years preceding the Closing Date, transferred out of the
               controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of Sections
               414(b), (c), (m) and (o) of the Code) of which UCB or any UCB
               Subsidiary is a member or was a member during such five-year
               period.

                     (vii)  As of the Closing Date, the fair market value of the
               assets of each Plan that is a tax qualified defined benefit plan
               equals or exceeds the present value of all vested and non-vested
               liabilities thereunder determined in accordance with reasonable
               actuarial methods, factors and assumptions applicable to a
               defined benefit plan on an ongoing basis. With respect to each
               Plan that is subject to the funding requirements of Section 412
               of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA, all required contributions
               for all periods ending prior to or as of the Closing Date
               (including periods from the first day of the then-current plan
               year to the Closing Date and including all quarterly
               contributions required in accordance with Section 412(m) of the
               Code) shall have been made. With respect to each other Plan, all
               required payments, premiums, contributions, reimbursements or
               accruals for all periods ending prior to or as of the Closing
               Date shall have been made. No tax qualified Plan has any material
               unfunded liabilities.


                     (viii) No prohibited transaction (which shall mean any
               transaction prohibited by Section 406 of ERISA and not exempt
               under Section 408 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, whether
               by statutory, class or individual exemption) has occurred with
               respect to any Plan which would result in the 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
               imposition, directly or indirectly, of any excise tax, penalty or
               other liability under Section 4975 of the Code or Section 409 or
               502(i) of ERISA. Neither UCB, nor to the best knowledge of UCB
               any UCB Subsidiary, nor any trustee, administrator or other
               fiduciary of any Plan, nor to the best knowledge of UCB any agent
               of any of the foregoing has engaged in any transaction or acted
               or failed to act in a manner which could subject UCB or any UCB
               Subsidiary to any material liability for breach of fiduciary duty
               under ERISA or any other applicable law.

                     (ix)   With respect to each Plan, all reports and
               information required to be filed with any government agency or
               distributed to Plan participants and their beneficiaries have
               been duly and timely filed or distributed.

                     (x)    UCB and each UCB Subsidiary has been and is
               presently in compliance with all of the requirements of Section
               4980B of the Code.

                     (xi)   Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has a liability
               as of December 31, 1995, under any Plan that, to the extent
               disclosure is required under generally accepted accounting
               principles, is not reflected on the consolidated balance sheet
               included in the Financial Statements of UCB as of December 31,
               1995 or otherwise Disclosed.

                     (xii)  Neither the consideration nor implementation of the
               transactions contemplated under this Agreement will increase (A)
               UCB's or any UCB Subsidiary's obligation to make contributions or
               any other payments to fund benefits accrued under the Plans as of
               the date of this Agreement or (B) the benefits accrued or payable
               with respect to any participant under the Plans (except to the
               extent benefits may be deemed increased by accelerated vesting).

                     (xiii) With respect to each Plan, UCB has Disclosed or made
               available true, complete and correct copies of (A) all documents
               pursuant to which the Plans are maintained, funded and
               administered, including summary plan descriptions, (B) the three
               most recent annual reports (Form 5500 series) filed with the
               Internal Revenue Service (with attachments), (C) the three most
               recent actuarial reports, if any, (D) the three most recent
               financial statements, (E) all governmental filings for the last
               three years, including without limitation, excise tax returns and
               reportable events filings, and (F) all governmental rulings,
               determinations, and opinions (and pending requests for
               governmental rulings, determinations, and opinions) during the
               past three years.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
3.15    Certain Contracts
        -----------------

        (a)    Except as Disclosed, neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary is a
party to, is bound or affected by, or receives benefits under (i) any agreement,
arrangement or commitment, the default of which would have a Material Adverse
Effect, whether or not made in the ordinary course of business (other than loans
or loan commitments made or certificates or deposits received in the ordinary
course of the banking business), or any agreement restricting its business
activities, including without limitation agreements or memoranda of
understanding with regulatory authorities, (ii) any agreement, indenture or
other instrument relating to the borrowing of money by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary
or the guarantee by UCB or any UCB Subsidiary of any such obligation, which
cannot be terminated within less than 30 days after the Closing Date by UCB or
any UCB Subsidiary (without payment of any penalty or cost, except with respect
to Federal Home Loan Bank advances), (iii) any agreement, arrangement or
commitment relating to the employment of a consultant or the employment,
election or retention in office of any present or former director or officer,
which cannot be terminated within less than 30 days after the Closing Date by
UCB or any UCB Subsidiary (without payment of any penalty or cost), or that
provides benefits which are contingent, or the terms of which are materially
altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving UCB of the nature
contemplated by this Agreement or the SNC Option Agreement, (iv) any contract,
agreement or understanding with a labor union, in each case whether written or
oral, or (v) any agreement or plan, including any stock option plan, stock
appreciation rights plan, restricted stock plan or stock purchase plan, any of
the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which
will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or the SNC Option Agreement or the value of any of the
benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the SNC Option Agreement. Each agreement,
arrangement and commitment Disclosed pursuant to this Section 3.15(a) is in full
force and effect.

        (b)    Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary is in default, which default
would have a Material Adverse Effect or would adversely affect the transactions
contemplated herein, under any agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease,
insurance policy, or other instrument, whether entered into in the ordinary
course of business or otherwise and whether written or oral, and there has not
occurred any event that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice or both,
would constitute such a default.

3.16    Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals
        ---------------------------------------

        There are no actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or
proceedings instituted, pending or threatened against UCB or any UCB Subsidiary
or against any asset, interest, or right of UCB or any UCB Subsidiary, or
against any officer, director or employee of any of them that in any such case,
if decided adversely, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. There are no actions, suits or proceedings instituted, pending or
threatened against any present or former director or officer of UCB or any UCB
Subsidiary that would reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim against UCB
or any UCB Subsidiary for indemnification. There are no actual or

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
threatened actions, suits or proceedings which present a claim to restrain or
prohibit the transactions contemplated herein or in the SNC Option Agreement.
To the best knowledge of UCB, no fact or condition  relating to UCB or any UCB
Subsidiary exists (including without limitation noncompliance with the CRA) that
would prevent UCB or SNC from obtaining all of the federal and state regulatory
approvals contemplated herein.

3.17    Compliance with Laws
        --------------------

        Each of UCB and each UCB Subsidiary is in compliance in all material
respects with all statutes and regulations (including, but not limited to, the
CRA, TILA and regulations promulgated thereunder, and other consumer banking
laws) applicable and material to the conduct of its business, and neither UCB
nor any UCB Subsidiary has received notification that has not lapsed, been
withdrawn or abandoned by any agency or department of federal, state or local
government (i) asserting a violation or possible violation of any such statute
or regulation which violation would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on UCB, (ii) threatening to revoke any license, franchise, permit
or government authorization, or (iii) restricting or in any way limiting its
operations.  Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary is subject to any regulatory or
supervisory cease and desist order, agreement, directive, memorandum of
understanding or commitment, and none of them has received any communication
requesting that it enter into any of the foregoing.

3.18    Brokers and Finders
        -------------------

        Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary, nor any of their respective
officers, directors or employees, has employed any broker, finder or financial
advisor or incurred any liability for any fees or commissions in connection with
the transactions contemplated herein, in the Plan of Merger or in the SNC Option
Agreement, except for fees to accountants and lawyers and an obligation to Wheat
First Butcher Singer as Disclosed for investment banking services.

3.19    Loans
        -----

        To the best of UCB's knowledge, substantially all of the loans on the
books and records of the UCB Subsidiaries are valid and properly documented.
Neither the terms of such loans, nor any of the loan documentation, nor the
manner in which such loans have been administered and serviced, violates in any
material respect any federal, state or local law, rule, regulation or ordinance
applicable thereto, including without limitation, the TILA, Regulations O and Z
of the Federal Reserve Board, the CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, as
amended, and state laws, rules and regulations relating to consumer protection,
installment sales and usury.

3.20    Repurchase Agreements
        ---------------------

        With respect to all agreements currently outstanding pursuant to which
UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has purchased securities subject to an agreement to
resell, UCB or the UCB Subsidiary has a valid, perfected first lien or security
interest in the securities or other collateral securing such

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
agreement, and the value of such collateral equals or exceeds the amount of the
debt secured thereby. With respect to all agreements currently outstanding
pursuant to which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary has sold securities subject to an
agreement to repurchase, neither UCB nor the UCB Subsidiary has pledged
collateral materially in excess of the amount of the debt secured thereby.
Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has pledged collateral materially in excess
of the amount required under any interest rate swap or other similar agreement
currently outstanding.

 3.21 Deposit Accounts
      ----------------

      The deposit accounts of the UCB Subsidiaries that are insured depository
institutions are insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent permitted by federal
law, and the UCB Subsidiaries have paid all premiums and assessments and filed
all reports required to have been paid or filed under the FDIA.

 3.22 Related Party Transactions
      --------------------------

      UCB has Disclosed all transactions, investments and loans, including loan
guarantees, to which UCB or any UCB Subsidiary is a party with any director,
executive officer or 5% shareholder of UCB or any person, corporation, or
enterprise controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of the
foregoing.  All such transactions, investments and loans are on terms no less
favorable to UCB than could be obtained from unrelated parties.

 3.23 Certain Information
      -------------------

      When the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed, and at the time of
the meeting of shareholders of UCB to vote upon the Plan of Merger, the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all amendments or supplements thereto, with
respect to all information set forth therein provided by UCB, (i) shall comply
in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Laws,
and (ii) shall not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were
made, not misleading.

 3.24 Accounting, Tax and Regulatory Matters
      --------------------------------------

      Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary has taken or agreed to take any action
which would or could reasonably be expected to (i) cause the business
combination contemplated hereby not to be accounted for as a pooling-of-
interests (except to the extent actions taken pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement could have such affect) or not to constitute a reorganization under
Section 368 of the Code, or (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any
consents of regulatory authorities referred to in Section 5.4(b) or result in
failure of the condition in Section 6.3(b).

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
 3.25 State Takeover Laws
      -------------------

      UCB and each UCB Subsidiary have taken all necessary action to exempt the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement from any applicable moratorium, fair
price, business combination, control share or other anti-takeover laws included
in Sections 55-9-101 et seq. and 55-9A-01 et seq. of the NCBCA.

 3.26 Derivatives Contracts
      ---------------------

      Neither UCB nor any UCB Subsidiary is a party to or has agreed to enter
into an exchange-traded or over-the-counter swap, forward, future, option, cap,
floor, or collar financial contract, or any other interest rate or foreign
currency protection contract not included on its balance sheets in the Financial
Statements, which is a financial derivative contract (including various
combinations thereof), except as Disclosed.

 3.27 Fairness Opinion
      ----------------

      UCB has received from Wheat First Butcher Singer an opinion that, as of
November 1, 1996, the Exchange Ratio is fair to the shareholders of UCB from a
financial point of view.


                                  ARTICLE IV
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                                    OF SNC

      SNC represents and warrants to UCB as follows:

 4.1  Capital Structure of SNC
      ------------------------

      The authorized capital stock of SNC consists of (i) 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share, of which no shares are issued and
outstanding, and (ii) 300,000,000 shares of SNC Common Stock, of which
109,112,010 shares were issued and outstanding on September 30, 1996.  All
outstanding shares of SNC Common Stock have been duly authorized and are validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The shares of SNC Common Stock reserved as
provided in Section 5.3 are free of any Rights and have not been reserved for
any other purpose, and such shares are available for issuance as provided
pursuant to the Plan of Merger. Holders of SNC Common Stock do not have
preemptive rights.

 4.2  Organization, Standing and Authority of SNC
      -------------------------------------------

      SNC is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of North Carolina, with full corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as now conducted and to own, lease and
operate its assets, and is duly qualified to do business in the

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
states of the United States where its ownership or leasing of property or the
conduct of its business requires such qualification and where failure to so
qualify would have a Material Adverse Effect. SNC is registered as a bank
holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act.

4.3  Authorized and Effective Agreement
     ----------------------------------

     (a) SNC has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and
(subject to receipt of all necessary government approvals and receipt of
required approval of shareholders of SNC of this Agreement and the Plan of
Merger) perform all of its obligations under this Agreement, the SNC Option
Agreement  and the UCB Option Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this
Reorganization Agreement, the Articles of Merger and said Option Agreements, and
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly
and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof on
the part of SNC, except in the case of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger,
the approval of SNC shareholders pursuant to and to the extent required by
applicable law or regulation.  This Agreement and the Plan of Merger attached
hereto constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of SNC, and each is
enforceable against SNC in accordance with its terms, in each case subject to
(i) bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, conservatorship,
receivership or other similar laws in effect from time to time relating to or
affecting the enforcement of the rights of creditors; and (ii) general
principles of equity, and except that the availability of remedies or injunctive
relief is within the discretion of the appropriate court.

     (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the SNC Option
Agreement or the UCB Option Agreement, nor consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by SNC with any of the provisions
hereof or thereof shall (i) conflict with or result in a breach of any provision
of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of SNC or any SNC Subsidiary, (ii)
constitute or result in a breach of any term, condition or provision of, or
constitute a default under, or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration with respect to, or result in the creation of any
lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or asset of SNC or any SNC
Subsidiary pursuant to any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, agreement
or other instrument or obligation, which would have a material adverse effect on
the business, operations or financial condition of SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries
taken as a whole, or (iii) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute,
rule or regulation applicable to SNC or any SNC Subsidiary.

4.4  Organization, Standing and Authority of SNC Subsidiaries
     --------------------------------------------------------

     Each of the SNC Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under applicable laws.  SNC owns, directly or indirectly, all of
the stock of each of the SNC Subsidiaries. Each of the SNC Subsidiaries (i) has
full power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and (ii) is
duly qualified to do business in the states of the United States and foreign
jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its
business requires such qualification and where failure to so qualify would have
a Material Adverse Effect on SNC.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
4.5  Securities Documents
     --------------------

     SNC (and BB&T Financial Corporation prior to its merger with SNC) has
timely filed all Securities Documents required by the Securities Laws since
December 31, 1993.  As of their respective dates of filing, such Securities
Documents complied in all material respects with the Securities Laws as then in
effect, and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.

4.6  Financial Statements
     --------------------

     The Financial Statements of SNC fairly present or will fairly present, as
the case may be, the consolidated financial position of SNC and the SNC
Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of
operations, changes in shareholders' equity and changes in cash flows for the
periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited interim statements, to
normal year-end audit adjustments that are not material in amount or effect) in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to financial
institutions applied on a consistent basis.

4.7  Material Adverse Change
     -----------------------

     Since December 31, 1995, SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries have not incurred any
material liability except as disclosed on the most recent SNC Financial
Statements, or entered into any transactions with affiliates, other than in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, nor has there been
any change, or any event involving a prospective change, in the business,
financial condition or results of operations of SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries
which has had, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect on
SNC.

4.8  Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals
     --------------------------------------- 

     There are no actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or
proceedings instituted, pending or threatened against SNC or any SNC Subsidiary
or against any asset, interest, or right of SNC or any SNC Subsidiary, or
against any officer, director or employee of any of them that in any such case,
if decided adversely, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. There are no actions, suits or proceedings instituted, pending or
threatened against any present or former director or officer of SNC or any SNC
Subsidiary that would reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim against SNC
or any SNC Subsidiary for indemnification. There are no actual or threatened
actions, suits or proceedings which present a claim to restrain or prohibit the
transactions contemplated herein, in the Plan of Merger or the UCB Option
Agreement.  To the best knowledge of SNC, no fact or condition  relating to SNC
or any SNC Subsidiary exists (including without limitation noncompliance with
the CRA) that would prevent UCB or SNC from obtaining all of the federal and
state regulatory approvals contemplated herein.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
4.9  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
     ----------------------------------

     Neither SNC nor any of the SNC Subsidiaries has any liability (contingent
or otherwise) that is material to SNC on a consolidated basis or that, when
combined with all similar liabilities, would be material to SNC on a
consolidated basis, except as disclosed in the Financial Statements of SNC and
except for liabilities made in the ordinary course of its business since the
date of SNC's most recent Financial Statements.

4.10 Allowance for Loan Losses
     -------------------------

     The allowance for loan losses reflected on the consolidated balance sheets
included in the Financial Statements of SNC is or will be in the opinion of
SNC's management adequate in all material respects as of their respective dates,
under the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and
applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines as they apply to banks and
bank holding companies, to provide for reasonably anticipated losses on
outstanding loans net of recoveries.

4.11 Tax Matters
     -----------

     (a) SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries, and each of their predecessors, has
timely filed all federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) tax
returns required by applicable law to be filed by them (including, without
limitation, estimated tax returns, income tax returns, information returns, and
withholding and employment tax returns) and have paid,  or have set up an
adequate reserve or accrual for the payment of, all taxes required to be paid as
shown on such returns and, as of the Effective Time, will have paid, or where
payment is not required to have been made, will have set up an adequate reserve
or accrual for the payment of, all taxes for any subsequent periods ending on or
prior to the Effective Time.  SNC will not, to SNC's knowledge, have any
material liability for any such taxes in excess of the amounts so paid or
reserves or accruals so established.

     (b) All federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) tax returns
filed by SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries are complete and accurate in all material
respects.  Neither SNC nor any SNC Subsidiary is delinquent in the payment of
any tax, assessment or governmental charge, and has not failed to file any tax
return which is currently past due.  No deficiencies for any tax, assessment or
governmental charge have been proposed, asserted or assessed (tentatively or
otherwise) against SNC or any SNC Subsidiary which have not been settled and
paid.  There currently are no agreements in effect with respect to SNC or any
SNC Subsidiary to extend the period of limitations for the assessment or
collection of any tax.

4.12 Compliance with Laws
     --------------------

     Each of SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries is in compliance with all statutes and
regulations (including, but not limited to, the CRA, TILA and regulations
promulgated thereunder and other consumer banking laws) applicable and material
to the conduct of its business, and neither SNC nor

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
any of the SNC Subsidiaries has received any notification that has not lapsed,
been withdrawn or abandoned from any agency or department of federal, state or
local government (i) asserting a violation or possible violation of any such
statute or regulation, and which violation would reasonably likely have a
Material Adverse Effect on SNC, (ii) threatening to revoke any license,
franchise, permit or government  authorization, or (iii) restricting or in any
way limiting its operations.  Neither SNC nor any of the SNC Subsidiaries is
subject to any regulatory or supervisory cease and desist order, agreement,
directive or memorandum of understanding, and none of them has received any
communication requesting that they enter into any of the foregoing.

4.13 Certain Information
     -------------------

     When the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed, and at all times
subsequent to such mailing up to and including the time of the meeting of
shareholders of SNC to vote on the Merger, the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
and all amendments or supplements thereto, with respect to all information set
forth therein relating to SNC, (i) shall comply in all material respects with
the applicable provisions of the Securities Laws, and (ii) shall not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein, in
light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

4.14 Accounting, Tax and Regulatory Matters
     --------------------------------------

     Neither SNC nor the SNC Subsidiaries have taken or agreed to take any
action which would or could reasonably be expected to (i) cause the business
combination contemplated hereby not to be accounted for as a pooling of
interests or not to constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code,
or (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any consents of regulatory
authorities referred to in Section 5.4(b) or result in failure of the condition
in Section 6.3(b).

4.15 Share Ownership
     ---------------

     As of the date of this Agreement, SNC does not own (except in a fiduciary
capacity) any shares of UCB Common Stock.

                                   ARTICLE V
                                   COVENANTS

5.1  Shareholders' Meetings
     ----------------------

     UCB shall submit this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger to
its shareholders for approval at a meeting to be held as soon as practicable,
and by approving execution of this Agreement the Board of Directors of UCB
agrees that it shall, at the time the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed
to the shareholders of UCB, recommend that UCB's shareholders vote for such
approval; provided, that the Board of Directors of UCB may withdraw or refuse to
make such recommendation only if the Board of Directors shall determine in good
faith that such

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
recommendation would violate its fiduciary duty to its shareholders following
(i) the consideration of written advice of legal counsel that making such
recommendation or the failure to withdraw or modify such recommendation would
constitute a breach of the fiduciary duties of such Board to shareholders of
UCB, and (ii) the withdrawal by Wheat First Butcher Singer in writing of its
opinion referred to in Section 3.27 or delivering to the UCB Board of Directors
of written advice from Wheat First Butcher Singer that the Exchange Ratio is not
fair or is inadequate to the shareholders of UCB from a financial point of view.
SNC shall submit this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger to its
shareholders for approval at a meeting to be held as soon as practicable, and by
approving execution of this Agreement the Board of Directors of SNC agrees that
it shall, at the time the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed to the
shareholders of SNC, recommend that SNC's shareholders vote for such approval.

5.2  Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
     --------------------------------------------------------

     As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, SNC shall prepare and
file the Registration Statement with the Commission. UCB will furnish to SNC the
information required to be included in the Registration Statement with respect
to its business and affairs before it is filed with the Commission and again
before any amendments are filed, and shall have the right to review and consult
with SNC on the form of, and any characterizations of such information included
in, the Registration Statement prior to the filing with the Commission.   SNC
shall use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to be declared
effective under the Securities Act.  Such Registration Statement, at the time it
becomes effective and on the Effective Time, shall in all material respects
conform to the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Commission.  SNC shall take all actions required to register
or obtain exemptions from such registration for the SNC Common Stock to be
issued in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
the Plan of Merger under applicable state "Blue Sky" securities laws, as
appropriate.  The Registration Statement shall include the form of Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.  SNC and UCB shall use their best efforts to cause the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be approved by the SEC for mailing to the
UCB and SNC shareholders, and such Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall, on
the date of mailing, conform in all material respects to the requirements of the
Securities Laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
SNC and UCB shall cause the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to
shareholders in accordance with all applicable notice requirements under the
Securities Laws and the NCBCA.

 5.3 Plan of Merger; Reservation of Shares
     -------------------------------------

     At the Effective Time, the Merger shall be effected in accordance with the
Plan of Merger. In this connection, SNC undertakes and agrees to pay or cause to
be paid when due the number of shares of SNC Common Stock to be distributed
pursuant to Section 2.7 and any cash required to be paid for fractional shares.
SNC has reserved for issuance such number of shares of SNC Common Stock as shall
be necessary to pay the consideration to be distributed to the UCB shareholders
as contemplated in Section 2.8, required in connection with the UCB Option
Agreement, and as

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
otherwise required herein.  If at any time the aggregate number of shares of SNC
Common Stock available for issuance hereunder shall not be sufficient to effect
the Merger, SNC shall take all appropriate action as may be required to increase
the amount of the authorized SNC Common Stock.

5.4  Additional Acts
     ---------------

     (a) UCB agrees to cooperate in taking such actions as may be reasonably
necessary to modify the structure of, or to substitute parties to (so long as
such substitute is SNC or a SNC Subsidiary) the transactions contemplated
hereby, provided that such modifications do not adversely affect the economic
benefits of such transactions or otherwise abrogate the covenants and other
agreements contained in this Agreement.

     (b) As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, SNC and UCB shall
submit notice or applications for prior approval of the transactions
contemplated herein to the Federal Reserve Board, and any other federal, state
or local government agency, department or body to which notice is required or
from which  approval is required for consummation of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby.  UCB and SNC each represents and warrants to
the other that all information concerning it and its directors, officers and
shareholders and concerning any SNC Subsidiary included (or submitted for
inclusion) in any such application shall be true, correct and complete in all
material respects as of the date presented.

5.5  Best Efforts
     ------------

     SNC and UCB shall use, and shall cause each of their respective
Subsidiaries to use, its best efforts in good faith to (i) furnish such
information as may be required in connection with and otherwise cooperate in the
preparation and filing of the documents referred to in Sections 5.2 and 5.4 or
elsewhere herein, and (ii) take or cause to be taken all action necessary or
desirable on its part to fulfill the conditions in Article VI and to consummate
the transactions herein contemplated at the earliest practicable date.  Neither
SNC nor UCB shall take, or cause, or to the best of its ability permit to be
taken, any action that would substantially delay or impair the prospects of
completing the Merger pursuant to this Agreement and the Plan of Merger.

5.6  Certain Accounting Matters
     --------------------------

     UCB shall cooperate with SNC concerning accounting and financial matters
necessary or appropriate to facilitate the Merger (taking into account SNC's
policies, practices and procedures), including without limitation issues arising
in connection with record keeping, loan classification, valuation adjustments,
levels of loan loss reserves and other accounting practices.

5.7  Access to Information
     ---------------------

     UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries will keep SNC advised, and SNC and the SNC
Subsidiaries will keep UCB advised, of all material developments relevant to
their business and to consummation

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
of the Merger.  Upon reasonable notice, UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries shall
afford to representatives of SNC, and SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries shall afford
to representatives of UCB, access, during normal business hours during the
period prior to the Effective Time, to all of their respective properties,
books, contracts, commitments and records and, during such period, shall make
available all information concerning their business as may be reasonably
requested.  No investigation pursuant to this Section 5.7 shall affect or be
deemed to modify any representation or warranty made by, or the conditions to
the obligations hereunder of, either party hereto.  As of the date hereof, UCB
and SNC have entered into confidentiality agreements relating to the information
to be provided pursuant to this Agreement.

5.8  Press Releases
     --------------

     SNC and UCB shall agree with each other as to the form and substance of any
press release related to this  Agreement and the Plan of Merger or the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and consult with each other as to
the form and substance of other public disclosures related thereto; provided,
that nothing contained herein shall prohibit either party, following
notification to the other party, from making any disclosure which in the opinion
of its counsel is required by law.

5.9  Forbearances of UCB
     -------------------

     Except with the prior written consent of SNC, between the date hereof and
the Effective Time, UCB shall not, and shall cause each of the UCB Subsidiaries
not to:

        (a) carry on its business other than in the usual, regular and ordinary
     course in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted, or
     establish or acquire any new Subsidiary or engage in any new activity;

        (b) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution
     in respect of its capital stock, other than regularly scheduled quarterly
     dividends of $.18 per share of UCB Common Stock payable on record dates and
     in amounts consistent with past practices; provided that any dividend
     declared or payable on the shares of UCB Common Stock for the quarterly
     period during which the Effective Time occurs shall, unless otherwise
     agreed upon in writing by SNC and UCB, be declared with a record date prior
     to the Effective Time only if the normal record date for payment of the
     corresponding quarterly dividend to holders of SNC Common Stock is before
     the Effective Time;

        (c) issue any shares of its capital stock, except pursuant to the Stock
     Option Plan and the SNC Option Agreement;

        (d) issue, grant or authorize any Rights or effect any recapitalization,
     reclassification, stock dividend, stock split or like change in
     capitalization;

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
        (e) amend its articles of incorporation or bylaws; impose or permit
     imposition, of any lien, charge or encumbrance on any share of stock held
     by it in any UCB Subsidiary, or permit any such lien, charge or encumbrance
     to exist; or waive or release any material right or cancel or compromise
     any debt or claim other than in the ordinary course of business;

        (f) merge with any other entity or permit any other entity to merge into
     it, or consolidate with any other entity; acquire control over any other
     entity; or liquidate, sell or otherwise dispose of any assets or acquire
     any assets, other than in the ordinary course of its business consistent
     with past practices;

        (g) fail to comply in any material respect with any laws, regulations,
     ordinances or governmental actions applicable to it and to the conduct of
     its business;

        (h) increase the rate of compensation of any of its directors, officers
     or employees, or pay or agree to pay any bonus to, or provide any other
     employee benefit or incentive to, any of its directors, officers or
     employees, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
     practices;

        (i) enter into or substantially modify (except as may be required by
     applicable law or regulation) any pension, retirement, stock option, stock
     purchase, stock appreciation right, savings, profit sharing, deferred
     compensation, consulting, bonus, group insurance or other employee benefit,
     incentive or welfare contract, plan or arrangement, or any trust agreement
     related thereto, in respect of any of its directors, officers or other
     employees; provided, that this subparagraph shall not prevent renewals of
     any of the foregoing consistent with past practice, except for contemplated
     changes in UCB's Flexible Benefit Plan;

        (j) solicit or encourage inquiries or proposals with respect to, furnish
     any information relating to, or participate in any negotiations or
     discussions concerning, any acquisition or purchase of all or a substantial
     portion of the assets of, or a substantial equity interest in, UCB or any
     UCB Subsidiary or any business combination with UCB or any UCB Subsidiary
     other than as contemplated by this Agreement; or authorize any officer,
     director, agent or affiliate of UCB or any UCB Subsidiary to do any of the
     above; or fail to notify SNC immediately if any such inquiries or proposals
     are received, any such information is requested or required, or any such
     negotiations or discussions are sought to be initiated; provided, that this
     paragraph (j) shall not apply to furnishing information, negotiations or
     discussions following an unsolicited offer if, as a result of such offer,
     UCB is advised in writing by legal counsel that the failure so to furnish
     information or negotiate would constitute a breach of the fiduciary duties
     of UCB's Board of Directors to its shareholders;

        (k) enter into (i) any material agreement, arrangement or commitment not
     made in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any agreement, indenture or
     other instrument not made in the ordinary course of business relating to
     the borrowing of money by UCB or a UCB

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
     Subsidiary or guarantee by UCB or a UCB Subsidiary of any obligation, (iii)
     any agreement, arrangement or commitment relating to the employment or
     severance of a consultant or the employment, severance, election or
     retention in office of any present or former director, officer or employee
     (this clause shall not apply to the election of directors by shareholders
     in the normal course, and the election of officers by directors in the
     normal course terminable at will except to the extent otherwise provided in
     an agreement, arrangement or commitment Disclosed); or (iv) any contract,
     agreement or understanding with a labor union;

        (l) change its lending, investment or asset liability management
     policies in any material respect, except as may be required by applicable
     law, regulation, or directives, and except that after approval of the
     Agreement and the Plan of Merger by its shareholders UCB shall cooperate in
     good faith with SNC to adopt policies, practices and procedures consistent
     with those utilized by SNC, effective on or before the Closing Date;

        (m) change its methods of accounting in effect at December 31, 1995,
     except as required by changes in generally accepted accounting principles
     concurred in by SNC's independent certified public accountants, which
     concurrence shall not be unreasonably withheld, or change any of its
     methods of reporting income and deductions for federal income tax purposes
     from those employed in the preparation of its federal income tax returns
     for the year ended December 31, 1995, except as required by changes in law
     or regulation;

        (n) incur any commitments for capital expenditures or obligation to make
     capital expenditures in excess of $250,000, for any one expenditure, or
     $2,000,000, in the aggregate;

        (o) incur any indebtedness other than deposits from customers or
     otherwise in the ordinary course of business;

        (p) take any action which would or could reasonably be expected to (i)
     cause the business combination contemplated hereby not to be accounted for
     as a pooling of interests or not to constitute a reorganization under
     Section 368 of the Code, in either case as determined by SNC, (ii) result
     in any inaccuracy of a representation or warranty herein which would allow
     for a termination of this Agreement, or (iii) cause any of the conditions
     precedent to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to fail to be
     satisfied;

        (q) dispose of any material assets other than in the ordinary course of
     business; or

        (r) agree to do any of the foregoing.

5.10 Employment Agreements
     ---------------------

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
     SNC shall enter into employment agreements with those UCB employees and on
the terms as agreed by SNC and UCB prior to the date hereof, which shall
supersede presently existing employment agreements.

5.11 Affiliates
     ----------

     UCB shall use reasonable efforts to cause all persons who are affiliates of
UCB to deliver to SNC promptly following this Agreement a written agreement
providing that such person will not dispose of SNC Common Stock received in the
Merger except in compliance with the Securities Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder and except as consistent with qualifying the
transactions contemplated hereby for pooling of interests accounting treatment,
and in any event shall cause such affiliates to deliver to SNC such written
agreement prior to the Effective Time.

5.12 Employee Benefit Plans
     ----------------------

     (a) Each employee of UCB and UCB Subsidiaries at the Effective Time (herein
"Employee") shall become an employee of SNC or a SNC Subsidiary immediately
following the Effective Time, upon substantially the same terms and conditions
as in effect immediately preceding the Effective Time.  Each Employee, as an
employee of SNC or one of the SNC Subsidiaries shall be eligible to receive
bonus or incentive, retirement, severance, group hospitalization, medical, life,
disability and other benefits comparable to those provided to similarly situated
employees of SNC or the SNC Subsidiary.  For purposes of administering all plans
and benefits of SNC or a SNC Subsidiary, service with UCB and the UCB
Subsidiaries by each Employee shall be deemed to be service with SNC or the SNC
Subsidiaries for participation and vesting purposes only (subject to paragraph
(c) of this Section 5.12).

     (b) SNC shall cause the 401(k) plan of UCB to be merged with the 401(k)
plan maintained by SNC and the SNC Subsidiaries, and the account balances of the
Employees who are participants in the UCB plan shall be transferred to the
accounts of such Employees under the SNC 401(k) plan.  Following such merger and
transfer, such accounts shall be governed and controlled by the terms of the SNC
401(k) plan as in effect from time to time (and subject to SNC's right to
terminate such plan).

     (c) The parties anticipate that SNC shall cause the tax qualified defined
benefit pension plan of UCB to be merged with the tax qualified defined benefit
plan of SNC.  If such merger occurs, the SNC pension plan will provide future
benefit accruals under the SNC pension plan for the Employees which will not be
less than the benefits which would be accrued under the "fresh start formula
without wear away" as described in Treasury Regulation (S) 1.401(a)(4)-
13(c)(4)(i) (that is, the accrued benefit of each Employee who becomes a
participant in the SNC pension plan incident to such plan merger will equal the
sum of the benefit accrued to the Effective Time under the UCB pension plan plus
the future benefit accrued under the SNC pension plan).  For purposes of
applying the SNC pension plan following such merger, service with UCB of an
Employee shall be deemed

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
to be service with SNC for the purposes of determining eligibility and vesting,
but not for the purpose of determining benefit accruals following the Effective
Time.

     (d) UCB's Long Term Incentive Plan, Director Deferred Compensation Plan and
Triad Bank Long Term Incentive Plan shall be frozen as of the Effective Time,
and SNC shall assume as of the Effective Time all obligations under such plans
as then accrued.  SNC shall following the Effective Time administer such plans
in accordance with their respective terms, except that no further rights or
benefits shall accrue to participants and no further employees or directors
shall be permitted to participate in either or both of such plans.  SNC shall
assume and continue in effect the UCB Supplemental Retirement Plan for the
benefit of current participants therein.

5.13 Directors and Officers Protection
     ---------------------------------

     (a) SNC shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the present and former
directors, officers, employees, and agents of UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries
(each, an "Indemnified Party") against all liabilities arising out of actions or
omissions arising out of the Indemnified Party's service or services as
directors, officers, employees, or agents of UCB or, at UCB's request, of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise
occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement) to the fullest extent permitted under North
Carolina Law and by UCB's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as in effect on
the date hereof, whether or not SNC is insured against any such matter.  Without
limiting the foregoing, in any case in which approval by SNC is required to
effectuate any indemnification, SNC 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 SNC and the Indemnified Party.

     (b) SNC shall use its reasonable efforts to (i) cause the directors and
officers of UCB immediately prior to the Effective Time to be covered under its
then existing directors' and officers' liability insurance policy providing full
coverage for acts occurring prior to the Effective Time; or (ii) to maintain in
effect for a period of three years after the Effective Time UCB's existing
directors' and officers' liability insurance policy (provided that SNC may
substitute therefor (A) policies of at least the same coverage and amounts
containing terms and conditions which are substantially no less advantageous or
(B) with the consent of UCB given prior to the Effective Time, any other policy)
with respect to claims arising from facts or events which occurred prior to the
Effective Time and covering persons who are currently covered by such insurance;
provided, that neither SNC nor the Surviving Corporation shall be obligated to
make annual premium payments for such three year period in respect of such
policy (or coverage replacing such policy) which exceed, for the portion related
to UCB's directors and officers, 150% of the annual premium payments on UCB's
current policy in effect as of the date of this Agreement (the "Maximum
Amount").  If the amount of the premiums necessary to maintain or procure such
insurance coverage exceeds the Maximum Amount, SNC shall use its reasonable
efforts to maintain the most advantageous policies of directors' and officers'
liability insurance obtainable for a premium equal to the Maximum Amount.

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
     (c) If SNC or the Surviving Corporation or any successors or assigns shall
consolidate with or merge into any other entity 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 entity, then and in each case, proper
provision shall be made so that the successor and assigns of SNC or the
Surviving Corporation shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section
5.13.

     (d) The provisions of this Section 5.13 are intended to be for the benefit
of and shall be enforceable by, each indemnified director and officer and their
respective heirs and representatives.

5.14 Forbearances of SNC
     -------------------

     Except with the prior written consent of UCB, which consent shall not be
arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld, between the date hereof and the Effective
Time, neither SNC nor any SNC Subsidiary shall:

     (a) exercise the UCB Option Agreement other than in accordance with its
terms, or dispose of the shares of UCB Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the option rights conferred thereby other than as permitted or contemplated by
the terms thereof; or

     (b) enter into a merger or other business combination transaction with any
other corporation or person in which SNC would not be the surviving or
continuing entity after the consummation thereof;

     (c) sell or lease all or substantially all of the assets and business of
any SNC Subsidiary;

     (d) carry on its business other than in the usual, regular and ordinary
course in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted;

     (e) fail to comply in any material respect with any laws, regulations,
ordinances or governmental actions applicable to it and to the conduct of its
business; or

     (f) take any action which would or might be expected to (i) cause the
business combination contemplated hereby not to be accounted for as a pooling-
of-interest or not to constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code,
(ii) result in any inaccuracy of a representation or warranty herein which would
allow for termination of this Agreement, or (iii) cause any of the conditions
precedent to the transactions contemplated by this agreement to fail to be
satisfied.

5.15 Assumption of Agreement by Acquiror
     -----------------------------------

     It shall be a condition precedent to SNC entering into any agreement
whereby SNC shall (i) consolidate with or merge into any other entity and shall
not be the continuing or surviving person of such consolidation or merger, or
(ii) transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any entity, that

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
proper provision shall be made so that the successor and assigns of SNC shall
specifically agree to assume SNC's obligations under this Agreement.

5.16 Reports
     -------

     Each of UCB and SNC shall file (and shall cause the UCB Subsidiaries and
the SNC Subsidiaries, respectively, to file), between the date of this Agreement
and the Effective Time, all reports required to be filed by it with the
Commission and any other regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over such
party, and shall deliver to SNC or UCB, as the case may be, copies of all such
reports promptly after the same are filed.  If financial statements are
contained in any such reports filed with the Commission, 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 shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the periods then
ended in accordance with generally accepted accounting procedures (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 Commission 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 a regulatory authority other than the Commission shall be prepared in
accordance with requirements applicable to such reports.

5.17 Exchange Listing
     ----------------

     SNC shall use its reasonable efforts to list, prior to the Effective Time,
on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, the shares of SNC Common
Stock to be issued to the holders of UCB Common Stock pursuant to the Merger,
and SNC shall give all notices and make all filings with the NYSE required in
connection with the transactions contemplated herein.


                                  ARTICLE VI
                             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

6.1  Conditions Precedent -- SNC and UCB
     -----------------------------------

     The respective obligations of SNC and UCB to effect the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to satisfaction or waiver of
the following conditions at or prior to the Effective Time:

        (a) All corporate action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery
     and performance of this Reorganization Agreement and the Plan of Merger,
     the UCB Option Agreement and the SNC Option Agreement, and consummation of
     the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall have been duly and
     validly taken, including without

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
     limitation the approval of the shareholders of SNC and UCB of the Agreement
     and the Plan of Merger, in each case as set forth in Section 2.2;

        (b) The Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendments
     thereto) shall be effective under the Securities Act, and SNC shall have
     received all state securities or "Blue Sky" permits or other
     authorizations, or confirmations as to the availability of an exemption
     from registration requirements as may be necessary, and no proceedings
     shall be pending or to the knowledge of SNC threatened by the Commission or
     any state "Blue Sky" securities administration to suspend the effectiveness
     of such Registration Statement; and the SNC Common Stock to be issued as
     contemplated in the Plan of Merger shall have either been registered or be
     subject to exemption from registration under applicable state securities
     laws;

        (c) The parties shall have received all regulatory approvals required in
     connection with the transactions contemplated by this Reorganization
     Agreement, all notice periods and waiting periods required after the
     granting of any such approvals shall have passed, and all such approvals
     shall be in effect;

        (d) None of SNC, any of the SNC Subsidiaries, UCB or any of the UCB
     Subsidiaries shall be subject to any order, decree or injunction of a court
     or agency of competent jurisdiction which enjoins or prohibits consummation
     of the transactions contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement;

        (e) UCB and SNC shall have received an opinion of SNC's legal counsel,
     in form and substance satisfactory to UCB and SNC, substantially to the
     effect that the Merger will constitute one or more reorganizations under
     Section 368 of the Code and that the shareholders of UCB will not recognize
     any gain or loss to the extent that such shareholders exchange shares of
     UCB Common Stock for shares of SNC Common Stock;

        (f) SNC shall have received letters, dated as of the date of filing of
     the Registration Statement with the Commission and as of the Effective
     Time, addressed to SNC, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
     SNC, from Arthur Andersen, LLP to the effect that the transactions
     contemplated herein will qualify for pooling-of-interest accounting
     treatment; and

        (g) The shares of SNC Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger shall
     have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
     issuance.

6.2  Conditions Precedent -- UCB
     ---------------------------

     The obligations of UCB to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following additional
conditions at or prior to the Effective Time, unless waived by UCB pursuant to
Section 7.4:

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
        (a) All representations and warranties of SNC shall be assessed as of
     the date of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time as though made on
     and as of the Effective Time (or on the date designated in the case of any
     representation and warranty which specifically relates to an earlier date),
     except as otherwise contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement or
     consented to in writing by UCB. The representations and warranties of SNC
     set forth in Section 4.1 shall be true and correct (except for inaccuracies
     which are de minimis in amount). The representations and warranties of SNC
     set forth in Section 4.14 shall be true and correct in all material
     respects. There shall not exist inaccuracies in the representations and
     warranties of SNC set forth in this Agreement (including the
     representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.1 and 4.14) such
     that the aggregate effect of such inaccuracies has, or is reasonably likely
     to have, a Material Adverse Effect on SNC; provided that, for purposes of
     this sentence only, those representations and warranties which are
     qualified by references to "material" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall be
     deemed not to include such qualifications;

        (b) SNC shall have performed in all material respects all obligations
     and complied in all material respects with all covenants required by this
     Agreement;

        (c) SNC shall have delivered to UCB a certificate, dated the Closing
     Date and signed by its Chairman or President or an Executive Vice
     President, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Sections 6.1(a),
     6.1(b), 6.1(c), 6.2(a) and 6.2(b), to the extent applicable to SNC, have
     been satisfied and that there are no actions, suits, claims, governmental
     investigations or procedures instituted, pending or, to the best of such
     officer's knowledge, threatened that reasonably may be expected to have a
     Material Adverse Effect on SNC or that present a claim to restrain or
     prohibit the transactions contemplated herein or in the Plan of Merger;

        (d) UCB shall have received opinions of counsel to SNC in the form
     reasonably acceptable to UCB's legal counsel; and

        (e) All approvals of the transactions contemplated herein from the
     Federal Reserve Board and any other state or federal government agency,
     department or body, the approval of which is required for the consummation
     of the Merger, shall have been received and all waiting periods with
     respect to such approvals shall have expired.

6.3  Conditions Precedent -- SNC
     ---------------------------

     The obligations of SNC to effect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be subject to satisfaction of the following additional
conditions at or prior to the Effective Time, unless waived by SNC pursuant to
Section 7.4:

        (a)  All representations and warranties of UCB shall be assessed as of
     the date of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time as though made on
     and as of the Effective Time (or on the date designated in the case of any
     representation and warranty which specifically relates to an earlier date),
     except as otherwise contemplated by this Reorganization Agreement or
     consented to in writing

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
     by SNC. The representations and warranties of UCB set forth in Section 3.1
     shall be true and correct (except for inaccuracies which are de minimis in
     amount). The representations and warranties of UCB set forth in Section
     3.24 shall be true and correct in all material respects. There shall not
     exist inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of UCB set forth
     in this Agreement (including the representations and warranties set forth
     in Sections 3.1 and 3.24) such that the aggregate effect of such
     inaccuracies has, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse
     Effect on UCB; provided that, for purposes of this sentence only, those
     representations and warranties which are qualified by references to
     "material" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall be deemed not to include such
     qualifications;

        (b)  No regulatory approval shall have imposed any condition or
     requirement which, in the reasonable opinion of the Board of Directors of
     SNC, would so materially adversely affect the business or economic benefits
     to SNC of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as to render
     consummation of such transactions inadvisable or unduly burdensome;
     provided, that (i) SNC has used its reasonable efforts to cause such
     conditions or restrictions to be removed or modified as appropriate; (ii)
     notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that such consent is
     conditioned or restricted as a result of a regulatory or legal issue
     resulting from other acquisitions by SNC, whether announced before or after
     the date of this Agreement, or otherwise unrelated to UCB, SNC shall not be
     entitled to refuse to consummate the Merger on the basis set forth in this
     sentence; and (iii) any required disposition of deposits shall be deemed
     acceptable if the dollar amount of deposits required to be divested does
     not exceed the upper range of estimates first disclosed to the public by
     SNC following the execution of this Agreement;


        (c)  UCB shall have performed in all material respects all obligations
     and complied in all material respects with all covenants required by this
     Agreement;

        (d)  UCB shall have delivered to SNC a certificate, dated the Closing 
     Date and signed by its Chairman or President, to the effect that the
     conditions set forth in Sections 6.1(a), 6.1(c), 6.3(a) and 6.3(c), to the
     extent applicable to UCB, have been satisfied and that there are no
     actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or procedures
     instituted, pending or, to the best of such officer's knowledge, threatened
     that reasonably may be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on UCB or
     that present a claim to restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated
     herein or in the Plan of Merger;

        (e)  SNC shall have received opinions of counsel to UCB in the form
reasonably acceptable to SNC's legal counsel;

        (f)  SNC shall have received the written agreements from affiliates as
specified in Section 5.11; and

        (g)  The holders of no more than 9.0% of the UCB Common Stock shall have
given written notice of their intent to demand payment for their shares and
shall not have voted for the Merger, pursuant to Article 13 of the NCBCA.

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
                       TERMINATION, WAIVER AND AMENDMENT

 7.1  Termination
      -----------

      This Agreement may be terminated:

      (a)   At any time prior to the Effective Time, by the mutual consent in
writing of the parties hereto.

      (b)  At any time prior to the Effective Time, by either party (i) in the
event of a material breach by the other party of any covenant or agreement
contained in this Agreement, or (ii) in the event of an inaccuracy of any
representation or warranty of the other party contained in this Agreement, which
inaccuracy would provide the nonbreaching party the ability to refuse to
consummate the Merger under the applicable standard set forth in Section 6.2(a)
in the case of UCB and Section 6.3(a) in the case of SNC; and, in the case of
(i) or (ii), if such breach has not been cured by the earlier of 30 days
following written notice of such breach to the party committing such breach or
the Effective Time.

      (c)  At any time prior to the Effective Time, by either party hereto in
writing, if any of the conditions precedent to the obligations of the other
party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby cannot be satisfied or
fulfilled prior to the Closing Date, and the party giving the notice is not in
breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings
herein.

      (d)  At any time, by either party hereto in writing, if any of the
applications for prior approval referred to in Section 5.4 are denied, and the
time period for appeals and requests for reconsideration has run.

      (e)  At any time, by either party hereto in writing, if the shareholders 
of SNC or of UCB do not approve the Agreement and the Plan of Merger.

      (f)  At any time following September 30, 1997, by either party hereto in
writing, if the Effective Time has not occurred by the close of business on such
date, and the party giving the notice is not in breach of any of its
representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings herein.

      (g)  At any time prior to 11:59 p.m. on January 10, 1997 by SNC in 
writing, if SNC determines in its sole good faith judgment, through review of
information Disclosed by UCB, the performance of its due diligence or otherwise,
that the financial condition, results of operations, business or business
prospects of UCB and of the UCB Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are materially
adversely different from SNC's reasonable expectations with respect thereto
based on information that has been Disclosed in a Securities Document filed with
the Commission since January 1, 1996 and its knowledge of the operations of
banks; provided that SNC shall inform UCB upon such

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
termination as to the reasons for SNC's determination; and, provided further,
that this Section 7.1(g) shall not limit in any way the due diligence
investigation of UCB and the UCB Subsidiaries which SNC may perform or otherwise
affect any other rights which SNC has after the date hereof under the terms of
this Agreement.

      (h)  By UCB, if its board of directors 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 either:

           (A) both of the following conditions are satisfied:

               (1)   the Average Closing Price shall be less than $28.50; and

               (2)   (i) the quotient obtained by dividing the Average Closing
           Price by $33.50 (such number being referred to herein as the "SNC
           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
           (A)(2)(ii); or
                       --

           (B) the Average Closing Price shall be less than $27.00;
 
subject, however, to the following four sentences.  If UCB refuses to consummate
the Merger pursuant to this Section 7.1(h), it shall give prompt written notice
thereof to SNC, which notice shall specify which of clauses (A) or (B) is
applicable (or if both would be applicable, which clause is being invoked);
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, SNC shall have the option, in the case of a
failure to satisfy the condition in clause (A), to elect to increase the
Exchange Ratio to equal the quotient obtained by dividing $32.35 by the Average
Closing Price.  During such five-day period, SNC shall have the option, in the
case of a failure to satisfy the condition in clause (B), to elect to increase
the Exchange Ratio to equal the quotient obtained by dividing $30.65 by the
Average Closing Price.  The election contemplated by either of the two preceding
sentences shall be made by giving notice to UCB of such election and the revised
Exchange Ratio, whereupon no termination shall have occurred pursuant to this
Section 7.1(h) 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 7.1(h).

        For purposes of this Section 7.1(h), the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
     "Average Closing Price" shall mean the average of the daily closing sales
prices per share of SNC 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 SNC) for the ten consecutive
full trading days in which such shares are traded on the NYSE ending at the
close of trading on the Determination Date.
 
     "Determination Date" shall mean the date on which SNC shall receive consent
to the Merger from the Federal Reserve Board.

     "Index Group" shall mean the 19 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 have been determined based upon the number of shares of outstanding
common stock) redistributed proportionately for purposes of determining the
Index Price.  The 19 bank holding companies and the weights attributed to them
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
              Bank Holding Companies                    % Weighting
              -----------------------------------       -----------
                  <S>                                       <C>
              AmSouth Bancorporation                        2.41
              Barnett Banks, Inc.                           8.12
              CoreStates Financial Corp                     9.38
              Comerica Incorporated                         4.56
              First Bank System, Inc.                       5.75
              Fifth Third Bancorp                           4.50
              First of America Bank Corp.                   2.57
              Firstar Corporation                           3.19
              Huntington Bancshares Inc.                    6.13
              Mellon Bank Corporation                       5.49
              Mercantile Bancorporation, Inc.               2.55
              National City Corporation                     9.45
              Northern Trust Corporation                    2.37
              Regions Financial Corporation                 2.66
              SouthTrust Corporation                        4.08
              SunTrust Banks, Inc.                          9.48
</TABLE> 

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
              <S>                                         <C>
              Summit Bancorp.                               3.89
              U.S. Bancorp                                  6.41
              Wachovia Corporation                          7.01
 
              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 closing
           sales prices of the companies composing the Index Group (reported as
           provided with respect to the Average Closing Price).

                 "Starting Date" shall mean November 1, 1996.

     If any company belonging to the Index Group or SNC declares or effects a
     stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination,
     exchange of shares, or similar transaction between the Starting Date and
     the Determination Date, the prices for the common stock of such company or
     SNC shall be appropriately adjusted for the purposes of applying this
     Section 7.1(h).

7.2  Effect of Termination
     ---------------------

     In the event this Agreement and the Plan of Merger is terminated pursuant
to Section 7.1, both this Agreement and the Plan of Merger shall become void and
have no effect, except that (i) the provisions hereof relating to
confidentiality and expenses set forth in Sections 5.7 and 8.1, respectively,
shall survive any such termination and (ii) a termination pursuant to Section
7.1(b) shall not relieve the breaching party from liability for an uncured
breach of the covenant, agreement, understanding, representation or warranty
giving rise to such termination.  The SNC Option Agreement and the UCB Option
Agreement shall be governed by their own terms.

7.3  Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants
     -----------------------------------------------------

     All representations, warranties and covenants in this Agreement or the Plan
of Merger or in any instrument delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall expire
on, and be terminated and extinguished at, the Effective Time, other than
covenants that by their terms are to be performed after the Effective Time,
provided that no such representations, warranties or covenants shall be deemed
to be terminated or extinguished so as to deprive SNC or UCB (or any director,
officer or controlling person thereof) of any defense at law or in equity which
otherwise would be available against the claims of any person, including,
without limitation, any shareholder or former shareholder of either SNC or UCB,
the aforesaid representations, warranties and covenants being material
inducements to consummation by SNC and UCB of the transactions contemplated
herein.

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
7.4  Waiver
     ------

     Except with respect to any required regulatory approval, each party hereto,
by written instrument signed by an executive officer of such party, may at any
time (whether before or after approval of the Agreement and the Plan of Merger
by the UCB shareholders) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or other acts of the other party hereto and may waive (i) any
inaccuracies of the other party in the representations or warranties contained
in this Agreement, the Plan of Merger or any document delivered pursuant hereto
or thereto, (ii) compliance with any of the covenants, undertakings or
agreements of the other party, or satisfaction of any of the conditions
precedent to its obligations, contained herein or in the Plan of Merger, or
(iii) the performance by the other party of any of its obligations set out
herein or therein; provided that no such extension or waiver, or amendment or
supplement pursuant to Section 7.5, executed after approval by the UCB
shareholders of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger shall reduce either the
number of shares of SNC Common Stock into which each share of UCB Common Stock
shall be converted in the Merger or the payment terms for fractional interests.

7.5  Amendment or Supplement
     -----------------------

     This Agreement or the Plan of Merger may be amended or supplemented at any
time in writing by mutual agreement of SNC and UCB, subject to the proviso to
Section 7.4.

                                 ARTICLE VIII
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

8.1  Expenses
     --------

     Each party hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Reorganization
Agreement, including fees and expenses of its own financial consultants,
accountants and counsel; provided, however, that the filing fees and the
printing costs incurred in connection with the Registration Statement and the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall be borne 70% by SNC and 30% by UCB.

8.2  Entire Agreement
     ----------------

     This Agreement, the SNC Option Agreement and the UCB Option Agreement
contain the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder and supersede all
arrangements or understandings with respect thereto, written or oral, entered
into on or before November 1, 1996, other than documents referred to herein or
therein, and a certain letter agreement dated the date hereof between the
parties. The terms and conditions of this Agreement and said Option Agreements
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and thereto
and their respective successors. Nothing in this Agreement or said Option
Agreements, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other
than the parties hereto and thereto, and their respective successors, any
rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities. 

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
8.3  No Assignment
     -------------

     Neither of the parties hereto may assign any of its rights or obligations
under this Reorganization Agreement to any other person, except upon the prior
written consent of the other party.

8.4  Notices
     -------

     All notices or other communications which are required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered personally or sent by
nationally recognized overnight express courier or by facsimile transmission,
addressed or directed as follows:

     If to UCB:

           Ronald C. Monger
           Executive Vice President
           Chief Financial Officer
           United Carolina Bancshares
           127 West Webster Street
           Post Office Box 632
           Whiteville, North Carolina 28472
           Fax No.: 910-642-1330

     With a required copy to:

           Howard V. Hudson, Jr.
           General Counsel and Secretary
           United Carolina Bancshares
           127 West Webster Street
           Post Office Box 632
           Whiteville, North Carolina 28472
           Fax No.: 910-642-1276

     and

           Frank M. Conner, III
           Alston & Bird
           601 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
           North Building, Suite 250
           Washington, D.C.  20004
           Fax No.: 202-508-3333

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
     If to SNC:

           Southern National Corporation
           200 West Second Street
           Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101
           Attention:  Scott E. Reed
           Fax No.: 910-733-0340

     With a required copy to:

           Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
           200 West Second Street
           Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101
           Attention: Mr. William A. Davis, II
           Fax No.: 910-733-8364

Any party may by notice change the address to which notice or other
communications to it are to be delivered.

8.5  Captions
     --------

     The captions contained in this Agreement are for reference only and are not
part of this Agreement.

8.6  Counterparts
     ------------

     This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such
counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such
counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.

8.7  Governing Law
     -------------

     This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of North Carolina applicable to agreements made and entirely
to be performed within such jurisdiction, except to the extent federal law may
be applicable.

8.8  Predecessor Agreement
     ---------------------

     On November 1, 1996, the parties hereto executed Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization (the "Predecessor Agreement").  Following execution of the
Predecessor Agreement, the parties have agreed to certain changes, all of which
are reflected in this Amended and Restated Agreement.  This Amended and Restated
Agreement amends and supersedes the Predecessor Agreement in its entirety from
the date of its execution, and the Predecessor Agreement shall have no further
force and effect.

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound
hereby, have caused this Amended and Restated Agreement to be executed in
counterparts by their duly authorized officers, all as of the day and year first
above written.


                                       SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION


                                       By
                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Title:
                                               -------------------------------


                                       UNITED CAROLINA BANCSHARES CORPORATION


                                       By
                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Title:
                                               -------------------------------

                                       47

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 3(a)

[SEAL OF STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE APPEARS 
HERE]

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

               To all whom these presents shall come, Greetings:

  I, Rufus L. Edmisten, Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina, do 
hereby certify the following and hereto attached to be a true copy of

                            ARTICLES OF RESTATEMENT

                                      OF

                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION




  the original of which is now on file and a matter of record in this office.


                                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
                                and affixed my official seal at the City of
                                Raleigh, this 3rd day of August, 1993.

[SEAL OF STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE APPEARS 
HERE]
                                /s/ Rufus L. Edmisten
                                    Secretary of State   
<PAGE>
 
                            ARTICLES OF RESTATEMENT

Pursuant to (S) 55-10-06 and (S) 55-10-07 of the General Statutes of North 
Carolina, the undersigned corporation  hereby submits the following for the 
purpose of amending and restating in full its Articles of Incorporation,

1.  The name of the corporation is: Southern National Corporation, a North 
    Carolina corporation.

2.  The text of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation is attached 
    as Exhibit A.
       ---------

3.  The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation contain amendments 
    requiring shareholder approval that were adopted by the Board of Directors
    of the corporation on June 17, 1993 and were approved by shareholder action
    on April 20, 1993 and May 17, 1993 as required by Chapter 55 of the North
    Carolina General Statutes.

4.  These Articles are to be effective upon filing.

This the 17th day of June, 1993.

                                       SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION

                                         By: /s/ David L. Craven, Senior
                                            ---------------------------------
                                               David L. Craven, Senior
                                               Vice President, General
                                                Counsel and Secretary
<PAGE>
 
 
                                 "EXHIBIT #6"


                             AMENDED AND RESTATED 
                          ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION 

                                     OF  

                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION

                                   ARTICLE I

        The name of the Corporation is Southern National Corporation.

                                  ARTICLE II

        The period of duration of the Corporation shall be unlimited and 
perpetual.

                                  ARTICLE III

        The purposes for which the Corporation is organized are:
        (a)  To act as a holding company; to operate, serve and conduct business
as a holding company of one or more banks and other corporations; to acquire and
own shares of stock or other interests in other businesses and corporations of 
any lawful character including without limitation, banks, insurance agencies, 
mortgage loan and servicing businesses, data processing businesses,  factoring 
businesses and other financially related businesses; to furnish services of all 
types to and for such banks, corporations and businesses; and as shareholder or 
as owner of other interests in such banks,

<PAGE>
 
corporations and businesses, to exercise all rights, powers and privileges of 
ownership incident thereto.

     (b)  To itself operate insurance agencies; to make and acquire mortgage 
loans and render mortgage loan services; to render data processing services; to 
render factoring services; to operate consumer and small loan businesses and to 
make, acquire and service consumer and small loans; to organize, operate and 
manage mutual funds; to render travel services; to operate credit card 
businesses; to acquire, own and lease all types of equipment and property; to 
engage in farming and forestry; to render farm and forestry management and 
agency services and to engage in and operate all types of farming, agricultural 
and forestry businesses; to lend its own money; to act as agent or broker in 
procuring and making loans; and to render financial, management and business 
services of all types.

     (c)  To engage in, operate, conduct, perform or participate in every kind 
of financial, commercial, agricultural, mercantile, manufacturing, industrial, 
mining, transportation or other enterprise, business, work, contract, 
undertaking, venture, or operation.

     (d)  To carry on any other business to any extent and in any manner not 
prohibited by the laws of North Carolina, or, where the Corporation may seek to 
do business elsewhere, by local laws; and to engage in, operate and conduct any 
business which may be deemed adapted, directly or indirectly, to add to the 
profits of its principal businesses or to increase the value of its assets.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     (e)  To do all and everything necessary, suitable, expedient or proper for 
the accomplishment of any of the objects and purposes herein enumerated, or 
incidental to the powers herein named, or incidental to the protection or 
benefit of the Corporation, and, in general, to carry on any lawful business 
necessary or incidental to the attainment of the objects or purposes of the 
Corporation, or which may be conveniently carried on in connection with any of 
the business of the Corporation, with all the powers now or hereafter conferred 
by the laws of North Carolina upon corporations of like character.

                                  ARTICLE IV

     The Corporation shall have the authority to issue 120,000,000 shares of 
Common Stock, par value $5 each, and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par 
value $5 each.  The designations of each class are as follows:

     a)   The first class is Common Stock in the amount of 120,000,000 shares, 
par value $5 each share.

     b)   The second class is Preferred Stock in the amount of 5,000,000 shares,
par value $5 each share.  The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in
one or more series, and authority is expressly vested in the Board of Directors 
without action of shareholders to divide the Preferred stock into series, to 
provide for the issuance thereof, and to fix and determine the relative rights, 
voting powers, preferences, limitations and designations of the shares of any 
series so established.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
Authority is expressly vested in the Board of Directors, without limitation, to 
determine:  (1) The number of shares to constitute such series and the 
distinctive designation thereof; (2) The dividend rate, conditions and time of 
accrual and payment thereof, and the dividend preferences, if any, between the 
classes of stock and between the series of Preferred Stock; (3) Whether 
dividends shall be cumulative and, if, so, the date from which dividends on each
such series shall accumulate; (4) Whether, and to what extent, the holders of 
one or more series of Preferred Stock shall enjoy voting rights, if any, in 
addition to those prescribed by law; (5) Whether, and upon what terms, Preferred
Stock will be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any class or any 
other series of the same class; and (6) Whether, and upon what terms, the 
Preferred Stock, will be redeemable, and the preference, if any, to which the 
Preferred Stock will be entitled in the event of voluntary liquidation, 
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.  

63/4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A.  The Corporation has 
- ------------------------------------------------------
designated 770,000 shares of the authorized but unissued shares of the 
Corporation's Preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share, as 63/4% Cumulative 
Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Series A Preferred Stock").  The 
terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, in the respect in which the shares of 
such series may vary from shares of any and all other series of Preferred Stock,
are as follows:


                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     (1)  Stated Value.  The Series A Preferred Stock shall have a stated value 
          ------------
of $100.00 per share.

     (2)  Dividends and Distributions.
          ---------------------------

               (a)  The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be
entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of
assets of the Corporation legally available for payment, cash dividends,
accruing from the date of issuance, at the annual rate of $6.75 per share, and
no more, payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of
each year (each quarterly period ending on any such date being hereinafter
referred to as a "dividend period"), commencing May 15, 1992. The initial
dividend for the period commencing February 11, 1992 to, but not including, 
May 15, 1992, will be $1.7625 per share and will be payable on May 15, 1992. The
date of initial issuance of shares of Series A Preferred Stock is hereinafter
referred to as the "Issue Date." Dividends payable on the Series A Preferred
Stock (i) for any period less than a full dividend period, shall be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months and (ii) for each
full dividend period, shall be computed by dividing the annual dividend rate by
four. Each such dividend will be payable to holders of record as they appear on
the stock register of the Corporation on such record dates, not more than 60
days nor less than 10 days preceding the payment dates, as shall be fixed by the
Board of Directors.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          (b) Dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be 
cumulative from the date of issue whether or not there shall be funds legally 
available for payment thereof. Accumulations of dividends on Series A Preferred 
Stock shall not bear interest. The Corporation shall not (i) declare or pay or 
set apart for payment any dividends or distributions on any stock ranking as to 
dividends junior to the Series A Preferred Stock (other than dividends paid in 
shares of capital stock ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to 
dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up or options, warrants 
or rights to subscribe for such junior stock) or (ii) make any purchase or 
redemption of, or any sinking fund payment for the purchase or redemption of, 
any stock ranking as to dividends on a parity with or junior to the Series A 
Preferred Stock (except by conversion into or exchange for capital stock of the 
Corporation ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and 
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) unless all dividends payable on all
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock for all past dividend periods 
shall have been paid in full or declared and a sufficient sum set apart for 
payment thereof; provided, however, that any moneys theretofore deposited in any
                 --------  -------
sinking fund with respect to any Preferred Stock of the Corporation in 
compliance with the provisions of such sinking fund may thereafter be applied to
the purchase or redemption of such Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms 
of such sinking fund regardless of whether at the time of such application all 

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
dividends payable on all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall 
have been paid in full or declared and a sufficient sum set apart for payment 
thereof.

        (c)    All dividends declared on shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 
any other class of Preferred Stock or series thereof ranking on a parity as to 
dividends with the Series A Preferred Stock shall be declared pro rata, so that 
the amount of dividends per share on the Series A Preferred Stock and such other
Preferred Stock for the same dividend period, or for the dividend period of the 
Series A Preferred Stock ending within the dividend period of such other stock, 
shall, in all cases, bear to each other the same ratio that accured dividends 
per share on shares of the Series A Preferred Stock and such other stock bear to
each other.

   (3)  Liquidation Preferences.
        -----------------------

        (a)    In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of 
Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the 
Corporation available for distribution to shareholders an amount equal to 
$100.00 per share plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends 
thereon to but excluding the date of such distribution, and no more, before any 
distribution shall be made to the holders of any class of stock of the 
Corporation ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to liquidation 
payments, but the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
receive such distribution until the liquidation preference of any other shares
of the Corporation's capital stock ranking senior to the Series A Preferred 
Stock with respect to rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up shall 
have been paid (or a sufficient sum set aside for payment thereof) in full.
             (b) In the event the assets of the Corporation available for
distribution to shareholders upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be
insufficient to pay in full the amounts payable with respect to the Series A
Preferred Stock and any other shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation
ranking on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to the distribution of
assets, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of such
other Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any distribution of assets of the
Corporation in proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which
they are entitled.
             (c) The merger or consolidation of the Corporation into or with any
other corporation, the merger or consolidation of any other Corporation into or
with the Corporation or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or part of the
property or business of the Corporation shall not be deemed a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation within the meaning
of this Paragraph 3.

                                      -8-
             

<PAGE>
 
    (4)  Redeption.
         ---------
         (a) The Corporation, at its option, may redeem any or all shares of
Series A Preferred Stock at any time on or after March 1, 1996, at the redeption
prices set forth below, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends
thereon to but excluding the date of redemption (the "Redemption Price"):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

       Twelve month period 
       begginning March 1,               Redemption Price
       -------------------               ----------------
          <S>                                 <C> 
          1996.............................   $104.050
          1997.............................    103.375
          1998.............................    102.700
          1999.............................    102.025
          2000.............................    101.350
          2001.............................    101.675
          2002 and thereafter .............    100.00
</TABLE> 
         
          (b)  If less than all the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred 
Stock are to be redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be selected pro rata 
as nearly as practicable or by lot, or by such other method as the Board of 
Directors may determine to be equitable (with adjustments to avoid fractional 
shares).

          (c)  Notice of an redemption shall be given by first class mail,
postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the 
date fixed for redemption to the holders of record of the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock to be redeemed, at their respective addresses appearing on the
books of the Corporation. Notice so mailed shall be conclusively presumed to 
have been duly given whether or not actually received.  Such notice shall 
state:  (i) the date fixed for redemption; (ii) the Redemption Price; (iii)
that the holder has the right to convert

                                     -9- 
<PAGE>
such shares into Common Stock until the close of business on the redemption 
date; (iv) the then-effective conversion price and the place where certificates 
for such shares may be surrendered for conversion; (v) if less than all the 
shares held by such holder are tobe redeemed, the number of shares to be 
redeemed form such holder; (vi) the place where certificates for such shares are
to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; and (vii) that after such
date fixed for redemption the shares to be redeemed shall not accrue dividends.

        (d) At the option of the Corporation, if notice of redemption is mailed 
as aforesaid, and if prior to the date fixed for redemption funds sufficient to 
pay in full the Redemption Price are deposited in trust, for the account of the 
holders of the shares to be redeemed, with a bank or trust company named in such
notice doing business in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, State 
of New York or the State of North Carolina and having capital surplus and 
undivided profits of at least $50 million (which bank or trust company also may 
be the transfer agent and/or paying agent for the Series A Preferred Stock) 
notwithstanding the fact that any certificate(s) for shares called for 
redemption shall not have been surrendered for cancellation, on and after such 
date of deposit the shares represented thereby so called for redemption shall 
be deemed to be no longer outstanding, and all rights of the holders of such 
shares as shareholders of the Corporation shall cease, except the right of the 
holders thereof to convert such shares in accordance

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
with the provisions of Paragraph 5 at any time prior to the close of business on
the redemption date and the right of the holders thereof to receive out of the 
funds so deposited in trust the Redemption Price, without interest, upon such 
surrender of the certificate(s) representing such shares. Any funds so deposited
with such bank or trust company in respect of shares of Series A Preferred Stock
converted before the close of business on the redemption date shall be returned 
to the Corporation upon such conversion. Any funds so deposited with such bank 
or trust company which shall remain unclaimed by the holders of shares called 
for redemption at the end of two years after the redemption date shall be repaid
to the Corporation, on demand, and thereafter the holder of any such shares 
shall look only to the Corporation for the payment, without interest, of the 
Redemption Price.

                (e)  Any provision of this Paragraph 4 to the contrary 
notwithstanding, in the event that any quarterly dividend payable on the Series 
A Preferred Stock shall be in arrears and until all such dividends in arrears 
shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, the Corporation 
shall not redeem any shares of Series A Preferred Stock unless all outstanding 
shares of Series A Preferred Stock are simultaneously redeemed and shall not 
purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Series A Preferred Stock except in 
accordance with a purchase offer made by the Corporation on the same terms to 
all holders of record of Series A Preferred Stock.

                                     -11-

<PAGE>
 
       (5)  Conversion Rights.  The holders of shares of Series A Preferred
            -----------------
Stock shall have the right, at their option, to convert such shares into shares
of Common Stock on the following terms and conditions:

               (a)  Shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be convertible at 
any time on the basis of their stated value into fully paid and nonassessable
shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $16.93 per share of Common Stock
(the "Conversion Price"). The Conversion Price shall be subject to adjustment
from time to time as hereinafter provided. No payment or adjustment shall be
made on account of any accrued and unpaid dividends on shares of Series A
Prefered Stock surrendered for conversion prior to the record date for the 
determination of shareholders entitled to such dividends or on account of any 
dividends on the shares of Common Stock issued upon such conversion subsequent
to the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to such 
dividends.  If any shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be called for 
redemption, the right to convert the shares designated for redemption shall 
terminate at the close of business on the date fixed for redemption unless 
default is made in the payment of the Redemption Price. In the event of default
in the payment of the Redemption Price.  In the event of default in the payment
of the Redemption Price, the right to convert the shares designated for
redemption shall terminate at the close of business on the date that such
default is cured.

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
               (b)  To convert shares of Series A Preferred Stock into Common 
Stock, the holder thereof shall surrender the certificate therefor, duly 
endorsed if the Corporation shall so require, or accompanied by appropriate 
instruments of transfer satisfactory to the Corporation, at the office of the 
Transfer Agent for the Series A Preferred Stock, or at such other office as may 
be designated by the Corporation, together with written notice that such holder 
irrevocably elects to convert such shares.  Such notice shall also state the 
name and address in which such holder wishes the certificate for the shares of 
Common Stock issuable upon conversion to be issued.  As soon as practicable 
after receipt of the certificate representing the shares of Series A Preferred 
Stock to be converted and the notice of election to convert the same, the 
Corporation shall issue and deliver at said office a certificate or certificates
for the number of whole shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the 
shares of Series A Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion, together with a 
cash payment in lieu of any fraction of a share, as hereinafter provided, to the
person entitled to receive the same.  Shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall 
be deemed to have been converted immediately prior to the close of business on 
the date such shares are surrendered for conversion and notice of election to 
convert the same is received by the Corporation in accordance with the foregoing
provisions, and the person entitled to receive the Common Stock issuable upon 
such


                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
conversion shall be deemed for all purposes to be the record holder of such 
Common Stock as of such date.

               (c)  In the case of any share of Series A Preferred Stock that is
converted after any record date with respect to the payment of a dividend on the
Series A Preferred Stock and on or prior to the date on which such dividend is 
payable by the Corporation (the "Dividend Due Date") the dividend due on such 
Dividend Due Date shall be payable on such Dividend Due Date to the holder of 
record of such shares as of such preceding record date notwithstanding such 
conversion.  Shares of Series A Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion 
during the period from the close of business on any record date with respect to 
the payment of a dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock next preceding any 
Dividend Due Date to the opening of business on such Dividend Due Date shall 
(except in the case of shares of Series A Preferred Stock which have been called
for redemption on a redemption date within such period) be accompanied by 
payment in next-day funds or other funds acceptable to the Corporation of an 
amount equal to the dividend payable on such Dividend Due Date on the shares of 
Series A Preferred Stock being surrendered for conversion.  The dividend with 
respect to a share of Series A Preferred Stock called for redemption on a 
redemption date during the period from the close of business on any record date 
with respect to the payment of a dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock next 
preceding any Dividend Due Date to the opening of business on such Dividend Due 
Date shall be payable on such 


                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
Dividend Due Date to the holder of record of such share of such dividend record 
date notwithstanding the conversion of such share of Series A Preferred Stock 
after such record date and prior to such Dividend due Date, and the holder 
converting such share of Series A Preferred Stock need not include a payment of 
such dividend amount upon surrender of such share of Series A Preferred Stock 
for conversion. Except as provided in this paragraph, no payment or adjustment 
shall be made upon any conversion on account of any dividends accrued on shares 
of Series A Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion or on account of any 
dividends on the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion.

          (d) No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon 
conversion of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock. If more than one share of 
Series A Preferred Stock is surrendered at one time by the same holder, the 
number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall be 
computed on the basis of the aggregate number of shares so surrendered. If the 
conversion of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock results in a fractional 
share of Common Stock, the Corporation shall pay cash in lieu thereof in an 
amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the closing price, as defined in 
subsection (vi) of Paragraph 5(e) below, on the date on which the shares of 
Series A Preferred Stock were duly surrendered for conversion, or if such date 
is not a trading date, on the next succeeding trading date.

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
          (e)  The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time as 
follows:

               (i)  In case the Corporation shall pay or make a dividend or 
other distribution on shares of Common Stock in Common Stock, the Conversion 
Price in effect at the opening of business on the date following the date fixed 
for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such dividend or other
distribution shall be reduced by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction
of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination and the 
denominator shall be the sum of such number of shares and the total number of 
shares constituting such dividend or other distribution, such reduction to 
become effective immediately after the opening of business on the date following
the date fixed for such determination. For purposes of this subsection, the 
number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall include shares 
issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares 
of Common Stock. 

               (ii) In case the Corporation shall issue rights or warrants to 
all holders of its Common Stock entitling them to subscribe for or purchase 
shares of Common Stock at a price per share less than the current market price 
per share (determined as provided in subsection (vi) below) of the Common Stock 
on the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such
rights or warrants (other than pursuant 

                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
to a dividend reinvestment plan), the Conversion Price in effect at the opening 
of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination shall be 
reduced by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction of which the 
numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close
of business on the date fixed for such determination plus the number of shares 
of Common Stock which the aggregate of the offering price of the total number of
shares of Common Stock so offered for subscription or purchase would purchase at
such current market price and the denominator shall be the number of shares of 
Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such 
determination plus the number of shares of Common Stock so offered for 
subscription or purchase, such reduction to become effective immediately after 
the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such 
determination. For the purposes of this subsection (ii), the number of shares of
Common Stock at anytime outstanding shall include shares issuable in respect of 
scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock.

                (iii)  In case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be 
subdivided into a greater number of shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price
in effect at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which 
such subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately reduced, and, 
conversely, in case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be combined into a 
smaller number of shares of Common Stock, the 

                                     -17-

<PAGE>
 
Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the day following the 
day upon which such combination becomes effective shall be proportionately 
increased, such reduction or increase, as the case may be, to become effective 
immediately after the opening of business on the day following the day upon 
which such subdivision or combination becomes effective.

                (iv)  In case the Corporation shall, by dividend or otherwise, 
distribute to all holders of its Common Stock evidences of its indebtedness or 
assets (including securities, but excluding any rights or warrants referred to 
in subsection (ii) above, any dividend or distribution paid in cash out of the 
retained earnings of the Corporation and any dividend or distribution referred 
to in subsection (i) above), the Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the 
same shall equal the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in 
effect immediately prior to the close of business on the date fixed for the 
determination of shareholders entitled to receive such distribution by a 
fraction of which the numerator shall be the current market price per share 
(determined as provided in subsection (vi) below) of the Common Stock on the 
date fixed for such determination less the then fair market value (as determined
by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive and shall be 
described in a statement filed with the Transfer Agent) of the portion of the 
evidences of indebtedness or assets so distributed applicable to one share of 
Common Stock and the denominator shall be such current market price per share

                                     -18-

<PAGE>
 
of the Common Stock, such adjustment to become effective immediately prior to 
the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for the 
determination of shareholders entitled to receive such distribution.
              (v)    The reclassification of Common Stock into securities other 
than Common Stock (other than any reclassification upon a consolidation or 
merger to which Paragraph 5(g) below applies) shall be deemed to involve (A) a 
distribution of such securities other than Common Stock to all holders of Common
Stock (and the effective date of such reclassification shall be deemed to be 
"the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such 
distribution" within the meaning of subsection (iv) above), and (B) a 
subdivision or combination, as the case may be, of the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such reclassification into the
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately thereafter (and the
effective date of such reclassification shall be deemed to be "the day upon
which such subdivision or combination becomes effective" within the meaning of
subsection (iii) above). 
              (vi)   For the purpose of any computation under subsections 
(ii) and (iv) above, the current market price per share of Common Stock on any 
day shall be deemed to be the average of the daily closing prices for the ten 
consecutive trading days selected by the Board of Directors commencing not more 
than 20 trading days before and ending not later than the

                                     -19-

<PAGE>
 
day in question.  The closing price for each day shall be the reported last sale
price regular way or, in case no such reported sale takes place on such day, the
average of the reported closing bid and asked prices regular way, in either case
on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted
to trading on such Exchange, on the principal national securities exchange on 
which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if not listed or 
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, on the National 
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation National Market System or,
if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national 
securities exchange or quoted on such National Market System, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices in the over-the-counter market as furnished by any 
New York Stock Exchange member firm selected from time to time by the Board of 
Directors for that purpose.
              (vii)  No adjustment in the Conversion Price for the Series A 
Preferred Shares shall be required unless such adjustment would require and 
increase or decrease of at least 1% in such price; provided, however, that any 
adjustments which by reason of this paragraph (vii) are not required to be made 
shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.  
All calculations under this Section shall be made to the nearest cent or to the 
nearest one-hundredth of a share, as the case may be.

                                     -20-
<PAGE>
 
              (f)    Whenever the Conversion Price shall be adjusted as herein 
provided (i) the Corporation shall forthwith make available at the office of the
Transfer Agent for the Series A Preferred Stock a statement describing in 
reasonable detail the adjustment, the facts requiring such adjustment and the 
method of calculation used; and (ii) the Corporation shall cause to be mailed by
first class mail, postage prepaid, as soon as practicable to each holder of 
record of shares of Series A Preferred Stock a notice stating that the 
Conversion Price has been adjusted and setting forth the adjusted Conversion 
Price.
              (g)    In the case of any consolidation or merger to which the 
Corporation is a party and as a result of which holders of Common Stock shall be
entitled to receive securities, cash or other property with respect to or in 
exchange for such Common Stock, or in case of any sale or conveyance to another 
corporation of the property of the Corporation as an entirety or substantially 
as an entirety, or in case of any reclassification or change in outstanding 
shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from par value to 
no par value or from no par value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision 
or combination of the Common Stock), there will be no adjustment of the 
Conversion Price but the holder of each share of Series A Preferred Stock then 
outstanding will have the right thereafter to convert such share into the kind 
and amount of securities, cash or other property which such holder would have 
owned or have been entitled to receive immediately after such consolidation or

                                     -21-
<PAGE>
 
merger, sale or conveyance or reclassification or change had such share been
converted immediately prior to the effective date of such consolidation or 
merger, sale or conveyance or reclassification or change. The adjustments 
described in this paragraph shall be subject to further adjustments as 
appropriate paragraph shall be subject to further adjustments as appropriate 
that shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the relevant 
adjustments provided for in Paragraph 5(e) and this paragraph 5(g).  If, in the 
case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, the stock or other 
securities and property receivable thereupon by a holder of shares of Common 
Stock includes shares of stock, securities or other property or assets 
(including cash) of an entity other than the successor or acquiring entity, as 
the case may be, in such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, then the 
Corporation shall enter into an agreement with such other entity for the benefit
of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock that shall contain such provisions
to protect the interests of such holders as the Board of Directors shall 
reasonably consider necessary by reason of the foregoing. The provisions of this
Paragraph 5(g) shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, 
sales, exchanges, reclassifications or changes. 
             (h)  The Corporation shall pay any taxes that may be payable in 
respect of the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of shares of
Series A Preferred Stock, but the Corporation shall not be required to pay any
taxes which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance
of


                                     -22-
<PAGE>
 
shares of Common Stock in any name other than that in which the shares of Series
A Preferred Stock so converted are registered, and the Corporation shall not be 
required to issue or deliver any such shares unless and until the person 
requesting such issuance shall have paid to the Corporation the amount of any 
such taxes, or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Corporation 
that such taxes have been paid.

               (i)  The Corporation may make such reductions in the Conversion 
Price, in addition to those required by subsections (i) through (iv) of 
Paragraph 5(e) above, as it considers to be advisable in order that any event 
treated for federal income tax purposes as a dividend of stock or stock rights 
shall not be taxable to the recipients.

               (j)  The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep 
available out of its authorized but unissued Common Stock the full number of 
shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of all shares of Series A 
Preferred Stock then outstanding.

               (k)  In the event that:

                    (i)  the Corporation shall declare a dividend or any other 
          distribution of its Common Stock, payable otherwise than in cash out
          of retained earnings; or


                    (ii)  the Corporation shall authorize the granting to the 
          holders of its Common Stock of rights to subscribe for or purchase any
          shares of capital stock of any class or of any other rights; or

                                     -23-
<PAGE>
 
              (iii)  the Corporation shall propose to effect any consolidation 
       of the Corporation with or merger of the Corporation with or into any
       other corporation or a sale of the assets of the Corporation
       substantially as an entirety which would result in an adjustment under
       Paragraph 5(g);

the Corporation shall cause to be mailed to the holders of record of Series A 
Preferred Stock at least 20 days prior to the applicable date hereinafter 
specified a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the
purpose of such dividend, distribution or rights or, if a record is not to be 
taken, the date as of which the holders of Common Stock of record to be entitled
to such dividend, distribution or rights are to be determined or (y) the date on
which such consolidation, merger or sale is expected to become effective, and 
the date as of which it is expected that holders of Common Stock of record shall
be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock for securities or other 
property deliverable upon such consolidation, merger or sale.  Failure to give 
such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of
such dividend, distribution, consolidation, merger or sale.

  (6)  Voting Rights.  Other than as required by applicable law, the Series A
       -------------
Preferred Stock shall not have any voting powers either general or special, 
except that:

              (a)    Unless the vote or consent of the holders of a greater 
       number of shares shall then be required by

                                     -24-
<PAGE>
 
       law, the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all of the
       shares of the Series A Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, given in
       person or by proxy, either in writing or by a vote at a meeting called
       for the purpose at which the holders of shares of Series A Preferred
       Stock shall vote together as a separate class, shall be necessary to (i)
       authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized or issued amount
       of, any class or series of stock ranking prior to the Series A Preferred
       Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets
       upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, (ii) authorize, create or
       issue, or increase the authorized or issued amount of, any class or
       series of stock (including any class or series of Preferred Stock) which
       ranks on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends and
       upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up ("Parity Stock") unless the
       Articles of Incorporation creating or authorizing such class or series
       provide that if in any case the stated dividends or amounts payable upon
       liquidation, dissolution or winding up are not paid in full on the Series
       A Preferred Stock and all outstanding shares of Parity Stock, the shares
       of all Parity Stock shall share ratably in the payment of dividends,
       including accumulations (if any) in accordance with the sums

                                     -25-
<PAGE>
 
       which would be payable on all Parity Stock if all dividends in respect of
       all shares of Parity Stock were paid in full, and on any distribution of
       assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up ratably in accordance
       with the sums which would be payable in respect of all shares of Parity
       Stock if all sums payable were discharged in full, or (iii) amend, alter
       or repeal the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, whether by
       merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely
       affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of such shares of
       Series A Preferred Stock or the holders thereof; provided, however, that
       any increase in the amount of the authorized Preferred Stock or any
       outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any other capital stock of the
       Corporation, or the creation and issuance of other series of Preferred
       Stock including Series A Preferred Stock, or of any other capital stock
       of the Corporation, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to
       the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and
       the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
       shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights,
       preferences, privileges or voting powers.

                                     -26-
<PAGE>
 
     (b)  Whenever, at any time or times, dividends payable on the shares of 
Series A Preferred Stock shall be in arrears in an amount equal to at least six 
full quarterly dividends, whether or not consecutive, on shares of the Series A 
Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, the holders of the outstanding shares 
of Series A Preferred Stock shall have the exclusive right, voting separately as
a class together with all other series of cumulative Preferred Stock upon which 
like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, to elect two 
directors of the Corporation at the Corporation's next annual meeting of 
shareholders and at each subsequent annual meeting of shareholders. At elections
for such directors, each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to
one vote for each share held. Upon the vesting of such right of the holders of 
Series A Preferred Stock, the maximum authorized number of members of the Board 
of Directors shall automatically be increased by two. The rights of the holders 
of the Series A Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class (either alone or 
together with the holders of shares of all other series of cumulative Preferred 
Stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) to 
elect members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation as aforesaid shall 
continue until such time.

                                     -27-
<PAGE>
 
           as all dividends accumulated on the Series A Preferred Stock shall
           have been paid in full, at which time such right shall terminate,
           except as herein or by law expressly provided, subject to revesting
           in the event of each and every subsequent default of the character
           above mentioned.

                (c)   Each director elected pursuant to Paragraph (b) shall
           continue to serve as such director for the full term for which he
           shall have been elected, notwithstanding that prior to the end of
           such term all dividends accumulated on the Series A Preferred Stock
           shall have been paid in full. If the office of any director elected
           by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock voting as a class becomes
           vacant by reason of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification,
           removal from office, or otherwise, the remaining director elected by
           the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock voting as a class may
           choose a successor who shall hold office for the unexpired term in
           respect of which such vacancy occurred. Whenever the term of office
           of the directors elected by and the special voting powers vested in
           the holders of Series A Preferred Stock as provided in this Section
           shall have expired, the number of directors shall be such number as
           may be provided for in the Articles of Incorporation


                                     -28-
<PAGE>
 
           or Bylaws irrespective of any increase made pursuant to the 
           provisions of this section.
     (7)   Reacquired Shares.  Shares of Series A Preferred Stock converted, 
           -----------------
redeemed, or otherwise purchased or acquired by the Corporation shall be
restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock
without designation as to series.
     (8)   No Sinking Fund.  Shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not subject 
           ---------------
to the operation of a sinking fund.


                                   ARTICLE V

     The number of directors of the Corporation may be fixed by the Bylaws, but 
shall not be less than three.  The Board of Directors shall be divided into 
three classes each class to be as nearly equal in number as possible.  At each 
annual meeting of the stockholders, the successors of the directors of the class
whose terms expire in that year shall be elected to hold office for the term of 
three years, so that the term of office of one class of directors shall expire 
each year.  Directors may be removed from office, prior to the expiration of 
their term, only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 
not less than a majority of the shares of stock outstanding and entitled to vote
for the election of directors.  Notwithstanding any other provision of these 
Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation (and in addition to 
any other vote that may be required by law, these Articles of Incorporation or 
the


                                     -29-
<PAGE>
 
Bylaws of the Corporation), the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than
two-thirds of all the shares of stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereon 
shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal this Article V of these 
Articles of Incorporation.


                                  ARTICLE VI

     In addition to the general powers granted corporations under the laws of
the State of North Carolina, the Corporation shall have full power and authority
to do the following:

     (d)   To acquire, by purchase or otherwise, the goodwill, business,
property rights, franchises and assets of every kind, with or without
undertaking either wholly or in part the liabilities, of any person, firm,
association or corporation; and to acquire any property or business as a going
concern or otherwise (i) by purchase of the assets thereof wholly or in part,
(ii) by acquisition of the shares of any part thereof, or (iii) in any other
manner, and to pay for the same in cash or in shares or bonds or other evidences
of indebtedness of the Corporation, or otherwise; to hold, maintain and operate,
or in any manner dispose of, the whole or any part of the goodwill, business,
rights and property so acquired, and to conduct in any lawful manner the whole
or any part of any business so acquired; and to exercise all the powers
necessary or convenient in and about the management of such business.


                                     -30-
<PAGE>
 
     (e)   To subscribe or cause to be subscribed for, and to take, purchase and
otherwise acquire, own, hold, use, sell, assign, transfer, exchange, distribute 
and otherwise dispose of, the whole or any part of the shares of the capital 
stock, bonds, coupons, mortgage, deeds of trust, debentures, securities, 
obligations, evidences of indebtedness, notes, goodwill, rights, assets and 
property of any and every kind, or any part thereof, of any other corporation or
corporations, association or associations, firm or firms, or person or persons, 
together with shares, rights, units or interest in, or in respect of, any trust 
estate, now or hereafter existing, and whether created by the laws of the State 
of North Carolina or any other state, territory or country; and to operate, 
manage and control such properties, or any of them either in the name of the 
Corporation, and while the owners of any of said shares of capital stock to 
exercise all the rights, powers and privileges of ownership of every kind and 
description, including the right to vote thereon, with power to designate some 
person or persons for that purpose from time to time, and to the same extent as 
natural persons might or could do.
     (f)   To promote or aid in any manner, financially or otherwise, any 
person, firm, corporation or association of which any shares of stock, bonds, 
notes, debentures or other securities or evidences of indebtedness are held 
directly or indirectly by the Corporation, and for this purpose to guarantee the
contracts,


                                     -31-
<PAGE>
 
dividends, shares, bonds, debentures, notes and other obligations of such other 
persons, firms, corporations or associations; and to do any other act or things 
designed to protect, preserve, improve or enhance the value of such shares, 
bonds, notes, debentures or other securities or evidences of indebtedness.
     (g)   To acquire by purchase, subscription, exchange, or in any other 
lawful manner, and to hold, receive, use, mortgage, pledge, sell, assign, 
transfer, exchange, dispose of, and otherwise deal in and with securities (which
term, for the purpose of this Article VI, includes, without limitation of the 
generality thereof, shares of stock, other shares, bonds, debentures, notes, 
mortgages, or other obligations, and certificates, receipts, warrants, or other 
instruments representing rights or options to receive, purchase or subscribe for
any of the same, or representing any other rights or interests therein or in any
property or assets) created or issued by any persons, firms, associations, 
trusts, partnerships, corporations, joint ventures, syndicates, or governments 
or subdivisions thereof; to pay for securities (as defined in this Article VI) 
(i) in cash, (ii) by exchange of shares of stock, bonds or other evidences of 
indebtedness of the Corporation for such securities acquired, (iii) in cash and 
by such exchange of shares of stock, bonds or evidences of indebtedness, or (iv)
in any other lawful manner; and to exercise, as owner or holder of any such 
securities as herein defined, any and all rights, powers and privileges in 
respect thereof.

                                     -32-
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
     No holder of: (a) any shares of stock of any class of the Corporation, 
common or preferred, or (b) any options, rights or warrants to purchase any 
stock, or (c) any shares or obligations convertible into shares of any class 
shall be entitled as of right as such holder to purchase or to subscribe for any
unissued shares of any class nor any increased shares to be issued by reason of 
any increase in the authorized capital stock of the Corporation, or any bonds, 
certificates of indebtedness, debentures, or other securities convertible into 
shares of stock of the Corporation or carrying any right to purchase shares of 
stock of any class, whether now or hereafter authorized; and no such holder 
shall have any preemptive or preferential right to purchase or to subscribe for 
any unissued, additional or increased shares or any such bonds, certificates of 
indebtedness, debentures or other securities; but any such unissued, additional 
or increased shares of stock, and any such bonds, certificates of indebtedness, 
debentures or other securities convertible into shares of stock or carrying any 
right to purchase shares may be issued, sold, exchanged or disposed of from time
to time by authority of the Board of Directors of the Corporation to such 
persons, firms, or corporations and for such consideration and upon such terms 
as the Board of Directors in the exercise of its discretion shall from time to 
time determine and deem advisable.


                                     -33-
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE VIII
     The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall have power by vote of a 
majority of the directors then holding office and without the assent or vote of 
the shareholders to adopt, make, alter, amend and rescind the Bylaws of the 
Corporation.

                                  ARTICLE IX
     To the fullest extent permitted by the North Carolina Business Corporation 
Act, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of the 
Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation, its shareholders 
or otherwise for monetary damage for breach of his duty as a director.  Any 
repeal or modification of this Article IX shall be prospective only and shall 
not adversely affect any limitation on the personal liability of a director of 
the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.


                                     -34-
<PAGE>
 
                STATE OF  [SEAL OF NORTH CAROLINA APPEARS HERE]
                  NORTH                       Department of The
                   CAROLINA                  Secretary of State

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


          To all whom these presents shall come, Greetings:

          I, ELAINE F. MARSHALL, Secretary of State of the State of
       North Carolina, do hereby certify the following and hereto
       attached to be a true copy of


                             ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT

                                      OF

                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION

       the original of which was filed in this office on the 14th day of
       January, 1997.




                                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
                                 my hand and affixed my official seal at 
                                 the City of Raleigh, this 14th day of 
                                 January, 1997.

   [SEAL OF THE STATE
   OF NORTH CAROLINA
   APPEARS HERE]                 /s/ Elaine F. Marshall

                                         Secretary of State
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                             ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
                WITH RESPECT TO THE SERIES B JUNIOR PARTICIPANT
               PREFERRED STOCK OF SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION

                  (Pursuant to Sections 55-6-02 and 55-10-06
               of the North Carolina Business Corporations Act)

     Southern National Corporation, a North Carolina corporation (the 
"Corporation"), hereby submits these Articles of Amendment for the purpose of 
amending its Articles of Incorporation to determine the preferences, 
limitations, and relative rights (within the limits set forth in Section 55-6-01
of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act) of a new series of Preferred 
Stock, par value $5 per share:

         (1) The name of the Corporation is Southern National Corporation.

         (2) Pursuant to authority granted by Article IV of the Amended and 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation and in accordance with the
provisions of Section 55-6-02 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act,
the Board of Directors of the Corporation duly adopted on December 17, 1996, the
following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation:

     1. Designation and Amount. The shares of such series shall be designated as
        ----------------------
     "Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock" and the number of shares
     constituting such series initially shall be 2,000,000. Such number of
     shares may be increased or decreased by the Board of Directors; provided,
                                                                     --------
     that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares of Series B Junior
     Participating Preferred Stock to a number less than the number of shares
     then outstanding plus the number of shares reserved for issuance upon the
     exercise of outstanding options, rights or warrants or upon the
     conversion of any outstanding securities issued by the Corporation
     convertible into Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock.

          2. Dividends and Distributions.
             ---------------------------

          (a) Subject to the prior and superior rights of the holders of any 
shares of any series of Preferred Stock ranking prior and superior to the shares
of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock with 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-



respect to dividends, the holders of shares of Series B Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, in preference to the holders of Common Stock, par value $5 
per share, of the Corporation (the "Common Stock") and of any other junior 
stock, shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of 
Directors out of funds legally available for the purpose, quarterly dividends
payable in cash on the first day of February, May, August and November in each
year (each such date being referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date"), commencing on the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after the first 
issuance of a share or fraction of a share of Series B Junior Participating 
Preferred Stock, in an amount per share (rounded to the nearest cent) equal to 
the greater of (a) $1.00 or (b) subject to the provision for adjustment 
hereinafter set forth, 100 times the aggregate per share amount of all cash 
dividends, and 100 times the aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of all
non-cash dividends or other distributions, other than a dividend payable in 
shares of Common Stock or a subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common 
Stock (by reclassification or otherwise), declared on the Common Stock since the
immediately preceding Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, or , with respect to the
first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance of any share or
fraction of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock.  In the 
event the Corporation shall on or at any time after December 17, 1996 (the 
"Rights Declaration Date") (i) declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in
shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii)
combine or consolidate the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller 
number of shares, then in each such case the amount to which holders of shares
of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock were entitled immediately prior
to such event under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by
multiplying such amount by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the
denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock that were
outstanding immediately prior to such event.

          (b)  The Corporation shall declare a dividend or distribution on the 
Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock as provided in paragraph (a) above
immediately after it declares a dividend or distribution on the Common Stock 
(other than a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock); provided that,
subject to the requirements of applicable law and the Articles of

<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

Incorporation, in the event no dividend or distribution shall have been declared
on the Common Stock during the period between any Quarterly Dividend Payment 
Date and the next subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of 
$1.00 per share on the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall 
nevertheless be payable on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.

           (c) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on outstanding 
shares of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock from the Quarterly 
Dividend Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such shares of Series 
B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, unless the date of issue of such shares 
is prior to the record date for the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in 
which case dividends on such shares shall begin to accrue from the date of issue
of such shares, or unless the date of issue is a Quarterly Dividend Payment Date
or is a date after the record date for the determination of holders of shares of
Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock entitled to receive a quarterly
dividend and before such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in either of which
events such dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative from such
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date. Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear
interest. Dividends paid on the shares of Series B Junior Participating
Preferred Stock in an amount less than the total amount of such dividends at the
time accrued and payable on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a share-
by-share basis among all such shares at the time outstanding. The Board of
Directors may fix a record date for the determination of holders of shares of
Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock entitled to receive payment of a
dividend or distribution declared thereon, which record date shall be no more
than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the payment thereof.

     3.    Voting Rights. The holders of shares of Series B Junior Participating
           -------------
Preferred Stock shall have the following voting rights:

           (a) Subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, 
each share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall entitle the 
holder thereof to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the 
shareholders of the Corporation. In the event the Corporation shall at any time 
on or after the Rights Declaration Date (i) declare any dividend on Common 


<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common 
Stock, or (iii) combine or consolidate the outstanding Common Stock into a 
smaller number of shares, then in each such case the number of votes per share 
to which holders of shares of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock were
entitled immediately prior to such event shall be adjusted by multiplying such 
number by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common 
Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is 
the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to 
such event.

           (b) Except as otherwise provided herein, in any other amendment to 
the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation or by law, the holders of 
shares of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock and the holders of 
shares of Common Stock shall vote together as one group on all matters submitted
to a vote of shareholders of the Corporation.

           (c) Except as set forth herein, holders of Series B Junior 
Participating Preferred Stock shall have no special voting rights and their 
consent shall not be required (except to the extent they are entitled to vote 
with holders of Common Stock as set forth herein) for taking any corporate 
action.

     4.    Certain Restrictions.
           --------------------

           (a) Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or distributions 
payable on the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock as provided in 
Section 2 are in arrears, thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends 
and distributions, whether or not declared, on shares of Series B Junior 
Participating Preferred Stock outstanding shall have been paid in full, the 
Corporation shall not:

                 (i)    declare or pay dividends on, redeem or purchase or 
     otherwise acquire for consideration, or make any other distributions on any
     shares of stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation,
     dissolution or winding up) to the Series B Junior Participating Preferred
     Stock:

                 (ii)   declare or pay dividends on, redeem or purchase or 
     otherwise acquire for consideration, or make any other distributions on 

<PAGE>
 
                                     - 5 -

          any shares of stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or
          upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Series B Junior
          Participating Preferred Stock, provided that there may be declared and
          paid ratably dividends on the Series B Junior Participating Preferred
          Stock and all such parity stock on which dividends are payable or in
          arrears in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all
          such shares are then entitled; and provided further that the
          Corporation may at any time redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire
          shares of any such parity stock in exchange for shares of any stock of
          the Corporation ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon
          dissolution, liquidation or winding up) to the Series B Junior
          Participating Preferred Stock;

                    (iii)  purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any
          shares of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, or redeem or
          purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of stock ranking on a parity
          with the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, except in
          accordance with a purchase offer made in writing or by publication (as
          determined by the Board of Directors) to all holders of such shares
          upon such terms as the Board of Directors, after consideration of the
          respective annual dividend rates and other relative rights and
          preferences of the respective series and classes, shall determine in
          good faith will result in fair and equitable treatment among the
          respective series or classes.

               (b)  The Corporation shall not permit any subsidiary of the 
Corporation (for the account of such subsidiary) to purchase or otherwise 
acquire for consideration any shares of stock of the Corporation unless the 
Corporation could, under paragraph (a) of this Section 4, purchase or otherwise 
acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.

               (c)  No dividend shall be declared and paid, or set apart for 
payment on, any share of the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock or 
any share of any other series of Preferred Stock or any share of any class of 
stock, or series thereof, ranking on a parity with this Series as to dividends, 
for any dividend period unless at the same time a like proportionate dividend 
for the same dividend period, ratably in 
<PAGE>
 
                                     - 6 -



proportion to the respective dividends applicable thereto, shall be declared and
paid, or set apart for payment on, all shares of this Series and all shares of 
all other series of Preferred Stock and all shares of any class, or series
thereof, ranking on a parity with this Series as to dividends, then issued and
outstanding and entitled to receive dividends.

        5.  Reacquired Shares.  Any shares of Series B Junior Participating 
            -----------------
Preferred Stock purchased or otherwise acquired by the Corporation in any manner
whatsoever shall be retired and cancelled promptly after the acquisition 
thereof.  All such shares shall upon their cancellation become authorized but 
unissued shares of Preferred Stock and may be reissued as part of a new series 
of Preferred Stock, subject to the conditions and restrictions on issuance set
forth herein, in the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (including
Articles of Amendment duly adopted in accordance with the North Carolina
Business Corporation Act), creating a series of Preferred Stock or any similar
stock, or as otherwise required by law.

        6.  Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.
            --------------------------------------

            (a)  Upon any liquidation (voluntary or otherwise), dissolution or 
winding up of the Corporation, no distribution shall be made to the holders of 
shares of stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, 
dissolution or winding up) to the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock 
unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of Series B Junior Participating 
Preferred Stock shall have received $100 per share, plus an amount equal to 
accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon, whether or not declared,
to the date of such payment (the "Series B Liquidation Preference").  Following 
the payment of the full amount of the Series B Liquidation Preference, no 
additional distributions shall be made to the holders of shares of Series B 
Junior Participating Preferred Stock unless, prior thereto, the holders of 
shares of Common Stock shall have received an amount per share (the "Common 
Adjustment") equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Series B 
Liquidation Preference by (ii) 100 (as appropriately adjusted as set forth in 
subparagraph (c) below to reflect such events as stock splits, stock dividends 
and recapitalizations with respect to the Common Stock) (such number in clause 
(ii), the "Adjustment Number").  Following the payment of the full amount of the
Series B Liquidation Preference and the Common Adjustment in respect to all
<PAGE>
 
                                     - 7 -



outstanding shares of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock and Common 
Stock, respectively, holders of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock 
and holders of shares of Common Stock shall receive their ratable and 
proportionate share of the remaining assets to be distributed in the ratio of 
the Adjustment Number to one (1) respect to such Preferred Stock and Common 
Stock, on a per share basis, respectively.

            (b)  In the event, however, that there are not sufficient assets 
available to permit payment in full of the Series B Liquidation Preference and 
the liquidation preferences of all other series of Preferred Stock, if any, 
which rank on a parity with the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, 
then such remaining assets shall be distributed ratably to the holders of such 
parity shares in proportion to their respective liquidation preferences.  In the
event that there are not sufficient assets available to permit payment in full 
of the Common Adjustment, then such remaining assets shall be distributed 
ratably to the holders of Common Stock.

            (c)  In the event the Corporation shall at any time on or after the 
Rights Declaration Date (i) declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in 
shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii) 
combine the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, then in 
each such case the Adjustment Number in effect immediately prior to such event 
shall be adjusted by multiplying such Adjustment Number by a fraction the 
numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding 
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of 
shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

            (d)  Neither the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially 
all of the property or business of the Corporation, nor the merger, 
consolidation or statutory share exchange of the Corporation into or with any 
other corporation or the merger, consolidation or statutory share exchange of 
any other corporation into or with the Corporation, shall be deemed to be a 
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, voluntary or involuntary, for the 
purposes of this Paragraph 6.

        7.  Statutory Share Exchange, Merger Consolidation, etc.  In case the
            ---------------------------------------------------
Corporation shall enter into any statutory share exchange, merger, 
consolidation, combination or other transaction in which

<PAGE>
 
                                     - 8 -



the shares of Common Stock are exchanged for or changed into other stock 
securities, cash and/or any other property, then in any such case the shares of 
Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall at the same time be 
similarly exchanged or changed in an amount per share (subject to the provision 
for adjustment hereinafter set forth) equal to 100 times the aggregate amount of
stock, securities, cash and/or any other property (payable in kind), as the case
may be, into which or for which each share of Common Stock is changed or 
exchanged.  In the event the Corporation shall at any time on or after the 
Rights Declaration Date (i) declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in 
shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii) 
combine or consolidate the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number of 
shares, then in each such case the amount set forth in the preceding sentence 
with respect to the exchange or change of shares of Series B Junior 
Participating Preferred Stock shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a 
fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock 
outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the 
number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such
event.

        8.  No Redemption.  The shares of Series A Junior Participating 
            -------------
Preferred Stock shall not be redeemable.

        9.  Ranking.  The Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock shall 
            -------
rank junior to all other series of the Corporation's Preferred Stock as to the 
payment of dividends and the distribution of assets, unless the terms of any 
such series shall provide otherwise.

        10. Amendment.  The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation shall 
            ---------
not be further amended in any manner which would materially alter or change the 
powers, preferences or special rights of the Series B Junior Participating 
Preferred Stock so as to affect them adversely, except in accordance with the 
provisions of Section 55-10-04 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act, 
or as otherwise permitted by law.

        11. Fractional Shares.  Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock 
            -----------------
may be issued in fractions of a share (which shall be integral multiples of one 
one-hundredth of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock), 
which shall entitle the holder, in proportion to such holder's fractional 
shares, to exercise voting rights, receive dividends,
<PAGE>
 
                                     - 9 -



participate in distributions and to have the benefit of all other rights of 
holders of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock.

                                 *     *     *

        This 10th day of January 1997.

                                        SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION



                                        By: /s/ Kelly S. King
                                           --------------------------
                                           Name:  Kelly S. King
                                           Title: President

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10(b)









                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION


                   NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN



















                             Adopted By Action of

                              Board of Directors

                               December 19, 1991

<PAGE>
 
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
                   NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN

     Southern National Corporation ("SNC"), a North Carolina corporation, whose 
principal office is located at 500 North Chestnut Street, Lumberton, North 
Carolina 28358, hereby adopts this Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan, in
order to provide incentives for highly qualified non-employee directors to 
continue their best efforts on behalf of SNC and to share in the ownership and 
growth of SNC as well as its subsidiaries ("Subsidiaries"). The adoption of this
stock option plan for non-employee directors is, subject to shareholder 
approval, to become effective December 19, 1991.


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

     1.   Purpose.  (a) The purpose of this Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
Plan (the "Plan"), is to promote the interests of Southern National Corporation 
("SNC") and its Subsidiaries, by affording an incentive to non-employee 
directors of SNC to remain on the Board and to use their best efforts on its 
behalf, and further aid SNC and its Subsidiaries in attracting, maintaining, and
developing capable management of a caliber required to insure SNC's continued 
success, through means of an offer to such persons of an opportunity to acquire 
or increase their proprietary interest in SNC through the granting of 
non-qualified options to purchase SNC's Common Stock pursuant to the terms of 
the Plan ("Options").  Such Options are intended not to qualify as incentive 
stock options within the meaning of (S) 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986, as amended, (the "Code") and shall be so construed.

     (b)   Consistent with the purpose of the Plan as recited herein, there are 
certain income tax considerations that will result by the election to receive 
Options under this Plan in lieu of Board compensation otherwise receivable by 
directors of SNC.  Under current Treasury Regulations neither the election to 
receive Options in lieu of cash compensation nor the actual grant of Options 
will result in the receipt of taxable income by the Participant or the allowance
of a deduction by SNC for income tax purposes.  However, Participants who 
receive Options in lieu of cash compensation will realize ordinary income at the
tine of exercise of any Option in an amount measured by the excess of the market
value of the Option shares on the date of exercise over the Option price.  To 
the extent that any Participant realizes such ordinary income, SNC will be 
entitled to a corresponding deduction for income tax purposes, at that time.

     2.    Definitions.  The singular shall include the plural and vice-versa, 
and the use of one gender shall be deemed to include the other whenever 
appropriate.

     a.    Non-Employee Director.  Shall mean any active member of

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
          the Board of Directors of Southern National Corporation, who at the
          time a grant of Options is made under this Plan is not an employee of
          SNC or any Subsidary thereof. A director emeritus shall not be
          considered as an active Board member for purposes of this definition.

     b.   Beneficiary. Any person (including a trust) who may, under any Non-
          Employee Director's will or under the laws of descent and
          distribution, succeed to the Non-Employee Director's right to exercise
          any Option by reason of the person's death.
          
     c.   Option. Non-Employee Director's right to purchase one or more shares
          of SNC Common Stock, as granted and determined in accordance with
          provision of this Plan.

     d.   Option Price. The amount to be paid by a Non-Employee Director for the
          purchase of shares of SNC Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of an
          Option, as determined pursuant to paragraph 8, hereof.

     e.   Participant. Any Non-Employee Director of SNC who becomes eligible to
          participate in this Plan under paragraph 6, hereof.

     f.   Legal Disability. Legal Disability shall mean that because of injury
          or sickness, the Participant cannot perform each of the material
          duties of his regular occupation and can not perform his functions as
          an active Board member.

     g.   SNC Common Stock. Southern National Corporation's $5 par value common
          stock registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act")
          specifically for purposes of this Plan.

     h.   Board. The Board shall mean the Board of Directors of Southern
          National Corporation.

     3.   Shares Subject to the Plan.  (a)  The shares of SNC Common Stock to
be delivered upon exercise of Options granted under the Plan shall be made 
available, at the discretion of the Board of Directors of SNC, from the 
authorized, unissued and registered shares of SNC's $5.00 par value Common 
Stock. Such stock shall be the subject of a registration statement to be filed 
on Form S-8 or other appropriate registration statement form, by SNC with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission"), and applicable state 
securities regulators, and which is anticipated to be made effective thereafter.
Further, the Board of Directors shall have the authority to take any action 
related to this Plan which may be required in connection with the registration
of the SNC Common Stock as well as the listing of such stock upon the New York 
Stock

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Exchange, the principal exchange for the trading of SNC's common stock.

     (b) Subject to adjustments made pursuant to provisions of paragraph 12, the
aggregate number of shares which may be issued upon exercise of all Options 
which may be granted under this Plan shall not exceed 400,000 shares SNC Common 
Stock.

     (c) In the event that any Option granted under the Plan expires or 
terminates for any reason whatsoever without having been exercised in full, the 
shares subject to, but not delivered under such Option, shall become available 
for other Options to the same Participant or other Non-Employee Directors 
without decreasing the aggregate number of shares which may be granted under the
Plan or, shall be available for any other lawful corporate purpose.

     (d) All Options shall be granted on the condition that the Participant 
shall not resell any SNC Common Stock purchased by the exercise of an Option 
except in compliance with all applicable state and federal securities laws and 
regulations. Each Participant shall, prior to any transfer of SNC Common Stock 
purchased through the exercise of an Option, advise SNC of the proposed transfer
and demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Board, that such transfer is in 
compliance with such laws and regulations.

     4. Option Agreements. (a) Each Option granted under the Plan shall be 
evidenced by an Option Agreement which shall be signed by a duly authorized 
officer of SNC and by the Participant, and which shall contain such provisions 
as may be approved by the Committee (as defined in paragraph 5).

     (b) The Option Agreements shall constitute binding contracts between SNC 
and the Participant, and upon acceptance of any such Option Agreement, each 
party shall be bound by the terms and restrictions of this Plan and of the 
Option Agreements. Any Option Agreement utilized for the purpose of granting 
Options to Participants under this Plan shall specify that such Options are 
non-qualified stock options and they are not intended to qualify as incentive 
stock options within the meaning of (S) 422 of the Code, as amended, and shall 
be so construed.

     (c) The terms of the Option Agreements shall be in accordance with this 
Plan, but may include additional provisions and restrictions, provided that the 
same are not inconsistent with the Plan.

     5. Administration of the Plan. The Board of Directors is hereby authorized 
to administer the Plan. However, this compensation committee ("Committee"), 
previously appointed by the SNC Board, is hereby delegated by the Board to 
administer this Plan and such Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board
and 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
shall consist of not less than three (3) members of the Board. The Committee 
shall have full power and authority to construe, interpret, and administer the 
Plan and may from time to time adopt such rules and regulations for carrying out
this Plan. Provided further, the Committee shall have exclusive jurisdiction to 
fix such other provisions of the Option Agreement as the Committee may deem 
necessary or desirable consistent with the terms of this Plan, and to determine 
all other questions relating to the administration of the Plan. The 
interpretation of any provisions of this Plan by the Committee shall be final, 
conclusive, and binding upon all persons and the Board shall place into effect 
the determination of the Committee.

     6.  Eligibility.  Any and all active Non-Employee Directors of SNC shall be
eligible to receive Options as Participants. If and when a Non-Employee Director
becomes inactive or becomes a director emeritus, Options previously granted 
pursuant to this Plan shall remain exercisable the same as if the inactive 
director or director emeritus was at all times an active Non-Employee Director. 
At such time as a Non-Employee Director's or a director emeritus's service 
terminates for any reason whatsoever, then that Participant or his heirs and 
successors, shall have the right to exercise any Option granted to that 
Participant for a time period ending on the earlier of (i) the third anniversary
of the Participant's termination; or (ii) the expiration date of the term of the
Option(s) as provided in the Option Agreement. Nothing contained in this Plan 
shall be construed to limit the right of SNC to grant Options otherwise than 
under the Plan for any proper and lawful corporate purpose, including but not 
limited to, Options granted to employee or Non-Employee Directors.

     7.  Terms of the Options.  (a) The Participants' total compensation for 
services as a Non-Employee Director shall consist of a combination of the annual
retainer received by each Board member and the sum of all Board meeting fees 
received by Board members (respectively, "Retainer Fee" and "Meeting Fees"). 
Each Non-Employee Director may elect under this Plan, to defer 0%, 50% or 100% 
of his Retainer Fee for each calendar year for the application of that amount 
towards the grant of Options. In addition, each Non-Employee Director may elect 
under this Plan, to defer 0%, 50% or 100% of his Meeting Fees for each calendar 
year for the application of that amount towards the grant of Options.

(b)  Each Non-Employee Director shall make an irrevocable election in writing on
a form to be approved by the Committee, to receive Options in lieu of all or a 
designated percentage of his Retainer Fee, on or before December 31, of the year
preceding the calendar year for which the Retainer Fee applies. As to the 
deferral of the Meeting Fees, a separate irrevocable election in writing on a 
form approved by the Committee shall be made to receive Options in lieu of all 
or a designated percentage of the Meeting Fees, on or before December 31 of the 
year preceding the calendar year during which

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
the Meeting Fees will be earned.  For purposes of this Plan, Meeting Fees shall 
include all fees or other compensation received for meetings of the Board or 
committees thereof.

(c)  On July 1, following the beginning of the calendar year for which an 
election has been made pursuant to this paragraph 6, Options shall be granted to
any Non-Employer Director for the elected portion of his Retainer Fee for that 
calendar year.  On that same date, Options shall be granted to any Non-Employee 
Director who has so elected, for the elected portion of the Meeting Fees 
actually earned by the Participant in the first six (6) month period of the 
applicable calendar year.  For the second six (6) months of the applicable 
calendar year, Options shall be granted to Non-Employer Directors for the 
elected portion of the second six (6) months' Meeting Fees, on December 31 of
the applicable calendar year. For purposes of this subparagraph 7(c), the
following definitions shall apply in making the above calculations:

     (i)   The elected portion of the Meeting Fees earned in the first six (6)
           months of the calendar year shall be defined as the fraction of the
           Meeting Fees that the Non-Employer Director elected to defer,
           multiplied by the cash attendance fee for each Board meeting,
           multiplied by the number of Board meetings actually attended by that
           director in the first six (6) months of the applicable calendar year;
           and

     (ii)  The elected portion of the Meeting Fees earned in the second six (6)
           months of the calendar year shall be defined as the fraction of the
           Meeting Fees that the Non-Employer Director elected to defer,
           multiplied by the cash attendance fee for each Board meeting,
           multiplied by the number of Board meetings actually attended in the
           second six (6) months of the applicable calendar year.

(d)  For purposes of determining the number of shares to be the subject of 
Options granted in accordance with this Plan, the number of Option shares will 
be equal to the elected portion of the Non-Employee Director's Retainer, the 
elected portion of the Meeting Fees earned in the first six (6) months of the
calendar year and the elected portion of the Meeting Fees earned in the second
six (6) months of the calendar year, divided by 25% of the "Average Market
Value" of SNC's common stock on the date of each grant. The Average Market Value
of SNC's common stock on the date of grant shall be determined by computing the
average of the closing prices of SNC common stock as reported by the New York
Stock Exchange for the thirty (30) consecutive full trading days of SNC's common
stock prior to the actual date of grant.

(e)  Fractional shares of SNC Common Stock shall not be granted under this Plan 
and any remaining amount of elected Retainer Fees


                                       5
<PAGE>
 
and Meeting Fees will be paid to each Non-Employee Director in cash, on the date
or dates Option grants are made in accordance with this Plan.

     8. Option Exercise Price and Term. (a) The price at which shares of SNC 
Common Stock may be purchased under an Option granted pursuant to this Plan
shall be equal to 75% of the market value of SNC's Common Stock on the date of
the grant. Market value of SNC's Common Stock for purposes of determining the
exercise price shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of
subparagraph 7(d) of this Plan.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph 6 hereof, Options granted in accordance with
this Plan may be exercised during the period commencing on a date six (6) months
from the date of grant and ending on the date ten (10) years from the date of 
the grant.

     9. Exercise of Options. (a) No shares shall be delivered pursuant to the 
exercise of any Option until the requirement of such laws and regulations as may
be deemed by the Committee to be applicable to them are satisfied and until 
payment in full in cash, or in SNC Common Stock as provided in subparagraph 
9(b), below, of the Option price for such Options is received by SNC. No 
Participant, or legal representative, or distributee of a Participant shall be 
deemed to be a holder of any shares subject to any Option unless and until the 
certificate or certificates for such shares have been issued and delivered. The 
Participant's rights to exercise any Option is further subject to the terms and 
conditions of the Option Agreement to be entered into by and between SNC or its 
Subsidiaries and the Participant.

     (b) Options may be exercised by payment of the Option price in full (i) in 
cash, (ii) by surrender of SNC common stock having a fair market value as of the
date of exercise, equal to the Option price of SNC Common Stock to be purchased 
or (iii) a combination of cash and SNC common stock. Provided however, any 
Non-Employee Director intending to surrender SNC common stock in full or partial
payment for the Option price shall first obtain prior approval of the Board and 
may not surrender SNC common stock as full or partial payment unless the SNC 
common stock to be surrendered has been beneficially owned by the Non-Employee 
Director for a minimum of six (6) months prior to such surrender.

     (c) In the event there is a "change of control" of SNC within the meaning 
of the Act during the term of the Plan or during the term of Options granted 
pursuant to the Plan, all Options granted under this Plan shall become 
immediately exercisable in full.

     10. Other Terms and Conditions. This Plan shall be governed by and 
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     11. Transferability of Options. An Option granted under the Plan may not be
transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and during 
the lifetime of the Participant to whom granted, may be exercised only by such 
Participant, or the Participant's legal representative in the event the 
participant becomes legally disabled.

     12. Capital Adjustments Effecting Stock. In the event of a capital 
adjustment resulting from a stock dividend, stock split, reorganization, merger,
consolidation, or a combination or exchange of shares, the number of shares of 
SNC Common Stock subject to this Plan and the number of shares under Option 
shall be adjusted consistent with such capital adjustment. The Option price of 
any share under Option shall be adjusted so that there will be no change in the 
aggregate purchase price payable under exercise of any such Option. The granting
of an Option pursuant to this Plan shall not affect in any way the right or 
power of SNC to make adjustments, reorganizations, reclassification, or changes 
of its capital or business structures or to merge consolidate, dissolve, 
liquidate, or sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

     13. Amendments, Suspension, or Termination of the Plan.

     (a) The Board shall have the right, at any time, to amend, suspend or 
terminate the Plan in any respect which it may deem to be in the best interests 
of SNC, provided, however, no amendments shall be made in the Plan without the 
approval of the stockholders of SNC which: (i) materially increase the benefits 
accruing to Participants under the Plan; (ii) materially increase the number of 
securities which may be issued under the Plan; or (iii) materially modify the 
requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan;

     (b) In no event shall any modification effect outstanding Options or any 
unexercised rights thereunder, or in anyway impair the rights of any Option 
holder without his consent; and 

     (c) In no event shall the formula which determines the Option price and 
terms, as set forth in paragraphs 7 and 8 of this Plan, be amended more than
once every six (6) months, other than to comport with changes in the Internal
Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or the rules
thereunder.

     14. Effective Date, Term, and Approval. Subject to approval of the 
stockholders of SNC at the annual meeting to be held on April 22, 1992, or such 
other date to be established by the Board, the Plan shall take effect on 
December 19, 1991, the date the Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors of 
SNC. This Plan will terminate on December 18, 2001 and no Options may be granted
under the Plan after that date, unless an earlier termination date is fixed by 
action of the Board, but any Option granted prior 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
thereto may be exercised in accordance with its terms.

The Plan and all Options granted pursuant to it are subject to all laws, 
approvals, requirements and regulations of any governmental authority which may 
be applicable thereto and, notwithstanding any revisions of the Plan or Option 
Agreement, the holder of an Option shall not be entitled to exercise his Option 
nor shall SNC be obligated to issue any shares to the holder if such exercise or
issuance shall constitute a violation, by the holder or SNC, of any provisions 
of any such approval requirements, law or regulation.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Southern National Corporation has caused these 
presents to be executed by its duly authorized officer on this _________ day of 
December, 1991.


                                           SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
ATTEST:

                                        By:                             (SEAL)
                                           ----------------------------
                                           L. Glenn Orr, Jr.
                            (SEAL)         Chairman of the Board,
- ----------------------------               President and Chief
Secretary                                  Executive Officer




                                       8


<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10(g)



                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION

                       1995 OMNIBUS STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN




                           Effective April 10, 1995

<PAGE>
 
                         SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION
                       1995 OMNIBUS STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
                       ---------------------------------


                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS
                                  -----------


1.01.  AGREEMENT means a written agreement (including any amendment or 
       ---------
supplement thereto) between SNC and a Participant specifying the terms and 
conditions of an award of Restricted Stock or Performance Shares or an Option or
SAR granted to such Participant.

1.02.  Applicable Percentage means the same percentage, in multiples of 5%, by 
       ---------------------
which the Performance Share Value during a Valuation Period exceeds the Fair 
Market Value of SNC Common Stock on the date that a Performance Share award was 
granted.  The Applicable Percentage cannot be less than zero but can exceed 
100%.

1.03.  Board means the Board of Directors of SNC.
       -----

1.04.  Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
       ----

1.05.  Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board appointed to 
       ---------
administer the Plan.

1.06.  Corresponding SAR means an SAR that is granted in relation to a 
       -----------------
particular Option and that can be exercised only upon the surrender to SNC, 
unexercised, of that portion of the Option to which the SAR relates.

1.07.  Date of Exercise means (i) with respect to an Option, the date that the 
       ----------------
Option price is received by SNC

<PAGE>
 
and (ii) with respect to an SAR, the date that the notice of exercise is 
received by SNC.

1.08.  Fair Market Value means, on any given date, the closing price of SNC 
       -----------------
Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.  If SNC Common Stock 
was not traded on the New York Stock Exchange on such date, then Fair Market 
                                                                 -----------
Value is determined with reference to the next preceding day that SNC Common
- ----- 
Stock was so traded.

1.09.  Initial Value means, with respect to an SAR, the Fair Market Value of one
       -------------
share of SNC Common Stock on the date of grant, as set forth in an Agreement.

1.10.  Legal Disability means that a Participant is permanently and totally 
       ----------------
disabled within the meaning of Code section 22(e)(3).

1.11.  Option means a stock option that entitles the holder to purchase from SNC
       ------
a stated number of shares of SNC Common Stock at the price set forth in an 
Agreement.

1.12.  Participant means an employee of SNC or of a Subsidiary, including an 
       -----------
employee who is a member of the Board, or a non-employee who satisfies the 
requirements of Article IV and is selected by the Committee to receive a 
Restricted Stock or Performance Share award, an Option, an SAR, or a combination
thereof.

1.13.  Performance Share means an award, in the amount determined by the 
       -----------------
Committee and specified in an Agreement, stated with reference to a specified 
number of


                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
shares of SNC Common Stock, that entitles the holder to receive shares of SNC 
Common Stock, a cash payment, or a combination of SNC Common Stock and cash, in 
accordance with the provisions of Article X.  The Committee, in its discretion, 
will determine whether a Performance Share will be settled with shares of SNC 
Common Stock, cash or a combination of SNC Common Stock and cash.

1.14.  Performance Share Value means the lowest Fair Market Value of SNC Common 
       -----------------------
Stock during a Valuation Period.

1.15.  Plan means the Southern National Corporation 1995 Omnibus Stock Incentive
       ----
Plan.

1.16.  Restricted Stock means shares of SNC Common Stock awarded to a 
       ----------------
Participant under Article IX.  Shares of SNC Common Stock shall cease to be 
Restricted Stock when, in accordance with the terms of the applicable Agreement,
they become transferable and free of substantial risks of forfeiture.

1.17.  Retirement means that a Participant has separated from service on or 
       ----------
after his earliest early retirement date established under a tax-qualified 
pension or profit sharing plan maintained by SNC or a Subsidiary in which he 
participates.

1.18.  SAR means a stock appreciation right that entitles the holder to receive,
       ---
with respect to each share of SNC Common Stock encompassed by the exercise of 
such SAR, the 


                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
amount determined by the Committee and specified in an Agreement.  In the 
absence of such a determination, the holder shall be entitled to receive, with 
respect to each share of SNC Common Stock encompassed by the exercise of such 
SAR, the excess of the Fair Market Value on the Date of Exercise over the 
Initial Value.  References to "SARs" include both Corresponding SARs and SARs 
granted independently of Options, unless the context requires otherwise.

1.19.  SNC means Southern National Corporation.
       ---

1.20.  SNC Common Stock means the common stock, $5.00 par value, of SNC.
       ----------------

1.21.  Subsidiary means any "subsidiary corporation" as such term is defined in 
       ----------
Code section 424.

1.22.  Valuation Period means the period beginning on January 1 and ending on 
       ----------------
the following December 31 beginning with the January 1 following the date of a 
Performance Share award and during each of the four calendar years thereafter.  
There shall be five Valuation Periods with respect to each Performance Share 
award.

                                  ARTICLE II

                                   PURPOSES
                                   --------

       The Plan is intended to assist SNC in recruiting and retaining employees 
with ability and initiative by enabling employees to participate in its future 
success and to associate their interests with those of SNC and


                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
its shareholders.  The Plan is intended to permit the award of shares of 
Restricted Stock, the award of Performance Shares, the grant of SARs, and the 
grant of both Options qualifying under Code section 422 ("incentive stock 
options") and Options not so qualifying.  No Option that is intended to be an 
incentive stock option shall be invalid for failure to qualify as an incentive 
stock option.  The proceeds received by SNC from the sale of SNC Common Stock 
pursuant to this Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes.


                                  ARTICLE III

                                ADMINISTRATION
                                --------------

        Except as provided in this Article III, the Plan shall be administered 
by the Committee.  The Committee shall have authority to award Restricted Stock 
and Performance Shares and to grant Options and SARs upon such terms (not 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan) as the Committee may consider 
appropriate.  Such terms may include conditions (in addition to those contained 
in this Plan) on the exercisability of all or any part of an Option or SAR or on
the transferability or forfeitability of Restricted Stock.  Notwithstanding any 
such condition, the Committee may, in its discretion, accelerate the time at 
which any Option or SAR may be


                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
exercised or the time at which Restricted Stock may become transferable or 
nonforfeitable. In addition, the Committee shall have complete authority to 
interpret all provisions of this Plan; to prescribe the form of Agreements; to 
adopt, amend, and rescind rules and regulations pertaining to the administration
of the Plan; and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the
administration of this Plan. The express grant in the Plan of any specific power
to the Committee shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of 
the Committee. Any decision made, or action taken, by the Committee or in 
connection with the administration of this Plan shall be final and conclusive. 
No member of the Committee shall be liable for any act done in good faith with 
respect to this Plan or any Agreement, or Option, SAR, Restricted Stock award or
Performance Share award. All expenses of administering this Plan shall be borne 
by SNC.

        The Committee, in its discretion, may delegate to one or more officers 
of SNC, all or part of the Committee's authority and duties with respect to 
Participants who are not subject to the reporting and other provisions of 
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect from time to 
time. In the event of such delegation, and as to matters encompassed by the 
delegation, references in the Plan to the Committee shall

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
be interpreted as a reference to the Committee's delegate or delegates. The 
Committee may revoke or amend the terms of a delegation at any time but such 
action shall not invalidate any prior actions of the Committee's delegate or 
delegates that were consistent with the terms of the Plan.

                                  ARTICLE IV

                                  ELIGIBILITY
                                  -----------

4.01. General. Any employee of SNC or of any Subsidiary (including any 
      -------
corporation that becomes a Subsidiary after the adoption of this Plan) is 
eligible to participate in this Plan if the Committee, in its sole discretion, 
determines that such person has contributed or can be expected to contribute to 
the profits or growth of SNC or a Subsidiary. Any such employee may be awarded 
shares of Restricted Stock or Performance Shares or may be granted one or more 
Options, SARs, or Options and SARs. A Director of SNC who is an employee of SNC 
or a Subsidiary may be awarded shares of Restricted Stock and Performance Shares
and may be granted Options or SARs under this Plan. Further, the Committee may 
from time to time in its sole discretion award shares of Restricted Stock and 
Performance Shares and may grant Options or SARs to non-employees or non-key 
employees in conjunction with mergers and acquisition transactions. A member of 

                                      -7-


<PAGE>
 
the Committee may not participate in this Plan during the time that his 
participation would prevent the Committee from being "disinterested" for 
purposes of Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 16b-3 as in effect from time
to time.

4.02. Grants. The Committee will designate individuals to whom shares of 
      ------
Restricted Stock and Performance Shares are to be awarded and to whom Options 
and SARs are to be granted and will specify the number of shares of SNC Common 
Stock subject to each award or grant. An Option may be granted with or without a
related SAR. An SAR may be granted with or without a related Option. All shares 
of Restricted Stock and Performance Shares awarded, and all Options and SARS 
granted, under this Plan shall be evidenced by Agreements which shall be subject
to the applicable provisions of this Plan and to such other provisions as the 
Committee may adopt. No Participant may be granted incentive stock options or 
related SARs (under all incentive stock option plans of SNC and its
Subsidiaries) which are first exercisable in any calendar year for stock having
an aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date an option is granted)
exceeding $100,000. In addition, no Participant may be granted Options and SARs
that are not related to an Option in any calendar year for more than 30,000
shares of SNC Common

                                      -8-

<PAGE>
 
Stock. For purposes of the preceding sentence an Option and related SAR shall be
treated as a single award.

                                   ARTICLE V

                             STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN
                             ---------------------

5.01. Source of Shares. Upon the award of shares of Restricted Stock and when 
      -----------------
a Performance Share is earned, SNC may issue authorized but unissued SNC Common 
Stock. Upon the exercise of an Option or SAR, SNC may deliver to the Participant
(or the Participant's broker if the Participant so directs), authorized but 
unissued SNC Common Stock.

5.02. Maximum Number of Shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares of SNC 
      -------------------------
Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Options and SARs and
the award of Restricted Stock and the settlement of Performance Shares under 
this Plan is two million, subject to increases and adjustments as provided in 
this Article V and Article XI.

5.03. Replenishment. The maximum number of shares authorized for issuance under 
      --------------
this Plan under Section 5.02 shall be increased each calendar year by 3% (the 
Replenishment Percentage) of the amount, if any, by which the total number of 
shares of SNC Common Stock outstanding as of the last day of such calendar year 
exceeds the total number of shares of SNC Common Stock

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
outstanding as of the first day of such calendar year. Provided, however, that: 
(i) in no event shall the total number of shares authorized for issuance under 
this Plan exceed 10% of authorized and outstanding SNC Common Stock as of the 
time of any replenishment adjustment and (ii) for calendar year 1995, the first 
day of the calendar year shall be deemed to be May 23, 1995 (the date of SNC's 
1995 annual shareholders' meeting). The issuance of shares of SNC Common Stock 
under this Plan and the application of Article XI shall be disregarded for 
purposes of applying the preceding sentence. 

5.04. Incentive Stock Options. Sections 5.02 and 5.03 to the contrary 
      -----------------------
notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate number of shares of SNC Common Stock that
may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Options that are incentive stock 
options granted under this Plan is two million, subject to adjustment as 
                                   -----------
provided in Article XI.

5.05. Forfeitures, etc. If an Option or SAR is terminated, in whole or in part, 
      -----------------
for any reason other than its exercise, the number of shares of SNC Common Stock
allocated to the Option of SAR or portion thereof may be reallocated to other 
Options, SARs, Restricted Stock, and Performance Share awards to be granted 
under this Plan. Any shares of Restricted Stock that are forfeited may be 
reallocated to other Options, SARs or Restricted Stock awards to be granted 
under this Plan. 

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VI

                                 OPTION PRICE
                                 ------------

        The price per share for SNC Common Stock purchased on the exercise of an
Option shall be determined by the Committee on the date of grant; provided, 
however, that the price per share for SNC Common Stock purchased on the exercise
of any non-incentive stock option shall not be less than eighty-five percent 
(85%) of the Fair Market Value on the date the Option is granted. The price per 
share for SNC Common Stock purchased on the exercise of any incentive stock 
option shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market 
Value on the date the Option is granted.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                              EXERCISE OF OPTIONS
                              -------------------

7.01.  Maximum Option or SAR Period. The maximum period in which an Option or 
       ----------------------------
SAR may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee on the date of grant 
except that no Option that is an incentive stock option and any Corresponding 
SAR that relates to such Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten
years from the date the Option or SAR was granted. The terms of any Option or 
SAR may provide that it is exercisable for a period less than such maximum 
period.

                                     -11-

<PAGE>
 
7.02.  Nontransferability. Any Option or SAR granted under this Plan shall be 
       ------------------
nontransferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. In 
the event of any such transfer, the Option and any Corresponding SAR that 
relates to such Option must be transferred to the same person or persons or 
entity or entities. During the lifetime of a Participant to whom an Option or 
SAR is granted, the Option or SAR may be exercised only by the Participant. No 
right or interest of a Participant in any Option or SAR shall be liable for, or 
subject to, any lien, obligation, or liability of such Participant.

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                              METHOD OF EXERCISE
                              ------------------

8.01.  Exercise. An Option or SAR granted under this Plan shall be deemed to 
       --------
have been exercised on the Date of Exercise. Subject to the provisions of 
Articles VII and XII, an Option or SAR may be exercised in whole at any time or 
in part from time to time at such times and in compliance with such requirements
as the Committee shall determine; provided, however, that a Corresponding SAR 
that is related to an incentive stock option may be exercised only to the extent
that the related Option is exercisable and only when the Fair Market Value 
exceeds the option price of the related Option. An Option or SAR

                                     -12-

<PAGE>
 
granted under this Plan may be exercised with respect to any number of whole 
shares less than the full number of whole shares for which the Option or SAR 
could be exercised. A partial exercise of an Option or SAR shall not affect the 
right to exercise the Option or SAR from time to time in accordance with this 
Plan and the applicable Agreement with respect to remaining shares subject to 
the Option or related to the SAR. The exercise of either an Option or 
Corresponding SAR shall result in the termination of the other to the extent of 
the number of shares with respect to which the Option or Corresponding SAR is 
exercised.

8.02.  Payment. Unless otherwise provided by the Agreement, payment of the 
       -------
Option price shall be made in cash or a cash equivalent acceptable to the 
Committee. If the Agreement provides, payment of all or part of the Option price
may be made by surrendering shares of SNC Common Stock to SNC. If SNC Common 
Stock is used to pay all or part of the Option price, the shares surrendered 
must have a Fair Market Value (determined as of the day preceding the Date of 
Exercise) that is not less than such price or part thereof.

8.03.  Determination of Payment of Cash and/or SNC Common Stock Upon Exercise 
       ----------------------------------------------------------------------
of SAR. At the Committee's discretion, the amount payable as a result of the 
- ------
exercise of an SAR may be settled in cash, SNC Common Stock, or a 


                                     -13-

<PAGE>
 
combination of cash and SNC Common Stock. A fractional share shall not be 
deliverable upon the exercise of an SAR but a cash payment will be made in lieu 
thereof.

8.04.  Shareholder Rights. No Participant shall have any rights as a stockholder
       ------------------
with respect to shares subject to an Option or SAR until the Date of Exercise of
such Option or SAR.


                                  ARTICLE IX

                               RESTRICTED STOCK
                               ----------------

9.01.  Award. In accordance with the provisions of Article IV, the Committee 
       -----
will designate each individual to whom an award of Restricted Stock is to be 
made and will specify the number of shares of SNC Common Stock covered by the 
award.

9.02.  Vesting. The Committee, on the date of the award, may prescribe that a 
       -------
Participant's rights in the Restricted Stock shall be forfeitable or otherwise 
restricted for a period of time set forth in the Agreement. By way of example 
and not of limitation, the restrictions may postpone transferability of the 
shares or may provide that the shares will be forfeited if the Participant 
separates from the service of SNC and its Subsidiaries before the expiration of 
a stated term or if SNC, SNC and its Subsidiaries or the Participant fail to 
achieve stated objectives.

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
9.03. Shareholder Rights. Prior to their forfeiture in accordance with the terms
      ------------------
of the Agreement and while the shares are Restricted Stock, a Participant will 
have all rights of a shareholder with respect to Restricted Stock, including the
right to receive dividends and vote the shares; provided, however, that (i) a 
Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate, or other-
wise dispose of Restricted Stock, (ii) SNC shall retain custody of the 
certificates evidencing shares of Restricted Stock, and (iii) the Participant 
will deliver to SNC a stock poser, endorsed in blank, with respect to each award
of Restricted Stock. The limitations set forth in the preceding sentence shall 
not apply after the shares cease to be Restricted Stock.

                                   ARTICLE X

                           PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS

10.01. Award. In accordance with the provisions of Article IV, the Committee 
       ------
will designate individuals to whom an award of Performance Shares is to be 
granted and will specify the number of shares of SNC Common Stock covered by the
award. The number of shares of SNC Common Stock covered by a Performance Share 
award is merely a target; the number of shares of SNC Common Stock earned and 
issued under a Performance Share award may be more or less than the target based
on the Applicable Percentage.

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
10.02. Earning the Award. A Performance Share award will be earned based on the 
       ------------------
Performance Share Value during each of the five Valuation Periods following the 
date of award. The number of shares of SNC Common Stock earned under a 
Performance Share award as of the end of a Valuation Period will be equal to the
product of (i) the number of shares covered by the Performance Share award and 
(ii) the Applicable Percentage; provided, however, that such product shall be 
reduced by the number of shares of SNC Common Stock earned or, in the case of a 
cash payment, the number of shares represented by the payment, in a prior 
Valuation Period with respect to the same Performance Share Award.

10.03. Employment. Section 10.02 to the contrary notwithstanding, a 
       -----------
Participant's right to earn additional shares of SNC Common Stock or cash 
payments under Performance Share awards shall terminate if the Participant's 
employment with SNC and its Subsidiaries ends for reasons other than death, 
Legal Disability or Retirement. The preceding sentence shall not affect a 
Participant's right to receive shares of SNC Common Stock or cash payments that 
were earned in a Valuation Period that ended before the Participant's 
termination of employment. If a Participant's employment with SNC and its 
Subsidiaries ends on account of death, Legal Disability or Retirement, the 
Participant (or the

                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
Participant's estate in the case of his death), shall be entitled to receive 
shares of SNC Common stock or cash payment to the extent that Performance Shares
are earned in Valuation Periods preceding the Participant's termination of 
employment and the next following Valuation Period.

10.04. Issuance of Shares.  To the extent that a Performance Share award is 
       ------------------
settled with SNC Common Stock, the shares of SNC Common Stock earned in 
accordance with Section 10.02 shall be issued to the Participant as soon as 
practicable after the end of the Valuation Period; provided, however, that no 
shares shall be issued unless the Committee certifies the number of shares of 
SNC Common Stock earned by the Participant during that Valuation Period.  A 
fractional share shall not be issuable under this Article X but instead will be 
settled in cash.

10.05. Settlement in Cash.  To the extent that Performance Share award is 
       ------------------
settled in cash, the payment will be made in a single sum as soon as practicable
after the end of the Valuation Period; provided, however, that no payment shall 
be made unless the Committee certifies the amount earned by the Participant 
during that Valuation Period.  To the extent that a Performance Share award is 
settled in cash, the amount of cash payable under a Performance Share award 
shall equal the Fair Market Value 


                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
number of shares of SNC Common Stock earned during the Valuation Period on the 
date that the Committee certifies the Participant's right to receive the 
payment.

10.06. Shareholder Rights.  No Participant shall, as a result of receiving an 
       ------------------
award of Performance Shares, have any rights as a shareholder until and to the 
extent that the award of Performance Shares is earned and SNC Common Stock is 
issued to the Participant.  A Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, 
exchange, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of a Performance Share award or the 
right to receive payment thereunder other than by will or the laws of descent 
and distribution.

                                  ARTICLE XI

                  ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGE IN SNC COMMON STOCK
                  ------------------------------------------

       The maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise 
of Options and SARs and the award of Restricted Stock and the settlement of 
Performance Shares under this Plan and the Replenishment Percentage in Section 
5.03 shall be proportionately adjusted, and the terms of outstanding Restricted 
Stock awards, Performance Share Awards, Options, and SARs shall be adjusted, as 
the Committee shall determine to be equitably required in the event that (a) SNC
(i) effects one or more stock dividends, stock split-ups, subdivisions or 
consolidations of shares or (ii) engages


                                     -18-

<PAGE>
 
in a transaction to which Code section 424 applies or (b) there occurs any other
event which, in the judgment of the Committee necessitates such action.  Any 
determination made under this Article XI by the Committee shall be final and 
conclusive.

       The issuance by SNC of shares of stock of any class, or securities 
convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash or property, or for 
labor or services, either upon direct sale or upon the exercise of rights or 
warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of 
SNC convertible into such shares or other securities, shall not affect, and no 
adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, outstanding awards 
of Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Options or SARs.

       The Committee may award shares of Restricted Stock and Performance 
Shares, may grant Options, and may grant SARs in substitution for stock awards, 
stock options, stock appreciation rights, or similar awards held by an 
individual who becomes an employee of SNC or a Subsidiary in connection with a 
transaction described in the first paragraph of this Article XI.  
Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan (other than the limitation of Article 
V), the terms of such substituted Restricted Stock and Performance Share awards 
and Option or SAR


                                     -19-
<PAGE>
 
grants shall be as the Committee, in its discretion, determines is appropriate.

                                  ARTICLE XII

             COMPLIANCE WITH LAW AND APPROVAL OF REGULATORY BODIES
             -----------------------------------------------------

        No Option or SAR shall be exercisable, no SNC Common Stock shall be 
issued, no certificates for shares of SNC Common Stock shall be delivered, and 
no payment shall be made under this Plan except in compliance with all 
applicable federal and state laws and regulations (including, without 
limitation, withholding tax requirements) and the rules of all domestic stock 
exchanges on which SNC's shares may be listed.  SNC shall have the right to 
relay on an opinion of its counsel as to such compliance.  Any share certificate
issued to evidence SNC Common Stock for which shares of Restricted Stock are 
awarded, Performance Shares were earned or for which an Option or SAR is 
exercised may bear such legends and statements as the Committee may deem 
advisable to assure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.  No 
Option or SAR shall be exercisable, no SNC Common Stock shall be issued, no 
certificate for shares shall be delivered, and no payment shall be made under 
this Plan until SNC has obtained such consent or approval as the Committee may 
deem advisable from regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over such matters.


                                     -20-
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE XIII
                              GENERAL PROVISIONS
                              ------------------

13.01. Effect on Employment. Neither the adoption of this plan, its operation,
       --------------------
nor any documents describing or referring to this plan (or any part thereof) 
shall confer upon any employee any right to continue in the employ of SNC or a 
Subsidiary or in any way affect any right and power of SNC or a Subsidiary to 
terminate the employment of any employee at any time with or without assigning 
a reason therefor.
 
13.02. Unfunded Plan. The Plan, insofar as it provides for grants, shall be 
       -------------
unfunded, and SNC shall not be required to segregate any assets that may at any 
time be represented by grants under this Plan.  Any liability of SNC to any 
person with respect to any grant under this Plan shall be based solely upon any
contractual obligations that may be created pursuant to this Plan. No such 
obligation of SNC shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge of, or other 
encumbrance on, any property of SNC. 

13.03. Rules of Construction. Headings are given to the articles and sections of
       --------------------- 
this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference.  The reference to any
statute, regulation, or other provision of the law shall be construed to refer 
to any amendment to or successor of such provision of the law.

                                     -21-
<PAGE>
 
13.04. Employee Status. For purposes of determining the applicability of Code 
       ---------------
section 422 (relating to incentive stock options), or in the event that the 
terms of any Option or SAR provide that it may be exercised or that awards of 
Restricted Stock or Performance Shares may become vested or earned only during 
employment or within a specified period of time after termination of employment,
the Committee may decide to what extent leaves of absence for governmental or 
military service, illness, temporary disability, or other reasons shall not be 
deemed interruption of continuous employment.

                                  ARTICLE XIV

                                   AMENDMENT
                                   ---------

     The Board may amend or terminate this Plan from time to time; provided, 
however, that no amendment may become effective until shareholder approval is 
obtained if (i) the amendment increases the aggregate number of shares of SNC 
Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan or (ii) the amendment changes the
class of individuals eligible to become Participants. No amendment shall, 
without a Participant's consent, adversely affect any rights of such Participant
under any outstanding Restricted Stock or Performance Share award or under any 
Option or SAR outstanding at the time such amendment is made.

                                     -22-
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE XV

                               DURATION OF PLAN
                               ----------------

       No shares of Restricted Stock or Performance Shares may be awarded and no
Option or SAR may be granted under this Plan after April 9, 2005. Restricted 
Stock and Performance Share awards and Options and SARs granted before that date
shall remain valid in accordance with their terms.

                                  ARTICLE XVI

                            EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
                            ----------------------

       Shares of Restricted Stock and Performance Shares may be awarded and 
Options and SARs may be granted under this Plan upon its adoption by the Board, 
provided that no Restricted Stock or Performance Share award, Option or SAR 
will be effective unless this Plan is approved by shareholders holding a 
majority of SNC's outstanding voting stock, voting either in person or by proxy 
at a duly held shareholders' meeting within twelve months of such adoption.

                                     -23-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(J)


                              SOUTHERN NATIONAL 

                          DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

                              FOR KEY EXECUTIVES

                           Effective January 1, 1989


<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                         PAGE
                                                                         ----
<S>            <C>                                                       <C>
ARTICLE I      STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.....................................    1

ARTICLE II     DEFINITIONS..............................................    2

ARTICLE III    ELIGIBILITY, PARTICIPATION AND DEFERRALS.................    8

ARTICLE IV     SEVERANCE BENEFITS.......................................   13

ARTICLE V      SURVIVOR BENEFITS........................................   15

ARTICLE VI     NONCOMPETITION...........................................   17

ARTICLE VII    ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE.................................   20

ARTICLE VIII   AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION................................   21

ARTICLE IX     MISCELLANEOUS............................................   22

ARTICLE X      CONSTRUCTION.............................................   28
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE I
                                   ---------

                             STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
                             --------------------


     This Plan provides retirement and survivor benefits to or on behalf of 
certain key executives of Southern National Corporation and its Participating 
Subsidiaries, and thereby helps Southern National attract and retain superior 
key management employees and gives such employees additional incentive to work 
to make Southern National more profitable.

     For executives who participate in the Southern National Employee Stock
Ownership Plan (the "ESOP"), a qualified stock bonus plan with a qualified
410(k) cash or deferred arrangement feature, the Plan restores benefits lost or
denied because of certain limitations imposed by the rules governing qualified
retirement plans.
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE II
                                  ----------

                                  DEFINITIONS
                                  -----------


     When used herein and capitalized, the following terms shall have the 
meanings denoted unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context.

     1.   Change in Control.  A Change in Control shall be deemed to have 
          -----------------
occurred upon the happening of any of the following:

          (a)  the adoption of a plan of merger or consolidation of Southern 
National Corporation with any other corporation or association as a result of 
which the holders of the voting capital stock of Southern National Corporation 
would receive less than 50% of the voting capital stock of the surviving or 
resulting corporation;

          (b)  the occurrence of any event (including, without limitation, any 
merger or consolidation) as a result of which Southern National Corporation is 
not the owner beneficially and of record of 50% or more of the voting power of 
the capital stock of Southern National Bank of North Carolina, N.A. (the 
"Bank");

          (c)  the sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction 
or a series of transactions contemplated or arranged by any party as a single 
plan) of all or substantially all of the assets of Southern National Corporation
or the Bank (other than as security for the obligations of Southern National 
Corporation or the Bank);

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          (d)  the approval by the shareholders of Southern National Corporation
or the Bank of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of 
Southern National Corporation or the Bank;

          (e)  the acquisition by any person (as such term is used in Sections
13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the
"Exchange Act")), other than any Trustee under any employee benefit plan of
Southern National Corporation or the Bank, and persons (as such term is so used)
who are then affiliates and associates (as defined on January 1, 1989 in Rule
12b-2 under the Exchange Act) of such person, or any one of them, after the date
this plan is executed, directly or indirectly, of beneficial ownership (as
defined on January 1, 1989 in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of
securities of Southern National Corporation representing in the aggregate 20% or
more of the voting power of all then outstanding securities of Southern National
Corporation having the right under ordinary circumstances to vote in an election
of the Board of Directors of Southern National Corporation (without limitation,
any securities having such voting power that any such person has the right to
acquire pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of conversation of rights,
warrants or options, or otherwise, shall be deemed beneficially owned by such
person); or

          (f)  the failure, for any reason, during any period of two consecutive
years, of the individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the 
entire Board of Directors of

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Southern National Corporation (the "Board") and any new directors whose election
by the Board, or whose nomination for election by the shareholders, shall have 
been approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors of the 
Board then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the 
period or whose election or nomination for election shall previously have been 
so approved, to constitute a majority of the members of the Board.

     2.   Code.  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and as it may be
          ----
further amended from time to time.

     3.   Committee.  The committee which administers the Plan and which is more
          ---------
particularly described in Article VIII below. The Committee shall be made up of 
the individuals who hold the following offices of Southern National Bank of
North Carolina, N.A.: Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Director of
Human Resources, and Chief Financial Officer.

     4.   Company.  Southern National Corporation, Participating Subsidiaries, 
          -------
and any successor by merger, acquisition or otherwise. All references to 
"Company" shall be applied to each such Company as if the Plan were solely the 
Plan of such Company.

     5.   Company Matching Contributions.  The Company's matching contributions 
          ------------------------------
to the ESOP based on a Participant's Pre-Tax Employee Contributions.

     6.   Compensation.  Compensation shall have the same meaning the ESOP 
          ------------
ascribes to such term in its definition of

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
"Compensation," as that definition is amended from time to time, such 
definition being expressly incorporated herein by reference.

     7.   Deferral Election.  An irrevocable election by a Participation to
          -----------------
defer a portion of his Compensation for a calendar year, such election to be
made in the manner prescribed by Article III, Section 3 of this Plan. Amounts so
deferred are "elective deferrals."

     8.   Designated Beneficiary.  One or more beneficiaries, as designated in a
          ----------------------
writing filed with the Committee, to who payments otherwise due to or for the 
benefit of the Participant hereunder shall be made in the event of his death 
prior to the complete payment of such benefit. In the event no such written
designation is made by the Participant or if such beneficiary shall not be in
existence at the Participant's death or if such beneficiary predeceases the
Participant, the Participant shall be deemed to have designated his estate as
such beneficiary.

     9.   Employee.  A person who is employed the Company.
          --------

     10.  ERISA.  The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as 
          -----
amended, and as it may be further amended from time to time.

     11.  ESOP.  The Southern National Employee Stock Ownership Plan, as amended
          ----
and restated effective July 1, 1987, as it may be further amended from time to 
time.

     12.  ESOP Excess Plan.  The Southern National ESOP Excess Plan, effective 
          ----------------
January 1, 1989, and as it may be amended from time to time.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     13.  Insurable.  Insurable shall mean that at the time of the Participant's
          --------- 
election to defer Compensation pursuant to this Plan the life of the 
Participant is insurable by an insurance company approved by the Committee and 
at premium rates acceptable to the Committee in the exercise of its sole and 
absolute discretion.

     14.  Participant.  An Employee who has been notified pursuant to Article 
          -----------
III, Section 1 that he is eligible to participate in the Plan and who has made a
Deferral Election.

     15.  Participating Subsidiaries.  Each subsidiary of Southern National 
          --------------------------
Corporation which, pursuant to action duly adopted by its board of directors, 
has adopted this Plan. "Subsidiary" means a corporation over 50% of the voting 
stock of which is owned by Southern National Corporation, by another subsidiary 
or other subsidiaries of Southern National Corporation. The foregoing 
notwithstanding, the Board of Directors of Southern National Corporation may 
designate any company affiliated with Southern National Corporation as a 
"subsidiary" for purposes of this Plan.

     16.  Plan.  The Southern National Deferred Compensation Plan for Key 
          ----
Executives as contained herein, and as it may be amended from time to time.

     17.  Pre-Tax Employee Contributions.  Amounts contributed to the ESOP on 
          ------------------------------
behalf of a Participant pursuant to the Participant's election to have his 
Compensation for a calender year reduced and contributed to the ESOP in 
accordance with Section 401(k)

                                       6


<PAGE>
 
(or any successor section) of the Code and corresponding provisions of the ESOP.

     18.  Severance Date. The date the Participant's employment with the Company
          --------------
terminates for any reason other than death; provided, however, that if the
Participant's employment ceases because of Total Disability, his Severance Date
shall be the earlier of (i) the first date he is no longer under a Total
Disability and does not return to active employment with the Company or (ii) his
sixty-fifth (65th) birthday.

     19.  Total Disability. Total Disability shall have the same meaning as is
          ----------------
ascribed to such term by the long-term disability benefits plan sponsored by the
Company and in which the Participant participates. If the Participant does not
participate in such plan or if the Company does not sponsor such a plan, then
the Participant shall be under a Total Disability if by reason of sickness or
injury he cannot perform each of the material duties of his regular occupation;
provided, however, that after the first twenty-four (24) months he shall be
under a Total Disability if he cannot perform each of the material duties of any
gainful occupation for which he is reasonably fitted by training, education or
experience.

                                      7 
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE III
                                  -----------

                    ELIGIBILITY, PARTICIPATION AND DEFERRALS
                    ----------------------------------------

     1.   Eligibility. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to determine
          -----------
the Employees who are eligible to become Participants; provided, however, that
no Employee who is not a member of the "select group of management or highly
compensated employees," as defined in Section 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a) of
ERISA shall be eligible to become a Participant in the Plan. An Employee shall
become eligible upon being notified by the Committee that he is eligible.

     2.   Participation. An Employee who is eligible to participate shall become
          -------------    
a Participant by making a Deferral Election.

     3.   Elective Deferrals.
          ------------------

          (a)  For each calendar year, each eligible Employee is entitled to
make a Deferral Election in such manner and form as the Committee prescribes to
defer Compensation for the calendar year which, by reason of the application of
Sections 401(k), 402(g) and 415 of the Code and the corresponding provisions of
the ESOP, the Employee is prohibited from deferring and having contributed to
the ESOP as Pre-Tax Employee Contributions.

          (b)  Deferral Elections shall be made as follows.

               (i)  Within thirty (30) days following the adoption of this Plan
to defer Compensation to be earned in the remainder of such calendar year;

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          (ii)   Within thirty (30) days following the date on which an Employee
first becomes eligible to participate in this Plan to defer Compensation to be
earned in the remainder of such calendar year; or

          (iii)  In all other cases on or before December 31 to defer 
Compensation to be earned in succeeding calendar years.

     4.   Limitations on Elective Deferrals.
          --------------------------------- 
               
          (a)  The maximum amount by which an eligible Employee or Participant
may reduce his Compensation for a calendar year pursuant to a Deferral Election
under Article III, Section 3 shall be the difference between (i) fifteen percent
(15%) of his Compensation for the calendar year and (ii) his maximum permissible
amount of Pre-Tax Employee Contributions for the calendar year. The eligible
Employee's or Participant's "maximum permissible amount of Pre-Tax Employee
Contributions for the calendar year" is (i) the annual $7,000 limitation set
forth in Code Section 402(g) and any corresponding provisions of the ESOP, as
amended and adjusted for inflation, on elective deferrals to certain qualified
retirement plans or, if less, (ii) the maximum amount of Pre-Tax Employee
Contributions permitted to be made by the eligible Employee or Participant for
such calendar year by reason of the application of the actual deferral
percentage nondiscrimination test and annual addition limitation set forth in
Sections 401(k) and 415 of the Code and in any corresponding provisions of the
ESOP.

                                     9   
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, a Participant's 
elective deferrals of Compensation for a calendar year shall not be permitted 
under this Plan unless the Participant has made the maximum permissible amount 
of Pre-Tax Employee Contributions for the calendar year.

     5.   Deemed Deferrals.  In addition to any elective deferrals pursuant to a
          ----------------
Deferral Election in accordance with Sections 3 and 4 of this Article III, for 
each calendar year for which a Participant has made a Deferral Election, the 
Participant shall receive credit for "deemed deferrals" equal to the difference 
between (A) and (B) where (A) is the amount of Company Matching Contributions 
which would have been credited to the Participant's account in the ESOP (i) had 
the ESOP permitted the amount of the elective deferrals the Participant made 
pursuant to a Deferral Election under this Plan for the calendar year to have 
been contributed as Pre-Tax Employee Contributions, and (ii) had there not been 
given effect the compensation, elective deferral, nondiscrimination and annual 
addition limitations set forth in Sections 401(a)(17), 402(g), 401(k), 401(m), 
and 415 of the Code and in any corresponding provisions of the ESOP, and where 
(B) is the amount of Company Matching Contributions actually credited to the 
Participant's account in the ESOP.

     6.   No ESOP Excess Plan Deferrals.  Anything to the contrary herein 
          -----------------------------
notwithstanding, any eligible Employee or Participant who has elected to make 
deferrals of compensation under the ESOP Excess Plan for a calendar year 
(hereafter called   

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
"ESOP Excess Deferrals") shall be ineligible to make a Deferral Election under 
this Plan for such calendar year. The foregoing notwithstanding, any eligible 
Employee who has elected to make ESOP Excess Deferrals for the 1989 calendar 
year shall be permitted to make a Deferral Election to defer Compensation under 
this Plan for the calendar year 1989; provided, however (i) such Deferral 
Election shall supersede his deferral election under the ESOP Excess Plan, (ii) 
no additional ESOP Excess Deferrals for the calendar year 1989 shall be made 
after the making of such Deferral Election, (iii) any ESOP Excess Deferrals for 
the calendar year 1989 which were made prior to such Deferral Election shall be 
transferred to this Plan and treated for all purposes as elective deferrals made
under such Deferral Election and subject to Sections 3 and 4 of this Article
III, and (iv) such Deferral Election shall not be honored unless the eligible
Employee has properly executed a release of liability in a form acceptable to
the Committee with respect to deferred compensation benefits which would have
been payable under the ESOP Excess Plan with respect to ESOP Excess Deferrals
for the 1989 calendar year.

     7.   Benefits.  The total amount of deferred compensation or other benefits
          --------
payable under this Plan to a Participant or his Designated Beneficiary pursuant 
to Articles IV or V shall be the sum of the amounts payable with respect to each
individual calendar year for which the Participant has a deferral amount
(whether elective or deemed) for such calendar year. The amount of deferred
compensation or other benefits payable with respect

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
to deferrals (elective or deemed) for any calendar year shall be determined in 
accordance with the appropriate column in the schedule of benefits attached as 
an exhibit to the Deferral Election for the calendar year.

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IV
                                  ----------

                              SEVERANCE BENEFITS
                              -------------------

     1.  Benefits.  After the Severance Date of a Participant, the Company shall
         --------
pay the Participant a level fifteen (15) year annuity payable in equal monthly
installments. The amount of the monthly payments are determined in accordance
with the appropriate column on the schedule of benefits provided for in Article
III, Section 7. Payment of the benefit shall commence on the first January 1st
following the Severance Date; provided, however, that if the Severance Date
occurs after the Participant attains age sixty (60) but before he attains age
sixty-five (65), payment shall commence on the first January 1st following the
Participant's sixty-fifth (65th) birthday unless the Participant files a written
election with the Committee no later than the later of the date of the making of
his last Deferral Election or the date two (2) years prior to his Severance
Date, to have his benefits commence on the first January 1st following his
Severance Date. Payment shall continue on the first day of each month
thereafter until one hundred eighty (180) monthly payments have been made.

     2.  Payments to Beneficiary.  In the event a Participant dies prior to full
         -----------------------
payment of his benefits under this Article IV, all remaining payments due
hereunder shall be made to such Participant's Designated Beneficiary, provided
such Designated Beneficiary is living at the time of the Participant's death. In
                                
                                      13

<PAGE>
 
the event the Designated Beneficiary is not living at the time of the 
Participant's death, all remaining payments due hereunder shall be paid to the 
Participant's estate. In the event the Designated Beneficiary survives the 
Participant but dies prior to full payment of all remaining payments due 
hereunder, all payments then remaining due hereunder shall be paid to the
Designated Beneficiary's estate.

                                      14

<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE V
                                   ---------

                               SURVIVOR BENEFITS
                               -----------------

     1.   Benefits. Upon the death of the Participant prior to his Severance 
          -------- 
Date the Company shall pay to the Participant's Designated Beneficiary a level
fifteen (15) year annuity payable in equal monthly installments. Payment of the
benefit shall commence on the first January 1st following the Participant's
death and shall continue on the first day of each month thereafter until one
hundred eighty (180) monthly payments have been made. The amount of the monthly
payments shall be the sum of (A) and (B) below:

          (A)  With respect to elective and deemed deferrals made in calendar
years in which the Participant was deemed Insurable, the amount determined with
reference to the appropriate column in the schedule of benefits for calculating
survivor benefits attached to the Participant's Deferral Elections for those
calendar years.

          (B)  With respect to elective and deemed deferrals made in calendar
years in which the Participant was deemed not Insurable, the amount determined
in accordance with the appropriate column on the schedule of benefits attached
to the Participant's Deferral Elections for those calendar years on the basis of
the assumption that the Participant terminated employment with the Company on
the day immediately preceding his death.

                                      15
<PAGE>
 
     2.   Payments to Beneficiary. In the event that a Designated Beneficiary 
          -----------------------  
dies prior to full payment of his survivor benefits under this Article V, all 
remaining payments due hereunder shall be made to such Designated Beneficiary's 
estate. In the event the Designated Beneficiary is not living at the time of the
Participant's death, the survivor benefits shall be paid to the Participant's 
estate.
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VI
                                  ----------                               

                                NONCOMPETITION
                                --------------

     Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary but subject to
the proviso below, if any Participant terminates employment with the Company for
any reason and later accepts employment with, or assumes any other position
with, any national bank, state bank, savings and loan association, or any other
similar financial institution which has one or more offices in a state in which
a subsidiary of Southern National Corporation has a banking office, the Company
may at its discretion and in full and complete discharge of its obligations to
the Participant under this Plan and his Deferral Elections, make a lump sum
payment to the Participant equal to the present value (calculated using the
"Present Value Monthly Discount Rate" stated on the schedule of benefits
attached to the Participant's various Deferral Elections) of the remaining
benefit payments due to or on behalf of the Participant; provided, however, that
the Company shall have no right to make such lump sum payment if, within two (2)
years following a Change in Control, either the Company terminates the
Participant's employment other than for cause or the Participant quits or
resigns for good reason. Termination by the Company of the Participant's
employment for "cause" shall mean termination due to (i) an act or acts of
dishonesty by the Participant constituting a felony and resulting or intended to
result in substantial gain or

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
personal enrichment for the Participant at the expense of the Company or (ii) 
willful and continued failure by the Participant to substantially perform his 
duties with the Company, other than for incapacity due to mental or physical 
illness, after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the 
Participant by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company which 
specifies how the Participant has failed to substantially perform his duties; 
provided, however, in no event shall the Participant's termination by the 
Company be considered to have been for cause if such termination shall have been
the result of (i) the Participant's bad judgment or negligence, (ii) any act or 
omission without intent of gaining a profit to which the Participant was not 
legally entitled, or (iii) any act or omission believed by the Participant in 
good faith to have been in, or not opposed to, the interests of the Company. 
"Good reason" shall mean:  (i) the assignment to the Participant of any duties 
inconsistent with his duties immediately prior to the Change in Control or any 
removal of the Participant from or any failure to reelect or reappoint the 
Participant to his positions, except in connection with promotions to higher 
office; (ii) a reduction by the Company in the Participant's base salary as in 
effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; (iii) the failure by the 
Company to maintain, and to continue the Participant's participation in, the 
Company's benefit or compensation plans as in effect immediately prior to the 
Change in Control (including but not limited to bonus and incentive

                                      18
<PAGE>
 
compensation plans, stock option, bonus, award and purchase plans, life 
insurance, medical, health and accident insurance, disability plans and 
deferred compensation plans); or the taking of any action by the Company which 
would adversely affect the Participant's participation in or reduce the 
Participant's benefits under any of such plans or deprive the Participant of any
fringe benefit he enjoyed immediately prior to the Change in Control; or the 
failure to provide the Participant with the number of paid vacation days to 
which he was entitled under the Company's normal vacation policy in effect 
immediately prior to the Change in Control; (iv) the relocation of the 
Participant's office to anywhere other than a location within 25 miles of the 
Participant's office immediately prior to the Change in Control or the Company's
requiring the Participant to be based anywhere other than within 25 miles of the
Participant's office immediately prior to the Change in Control, except for 
required travel on the Company's business to an extent consistent with the 
Participant's business travel obligations immediately prior to the Change in 
Control; or (v) Total Disability.

                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
                                  -----------

                           ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
                           ------------------------


     1.   This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee 
shall have all powers necessary to enable it to carry out its duties in the 
administration of the Plan. Not in limitation, but in application of the 
foregoing, the Committee shall have the duty and power to determine all 
questions that may arise hereunder as to the status and rights of Participants.

     2.   The Committee shall act by a majority of the number then constituting 
the Committee, and such action may be taken either by a vote at a meeting or in 
writing without a meeting.

     3.   The Committee shall keep a complete record of all its proceedings and 
all data relating to the administration of the Plan.

     4.   The Committee shall select one of its members as a Chairman. The 
Committee shall appoint a Secretary to keep minutes of its meetings and the 
Secretary may or may not be a member of the Committee. The Committee shall make 
such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it shall deem 
advisable.

     5.   No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any actions 
taken by the Committee unless the member's action involves willful misconduct.

                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE VIII
                                 ------------

                           AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
                           -------------------------


     Southern National Corporation reserves the right, at any time or from time 
to time, by action of its Board of Directors, to amend in whole or in part any 
or all provisions of the Plan. In addition, Southern National Corporation 
reserves the right by action of its Board of Directors to terminate the Plan in 
whole or in part, and each Participating Subsidiary reserves the right by action
of its Board of Directors to terminate the Plan with respect to such 
Participants employed by it. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, 
any such amendment or termination shall not adversely affect any benefits 
attributable to elective or deemed deferrals made in the calendar year in which 
the amendment or termination is adopted or in any prior calendar years.

                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IX
                                  ----------

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
                                 -------------


     1.   Early Death or Suicide.  Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan to
          ----------------------
the contrary, in the event (i) the Participant dies prior to the first May 1 
following the making of a Deferral Election pursuant to Section 3(b)(iii) of 
Article III, (ii) the Participant dies within one hundred twenty (120) days 
after making a Deferral Election pursuant to Section 3(b)(i) or (ii) of Article 
III, or (iii) the Participant dies as a result of suicide within twenty-eight 
(28) months after making a Deferral Election, then in lieu of all other benefits
to which the Designated Beneficiary would otherwise be entitled pursuant to such
Deferral Election(s), the Company shall pay to the Designated Beneficiary, 
within sixty (60) days of receipt of written proof of the Participant's death, a
lump sum equal to the Participant's actual deferrals pursuant to such Deferral 
Election(s) plus interest thereon from the date of deferral at the rate of nine 
percent (9%) per annum compounded annually. The payment of such lump sum shall 
fully and completely discharge the Company's obligations under such Deferral 
Election(s) and shall fully and completely satisfy all the Participant's and his
Designated Beneficiary's rights thereunder.

     2.   Nonalienation of Benefits.  No right or benefit under the Plan shall 
          -------------------------
be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance,
or charge, and any attempt to

                                      22

<PAGE>
 
anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge any right or 
benefit under this Plan shall be void. No right or benefit hereunder shall in 
any manner be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities or 
torts of the person entitled to such benefits. If the Participant or any 
beneficiary hereunder shall become bankrupt, or attempt to anticipate, alienate,
sell, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge any right hereunder, then such right 
or benefit shall, in the discretion of the Committee, cease and terminate, and 
in such event, the Committee may hold or apply the same or any part thereof for 
the benefit of the Participant or his beneficiary, spouse, children, or other 
dependents, or any of them in such manner and in such amounts and proportions as
the Committee may deem proper.

     3.   No Trust Created. The obligations of Southern National Corporation and
          ----------------
Participating Subsidiaries to make payments hereunder shall constitute a
liability of Southern National Corporation and Participating Subsidiaries to a
Participant. Such payments shall be made from the general funds of Southern
National Corporation and its Participating Subsidiaries, and no such Company
shall be required to establish or maintain any special or separate fund, or
purchase or acquire life insurance on a Participant's life, or otherwise to
segregate assets to assure that such payment shall be made, and neither a
Participant, his estate nor Designated Beneficiary shall have any interest in
any particular asset of either Southern National Corporation or its
Participating Subsidiaries by reason of its

                                      23
<PAGE>
 
obligations hereunder. Nothing contained in the Plan shall create or be 
construed as creating a trust of any kind or any other fiduciary relationship 
between the Company and a Participant or any other person.

     4.   No Employment agreement.  Neither the execution of this Plan nor any 
          -----------------------
action taken by the Company pursuant to this Plan shall be held or construed to
confer on a Participant any legal right to be continued as an Employee of the
Company in an executive position or in any other capacity whatsoever. This Plan
shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between the Company
and a Participant, nor shall any provision herein restrict the right of the
Company to discharge any Participant or restrict the right of any Participant to
terminate his employment with the Company.

     5.   Designation of Beneficiary.  Participants shall file with the Company 
          --------------------------
a notice in writing designating one or more Designated Beneficiaries to whom 
payments otherwise due to or for the benefit of the Participant hereunder shall 
be made in the event of his death prior to the complete payment of such benefit.
Participants shall have the right to change the beneficiary or beneficiaries so 
designated from time to time; provided, however, that any change shall not 
become effective until received in writing by the Committee.

     6.   Payment to Incompetents.  The Committee shall make payment provided 
          -----------------------
herein  directly to a Participant or such Designated Beneficiary entitled 
thereto, or if such Participant or

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
such Designated Beneficiary has been determined by a court of competent 
jurisdiction to be mentally or physically incompetent, then payment shall be 
made to the duly appointed guardian, committee or other authorized 
representative of such Participant or such Designated Beneficiary and his 
estate. The Company shall have the right to make payment directly to a 
Participant or such Designated Beneficiary or until it has received actual 
notice of the physical or mental incapacity of such Participant or such 
Designated Beneficiary, and notice of the appointment of a duly authorized 
representative of his estate. Any such payment for the benefit of the 
Participant or such Designated Beneficiary or to such representative for his 
benefit, shall be a complete discharge of all liability of the Company therefor.
The Company is authorized to interpret and administer this Section in accordance
with the laws of the State of North Carolina.

     7.   Claims for Benefits.  Each Participant or beneficiary must claim any 
          -------------------
benefit to which he is entitled under this Plan by a written notification to the
Committee. If a claim is denied, it must be denied within a reasonable period of
time, and be contained in a written notice stating the following:

          A.   The specific reason for the denial.

          B.   Specific reference to the Plan provision on which the denial is 
               based.

          C.   Description of additional information necessary for the claimant
               to present his claim, if any, and an explanation of why such
               material is necessary.

                                      25
<PAGE>
 
          D. An explanation of the Plan's claims review procedure. 

     The claimant will have 60 days to request a review of the denial by the
Committee, which will provide a full and fair review. The request for review
must be in writing delivered to the Committee. The claimant may review pertinent
documents, and he may submit issues and comments in writing.

     The decision by the Committee with respect to the review must be given
within 60 days after receipt of the request, unless special circumstances
require an extension (such as for a hearing). In no event shall the decision be
delayed beyond 120 days after receipt of the request for review. The decision
shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant, and it
shall include specific reasons and refer to specific Plan provisions as to its
effect.
   
     8.   Binding Effect. Southern National Corporation shall be jointly and 
          --------------
severally liable with respect to obligations incurred by a Participating 
Subsidiary under this Plan. Obligations incurred by the Company pursuant to this
Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, its 
successors and assigns, and the Participant and the beneficiary or beneficiaries
designated pursuant to Article IX, Section 5 hereinabove.

     9.   Entire Plan. This document and any amendments contains all the terms
          -----------
and provisions of the Plan and shall constitute the entire Plan, any other
alleged terms or provisions being of no effect.

                                      26
<PAGE>
 
     10.  Merger or Consolidation.  In the event of a merger or a consolidation
          -----------------------
by the Company with another corporation, or the acquisition of substantially all
of the assets or outstanding stock of the Company by another corporation, then 
and in such event the obligations and responsibilities of the Company under this
Plan shall be assumed by any successor or acquiring corporation, and all of the
rights, privileges and benefits of the Participants hereunder shall continue.

     11.  Participant Transfers.  In the event a Participant is transferred 
          ---------------------
between Southern National Corporation and a Participating Subsidiary, or between
Participating Subsidiaries, the Company to which the Participant is transferred 
(i) shall assume, to the extent it is executory at the time of the transfer, any
obligation under a Deferral Election to defer Compensation of the Participant,
and (ii) shall become jointly liable with the transferring Company to pay any
benefits due the Participant under such Deferral Election.

                                      27
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE X
                                   ---------

                                 CONSTRUCTION
                                 ------------


     1.   Governing Law.  This Plan shall be construed and governed in 
          -------------
accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina.

     2.   Gender.  The masculine gender, where appearing in the Plan, shall be 
          ------
deemed to include the feminine gender, and the singular may include the plural, 
unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

     3.   Headings, etc.  The cover page of this Plan, the Table of Contents and
          -------------
all headings used in this Plan are for convenience of reference only and are not
part of the substance of this Plan.

     THIS PLAN is adopted and becomes effective the 17  day of August, 1989.
                                                   ----        ------     -


                                        SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION


                                        BY: /s/ Hector Maclean
                                           -------------------------------------
                                                  President  

ATTEST:

/s/ Faye M. Hollowell
- ------------------------
Acting Secretary

                                      28

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(K)

                               SOUTHERN NATIONAL

                 SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (SERP)

                           Effective January 1, 1989

<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                         PAGE
                                                                         ----
<S>            <C>                                                       <C>
ARTICLE I      STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.....................................   1

ARTICLE II     DEFINITIONS..............................................   2

ARTICLE III    ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION............................  14

ARTICLE IV     RETIREMENT BENEFITS......................................  15

ARTICLE V      PRE-RETIREMENT SURVIVOR BENEFITS.........................  17

ARTICLE VI     DISABILITY BENEFITS......................................  18

ARTICLE VII    SEVERANCE BENEFITS.......................................  20

ARTICLE VIII   NONCOMPETITION...........................................  21

ARTICLE IX     COMMITTEE................................................  24

ARTICLE X      AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION................................  26

ARTICLE XI     MISCELLANEOUS............................................  28

ARTICLE XII    CONSTRUCTION.............................................  33
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE I
                                   ---------

                             STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
                             -------------------- 

     This Plan is designed to enhance the earnings and growth of Southern 
National Corporation and its Participating Subsidiaries. The Plan provides
benefits to or on behalf of selected key management employees which supplement
retirement and survivor benefits payable from the Southern National Retirement
Plan, a qualified defined benefit pension plan. Such supplemental benefits are
intended to enable Southern National to attract and retain superior key
management employees and to give such employees additional incentive to make
Southern National more profitable.
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE II
                                  ----------

                                  DEFINITIONS
                                  -----------

     When used herein and capitalized, the following terms shall have the 
meanings denoted, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

          2.01  Actuarial Equivalent and Actuarially Equivalent.  A form of 
                -----------------------------------------------
benefit differing in time, period or manner of payment from a specified benefit 
provided by this Plan or provided by the Pension Plan, but having the same value
when computed using the same assumptions used for computing actuarial
equivalence under the Pension Plan.

          2.02  Change in Control.  A Change in Control shall be deemed to have
                ----------------- 
occurred upon the happening of any of the following:

          (a)  the adoption of a plan of merger or consolidation of Southern
National Corporation with any other corporation or association as a result of
which the holders of the voting capital stock of Southern National Corporation
would receive less than 50% of the voting capital stock of the surviving or
resulting corporation;

          (b)  the occurrence of any event (including, without limitation, any 
merger or consolidation) as a result of which Southern National Corporation is 
not the owner beneficially and of record of 50% or more of the voting power of 
the capital stock of Southern National Bank of North Carolina, N.A. (the 
"Bank");

                                       2




















  
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  the sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction
or a series of transactions contemplated or arranged by any party as a single
plan) of all or substantially all of the assets of Southern National Corporation
or the Bank (other than as security for the obligations of Southern National 
Corporation or the Bank);

          (d)  the approval by the shareholders of Southern National Corporation
or the Bank of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of
Southern National Corporation or the Bank;

          (e)  the acquisition by any person (as such term is used in Sections 
13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the
"Exchange Act")), other than any Trustee under any employee benefit plan of
Southern National Corporation or the Bank, and persons (as such term is so used)
who are then affiliates and associates (as defined on January 1, 1989 in Rule 
12b-2 under the Exchange Act) of such person, or any one of them, after the date
this Plan is executed, directly or indirectly, of beneficial ownership (as 
defined on January 1, 1989 in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of 
securities of Southern National Corporation representing in the aggregate 20% or
more of the voting power of all then outstanding securities of Southern National
Corporation having the right under ordinary circumstances to vote in an election
of the Board of Directors of Southern National Corporation (without limitation,
any securities having such voting power that any such

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
person has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of
conversion of rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, shall be deemed
beneficially owned by such person); or

     (f)  the failure, for any reason, during any period of two consecutive
years, of the individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the
entire Board of Directors of Southern National Corporation (the "Board") and
any new directors whose election by the Board, or whose nomination for election
by the shareholders, shall have been approved by a vote of at least two-thirds
(2/3) of the directors of the Board then still in office who either were
directors at the beginning of the period or whose election nomination for
election shall previously have been so approved, to constitute a majority of the
members of the Board.

     2.03 Code. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and as it may be
          ----
amended from time to time.

     2.04 Committee. The committee which administers the Plan and which is more
          ---------
particularly described in Article VIII below. The Committee shall be made up of
the individuals who hold the following offices of Southern National Bank of
North Carolina, N.A.: Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Director
of Human Resources, and Chief Financial Officer.

     2.05 Company. Southern National Corporation, Participating Subsidiaries,
          -------
and any successor by merger, acquisition or otherwise. All references to
"Company" shall be
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
applied to each such Company as if the Plan were solely the Plan of such 
Company.

          2.06  Credited Service.  This term shall have the meaning the Pension 
                ----------------
Plan ascribes to such term, except that for purposes of this Plan a Participant 
shall be credited with Credited Service for any period he is under a Total 
Disability.

          2.07  Designated Beneficiary.  One or more beneficiaries, as 
                ----------------------
designated by a Participant in writing delivered to the Committee, to whom 
certain SERP Pre-Retirement Death Benefits shall be paid pursuant to the 
provisions of Article V below. In the event no such written designation is made 
by the Participant or such beneficiary shall not be living or in existence at 
the time payments are to commence, the Participant shall be deemed to have 
designated his estate as such beneficiary.

          2.08  Early Payment Reduction Percentage.  The sum of (A) and (B)
                ----------------------------------
where (A) is the product of one thousand six hundred and sixty-seven ten
thousandths percent (.1667%) multiplied by the number of such whole calendar
months by which the date of the first monthly payment of a Participant's SERP
Retirement Benefit precedes the month of his sixty-fifth (65th) birthday, and
where (B) is the product of one-half of one percent (.50%) multiplied by the
number of whole calendar months, in excess of sixty (60), by which the date of
the first monthly payment of the Participant's SERP Retirement Benefit precedes
the month of his sixty-fifth (65th) birthday.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          2.09  Early Retirement Date.  The date on which a Participant under 
                ---------------------
this Plan who has attained at least age fifty-five (55) and has at least fifteen
(15) years of Credited Service terminates employment with the Company prior to 
attaining age sixty-five (65).

          2.10  Eligible Spouse.  The person, if any, who is legally married to 
                ---------------
the Participant on the Participant's date of death; provided however that such 
term shall not include a spouse who on the date of death is legally separated 
from the Participant pursuant to a court order or written agreement between the 
Participant and spouse.

          2.11  ERISA.  The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as 
                -----
amended, and as it may be amended from time to time.

          2.12  ERISA Excess Benefit.
                --------------------

                (a)  If the Participant is married, the difference between (i) 
the monthly amount he would receive as the primary annuitant of a joint and 
seventy-five percent (75%) survivor annuity which is Actuarially Equivalent to 
his Unlimited Pension Plan Benefit and which commences when his SERP Retirement 
Benefit commences, and (ii) his Pension Plan Benefit.

                (b)  If the Participant is not married, the difference between 
(i) the monthly amount he would receive as the annuitant of a level life and 
ten-year certain annuity which is Actuarially Equivalent to his Unlimited 
Pension Plan Benefit and 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
which commences when his SERP Retirement Benefit commences, and (ii) his Pension
Plan Benefit.

     For purposes of this Section and Section 2.19, (A) a "joint and 
seventy-five percent (75%) survivor annuity" means an annuity providing a 
monthly benefit for the life of the Participant with a monthly benefit payable 
to his surviving spouse, if any, for the remainder of her life in an amount 
equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the monthly benefit payable to him during
his lifetime; and (B) a "level life and ten-year certain annuity" means an 
annuity providing a monthly benefit payable for a minimum of one hundred and 
twenty (120) months and, if longer, for the life of the Participant.

          2.13  Final Average Earnings.  A Participant's average Monthly 
                ----------------------
Earnings (as defined in Section 2.14) for the sixty (60) calendar months during 
which his Monthly Earnings were the highest (which sixty months may or may not 
be consecutive) within the one hundred and twenty (120) calendar months (or if 
less the total number of calendar months during which he was employed with the 
Company) immediately preceding the earliest to occur of his Severance Date, date
of death, or date his employment with the Company terminates by reason of Total 
Disability. In the event the Participant does not have at least sixty (60) 
months of employment with the Company, Final Average Earnings shall mean the 
average Monthly Earnings for his total period of employment.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          2.14  Monthly Earnings.  Monthly Earnings, for any calendar month, 
                ----------------
shall mean the quotient obtained by dividing by twelve (12) the total earnings 
paid to a Participant by the Company during the calendar year in which the 
calendar month falls. For purposes of the preceding sentence, "total earnings 
paid to a Participant by the Company during the calendar year" shall mean the 
total earnings paid by the Company to the Participant reported or reportable for
that calendar year on U.S. Treasury Department Wage and Tax Statement Form W-2 
or similar form required for such purpose, increased by (i) any deferrals under 
the Southern National Employee Stock Ownership Plan as amended from time to 
time, and (ii) any reductions in compensation resulting from participation in 
any deferred compensation plan or cafeteria plan to the extent that such 
deferrals and reductions are excluded from reporting on Form W-2 or other 
similar form required for such purpose. For purposes of the preceding sentence, 
noncash items, including company car income and income from stock options, and 
benefits paid under this Plan or any other employee benefit plan of the Company 
shall be excluded from "total earnings paid to a Participant by the Company 
during the calendar year."

          2.15  Normal Retirement Date.  The first day of the month next 
                ----------------------
following the month of the Participant's sixty-fifth (65th) birthday.

          2.16  Participant.  An employee selected by the Committee pursuant to 
                -----------
the provisions of Article III to

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
participate in this Plan. The Committee may designate new Participants as it, in
its sole discretion, deems proper.

          2.17  Participating Subsidiary.  Each subsidiary of Southern National 
                ------------------------
Corporation who, pursuant to action duly adopted by its board of directors, has 
adopted this Trust Agreement. "Subsidiary" means a corporation over 50% of the 
voting stock of which is owned by Southern National Corporation, by another 
subsidiary or other subsidiaries of Southern National Corporation. The foregoing
notwithstanding, the Board of Directors of Southern National Corporation may 
designate any company affiliated with Southern National Corporation as a 
"subsidiary" for purposes of this Plan.

          2.18  Pension Plan.  The Southern National Retirement Plan as it may 
                ------------
be amended from time to time.

          2.19  Pension Plan Benefit. One-twelfth (1/12th) of the annual amount 
                --------------------
of the benefit which would be payable to a Participant under the Pension Plan if
the Participant's vested accrued benefit in the Pension Plan were paid as 
follows:

          (A)  In the case of a married Participant, in the form of a joint and 
          seventy-five percent (75%) survivor annuity which is Actuarially
          Equivalent to his vested accrued benefit in the Pension Plan and which
          commences when his SERP Retirement Benefit commences;

          (B)  In the case of an unmarried Participant, in the form of a level 
          life and ten-year 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
          certain annuity which is Actuarially Equivalent to his
          vested accrued benefit in the Pension Plan and which
          commences when his SERP Retirement Benefit commences.

     The foregoing assumptions are made solely for purposes of this Plan, and
such assumptions shall apply without regard for the form in which or the time at
which a Participant's vested accrued benefit under the Pension Plan is actually
paid or authorized to be paid.

          2.20  Plan. This Southern National Supplemental Executive Retirement 
                ----   
Plan (SERP) as contained herein and as it may be amended from time to time.

          2.21  Postponed Retirement Date. The first day of the month next 
                -------------------------
following the month of the Participant's Severance Date if such Severance Date 
is later than his Normal Retirement Date.

          2.22  SERP Retirement Benefit. Subject to Section 4.03 below, an 
                -----------------------
amount equal to the greater of (A) or (B) below:


     (A)  The product of (1) the Participant's Target Retirement Benefit reduced
          by the sum of (i) his Pension Plan Benefit and (ii) fifty percent
          (50%) of his Social Security Benefit, multiplied by (2) the difference
          between one hundred percent (100%) and the Early Payment Reduction
          Percentage.

     (B)  The Participant's ERISA Excess Benefit.

                                      10




              
<PAGE>
 
          2.23  Severance Date.  The date on which a Participant terminates his
                ---------------
employment with the Company other than by reason of death; provided, however,
that if his employment with the Company terminates prior to Early or Normal
Retirement by reason of the onset of Total Disability, then his Severance Date
shall be the earlier of (a) the date such Total Disability ceases and he does
not return to the employ of the Company or (b) the date he first becomes
eligible to retire on his Early Retirement Date or Normal Retirement Date.

          2.24  Social Security Benefit.  An amount equal to the annual Primary
                -----------------------
Old Age Insurance benefit to which the Participant would be entitled to receive
commencing on his Normal Retirement Date (assuming that he will have no earnings
after such date that would cause a reduction in such benefit) under the Federal
Social Security Act, as such Act is in effect on the Participant's Severance
Date, divided by twelve (12). The Social Security Benefit shall be calculated on
the basis of the Participant's estimated earnings history, constructed as
follows:

     (a)  If the Participant has not reached age sixty-five (65) on his
          Severance Date, it shall be assumed that he will receive no additional
          compensation during the period between his Severance Date and his
          attainment of age sixty-five (65);

     (b)  The Participant's Monthly Earnings shall be used for the one hundred
          and twenty (120) calendar month period

                                      11

<PAGE>
 
          (or for the Participant's total months of employment if shorter) that 
          is considered in the determination of Final Average Earnings; and

     (c)  For years beginning the later of 1951, or the calendar year in which
          the Participant attained age twenty-two (22), and ending with the year
          immediately preceding the period described in (b) above, the
          Participant's wages for purposes of the Federal Social Security Act
          shall be calculated by projecting backwards, using a salary scale of
          six percent (6%) per annum, his Monthly Earnings for the earliest
          calendar year in the period described in (b) above.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant shall have the right to have 
his Social Security Benefit recomputed on the basis of his actual Social 
Security earnings history by providing appropriate documentation to the 
Committee. For a Participant whose Social Security full-benefit retirement age 
is later than age sixty-five (65), the Social Security Benefit shall be 
determined at age sixty-five (65) subject to applicable Social Security 
reduction for months before his full-benefit retirement age.

          2.25 Target Retirement Benefit. An amount equal to fifty-five percent 
               -------------------------
(55%) of the Participant's Final Average Earnings.

          2.26 Total Disability. Total disability shall have the same meaning as
               ----------------
is ascribed to such term by the long-term

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
disability benefits plan sponsored by the Company and in which the Participant
participates. If the Participant does not participate in such plan or if the 
Company does not sponsor such a plan, then the Participant shall be under a 
Total Disability if by reason of sickness or injury he cannot perform each of 
the material duties of his regular occupation; provided, however, that after the
first twenty-four (24) months he shall be under a Total Disability if he cannot
perform each of the material duties of any gainful occupation for which he is 
reasonably fitted by training, education or experience.

          2.27  Unlimited Pension Plan Benefit. The vested accrued benefit to 
                ------------------------------
which the Participant would have been entitled under the Pension Plan if such 
benefit were computed without giving effect to the compensation and annual 
benefit limitations as set forth in Sections 401(a)(17) and 415 of the Code and 
corresponding provisions of the Pension Plan.

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE III
                                  -----------

                         ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
                         -----------------------------

     3.01 Eligibility. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to 
          -----------
determine the employees of the Company who are eligible to become Participants;
provided, however, that no employee who is not a member of the "select group of
management or highly compensated employees," as defined in Sections 201(2),
301(a)(3) and 401(a) of ERISA shall be eligible to become a Participant in the
Plan.

     3.02 Participation. The Committee shall cause those employees selected by 
          -------------
it to become Participants to be notified of their participation and of the 
benefits available to them under the Plan. Once selected to participate in the 
Plan, a Participant shall remain a Participant as long as he is employed by the 
Company.

                                      14

<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IV
                                  ----------

                              RETIREMENT BENEFITS
                              -------------------

          4.01  Retirement.
                ----------
                (a)  Benefit Payable to Participant.  Upon a Participant's 
                     ------------------------------
retirement on his Early Retirement Date, Normal Retirement Date or Postponed 
Retirement Date, the Company shall make monthly payments to the Participant of 
his SERP Retirement Benefit commencing with the month immediately following the
month of the Participant's Severance Date and continuing for each month 
thereafter until and including the month of his death.

                (b)  Spousal Survivor Benefit. Upon the death of a retired
                     ------------------------
Participant who is either receiving or entitled to receive a SERP Retirement
Benefit, the Company shall make monthly payments to the Participant's Eligible
Spouse, if any, commencing with the month next following the month of the
retired Participant's death and continuing for each month thereafter until and
including the month of the Eligible Spouse's death. Each monthly payment shall
equal seventy-five percent (75%) of the monthly amount of the deceased
participant's SERP Retirement Benefit.

          4.02  Reemployment of Retired Participant.  A retired Participant
                ----------------------------------- 
receiving or eligible to receive supplemental retirement benefits under this
Plan and who is reemployed by the Company shall not be entitled to any increased
benefits under
                                      15

<PAGE>
 
this Plan by reason of accumulating additional years of Credited Service or 
Monthly Earnings after his reemployment.

          4.03  Actuarial Reduction.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions 
                -------------------
of Sections 2.22 and 4.01, in the event the Eligible Spouse is more than ten 
(10) years younger than the Participant, the monthly amount of the Particpant's 
SERP Retirement Benefit (as otherwise calculated under Sections 2.22 and 4.01(a)
above) and, consequently, the derivative spousal survivor benefit under Section
4.01(b), shall be reduced in order that the Participant's SERP Retirement
Benefit and the spousal survivor benefit, when considered together, is the
Actuarial Equivalent of the benefits that would be payable to the Participant
and his Eligible Spouse if the Eligible Spouse were ten (10) years younger than
the Participant.

                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE V
                                  ----------

                       PRE-RETIREMENT SURVIVOR BENEFITS
                       --------------------------------


          5.01  Death Benefit.
                -------------

                (a)  If a Participant who has not attained age sixty-five (65) 
dies prior to his Severance Date, the Company shall pay to the Participant's 
Eligible Spouse or, if none, his Designated Beneficiary a monthly benefit for 
one hundred and eighty (180) consecutive months. The amount of the monthly 
benefit shall equal twenty percent (20%) of the Participant's Final Average 
Earnings. The benefits shall commence in the first month following the month of 
the Participant's death.

                (b)  If a Participant who has attained age sixty-five (65) dies 
prior to his Severance Date, he shall be considered to have retired on the day 
before his death and, accordingly, the Company shall pay to his Eligible Spouse,
if any, the spousal survivor benefit set forth in Section 4.01(b).

                (c)  Except as set forth in this Article V, no survivor benefit 
is payable under this Plan if a Participant dies prior to his Severance Date.

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VI
                                  ----------

                              DISABILITY BENEFITS
                              -------------------

          6.01  Disability Prior to Retirement Date.
                -----------------------------------

                (a)  Except as provided in Article IV in the case of retirement 
by Participants, this Plan provides no disability benefits.

                (b)  If the Participant's employment with the Company terminates
by reason of the onset of Total Disability, and the termination of employment 
occurs prior to the Participant's Early Retirement Date and Normal Retirement 
Date, then for purposes of qualifying for the Early Retirement Date the 
Participant will receive credit for Credited Service during his period of Total 
Disability. If the Participant's Total Disability continues until a Severance 
Date which qualifies him for a benefit under Article IV, his Final Average 
Earnings is calculated based on his Monthly Earnings during the one hundred and 
twenty (120) calendar month period immediately preceding the date on which his 
Total Disability commenced.

                (c)  If the Participant's Total Disability ceases, and he does 
not return to regular active employment with the Company, then for the purpose 
of determining his years of Credited Service his employment shall be deemed 
terminated on the date that the Total Disability ceased.

                (d)  The Committee may from  time to time request that a 
Participant who is under a Total Disability submit to a

                                      18
<PAGE>
 
medical examination or related series of examinations by a physician or 
physicians acceptable to the Committee to determine whether the Total Disability
continues. A Participant's refusal to submit to such an examination or related 
series of examinations shall be deemed an admission by him that he is no longer 
under a Total Disability. All examinations requested by the Committee pursuant 
to this provision shall be at the expense of the Company.

                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
                                  -----------

                              SEVERANCE BENEFITS
                              ------------------


          7.01  No Severance Benefits.  Except as provided in Article IV in the 
                ---------------------
case of retirement by Participants, this Plan provides no severance benefits.

                                      20
<PAGE> 
 
                                 ARTICLE VIII
                                 ------------

                                NONCOMPETITION
                                --------------


          Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary but subject
to the proviso below, if any Participant terminates employment with the Company 
for any reason and accepts employment with, or assumes any other position with, 
any national bank, state bank, savings and loan association, or any other 
similar financial institution with one or more offices in a state in which a 
subsidiary of Southern National Corporation has a banking office, the 
Participant shall forfeit all rights to all retirement and survivor benefits to 
which he, his Eligible Spouse, or his Designated Beneficiary is or may become 
entitled to under this Plan; provided, however, that no such forfeiture shall 
occur if, within two (2) years following a Change in Control, either the Company
terminates the Participant's employment other than for cause or the Participant
quits or resigns for good reason. Termination by the Company of the
Participant's employment for "cause" shall mean termination due to (i) an act or
acts of dishonesty by the Participant constituting a felony and resulting or
intended to result in substantial gain or personal enrichment for the
Participant at the expense of the Company or (ii) willful and continued failure
by the Participant to substantially perform his duties with the Company, other
than for incapacity due to mental or physical illness, after a written demand
for substantial performance is
                                      21

<PAGE>
 
delivered to the Participant by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the 
Company which specifies how the Participant has failed to substantially perform 
his duties; provided, however, in no event shall the Participant's termination 
by the Company be considered to have been for cause if such termination shall 
have been the result of (i) the Participant's bad judgment or negligence, (ii) 
any act or omission without intent of gaining a profit to which the Participant 
was not legally entitled, or (iii) any act or omission believed by the 
Participant in good faith to have been in, or not opposed to, the interests of 
the Company. "Good reason" shall mean: (i) the assignment to the Participant of 
any duties inconsistent with his duties immediately prior to the Change in 
Control or any removal of the Participant from or any failure to reelect or 
reappoint the Participant to his positions, except in connection with promotions
to higher office; (ii) a reduction by the Company in the Participant's base 
salary as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; (iii) the 
failure by the Company to maintain, and to continue the Participant's 
participation in, the Company's benefit or compensation plans as in effect 
immediately prior to the Change in Control (including but not limited to bonus 
and incentive compensation plans, stock option, bonus, award and purchase plans,
life insurance, medical, health and accident insurance, disability plans and 
deferred compensation plans); or the taking of any action by the Company which 
would adversely affect the Participant's participation in or reduce the 

                                      22
<PAGE>
 
Participant's benefits under any of such plans or deprive the Participant of any
fringe benefit he enjoyed immediately prior to the Change in Control; or the 
failure to provide the Participant which the number of paid vacation days to 
which he was entitled under the Company's normal vacation policy in effect 
immediately prior to the Change in Control; (iv) the relocation of the 
Participant's office to anywhere other than a location within 25 miles of the 
Participant's office immediately prior to the Change in Control or the Company's
requiring the Participant to be based anywhere other than within 25 miles of 
the Participant's office immediately prior to the Change in Control, except for 
required travel on the Company's business to an extent consistent with the 
Participant's business travel obligations immediately prior to the Change in 
Control; or (v) Total Disability.

                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IX
                                  ----------

                                   COMMITTEE
                                   ---------

          9.01   Authority.  The Committee shall be responsible for the 
                 ---------
administration and interpretation of the Plan, and shall have all powers
necessary to enable it to carry out its duties in the administration and 
interpretation of the Plan, and shall have the duty and power to determine all 
questions that may arise hereunder as to the status and rights of Participants 
in the Plan.

          9.02   Voting.  The Committee shall act by a majority of the number 
                 ------
then constituting the Committee, and such action may be taken either by vote at 
a meeting or in writing without a meeting.

          9.03   Records.  The Committee shall keep a complete record of all its
                 -------
proceedings and all data relating to the administration of the Plan.  The 
Committee shall make such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business 
as it shall deem advisable.

          9.04   Liability.  No member of the Committee shall be personally 
                 ---------
liable for any actions taken or omitted by the Committee unless the member's 
action or inaction involves willful misconduct.  To the extent permitted by 
applicable law, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the
Committee and each employee of the Company acting pursuant to the direction of 
the Committee from and against any and all 

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
liability, claims, demands, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' 
fees) arising out of or incident to any act or failure to act in connection with
the administration of the Plan, except for any such act or failure to act that 
involves willful misconduct.

                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE X
                                   ---------

                           AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
                           -------------------------

     Southern National Corporation reserves the right, at any time and from time
to time, by action of its Board of Directors, to amend or terminate the Plan,
and each Participating Subsidiary reserves the right by action of its Board of
Directors to terminate the Plan with respect to it and the Participants employed
by it; provided, however, no such amendment or termination shall reduce or
eliminate the benefits (including survivor benefits) of a Participant (or
Eligible Spouse or Designated Beneficiary) to whom payments under this Plan have
commenced or who is then eligible under Article IV to retire and begin receiving
benefits under this Plan. In addition, each other Participant in the Plan on the
date of such amendment or termination shall be entitled to benefits (including
survivor benefits) under this Plan, at such times as such benefits would have
been paid absent such amendment or termination, in an amount not less than the
amount that would have been paid absent such amendment or termination multiplied
by an "accrual fraction" (which may not exceed 1.0) the numerator of which is
equal to the number of his years of Credited Service at the time of such
amendment or termination and the denominator of which is equal to the lesser of
fifteen (15) or the number of years of Credited Service he would have had if the
Plan had not been amended or terminated and if he had continued in the employ of
the Company until the date he attained age sixty (60);

                                      26
<PAGE>
 
provided, however, that upon and after a Change in Control, each Participant's 
accrual fraction shall be 1.0.

                                      27
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE XI
                                  ----------

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
                                 -------------

          11.01  Nonalienation of Benefits.  No right or benefit under the Plan 
                 -------------------------
shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, pledge, 
encumbrance, or charge, and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, 
pledge, encumber, or charge any right or benefit under the Plan shall be void. 
No right or benefit hereunder shall in any manner be liable for or subject to 
the debts, contracts, liabilities or torts of the person entitled to such 
benefits. If a Participant or Eligible Spouse hereunder shall become bankrupt, 
or attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge 
any right hereunder, then such right or benefit shall, in the discretion of the 
Committee, cease and terminate, and in such event, the Committee may hold or 
apply the same, or any part thereof, for the benefit of the Participant or 
Eligible Spouse in such manner and in such amounts and proportions as the 
Committee may deem proper.

          11.02  No Trust Created.  The obligations of the Company to make 
                 ----------------
payments hereunder shall constitute a liability of the Company to the 
Participants. Such payments shall be made from the general funds of the Company 
and the Company shall not be required to establish or maintain any special or 
separate fund, or to purchase or acquire life insurance on a Participant's life,
or otherwise to segregate assets to assure that such 

                                      28
<PAGE>
 
payments shall be made. Neither a Participant, Eligible Spouse, or Designated
Beneficiary shall have any interest in any particular asset of the Company by
reason of the obligations hereunder, and the right of any of them to receive
payments under this Plan shall be no greater than the right of any other
unsecured general creditor of the Company. Nothing contained in the Plan shall
create or be construed as creating a trust of any kind or any other fiduciary
relationship between the Company and a Participant, Eligible Spouse, or
Designated Beneficiary.

          11.03  No Employment Agreement.  Neither the execution of this Plan 
                 -----------------------  
nor any action taken by the Company pursuant to this Plan shall be held or
construed to confer on a Participant any legal right to be continued as an
employee of the Company. This Plan shall not be deemed to constitute a contract
of employment between the Company and a Participant, nor shall any provision
herein restrict the right of any Participant to terminate his employment with
the Company.

          11.04  Binding Effect.  Southern National Corporation and 
                 --------------
Participating Subsidiaries shall be jointly and severally liable with respect to
the obligations incurred pursuant to this Plan and such obligations shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of their successors and assigns, and the
Participant and his Eligible Spouse and Designated Beneficiary.

          11.05  Claims for Benefits.  Any Participant, Eligible Spouse or 
                 ------------------- 
Designated Beneficiary claiming a benefit under this Plan must given written
notification thereof to the Committee. If

                                      29


















<PAGE>
 
a claim is denied, it must be denied within a reasonable period of time and the 
denial must be accompanied by a written notice stating the following:

               (a)  Specific reason for the denial;

               (b)  Specific reference to the Plan provision on which the denial
                    is based;

               (c)  Description of additional information necessary for the 
                    claimant to present his claim, if any, and an explanation 
                    of why such material is necessary; and 

               (d)  Explanation of the Plan's claims review procedure.

     The claimant will have 60 days to request a review of the denial by the 
Committee.  The request for review must be in writing delivered to the 
Committee, which will then provide a full and fair review.  The claimant may 
review pertinent documents, and he may submit issues and comments in writing.  
The decision by the Committee with respect to the review must be given within 60
days after receipt of the request, unless special circumstances require an 
extension (such as for a hearing).  In no event shall the decision be delayed 
beyond 120 days after receipt of the request for review.  The decision shall be 
written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant, and it shall 
include the specific reasons and refer to the specific Plan provisions on which 
it is based.

                                      30








<PAGE>
 
          11.06  Entire Plan.  This document and any amendments hereto contain
                 -----------
all the terms and provisions of the Plan and shall constitute the entire Plan,
any other alleged terms or provisions being of no effect.

          11.07  Merger or Consolidation.  In the event of a merger or a
                 -----------------------
consolidation of the Company or a Participating Subsidiary with another
corporation or entity, or the acquisition of substantially all of the assets or
outstanding stock of the Company or a Participating Subsidiary by another
corporation or entity, then and in such event the obligations and
responsibilities of such merged or acquired corporation under this Plan shall be
assumed by any such successor or acquiring corporation or entity, and all of the
rights, privileges and benefits of the Participants hereunder shall continue.

          11.08  Payment to Incompetent.  The Committee shall make the payments
                 ----------------------
provided herein directly to a Participant or beneficiary entitled thereto, or if
such Participant or beneficiary has been determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be mentally or physically incompetent, then payment shall be
made to the duly appointed guardian, conservator or other authorized
representative of such Participant or beneficiary. The Company shall have the
right to make payment directly to a Participant or beneficiary until it has
received actual notice of the physical or mental incapacity of such Participant
or beneficiary and notice of the appointment of a duly authorized representative
of his estate. Any such payment to an authorized representative for

                                      31
<PAGE>
 
the benefit of a Participant or beneficiary shall be a complete discharge of all
liability of the Company herefor.

                                      32

<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE XII
                                  -----------

                                 CONSTRUCTION
                                 ------------


          12.01  Governing Law.  This Plan shall be construed and governed in 
                 -------------
accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina.

          12.02  Gender.  The masculine gender, where appearing in the Plan, 
                 ------
shall be deemed to include the feminine gender, and the singular may include the
plural, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

          12.03  Headings, Etc.  The cover page of the Plan, the Table of
                 -------------
Contents and all headings used in this Plan are for convenience of reference
only and are not part of the substance of this Plan.

          12.04  Date.  The effective date of this Plan is January 1, 1989.
                 ----

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Plan is duly executed by Southern National 
Corporation's duly authorized officers as of the 15th day of June, 1989.


                                   SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION

                                   
                                   BY: /s/ Hector McLean
                                       ----------------------------

ATTEST:

/s/ Faye M. Hallowell
- ------------------------------
Secretary (Acting)

[Corporate Seal]

                                      33

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10(l)



                       BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY
                       --------------------------------
                    SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
                    --------------------------------------
                        (Restated as of August 8, 1991)


<PAGE>


                       BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY 
                       --------------------------------
                    SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
                    ---------------------------------------
                       (Restated as of August 8, 1991) 

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Article  Section                                                          Page
- -------  -------                                                          ----
<S>      <C>                                                              <C>
   I                Establishment and Purpose............................. 1
                    -------------------------
           1.1      Establishment of plan................................. 1
           1.2      Purpose of Plan....................................... 1
           1.3      Application of Plan................................... 2

  II                Definitions and Construction.......................... 3
                    ----------------------------
           2.1      Definitions........................................... 3
           2.2      Applicable Law........................................ 6
           2.3      Number and Gender..................................... 6
           2.4      Employment Rights..................................... 6
           2.5      Severability.......................................... 7

 III                Eligibility to Participate............................ 8
                    --------------------------
           3.1      Eligibility........................................... 8
           3.2      Duration.............................................. 9

  IV                Benefits..............................................10
                    --------
           4.1      Retirement plan Supplement............................10
           4.2      Thrift Plan Supplement................................11
           4.3      Executive Incentive Compensation
                      Plan Deferrals......................................15
           4.4      Hardship Withdrawals..................................17
           4.5      Nonassignability......................................18

   V                Accounts, Earnings, and Records of Plan...............19
                    ---------------------------------------
           5.1      Accounts and Records..................................19
           5.2      Account Value.........................................19
           5.3      Interest Accrual......................................19

  VI                No Trust or Funding Vehicle...........................21
                    ---------------------------
           6.1      No Trust or Funding Vehicle...........................21

 VII                Administration........................................22
                    --------------
           7.1      Plan Administrator....................................22
           7.2      Administration........................................22
           7.3      Uniform Rules.........................................23
           7.4      No Individual Liability...............................23
           7.5      Notice of Address.....................................23
           7.6      Data..................................................24
           7.7      Missing Persons.......................................24
           7.8      Incompetency..........................................25
</TABLE>

                                      -i-
<PAGE>
 
                       BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY
                       --------------------------------
                    SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
                    --------------------------------------
                        (Restated as of August 8, 1991)

<TABLE>
<S>       <C>                                                      <C>
VIII           Amendment and Termination .......................... 27
               -------------------------
          8.1  Amendment and Termination .......................... 27
          8.2  Corporate Reorganization ........................... 27
          8.3  Protected Benefits ................................. 28
          8.4  Adoption by Affiliates ............................. 28
</TABLE>
                                    - ii -
<PAGE>
 
                       BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY
                       --------------------------------
                   SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
                   --------------------------------------
                       (Restated as of August 8, 1991)


                    Article I.  Establishment and Purpose
                    -------------------------------------

     1.1  Establishment of Plan.  Branch Banking and Trust Company (the 
          ---------------------
"Company") previously established and currently maintains a supplemental 
retirement plan for Eligible Executives of the Company and participating 
Affiliates.  Said Plan was established effective January 1, 1988.  This plan is 
hereby restated as set forth herein effective as of August 8, 1991 and shall 
continue to be known as the BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY SUPPLEMENTAL 
EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (the "Supplemental Plan").  All benefits from this 
Supplemental Plan shall be payable solely from the general assets of the Company
and participating Affiliates.  The Supplemental Plan is comprised of both an 
"excess benefit plan" within the meaning of section 3(36) of the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and an unfunded plan maintained
for the purposes of providing deferred compensation to a "select group of 
management or highly compensated employees" within the meaning of ERISA section 
201(2).  The Supplemental Plan, therefore, is intended to be exempt from the 
participation, vesting, funding, and fiduciary requirements of Title I of ERISA.

     1.2  Purpose of Plan.  The primary purpose of this Supplemental plan is to 
          ---------------
supplement the benefits payable to
  
<PAGE>
 
Participants under the qualified Retirement Plan for the Employees of Branch 
Banking & Trust Company (the "Retirement Plan") and the qualified Savings and 
Thrift Plan for the Employees of Branch Banking & Trust Company (the "Thrift 
Plan") to the extent that such benefits are curtailed by the application of 
certain limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").  The 
Supplemental Plan is also intended to provide certain participants in the 
Company's executive incentive compensation plan with an effective means of 
deferring a portion of the payments they are entitled to receive under that
plan.

     1.3  Application of Plan.  The terms of this Supplemental Plan are 
          -------------------
applicable only to Eligible Executives who are in the employ of the Company or a
participating Affiliate on or after August 8, 1991.  The benefits with respect 
to the employees who terminated, retired, or died before this date shall be 
determined under prior plan documents, except as explicitly provided elsewhere
in this document.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          Article II.  Definitions and Construction
          -----------------------------------------

     2.1  Definitions  A capitalized term used but not defined in this 
          ----------- 
Supplemental Plan shall have the same meaning given in either Article II of the 
Retirement Plan or section 2.1 of the Thrift Plan, depending on the context in 
which the term is used.  Whenever used in this Supplemental Plan, the following 
capitalized terms shall have the meaning set forth below (unless otherwise 
expressly provided) rather than any definition provided under the Retirement 
Plan or the Thrift Plan:

     (a)  "Affiliate" means a corporation which, with the Company, is a member 
          ----------- 
          of a controlled group of employers or an affiliate as defined in Code
          sections 414(b), (c), or (m).

     (b)  "Beneficiary" means the person or persons designated by the Eligible 
          -------------
          Executives or former Eligible Executives to receive the balance of his
          benefits under this Supplemental Plan, if any, after his death, as
          described in sections 4.1(b), 4.2(d), and 4.3(d).

     (c)  "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or as it 
          ------
          may be amended from time to time.

     (d)  "Committee" means the Executive Committee of the Company's Board of 
          -----------
          Directors.

     (e)  "Company" means Branch Banking and Trust Company.
          ---------

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     (f)  "Company Matching Allocation" means the allocations credited to the
          -----------------------------
          Executive's Account pursuant to section 4.2(b) of this Supplemental
          Plan.

     (g)  "Covered Compensation" means base pay, determined prior to any
          ----------------------
          election to reduce pay under section 4.1 of the Thrift Plan or section
          4.2(a) of this Supplemental Plan, and including amounts in excess of
          the limit described in Code section 401(a)(17).

     (h)  "Effective Date" means August 8, 1991.
          ----------------

     (i)  "Eligible Executive" means an individual who has met and continues to
          --------------------
          meet the eligibility criteria selected by the Committee for
          participation in this Supplemental Plan under section 3.1. Where the
          context requires, "Eligible Executive" shall also include a former
          Eligible Executive.

     (j)  "Employer" means the Company and participating Affiliates.
          ----------

     (k)  "Entry Date" means January 1.
          ------------

     (l)  "Executive's Account" means the unfunded, recordkeeping account
          ---------------------
          maintained for each Eligible Executive on the books of the Company,
          which as of any Adjustment Date, consists of the sum of his Deferred
          Allocation Account, his Matching Allocation Account, and his Executive
          Incentive Compensation Account.

          (1)  "Deferred Allocation Account" means that portion of the 
               -----------------------------
               Executive's Account to which his Salary

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
               Reduction Allocations have been credited pursuant to section
               4.2(a) of this Supplemental Plan, plus any interest accruals
               credited thereto pursuant to section 5.3 of this Supplemental
               Plan.

          (2)  "Matching Allocation Account" means that portion of the
               -----------------------------
               Executive's Account to which his Company Matching Allocations
               have been credited pursuant to section 4.2(b) of this
               Supplemental Plan, plus any interest accruals credited thereto
               pursuant to section 5.3 of this Supplemental Plan.

          (3)  "Executive Incentive Compensation Account" means that portion of
               ------------------------------------------
               the Executive's Account to which his deferrals of payments under
               any designated executive incentive compensation plan have been
               credited pursuant to section 4.3 of this Supplemental Plan, plus
               any interest accruals credited thereto pursuant to section 5.3 of
               this Supplemental Plan.

          (4)  "Prior Plan Account" means that portion of the Executive's
               --------------------
               Account (if any) attributable to an account maintained by an
               Employer on behalf of an Eligible Executive pursuant to any other
               unfunded nonqualified plan or contract of deferred compensation
               which was transferred to this Plan at the direction of the
               Committee.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
     (m)  "Retirement Plan" means the Retirement Plan for the Employees of
          -----------------
          Branch Banking and Trust Company (effective as of January 1, 1989), as
          it may be amended from time to time.

     (n)  "Salary Reduction Allocation" means the allocations credited to the
          -----------------------------
          Executive's Account pursuant to section 4.2(a) of this Supplemental
          Plan.

     (o)  "Thrift Plan" means the Savings and Thrift Plan for the Employees of
          -------------
          Branch Banking & Trust Company (restated as of August 9, 1991), as it
          may be amended from time to time.

     2.2  Applicable Law.  Except to the extent preempted by federal law, this 
          --------------
Supplemental Plan shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with the 
laws of the State of North Carolina.

     2.3  Number and Gender.  Wherever appropriate, words herein used in the 
          -----------------
singular may include the plural, or the plural may be read as the singular, and 
the masculine may include the feminine.

     2.4  Employment Rights.  Establishment of this Supplemental Plan shall not 
          -----------------
be construed to give any Eligible Executive the right to be retained by the 
Employer or an Affiliate or to interfere with the right of the Employer or an 
Affiliate to discharge or retire any Eligible Executive at any time. Nothing

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

contained in this Supplemental Plan shall give an Eligible Executive the right
to any benefits other than those specified herein.

     2.5  Severability. In the event any provision of this Supplemental Plan
          ------------
shall be held invalid or illegal for any reason, any illegality or invalidity
shall not affect the remaining parts of this Supplemental Plan, but the
Supplemental Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid
provision had never been inserted, and the Company shall have the privilege and
opportunity to correct and remedy such questions of illegality or invalidity by
amendment.
                                    -7-    
<PAGE>
 
                    Article III. Eligibility to Participate
                    --------------------------------------- 

     3.1  Eligibility.  An individual shall be eligible to participate in this 
          -----------
Supplemental Plan as of the Entry Date next following the date on which he 
satisfies both subsections (a) and (b) below except that an individual who 
satisfies subsection (a) on the Effective Date shall be eligible to participate 
in this Supplemental Plan as of the Closing Date:

     (a)  Such individual is among the employees designated as eligible to 
          participate in this Supplemental Plan in accordance with eligibility
          criteria specified by the Committee before each Plan year (or the
          Effective Date, as applicable); and

     (b)  either--
      
          (1)  the benefit payable to him under the Retirement Plan is less than
               the benefit that would otherwise be payable under the Retirement
               Plan if such Plan did not observe the limitations described in
               Code section 401(a)(17) or 415, or if such Plan included
               deferrals under section 3.1 of the Thrift Plan or section 4.2(a)
               of this Supplemental Plan in its definition of Compensations; or

          (2)  the contributions or allocations to his Thrift Plan accounts
               (other than his Albemarle ESOP Account and his Gate City ESOP
               Account) are less

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
               than such contributions and allocations would otherwise be under
               the Thrift Plan if such Plan did not observe the limitations
               described in Code sections 401(a)(17), 401(k), 401(m), 402(g) and
               415, or if such Plan included deferrals under section 4.2(a) of
               this Supplemental Plan in its definition of Compensation; or

          (3)  he is eligible to participate in any designated executive
               incentive compensation plan.

An individual who has satisfied the eligibility requirements of this section 3.1
shall be known as an "Eligible Executive."
      
     3.2  Duration. A person who becomes an Eligible Executive shall remain an 
          --------
Eligible Executive until:

     (a)  he ceases to be a Participant in the Retirement Plan, Thrift Plan, or 
          any designated executive incentive compensation plan; or

     (b)  he ceases to meet the eligibility criteria established for the Plan 
          Year by the Committee under section 3.1.

                                      -9-   

   
<PAGE>
 
                             Article IV. Benefits
                             --------------------

4.1  Retirement Plan Supplement.
     --------------------------

(a)  Amount.  An Eligible Executive who is entitled to a benefit under the 
     ------
     Retirement Plan shall receive a benefit under this section 4.1 equal to the
     Actuarial Equivalent of the difference between (1) and (2) where --

     (1)  is the benefit he would be entitled to under the Retirement Plan if --

          (A)  such benefit is calculated by modifying the Retirement Plan's
               definition of Compensation to include amounts in excess of the
               limit specified in Code section 401(a)(17) and amounts deferred
               under section 3.1 of the Thrift Plan and section 4.2(a) of this
               Supplemental Plan; and

          (B)  such benefit is calculated without regard to the limit described
               in Code section 415; and

     (2)  is the benefit which he is entitled to under the Retirement Plan.

(b)  Distribution.  Benefits payable to the Eligible Executive under section 
     ------------
     4.1(a) shall be paid at the same time and in the same manner as the benefit
     payable to such Eligible Executive under the Retirement Plan. If the
     Eligible Executive (or former

                                     -10-

<PAGE>
 
          Eligible Executive) should die before his Retirement Plan supplement
          has been completely distributed, any remaining benefit shall be
          payable to the Beneficiary designated by him under section 2.1(b) of
          this Supplemental Plan at a time and in a manner determined by the
          Committee.

     4.2  Thrift Plan Supplement.
          ---------------------- 

     (a)  Salary Reduction Allocations.
          ----------------------------

          (1)  Amount. Each Eligible Executive who is a Participant in the 
               ------
               Thrift Plan may elect to contribute to his Deferred Allocation 
               Account on a pretax basis for any Plan Year an amount equal to 
               the difference between (A) and (B) where --

               (A)  is a whole percentage of Covered Compensation equal to the
                    same contribution percentage elected by the Eligible
                    Executive under section 3.1 of the Thrift Plan; and

               (B)  is an amount equal to the maximum Tax-Deferred Contributions
                    that has been, or will be, made to the Eligible Executive's
                    Account under the Thrift Plan (determined with regard to all
                    Thrift Plan provisions, and the limitations described in
                    Code sections 401(a)(17), 401(k), 401(m), 402(g), and 415) 
                    for such Plan Year.

                                     -11-




<PAGE>
 
          (2)  Salary Reduction Election.  An election by an Eligible Executive 
               -------------------------
               to reduce his Covered Compensation under section 4.2(a)(1) shall
               be made in writing prior to the beginning of each Plan Year (or
               the date he is eligible to participate in the Thrift Plan, if he
               becomes so eligible during the Plan year) and shall be
               irrevocable for such Plan Year (or remainder of the Plan Year, if
               applicable). The election made by an Eligible Executive under
               section 3.1 of the Thrift Plan shall also be irrevocable for the
               Plan Year (or remainder of the Plan Year, if applicable).

          (3)  Time for Crediting Salary Reduction Allocation.  The amount 
               ----------------------------------------------
               allocated to the Deferred Allocation Account pursuant to an
               Eligible Executive's election under section 4.2(a)(1) shall be
               credited to the Executive's Account at the same time and in the
               manner as Tax-Deferred Contributions are credited to the Eligible
               Executive's Tax-Deferred Contributions Account under the Thrift
               Plan.

     (b)  Company Matching Allocations.  
          ----------------------------

          (1)  Amount.  Each Eligible Executive who elects to reduce his Covered
               ------
               Compensation under section 4.2(a)(1) shall receive a Company
               Matching
                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
               Allocation for each month in an amount equal to the difference 
               between (A) and (B) where --

               (A)  is an amount equal to the sum of (i) the first two percent
                    (2%) of Covered Compensation elected for salary reduction
                    under section 4.1 of the Thrift Plan (but not more than the
                    amount described in section 4.2(a)(1)(B) of this
                    Supplemental Plan) and for salary reduction under section
                    4.2(a)(1) of this supplemental Plan; and (ii) 50 percent of
                    the next four percent (4%) of Covered compensation elected
                    for salary reduction under section 4.1 of the Thrift Plan
                    (but not more than the amount described in section
                    4.2(a)(1)(B) of this Supplemental Plan) and for salary
                    reduction under section 4.2(a)(1) of this Supplemental Plan;
                    and

               (B)  is an amount equal to the maximum Employer Contributions
                    that has been, or will be, made to the Eligible Executive
                    Account under the Thrift Plan (determined with regard to all
                    Thrift Plan provisions and the limitations described in Code
                    sections 401(a)(17), 401(k), 401(m), 402(g), and 415) for
                    such Plan Year.

                                     -13-


<PAGE>
 
          (2)  Time for Crediting Company Matching Allocations.  The amount
               -----------------------------------------------
               allocated to the Matching Allocation Account under this section
               4.2(b) shall be credited to the Executive's Account at the same
               time and in the same manner as Employer Contributions are
               credited to the Eligible Executive's Employer Contribution
               Account under the Thrift Plan.

     (c)  Vesting.  The interest of an Eligible Executive in his Deferred 
          -------
          Allocation Account shall be fully vested in him at all times. The
          interest of an Eligible Executive in his Matching Allocation
          Account shall be contingent, except that such interest shall become
          vested at the same time and in the same manner as his interest in his
          Employer Contributions Account becomes vested under the Thrift Plan.

     (d)  Distribution.  The interest of an Eligible Executive in his Deferred 
          ------------
          Allocation Account and Matching Allocation Account, including earnings
          thereon, shall be distributed to the Eligible Executive upon his
          separation from service with the Company and the Affiliates for any
          reason. The form of distribution will be either a lump sum, a series
          of installments payable over a period not to exceed 15 years, or a
          combination thereof, as elected by the Eligible Executive at the time
          described in section 4.2(a)(2).

                                     -14-
 








    
<PAGE>
 
     If the Eligible Executive (or former Eligible Executive) should die before
     his Deferred Allocation Account and Matching Allocation Account have been
     completely distributed, the remaining balances shall be paid to the
     Beneficiary designated by him under section 2.1(b) of this Supplemental
     Plan at a time and in a manner determined by the Committee.

     Notwithstanding any provision of the Thrift Plan to the contrary, an
     Eligible Executive may not receive a distribution from his Deferred
     Allocation Account or Matching Allocation Account by withdrawal, loan, or
     otherwise until he incurs a separation from service with the Company and
     the Affiliate.

4.3  Executive Incentive Compensation Plan Deferrals.
     ------------------------------------------------
(a)  Amount. Each Eligible Executive who is a participant in any designated
     ------
     executive incentive compensation plan maintained by the Employer may elect
     to defer to his Executive Incentive Compensation Account, on a pretax
     basis, an amount equal to either 10 percent, 20 percent, 30 percent, 40
     percent, or 50 percent of the benefit payable to him under such plan.

(b)  Deferral Election. An election by an Eligible Executive to defer incentive
     -----------------
     compensation under section 4.3(a) shall be made in writing at a time

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
          determined by the Committee and shall be irrevocable. In establishing
          the time of election, the Committee shall select a date that will not
          result in the constructive receipt of income to an Eligible Executive
          who elects to defer incentive compensation under this section 4.3.

     (c)  Vesting.  The interest of an Eligible Executive in his Executive 
          -------
          Incentive Compensation Account shall be fully vested in him at all
          times.

     (d)  Distribution.
          ------------

          (1)  Time of Distribution.  The interest of an Eligible Executive in
               --------------------
               his Executive Incentive Compensation Account, including earnings
               thereon, shall be paid, at the election of the Eligible
               Executive, upon either:

               (A)  the Eligible Executive's separation from service with the 
                    Company and the Affiliates; 

               (B)  a date specified by the Eligible Executive at the time of
                    deferral (which shall be at least two years after the date
                    of deferral); or

               (C)  the earlier of the occurrence of an event specified by the
                    Eligible Executive at the time of deferral (which even shall
                    be at least two years after the date of deferral) or a date
                    specified by the Eligible

                                     -16-
               
<PAGE>
 
                    Executive at the time of deferral (which date shall be at
                    least two years after the date of deferral). Any election
                    under this subparagraph (C) is subject to the approval of
                    the Committee.

          (2)  Form of Distribution. The form of distribution will be either a 
               --------------------
               lump sum, a series of installments payable over a period not to
               exceed 15 years, or a combination thereof, as elected by the
               Eligible Executive at the time described in section 4.3(b). If
               the Eligible Executive (or former Eligible Executive) should die
               before his Executive Incentive Compensation Account has been
               completely distributed, the remaining balance shall be paid to
               the Beneficiary designate by him under section 2.1(b) of this
               Supplemental Plan at a time and in a manner determined by the
               Committee.

     4.4  Hardship Withdrawals.
          --------------------

     (a)  In the event of an Eligible Executive's financial hardship, the
          Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion, permit the
          Eligible Executive to withdraw without penalty all or part of his
          Executive's Account (determined as of the Adjustment Date immediately
          preceding the date of withdrawal). For purposes of

                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
          this section, "financial hardship" shall mean an unforeseeable
          situation that is caused by events beyond the control of the Eligible
          Executive and that would result in a severe financial hardship to the
          Eligible Executive if the withdrawal is not permitted. The
          determination of whether a situation constitutes a financial hardship
          shall be made by the Committee.

     (b)  The amount withdrawn under this section shall not exceed the amounts
          needed to meet the financial hardship less all amounts reasonably
          available from other sources (including all amounts that may be
          withdrawn from the Thrift Plan). A withdrawal under this section
          shall be drawn from the various subaccounts in the Executive's Account
          in the following order:

          (1)  the Executive Incentive Compensation Account;

          (2)  the Eligible Executive's Deferred Allocation Account;

          (3)  the Eligible Executive's Prior Plan Account; and

          (4)  the Eligible Executive's Matching Allocation Account.

     4.5  Nonassignability.  Benefits under this Supplemental Plan are not in 
          ----------------
any way subject to the debts or other obligations of the persons entitled 
thereto and may not voluntarily or involuntary be sold, transferred, or 
assigned. Any voluntary

                                     -18-
<PAGE>
 
attempt to sell, anticipate, assign, or encumber benefits under this 
Supplemental Plan shall operate to cancel the balance of an Executive's Account 
as of the date of such attempt and to relieve the Employer from any future 
liability to pay or distribute any benefit with respect to such cancelled 
amount.

                                     -19-
<PAGE>
 
              Article V. Accounts, Earnings, and Records of Plan
              --------------------------------------------------

     5.1  Accounts and Records. The Company shall maintain records relative to
          --------------------
an Executive's Account so that the current value may be determined as of any 
Adjustment Date.

     5.2  Account Value. As of any given date for which a determination of the 
          -------------
value of the Executive's Account is required, such value shall equal the sum of 
the value of his Deferred Allocation Account, his Matching Allocation Account, 
his Executive Incentive Compensation Account, and his Prior Plan Account 
determined as of the Adjustment Date coinciding with or immediately preceding
the date as of which the value of the Executive's Account is sought.

     5.3  Interest Accrual. The account balance of the Executive's Account 
          ----------------
shall accrue interest at a rate fixed from time to time by the Committee in its
sole and absolute discretion. Interest shall accrue from each Adjustment Date on
the account balance as of that date and shall be credited to the Executive's
Account as of the next Adjustment Date or, if earlier, the first day of the
month which includes the distribution date. Interest credited to an Executive's
Account pursuant to this section 5.3 shall be allocated among the Deferred
Allocation Account, Matching Allocation Account, Executive Incentive
Compensation Account, and

                                     -20-
<PAGE>
 
Prior Plan Account in the same proportion that each such subaccount bears to the
total Executive's Account.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>
 
                    Article VI. No Trust or Funding Vehicle
                    ---------------------------------------

     6.1  No Trust or Funding Vehicle. Nothing contained in this Supplemental 
          ---------------------------
Plan, and no action taken pursuant to provisions of this Supplemental Plan, 
shall create or be construed to create a trust or other funding vehicle of any 
kind or to create a fiduciary relationship between the Company and any Eligible 
Executive. Any amount payable or other interest in this Supplemental Plan shall 
remain an unfunded and unsecured general obligation of the Company and no 
amounts shall be set aside as the Executive's Account.

                                     -22-
<PAGE>
 
                          Article VII. Administration
                          ---------------------------

     7.1  Plan Administrator. The Supplemental Plan shall be administered by the
          ------------------
Committee, which shall be the Plan Administrator, and such employees or other
agents as the Committee may designate from time to time.

     7.2  Administration. The Committee shall have all powers as may be 
          --------------
necessary to carry out its duties hereunder and may, from time to time, 
establish rules for the administration of the Supplemental Plan and the 
transaction of its business.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall have the 
exclusive authority to interpret the Supplemental Plan, to prescribe, amend, and
rescind rules and regulations related to it, and to make all other 
determinations necessary for the administration of the Supplemental Plan. The 
Committee shall have the exclusive right to remedy or resolve possible 
ambiguities, inconsistencies, or omissions by general rule or particular 
decision. The Committee shall have the power to remedy any defects in the 
administration of the Supplemental Plan and may take whatever correction action 
it deems appropriate. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of 
any Supplemental Plan provision shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.

                                     -23-







<PAGE>
 
The Committee shall have the authority to delegate responsibility for 
performance of any or all functions necessary for administration of the 
Supplemental Plan to such employees of the Company, including Eligible 
Executives, as the Committee shall in its sole discretion deem appropriate.

     7.3  Uniform Rules.  In administering the Supplemental Plan, the Committee
          -------------
shall endeavor to apply uniform rules to all similarly situated individuals.

     7.4  No Individual Liability.  It is declared to be an expressed purpose
          -----------------------
and intention of the Supplemental Plan that no liability whatsoever shall attach
to or be incurred by employees, shareholders, officers, or directors of the
Company or any Affiliate, or any agent or representative appointed hereunder,
under or by reason of any of the terms or conditions of the Supplemental Plan.
The Company, through insurance or otherwise, may indemnify and defend any such
person against any personal liability for actions taken or omitted in good faith
in the performance of duties under this Supplemental Plan.

     7.5  Notice of Address.  Each person entitled to benefits from the
          -----------------
Supplemental Plan must file with the Committee in writing, his post office
address and each change of post office address. Any such notice provided to the
Company under the Retirement Plan or the Thrift Plan shall be deemed to satisfy
the

                                     -24-

<PAGE>
 
requirement of this section.  Any Communication, statement, or notice address 
will be binding upon him for all purposes of this Supplemental Plan, and neither
the Company nor the Committee shall be obligated to search for or ascertain his 
whereabouts.

     7.6  Data.  All persons entitled to benefits from the Supplemental Plan 
          ----
must furnish to the Committee such documents, evidence, or information as the
Committee considers necessary or desirable for the purpose of administering the
Supplemental Plan, and it shall be an express condition of the Supplemental Plan
that each such person must furnish such information and sign such documents as
the Committee may require before any benefits become payable from the
supplemental Plan.

     7.7  Missing Persons.  If the Committee shall be unable, within two (2) 
          ---------------
years after any amount becomes due and payable from the Supplemental Plan to a 
former Eligible Executive or Beneficiary, to make payment because the identity 
or whereabouts of such person cannot be ascertained, the committee may mail a 
notice by registered mail to the last known address of such person stating that 
unless such person makes written reply within sixty (60) days from the mailing 
of such notice, the Committee will direct that all liability for the payment of
such amount shall terminate; provided, however, that in the event of the
subsequent reappearance of the former Eligible Executive of Beneficiary prior to
termination of the supplemental Plan, the benefits which are

                                     -25-
<PAGE>
 
payable and which such person missed shall be paid in a single sum without any
interest or other income being credited thereto subsequent to the original due
date.

     7.8  Incompetency. Every person receiving or claiming benefits under the
          ------------
Supplemental Plan shall be conclusively presumed to be mentally competent and of
legal age until the date on which the Committee receives a written notice, in a
form and manner acceptable to the Committee, that such person is incompetent or
a minor, from whom a guardian or other person legally vested with the care of
his person or estate has been appointed; provided, however, that if the
Committee shall find that any person to whom a benefit is payable under the
Supplemental Plan is unable to care for his affairs because of incompetency, or
is a minor, any payment due (unless a prior claim therefor shall have been made
by a legal representative) may be paid to the spouse, a child, a parent, or a
brother or sister, or to any person or institution deemed by the Committee to
have incurred expense for such person otherwise entitled to payment. To the
extent permitted by law, any such payment so made shall be a complete discharge
of liability therefor.

In the event a guardian of the estate of any person receiving or claiming
benefits under the Supplemental Plan shall be appointed by a court of competent
jurisdiction, benefit payments may be made to such guardian, provided that
proper proof of appointment and

                                     -26-
<PAGE>
 
continuing qualification is furnished in a form and manner acceptable to the 
Committee. To the extent permitted by law, any such payment so made shall be a 
complete discharge of any liability therefor.

                                     -27-
<PAGE>
 
                   Article VIII.  Amendment and Termination
                   ----------------------------------------

     8.1  Amendment and Termination.  The Company expects the Supplemental Plan
          -------------------------
to be permanent, but since future conditions affecting the Company cannot be
anticipated or foreseen, the Company must necessarily and does hereby reserve to
its board of directors the right to amend, modify, or terminate the Supplemental
Plan at any time.  In addition, the Committee may make any amendment which does 
not significantly increase benefit levels or costs and does not accelerate the 
time that any amount under this Supplement Plan is paid or made available.  
However, no amendment or termination shall retroactively reduce the accrued 
benefit of any Eligible Executive.

     8.2  Corporate Reorganization.  In the event of a merger or consolidation
          ------------------------
of an Employer, or the transfer of more than 25 percent of the ownership of an
Employer or substantially all of the assets of an Employer to an nonaffiliated
corporation, it is intended that this Supplemental Plan shall be continued and
that any such continuing, resulting, or transferee corporation shall assume all
liabilities of the Employer hereunder. If the Supplemental Plan is not continued
or such successor does not agree to assume the liabilities of the Employer
hereunder, then all benefits that have accrued hereunder shall vest in full and
become due and payable in a lump sum by the Employer at the time of such merger,
consolidation, or transfer.
                                     -28-














<PAGE>
 
     8.3  Protected Benefits.  If the Supplemental Plan is terminated, then the 
          ------------------
dollar amount of benefits of each retired Eligible Executive and Beneficiary and
the dollar amount of vested benefits of each active Eligible Executive shall not
thereafter be reduced without the Eligible Executive's or Beneficiary's consent.

     8.4  Adoption by Affiliates.  Any Affiliate that has adopted the Retirement
          ----------------------
Plan or Thrift Plan shall be deemed to have adopted this Supplemental Plan for 
the benefit of its employees who have been selected by the Company as Eligible 
Executives (with such adoption being effective upon the Company's notification 
of the Affiliate of such selection); provided, however, that an Affiliate may 
decline to adopt this Supplemental Plan or may rescind its prior adoption by 
delivering to the Company a written instrument to that effect which has been 
authorized by a resolution of its board of directors.  The adoption of this 
Supplemental Plan by an Affiliate constitutes authorization for the Committee to
serve as the agent of the Affiliate in administering the Supplemental Plan and 
also constitutes acceptance of the Affiliate's obligation to make payment of any
benefits to Eligible Executives in its employ (or their Beneficiaries) that may 
become due hereunder.

                                  * * * * * *

                                     -29-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Branch Banking & Trust Company has caused this 
instrument to be executed by its duly authorized officer effective as of August 
8, 1991.

                                                  BRANCH BANKING & TRUST COMPANY


                                                  By /s/ Henry Williamson Jr
                                                     ---------------------------


                                                  Its Chief Operating Officer
                                                      --------------------------


     ATTEST:                  
                              
                              
     By /s/ Jerone C. Herring      
        ---------------------   
        Secretary

                                    -30-  

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 11
 
                 SOUTHERN NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1996            1995            1994
                               --------------- --------------- ---------------
                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                            <C>             <C>             <C>
PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE:
  Weighted average number of
   common shares outstanding
   during the period..........     108,545,334     108,558,570     106,961,466
  Add--
    Dilutive effect of
     outstanding options (as
     determined by application
     of treasury stock
     method)..................       1,789,118       1,218,140       1,181,522
    Issuance of additional
     shares under share
     repurchase agreement,
     contingent upon market
     price....................         151,675             --              --
                               --------------- --------------- ---------------
  Weighted average number of
   common shares, as
   adjusted...................     110,486,127     109,776,710     108,142,988
                               =============== =============== ===============
  Net income.................. $       283,664 $       186,341 $       243,842
  Less--Preferred dividend
   requirement................             610           5,079           5,198
                               --------------- --------------- ---------------
  Income available for common
   shares..................... $       283,054 $       181,262 $       238,644
                               =============== =============== ===============
  Primary earnings per share.. $          2.56 $          1.65 $          2.21
                               =============== =============== ===============
FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER
 SHARE:
  Weighted average number of
   common shares outstanding
   during the period..........     108,545,334     108,558,570     106,961,466
  Add--
    Shares issuable assuming
     conversion of convertible
     preferred stock..........         938,652       4,458,426       4,548,236
    Dilutive effect of
     outstanding options (as
     determined by application
     of treasury stock
     method)..................       2,200,539       1,458,096       1,186,516
    Issuance of additional
     shares under share
     repurchase agreement,
     contingent upon market
     price....................         151,675             --              --
    Shares assuming conversion
     of convertible
     debentures...............             --          326,751         497,463
                               --------------- --------------- ---------------
  Weighted average number of
   common shares, as
   adjusted...................     111,836,200     114,801,843     113,193,681
                               =============== =============== ===============
  Net income.................. $       283,664 $       186,341 $       243,842
Add--After tax interest
 expense and amortization of
 issue costs applicable to
 convertible debentures.......             --              211             325
                               --------------- --------------- ---------------
  Net income, as adjusted..... $       283,664 $       186,552 $       244,167
                               =============== =============== ===============
  Fully diluted earnings per
   share...................... $          2.54 $          1.62 $          2.16
                               =============== =============== ===============
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 21
 
                        SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  Southern National Corporation, a North Carolina corporation, is a multi-bank
holding company. The table below sets forth all of Southern National's
subsidiaries as to State or Jurisdiction of Organization and Percentage of
Voting Securities Owned as well as their relationship to Southern National.
All of the subsidiaries listed below are included in the consolidated
financial statements, and no separate financial statements are submitted for
any subsidiary.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PERCENTAGE
                                                                                        STATE OR JURISDICTION  OF VOTING
SUBSIDIARY                                                                                 OF ORGANIZATION    SHARES OWNED
- ----------                                                                              --------------------- ------------
  <S>                                                                                      <C>                    <C>
  Branch Banking and Trust Company......................................................   North Carolina         100%
  BB&T Financial Corporation of South Carolina..........................................   South Carolina         100%
  Branch Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina....................................   South Carolina         100%
  BB&T Financial Corporation of Virginia................................................   Virginia               100%
  Regional Acceptance Corporation.......................................................   North Carolina         100%
  Money 24, Inc.........................................................................   North Carolina         100%
  BB&T Leasing Corp.....................................................................   North Carolina         100%(1)
  Branch Banking and Trust Company of Virginia..........................................   Virginia               100%(3)
  Southern International Corp...........................................................   North Carolina         100%(4)
  Workmen's Service Corp................................................................   North Carolina         100%(1,4)
  First Savings Service Corp............................................................   North Carolina         100%(1,4)
  Citizens Financial Services, Inc......................................................   North Carolina         100%(1,4)
  Fay-Charl Corp........................................................................   North Carolina         100%(1,4)
  Peoples Service Corp. of Thomasville..................................................   North Carolina         100%(1)
  City Finance Company, Inc.............................................................   North Carolina         100%(1,4)
  Southern National Mortgage Company....................................................   North Carolina         100%(1)
  BB&T Savings Corporation..............................................................   North Carolina         100%(4)
  BB&T Investment Services, Inc.........................................................   North Carolina         100%(1)
  BB&T Insurance Services, Inc..........................................................   North Carolina         100%(1)
  Grey Eagle, Inc.......................................................................   Delaware               100%(1)
  BB&T Realty Investments, Inc..........................................................   Virginia               100%(1)
  BB&T Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc................................................   North Carolina         100%(6)
  First Capital Corporation.............................................................   South Carolina         100%(2,4)
  The First Real Estate Group, Inc......................................................   South Carolina         100%(2,4)
  FICORP of South Carolina..............................................................   South Carolina         100%(2,4)
  BB&T Realty Corporation...............................................................   North Carolina         100%(2,4)
  BB&T Investment Services of South Carolina, Inc.......................................   South Carolina         100%(2)
  Unified Investors Life Insurance Company..............................................   Arizona                100%
  Prime Rate Premium Finance Corporation, Inc...........................................   South Carolina         100%(1)
  Agency Technologies, Inc..............................................................   South Carolina         100%(1)
  IFCO, Incorporated....................................................................   Virginia               100%(1)
  College Investments of South Carolina, Inc............................................   South Carolina         100%(2,4)
  College Investments of North Carolina, Inc............................................   North Carolina         100%(2,4)
  College Properties, Inc...............................................................   South Carolina         100%(2,4)
  Firstmark Development Corporation.....................................................   South Carolina         100%(2,4)
  150 Corporation.......................................................................   North Carolina         100%(1)
  Carolina Lenders, Inc.................................................................   North Carolina         100%(1,4)
  Building Service Corporation..........................................................   North Carolina         100%(1,4)
  Guaranty Financial Services...........................................................   North Carolina         100%(1,4)
  CSB Financial.........................................................................   North Carolina         100%(1,4)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         PERCENTAGE
                                                                                 STATE OR JURISDICTION   OF VOTING
SUBSIDIARY                                                                          OF ORGANIZATION     SHARES OWNED
- ----------                                                                       ---------------------- ------------
  <S>                                                                            <C>                    <C>
  North Carolina Trustee Company............................................     North Carolina             100%(1,4)
  Goddard Technology Corporation............................................     South Carolina             100%(1)
  FARR Associates, Inc......................................................     North Carolina             100%(1)
  Davidson Financial, Inc...................................................     North Carolina             100%(1,4)
  Carolina Securities Corp..................................................     South Carolina             100%(2,4)
  Nexus.....................................................................     North Carolina              51%(5)
  AutoBase Information Systems, Inc.........................................     North Carolina              51%(1)
  Regional Acceptance Investment Corporation of Nevada......................     Nevada                     100%(4,7)
  REGA Insurance Services, Inc..............................................     North Carolina             100%(7)
  Greenville Car Mart, Inc..................................................     North Carolina             100%(7)
  Regional Fidelity Limited.................................................     British Virgin Islands      99%(7)
  Roanoke Fidelity Limited..................................................     British Virgin Islands      99%(4,7)
  Universal Fidelity Limited................................................     British Virgin Islands      99%(4,7)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Owned by Branch Banking and Trust Company (North Carolina)
(2) Owned by Branch Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina
(3) Owned by BB&T Financial Corporation of Virginia
(4) Inactive
(5) Owned by 150 Corporation
(6) Owned by BB&T Realty Investments, Inc.
(7) Owned by Regional Acceptance Corporation

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 23(A)
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our reports included in this Form 10-K into Southern National Corporation's
previously filed Registration Statement File Nos. 33-52367, 33-57865 and 33-
57867 filed on Form S-8 and Registration Statement File Nos. 33-57859, 33-
57861 and 33-57871 filed on Form S-3.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Charlotte, North Carolina, 
  March 17, 1997.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 23(B)
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors of Southern National Corporation:
 
  We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards the
consolidated financial statements of Southern National Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1996, which financial statements are included
in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated January 14, 1997.
Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. Exhibit 11 is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part
of the basic financial statements. Exhibit 11 has been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements
and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data
required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements
taken as a whole.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Charlotte, North Carolina, 
    January 14, 1997.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                         638,748
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                           1,046
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                19,940
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                  5,136,789
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                         124,718
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                           128,410
<LOANS>                                     14,584,064
<ALLOWANCE>                                    183,932
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              21,246,562
<DEPOSITS>                                  14,953,914
<SHORT-TERM>                                 2,263,303
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                            248,409
<LONG-TERM>                                  2,051,767
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       546,487
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,182,682
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>              21,246,562
<INTEREST-LOAN>                              1,282,521
<INTEREST-INVEST>                              323,360
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                   732
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                             1,606,613
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                             564,747
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             778,120
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                          828,493
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                   53,661
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                               3,206
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                654,053
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                418,168
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                     418,168
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   283,664
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.56
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.54
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    4.45
<LOANS-NON>                                     64,430
<LOANS-PAST>                                    32,052
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                     0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                               175,588
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                   59,484
<RECOVERIES>                                    14,167
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                              183,932
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                           183,932
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                         29,429
        

</TABLE>


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