BB&T CORP
S-4, 1999-06-23
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>

     As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 1999

                                                      Registration No. 333 -

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

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

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

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

                               BB&T CORPORATION
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                     6060
    North Carolina       (Primary Standard Industrial      56-0939887
    (State or other       Classification Code Number)   (I.R.S. Employer
    jurisdiction of                                  Identification Number)
   incorporation or
     organization)

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

                            200 West Second Street
                      Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101
                                (336) 733-2000
         (Address, including Zip Code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

                            Jerone C. Herring, Esq.
                       200 West Second Street, 3rd Floor
                      Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101
                                (336) 733-2180
           (Name, address, including Zip Code, and telephone number,
                  including area code, of agent for service)

                               ---------------
                 The Commission is requested to send copies of
                            all communications to:

           Douglas A. Mays                       Charles D. Dunbar
  Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice,            Elizabeth Osenton Lord
                PLLC                           Jackson & Kelly PLLC
     3300 One First Union Center                1600 Laidley Tower
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-6025      Charleston, West Virginia 25322

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

  Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the
public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.

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

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

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

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

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                            Proposed
                                             Proposed        maximum
                                             maximum        aggregate
  Title of each class of     Amount to be offering price    offering           Amount of
securities to be registered   registered     per unit         price         registration fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>          <C>            <C>                <C>
Common Stock,
 par value
 $5.00 per
 share(1)....                 3,182,309         (2)      $110,383,757.50(3)    $9,506.66(4)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Each share of the registrant's common stock includes one preferred share
    purchase right.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Computed in accordance with Rule 457(f) based on the average of the high
    ($23.25) and low ($23.00) sales price of the common stock of Matewan
    BancShares, Inc. on June 18, 1999 as reported on The Nasdaq National
    Market, and on the average of the high ($30.00) and low ($30.00) sales
    price of the preferred stock of Matewan BancShares, Inc. on June 18, 1999
    as reported on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market.
(4) Pursuant to Rule 457(b), the registration fee has been reduced by an
    amount equal to the fee of $21,180.02 paid upon the filing with the
    Commission of the preliminary proxy materials of Matewan BancShares, Inc.
    (File No. 0-16707) on June 10, 1999.

  The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this
registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement
shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to
Section 8(a), may determine.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

                           MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC.
                        Second Avenue and Vinson Street
                           Williamson, West Virginia

                ----------------------------------------------
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD ON JULY 27, 1999
                ----------------------------------------------

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC.:

  Matewan will hold a special meeting of shareholders at Embassy Suites, 300
Court Street, Charleston, West Virginia, at 11:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday,
July 27, 1999, to vote on:

  1 . A proposal to approve the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
      Reorganization, dated as of February 24, 1999, between Matewan and BB&T
      Corporation, a related plan of merger and the transactions those
      documents contemplate. These transactions include the merger of Matewan
      into BB&T.

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

  Shareholders of Matewan of record at the close of business on June 15, 1999
are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. You are cordially
invited to attend the meeting in person; however, whether or not you plan to
attend, we urge you to complete, date and sign the accompanying proxy card and
to return it promptly in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope.

                                          BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Williamson, West Virginia                 Pauline Roberson
June 22, 1999                             Secretary

  Please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card promptly
whether or not you plan to attend the meeting. Failure to return a properly
executed proxy or to vote at the meeting will have the same effect as a vote
against the merger. Please do not send in any certificates for your shares at
this time.

<PAGE>


                                [Matewan logo]
                     (LOGO OF FIRST CITIZENS APPEARS HERE)


                        SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

                 MERGER PROPOSAL--YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

  The board of directors of Matewan BancShares, Inc. has unanimously approved
a merger combining Matewan and BB&T Corporation. In the merger, Matewan
shareholders will receive 0.67 shares of BB&T common stock for each share of
Matewan common stock and 0.8375 shares of BB&T common stock for each share of
Matewan preferred stock. Matewan shareholders generally will not recognize
federal income tax gain or loss for the BB&T stock they receive. The merger
will join Matewan's strengths as a community banking system serving
southwestern West Virginia, western Kentucky and southwestern Virginia with
BB&T's position as a leading bank throughout the Carolinas and Virginia,
enabling the combined company to offer Matewan's customers a broad range of
financial products and services.

  At the meeting, you will consider and vote on the merger agreement. The
merger cannot be completed unless holders of at least a majority of Matewan
common stock and the holders of at least a majority of Matewan preferred stock
approve it. The Matewan board believes the merger is in the best interests of
Matewan shareholders and unanimously recommends that shareholders vote to
approve the merger agreement. No vote of BB&T shareholders is required to
approve the merger agreement.

  On June 21, 1999, the closing price of BB&T stock was $35.50. If this were
the stock price just before the merger occurred, the value of the BB&T stock
that Matewan shareholders would receive for each share of Matewan common stock
would be $23.79 and the value of the BB&T stock that Matewan shareholders
would receive for each share of Matewan
preferred stock would be $29.73. The closing price of Matewan common stock on
that date was $23.25 and the closing price of Matewan preferred stock was
$30.00. These prices will, however, fluctuate between now and the merger.

  The date, time and place of the meeting are:

  July 27, 1999
  11:00 a.m.
  Embassy Suites
  300 Court Street
  Charleston, West Virginia

  There will be a complimentary buffet lucheon following the meeting.

  This proxy statement/prospectus provides you with detailed information about
the proposed merger. We encourage you to read this entire document carefully.
You can also obtain other information about Matewan and BB&T from documents
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

  Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, if you are a holder of
Matewan stock please take the time to vote by completing and mailing the
enclosed proxy card to us. If you fail to return your card or vote in person,
the effect will be a vote against approval of the merger agreement. Your vote
is very important. You can revoke your proxy by writing to Matewan's corporate
secretary any time before the meeting or by attending the meeting and voting
in person.

  On behalf of the Board of Directors of Matewan, I urge you to vote "FOR"
approval and adoption of the merger agreement.

                                                                   Dan R. Moore
                                Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
 regulators have approved the BB&T common stock to be issued in the merger or
 determined if this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any
 representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

  This proxy statement/prospectus is dated June 22, 1999 and is expected to be
first mailed to shareholders of Matewan on June 25, 1999.
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>
A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION................................. iii
SUMMARY.....................................................................   1

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS.....................................................   8
  General...................................................................   8
  Record Date, Voting Rights and Vote Required..............................   8
  Voting and Revoking Proxies...............................................   8
  Solicitation of Proxies...................................................   9
  Recommendation of the Matewan Board.......................................   9

THE MERGER..................................................................  10
  General...................................................................  10
  Background of and Reasons for the Merger..................................  10
  Opinion of Matewan's Financial Advisor....................................  13
  Exchange Ratio............................................................  17
  Exchange of Matewan Stock Certificates....................................  20
  The Merger Agreement......................................................  21
  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger................................  25
  Rights of Dissenting Preferred Shareholders...............................  28
  Regulatory Considerations.................................................  30
  Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger....................  32
  Accounting Treatment......................................................  33
  The Option Agreement......................................................  33
  Effect on Employees and Employee Benefit Plans............................  36
  Restrictions on Resales by Affiliates.....................................  37

INFORMATION ABOUT BB&T......................................................  38
  General...................................................................  38
  Operating Subsidiaries....................................................  38
  Acquisitions..............................................................  39
  Capital...................................................................  40
  Deposit Insurance Assessments.............................................  41

INFORMATION ABOUT MATEWAN...................................................  42
  General...................................................................  42
  Matewan National Bank.....................................................  42
  Matewan Venture Fund......................................................  43
  Matewan FSB...............................................................  43
  Delivery Systems..........................................................  43
  Regulation................................................................  44

DESCRIPTION OF BB&T CAPITAL STOCK...........................................  45
  General...................................................................  45
  BB&T Common Stock.........................................................  45
  BB&T Preferred Stock......................................................  45
  Shareholder Rights Plan...................................................  45
  Certain Provisions of the NCBCA, BB&T Articles and BB&T Bylaws............  48
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS.........................................  49
  Authorized Capital Stock.................................................  49
  Special Meetings of Shareholders and Action by Shareholders without a
   Meeting.................................................................  49
  Directors................................................................  50
  Dividends and Other Distributions........................................  50
  Notice of Shareholder Nominations and Shareholder Proposals..............  51
  Exculpation and Indemnification..........................................  51
  Mergers, Share Exchanges and Sales of Assets.............................  52
  Anti-takeover Statutes...................................................  53
  Amendments to Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.......................  54
  Shareholders' Rights of Dissent and Appraisal............................  54
  Liquidation Rights.......................................................  56

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS......................................................  56

OTHER BUSINESS.............................................................  56

LEGAL MATTERS..............................................................  57

EXPERTS....................................................................  57

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION........................................  58

Appendix A--Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Plan of Merger
Appendix B--Opinion of Baxter Fentriss and Company
Appendix C--Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
</TABLE>

                                       ii
<PAGE>

                  A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

  BB&T and Matewan have each made forward-looking statements in this document
and in certain documents that we refer to in this document that are subject to
risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on the beliefs and
assumptions of the management of BB&T and management of Matewan, and on
information currently available to them or, in the case of information that
appears under the heading "The Merger--BB&T's Reasons for the Merger" at page
12, information that was available to management of BB&T as of the date of the
merger agreement. Forward-looking statements include the information
concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of BB&T or Matewan
set forth under "Summary," "The Merger--Background of, and Reasons for, the
Merger" and "The Merger--BB&T's Reasons for the Merger" and statements
preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believes," "expects,"
"anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates" or similar expressions.

  We have made statements in this document regarding estimated earnings per
share of BB&T and Matewan on a stand alone basis, expected cost savings from
the merger, estimated restructuring charges relating to the merger, estimated
increases in Matewan's fee income ratio and net interest margin, the
anticipated accretive effect of the merger and BB&T's anticipated performance
in future periods. With respect to estimated cost savings and restructuring
charges, BB&T has made assumptions about, among other things, the extent of
operational overlap between BB&T and Matewan, the amount of general and
administrative expense consolidation, costs relating to converting Matewan's
bank operations and data processing to BB&T's systems, the size of anticipated
reductions in fixed labor costs, the amount of severance expenses, the extent
of the charges that may be necessary to align the companies' respective
accounting reserve policies, and the costs related to the merger. The
realization of cost savings and the amount of restructuring charges are
subject to the risk that the foregoing assumptions are inaccurate, and actual
results may be materially different from those expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements.

  Moreover, any statements in this document about the anticipated accretive
effect of the merger and BB&T's anticipated performance in future periods are
subject to risks relating to, among other things, the following:

    1. expected cost savings from the merger or other previously announced
  mergers may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time-
  frame;

    2. deposit attrition, customer loss or revenue loss following the merger
  or other previously announced mergers may be greater than expected;

    3. competitive pressures among depository and other financial
  institutions may increase significantly;

    4. costs or difficulties related to the integration of the businesses of
  BB&T and its merger partners, including Matewan, may be greater than
  expected;

    5. changes in the interest rate environment may reduce margins;

    6. general economic or business conditions, either nationally or in the
  states or regions in which BB&T and Matewan do business, may be less
  favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration
  in credit quality or a reduced demand for credit;

    7. legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting
  standards, may adversely affect the businesses in which BB&T and Matewan
  are engaged;

    8.  adverse changes may occur in the securities markets; and

    9. competitors of BB&T and Matewan may have greater financial resources
  and develop products that enable those competitors to compete more
  successfully than BB&T and Matewan.

  Management of each of BB&T and Matewan believes the forward-looking
statements about its company are reasonable; however, shareholders of Matewan
should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.
The future results and shareholder values of BB&T following completion of the
merger may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-
looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine these results and
values are beyond BB&T's and Matewan's ability to control or predict.

                                      iii
<PAGE>

                                    SUMMARY

  This summary highlights selected information from this proxy
statement/prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is
important to you. To understand the merger fully and for a more complete
description of the legal terms of the merger, you should read carefully this
entire document and the documents to which we refer you. See "Where You Can
Find More Information" on page 58.

Exchange Ratio to be 0.67 Shares of BB&T Stock for each Matewan Common Share
and 0.8375 Shares of BB&T Stock for each Matewan Preferred Share (Page 17)

  If the merger is completed, you will receive 0.67 shares of BB&T stock for
each share of Matewan common stock you own and 0.8375 shares of BB&T stock for
each share of Matewan preferred stock you own, plus cash instead of any
fractional share.

  On June 21, 1999, the closing price of BB&T common stock was $35.50. If this
were the average closing price, the value of the BB&T stock that Matewan
shareholders would receive for each share of Matewan common stock would be
$23.79 and the value of the BB&T stock that Matewan shareholders would receive
for each share of Matewan preferred stock would be $29.73. Because the market
price of BB&T stock fluctuates, you will not know when you vote exactly what
the exchange ratio will be or what the shares will be worth when issued in the
merger.

  If the price of BB&T's stock is below $30.87 just before the merger and the
stock prices of certain other bank holding companies have not experienced
similar relative declines since the time that the companies agreed to merge,
Matewan may terminate the merger agreement. If this happened, BB&T could
choose to proceed with the merger by increasing the consideration that you
would receive in the merger so that you would receive BB&T common stock
valued, shortly before the merger, at $20.68 for each share of Matewan common
stock and $25.85 for each share of Matewan preferred stock.

No Federal Income Tax on Shares Received in Merger (Page 32)

  Matewan shareholders generally will not recognize gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes for the shares of BB&T stock they receive in the merger.
BB&T's attorneys have issued a legal opinion to this effect, which we have
included as an exhibit to the registration statement filed with the SEC for
the shares to be issued in the merger. Matewan shareholders will be taxed on
cash received instead of any fractional share of BB&T stock. Tax matters are
complicated, and tax results may vary among shareholders. We urge you to
contact your own tax advisor to understand fully how the merger will affect
you.

BB&T Dividend Policy Following the Merger

  BB&T currently pays quarterly dividends of $0.20 per share of common stock.
BB&T expects that it will continue to pay at least this amount in quarterly
dividends, but may change that policy based on business conditions, BB&T's
financial condition and earnings or other factors. If the merger is completed,
holders of Matewan preferred stock will no longer have any dividend
preferences.

Matewan Board Recommends Shareholder Approval (Page 11)

  The Matewan board believes that the merger is in the best interests of
Matewan shareholders and unanimously recommends that the shareholders vote
"FOR" approval of the merger agreement. The Matewan board believes that, as a
result of the merger, Matewan shareholders will have less financial risk and
will experience greater stock value appreciation than they would if Matewan
remained independent.

Exchange Ratio Fair to Shareholders, According to Matewan's Financial Advisor
(Page 13)

  Baxter Fentriss and Company has given an opinion to the Matewan board that,
as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the exchange ratio in the
merger is fair from a financial point of view to Matewan shareholders. The
full text of this opinion is attached as Appendix B to this proxy
statement/prospectus. We encourage you to read the opinion carefully. Baxter
Fentriss will be paid a fee equal to approximately 0.6% of the merger
consideration for providing its opinion.


                                       1
<PAGE>


Meeting to be held July 27, 1999 (Page 8)

  Matewan will hold the special shareholders' meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday,
July 27, 1999 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, West Virginia. At the
meeting, you will vote on the merger agreement. You will also conduct any other
business that properly arises.

The Companies (Page 38)

BB&T Corporation
200 West Second Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 733-2000

  BB&T Corporation is a multi-bank holding company with more than $37.8 billion
in assets. It is the sixth largest bank holding company in the Southeast, and
through its banking subsidiaries operates 581 branch offices in the Carolinas,
Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. BB&T ranks second in deposit market
share in North Carolina and third in South Carolina and maintains a significant
market presence in much of Virginia, as well as in Maryland and in Washington,
D.C.

Matewan BancShares, Inc.
Second Avenue and Vinson Street
Williamson, West Virginia 25661
(770) 253-5017

  Matewan BancShares, Inc. is the holding company for two subsidiary financial
institutions with approximately $676 million in assets and 22 branch offices in
southwestern West Virginia, western Kentucky and southwestern Virginia.

The Merger (Page 10)

  In the merger, Matewan will merge into BB&T, and Matewan's banking
subsidiaries, through which it operates, will become wholly owned subsidiaries
of BB&T. The merger requires the approval of the holders of at least a majority
of the Matewan common stock and the holders of at least a majority of the
Matewan preferred stock. If we obtain this approval, we currently expect to
complete the merger in the third quarter of 1999.

  We have attached the merger agreement and the related plan of merger
(Appendix A) at the back of this proxy statement/prospectus. We encourage you
to read the merger agreement, as it is the legal document that governs the
merger.

Majority Matewan Shareholder Votes Required (Page 8)

  Approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of both the
holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Matewan common
stock and the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of
Matewan preferred stock. Your failure to vote will have the effect of a vote
against approval of the merger. Certain directors and executive officers of
Matewan together own about 36% of the common shares and about 3% of the
preferred shares entitled to be cast at the meeting, and we expect them to vote
their shares in favor of the merger.

  Brokers who hold shares of Matewan stock as nominees will not have authority
to vote such shares with respect to the merger unless shareholders provide
voting instructions.

  The merger does not require the approval of BB&T's shareholders.

Record Date Set at June 15, 1999; One Vote per Share of Matewan Stock (Page 8)

  If you owned shares of Matewan stock at the close of business on June 15,
1999, the record date, you are entitled to vote on the merger agreement and any
other matters considered at the meeting.

  On the record date, there were 4,125,004 shares of Matewan common stock and
499,768 shares of Matewan preferred stock outstanding. You will have one vote
at the meeting for each share of Matewan stock you own on the record date.

Monetary Benefits to Management in the Merger (Page 25)

  When considering the recommendation of the Matewan board, you should be aware
that some Matewan directors and officers have interests in the merger that
differ from the interests of other Matewan shareholders. Matewan's Chairman,
President and CEO Dan R. Moore has been offered a 5-year employment agreement
with a banking subsidiary of BB&T at his current salary. Three other members of
management have been offered 3-year employment agreements at their current
salaries. These agreements will provide severance payments and other benefits
if there is a change in control of BB&T.

                                       2
<PAGE>


  Also, Mr. Moore will be elected to the board of BB&T's North Carolina bank
and, if he ceases to be employed by BB&T, will earn annual fees of $5,000 plus
$1,000 per meeting; and the other Matewan directors will be offered positions
on BB&T's advisory board for the southern West Virginia area and will receive
annual fees not less than what they are now receiving as Matewan directors for
at least two years after the merger.

  The Matewan board was aware of these and other interests and considered them
before approving and adopting the merger agreement.

Conditions that Must be Satisfied for the Merger to Occur (Page 21)

  The following conditions must be met for us to complete the merger:

  .  approval of the merger by Matewan shareholders;

  .  the absence of legal restraints that prevent the completion of the
     merger;

  .  receipt of a legal opinion concerning the tax consequences of the
     merger;

  .  the continuing accuracy of the parties' representations in the merger
     agreement; and

  .  the continuing effectiveness of the registration statement filed with
     the SEC.

  We cannot complete the merger unless we obtain the approval of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the West Virginia Commissioner of
Banking and the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions. In May 1999, BB&T
filed the required applications seeking approval of the merger. Although we
believe the regulatory approvals will be received in a timely manner, we cannot
be certain when or if we will obtain them.

Termination and Amendment of the Merger Agreement (Page 24)

  We can agree at any time to terminate the merger agreement without completing
the merger. Either company can also terminate the merger agreement in the
following circumstances:

  .  the merger is not completed by October 15, 1999;

  .  any of the conditions described above is not met; or

  .  the other company violates, in a material way, any of its
     representations, warranties or obligations under the merger agreement.

  Generally, the company seeking to terminate cannot itself be in violation of
the merger agreement so as to allow the other party to terminate.

  We can agree to amend the merger agreement in any way, except that after the
shareholders' meeting we cannot decrease the consideration you will receive in
the merger. Either company can waive any of the requirements of the other
contained in the merger agreement, except that neither company can waive any
required regulatory approval. Neither company intends to waive the condition
that it receives a tax opinion. If a tax opinion is not available and the
Matewan board wishes to proceed with the merger, Matewan will resolicit its
shareholders.

Option Agreement (Page 33)

  As a condition to its offer to acquire Matewan, and to discourage other
companies from acquiring Matewan, BB&T required Matewan to grant BB&T a stock
option that allows BB&T to buy up to 791,700 shares of Matewan's common stock.
The exercise price of the option is $28.00 per share. BB&T can exercise the
option only if another party attempts to acquire control of Matewan. As of the
date of this document, we do not believe that has occurred.

BB&T to Use Purchase Accounting Treatment (Page 33)

  BB&T expects to account for the merger using the purchase method of
accounting. Under the purchase method, BB&T will record, at fair value, the
acquired assets and assumed liabilities of Matewan. To the extent the total
purchase price exceeds the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities
assumed, BB&T will record goodwill. Any goodwill will be amortized over of the
period of expected benefit. BB&T will include in its consolidated results of
operations the results of Matewan's operations after the merger is completed.

                                       3
<PAGE>


No Appraisal Rights for Common Shareholders (Page 55)

  Under Delaware law, you have no right to an appraisal of your shares of
Matewan common stock in connection with the merger.

  Holders of Matewan preferred stock who do not vote for the merger and who
file a demand for appraisal before the shareholder vote on the merger may have
the right to obtain a cash payment for the "fair value" of their shares of
Matewan preferred stock, excluding any element of value arising from the
merger. To exercise these rights, a shareholder must comply with the
procedural requirements of Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, which we have attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix C.
The "fair value" of Matewan preferred stock would be determined in judicial
proceedings, and we cannot predict what the results would be. Failure to take
any of the steps required under Section 262 may result in a loss of
dissenters' rights.

Share Price Information (Page 5)

  Matewan's common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, Matewan's
preferred stock is quoted on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market and BB&T's stock is
listed on the New York Stock Exchange. On February 24, 1999, the last full
trading day before public announcement of the proposed merger, Matewan common
stock closed at $31.00, Matewan preferred stock closed at $39.88 and BB&T
stock closed at $36.69. On June 21, 1999, Matewan common stock closed at
$23.25, Matewan preferred stock closed at $30.00 and BB&T stock closed at
$35.50.

Listing of BB&T Stock

  BB&T will list the shares of its common stock to be issued in the merger on
the New York Stock Exchange.

                                       4
<PAGE>


Comparative Market Prices and Dividends

  BB&T common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "BBT." Matewan
common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "MATE"
and Matewan preferred stock is quoted on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the
symbol "MATEP." The table below shows the high and low closing prices of BB&T
common stock, Matewan common stock and Matewan preferred stock and cash
dividends paid per share for the periods indicated. For BB&T, prices reflect a
2-for-1 stock split on August 3, 1998. Shareholders should note that the merger
agreement restricts Matewan's ability to pay dividends. See page 23.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           BB&T Common Stock     Matewan Common Stock   Matewan Preferred Stock
                         ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------------
                                         Cash                   Cash                       Cash
                          High   Low   Dividend  High   Low   Dividend  High      Low    Dividend
                         ------ ------ -------- ------ ------ -------- -------- -------- ----------
<S>                      <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Quarter Ended
  March 31, 1999........ $40.44 $34.94  $0.175  $34.00 $26.00  $0.12   $  41.75 $  31.50  $  0.47
  June 30, 1999 (through
   June 21).............  40.25  34.00   0.175   30.88  21.50   0.12      39.00    27.00     0.47
Quarter Ended
  March 31, 1998........  33.84  29.03   0.155   28.50  24.13   0.11      31.00    26.00     0.47
  June 30, 1998.........  34.06  32.03   0.155   29.00  23.00   0.12      32.13    28.13     0.47
  September 30, 1998....  36.03  28.00   0.175   24.25  21.25   0.12      30.38    29.00     0.47
  December 31, 1998.....  40.63  27.31   0.175   28.93  22.00   0.12      34.75    27.25     0.47
  For year 1998.........  40.63  27.31    0.66   29.00  21.25   0.47      34.75    26.00     1.88
Quarter Ended
  March 31, 1997........  20.38  17.63   0.135   17.50  20.00   0.11      25.25    24.25     0.47
  June 30, 1997.........  23.56  17.88   0.135   18.18  17.73   0.11      27.25    24.25     0.47
  September 30, 1997....  27.56  22.66   0.155   23.18  16.14   0.11      28.00    26.25     0.47
  December 31, 1997.....  32.50  25.97   0.155   24.09  15.00   0.11      27.75    26.00     0.47
  For year 1997.........  32.50  17.63    0.58   24.09  15.00   0.44      28.00    24.25     1.88
</TABLE>

  The table below shows the closing prices of BB&T common stock, Matewan common
stock and Matewan preferred stock on February 24, 1999, the last full trading
day before public announcement of the proposed merger, and June 21, 1999. The
Matewan common and preferred equivalents are calculated by multiplying the BB&T
common prices by the respective exchange ratios of 0.67 and 0.8375.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Matewan Matewan Common                   Matewan Preferred
                         BB&T Common Common    Equivalent   Matewan Preferred    Equivalent
                         ----------- ------- -------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>     <C>            <C>               <C>
February 24, 1999.......   $36.69    $31.00      $24.58          $39.88            $30.73
June 21, 1999...........    35.50     23.25       23.79           50.00             29.73
</TABLE>

                                       5
<PAGE>


Selected Consolidated Financial Data

  We are providing the following information to help you analyze the financial
aspects of the merger. We derived this information from audited financial
statements for 1994 through 1998 and unaudited financial statements for the
three months ended March 31, 1999. The information provided for BB&T has been
restated to include the account of MainStreet Financial Corporation, which was
acquired by BB&T on March 5, 1999 in a transaction accounted for as a pooling
of interests. This information is only a summary, and you should read it in
conjunction with our historical financial statements and related notes
contained in the annual and quarterly reports and other documents that we have
filed with the SEC. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 58. You
should not rely on the three-month information as being indicative of results
expected for the entire year.

                     BB&T--Historical Financial Information

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           As of/For the Three
                              Months Ended
                                March 31,                  As of/For the Years Ended December 31,
                         ----------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
                            1999        1998        1998        1997        1996        1995        1994
                         ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                        (Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net interest income..... $   344,377 $   319,340 $ 1,317,129 $ 1,221,658 $ 1,119,910 $ 1,027,390 $   988,203
Net income..............     138,423     120,445     513,021     378,287     361,448     255,255     292,030
Diluted earnings per
 share..................         .44         .39        1.65        1.23        1.17         .81         .94
Cash dividends paid per
 share..................        .175        .155         .66         .58         .50         .43         .37
Book value per share....        9.59        8.68        9.53        8.50        7.80        7.39        6.59
Total assets............  37,791,490  34,243,806  36,388,330  33,165,141  29,134,267  27,396,168  25,868,138
Long-term debt..........   5,187,639   3,942,804   4,964,797   3,750,484   2,392,688   1,544,236   1,104,699
</TABLE>

                   Matewan--Historical Financial Information

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          As of/For the
                          Three Months
                         Ended March 31, As of/For the Years Ended December 31,
                         --------------- ---------------------------------------
                          1999    1998    1998    1997    1996    1995    1994
                         ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
                          (Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)
<S>                      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Net interest income.....   7,633   7,315  30,477  29,472  27,515  19,798  17,981
Net income..............   1,488   1,698   6,123   6,499   6,318   5,114   4,214
Diluted earnings per
 share..................    0.30    0.35    1.24    1.28    1.26    1.27    1.04
Cash dividends paid per
 share..................    0.12    0.11    0.47    0.44    0.40    0.35    0.28
Book value per share....   14.14   13.27   13.48   12.76   11.96   11.13   10.16
Total assets............ 679,680 644,952 683,634 643,623 626,050 400,067 370,092
Long-term debt..........   6,308   6,830   6,475   6,991   7,579       0       0
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>


Comparative Per Share Data

  We have summarized below the per share information for our companies on an
historical, pro forma combined and equivalent basis. You should read this
information in conjunction with our historical financial statements and related
notes contained in the annual and quarterly reports and other documents we have
filed with the SEC. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 58. The
BB&T pro forma information gives effect to the merger accounted for as a
purchase, assuming that 0.67 shares of BB&T common stock are issued for each
outstanding share of Matewan common stock and 0.8375 shares of BB&T common
stock are issued for each outstanding share of Matewan preferred stock. Matewan
equivalent share amounts are calculated by multiplying the pro forma basic and
diluted earnings per share, historical per share dividend and historical
shareholders' equity by the exchange ratio of 0.67 shares of BB&T common stock
so that the per share amounts equate to the respective values for one share of
Matewan common stock. You should not rely on the pro forma information as being
indicative of the historical results that we would have had if we had been
combined or the future results that we will experience after the merger, nor
should you rely on the three month information as being indicative of results
expected for the entire year.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        As of/For
                                                           the       As of/For
                                                       Three Months   the Year
                                                          Ended        Ended
                                                        March 31,   December 31,
                                                           1999         1998
                                                       ------------ ------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
Earnings per common share
Basic
  BB&T historical.....................................    $ 0.45       $ 1.69
  Matewan historical..................................      0.30         1.24
  Pro forma combined..................................      0.45         1.68
  Matewan pro forma equivalent........................      0.30         1.13
Diluted
  BB&T historical.....................................      0.44         1.65
  Matewan historical..................................      0.30         1.24
  Pro forma combined..................................      0.44         1.65
  Matewan pro forma equivalent........................      0.29         1.11
Cash dividends declared per common share
BB&T historical.......................................     0.175         0.66
Matewan historical....................................      0.12         0.47
Pro forma combined....................................     0.175         0.66
Matewan pro forma equivalent..........................     0.117         0.44
Shareholders' equity per common share
BB&T historical.......................................      9.59         9.53
Matewan historical....................................     14.14        13.48
Pro forma combined....................................      9.68         9.60
Matewan pro forma equivalent..........................      6.49         6.43
</TABLE>

                                       7
<PAGE>

                            MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

General

  We are providing this proxy statement/prospectus to the shareholders of
Matewan as of the record date of June 15, 1999, along with a form of proxy
that the board of directors of Matewan is soliciting for use at the special
meeting of shareholders of Matewan to be held on Tuesday, July 27, 1999 at
11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at Embassy Suites, located at 300 Court Street in
Charleston, West Virginia. At the meeting, the shareholders of Matewan will
vote upon a proposal to approve the merger agreement and related plan of
merger providing for the merger of Matewan into BB&T. Proxies may be voted on
such other matters as may properly come before the meeting at the proxy
holders' discretion. The Matewan board knows of no other matters except those
incidental to the conduct of the meeting. We have attached the merger
agreement and the plan of merger as Appendix A.

  Please complete, date and sign the accompanying proxy and return it promptly
to Matewan in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope.

Record Date, Voting Rights and Vote Required

  Only the holders of Matewan common stock and preferred stock on the record
date will receive notice of and be allowed to vote at the meeting. On the
record date, there were 4,125,004 shares of Matewan common stock outstanding,
held by approximately 656 holders of record, and 499,768 shares of Matewan
preferred stock outstanding, held by approximately 62 holders of record. Each
share of Matewan common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted
at the meeting. Also, under Matewan's certificate of incorporation, each share
of Matewan preferred stock is entitled to one vote on the proposal to approve
the merger agreement and the plan of merger.

  Approval of the merger agreement and the plan of merger requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding
shares of Matewan common stock and of the holders of at least a majority of
the outstanding shares of Matewan preferred stock. Failure of a holder of
Matewan stock to vote such shares will have the same effect as a vote
"against" the merger agreement and the plan of merger.

  Except for approval of the merger, action on any other matters that
shareholders consider at the meeting will be approved if a quorum is present
and the votes in favor of the matter constitute a majority of the common
shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote. Presence in person or
by proxy of a majority of the outstanding shares of Matewan common stock
entitled to vote at the meeting will constitute a quorum.

  As of the record date, the directors and executive officers of Matewan and
their affiliates beneficially owned a total of 1,494,259 shares, or about 36%,
of the issued and outstanding shares of Matewan common stock and a total of
13,000 shares, or about 3%, of the issued and outstanding shares of Matewan
preferred stock. As of the record date, neither the directors and executive
officers of BB&T and their affiliates nor BB&T and its subsidiaries
beneficially owned any of the outstanding shares of Matewan common stock or
Matewan preferred stock.

Voting and Revoking Proxies

  The shares of Matewan stock represented by properly completed proxies
received at or before the time for the meeting will be voted as directed by
the shareholders unless revoked as described below. If no instructions are
given, executed proxies will be voted "FOR" approval of the merger agreement
and the plan of merger. Proxies marked "FOR" approval of the merger agreement
and the plan of merger and executed but unmarked proxies will be voted in the
discretion of the persons named therein as to any proposed adjournment of the
meeting. Proxies which are voted "AGAINST" approval of the merger agreement
and the plan of merger will not be voted in favor of any motion to adjourn the
meeting to solicit more votes in favor of the merger.

                                       8
<PAGE>

  Broker shares, or shares held in street name that have been designated by
brokers on proxy cards as not voted with respect to a proposal will not be
counted as votes cast on the proposal. Shares with respect to which proxies
have been marked as abstentions also will not be counted as votes cast on the
proposal. Shares with respect to which proxies have been marked as abstentions
and broker shares, however, will be treated as shares present for purposes of
determining whether a quorum is present.

  The proposal to adopt the merger agreement and the plan of merger is a "non-
discretionary" item, meaning that brokerage firms may not vote shares in their
discretion on behalf of a client if the client has not furnished voting
instructions. Because the proposal to adopt the merger agreement and the plan
of merger must be approved by the holders of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of Matewan common stock and at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of Matewan preferred stock, abstentions and broker shares
will have the same effect as a vote against the merger at the meeting.

  If any other matters are properly presented at the meeting and voted upon,
the proxies solicited by this proxy statement will be voted on these matters
at the discretion of the proxy holders named therein. The Matewan board is not
aware of any other business to be presented at the meeting other than matters
incidental to the conduct of the meeting.

  A shareholder's attendance at the meeting will not automatically revoke his
or her proxy. A shareholder may, however, revoke a proxy any time before its
exercise by filing a written notice of revocation with, or by delivering a
duly executed proxy bearing a later date to, Matewan's corporate secretary at
Matewan's principal executive offices before the meeting, or by attending the
meeting and voting in person. A shareholder's proxy will not be revoked by his
or her death or incapacity unless, before the shares are voted, Matewan's
secretary or other person authorized to tabulate the votes receives notice of
the death or incapacity.

  Because approval of the merger agreement and the plan of merger requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding
shares of Matewan common stock and at least a majority of the outstanding
shares of Matewan preferred stock, abstentions and broker shares will have the
same effect as negative votes. Accordingly, the Matewan board urges Matewan's
shareholders to complete, date and sign the accompanying proxy and return it
promptly in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope.

Solicitation of Proxies

  BB&T and Matewan will each pay 50% of the cost of printing this proxy
statement/prospectus, and Matewan will pay all other costs of soliciting
proxies. Directors, officers and other employees of Matewan or its
subsidiaries may solicit proxies personally or by telephone or facsimile. None
of these people will receive any special compensation for solicitation
activities. Matewan will arrange with brokerage firms and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation material to the
beneficial owners of stock held of record by such persons, and Matewan will
reimburse these record holders for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. In
addition, Matewan intends to use the services of Corporate Investors
Communications, Inc., a professional proxy solicitation firm, to help with
soliciting proxies for the meeting, at an estimated cost of $5,000 plus
individual solicitation and out-of-pocket expenses.

Recommendation of the Matewan Board

  The Matewan board has unanimously adopted the merger agreement and the plan
of merger and believes that the proposed transaction is fair to and in the
best interests of Matewan and its shareholders. The Matewan board unanimously
recommends that Matewan's shareholders vote "FOR" approval of the merger
agreement and the plan of merger. See "The Merger--Background of and Reasons
for the Merger."

  Shareholders should not send in stock certificates with their proxy cards.
See "The Merger--Exchange of Matewan Stock Certificates."

                                       9
<PAGE>

                                  THE MERGER

  The following information describes the material aspects of the merger. This
description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the appendices hereto, including the merger agreement and the
plan of merger, which are attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as
Appendix A and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.
All shareholders are urged to read the appendices in their entirety.

General

  In the merger, Matewan will merge into BB&T, and BB&T will be the surviving
corporation. Shareholders of Matewan will receive shares of BB&T common stock
in exchange for their shares of Matewan common stock and preferred stock.
During the second quarter of 2000, BB&T intends to merge Matewan's various
subsidiary banks into subsidiary banks of BB&T.

Background of and Reasons for the Merger

 Background of the Merger

  During 1996 and 1997, Matewan engaged in various discussions relating to
Matewan's possible acquisitions of other financial institutions. Management
regularly advised the board of its efforts to expand the institution through
acquisitions. For a variety of reasons, including stock liquidity issues,
price expectations and due diligence issues, Matewan did not reach any final
agreements in this regard.

  As part of an ongoing process, Matewan periodically evaluates its future and
the strategic options available to it. In October 1998, as part of this
evaluation process, the Matewan board concluded that Matewan may lack adequate
in-market growth opportunities sufficient for shareholders to realize
increased value in their ownership of Matewan common and preferred stock. As a
result, the board employed Baxter Fentriss, an investment banking firm, to
explore and review Matewan's strategic position in the financial services
industry and to explore alternatives to increase shareholder value. With
assistance from Baxter Fentriss, the Matewan board reviewed the economic and
competitive conditions in Matewan's market areas, changes in the banking
industry, the trend of consolidation among federally insured depository
institutions, merger market prices paid for federally insured depository
institutions and the effects that rising interest rates and cyclical trends
could have on bank stock prices in the coming years.

  The Board of Directors considered several options for Matewan's future,
including:

  .  remaining independent and seeking to generate growth and added profits
     by expanding and diversifying Matewan's financial services and product
     offerings;

  .  establishing new branches;

  .  acquiring smaller commercial banks or branches;

  .  merging with an institution of similar size; and

  .  merging with a larger bank holding company.

  The board reviewed each option and concluded, in light of current business
conditions, the lack of substantial in-market growth opportunities, and the
risks and expenses of further expanding its products, services and/or branch
network on an independent basis, that the best interests of Matewan and its
shareholders would be served by exploring the possibility of combining with
another institution.

  On October 12, 1998, Baxter Fentriss met with Matewan's chairman and chief
executive officer to discuss the merger and acquisition environment, including
pricing, structure and current events. On November 2, 1998, the Matewan board
directed Baxter Fentriss to assist in identifying financial institutions that
it believed would have an interest in a business combination with Matewan, as
well as have the financial resources necessary to

                                      10
<PAGE>

complete a transaction with Matewan. At this meeting, Baxter Fentriss
discussed the merger environment and the specifics of a limited auction
process.

  On November 4, 1998, Matewan directed Baxter Fentriss to act as agent and
financial advisor to assist in identifying a select group of financial
institutions interested in a business combination with Matewan. In mid- to
late-November 1998, Baxter Fentriss contacted selected parties to solicit
preliminary indications of interest and to obtain confidentiality agreements.
Although several other institutions expressed interest in an acquisition
transaction with Matewan, timing of these potential transactions were not as
favorable as the timing for a transaction with BB&T.

  On January 20, 1999, Baxter Fentriss and Matewan met with BB&T's management
team and received a non-binding proposal from BB&T. On January 25, 1999,
Baxter Fentriss representatives met with the Matewan board and submitted a
presentation outlining the results of their confidential discussions and
outlining possible courses of action. At that meeting, the board instructed
Baxter Fentriss representatives to contact the principal officers of BB&T and
to negotiate a definitive agreement.

  On February 24, 1999, the Matewan board met with Baxter Fentriss and legal
counsel and reviewed the proposed merger agreement with BB&T. On the basis of
the independent judgment of the members of the Matewan board, the board
concluded that the terms of the transaction were in the best interests of
Matewan and its shareholders and approved the merger agreement. At that time
the merger agreement provided for a range of exchange ratios from 0.8655 to
0.9333 shares of BB&T common stock for each share of Matewan common stock and
0.9521 to 1.0266 shares of BB&T common stock for every share of Matewan
preferred stock, subject to certain adjustments based on the average price of
BB&T common stock during a period of time shortly before completion of the
merger.

  On April 8, 1999, BB&T and Matewan extended the due diligence period
provided in the merger agreement. BB&T raised several concerns including
concerns about the adequacy of Matewan's loan and lease loss reserves and
problems with Matewan's intercompany accounts which did not become apparent to
Matewan's management until the first quarter of 1999. These two events caused
management to take two charges to earnings for the fourth quarter of 1998.
During the last week in April, BB&T and Matewan renegotiated BB&T's purchase
price for the Matewan common stock and preferred stock. On April 26, 1999, the
Matewan board met with representatives from Baxter Fentriss and Matewan's
legal counsel to consider BB&T's proposed reduction in the purchase price. On
the basis of the independent judgment of the members of the Matewan board, the
board determined that the terms of the transaction, as renegotiated, remained
in the best interest of Matewan's shareholders, and as a result, the board
approved the amendment to the merger agreement.

 Matewan's Reasons for the Merger

  The Matewan board believes that the terms of the merger agreement, which are
the product of arm's-length negotiations between Matewan and BB&T, are in the
best interests of Matewan and its shareholders. In reaching its determination,
the Matewan board:

  .  consulted with its legal counsel concerning its legal duties, the merger
     agreement's terms and related issues;

  .  consulted with its financial adviser concerning the financial aspects
     and fairness of the transaction to holders of Matewan common stock and
     preferred stock;

  .  consulted with its accountants regarding the accounting aspects of the
     transaction; and

  .  consulted with senior management regarding retention of Matewan
     employees and customer service.

  In reaching its determination to approve the merger agreement, the Matewan
board considered:

  .  the merger consideration, if calculated on April 26, 1999, would have
     been $26.13 per share of Matewan common stock and $32.66 per share of
     Matewan preferred stock (based on the closing price of BB&T common stock
     on that date);


                                      11
<PAGE>

  .  the stock price of Matewan's common stock ranged from a high of $34.00
     to a low of $21.25 during the year ended December 31, 1998 and the first
     quarter ended March 31, 1999, and the stock price of Matewan's preferred
     stock during that same time period ranged from a high of $41.75 to a low
     of $26.00;

  .  the value of Matewan's common and preferred stock if Matewan continued
     as a stand-alone entity compared to the effect of Matewan merging with
     BB&T;

  .  the current financial and economic environment, including the results of
     the contacts and discussions between Matewan, Baxter Fentriss and
     various third parties;

  .  the detailed financial analyses and other information regarding Matewan
     and BB&T presented by Baxter Fentriss, as well as the Matewan board's
     own knowledge of Matewan and its business;

  .  the opinion of Baxter Fentriss that on April 27, 1999 the common and
     preferred exchange ratios were fair to Matewan shareholders from a
     financial point of view;

  .  information regarding the financial condition, results of operations,
     business and prospects of Matewan;

  .  the other terms of the merger agreement, including the tax-free nature
     of the transaction;

  .  the current operating environment, including, but not limited to, the
     continued consolidation activity and increased competition in the
     banking and financial services industries, the prospect for further
     changes in these industries and the importance of being able to
     capitalize on developing opportunities in these industries;

  .  the effect of the transaction upon the community Matewan serves, its
     customers and its employees; and

  .  the financial terms of other recent business combinations in the banking
     industry.

  Upon completion of the merger, Matewan's former shareholders will have
equity ownership in a substantial bank holding company. At May 31, 1999, BB&T
had approximately $38.7 billion in total assets, and 576 banking offices in
the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

  The foregoing discussion of the information and factors the Matewan board
considered is not exhaustive but constitutes the material factors considered.
The Matewan board did not assign any relative or specific weights to the
foregoing factors, and individual directors may have weighted factors
differently. The Matewan board, after considering the foregoing, approved and
adopted the merger agreement and the transactions associated with the merger
agreement as being in the best interests of Matewan and its shareholders.

  The Matewan board recommends that Matewan shareholders vote for approval of
the merger agreement and the related plan of merger.

 BB&T's Reasons for the Merger

  One of BB&T's announced objectives is to pursue in-market and contiguous
state acquisitions of banks and thrifts within the $250 million to $10 billion
range. BB&T management believes that Matewan stresses customer service and
loyalty and has a compatible culture, and that its acquisition by BB&T
represents a substantial and beneficial consolidation of BB&T's western
Virginia franchise and expansion into economically attractive markets in
southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky.

  In connection with BB&T's consideration of the merger, management of BB&T
analyzed certain investment criteria designed to assess the impact of the
merger on BB&T and its shareholders. For the purpose of this analysis, BB&T
made the following assumptions:

  .  BB&T's 1999 and 2000 earnings per share on a stand alone basis would be
     in line with the estimates published by First Call Corporation.

  .  BB&T's earnings per share on a stand alone basis for periods after 2000
     would increase at an assumed annual rate, determined solely for the
     purpose of assessing the impact of the merger as described above, of
     approximately 9%.

                                      12
<PAGE>

  .  Matewan's earnings on a stand alone basis would increase at an assumed
     rate, determined solely for the purpose of assessing the impact of the
     merger as described above, of approximately 5% before applying the
     effect of the assumptions described below.

  .  Annual cost savings of approximately $5.4 million, or 25% of Matewan's
     expense base, would be realized as a result of the merger, with 25% of
     such cost savings achieved in 1999 and the remaining 75% in 2000.

  .  Matewan's fee income ratio would grow by 9% annually from 14.3% for
     fiscal year 1998.

  .  Matewan's net interest margin (non-FTE) would be maintained annually at
     4.5% of average earning assets.

  Using the above assumptions, BB&T analyzed the merger to determine whether
it would have an accretive or dilutive effect on estimated earnings per share,
return on equity, return on assets and book value per share. This analysis
indicated that the merger would be accretive to book value in 1999 and to
estimated earnings per share and return on assets in 2000.

  In addition to the analysis described above, BB&T performed an internal rate
of return analysis for this transaction. The purpose of this analysis was to
determine if the projected performance of Matewan, after applying the
assumptions described above, would conform to BB&T's criteria. BB&T's current
minimum internal rate of return requirement for this type of investment is
15%. The analysis performed in connection with the Matewan merger indicated
that the projected internal rate of return is 15.54%.

  There can be no certainty that the results reflected in the above
information will be achieved or that actual results will not vary materially
from the estimated results. For more information concerning the factors that
could affect actual results, see "A Warning About Forward-Looking Information"
on page iii.

Opinion of Matewan's Financial Advisor

  Baxter Fentriss has acted as financial advisor to Matewan in connection with
the merger. Baxter Fentriss delivered to Matewan its written opinion dated
April 27, 1999, that on the basis of matters referred to herein, the
consideration received by shareholders of Matewan common stock and convertible
preferred stock is fair from a financial point of view. In rendering its
opinion Baxter Fentriss consulted with the management of Matewan and BB&T, and
reviewed the merger agreement as originally entered into on February 24, 1999
and as later amended and restated on April 27, 1999. Baxter Fentriss also
reviewed certain publicly-available information on the parties and certain
additional materials made available by the management of the respective banks.

  In addition Baxter Fentriss discussed with Matewan's management and BB&T
their respective businesses and outlook. Baxter Fentriss was involved in the
negotiations between Matewan and BB&T. No limitations were imposed by
Matewan's board of directors upon Baxter Fentriss with respect to the
investigation made or procedures followed by it in rendering its opinion. The
full text of Baxter Fentriss' written opinion is attached as Appendix B to
this proxy statement/prospectus and should be read in its entirety with
respect to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and
qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Baxter Fentriss.

  Baxter Fentriss' opinion is directed to Matewan's board of directors, and is
directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the
consideration to be received by shareholders of Matewan common stock and
convertible preferred stock. It does not address Matewan's underlying business
decision to effect the proposed merger, nor does it constitute a
recommendation to any Matewan shareholder as to how a shareholder should vote
with respect to the merger at the meeting or as to any other matter.

  Baxter Fentriss' opinion was one of many factors taken into consideration by
Matewan's board of directors in making its determination to approve the
merger, and the receipt of Baxter Fentriss' opinion is a condition precedent
to Matewan's consummating the merger. The opinion of Baxter Fentriss does not
address the relative merits of the merger as compared to any alternative
business strategies that might exist for Matewan or the effect of any other
business combination in which Matewan might engage.


                                      13
<PAGE>

  Baxter Fentriss, as part of its investment banking business, is continually
engaged in the valuation of financial institutions and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions and valuations for estate, corporate
and other purposes. Baxter Fentriss is a nationally recognized advisor to
firms in the financial services industry on mergers and acquisitions. Matewan
selected Baxter Fentriss as its financial advisor because Baxter Fentriss is
an investment banking firm focusing on transactions involving community banks
and thrifts and because of the firm's extensive experience and expertise in
transactions similar to the merger. Baxter Fentriss is not affiliated with
Matewan or BB&T.

  In connection with rendering its opinion to Matewan's board of directors,
Baxter Fentriss performed a variety of financial analyses. In conducting its
analyses and arriving at its opinion as expressed herein, Baxter Fentriss
considered such financial and other factors as it deemed appropriate under the
circumstances including, among others, the following:

  .  the historical and current financial condition and results of operations
     of Matewan and BB&T including interest income, interest expense,
     interest sensitivity, noninterest income, noninterest expense, earnings,
     book value, returns on assets and equity, and possible tax consequences
     resulting from the transaction;

  .  the business prospects of Matewan and BB&T;

  .  the economies of Matewan and BB&T's respective market areas; and

  .  the nature and terms of certain other merger transactions that it
     believed to be relevant.

  Baxter Fentriss also considered its assessment of general economic, market,
financial and regulatory conditions and trends, as well as its knowledge of
the financial institutions industry, its experience in connection with similar
transactions, its knowledge of securities valuation generally, and its
knowledge of merger transactions in West Virginia and throughout the United
States.

  In connection with rendering its opinion, Baxter Fentriss reviewed:

  .  the merger agreement;

  .  drafts of this proxy statement/prospectus;

  .  the annual reports to shareholders of Matewan for the two years ended
     December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the 1998 Form 10-K, as well as current
     interim reports to shareholders and regulatory agencies;

  .  the annual reports to shareholders of BB&T for the three years ended
     December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, as well as certain current interim
     reports to shareholders and regulatory agencies;

  .  certain additional financial and operating information with respect to
     the business, operations and prospects of Matewan and BB&T as it deemed
     appropriate.

  Baxter Fentriss also:

  .  held discussions with members of Matewan's and BB&T's senior management
     regarding the historical and current business operation, financial
     condition and future prospects of their respective companies;

  .  reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for Matewan's
     common stock and convertible preferred stock and BB&T's common stock, as
     applicable, and compared them with those of certain publicly traded
     companies that it deemed to be relevant;

  .  compared the results of operations of Matewan and BB&T with those of
     certain banking companies that it deemed to be relevant;

  .  analyzed the pro-forma financial impact of the merger on BB&T; and

  .  conducted such other studies, analyses, inquiries and examinations as
     Baxter Fentriss deemed appropriate.

  The preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations as to
the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the
application of those methods to the particular circumstances. Therefore, a

                                      14
<PAGE>

fairness opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary
description. Moreover, the evaluation of fairness, from a financial point of
view, of the consideration provided to the holders of Matewan common stock and
convertible preferred stock was to some extent a subjective one based on the
experience and judgment of Baxter Fentriss and not merely the result of
mathematical analysis of financial data. Accordingly, notwithstanding the
separate factors as summarized below, Baxter Fentriss believes that its
analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its
analyses and of the factors considered by it, without considering all analyses
and factors, could create an incomplete view of the evaluation process
underlying its opinion. The ranges of valuations resulting from any particular
analysis described below should not be taken to be Baxter Fentriss' view of
the actual value of Matewan or BB&T.

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

  The following is a summary of selected analyses performed by Baxter Fentriss
in connection with its opinion.

  Stock Price History. Baxter Fentriss studied the history of the trading
prices and volume for Matewan's common stock and compared them to other
publicly traded banks and thrifts in West Virginia and to the price offered by
BB&T. As of December 31, 1998 the book value for Matewan's common stock after
converting all of the outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock to
common stock, was $14.08 per share.

  Comparative Analysis. Baxter Fentriss analyzed and compared the price to
earnings multiple, price to book multiple and premium to deposits of the offer
with sixteen merger transactions (as of the dates of their respective
announcements) in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia over the last four
years. The average pricing multiples for the comparables were price to
earnings of 20.99x, price to book of 2.36x, price to tangible book of 2.47x
and price to assets of 22.76%. Using the exchange ratio of .67 shares of BB&T
common stock for every one share of Matewan common stock and the closing price
of BB&T's common stock on April 27, 1999 of $39.25, the price which BB&T
agreed to pay for each share of Matewan common stock is $26.30. Using this
price, the respective multiples for the merger are 20.40x, 1.87x, 2.20x and
18.19%.

  Pro Forma Impact. Baxter Fentriss evaluated the earnings, book value and
market value of the common stock of BB&T and considered the pro-forma
earnings, book value and potential long range impact that the merger would
have on the market value of BB&T common stock. Based on this analysis, Baxter
Fentriss concluded the transaction should have a positive long-term impact on
BB&T.

  Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Baxter Fentriss performed a discounted cash
flow analysis to determine hypothetical present values for a share of
Matewan's common stock as a five and ten year investment. Under this analysis,
Baxter Fentriss considered various scenarios for the performance of Matewan's
common stock using a range of growth rates from six percent (6%) to twelve
percent (12%) for Matewan's earnings and dividends. A range of terminal values
from twelve to twenty-two was also used in the analysis as well as a range of
discount rates from twelve percent (12%) to fourteen percent (14%). These
ranges of growth rates, discount rates, and terminal values were chosen based
upon what Baxter Fentriss in its judgement, considered to be appropriate
taking into account, among other things, Matewan's past and current
performance, the general level of inflation, rates of return for fixed income
and equity securities in the marketplace generally and for companies of
similar risk profiles. The net present value of Matewan's common stock was
less than the $26.13 exchange value as calculated on April 26, 1999 in all of
the 240 scenarios considered except for one scenario using a twelve percent
(12%) discount rate, a twelve percent (12%) growth rate, and a terminal sales
value of 22

                                      15
<PAGE>

over a ten year time horizon. In that specific case the net present value was
higher by $.36 per share. Thus, Baxter Fentriss' discounted cash flow analysis
indicated that Matewan shareholders would be in a better financial position by
receiving the BB&T common stock offered in the merger rather than continuing
to hold Matewan common stock.

  Below is a table that summarizes the discounted cash flow analysis that
Baxter Fentriss performed in forming its fairness opinion. The table presents
the ranges of present values that were calculated using growth rates from 6%
to 12%, discount rates from 12% to 14%, terminal values of 14 to 22 times
earnings and investment time frames of five and ten years. The table uses
Matewan's December 31, 1998 financial data. An example of how to read this
table is as follows:

  Using a discount rate of 12%, a terminal value of 14x and growth rates from
6% to 12%, the present value of Matewan's common stock is calculated to be in
the range of $13.44 to $17.15 assuming the shares are sold in five years. The
values in this range are less than the $26.13 which BB&T has offered which
means under the assumptions of this particular scenario, a shareholder of
Matewan stock would be better off taking the BB&T offer than holding Matewan
stock.

           SUMMARY OF BAXTER FENTRISS DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS

DISCOUNT RATE OF 12% AND GROWTH RATES OF 6% TO 12%

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  RANGE OF PRESENT VALUE CALCULATIONS
                                  -----------------------------------
 TERMINAL VALUE              SELL SHARES IN                           SELL SHARES IN TEN
  OF EARNINGS                  FIVE YEARS                                   YEARS
 --------------              --------------                           ------------------
 <C>                       <S>                                        <C>
       14x                   $13.44 to $17.15                         $ 11.33 to $ 18.24
       18x                   $16.57 to $21.27                         $ 13.71 to $ 22.36
       22x                   $19.70 to $25.40                           $16.09 to $26.49

DISCOUNT RATE OF 13%AND GROWTH RATES OF 6% TO 12%

<CAPTION>
                                  RANGE OF PERCENT VALUE CALCULATIONS
                                  -----------------------------------
 TERMINAL VALUE              SELL SHARES IN                           SELL SHARES IN TEN
  OF EARNINGS                  FIVE YEARS                                   YEARS
 --------------              --------------                           ------------------
 <C>                       <S>                                        <C>
       14x                   $12.88 to $16.43                           $10.46 to $16.81
       18x                   $15.88 to $20.38                         $  12.64 to $20.58
       22x                   $18.87 to $24.32                         $  14.82 to $24.35

DISCOUNT RATE OF 14% AND GROWTH RATES OF 6% TO 12%

<CAPTION>
 TERMINAL VALUE              SELL SHARES IN                           SELL SHARES IN TEN
  OF EARNINGS                  FIVE YEARS                                   YEARS
 --------------              --------------                           ------------------
                                  RANGE OF PRESENT VALUE CALCULATIONS
                                  -----------------------------------
 <C>                       <S>                                        <C>
       14x                 $ 12.35 to $ 15.75                         $  9.68 to $ 15.50
       18x                 $ 15.22 to $ 19.53                         $ 11.67 to $ 18.96
       22x                 $ 18.08 to $ 23.30                         $ 13.66 to $ 22.41
</TABLE>

  The discounted cash flow analysis is a widely used methodology. The results
of such methodology are highly dependent upon the numerous assumptions that
must be made and the results thereof are not necessarily indicative of actual
values or actual future results.

  Using publicly available information on Matewan and BB&T and applying the
capital guidelines of banking regulators, Baxter Fentriss' analysis indicated
that the merger would not dilute the capital and earnings capacity of BB&T and
would, therefore, likely not be opposed by the banking regulatory agencies
from a capital perspective. Furthermore, Baxter Fentriss considered the likely
market overlap and the Federal Reserve guidelines with regard to market
concentration and concluded that possible antitrust issues do not exist.

                                      16
<PAGE>

  Baxter Fentriss has relied, without any independent verification, upon the
accuracy and completeness of all financial and other information reviewed.
Baxter Fentriss has assumed that all estimates were reasonably prepared by
management, and reflect their best current judgments. Baxter Fentriss did not
make an independent appraisal of the assets or liabilities of either Matewan
or BB&T, and has not been furnished such an appraisal.

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

  Baxter Fentriss will be paid (1) a merger fee, equal to approximately 0.6%
of the aggregate consideration received by Matewan and (2) reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses for its services. Matewan has agreed to indemnify Baxter
Fentriss against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under
federal securities laws.

Exchange Ratio

  In the merger, each share of Matewan common stock outstanding at the
effective time will be converted into the right to receive BB&T common stock
at an exchange ratio of 0.67 shares of BB&T common stock for each share of
Matewan common stock. Each share of Matewan preferred stock outstanding at the
effective time will be converted into the right to receive BB&T common stock
at an exchange ratio of 0.8375 shares of BB&T common stock for each share of
Matewan preferred stock.

  An increase in the common exchange ratio in excess of 0.67 or in the
preferred exchange ratio in excess of 0.8375 could occur only if Matewan
elected to terminate the merger agreement as described below; and BB&T then
elected to avoid termination of the merger agreement by adjusting the exchange
ratio. Under no circumstances would the exchange ratio be less than 0.67
shares of BB&T stock for each share of Matewan common stock or less than
0.8375 shares of BB&T stock for each share of Matewan preferred stock.

  Matewan may elect to terminate the merger agreement and abandon the merger
if both of the following circumstances exist:

  .  the average closing price per share of BB&T common stock on the NYSE on
     the five trading days before the Determination Date (defined below) (the
     "Closing Value") is less than $30.87, and

  .  (a) the amount obtained by dividing the Closing Value by $36.3125 (the
     "BB&T Ratio") is less than (b) 90% of the amount obtained by dividing
     the Index Price on the Determination Date (these terms are defined
     below) by the Index Price on February 24, 1999 (the amount determined
     pursuant to clause (b), the "Index Ratio").

  Matewan may refuse to complete the merger under this provision by giving
notice to BB&T during the five-day period following the Determination Date.
BB&T will thereafter have a five-day period in which it could elect to
increase the exchange ratio so that holders of Matewan stock would receive the
consideration that they would have received had the Closing Value been $30.87,
i.e., BB&T common stock having an implied market value (based on the Closing
Value) of approximately $20.68 per share of Matewan common stock and BB&T
common stock having an implied market value (based on the Closing Value) of
approximately $25.85 per share of Matewan preferred stock. This election would
be made by giving notice to Matewan of the election and the revised exchange
ratio, whereupon Matewan would be required to proceed with the merger with the
adjusted exchange ratio in accordance with all other terms of the merger
agreement. Matewan could withdraw its notice of termination at any time during
the ten-day period following the Determination Date and elect to proceed with
the merger at the common exchange ratio of 0.67 and the preferred exchange
ratio of 0.8375 if BB&T were to determine not to adjust the exchange ratio. In
no event would BB&T have any obligation to increase the exchange ratio.

                                      17
<PAGE>

  For purposes of the rights of termination and adjustment described above,
the following terms are defined as follows:

    "Determination Date" means the tenth calendar day preceding the date
  designated by BB&T as the closing date of the merger.

    "Index Group" means 12 bank holding companies designated in the merger
  agreement, the common stocks of all of which must be publicly traded and as
  to which there may not have been, since February 24, 1999 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. If 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) will be redistributed proportionately
  in determining the Index Price. If any company belonging to the Index
  Group, or BB&T, declares or effects a stock dividend, reclassification,
  recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or similar
  transaction between February 24, 1999 and the Determination Date, the
  prices for the common stock of such company or BB&T will be appropriately
  adjusted.

    "Index Price" on a given date means the weighted average (weighted in
  accordance with the factors listed above and in the merger agreement) of
  the closing sales prices of the companies composing the Index Group.

  These conditions reflect the parties' agreement that Matewan's shareholders
will assume certain risks of decline in the market value of BB&T common stock.
If the value of BB&T common stock were to decline so that the Closing Value
was below $30.87, but the Closing Value did not reflect a decline in the price
of BB&T common stock from $36.3125 (the closing price of BB&T common stock on
February 23, 1999) (the "Starting Price") of more than 10% in comparison to
the stock prices of the group of comparable bank holding company stocks (the
Index Group referenced above) as measured from February 24, 1999 to the
Determination Date, then Matewan's shareholders would continue to assume the
risk of decline in the value of BB&T common stock. Matewan will have the right
to terminate the merger agreement only when both (a) the Closing Value is less
than $30.87 and (b) the decline from the value of the Starting Price to the
Closing Value exceeds by more than 10% the decline in value for the group of
comparable bank holding companies from February 24, 1999 to the Determination
Date.

  If the Matewan board elects to terminate the merger agreement because of a
decline in the price of BB&T common stock, the principal factors BB&T would
consider in deciding whether to increase the exchange ratio include the
projected effect of the merger on BB&T's pro forma earnings and book value per
share and whether BB&T's assessment of Matewan's earning potential as part of
BB&T justifies the issuance of a greater number of shares of BB&T common
stock. If BB&T should decline to adjust the exchange ratio, Matewan may elect
to withdraw its election to terminate and to proceed with the merger without
adjustment.

  In making this determination, the principal factors the Matewan board would
consider include whether the merger remains in the best interest of Matewan
and its shareholders, despite the decline in the BB&T common stock price, and
whether the consideration to be received by Matewan shareholders remains fair
from a financial point of view. Prior to making any decision to terminate the
merger agreement or to proceed with the merger without adjustment of the
exchange ratio, the Matewan board would consult with its financial and other
advisors and would consider all financial and other information it deemed
relevant to its decision, including considerations relating to the necessity
or desirability of resoliciting Matewan shareholders under the circumstances.

  If Matewan elected not to exercise its right to terminate the merger
agreement, the common exchange ratio would remain 0.67 and the preferred
exchange ratio would remain 0.8375. The dollar value of the consideration
which the Matewan common shareholders would receive for each share of Matewan
common stock would be the value of 0.67 shares of BB&T common stock at the
effective time, and the dollar value of the consideration which the Matewan
preferred shareholders would receive for each share of Matewan preferred stock
would be

                                      18
<PAGE>

the value of 0.8375 shares of BB&T common stock at the effective time. If the
termination right were triggered and BB&T did not increase the exchange ratio,
the Matewan board could determine to proceed with the merger at the 0.67 and
0.8375 exchange ratios. If Matewan decided to proceed on this basis, it would
resolicit shareholders only if the Matewan board believed that it had a
fiduciary duty or otherwise decided to do so.

  The operation of the exchange ratio and the adjustment mechanism can be
illustrated by three scenarios. (For purposes of the numerical examples, the
Index Price, as of February 24, 1999, is deemed to be $100.)

  .  The first scenario is that the Closing Value of the BB&T common stock is
     not less than $30.87. Under this scenario the common exchange ratio
     would be 0.67 and the preferred exchange ratio would be 0.8375, and
     there would be no potential adjustment to the exchange ratio and no
     right on the part of Matewan to terminate the merger agreement due to
     any decline in the price of BB&T common stock. The implied market value
     (based on the Closing Value) of the consideration to be received by
     Matewan common shareholders would be not less than $20.68, and the
     implied market value (based on the Closing Value) of the consideration
     to be received by Matewan preferred shareholders would be not less than
     $25.85

  .  The second scenario is that the Closing Value is less than $30.87 but
     the BB&T Ratio is equal to or above the Index Ratio. In this case the
     common exchange ratio would be 0.67 and the preferred exchange ratio
     would be 0.8375, and there would be no right on the part of Matewan to
     terminate the merger agreement due to the decline in the value of BB&T
     common stock and therefore no potential adjustment to the exchange
     ratio, even though the implied market value of the consideration to be
     received by Matewan shareholders would have fallen from a pro forma
     $24.58 per share of Matewan common stock and $30.73 per share of Matewan
     preferred stock as of February 24, 1999 to less than $20.68 per share of
     Matewan common stock and less than $25.85 per share of Matewan preferred
     stock. For example, if the Closing Value were $28.00 and the Index Price
     were $85.00, the BB&T Ratio would be 0.77 ($28.00 / $36.3125) and the
     Index Ratio would be 0.765 (0.9 x ($85.00 / $100.00)). Based upon the
     assumed $28.00 Closing Value, the consideration to be received by
     Matewan shareholders would have an implied market value of $18.76 per
     share of Matewan common stock and $23.45 per share of Matewan preferred
     stock.

  .  The third scenario is that both the Closing Value is less than $30.87
     and the BB&T Ratio is less than the Index Ratio. In this case, Matewan
     would have the right to terminate the merger agreement. BB&T would have
     the right, but not the obligation, to reinstate the merger agreement by
     increasing the exchange ratios so that Matewan shareholders would
     receive shares of BB&T common stock having an implied market value
     (based upon the Closing Value) equal to approximately $20.68 per share
     of Matewan common stock and $25.85 per share of Matewan preferred stock.
     For example, if the Closing Value were $28.00 and the Index Price were
     $90.00, the BB&T Ratio would be 0.77 ($28.00 / $36.3125) and the Index
     Ratio would be 0.81 (0.9 x ($90.00 / $100.00)). Based upon the assumed
     $28.00 Closing Value, the consideration to be received by Matewan
     shareholders would have an implied market value of $18.76 per share of
     Matewan common stock and $23.45 per share of Matewan preferred stock. If
     the Matewan board elected to terminate the merger agreement, BB&T would
     have the right, but not the obligation, to reinstate the merger
     agreement by increasing the exchange ratios within five days to 0.7387
     shares of BB&T stock per share of Matewan common stock and 0.9233 shares
     of BB&T stock per share of Matewan preferred stock. Based upon the
     assumed $28.00 Closing Value, the new exchange ratio would represent a
     value to Matewan shareholders of $20.68 per share of Matewan common
     stock and $25.85 per share of Matewan preferred stock.

  Matewan shareholders should be aware that the actual market value of a share
of BB&T common stock at the effective time and at the time certificates for
those shares are delivered following surrender and exchange of certificates
for shares of Matewan stock may be more or less than the Closing Value.
Matewan shareholders should obtain information on the market value of BB&T
common stock that is more recent than that provided in this proxy
statement/prospectus. See "Summary--Comparative Market Prices and Dividends."

                                      19
<PAGE>

  No fractional shares of BB&T common stock will be issued in the merger.
Holders of Matewan stock otherwise entitled to a fractional share will be paid
an amount in cash determined by multiplying the fractional part of such share
of BB&T common stock by the Closing Value.

Exchange of Matewan Stock Certificates

  At the effective time, by virtue of the merger and without any action on the
part of Matewan or the holders of Matewan common stock or preferred stock,
each share of Matewan stock issued and outstanding immediately before the
effective time will be converted into and will represent the right to receive,
upon surrender of the certificate representing the share of Matewan stock as
described below, whole shares of BB&T common stock and cash in lieu of any
fractional share interest. Promptly after the effective time, BB&T will
deliver or mail to each Matewan shareholder a form of letter of transmittal
and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the certificates that,
immediately before the effective time, represented any shares of Matewan
stock. Upon surrender of these certificates or other satisfactory evidence of
ownership, together with the letter of transmittal completed in accordance
with its instructions and such other documents as it may reasonably request,
BB&T will promptly transfer the merger consideration to the persons entitled
to receive it.

  Holders of Matewan stock should not send in their stock certificates until
they receive transmittal forms and instructions.

  Until surrendered as described above, each outstanding certificate that
prior to the effective time represented one or more shares of Matewan stock
will be deemed upon the effective time for all purposes to represent only the
right to receive the merger consideration. No interest will be paid or accrued
on the merger consideration upon the surrender of the certificate or
certificates representing shares of Matewan stock. With respect to any
certificate for Matewan stock that has been lost or destroyed, BB&T will pay
the merger consideration attributable to such certificate upon receipt of a
surety bond or other adequate indemnity as required in accordance with BB&T's
standard policy and evidence reasonably satisfactory to BB&T of ownership of
the shares in question. After the effective time, no transfer of the shares of
Matewan stock outstanding immediately before the effective time will be made
on the stock transfer books of BB&T.

  BB&T will pay any dividends or other distributions with a record date before
the effective time that have been declared or made by Matewan in respect of
shares of Matewan stock in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement
and that remain unpaid at the effective time. To the extent permitted by law,
former shareholders of record of Matewan will be entitled to vote after the
effective time at any meeting of BB&T shareholders the number of whole shares
of BB&T common stock into which their respective shares of Matewan stock are
converted, regardless of whether such holders have exchanged their
certificates representing Matewan stock for certificates representing BB&T
common stock. Whenever a dividend or other distribution is declared by BB&T on
the BB&T common stock, the record date for which is at or after the effective
time, the declaration will include dividends or other distributions on all
shares of BB&T common stock issuable pursuant to the merger agreement, but
after the effective time no dividend or other distribution payable to the
holders of record of BB&T common stock as of any time subsequent to the
effective time will be delivered to the holder of any certificate representing
Matewan stock until such holder surrenders such certificate for exchange as
described above. Upon surrender of such certificate, both the BB&T common
stock certificate and any undelivered dividends and cash payments payable
hereunder (without interest) will be delivered and paid with respect to each
share of Matewan stock represented by such certificate.


                                      20
<PAGE>

The Merger Agreement

 Effective Date and Time of the Merger

  The merger agreement provides that the closing of the merger will take place
on the business day designated by BB&T that is within 30 days following the
satisfaction of the conditions to the completion of the merger, or such later
date as the parties may otherwise agree. The effective time will occur at the
time and date specified in the articles of merger to be filed with the
Secretary of State of North Carolina and the Department of State of Delaware.
It is currently anticipated that the filing of the articles of merger will
take place as soon as practicable following the date on which the merger
agreement and the plan of merger is approved by the Matewan shareholders and
all other conditions to the respective obligations of BB&T and Matewan to
complete the merger have been satisfied. If the merger is approved at the
meeting, it is currently anticipated that the filing of the articles of merger
and the effective time will occur during the third quarter of 1999.

 Conditions to the Merger

  The obligations of BB&T and Matewan to carry out the merger are subject to
satisfaction (or, if permissible, waiver) of the following conditions at or
before the effective time:

  .  all corporate action necessary to authorize the performance of the
     merger agreement and the plan of merger must have been duly and validly
     taken, including the approval of the shareholders of Matewan of the
     merger agreement and the plan of merger;

  .  BB&T's registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the merger
     (including any post-effective amendments) must be effective under the
     Securities Act of 1933, as amended, no proceedings may be pending or
     threatened by the SEC to suspend the effectiveness of the Registration
     Statement and the BB&T common stock to be issued in the merger must
     either have been registered or be subject to exemption from registration
     under applicable state securities laws;

  .  the parties must have received all regulatory approvals required in
     connection with the transactions in the merger agreement, all notice
     periods and waiting periods required with respect to the approvals must
     have passed and all approvals must be in effect;

  .  neither BB&T nor Matewan nor any of their respective subsidiaries may be
     subject to any order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of
     competent jurisdiction that enjoins or prohibits completion of the
     transactions in the merger agreement; and

  .  Matewan and BB&T must have received an opinion of BB&T's legal counsel,
     Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, in form and substance
     satisfactory to Matewan and BB&T, substantially to the effect that the
     merger will constitute one or more reorganizations under Section 368 of
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and that the shareholders
     of Matewan will not recognize any gain or loss to the extent that they
     exchange shares of Matewan common stock or preferred stock for shares of
     BB&T common stock.

  The obligations of Matewan to carry out the transactions in the merger
agreement are also subject to the satisfaction of the following additional
conditions at or before the effective time, unless, where permissible, waived
by Matewan:

  .  BB&T must have performed in all material respects all obligations and
     complied in all material respects with all covenants required by the
     merger agreement;

  .  the shares of BB&T common stock to be issued in the merger must have
     been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
     issuance; and

  .  Matewan must have received certain closing certificates and legal
     opinions from BB&T and its counsel.

  In addition, all representations and warranties of BB&T will be evaluated as
of the date of the merger 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 that specifically relates to an earlier
date), except as otherwise

                                      21
<PAGE>

provided in the merger agreement or consented to in writing by Matewan. The
representations and warranties of BB&T concerning

  .  its capitalization,

  .  its and its subsidiaries' organization and authority to conduct
     business,

  .  its authorization and the binding nature of the merger agreement and

  .  the absence of any conflict between the transactions in the merger
     agreement and BB&T's articles of incorporation or bylaws

must be true and correct (except for inaccuracies that are de minimis in
amount). Moreover, there must not exist inaccuracies in any of the
representations and warranties of BB&T set forth in the merger agreement such
that the aggregate effect of such inaccuracies has, or is reasonably likely to
have, a material adverse effect on BB&T.

  The obligations of BB&T to carry out the transactions in the merger
agreement are also subject to satisfaction of the following additional
conditions at or before the effective time, unless, where permissible, waived
by BB&T:

  .  no regulatory approval may have imposed any condition or requirement
     that, in the reasonable opinion of the board of directors of BB&T, would
     so materially adversely affect the business or economic benefits to BB&T
     of the transactions in the merger agreement as to render their
     completion inadvisable or unduly burdensome;

  .  Matewan must have performed in all material respects all obligations and
     complied in all material respects with all covenants required by the
     merger agreement;

  .  BB&T must have received agreements from certain affiliates of Matewan
     concerning the shares of BB&T common stock to be received by them; and

  .  BB&T must have received certain closing certificates and legal opinions
     from Matewan and its counsel.

  In addition, all representations and warranties of Matewan will be evaluated
as of the date of the merger 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 that specifically relates to an earlier
date), except as otherwise provided in the merger agreement or consented to in
writing by BB&T. The representations and warranties of Matewan concerning

  .  its capitalization,

  .  its and its subsidiaries' organization and authority to conduct
     business,

  .  its ownership of its subsidiaries,

  .  its authorization and the binding nature of the merger agreement,

  .  the absence of conflict between the transactions in the merger agreement
     and Matewan's articles of incorporation or bylaws,

  .  its forbearance from taking any actions that would negatively affect the
     tax-free elements of the merger or the receipt of necessary regulatory
     approvals and

  .  actions taken to exempt the merger from any applicable anti-takeover
     laws

must be true and correct (except for inaccuracies that are de minimis in
amount). Moreover, there must not exist inaccuracies in any of the
representations and warranties of Matewan set forth in the merger agreement
such that the effect of such inaccuracies individually or in the aggregate
has, or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on Matewan.

                                      22
<PAGE>

 Conduct of Matewan's and BB&T's Business Prior to the Effective Time of the
Merger

  Except with the prior consent of BB&T, before the effective time Matewan may
not, and must cause each of its subsidiaries not to:

  .  carry on its business except in the ordinary course and in substantially
     the same manner as previously conducted, or establish or acquire any new
     subsidiary or engage in any new type of activity or expand any existing
     activities;

  .  declare or pay any distribution on its capital stock, other than
     regularly scheduled quarterly dividends of $0.12 per share of Matewan
     common stock and $0.47 per share of Matewan preferred stock payable on
     record dates and in amounts consistent with past practices (except that
     any dividend declared or payable in the quarterly period during which
     the effective time occurs may, unless otherwise agreed, be declared with
     a record date before the effective time only if the normal record date
     for payment of the corresponding quarterly dividend on BB&T common stock
     is before the effective time);

  .  issue any shares of capital stock except under the option granted to
     BB&T in connection with the merger agreement or upon the conversion of
     its preferred stock;

  .  issue or authorize any rights to acquire capital stock or effect any
     recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split or
     similar change in capitalization;

  .  amend its articles of incorporation or bylaws;

  .  impose or permit the imposition or existence of any lien, charge or
     encumbrance on any share of stock held by it in any Matewan subsidiary
     (with the exception of a lien held on the shares of common stock of
     Matewan National Bank held by One Valley Bank) or release any material
     right or cancel or compromise any debt or claim, in each case other than
     in the ordinary course of business;

  .  merge with any other entity or permit any other entity to merge into it,
     acquire control over any other entity or dispose of any assets or
     acquire any assets, in each case other than in the ordinary course of
     its business consistent with past practice;

  .  fail to comply in any material respect with any legal requirements
     applicable to it and to the conduct of its business;

  .  increase the compensation of any of its directors, officers or employees
     (excluding increases resulting from the exercise of outstanding
     compensatory stock options), or pay or agree to pay any bonus or provide
     any new employee benefit or incentive, except for increases or payments
     made in the ordinary course under existing arrangements;

  .  enter into or substantially modify (except as may be required by law)
     any employee benefit, incentive or welfare arrangement, or any related
     trust agreement, relating to any of its directors, officers or other
     employees (other than renewal of any of arrangement consistent with past
     practice);

  .  solicit inquiries or proposals with respect to, furnish any information
     relating to, or participate in any discussions concerning, any other
     business combination with Matewan or any Matewan subsidiary, or fail to
     notify BB&T immediately if any such inquiries or proposals are received,
     any such information is requested or required or any such discussions
     are sought (except that this would not apply to an unsolicited offer if
     Matewan is advised by legal counsel that in its opinion the failure to
     furnish information or negotiate would likely constitute a breach of the
     fiduciary duty of the Matewan board to the Matewan shareholders);

  .  enter into (a) any material agreement or commitment not made in the
     ordinary course, (b) any agreement, indenture or other instrument not
     made in the ordinary course relating to the borrowing of money by
     Matewan or a Matewan subsidiary or guarantee by Matewan or a Matewan
     subsidiary of any obligation, (c) any agreement or commitment relating
     to the employment or severance of a consultant or the employment,
     severance or retention in office of any director, officer or employee
     (except for the election of directors or the reappointment of officers
     in the normal course) or (d) any contract, agreement or understanding
     with a labor union;

  .  change its lending, investment or asset liability management policies in
     any material respect, except as required by applicable law and except
     that after shareholder approval of the merger agreement and

                                      23
<PAGE>

     receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, Matewan will cooperate with
     BB&T to adopt policies, practices and procedures consistent with those
     used by BB&T;

  .  change its methods of accounting in effect at December 31, 1997, except
     as required by changes in accounting principles reasonably concurred in
     by BB&T, or change any of its federal income tax reporting methods from
     those used in the preparation of its tax returns for the year ended
     December 31, 1997, except as required by changes in law;

  .  incur any commitments for capital expenditures or obligation to make
     capital expenditures in excess of $50,000 for any one expenditure or
     $250,000 in the aggregate;

  .  incur any new indebtedness other than deposits from customers, advances
     from the Federal Home Loan Bank or Federal Reserve Bank and reverse
     repurchase arrangements, in each case in the ordinary course;

  .  take any action that could reasonably be expected to (a) cause the
     merger not to constitute a tax-free reorganization as determined by
     BB&T, (b) result in any inaccuracy of a representation or warranty that
     would permit termination of the merger agreement or (c) cause any of the
     conditions to the merger to fail to be satisfied;

  .  dispose of any material assets other than in the ordinary course; or

  .  agree to do any of the foregoing.

  Except with the prior consent of Matewan, before the effective time neither
BB&T nor any subsidiary of BB&T may take any action that would or might be
expected to

  .  cause the merger not to constitute a tax-free reorganization;

  .  result in any inaccuracy of a representation or warranty that would
     allow for termination of the merger agreement;

  .  cause any of the conditions precedent to the transactions in the merger
     agreement to fail to be satisfied;

  .  exercise the option agreement executed concurrently with the merger
     agreement other than in accordance with its terms or dispose of shares
     of Matewan common stock acquired under that agreement other than in
     accordance with its terms; or

  .  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.

 Waiver; Amendment; Termination; Expenses

  Except with respect to any required regulatory approval, BB&T or Matewan may
at any time (whether before or after approval of the merger agreement and the
plan of merger by the Matewan shareholders) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party and may
waive (a) any inaccuracies of the other party in the representations or
warranties contained in the merger agreement, the plan of merger or any
document delivered pursuant thereto, (b) 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 in the merger agreement or
in the plan of merger or (c) the performance by the other party of any of its
obligations set out therein. The parties may also mutually amend or supplement
the merger agreement in writing at any time. No such extension, waiver,
amendment or supplement after approval by the Matewan shareholders of the
merger agreement and the plan of merger, however, may modify either the amount
or the form of the consideration to be provided to holders of Matewan common
stock upon completion of the merger.

  If any of the conditions to the obligation of either party to complete the
merger is not fulfilled, such party will consider the materiality of such
nonfulfillment. In the case of the nonfulfillment of a condition to Matewan's
obligations, Matewan will, if it believes appropriate under the circumstances,
resolicit shareholder approval of the merger agreement and the plan of merger
and in connection therewith provide appropriate information concerning such
nonfulfillment.

                                      24
<PAGE>

  The merger agreement may be terminated, and the merger may be abandoned:

  .  at any time before the effective time, by the mutual consent in writing
     of BB&T and Matewan;

  .  at any time before the effective time, by either party (a) in the event
     of a material breach by the other party of any covenant or agreement
     contained in the merger agreement or (b) in the event of an inaccuracy
     of any representation or warranty of the other party contained in the
     merger agreement that would provide the nonbreaching party the ability
     to refuse to complete the merger under the applicable standard set forth
     in the merger agreement (see "--Conditions to the Merger"); and, in the
     case of (a) or (b), if such breach or inaccuracy has not been cured by
     the earlier of 30 days following notice of such breach to the party
     committing such breach or inaccuracy or the effective time;

  .  at any time before the effective time, by either party in writing, if
     any of the conditions precedent to the obligations of the other party to
     complete the transactions in the merger agreement cannot be satisfied or
     fulfilled before the Closing Date, and the party giving the notice is
     not in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or
     undertakings;

  .  at any time, by either party in writing, if any of the applications for
     prior regulatory approval are denied, and the time period for appeals
     and requests for reconsideration has run;

  .  at any time, by either party in writing, if the shareholders of Matewan
     do not approve the merger agreement and the plan of merger;

  .  at any time following October 15, 1999, by either party 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; or

  .  by Matewan, pursuant to the provisions of the merger agreement described
     above under "--Exchange Ratio."

  If the merger agreement is terminated pursuant to any of the provisions
described above, both the merger agreement and the plan of merger will become
void and have no effect, except that (a) provisions in the merger agreement
relating to confidentiality and expenses will survive any such termination and
(b) a termination for an uncured breach of a covenant or agreement or
inaccuracy in a representation or warranty will not relieve the breaching
party from liability for that breach or inaccuracy.

  Each party to the merger agreement will pay all expenses incurred by it in
connection with the merger agreement and the merger, except that printing
expenses and SEC registration fees incurred in connection with the
Registration Statement will be paid 50% by BB&T and 50% by Matewan.

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

  Certain members of Matewan's management, including all of its directors,
have certain interests in the merger that are in addition to their interests
as shareholders of Matewan generally. The Matewan board was aware of these
factors and considered them, among other matters, in approving the merger
agreement.

 Employment Agreements

  In connection with the merger, it is anticipated that Branch Banking and
Trust Company, BB&T's North Carolina banking subsidiary ("BB&T-NC" or the
"Employer") will enter into a five-year employment agreement with Dan R. Moore
and a three-year employment agreement with each of Timothy Edwards, Lee E.
Ellis and Anna Ward (with Mr. Moore, the "Executives").

  Each of the employment agreements provides that the Executive in question
will receive a base salary at least equal to that previously received from
Matewan, with the potential for an annual increase based on the Employer's
performance and the Executive's performance.

  Each of the Executives will be entitled to participate in any bonus or
incentive plan, whether it provides for awards in cash or securities, made
available to similarly situated officers, or such other similar plans for
which

                                      25
<PAGE>

the Executive may become eligible and designated a participant. Each Executive
also will receive, on the same basis as other similarly situated officers of
the Employer, employee pension and welfare benefits and group employee
benefits such as sick leave, vacation, group disability and health, dental,
life and accident insurance and similar indirect compensation that may be
extended to similarly situated officers.

  In addition, Mr. Moore's agreement provides that, after the merger of
Matewan National Bank into BB&T-NC, he will serve the remainder of the
agreement's term as a consultant to BB&T-NC on mutually agreed-upon terms. Mr.
Moore's agreement also provides that he will be eligible to participate in
bonus and incentive plans only during the first 18 months of the term of the
agreement.

  Each Executive's employment agreement provides that, if the Employer
terminates the Executive's employment other than because of disability or for
cause, the Executive will, if he or she complies with certain noncompetition
provisions, be entitled to receive an annual salary equal to the highest
amount of cash compensation (including bonuses) received during any of the
preceding three calendar years ("Termination Compensation") for the remainder
of what would otherwise have been the term of the agreement. In addition, each
Executive would continue to receive health insurance coverage and other group
employee benefits from the Employer on the same terms as were in effect before
the termination, either under the Employer's plans or comparable coverage,
during the time payments of Termination Compensation are made.

  Each of the employment agreements provides that the Executive may
voluntarily terminate employment for "Good Reason" (defined below) until
twelve months after a "Change of Control" (defined below) of the Employer or
BB&T and (a) be entitled to receive in a lump sum (1) any compensation due but
not yet paid through the date of termination and (2) in lieu of any further
salary payments from the date of termination to the end of the term of the
agreement, an amount equal to the Termination Compensation times 2.99, and (b)
continue to receive health insurance coverage and other group employee
benefits for a period of three years following termination of employment by
the Executive on the same terms as were in effect either (A) at the date of
termination or (B) at the date of the Change of Control, if such plans and
programs in effect before the Change of Control were, considered together as a
whole, materially more generous to the officers of the Employer than such
plans and programs at the date of termination.

  "Good Reason" means any of the following events occurring without the
Executive's consent:

  .  the assignment to the Executive of duties inconsistent with the position
     and status of the Executive's title;

  .  a reduction in the Executive's pay grade or base salary as then in
     effect, or the exclusion of the Executive from participation in benefit
     plans in which he previously participated;

  .  an involuntary relocation of the Executive more than 100 miles from the
     location where the Executive worked immediately before a Change in
     Control, or the breach by the Employer of any material provision of the
     employment agreement; or

  .  any purported termination of the employment of the Executive by the
     Employer not effected in accordance with the employment agreement.

  A "Change of Control" would be deemed to occur if

  .  any person or group of persons (as defined in the Securities Exchange
     Act of 1934, as amended) together with its affiliates, excluding
     employee benefit plans of the Employer or BB&T, is or becomes the
     beneficial owner of securities of the Employer or BB&T representing 20%
     or more of the combined voting power of the Employer's or BB&T's then
     outstanding securities;

  .  as a result of a tender offer or exchange offer for the purchase of
     securities of the Employer or BB&T (other than an offer by BB&T for its
     own securities), or as a result of a proxy contest, merger,
     consolidation or sale of assets, or as a result of any combination of
     the foregoing, individuals who at the beginning of any two-year period
     constitute the BB&T board, plus new directors whose election or
     nomination for election by BB&T's shareholders is approved by a vote of
     at least two-thirds of the

                                      26
<PAGE>

     directors still in office who were directors at the beginning of the
     two-year period, cease for any reason during the two-year period to
     constitute at least two-thirds of the members of the BB&T board;

  .  the shareholders of BB&T approve a merger or consolidation of BB&T with
     any other corporation or entity, regardless of which entity is the
     survivor, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the
     voting securities of BB&T outstanding immediately beforehand continuing
     to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into
     voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 40% of the combined
     voting power of the voting securities of BB&T or the other surviving
     entity outstanding immediately after the merger or consolidation;

  .  the shareholders of BB&T approve a plan of complete liquidation or
     winding-up of BB&T or an agreement for the sale or disposition by BB&T
     of all or substantially all of BB&T's assets; or

  .  any other event occurs that the BB&T board determines should constitute
     a Change of Control.

  If any of the payments to be made under the employment agreements would
constitute a "parachute payment," as defined in Section 280G of the Internal
Revenue Code, the payments would be reduced by the smallest amount necessary
so that no portion of such payments would be a "parachute payment." A
"parachute payment" generally is a payment which is contingent on a change in
the control of the corporation and the present value of which equals or exceed
three times the "base amount," which is generally defined as the Executive's
annualized includable compensation for the "base period," which is generally
the most recent five taxable years of the Executive ending before the date of
the change in control. Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code
generally provide that if "parachute payments" are paid to an individual,
everything above the base amount will be subject to a 20% excise tax payable
by the individual (in addition to the payment of regular income taxes on the
payments), as well as be nondeductible by the employer for federal income tax
purposes.

  The Executives' employment agreements will supersede any of their existing
employment agreements and change of control arrangements with Matewan or its
subsidiaries.

 Matewan Board of Directors

  In connection with the merger, BB&T will offer each member of the Matewan
board a seat on its advisory board for the southern West Virginia area. For
two years after the effective time, those members will receive, as
compensation for service on the advisory board, member's fees (annual retainer
and attendance fees) equal in amount each year to the annual retainer and
schedule of attendance fees for directors of Matewan in effect on January 1,
1999. These advisory board members will thereafter receive fees in accordance
with BB&T's standard schedule of advisory board service fees. For two years
after the effective time, no such member may be prohibited from serving
because he or she has reached the maximum age for advisory board service
(currently age 70). In addition to the foregoing, Dan R. Moore will be
appointed to the board of directors of BB&T-NC. Members of the BB&T-NC board
who are not employees of BB&T receive an annual retainer of $5,000 plus $1,000
for each meeting attended.

 Indemnification of Directors and Officers

  The merger agreement provides that BB&T or one of its subsidiaries will
maintain for three years after the effective time directors' and officers'
liability insurance covering directors and officers of Matewan for acts or
omissions before the effective time. This insurance will provide at least the
same coverage and amounts as contained in Matewan's policy on the date of the
merger agreement, unless the annual premium on the policy would exceed 150% of
the annual premium payments on Matewan's policy, in which case BB&T would
maintain the most advantageous policies of directors' and officers' liability
insurance obtainable for a premium equal to this amount. BB&T has also agreed
to indemnify all individuals who are or have been officers, directors or
employees of Matewan or any Matewan subsidiary before the effective time from
any acts or omissions in these capacities before the effective time to the
fullest extent that such indemnification is provided under Matewan's articles
of incorporation or bylaws on the date hereof and is permitted under North
Carolina law.

                                      27
<PAGE>

Rights of Dissenting Preferred Shareholders

  The following summary is not a complete statement of the provisions of
Delaware law relating to the appraisal rights of shareholders and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the provisions of Section 262 of the Delaware
General Corporate Law set forth in full as Appendix C to this proxy
statement/prospectus.

  Holders of record of shares of Matewan preferred stock who comply with the
applicable procedures summarized herein will be entitled to dissent and
appraisal rights under Section 262. A person having a beneficial interest in
shares of Matewan preferred stock held of record in the name of another
person, such as a broker or nominee, must act promptly to cause the record
holder to follow the steps summarized below properly and in a timely manner to
perfect appraisal rights.

  All references in Section 262 and in this summary to a "shareholder" are to
the record holder of shares as to which appraisal rights are asserted. Voting
against, abstaining from voting or failing to vote on approval and adoption of
the merger agreement will not constitute a demand for appraisal within the
meaning of Section 262.

  Shareholders who follow the procedures set forth in Section 262 may receive,
in lieu of the merger consideration, a cash payment equal to the "fair value"
of their shares of Matewan preferred stock, exclusive of any element of value
arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger, together with a
fair rate of interest, if any, as determined by the court. Such fair value
would be determined by judicial appraisal and could be more than, the same as,
or less than, the merger consideration. The statutory right of appraisal
granted by Section 262 is subject to strict compliance with the procedures set
forth below. Failure to follow any of these procedures may result in a
termination or waiver of appraisal rights under Section 262.

  To be entitled to receive payment of the fair value of the shares of Matewan
preferred stock, a shareholder (i) must file a written demand for appraisal of
his or her shares with Matewan before the voting by Matewan's shareholders on
the merger agreement and the plan of merger at the meeting (the demand must
reasonably inform Matewan of the identity of the shareholder and that the
shareholder intends thereby to demand an appraisal of his or her shares of
Matewan preferred stock); (ii) must not vote his or her shares of Matewan
preferred stock in favor of approval of the merger agreement and the plan of
merger; and (iii) must have his or her shares of Matewan preferred stock
valued in an appraisal proceeding, as described below. A proxy or vote against
approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the plan of merger will not
satisfy the requirement that a shareholder file a written demand for appraisal
as set forth above. The requirement of a written demand is separate from, and
should not be confused with, the requirement that a shareholder not vote in
favor of approval of the merger agreement and the plan of merger. A failure to
vote on the merger agreement and the plan of merger will not be construed as a
vote in favor of approval of the merger agreement and the plan of merger and
will not constitute a waiver of a shareholder's rights of appraisal. A
shareholder who returns a signed proxy indicating that he or she abstains from
voting will similarly not waive his or her rights of appraisal. However,
because a proxy signed and left blank will, unless properly revoked, be voted
in favor of approval of the merger agreement and the plan of merger, a
shareholder who returns a signed proxy left blank will waive his or her rights
of appraisal. Therefore, a shareholder electing to exercise appraisal rights
who votes by proxy must not leave his or her proxy blank, but must either vote
against approval of the merger agreement and the plan of merger or abstain
from voting on such matter.

  A holder of shares of Matewan preferred stock wishing to exercise his or her
appraisal rights must be the record holder of such shares on the date the
written demand for appraisal is made and must continue to hold the shares of
record until the effective time of the merger. Accordingly, a holder of shares
of Matewan preferred stock who is the record holder of such shares on the date
the written demand for appraisal is made, but who thereafter transfers his or
her shares prior to the effective time of the merger, will lose any right to
appraisal in respect of such shares.


                                      28
<PAGE>

  Only a holder of record of shares of Matewan preferred stock is entitled to
assert appraisal rights for the shares registered in that holder's name. A
demand for appraisal should be executed by or on behalf of the holder of
record, fully and correctly, as the holder's name appears on his or her stock
certificates. If the shares of Matewan preferred stock are owned of record in
a fiduciary capacity, such as by a trustee, guardian or custodian, execution
of the demand should be made in that capacity, and if the shares of Matewan
preferred stock are owned of record by more than one person as in a joint
tenancy or tenancy in common, the demand should be executed by or on behalf of
all joint owners. An authorized agent, including an agent for two or more
joint owners, may execute a demand for appraisal on behalf of a holder of
record; however, the agent must identify the record owner or owners and
expressly disclose the fact that, in executing the demand, the agent is agent
for such owner or owners. A record holder such as a broker who holds shares of
Matewan preferred stock as nominee for several beneficial owners may exercise
appraisal rights with respect to shares held for one or more beneficial owners
while not exercising such rights with respect to the shares held for other
beneficial owners; in this case, the written demand should set forth the
number of shares as to which appraisal is sought, and where no number of
shares is expressly mentioned the demand will be presumed to cover all shares
held in the name of the record owner. Shareholders who hold their shares of
Matewan preferred stock in brokerage accounts or other nominee forms and who
wish to exercise appraisal rights are urged to consult with their brokers to
determine the appropriate procedures for the making of a demand for appraisal
by such a nominee.

  If the merger agreement is approved by the shareholders, BB&T will send a
notice of the actual effective time of the merger, within ten days thereafter,
to each shareholder who has filed an adequate written demand for appraisal
with Matewan and who has not voted in favor of approval of the merger
agreement and the plan of merger. Within 120 days after the effective time of
the merger, BB&T or any shareholder properly seeking appraisal rights may file
a petition in the Delaware Court of Chancery demanding a determination of the
value of the shares of all shareholders seeking appraisal rights. BB&T is
under no obligation, and has no present intention, to file such a petition,
and all shareholders seeking to exercise appraisal rights should initiate all
necessary action with respect to the perfection of their appraisal rights
within the time periods and in the manner prescribed in Section 262. Within
120 days after the effective time of the merger, any shareholder who has
complied with the provisions of Section 262, upon written request, shall be
entitled to receive from BB&T a statement setting forth the aggregate number
of shares of Matewan preferred stock not voted in favor of approval of the
merger agreement and the plan of merger and with respect to which demands for
appraisal have been received and the aggregate number of record holders of
such shares. Such written statement must be mailed to any such shareholder
within ten days after his or her written request for such a statement is
received by BB&T or within ten days after the vote on the merger agreement and
the plan of merger at the meeting, whichever is later.

  If a petition for appraisal is timely filed, the Court of Chancery will
conduct a hearing on such petition to determine whether the shareholders
seeking appraisal rights have complied with Section 262 and have thereby
become entitled to appraisal rights. The Court of Chancery will then determine
the fair value of the shares of Matewan preferred stock exclusive of any
element of value arising from the expectation or accomplishment of the merger,
but including a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid on the amount
determined to be the fair value. In determining fair value, the Court of
Chancery is to take into account all relevant factors. Shareholders
considering appraisal should bear in mind that the fair market value of their
shares determined under Section 262 could be more than, the same as, or less
than, the consideration they will receive pursuant to the merger agreement if
they do not seek appraisal of their shares, and that the written opinion of
Baxter Fentriss set forth as Appendix B is not necessarily an opinion
regarding fair value under Section 262. The Delaware Supreme Court has stated
that "proof of value by any techniques or methods which are generally
considered acceptable in the financial community and otherwise admissible in
court" should be considered in the appraisal proceedings.

  The Chancery Court will determine the amount of interest, if any, to be paid
upon the amounts to be received by persons whose shares of Matewan preferred
stock have been appraised. The costs of the appraisal proceeding may be
assessed against one or more parties to the proceeding as the Court of
Chancery considers equitable. Upon application by a shareholder, the Court of
Chancery may order all or a portion of the expenses

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<PAGE>

incurred by any shareholder in connection with the appraisal proceedings
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and the fees and
expenses of experts) to be charged pro rata against the value of all of the
shares entitled to an appraisal.

  A shareholder will fail to perfect his or her right of appraisal if (i) he
or she does not deliver a written demand for appraisal to Matewan prior to the
vote for approval of the merger agreement and the plan of merger, (ii) he or
she votes his or her shares of Matewan preferred stock in favor of approval of
the merger agreement and the plan of merger, (iii) no dissenting shareholder
files a petition for appraisal within 120 days after the effective time of the
merger, or (iv) he or she delivers to Matewan both a written withdrawal of his
or her demand for appraisal and an acceptance of the terms of the merger
agreement, except that any such attempt to withdraw such demand not made
within 60 days after the effective time of the merger requires the written
approval of BB&T. If any shareholder who properly demands appraisal of his or
her shares under Section 262 fails to perfect, or effectively withdraws or
loses, his or her right to appraisal as provided in (iii) or (iv) above, the
shares of such shareholder will be converted into the right to receive the
merger consideration receivable with respect to the shares in accordance with
the merger agreement.

  If an appraisal proceeding is properly instituted, it may not be dismissed
as to any shareholder who has perfected his or her right of appraisal without
the approval of the Court of Chancery, and any such approval may be
conditioned on such terms as the Court of Chancery deems just.

  After the effective time of the merger, no shareholder who has demanded
appraisal rights will be entitled to vote his or her shares of Matewan
preferred stock for any purpose or to receive dividends on, or other
distributions in respect of, such shares (except dividends or distributions
payable to shareholders as of a record date prior to the effective time of the
merger).

  Holders of record of shares of Matewan preferred stock should note that cash
paid to dissenting shareholders in satisfaction of the fair value of their
shares will be taxable. See "--Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger."

  Failure by a shareholder to follow the steps required by Delaware law for
perfecting rights of appraisal may result in the loss of such rights. In view
of the complexity of these provisions, shareholders who are considering
dissenting from the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and
exercising their rights under Section 262 should consult their legal advisors.

  All written communications from shareholders with respect to the exercise of
appraisal rights should be mailed before the effective time of the merger to
Matewan BancShares, Inc., Second Avenue and Vinson Street, Williamson, West
Virginia 25661, Attention: Secretary, and after the effective time of the
merger to BB&T Corporation, 200 West Second Street, Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27101, Attention: Secretary.

Regulatory Considerations

  Bank holding companies (such as BB&T and Matewan) and their depository
institution subsidiaries are highly regulated institutions, with numerous
federal and state laws and regulations governing their activities. Among these
laws and regulations are requirements of prior approval by applicable
government regulatory authorities in connection with acquisition and merger
transactions such as the merger, as summarized below. In addition, these
institutions are subject to ongoing supervision, regulation and periodic
examination by various federal and state financial institution regulatory
agencies. Detailed discussions of such ongoing regulatory oversight and the
laws and regulations under which it is carried out can be found in the Annual
Reports on Form 10-K of BB&T and Form 10-K of Matewan incorporated by
reference herein. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 58. Those
discussions are qualified in their entirety by the actual language of the laws
and regulations, which are subject to change based on possible future
legislation and action by regulatory agencies.


                                      30
<PAGE>

  The merger and the subsidiary bank mergers are subject to certain regulatory
approvals, as set forth below. To the extent that the following information
describes statutes and regulations, it is qualified in its entirety by
reference to those particular statutes and regulations.

 The Merger

  The merger is subject to approval by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. In considering the
approval of a transaction such as the merger, this act requires the Federal
Reserve to review the financial and managerial resources and future prospects
of the bank holding companies and the banks concerned and the convenience and
needs of the communities to be served. The Federal Reserve also is required to
evaluate whether the merger would result in a monopoly or would be in
furtherance of any combination or conspiracy or attempt to monopolize the
business of banking in any part of the United States or otherwise would
substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly or which in any
manner would be in restraint of trade, unless it finds the anti-competitive
effects of the proposed transaction are clearly outweighed in the public
interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience
and needs of the communities to be served.

  Where a transaction, such as the merger, is the acquisition by a bank
holding company of a bank located in a state other than the home state of the
bank holding company (in this case North Carolina), the Bank Holding Company
Act authorizes the Federal Reserve to approve the transaction without regard
to whether such transaction is prohibited under the laws of any state,
provided the bank holding company is adequately capitalized and adequately
managed and certain other limitations are not exceeded. BB&T is considered
well-capitalized and well-managed under the Federal Reserve's Regulation Y,
and the transaction does not exceed the other limitations.

  The Federal Reserve also must review the nonbanking activities being
acquired in the merger (such as operating a savings institution) to determine
whether the acquisition of such activities reasonably can be expected to
produce benefits to the public (such as greater convenience, increased
competition or gains in efficiency) that outweigh possible adverse effects
(such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition,
conflicts of interest or unsound banking practices). This consideration
includes an evaluation by the Federal Reserve of the financial and managerial
resources of BB&T and its subsidiaries and Matewan Bank, FSB, and the effect
of the proposed transaction on those resources, as well as whether the merger
would result in a monopoly or otherwise would substantially lessen
competition. By statute, the Federal Reserve is required to forward a copy of
the notice required to be filed by BB&T to the Office of Thrift Supervision
for its review and comment. However, because bank holding companies that
acquire savings institutions are exempt from the provisions of federal law
relating to savings and loan holding companies, BB&T is not required to file a
separate application with the Office of Thrift Supervision for approval of the
merger.

  BB&T must provide notice to the West Virginia Commissioner of Banking under
the West Virginia Code, which permits an out-of-state bank holding company to
acquire a West Virginia bank holding company if the Commissioner does not
object to the transaction. The Commissioner may object to the transaction if
it is contrary to West Virginia law.

  BB&T also is required to provide notice to the Virginia Bureau of Financial
Institutions under the Virginia Code, which permits an out-of-state bank
holding company that controls a Virginia bank, such as BB&T, to acquire a bank
outside of Virginia, such as Matewan National Bank, if the Bureau approves the
transaction. The Bureau is required to approve the transaction if it
determines that the transaction would not be detrimental to the safety and
soundness of the Virginia bank.

  BB&T also must provide notice of the merger to the Georgia Department of
Banking and Finance at least thirty days prior to consummation of the merger.


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<PAGE>

 The Subsidiary Bank Mergers

  Although not required by the terms of the merger agreement or the plan of
merger, BB&T expects to effect the subsidiary bank mergers during the second
quarter of 2000. The subsidiary bank mergers are each subject to approval of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Bank Merger Act. In
granting its approval under the Bank Merger Act, the FDIC must consider the
financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the existing and
proposed institutions and the convenience and needs of the communities to be
served. Further, the FDIC may not approve any subsidiary bank merger if it
would result in a monopoly, if it would be in furtherance of any combination
or conspiracy to monopolize or to attempt to monopolize the business of
banking in any part of the United States, if the effect of the subsidiary bank
merger in any section of the country may be to substantially to lessen
competition or to tend to create a monopoly or if it would be in any other
manner in restraint of trade, unless the FDIC finds that the anticompetitive
effects of the subsidiary bank merger are clearly outweighed in the public
interest by the probable effect of such merger in meeting the convenience and
needs of the communities to be served. In addition, the FDIC must take into
account the record of performance of the existing and proposed institution
under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 in meeting the credit needs of
the community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, served by
such institution. Applicable regulations also require publication of notice of
the application for approval of the subsidiary bank mergers and an opportunity
for the public to comment on the applications in writing and to request a
hearing.

  The North Carolina Commissioner of Banks also must approve the subsidiary
bank mergers under the bank merger act provisions of the North Carolina
General Statutes. In its review of the subsidiary bank mergers, the N.C.
Commissioner is required to consider whether the interests of the depositors,
creditors and shareholders of each institution are protected, whether the
mergers are in the public interest and whether the mergers are for legitimate
purposes.

  Notice of the merger of Matewan National Bank into BB&T-NC must be provided
to the West Virginia Commissioner of Banking. The Commissioner may object to
the merger if the N. C. Commissioner is without authority or procedures under
North Carolina law to review the transaction or is not under North Carolina
law viewed as the primary regulator of its chartered banks' out-of-state
branches.

  All of the required applications and notices for the merger have been
submitted to the appropriate regulatory agencies, and BB&T and Matewan
anticipate that the regulatory approvals described herein will be obtained in
time to allow completion of the merger during the third quarter. However,
there can be no assurance that such regulatory approvals will be obtained or
that such approvals will not be conditioned upon matters that would cause BB&T
to abandon the merger in the manner permitted by the merger agreement. There
likewise is no assurance that the U.S. Department of Justice or a state
attorney general will not challenge the merger or any of the subsidiary bank
mergers, or, if such a challenge is made, as to the results thereof.

  BB&T and Matewan are not aware of any other governmental approvals or
actions that are required for completion of the merger or the subsidiary bank
mergers, except as described above. Should any other approval or action be
required, it is currently expected that such approval or action would be
sought. There can be no assurance that any such approval or action, if needed,
could be obtained, would not delay completion of the merger or would not be
conditioned in a manner that would cause BB&T to abandon the merger in the
manner permitted by the merger agreement.

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

  The following is a summary description of the material anticipated federal
income tax consequences of the merger generally applicable to the shareholders
of Matewan and to BB&T and Matewan. This summary is not intended to be a
complete description of all of the federal income tax consequences of the
merger. No information is provided with respect to the tax consequences of the
merger under any other tax laws, including applicable state, local and foreign
tax laws. In addition, the following discussion may not be applicable with
respect to certain specific categories of shareholders, including but not
limited to persons who are corporations, trusts, dealers in securities,
financial institutions, insurance companies or tax exempt organizations;
persons who

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<PAGE>

are not United States citizens or resident aliens or domestic entities
(partnerships or trusts); persons who are subject to alternative minimum tax
(to the extent that tax affects the tax consequences of the merger) or are
subject to the "golden parachute" provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (to
the extent that tax affects the tax consequences of the merger); persons who
acquired Matewan common or preferred stock pursuant to employee stock options
or otherwise as compensation if such shares are subject to any restriction
related to employment; persons who do not hold their shares as capital assets;
or persons who hold their shares as part of a "straddle" or "conversion
transaction." No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS with
respect to the tax effects of the merger. The federal income tax laws are
complex, and a shareholder's individual circumstances may affect the tax
consequences to the shareholder. Consequently, each Matewan shareholder is
urged to consult his or her own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences,
including the applicable United States federal, state, local, and foreign tax
consequences, of the merger to him or her.

  In the opinion of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, counsel to BB&T:
(a) the merger will constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the
Internal Revenue Code; (b) no gain or loss will be recognized by BB&T or
Matewan by reason of the merger; (c) the shareholders of Matewan will
recognize no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes to the extent BB&T
common stock is received in the merger in exchange for Matewan common stock or
preferred stock; (d) a shareholder of Matewan who receives cash in lieu of a
fractional share of BB&T common stock will recognize gain or loss as if the
shareholder received the fractional share and it was then redeemed for cash in
an amount equal to the amount paid by BB&T in respect of such fractional
share; (e) the tax basis in the BB&T common stock received by a shareholder
(including any fractional share interest deemed received) will be the same as
the tax basis in the Matewan common stock or preferred stock surrendered in
exchange therefor; and (f) the holding period for BB&T common stock received
(including any fractional share interest deemed received) in exchange for
shares of Matewan common stock or preferred stock will include the period
during which the shareholder held the shares of Matewan stock surrendered in
the exchange, provided that the Matewan stock was held as a capital asset at
the effective time.

  The completion of the merger is conditioned upon the receipt by BB&T and
Matewan of the legal opinion of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, counsel
to BB&T, dated as of the closing date to the effect of items (a) and (c) as
described above. Neither party intends to waive this condition. If the tax
opinion were not available and the Matewan board wished to proceed with the
merger, Matewan would resolicit its shareholders.

Accounting Treatment

  It is anticipated that the Merger will be accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting. Under this accounting method, BB&T will record the
acquired identifiable assets and liabilities assumed at the fair market value
at the time of completion of the merger. Any excess of the cost of Matewan and
the sum of the fair values of tangible and identifiable intangible assets less
liabilities assumed will be recorded as goodwill. Any goodwill recorded is
expected to be amortized over the period of expected benefit. BB&T's reported
income will include the operations of Matewan after acquisition, based on the
cost of the transaction. Financial statements of BB&T issued after completion
of the merger would reflect the impact of Matewan. Financial statements of
BB&T issued after completion of the merger would not be restated retroactively
to reflect Matewan's historical financial position or results of operations.
The unaudited pro forma financial information contained in this proxy
statement/prospectus has been prepared using the purchase method of
accounting. See "SUMMARY--Comparative Per Share Data."

The Option Agreement

 General

  As a condition to BB&T entering into the merger agreement, Matewan (as
issuer) entered into an agreement with BB&T (as grantee), pursuant to which
Matewan granted an option to BB&T to purchase from Matewan up to 791,700
shares of Matewan common stock (subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances) at a price of $28.00 per share (subject to adjustment under
certain circumstances). The purchase of any shares of Matewan common

                                      33
<PAGE>

stock pursuant to the option is subject to compliance with applicable law,
including the receipt of necessary approvals under the Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956, and to BB&T's compliance with its covenants in the merger
agreement.

  The option agreement is intended to increase the likelihood that the merger
will be completed in accordance with the terms set forth in the merger
agreement. Consequently, certain aspects of the option agreement may have the
effect of discouraging persons who, before the effective time, might be
interested in acquiring all of or a significant interest in Matewan from
considering or proposing such an acquisition, even if they were prepared to
offer to pay consideration to shareholders of Matewan with a higher current
market price than the BB&T common stock to be received for Matewan common
stock and preferred stock pursuant to the merger agreement.

  The option agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement,
and the following discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
option agreement. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 58.

 Exercisability

  If BB&T is not in material breach of the option agreement or its covenants
and agreements contained in the merger agreement and if no injunction or other
court order against delivery of the shares covered by the option is in effect,
BB&T may generally exercise the option, in whole or in part, at any time and
from time to time prior to its termination, as described below, following the
happening of either of the following events (each a "Purchase Event"):

  .  without BB&T's prior consent, Matewan authorizes, recommends, publicly
     proposes (or publicly announces an intention to authorize, recommend or
     propose) or enters into an agreement with any third party to effect any
     of the following (each an "Acquisition Transaction"): (a) a merger,
     consolidation or similar transaction involving Matewan or any of its
     significant subsidiaries, (b) the sale, lease, exchange or other
     disposition of 15% or more of the consolidated assets or deposits of
     Matewan and its subsidiaries or (c) the issuance, sale or other
     disposition of securities representing 15% or more of the voting power
     of Matewan or any of its significant subsidiaries; or

  .  any third party or group of third parties acquires or has the right to
     acquire beneficial ownership of securities representing 20% or more of
     the outstanding shares of Matewan common stock.

  The obligation of Matewan to issue shares of Matewan common stock upon
exercise of the option will be deferred (but will not terminate) (a) until the
receipt of all required governmental or regulatory approvals or consents, or
until the expiration or termination of any waiting period required by law, or
(b) so long as any injunction or other order, decree or ruling issued by any
federal or state court of competent jurisdiction is in effect that prohibits
the sale or delivery of the shares.

 Termination

  The option will terminate upon the earliest to occur of the following
events: (a) the effective time; (b) the termination of the merger agreement
prior to the occurrence of a Purchase Event or a Preliminary Purchase Event
(as defined below) (other than a termination by BB&T based on either a
material breach by Matewan of a covenant or agreement in the merger agreement
or an inaccuracy in Matewan's representations or warranties in the merger
agreement of a nature entitling BB&T to terminate (a "Default Termination");
(c) 12 months after a Default Termination; (d) 12 months after termination of
the merger agreement (other than a Default Termination) following the
occurrence of a Purchase Event or a Preliminary Purchase Event; or (e) 12
months after a termination of the merger agreement based on the failure of the
shareholders of Matewan to approve the merger agreement and the plan of
merger.

  A "Preliminary Purchase Event" is defined as either of the following:

  .  the commencement by any third party of a tender or exchange offer such
     that it would thereafter own 20% or more of the outstanding shares of
     Matewan common stock or the filing of a registration statement with
     respect to such an offer, or

                                      34
<PAGE>

  .  the failure of the shareholders of Matewan to approve the merger
     agreement, the failure of the meeting to have been held, the
     cancellation of the meeting prior to the termination of the merger
     agreement or the Matewan board having withdrawn or modified in any
     manner adverse to BB&T its recommendations with respect to the merger
     agreement, in any case after a third party: (a) proposes to engage in an
     Acquisition Transaction, (b) commences a tender offer or files a
     registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an
     exchange offer such that it would thereafter own 10% or more of the
     outstanding shares of Matewan common stock or (c) files an application
     or notice under federal or state statutes relating to the regulation of
     financial institutions or their holding companies to engage in an
     Acquisition Transaction.

  To the knowledge of BB&T and Matewan, no Purchase Event or Preliminary
Purchase Event has occurred as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 Adjustments

  The option agreement provides for certain adjustments in the option in the
event of any change in Matewan common stock by reason of a stock dividend,
stock split, split-up, recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares or
similar transaction or in the event of the issuance of any additional shares
of Matewan common stock before termination of the option.

 Repurchase Rights

  At the request of the holder of the option any time during the 12 months
after the first occurrence of a Repurchase Event (as defined below), Matewan
must, if the option has not terminated, and subject to any required regulatory
approval, repurchase from the holder (a) the option and (b) all shares of
Matewan common stock purchased by the holder pursuant to the option with
respect to which the holder then has beneficial ownership. The repurchase will
be at an aggregate price equal to the sum of:

  .  the aggregate purchase price paid by the holder for any shares of
     Matewan common stock acquired pursuant to the option with respect to
     which the holder then has beneficial ownership, plus

  .  the excess, if any, of (a) the Applicable Price (as defined in the
     option agreement) for each share of Matewan common stock over the
     purchase price, multiplied by (b) the number of shares of Matewan common
     stock with respect to which the option has not been exercised, plus

  .  the excess, if any, of (a) the Applicable Price over the purchase price
     paid (or, in the case of shares of Matewan common stock covered by the
     option with respect to which the option has been exercised but the
     closing date for the purchase has not occurred, payable) by the holder
     for each share of Matewan common stock with respect to which the option
     has been exercised and with respect to which the holder then has
     beneficial ownership, multiplied by (b) the number of such shares.

  A "Repurchase Event" occurs if: (a) any third party acquires actual
ownership or control of, or any "group" (as such term is defined under the
Securities Exchange Act) is formed that has acquired actual ownership or
control of, 50% or more of the then outstanding shares of Matewan common
stock, or (b) any of the merger or other business combination transactions
described in subsections (a) through (d) in the paragraph below describing
substitute options is completed.

 Substitute Options

  If, before the termination of the option agreement, Matewan enters into an
agreement:

  .  to consolidate with or merge into any third party and will not be the
     continuing or surviving corporation of the consolidation or merger;

                                      35
<PAGE>

  .  to permit any third party to merge into Matewan with Matewan as the
     continuing or surviving corporation, but, in connection therewith, the
     then outstanding shares of Matewan common stock are changed into or
     exchanged for stock or other securities of Matewan or any other person
     or cash or any other property, or the outstanding shares of Matewan
     common stock after the merger represent less than 50% of the outstanding
     shares and share equivalents of the merged company;

  .  to permit any third party to acquire all of the outstanding shares of
     Matewan common stock pursuant to a statutory share exchange; or

  .  to sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets or
     deposits to any third party,

then the agreement must provide that the option will be converted or exchanged
for an option to purchase shares of common stock of, at the holder's option,
either (x) the continuing or surviving corporation of a merger or
consolidation or the transferee of all or substantially all of Matewan's
assets or (y) any person controlling the continuing or surviving corporation
or transferee. The number of shares subject to the substitute option and the
exercise price per share will be determined in accordance with a formula in
the option agreement. To the extent possible, the substitute option will
contain terms and conditions that are the same as those in the option
agreement.

 Registration Rights

  The option agreement grants to BB&T and any permitted transferee of the
option certain rights to require Matewan to prepare and file a registration
statement under the Securities Act if registration is necessary in order to
permit the sale or other disposition of any or all shares of Matewan common
stock or other securities that have been acquired by or are issuable upon
exercise of the option.

Effect on Employees and Employee Benefit Plans

 Employees

  Each employee of Matewan at the effective time who becomes an employee of
BB&T or a BB&T subsidiary immediately following the effective time will be
eligible to participate in the group hospitalization, medical, dental, life,
disability and other welfare benefit plans and programs available to employees
of the BB&T employer, subject to the terms of such plans and programs. Service
with Matewan will be deemed to be service with the BB&T employer for the
purpose of determining eligibility to participate and vesting (if applicable)
in such welfare plans and programs, but not for the purpose of computing
benefits, if any, determined in whole or in part with reference to service. In
addition, if the first plan year of participation by Matewan employees and
their dependents in a group health plan of the BB&T employer is a partial plan
year, the BB&T employer will cause its group health plan to credit toward
deductible and other out-of-pocket limitations any expenses incurred by such
persons under Matewan's group health plan during that portion of the BB&T
employer's plan year during which such persons were covered under Matewan's
group health plan.

  Each employee of Matewan or a Matewan subsidiary who becomes an employee of
BB&T or a BB&T subsidiary and who is terminated after the effective time
(excluding any employee who has an existing employment or special termination
agreement) will be entitled to severance pay in accordance with the general
severance policy maintained by BB&T if and to the extent such employee is
entitled to severance pay under the policy. An employee's service with Matewan
or a Matewan subsidiary will be treated as service with BB&T for purposes of
determining the amount of severance pay, if any, under BB&T's severance
policy.

  BB&T has agreed to honor all employment agreements, severance agreements and
deferred compensation agreements that Matewan and its subsidiaries have with
their current and former employees and directors and which have been disclosed
to BB&T, except to the extent any such agreements are superseded or terminated
at or after the effective time.


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<PAGE>

 401(k) Plan

  BB&T will cause the 401(k) plan of Matewan to be merged with the 401(k) plan
maintained by BB&T and its subsidiaries, and the account balances of former
employees of Matewan or its subsidiaries who are participants in the Matewan
plan will be transferred to the accounts of such employees under the BB&T
401(k) plan. Following the merger and transfer, these accounts will be
governed and controlled by the terms of the BB&T 401(k) plan as in effect from
time to time, except as required to comply with the provisions of Section
411(d)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder (and
subject to BB&T's right to terminate such plan). For purposes of administering
the 401(k) plan, service with Matewan and its subsidiaries will be deemed to
be service with BB&T or its subsidiaries for eligibility and vesting purposes,
but not for purposes of benefit accrual.

 Defined Benefit Pension Plan

  As soon as practicable after the effective time, BB&T will either (i)
terminate the defined benefit pension plan of Matewan pursuant to a standard
termination in accordance with Section 4041 of Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended, and provide for full vesting of the accrued
benefits of all participants in the pension plan and the distribution of its
assets to the participants or (ii) merge the pension plan with BB&T's defined
benefit pension plan. Actions relating to termination of the Matewan pension
plan will be conditioned upon receiving a favorable determination letter from
the IRS, which BB&T will seek as soon as practicable after the effective time.
Each employee of Matewan or a Matewan subsidiary at the effective time who
becomes an employee of BB&T or a BB&T subsidiary immediately following the
effective time will be given credit under BB&T's defined benefit pension plan
for service with Matewan and its subsidiaries for eligibility and vesting
purposes, but not for purposes of benefit accrual.

Restrictions on Resales by Affiliates

  All shares of BB&T common stock issuable in the merger will be registered
under the Securities Act and will be freely transferable, except that any such
shares received by "persons" who are deemed to be "affiliates" (as such terms
are defined under the Securities Act) of Matewan at the effective time may be
resold by them only in transactions registered under the Securities Act or
permitted by the resale provisions of Rule 145 under the Securities Act or as
otherwise permitted by the Securities Act. Those who may be deemed affiliates
of Matewan generally include individuals or entities that directly, or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by or
are under common control with Matewan and include directors and certain
executive officers of Matewan. The restrictions on resales by an affiliate
extend also to certain related parties of the affiliate, including spouse,
relatives and spouse's relatives who in each case have the same home as the
affiliate.

  The merger agreement requires Matewan to cause each of its affiliates to
deliver to BB&T a written agreement to the effect generally that such person
will not offer or otherwise dispose of any shares of BB&T common stock issued
to that person in the merger, except in compliance with the Securities Act and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                                      37
<PAGE>

                            INFORMATION ABOUT BB&T

General

  BB&T is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina. BB&T conducts operations in North Carolina, South Carolina,
Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia primarily through its
commercial banking subsidiaries and, to a lesser extent, through its other
subsidiaries. Substantially all of BB&T's loans are to businesses and
individuals in the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
BB&T's principal commercial bank subsidiaries are 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"). The principal assets of BB&T are all of the
issued and outstanding shares of common stock of BB&T-NC, BB&T Financial
Corporation of South Carolina, Greenville, South Carolina (which in turn owns
all of the issued and outstanding shares of BB&T-SC), BB&T Financial
Corporation of Virginia (which in turn owns all of the issued and outstanding
shares of BB&T-VA and all of the issued and outstanding shares of the eleven
affiliate banks of the former MainStreet Financial Corporation ("MainStreet"))
and Scott and Stringfellow, Inc.

Operating Subsidiaries

  BB&T-NC, BB&T's largest subsidiary, is the oldest bank in North Carolina and
currently operates through 345 banking offices throughout North Carolina and
35 offices in metropolitan Washington, D.C. and Maryland. BB&T-NC provides a
wide range of banking services in its local market for retail and commercial
customers, including small and mid-size businesses, public agencies and local
governments, trust customers, and individuals. BB&T Leasing Corporation, a
wholly owned subsidiary of BB&T-NC, located in Charlotte, North Carolina,
offers lease financing to commercial businesses and municipal governments.
BB&T Investment Services, Inc., also a wholly owned subsidiary of BB&T-NC,
located in Charlotte, 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, is also a
subsidiary of BB&T-NC and offers life, property and casualty and title
insurance on an agency basis. Additional subsidiaries of BB&T-NC include Prime
Rate Premium Finance Corporation, Inc., which provides insurance premium
financing and services to customers in Virginia and the Carolinas.

  BB&T-SC serves South Carolina through 90 banking offices. BB&T-SC provides a
wide range of banking services in its local market for retail and commercial
customers, including small and mid-size 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 retailing of
mutual funds, U.S. Government securities, municipal securities, fixed and
variable insurance annuity products and unit investment trusts.

  BB&T-VA offers a full range of commercial and retail banking services
through 62 banking offices in the Hampton Roads and Richmond areas and the
southern, central, southwestern and northeastern regions of Virginia.

  The eleven affiliate banks (including a trust company subsidiary) of
MainStreet provide full-service banking and trust services throughout
Virginia, southern Maryland and metropolitan Washington, D.C.

  Regional Acceptance Corporation ("RAC"), of Greenville, North Carolina, was
acquired on September 1, 1996. RAC, which has 28 branch offices in North
Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, specializes in indirect
financing for consumer purchases of mid-model and late-model used automobiles.

  Scott & Stringfellow, Inc. ("Scott & Stringfellow"), a full-service retail
brokerage, institutional equity and debt underwriting, investment advisory
services, corporate finance, equity trading and equity research firm, was
acquired on March 26, 1999 and was merged with Craigie Incorporated, which
specialized in the origination, trading and distribution of fixed income
securities and equity products in both the public and private capital markets,
on May 5, 1999.

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<PAGE>

  Phillips Factors Corporation buys and manages account receivables primarily
in the furniture, textiles and home furnishings-related industries. W.E.
Stanley & Company, Inc. is primarily engaged in actuarial and employee group,
health and welfare benefit plan consulting, plan administration, and the
design, communication and administration of all types of corporate retirement
plans. Sheffield Financial Corp. ("Sheffield") specializes in loans to small
commercial lawn care businesses across the country. BB&T Bankcard Corporation
is a special purpose credit card bank.

Acquisitions

  BB&T's profitability and market share have been enhanced through both
internal growth and acquisitions of both financial and nonfinancial
institutions during recent years. BB&T's most recent acquisitions include the
following:

  On June 18, 1998, BB&T completed the acquisition of Dealers Credit Inc.
("DCI"), a commercial finance company based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin that
specializes in extending secured, installment loan credit and direct financing
lease credit to commercial, agricultural, municipal and consumer end-users of
turf care equipment, outdoor power equipment, agricultural equipment and
related products. DCI was merged into Refloat, Inc., the holding company for
Sheffield, and its assets were transferred to Sheffield immediately
thereafter.

  On June 30, 1998, BB&T completed the acquisition of W.E. Stanley & Company,
Inc. and two of its sister companies (collectively, "W.E. Stanley"). W.E.
Stanley operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of BB&T-NC under the name W.E.
Stanley & Company, Inc.

  On July 1, 1998, BB&T completed the acquisition of Franklin Bancorporation,
Inc. ("Franklin") in a transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests.
Franklin National Bank of Washington D.C., the banking subsidiary of Franklin,
operated ten banking offices in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area and was
merged into BB&T-NC on February 22, 1999.

  BB&T completed the acquisition of Maryland Federal Bancorp, Inc., a unitary
savings and loan holding company and the sole shareholder of Maryland Federal
Bank ("MFB"), on September 30, 1998 and effected the merger of MFB, which had
28 branch offices in the metropolitan Washington D.C. and southern Maryland
areas, into BB&T-NC in November 1998. MFB specialized in the business of
attracting deposits from the general public and investing such deposits
primarily in permanent loans secured by first liens on one-to-four family
residential properties and, to a lesser extent, commercial real estate located
in MFB's market area and in consumer loans.

  On March 5, 1999, BB&T acquired MainStreet in a transaction accounted for as
a pooling of interests. With $2.3 million in assets, MainStreet operated 46
full-service banking offices in Virginia and three in Maryland.

  BB&T acquired Scott & Stringfellow Financial, Inc., the holding company of
Scott & Stringfellow, on March 26, 1999. Scott & Stringfellow has 32 offices
in the Carolinas, Virginia and West Virginia and manages more than $10 billion
in total assets for clients.

  On January 27, 1999, BB&T announced that it had agreed to acquire First
Citizens Corporation ("First Citizens") in a tax-free transaction to be
accounted for as a pooling of interests in which First Citizens shareholders
would receive 1.0789 shares of BB&T common stock for each share of First
Citizens common stock. The transaction is valued, based on BB&T's closing
price of $37.5625 on January 25, at $125.9 million. First Citizens operates 13
banking offices and one mortgage loan office in the south metropolitan Atlanta
area.

  On January 28, 1999, BB&T announced that it had agreed to acquire Mason-
Dixon Bancshares, Inc. ("Mason-Dixon") in a tax-free transaction to be
accounted for as a pooling of interests in which Mason-Dixon shareholders
would receive 1.30 shares of BB&T common stock for each share of Mason-Dixon
common stock. The transaction is valued, based on BB&T's closing price of
$38.44 on January 26, at $256.9 million.

                                      39
<PAGE>

Mason-Dixon's branch network includes 23 banking offices, 12 consumer finance
offices and three mortgage loan offices in Maryland and is expected to extend
BB&T's presence in the economically strong markets in central Maryland.

  On April 28, 1999, BB&T announced that it had agreed to acquire First
Liberty Financial Corp. ("First Liberty") in a tax-free transaction to be
accounted for as a pooling of interests. Based on BB&T's closing price of $39
per share on April 26, 1999, First Liberty shareholders would receive 0.8525
of a share of BB&T common stock for each share of First Liberty common stock,
or $33.25 per share. The final exchange ratio will be determined based on a
pricing period prior to closing and will be not less than 0.85 shares of BB&T
common stock for each share of First Liberty common stock or more than 0.87
shares of BB&T common stock for each share of First Liberty common stock.
First Liberty, which has approximately $1.7 billion in assets and operates 39
banking offices and 13 consumer finance offices in Macon and Savannah,
Georgia, is expected to expand BB&T's presence into economically strong
markets in Georgia.

  BB&T expects to continue to take advantage of the consolidation of the
financial services industry by developing its franchise through the
acquisition of financial institutions. Such acquisitions may entail the
payment by BB&T of consideration in excess of the book value of the underlying
net assets acquired, may result in the issuance of additional shares of BB&T
capital stock or the incurring of an additional indebtedness by BB&T, and
could have a dilutive effect on the per share earnings or book value of BB&T
common stock. Moreover, such acquisitions sometimes result in significant
front-end charges against earnings, although cost savings, especially incident
to in-market acquisitions, also are frequently anticipated.

Capital

  The Federal Reserve has established a minimum requirement for a bank holding
company's ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets (including on-balance sheet
activities and certain off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters
of credit) of 8%. At least half of a bank holding company's total capital is
required 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 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 March 31, 1999, BB&T's Tier 1 and total capital ratios
were 9.7% and 14.2%, respectively. Effective January 1, 1998, the Federal
Reserve is also requiring certain bank holding companies that engage in
trading activities to adjust their risk-based capital to take into
consideration market risk that may result from movements in market prices of
covered trading positions in trading accounts, or from foreign exchange or
commodity positions, whether or not in trading accounts, including changes in
interest rates, equity prices, foreign exchange rates or commodity prices. Any
capital required to be maintained pursuant to these provisions may consist of
new "Tier 3 capital" consisting of certain short term subordinated debt. In
addition, the Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement, pursuant to which
a bank holding company that is determined to have weaknesses in its risk
management processes or a high level of interest rate risk exposure may be
required to hold additional capital.

  The Federal Reserve also has established minimum leverage ratio requirements
for bank holding companies. These requirements provide for a minimum leverage
ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average quarterly assets ("leverage
ratio") equal to 3% for bank holding companies that meet certain specified
criteria, including that they have the highest regulatory rating. All other
bank holding companies generally are required to maintain a leverage ratio of
from at least 100 to 200 basis points above the stated minimum. BB&T's
leverage ratio at March 31, 1999 was 6.9%. Bank holding companies experiencing
internal growth or making acquisitions are expected to maintain strong capital
positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels without
significant reliance on intangible assets.

  The FDIC has adopted minimum risk-based and leverage ratio regulations to
which BB&T's state bank subsidiaries are subject that are substantially
similar to those requirements established by the Federal Reserve described
above. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency also has similar
regulations that would apply to BB&T's national bank subsidiaries. Under
federal banking laws, failure to meet the minimum regulatory capital

                                      40
<PAGE>

requirements could subject a banking institution to a variety of enforcement
remedies available to federal regulatory authorities, including, in the most
severe cases, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC and placing the
institution into conservatorship or receivership. The capital ratios of each
of BB&T's bank subsidiaries exceeded all minimum regulatory capital
requirements as of March 31, 1999.

Deposit Insurance Assessments

  The deposits of each of BB&T's bank subsidiaries 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 34% of the deposits
of BB&T-NC and BB&T-SC and a portion of the deposits of BB&T-VA (related to
the banks' acquisition of various savings associations) are subject to
assessments imposed by the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") of the
FDIC.

  The FDIC has established the same assessment rates for both BIF-insured and
SAIF-insured deposits, effective January 1, 1997. For the semi-annual period
beginning December 30, 1998, the effective rate of assessments imposed on all
FDIC deposits for deposit insurance ranges from 0 to 27 basis points per $100
of insured deposits, depending on the institution's capital position and other
supervisory factors. However, because 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, the FDIC
is currently assessing BIF-insured deposits an additional 1.22 basis points
per $100 of deposits, and SAIF-insured deposits an additional 6.10 basis
points per $100 of deposits, in each case on an annualized basis, to cover
those obligations.

                                      41
<PAGE>

                           INFORMATION ABOUT MATEWAN

General

  Matewan is a registered bank holding company organized in 1984. Matewan
National Bank, organized in 1913, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matewan and
maintains its headquarters in Williamson, West Virginia. Matewan also wholly
owns Matewan Bank, FSB, headquartered in Paintsville, Kentucky.

  Through these subsidiaries, Matewan provides a broad range of financial
services in its market area of southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and
western Virginia. Matewan's core market is the 15 county market area comprised
of Mingo, Logan, Boone, Lincoln and Wayne counties in West Virginia, Pike,
Floyd, Johnson, Martin and Letcher counties in Kentucky, and Buchanan,
Tazewell, Wise, Russell and Washington counties in Virginia.

Matewan National Bank

  Matewan National Bank conducts operations at its branch offices in Matewan,
Delbarton, Kermit, Williamson, Gilbert, Logan, and Danville, West Virginia.
The bank operates drive-in facilities at each of its locations. The Money
Center in Williamson serves as a loan production office, a loan support
office, and the headquarters for the bank's financial services division. The
bank opened two new branch offices in VanSant and Lebanon, Virginia in 1997
and an additional office in Tazewell, Virginia in 1998. The bank also
maintains offices in Pikeville, Shelby Valley, Ferrell's Creek and Phelps,
Kentucky, and operates drive-in facilities at each of these locations.

  In December 1997, the bank acquired the assets and liabilities of the
Abingdon and Richlands, Virginia offices of Matewan FSB. The net impact of
these acquisitions, the de novo branches opened in Virginia, and the closed
offices was that the bank closed out 1998 as an institution with $581 million
in total assets, $493 million in total deposits, $58.5 million in
shareholders' equity, and sixteen full service banking offices, and 238
employees. Effective in January 1999, the bank acquired an additional five
offices with assets of approximately $39 million and liabilities of
approximately $46 million from Matewan FSB.

  Matewan National Bank provides a full range of commercial banking services.
It offers automobile, mobile home, personal household, commercial and small
business, construction and permanent real estate, student, and various
government-guaranteed loans, as well as commercial equipment leasing. The bank
offers a variety of deposit instruments to its customers, such as free
checking, regular checking and NOW accounts, regular and special passbook
savings accounts, money market and index deposit accounts, certificates of
deposit, and IRAs. In addition, certain non-deposit investment alternatives,
mainly commercial repurchase agreements, are available.

  Other bank services include check cashing, check collection, letters of
credit, travelers checks, wire transfers, purchase and redemption of U.S.
Government savings bonds, purchase and redemption of U.S. Government and
agency obligations for bank customers, certified and cashier checks, notary
public services, safe deposit boxes, and credit life and disability insurance.
The bank, through Matewan Insurance and Investments, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary, also offers a wide range of nontraditional and uninsured financial
products and services, such as mutual fund investments, sale and purchase of
debt and equity securities, annuities, life insurance products, and property
and casualty insurance products.

  In April 1997, Matewan and Matewan National Bank entered into an exclusive
agreement with Acordia of West Virginia to offer a full line of insurance
products through all bank outlets in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Consequently, the bank's line of product offerings has expanded to include
homeowner's insurance, automobile insurance, flood insurance, title insurance,
most other types of property and casualty insurance, as well as most lines of
life, health, and commercial insurance.


                                      42
<PAGE>

Matewan Venture Fund

  The fund was formed on December 16, 1988 as a qualified West Virginia
Capital Company. The fund's operations are located in the bank's Matewan
office. The fund makes venture capital loans and investments in small and
developing companies in West Virginia. Under West Virginia law, Matewan's
investment in the fund has generated substantial tax credits against West
Virginia tax liabilities. These credits are available upon the formation of
the fund.

Matewan FSB

  Matewan organized Matewan FSB as a federally chartered "de novo" savings
bank on November 9, 1993. The savings bank established corporate headquarters
in Pikeville, Kentucky and began operations at its Pikeville office in January
1994. In November 1994, the savings bank began operations at a second office
located in Paintsville, Kentucky. In the second quarter of 1995, the savings
bank established two additional branch offices inside of supermarkets in
Pikeville, Kentucky and Goody, Kentucky.

  In 1996, Matewan FSB opened an additional four offices: a full-service
branch in Prestonsburg, Kentucky; a financial services and business
development branch in Richlands, Virginia; and two additional supermarket
branch offices in Abingdon, Virginia and Whitesburg, Kentucky. In December
1997, Matewan FSB transferred all interests in its offices in Richlands and
Abingdon to Matewan National Bank. In 1998, Matewan National Bank and Matewan
FSB filed the appropriate documents with regulatory authorities to transfer
Matewan FSB's headquarters from Pikeville to Paintsville and to transfer all
interests in all savings bank offices except Paintsville from the savings bank
to the national bank. This transaction, completed in January 1999, resulted in
the transfer of five savings bank offices with assets of $39 million and
liabilities of $46 million to the national bank.

  Matewan FSB conducts business that covers the full range of savings bank
related activities. In addition, the savings bank's charter requires it to
maintain its status as a "qualified thrift lender" by maintaining an asset mix
in which 65% of the computed asset base of the savings bank is invested in
qualifying savings bank assets. Qualifying savings bank assets include home
mortgages, any loan made on liens securing residential real estate, mobile
homes, and personal household expenditures. It also includes any investment in
stock, deposits, or obligations of most federal and local housing agencies, or
any mortgage pool securities. Fixed assets and repossessed real estate also
qualify.

  Matewan FSB's product offerings also include a variety of deposit
instruments to its customers, such as free checking, regular checking and NOW
accounts, regular passbook savings accounts, money market and index deposit
accounts, certificates of deposit, and IRAs. Other savings bank services
include check cashing, check collection, letters of credit, travelers checks,
wire transfers, purchase and redemption of U.S. Government savings bonds,
purchase of U.S. Government and agency obligations for the savings bank
customers, certified and cashier checks, notary public services, safe deposit
boxes, and credit life and disability insurance.

Delivery Systems

  Matewan uses sophisticated technology to enhance its delivery systems.
Matewan also maintains an integrated PC-based server network system that
provides immediate interaction among all operating functions of its
subsidiaries, thereby enhancing internal communication and customer service.

  Matewan offers retail customers 24-hour banking via touch-tone phone by
means of an interactive voice response system. Matewan's affiliates maintain
an automated teller machine network of approximately 28 machines in the core
market area. Matewan also offers retail customers the ability to access
account information, transfer funds, and pay certain bills by personal
computer. Matewan currently utilizes personal computer technology to enable
commercial customers to access cash management services via interlinks with
Matewan's mainframe computer. In addition, this technology allows Matewan to
employ sophisticated credit rating and pricing models at its subsidiaries for
the purpose of pricing loan products to reflect credit risk more accurately.


                                      43
<PAGE>

Regulation

  Matewan is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended, and is registered as such with, and subject
to supervision by, the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve may examine
Matewan or any of its subsidiaries and may regulate bank holding company debt.

  The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is the primary regulator of
Matewan National Bank. As a federal savings bank, Matewan FSB is primarily
regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation and the Federal Reserve also regulate Matewan and its banking
subsidiaries.

  The fund is a qualified West Virginia Capital Company. Its principal
regulator is the West Virginia Economic Development Authority. The Federal
Reserve also regulates the fund's activities.

  Matewan depends on dividends from its subsidiaries that are subject to the
regulations of these regulators. Based on the prescribed regulatory
limitations of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Office of
Thrift Supervision, neither Matewan National Bank nor Matewan FSB has any
dividend capacity at present. Due to past dividends from Matewan National Bank
and Matewan FSB, Matewan has sufficient funds to pay dividends similar to
those paid in the past.

                                      44
<PAGE>

                       DESCRIPTION OF BB&T CAPITAL STOCK

General

  The authorized capital stock of BB&T consists of 500,000,000 shares of BB&T
common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $5.00 per
share. As of June 7, 1999, there were 305,682,015 shares of BB&T common stock
issued and outstanding. There were no shares of BB&T preferred stock issued
and outstanding as of such date, although 2,000,000 shares of BB&T preferred
stock have been designated as Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock
and are reserved for issuance in connection with BB&T's shareholder rights
plan. See "--Shareholder Rights Plan." Based on the number of shares of
Matewan common stock and Matewan preferred stock outstanding at the record
date, it is estimated that approximately 3,182,309 shares of BB&T common stock
would be issued in the merger.

BB&T Common Stock

  Each share of BB&T common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters
submitted to a vote at any meeting of shareholders. Holders of BB&T common
stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as, and if declared by the BB&T
board out of funds legally available therefor and, upon liquidation, to
receive pro rata all assets, if any, of BB&T available for distribution after
the payment of necessary expenses and all prior claims. Holders of BB&T common
stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any additional securities of
any class that BB&T may issue, nor any conversion, redemption or sinking fund
rights. Holders of BB&T common stock have no right to cumulate votes in the
election of directors. The rights and privileges of holders of BB&T common
stock are subject to any preferences provided for by resolution of the BB&T
board for any series of BB&T preferred stock that BB&T may issue in the
future. The terms of the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock
reserved for issuance in connection with BB&T's shareholders rights plan
provide that holders of such shares will have rights and privileges that are
substantially identical to those of holders of BB&T common stock.

  The transfer agent and registrar for BB&T common stock is BB&T-NC. BB&T
intends to apply for the listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
issuance, of the shares of BB&T common stock to be issued in the merger.

BB&T Preferred Stock

  Under BB&T's articles, BB&T may issue shares of preferred stock in one or
more series as may be determined by the BB&T board or a duly authorized
committee. The board or committee may also establish, from time to time, the
number of shares to be included in each series and may fix the designation,
powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and any
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, and may increase or
decrease the number of shares of any series without any further vote or action
by the shareholders. Any BB&T preferred stock issued may rank senior to BB&T
common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or amounts paid upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of BB&T, or both. In addition, any
shares of BB&T preferred stock may have class or series voting rights. Under
certain circumstances, the issuance of BB&T preferred stock or the existence
of the unissued BB&T preferred stock may tend to discourage or render more
difficult a merger or other change in control of BB&T. See "--Shareholder
Rights Plan."

Shareholder Rights Plan

  BB&T has adopted a shareholder rights plan pursuant to which holders of
shares of BB&T common stock also hold rights to purchase securities or other
property that may be exercised upon the occurrence of certain "triggering
events." Shareholder rights plans such as BB&T's plan are intended to
encourage potential hostile acquirors of a "target" corporation to negotiate
with the board of directors of the target corporation in order to avoid
occurrence of the "triggering events" specified in such plans. Shareholder
rights plans are intended to give the directors of a target corporation the
opportunity to assess the fairness and appropriateness of a proposed
transaction in order to determine whether or not it is in the best interests
of the corporation and its shareholders. Notwithstanding these purposes and
intentions of shareholder rights plans, such plans, including that of BB&T,

                                      45
<PAGE>

could have the effect of discouraging a business combination that shareholders
believe to be in their best interests. The provisions of BB&T's shareholder
rights plan are discussed below.

  On December 17, 1996, the BB&T board declared a dividend distribution of one
right (a "Right," and collectively the "Rights") for each outstanding share of
BB&T common stock to shareholders of record at the close of business on
January 17, 1997. One Right will also be distributed for each share of BB&T
common stock issued between January 17, 1997 and the occurrence of a
"Distribution Date" (described in the next paragraph). Each Right entitles the
registered holder to purchase from BB&T a unit consisting of one-hundredth of
a share (a "Unit") of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock at a
Purchase Price of $145.00 per Unit, subject to adjustment, or, under certain
circumstances, other securities or property. The description and terms of the
Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1996,
between BB&T and BB&T-NC in the capacity of Rights Agent (the "Rights
Agreement").

  Initially, the Rights will be attached to all BB&T common stock certificates
representing shares then outstanding, and no separate Rights Certificates (as
defined in the Rights Agreement) will be distributed. A "Distribution Date"
will occur, and the Rights will separate from shares of BB&T common stock,
upon the earliest of (a) 10 business days following a public announcement that
a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an "Acquiring Person")
has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 20% or
more of the outstanding shares of BB&T common stock (the "Stock Acquisition
Date"), (b) 10 business days following the commencement of a tender offer or
exchange offer that would if completed result in a person or group
beneficially owning 20% or more of such outstanding shares of BB&T common
stock or (c) 10 business days after the BB&T board declares any Person to be
an "Adverse Person," as described in the following paragraph.

  The BB&T board will declare a person to be an Adverse Person upon its
determinations (a) that such person, alone or together with its affiliates and
associates, has or will become the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the
outstanding shares of BB&T common stock (provided that any such determination
will not be effective until such person has in fact become the beneficial
owner of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of BB&T common stock) and (b)
following consultation with such persons as the BB&T board deems appropriate,
that (1) such beneficial ownership by such person is intended to cause, is
reasonably likely to cause or will cause BB&T to repurchase the BB&T common
stock beneficially owned by such person or to cause pressure on BB&T to take
action or enter into a transaction or series of transactions intended to
provide such person with short-term financial gain under circumstances where
the BB&T board determines that the best long-term interests of BB&T and its
shareholders would not be served by taking such action or entering into such
transactions or series of transactions at that time or (2) such beneficial
ownership is causing or is reasonably likely to cause a material adverse
impact (including, but not limited to, impairment of relationships with
customers or impairment of BB&T's ability to maintain its competitive
position) on the business or prospects of BB&T or (iii) such beneficial
ownership otherwise is determined to be not in the best interests of BB&T and
its shareholders, employees, customers and communities in which BB&T and its
subsidiaries do business.

  The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire
at the close of business on December 31, 2006, subject to extension by the
BB&T board, or unless earlier redeemed by BB&T as described below.

  As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, Rights Certificates will
be mailed to holders of record of BB&T common stock as of the close of
business on the Distribution Date and, thereafter, the separate Rights
Certificates alone will represent the Rights. Except for certain issuances in
connection with outstanding options and convertible securities and as
otherwise determined by the BB&T board, only shares of BB&T common stock
issued before the Distribution Date will be issued with Rights.

  If the BB&T board determines that a person is an Adverse Person or, at any
time following the Distribution Date, a person becomes the beneficial owner of
25% or more of the then outstanding shares of BB&T common stock, each holder
of a Right will thereafter have the right to receive at the time specified in
the Rights

                                      46
<PAGE>

Agreement, (a) upon exercise and payment of the exercise price, BB&T common
stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of
BB&T) having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right or (b)
at the discretion of the BB&T board, upon exercise and without payment of the
exercise price, BB&T common stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash,
property or other securities of BB&T) having a value equal to the difference
between the exercise price of the Right and the value of the consideration
that would be payable under clause (a). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing,
following the occurrence of any of the events set forth in this paragraph, all
Rights that are, or (under certain circumstances specified in the Rights
Agreement) were, beneficially owned by any Acquiring Person or Adverse Person
will be null and void. Rights will not become exercisable following the
occurrence of either of the events set forth above, however, until such time
as the Rights are no longer redeemable by BB&T as set forth below.

  For example, at an exercise price of $145.00 per Right, each Right not owned
by an Acquiring Person or an Adverse Person (or by certain related parties)
following an event set forth in the preceding paragraph would entitle its
holder to purchase $290.00 worth of BB&T common stock (or other consideration,
as noted above) for $145.00. Assuming that the BB&T common stock had a per
share value of $36.25 at such time, the holder of each valid Right would be
entitled to purchase eight shares of BB&T common stock for $145.00.
Alternatively, at the discretion of the BB&T board, each Right following an
event set forth in the preceding paragraph, without payment of the exercise
price, would entitle its holder to BB&T common stock (or other consideration,
as noted above) worth $145.00.

  If, at any time following the Stock Acquisition Date, (a) BB&T is acquired
in a merger, statutory share exchange or other business combination
transaction in which BB&T is not the surviving corporation or (b) 50% or more
of BB&T's assets or earning power is sold or transferred, each holder of a
Right (except Rights that previously have been voided as set forth above) will
thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock of the
acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the
Right. The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Units of Series B Junior
Participating Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable, upon
exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent
dilution if certain events occur.

  In general, BB&T may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price
of $0.01 per Right at any time until 10 business days following the earlier of
the Stock Acquisition Date or the effective date of any declaration by the
BB&T board that any person is an Adverse Person. After the redemption period
has expired, BB&T's right of redemption may be reinstated if an Acquiring
Person or Adverse Person reduces his or her beneficial ownership to less than
10% of the outstanding shares of BB&T common stock in a transaction or series
of transactions not involving BB&T and if there are no other Acquiring Persons
or Adverse Persons.

  Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights
as a shareholder of BB&T, including, without limitation, the right to vote or
to receive dividends. While the distribution of the Rights will not be taxable
to shareholders or to BB&T, shareholders may, depending upon the
circumstances, recognize taxable income if the Rights become exercisable for
stock (or other consideration) of BB&T or for common stock of the acquiring
company as set forth above.

  Other than those provisions relating to the principal economic terms of the
Rights, any of the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be amended by the
BB&T board before the Distribution Date. After the Distribution Date, the
provisions of the Rights Agreement may be amended by the BB&T board in order
to cure any ambiguity, to make changes that do not adversely affect the
interests of holders of Rights (excluding the interests of any Acquiring
Person or Adverse Person) or to shorten or lengthen any time period under the
Rights Agreement; provided, however, that no amendment to adjust the time
period governing redemption may be made when the Rights are not redeemable.

  The Rights Agreement is filed as an exhibit to a Registration Statement on
Form 8-A dated January 10, 1997 that has been filed by BB&T with the SEC. This
registration statement and the Rights Agreement are incorporated by reference
in this proxy statement/prospectus, and reference is made to them for the
complete

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<PAGE>

terms of the Rights Agreement and the Rights. The foregoing discussion is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement. See "Where You
Can Find More Information."

Certain Provisions of the NCBCA, BB&T Articles and BB&T Bylaws

  Provisions of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act (the "NCBCA"),
BB&T's articles and BB&T's bylaws may be deemed to have an anti-takeover
effect and, together with the ability of the BB&T board to issue shares of
BB&T preferred stock and to set the voting rights, preferences and other terms
thereof, may delay or prevent takeover attempts not first approved by the BB&T
board. These provisions also could delay or deter the removal of incumbent
directors or the assumption of control by shareholders. BB&T believes that
these provisions are appropriate to protect the interests of BB&T and all of
its shareholders. The following describes the principal provisions of the
NCBCA applicable to BB&T, BB&T's articles and BB&T's bylaws that may be deemed
to have anti-takeover effects.

 Control Share Acquisition Act

  The Control Share Acquisition Act of the NCBCA may make an unsolicited
attempt to gain control of BB&T more difficult by restricting the right of
certain shareholders to vote newly acquired large blocks of stock. For a
description of this statute, see "Comparison of Shareholders' Rights--Anti-
takeover Statutes."

 Provisions Regarding the BB&T Board

  BB&T's articles and bylaws classify the BB&T board and permit the removal of
directors only for cause. This could make it more difficult for a third party
to acquire, or discourage a third party from acquiring, control of BB&T. For a
description of such provisions, see "Comparison of Shareholders' Rights--
Directors."

 Meeting of Shareholders; Shareholders' Nominations and Proposals

  Under BB&T's bylaws, meetings of the shareholders may be called only by the
Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary or the BB&T board. Shareholders
of BB&T may not request that a special meeting of shareholders be called. This
provision could delay until the next annual shareholders' meeting shareholder
actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of BB&T.

  Certain procedures governing the submission of nominations for directors and
other proposals by shareholders may have some deterrent effect on shareholder
actions designed to result in change of control in BB&T. See "Comparison of
Shareholders' Rights--Notice of Shareholder Nominations and Shareholder
Proposals."

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<PAGE>

                      COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS

  At the effective time, holders of Matewan common stock and preferred stock
will become shareholders of BB&T. The following is a summary of material
differences between the rights of holders of BB&T common stock and holders of
Matewan common stock. Since BB&T is organized under the laws of the State of
North Carolina and Matewan is organized under the laws of the State of
Delaware, differences in the rights of holders of BB&T stock and those of
holders of Matewan stock arise from differing provisions of the NCBCA and the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") in addition to differing
provisions of their respective articles of incorporation and bylaws.

  The following summary does not purport to be a complete statement of the
provisions affecting, and differences between, the rights of holders of BB&T
common stock and holders of Matewan common stock. The identification of
specific provisions or differences is not meant to indicate that other equally
or more significant differences do not exist. This summary is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the NCBCA and the DGCL and the governing corporate
instruments of BB&T and Matewan, to which the shareholders of Matewan are
referred.

Authorized Capital Stock

 BB&T

  BB&T's authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000 shares of BB&T
common stock and 5,000,000 shares of BB&T preferred stock. BB&T's articles
authorize the BB&T board to issue shares of BB&T preferred stock in one or
more series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences, and rights of the
shares of BB&T preferred stock in each such series. As of June 7, 1999, there
were 305,682,015 shares of BB&T common stock outstanding. No shares of BB&T
preferred stock were issued and outstanding then, although 2,000,000 shares of
BB&T preferred stock have been designated as Series B Junior Participating
Preferred Stock and are reserved for issuance in connection with BB&T's
shareholder rights plan. See "Description of BB&T Capital Stock--Shareholder
Rights Plan."

 Matewan

  Matewan's authorized capital stock consists of 10,000,000 shares of Matewan
common stock, par value $1.00 per share and 1,000,000 shares of Matewan
preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share. As of June 15, 1999, there were
4,125,004 shares of Matewan common stock and 499,768 shares of Matewan
preferred stock outstanding.

Special Meetings of Shareholders and Action by Shareholders without a Meeting

 BB&T

  Special meetings of the shareholders of BB&T may be called at any time by
BB&T's Chief Executive Officer, President or Secretary or by the BB&T board.
Under the NCBCA, shareholders of a North Carolina corporation may take action
without a meeting by one or more written consents signed by all shareholders
entitled to vote on the matter in question, provided that any required notice
is given to any shareholders not entitled to vote on such matter.

 Matewan

  Special meetings of Matewan's shareholders may be called at any time by the
Chairman of the Board of Matewan, Matewan's president at the direction of
Matewan's board of directors, or by the holders of 51% of the outstanding
shares of any class of stock entitled to vote at the meeting. The request by
shareholders must be made in writing. Under Matewan's bylaws, actions by its
shareholders must be taken at an annual or special meeting, and Matewan's
shareholders may not act by written consent.


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<PAGE>

Directors

 BB&T

  BB&T's articles and bylaws provide for a board of directors having not less
than three nor more than 30 members as determined from time to time by vote of
a majority of the members of the BB&T board or by resolution of the
shareholders of BB&T. Currently, the BB&T board consists of 21 directors. The
BB&T board is divided into three classes, with directors serving staggered
three-year terms. Under BB&T's articles and bylaws, BB&T directors may be
removed only for cause and only by the vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote in the election of directors. Holders of BB&T common
stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.

 Matewan

  Matewan's bylaws provide for a board of directors of not less than five nor
more than 11 members. The majority of the members of the entire board of
directors or the vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding common
stock at any Matewan annual meeting may set the number of directors. Holders
of Matewan common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election
of directors. Holders of Matewan preferred stock are not entitled to vote on
the election of directors.

Dividends and Other Distributions

 BB&T

  The NCBCA prohibits a North Carolina corporation from making any
distributions to shareholders, including the payment of cash dividends, that
would render it insolvent or unable to meet its obligations as they become due
in the ordinary course of business. BB&T is not subject to other express
regulatory restrictions on payments of dividends and other distributions. The
ability of BB&T to pay distributions to the holders of BB&T common stock will
depend, however, to a large extent upon the amount of dividends its bank
subsidiaries, which are subject to restrictions imposed by regulatory
authorities, pay to BB&T. In addition, the Federal Reserve could oppose a
distribution by BB&T if it determined that such a distribution would harm
BB&T's ability to support its bank subsidiaries. There can be no assurances
that dividends will be paid in the future. The declaration, payment and amount
of any such future dividends would depend on business conditions, operating
results, capital, reserve requirements and the consideration of other relevant
factors by the BB&T board.

 Matewan

  Pursuant to the DGCL, Matewan may declare and pay dividends out of surplus
or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which
the dividend is declared and/or for the preceding fiscal year as long as the
amount of capital of the corporation following the declaration and payment of
the dividend is not less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented
by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon
the distribution of assets. In addition, Matewan may, under the DGCL, redeem
or repurchase its shares only if such redemption or repurchase would not
impair the capital of the corporation. Matewan is not subject to other express
regulatory restrictions on payments of dividends and other distributions. The
ability of Matewan to pay distributions to the holders of Matewan stock
depends, however, upon the amount of dividends its national bank subsidiary
and other subsidiaries, which are subject to the restrictions imposed by
regulatory authorities, pay to Matewan. There can be no assurances that any
dividends would be paid in the future if the merger is not completed. The
declaration, payment and amount of any such future dividends would depend on
business conditions, operating results, capital, reserve requirements and the
consideration of other relevant factors by Matewan's board.

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<PAGE>

Notice of Shareholder Nominations and Shareholder Proposals

 BB&T

  BB&T's bylaws establish advance notice procedures for shareholder proposals
and the nomination, other than by or at the direction of the BB&T board or a
committee thereof, of candidates for election as directors. The bylaws provide
that a shareholder wishing to nominate a person as a candidate for election to
the BB&T board must submit such nomination in writing to the corporate
secretary of BB&T not later than 60 days before one year after the date of the
immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders, together with
biographical information about the candidate and the shareholder's name and
shareholdings. Nominations not made in accordance with the foregoing
provisions may be ruled out of order by the presiding officer or the chairman
of the meeting.

  Similarly, a shareholder must notify the secretary of BB&T in writing not
later than 60 days before one year after the date of the immediately preceding
annual meeting of shareholders of the shareholder's intention to make a
proposal for consideration at the next annual meeting. The notice must contain
a brief description of the proposal, the name and shareholdings of the
shareholder submitting the proposal and any material interest of the
shareholder in such proposal.

 Matewan

  Matewan's bylaws also establish advance notice procedures for the nomination
of candidates for election as directors, other than those made by Matewan's
board of directors. Shareholders must make their nominations in writing to
Matewan's President at least 14 (but not more than 50) days before the
shareholders' meeting at which shareholders are to elect directors. If Matewan
gives less than 21 days' notice of the shareholders' meeting, shareholders
must make nominations in writing within seven days after the day Matewan mails
the notice of a shareholders' meeting. Matewan's bylaws do not contain
restrictions on shareholder proposals at its annual meeting.

Exculpation and Indemnification

 BB&T

  The NCBCA requires that a director of a North Carolina corporation discharge
the duties as a director in good faith, with the care an ordinarily prudent
person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances and in a
manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the
corporation. The NCBCA expressly provides that a director facing a change of
control situation shall not be subject to any different duties or a higher
standard of care. BB&T's articles provide that, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, no director of BB&T will have any personal
liability for monetary damage for breach of a duty as a director. BB&T's
bylaws require BB&T to indemnify its directors and officers against
liabilities arising out of such person's status as such, excluding any
liability relating to activities that were at the time taken known or believed
by such person to be clearly in conflict with the best interests of BB&T.

 Matewan

  The DGCL permits Delaware corporations to provide indemnification for a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation if such person acted
in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was
unlawful; for actions by or in the right of the corporation, no
indemnification may be made if he or she is adjudged liable unless the court
determines that, despite such adjudication, he or she is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity in view of the circumstances. The DGCL also permits
Delaware corporations to eliminate personal liability for directors for
actions other than breaches of the director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders, acts or omissions not in good faith or

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<PAGE>

involving intentional misconduct or knowing violations of law, the payment of
unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions or
transactions in which the director received an improper personal benefit.

  Matewan's certificate of incorporation provides that the liability of
Matewan's directors to Matewan or its stockholders shall be eliminated to the
full extent provided by the DGCL. Matewan's certificate of incorporation
requires Matewan to indemnify any director or officer to the fullest extent
permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL.

Mergers, Share Exchanges and Sales of Assets

 BB&T

  The NCBCA generally requires that any merger, share exchange or sale of all
or substantially all the assets of a corporation not in the ordinary course of
business be approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of the issued and
outstanding shares of each voting group entitled to vote. Approval of a merger
by the shareholders of the surviving corporation is not required in certain
instances, however, including (as in the case of the merger) a merger in which
the number of voting shares outstanding immediately after the merger, plus the
number of voting shares issuable as a result of the merger, does not exceed by
more than 20% the number of voting shares outstanding immediately before the
merger. BB&T is also subject to certain statutory anti-takeover provisions.
See "--Anti-takeover Statutes."

 Matewan

  The DGCL also generally requires that any merger, share exchange or sale of
all or substantially all of a corporation's assets not in the ordinary course
of business be approved by the vote of a majority of the issued and
outstanding shares of each voting group entitled to vote. Approval of a merger
by the shareholders of a surviving corporation is not required in certain
instances. For instance, shareholder approval is not required in certain
mergers where the Delaware corporation survives and where the number of voting
shares outstanding immediately after the merger, plus the number of voting
shares issuable as a result of the merger, does not exceed by more than 20%
the number of voting shares outstanding immediately before the merger.

  Matewan's certificate of incorporation provides that Matewan's common and
preferred shareholders are entitled to vote on mergers, share exchanges and
sales of all or substantially all of Matewan's assets not in the ordinary
course of business, subject to certain exceptions not applicable to the
merger. Matewan's certificate of incorporation also contains certain
antitakeover provisions. Under Matewan's certificate of incorporation, certain
business combinations require the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of Matewan's
outstanding shares of voting stock. This higher vote requirement does not
apply if the proposed business combination is approved by at least 66 2/3% of
Matewan's entire board of directors and at least 75% of the directors are not
affiliated with the other party to the proposed transaction. The proposed
merger of Matewan and BB&T has been approved by the requisite number of
directors, none of whom are currently affiliated with BB&T. Therefore, the
higher vote requirement does not apply in this instance.

  Another provision of Matewan's certificate of incorporation requires
Matewan's board of directors, when evaluating merger proposals, tender offers
or similar proposals, to consider factors other than economic benefit to
stockholders. Examples of these factors include the social and economic impact
the acquisition of Matewan would have on the community it serves and the
effect of the acquisition upon employees, depositors, customers and vendors.
Additionally, provisions in the certificate of incorporation set forth certain
actions which Matewan's board of directors may take in opposition to an offer
to acquire Matewan. These provisions permit Matewan's board of directors to
recognize its responsibilities to these constituent groups, to Matewan and its
subsidiaries and to the communities they serve. The Matewan board considered
these constituent groups in appraising (and recommending that Matewan
shareholders approve) the agreement with BB&T. The Matewan board believes that
the proposed merger with BB&T is in the best interests of each of these
constituent groups.

  Matewan is also subject to certain statutory anti-takeover provisions. See
"--Anti-takeover Statutes."

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<PAGE>

Anti-takeover Statutes

 BB&T

  The North Carolina Control Share Acquisition Act applies to BB&T. This act
is designed to protect shareholders of publicly owned North Carolina
corporations based within the state against certain changes in control and to
provide shareholders with the opportunity to vote on whether to afford voting
rights to certain shareholders. The act is triggered upon the acquisition by a
person of shares of voting stock of a covered corporation that, when added to
all other shares beneficially owned by the person, would result in that person
holding one-fifth, one-third or a majority of the voting power in the election
of directors. Under the act, the shares acquired that result in the crossing
of any of these thresholds ("Control Shares") have no voting rights until such
rights are conferred by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
all outstanding voting shares, excluding those shares held by any person
involved or proposing to be involved in the acquisition of Control Shares, any
officer of the corporation and any employee of such corporation who is also a
director of such corporation. If voting rights are conferred on Control
Shares, all shareholders of such corporation have the right to require that
their shares be redeemed at the highest price paid per share by the acquiror
for any Control Shares.

  In accordance with its provisions, BB&T has elected not to be governed by
the North Carolina Shareholder Protection Act, which requires that certain
business combinations with existing shareholders either be approved by a
supermajority of the other shareholders or meet certain "fair price"
requirements.

 Matewan

  Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in a
"business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for three years
following the date that such person becomes an interested stockholder. With
certain exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person or group who owns
15% or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock (including any
rights to acquire stock pursuant to an option or warrant or any other
agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion or
exchange rights, and including stock with respect to which the person has
voting rights only), or is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and
was the owner of 15% or more of such voting stock at any time within the
previous three years. For purposes of Section 203, the term "business
combination" is defined broadly to include

  .  mergers with or caused by the interested stockholder;

  .  sales or other dispositions to the interested stockholder (except
     proportionately with the other stockholders) of assets of the
     corporation or a subsidiary equal to 10% or more of the aggregate market
     value of the corporation's consolidated assets or its outstanding stock;

  .  the issuance or transfer by the corporation or a subsidiary of stock of
     the corporation or such subsidiary to the interested stockholder (except
     for certain specified transfers that do not increase the interested
     stockholder's proportionate ownership of any class or series of the
     corporation's or such subsidiary's stock);

  .  any transaction involving the corporation or a subsidiary that increases
     the interested stockholder's proportionate ownership of any class or
     series of the corporation's or such subsidiary's stock; or

  .  receipt by the interested stockholder (except proportionately as a
     stockholder), directly or indirectly, of any loans, advances,
     guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through
     the corporation or a subsidiary.

  The three-year moratorium imposed on business combinations by Section 203
does not apply if:

  .  prior to the date on which such stockholder becomes an interested
     stockholder the board of directors approves either the business
     combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an
     interested stockholder;

  .  the interested stockholder owns at least 85% of the corporation's voting
     stock upon completion of the transaction which made him an interested
     stockholder (excluding from the 85% calculation shares

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<PAGE>

     owned by directors who are also officers of the target corporation and
     shares held by employee stock plans which do not permit employees to
     decide confidentially whether to accept a tender or exchange offer); or

  .  on or after the date such person becomes an interested stockholder, the
     board approves the business combination and it is also approved at a
     stockholder meeting by 66 2/3% of the voting stock not owned by the
     interested stockholder.

Amendments to Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

 BB&T

  The NCBCA provides generally that a North Carolina corporation's articles of
incorporation may be amended if the amendment is approved by a majority of the
votes cast within each voting group entitled to vote. BB&T's articles and
bylaws also require the affirmative vote of more than two-thirds of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote to approve an amendment to the articles or
bylaws amending, altering or repealing the portions of such articles or bylaws
relating to classification and staggered terms of the BB&T board, removal of
directors or any requirement for a supermajority vote on such an amendment.
The NCBCA provides that a North Carolina corporation's bylaws may be amended
by its shareholders, and BB&T's articles authorize the BB&T board to amend
BB&T's bylaws.

 Matewan

  Under the DGCL, a Delaware corporation's certificate of incorporation may be
amended by a majority of the votes cast within each voting group entitled to
vote to approve the amendment, unless the certificate of incorporation
provides otherwise. Matewan's certificate of incorporation requires approval
of the holders of Matewan preferred stock for certain certificate amendments.
Matewan's certificate of incorporation and bylaws also require the affirmative
vote of 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote to approve an
amendment to the certificate or bylaws which would amend, alter or repeal the
portions of the certificate or bylaws relating to removal of directors,
supermajority vote requirements and the conduct or calling of shareholders'
meetings. All of these provisions in the certificate of incorporation, except
those relating to the removal of directors and filling of vacancies on the
board, may be amended by a vote by the holders of a simple majority of Matewan
voting shares, if the amendment is approved by 66 2/3% of the entire Matewan
board of directors.

  The vote of a majority of Matewan's voting shares may amend Matewan's
bylaws, but holders of 66 2/3% of Matewan's voting stock must approve
alteration, amendment or repeal of bylaw provisions relating to the procedure
to call special meetings, voting of shares, or the number of and manner of
electing directors. The board of directors may also amend the bylaws subject
to amendment or repeal by the shareholders. In addition, the board of
directors may not amend or repeal any bylaw provision which Matewan's
shareholders adopted and which expressly forbids amendment or repeal. Finally,
indemnification provisions for officers and directors may be amended by the
board to increase indemnification, but any other amendments to or repeal of
the indemnification must be approved by the holders of 66 2/3% of Matewan's
voting stock.

Shareholders' Rights of Dissent and Appraisal

 BB&T

  Under the NCBCA, a shareholder of a North Carolina corporation is entitled
to dissent from, and obtain payment of the "full value" of his or her shares,
in the event of any of the following corporate transactions:

  .  completion of a plan of merger to which the corporation is a party,
     unless (a) the corporation is a parent merging with a subsidiary
     pursuant to a particular NCBCA provision for such transactions; (b) the
     merger is subject to an NCBCA provision that exempts from the
     shareholder approval requirement certain mergers that do not result in a
     substantial change to the corporation or the rights of its

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<PAGE>

     shareholders; or (c) the shares in question are then redeemable by the
     corporation at a price not greater than the cash to be received for such
     shares;

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

  .  completion of a sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the
     property of the corporation other than in the regular course of
     business, including a sale in dissolution but not including a sale
     pursuant to court order or a sale pursuant to a plan by which all or
     substantially all of the net proceeds are to be distributed in cash to
     shareholders within one year;

  .  an amendment to the articles of incorporation that materially and
     adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares because it
     alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares; creates, alters
     or abolishes a right in respect of redemption, including a provision
     respecting a sinking fund for the redemption or repurchase, of the
     shares; alters or abolishes a preemptive right of the holder of the
     shares to acquire shares or other securities; excludes or limits the
     right of shares to vote on any matter; reduces the number of shares
     owned by the shareholder to a fraction of a share if the fractional
     share so created is to be acquired for cash; or changes the corporation
     into a nonprofit corporation or cooperative organization; or

  .  any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the extent
     the articles of incorporation, bylaws or a resolution of the Board of
     Directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are entitled to
     dissent and obtain payment for their shares.

  With respect to corporations that have a class or series of shares either
listed on a national securities exchange or held by more than 2,000 record
shareholders, dissenters' rights are not available to the holders of these
shares by reason of a merger, share exchange or sale or exchange of property
unless (a) the articles of incorporation of the corporation that issued the
shares provide otherwise or (b) in the case of a merger or share exchange, the
holders of the shares are required to accept anything other than (1) cash, (2)
shares in another corporation that are either listed on a national securities
exchange or held by more than 2,000 record shareholders or (3) a combination
of cash and such shares.

  A shareholder who has the right to dissent from a transaction and receive
payment of the "fair value" of his or her shares must follow specific
procedural requirements as set forth in the NCBCA in order to maintain such
right and obtain such payment.

 Matewan

  Section 262 of the DGCL provides for dissent and appraisal rights only in
the case of a merger or consolidation of the corporation where the petitioning
shareholder does not consent to the transaction. No appraisal rights are
available where the corporation is to be the surviving corporation and a vote
of its shareholders is not required under Section 251(f) or (g) of the DGCL.
There also are no appraisal rights, unless otherwise provided in a
corporation's certificate of incorporation, for shares of stock listed on a
national securities exchange or designated as a national market system
security on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or held by more than 2,000 holders of record, unless
such shareholders would be required to accept anything other than (a) shares
of stock of the surviving corporation, (b) shares of another corporation so
listed or designated or held by more than 2,000 holders of record, (c) cash in
lieu of fractional shares of such stock or (d) any combination thereof. If
provided in a corporation's certificate of incorporation, under Delaware law
shareholders may be entitled to appraisal rights in certain other
circumstances, including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of
the corporation not made in the usual and regular course of its business.
Matewan's certificate of incorporation does not provide for any such
additional circumstances.

  Holders of Matewan common stock do not have dissent and appraisal rights in
connection with the merger because the exception described above is applicable
with respect to such shares. Matewan preferred shareholders

                                      55
<PAGE>

are entitled to dissenters' rights with respect to the merger; the exception
described above is not applicable because Matewan preferred stock is traded on
the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, as opposed to the Nasdaq National Market. See "THE
MERGER--Rights of Dissenting Shareholders."

Liquidation Rights

 BB&T

  In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the affairs of
BB&T, holders of outstanding shares of BB&T common stock are entitled to
share, in proportion to their respective interests, in BB&T's assets and funds
remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and other
liabilities of BB&T.

  Because BB&T is a bank holding company, its rights, the rights of its
creditors and of its shareholders, including the holders of the shares of any
BB&T preferred stock that may be issued, to participate in the assets of any
subsidiary upon the latter's liquidation or recapitalization may be subject to
the prior claims of (a) the subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that
BB&T may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary,
and (b) any interests in the liquidation accounts established by savings
associations or savings banks acquired by BB&T for the benefit of eligible
account holders in connection with conversion of such savings associations
from mutual to stock form.

 Matewan

  Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Matewan's affairs, Matewan
must first pay or provide for payment of all of its debts and liabilities.
Next, to the extent that funds remain, Matewan must pay a liquidating payment
to its preferred stockholders. This payment would consist of $25 per share,
plus any accrued but unpaid dividends. Finally, any remaining funds would be
paid to the holders of Matewan common stock in proportion to their respective
interests.

  Because Matewan is a bank holding company, its rights, as well as the rights
of its creditors and of its shareholders (including the holders of Matewan's
preferred stock) to participate in the assets of any of Matewan's subsidiaries
which are being liquidated or recapitalized, may be subject to prior claims of
the subsidiary's creditors (except Matewan).

                             SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

  Any proposal which a shareholder wishes to have presented at the next annual
meeting of shareholders, which will not be held if the merger is completed,
and included in Matewan's proxy materials must be received at the main office
of Matewan, Second Avenue and Vinson Street, Williamson, West Virginia 25661,
no later than July 27, 1999. If such proposal is in compliance with all of the
requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act, it will be included
in Matewan's proxy statement and set forth on the form of proxy issued for the
next annual meeting of shareholders, if applicable. Shareholders wishing to
present proposals at such meeting (but not include them in Matewan's proxy
materials) must give notice of such proposals to Matewan no later than July
27, 1999. It is urged that any proposals be sent by certified mail, return
receipt requested.

                                OTHER BUSINESS

  The Matewan board is not aware of any business to come before the meeting
other than those matters described in this proxy statement/prospectus.
However, if any other matters should properly come before the meeting, it is
intended that the proxies solicited hereby will be voted with respect to those
other matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the
proxies.

                                      56
<PAGE>

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

  The validity of the shares of BB&T common stock offered hereby will be
passed upon by Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, Washington, D.C., as
counsel to BB&T. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, certain
members of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC owned an aggregate of
approximately 38,000 shares of BB&T common stock.

                                    EXPERTS

  The consolidated financial statements of BB&T Corporation and its
subsidiaries which are incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus from BB&T's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 30,
1999, which restates the consolidated financial statements that are
incorporated by reference from BB&T's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1998 to reflect the acquisition by BB&T of MainStreet
Financial Corporation on March 5, 1999, have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with
respect thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.

  The consolidated financial statements of Matewan BancShares, Inc. and its
subsidiaries included in Matewan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1998, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report included therein and incorporated
herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated
herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                      57
<PAGE>

                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

  BB&T and Matewan file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any
reports, statements or certain other information that the companies file with
the SEC at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New
York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the public reference rooms. These SEC filings are also
available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the
Internet world wide web site maintained by the SEC at "http://www.sec.gov."
Reports, proxy statements and other information should also be available for
inspection at the offices of the NYSE, for BB&T, and Nasdaq, for Matewan.

  BB&T has filed the Registration Statement to register with the SEC the BB&T
common stock to be issued to Matewan shareholders in the merger. This proxy
statement/prospectus is a part of that Registration Statement and constitutes
a prospectus of BB&T. As allowed by SEC rules, this proxy statement/prospectus
does not contain all the information you can find in BB&T's Registration
Statement or the exhibits to the Registration Statement.

  The SEC allows Matewan and BB&T to "incorporate by reference" information
into this proxy statement/prospectus, which means that the companies can
disclose important information to you by referring you to another document
filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is
considered part of this proxy statement/prospectus, except for any information
superseded by information contained directly in this proxy
statement/prospectus or in later filed documents incorporated by reference in
this proxy statement/prospectus.

  This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set
forth below that Matewan and BB&T have previously filed with the SEC. These
documents contain important information about Matewan and BB&T and their
businesses.

BB&T SEC Filings (File No. 1-10853)


<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>
Annual Report on Form 10-K        For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q     For the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1999

Current Reports on Form 8-K       Filed January 8, 1999, January 14, 1999,
                                  January 27, 1999 (two filings), January 28,
                                  1999, February 25, 1999 (amended on April 28,
                                  1999), April 9, 1999, April 12, 1999, April
                                  28, 1999 (three filings) and April 30, 1999

Registration Statement on Form    Filed January 10, 1997
 8-A (concerning BB&T's
 shareholder rights plan)

Matewan SEC Filings (File No. 0-
 16707)

Annual Report on Form 10-K        For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q     For the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1999

Current Reports on Form 8-K       Filed March 2, 1999 and April 30, 1999

The description of Matewan        Filed February 16, 1996
 common stock in Matewan's
 Registration Statement on Form
 S-1
</TABLE>

  Matewan and BB&T also incorporate by reference additional documents that may
be filed with the SEC between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and
the completion of the merger or the termination of the merger agreement. These
include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy
statements.

                                      58
<PAGE>

  BB&T has supplied all information contained or incorporated by reference in
this proxy statement/prospectus relating to BB&T, and Matewan has supplied all
such information relating to Matewan before the merger.

  If you are a shareholder, we may have sent you some of the documents
incorporated by reference, but you can obtain any of them through the
companies, the SEC or the SEC's Internet web site as described above.
Documents incorporated by reference are available from the companies without
charge, excluding all exhibits except those that the companies have
specifically incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.
Shareholders may obtain documents incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the
appropriate company at the following addresses:

        Shareholder Reporting                       Pauline Roberson
          BB&T Corporation                         Corporate Secretary
        Post Office Box 1290                 Second Avenue and Vinson Street
 Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104         Williamson, West Virginia 25661
           (336) 733-3021                            (304) 235-1544

  If you would like to request documents from us, please do so by July 20,
1999 to receive them before the meeting.

  You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. BB&T and Matewan have not
authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from what
is contained in this proxy statement/prospectus. This proxy
statement/prospectus is dated June 22, 1999. You should not assume that the
information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any
date other than that date. Neither the mailing of this proxy
statement/prospectus to shareholders nor the issuance of BB&T common stock in
the merger creates any implication to the contrary.


                                      59
<PAGE>

                                                                      APPENDIX A

                           1999 AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

                                    BETWEEN

                            MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC.

                                      and

                                BB&T CORPORATION
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
 <C>     <S>                                                                <C>
 ARTICLE I
    DEFINITIONS............................................................  A-1

 ARTICLE II
    THE MERGER.............................................................  A-5
    2.1  Merger...........................................................   A-5
    2.2  Filing; Plan of Merger...........................................   A-5
    2.3  Effective Time...................................................   A-6
    2.4  Closing..........................................................   A-6
    2.5  Effect of Merger.................................................   A-6
    2.6  Further Assurances...............................................   A-6
    2.7  Merger Consideration.............................................   A-6
    2.8  Conversion of Shares; Payment of Merger Consideration............   A-7
    2.9  Merger of Subsidiaries...........................................   A-8
    2.10 Anti-Dilution....................................................   A-8
    2.11 Dissenting Shares................................................   A-8

 ARTICLE III
    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MATEWAN..............................  A-8
    3.1  Capital Structure................................................   A-9
    3.2  Organization, Standing and Authority.............................   A-9
    3.3  Ownership of Subsidiaries........................................   A-9
    3.4  Organization, Standing and Authority of the Subsidiaries.........   A-9
    3.5  Authorized and Effective Agreement...............................   A-9
    3.6  Securities Filings; Financial Statements; Statements True........  A-10
    3.7  Minute Books.....................................................  A-10
    3.8  Adverse Change...................................................  A-11
    3.9  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities...............................  A-11
    3.10 Properties.......................................................  A-11
    3.11 Environmental Matters............................................  A-11
    3.12 Loans; Allowance for Loan Losses.................................  A-12
    3.13 Tax Matters......................................................  A-12
    3.14 Employees; Compensation; Benefit Plans...........................  A-13
    3.15 Certain Contracts................................................  A-15
    3.16 Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals..........................  A-16
    3.17 Compliance with Laws; Filings....................................  A-16
    3.18 Brokers and Finders..............................................  A-16
    3.19 Repurchase Agreements; Derivatives...............................  A-16
    3.20 Deposit Accounts.................................................  A-17
    3.21 Related Party Transactions.......................................  A-17
    3.22 Certain Information..............................................  A-17
    3.23 Tax and Regulatory Matters.......................................  A-17
    3.24 State Takeover Laws..............................................  A-17
    3.25 Labor Relations..................................................  A-17
    3.26 Fairness Opinion.................................................  A-17

 ARTICLE IV
    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BB&T................................. A-18
    4.1  Capital Structure of BB&T........................................  A-18
    4.2  Organization, Standing and Authority of BB&T.....................  A-18
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----
 <C>     <S>                                                              <C>
    4.3  Authorized and Effective Agreement.............................  A-18
    4.4  Organization, Standing and Authority of BB&T Subsidiaries......  A-19
    4.5  Securities Documents; Statements True..........................  A-19
    4.6  Financial Statements...........................................  A-19
    4.7  Certain Information............................................  A-19
    4.8  Tax and Regulatory Matters.....................................  A-19
    4.9  Share Ownership................................................  A-19
    4.10 Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals........................  A-19
    4.11 Adverse Change.................................................  A-20

 ARTICLE V
    COVENANTS............................................................ A-20
    5.1  Matewan Shareholder Meeting....................................  A-20
    5.2  Registration Statement; Proxy Statement/Prospectus.............  A-20
    5.3  Plan of Merger; Reservation of Shares..........................  A-20
    5.4  Additional Acts................................................  A-21
    5.5  Best Efforts...................................................  A-21
    5.6  Certain Accounting Matters.....................................  A-21
    5.7  Access to Information..........................................  A-21
    5.8  Press Releases.................................................  A-22
    5.9  Forbearances of Matewan........................................  A-22
    5.10 Employment Agreements..........................................  A-24
    5.11 Affiliates.....................................................  A-24
         401(k) Plan; Pension Plan; Other Employee Benefits; Stock
    5.12 Purchase Plan..................................................  A-24
    5.13 Directors and Officers Protection..............................  A-25
    5.14 Forbearances of BB&T...........................................  A-25
    5.15 Reports........................................................  A-25
    5.16 Exchange Listing...............................................  A-26
    5.17 Advisory Board for the Matewan Market Area.....................  A-26
    5.18 Board of Directors of BB&T.....................................  A-26

 ARTICLE VI
    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT................................................. A-26
    6.1  Conditions Precedent--BB&T and Matewan.........................  A-26
    6.2  Conditions Precedent--Matewan..................................  A-27
    6.3  Conditions Precedent--BB&T.....................................  A-28

 ARTICLE VII
    TERMINATION, DEFAULT, WAIVER AND AMENDMENT........................... A-28
    7.1  Termination....................................................  A-28
    7.2  Effect of Termination..........................................  A-30
    7.3  Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants..........  A-31
    7.4  Waiver.........................................................  A-31
    7.5  Amendment or Supplement........................................  A-31
 ARTICLE VIII
    MISCELLANEOUS........................................................ A-31
    8.1  Expenses.......................................................  A-31
    8.2  Entire Agreement...............................................  A-31
    8.3  No Assignment..................................................  A-32
    8.4  Notices........................................................  A-32
    8.5  Specific Performance...........................................  A-32
    8.6  Captions.......................................................  A-33
    8.7  Counterparts...................................................  A-33
</TABLE>

                                       ii
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
 <C>     <S>                                                                <C>
    8.8  Governing Law....................................................  A-33
    8.9  Initial Merger Agreement.........................................  A-33
    8.10 BB&T Option Agreement............................................  A-33
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
 <C>        <S>
 ANNEXES
    Annex A Articles of Merger
    Annex B Form of Employment Agreement with Dan R. Moore (not included)
            Form of Employment Agreements with Timothy Edwards and Anna Ward
    Annex C (not included)
    Annex D Form of Employment Agreement with Lee E. Ellis (not included)
</TABLE>

                                      iii
<PAGE>

                           1999 AMENDED AND RESTATED
                     AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

  THIS 1999 AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
("Agreement"), dated as of February 24, 1999, is between MATEWAN BANCSHARES,
INC. ("Matewan"), a Delaware corporation having its principal office at
Williamston, West Virginia, and BB&T CORPORATION ("BB&T"), a North Carolina
corporation having its principal office at Winston-Salem, North Carolina;

                               R E C I T A L S:

  By Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated February 24, 1999 (the
"Initial Merger Agreement"), Matewan agreed to be merged with and into BB&T.
BB&T and Matewan have renegotiated the terms of the proposed transaction
resulting primarily from BB&T's due diligence review, and have amended the
Initial Merger Agreement by First 1999 Amendment to Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization dated April 9, 1999, and by Second 1999 Amendment to Agreement
and Plan of Reorganization dated April 27, 1999. The parties desire to restate
the Initial Merger Agreement in its entirety to incorporate the terms of such
amendments and to set forth the terms of the proposed merger (the "Merger")
pursuant to the plan of merger (the "Plan of Merger") substantially in the
form attached as Annex A hereto.

  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 to restate the
Initial Merger Agreement, as previously amended, in its entirety as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  Definitions

1.1 Definitions

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

  "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any Person who directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by,
or is under common control with such Person and, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, includes any executive officer or director of
such Person and any Affiliate of such executive officer or director.

  "Articles of Merger" shall mean the Articles of Merger required to be filed
with the office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina, as provided in
Section 55-11-05 of the NCBCA, and with the Delaware Department of State, as
provided in Section 252 of the DGCL.

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

  "BB&T Common Stock" shall mean the shares of voting common stock, par value
$5.00 per share, of BB&T, with rights attached issued pursuant to the Rights
Agreement dated December 17, 1996 between BB&T and Branch Banking and Trust
Company, as Rights Agent, relating to BB&T's Series B Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, $5.00 par value per share.

  "BB&T Option Agreement" shall mean the Stock Option Agreement dated as of
February 24, 1999, as amended from time to time, under which BB&T has an
option to purchase shares of Matewan Common Stock, which shall be executed
immediately following execution of this Agreement.

  "BB&T Subsidiaries" shall mean Branch Banking and Trust Company, Branch
Banking and Trust Company of South Carolina and Branch Banking and Trust
Company of Virginia.


                                      A-1
<PAGE>

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

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

  "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

  "Disclosed" shall mean disclosed in the Matewan Disclosure Memorandum,
referencing the Section number herein pursuant to which such disclosure is
being made.

  "DGCL" shall mean the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended.

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

  "Environmental Laws" means all applicable federal, state and local laws and
regulations, as amended, relating to pollution or protection of human health
or the environment (including ambient air, surface water, ground water, land
surface, or subsurface strata) and which are administered, interpreted, or
enforced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and state and
local agencies with jurisdiction over and including common law in respect of,
pollution or protection of the environment, including the Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
9601 et seq. ("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq., and other laws and regulations relating to
emissions, discharges, releases, or threatened releases of any Hazardous
Substances, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling of any
Hazardous Substances.

  "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.

  "FDIC" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

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

  "Financial Advisor" shall mean Baxter Fentriss and Company.

  "Financial Statements" shall mean (a) with respect to BB&T, (i) the
consolidated balance sheet (including related notes and schedules, if any) of
BB&T as of December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, 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,
1997, 1996, and 1995, as filed by BB&T in Securities Documents and (ii) the
consolidated balance sheets of BB&T (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 BB&T with respect to periods ended subsequent to
December 31, 1997, and (b) with respect to Matewan, (i) the consolidated
statements of financial condition (including related notes and schedules, if
any) of Matewan as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of income and retained earnings, and cash flows
(including related notes and schedules, if any) for each of the three years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, as filed by Matewan in Securities
Documents, and (ii) the consolidated statements of financial condition of
Matewan (including related notes and schedules, if any) and the related
consolidated statements of income and retained earnings, and cash flows
(including related notes and schedules, if any) included in Securities
Documents filed by Matewan with respect to periods ended subsequent to
December 31, 1997.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

  "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles applicable to
financial institutions and their holding companies, as in effect at the
relevant date.

  "Hazardous Substances" means any substance or material (i) identified in
CERCLA; (ii) determined to be toxic, a pollutant or a contaminant under any
applicable federal, state or local statutes, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation, including but not limited to petroleum products; (iii) asbestos;
(iv) radon; (v) poly-chlorinated biphiphenyls and (vi) such other materials,
substances or waste which are otherwise dangerous, hazardous, harmful to human
health or the environment.

  "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.

  "Material Adverse Effect" on BB&T or Matewan shall mean an event, change, or
occurrence which, individually or together with any other event, change or
occurrence, (i) has a material adverse effect on the financial condition,
results of operations, business or business prospects of BB&T and the BB&T
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries taken
as a whole, or (ii) materially impairs the ability of BB&T or Matewan 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 BB&T or Matewan taken with the prior written consent of the other
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 or relating to any litigation
arising as a result of the Merger.

  "Matewan Common Stock" shall mean the shares of voting common stock, par
value $1.00 per share, of Matewan. The Matewan Common Stock has no Rights
attached, except as provided in Section 3.1.

  "Matewan Disclosure Memorandum" shall mean the written information in one or
more documents, each of which is entitled "Matewan Disclosure Memorandum" and
dated on or before the date of this Agreement and delivered not later than the
date of execution of this Agreement by Matewan to BB&T, 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.
Information disclosed with respect to one Section shall not be deemed to be
disclosed for purposes of any other Section not specifically referenced.

  "Matewan Preferred Stock" shall mean the shares of Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $1.00 per share, of Matewan. The Matewan
Preferred Stock has no Rights attached, except as provided in Section 3.1.

  "Matewan Subsidiaries" shall mean Matewan National Bank, Matewan Bank FSB,
Matewan Venture Fund, Inc., any and all other Subsidiaries of Matewan as of
the date hereof and any corporation, bank, savings association, or other
organization acquired as a Subsidiary of Matewan after the date hereof and
held as a Subsidiary by Matewan at the Effective Time.

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

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

  "OTS" shall mean the Office of Thrift Supervision.

  "Proxy Statement/Prospectus" shall mean the proxy statement and prospectus,
together with any supplements thereto, to be sent to shareholders of Matewan
to solicit their votes in connection with a proposal to approve this Agreement
and the Plan of Merger.

  "Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement of BB&T as
declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act, including any
post-effective amendments or supplements thereto as filed

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

with the Commission under the Securities Act, with respect to the BB&T Common
Stock to be issued in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

  "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 (other than rights
pursuant to the Rights Agreement described under the definition of "BB&T
Common Stock"), 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, including but not limited to periodic
and other reports filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act.

  "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.

  "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 (in
determining whether one entity owns or controls 50% or more of the outstanding
equity securities of another, equity securities owned or controlled in a
fiduciary capacity shall be deemed owned and controlled by the beneficial
owner).

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

                                      A-4
<PAGE>

1.2 Terms Defined Elsewhere

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

<TABLE>
     <S>                       <C>
     Agreement                 Introduction
     BB&T                      Introduction
     BB&T Ratio                Section 7.1(h)
     Closing                   Section 2.4
     Closing Date              Section 2.4
     Closing Value             Section 2.7(d)
     Common Exchange Ratio     Section 2.7
     Constituent Corporations  Section 2.1
     Determination Date        Section 7.1(h)
     Dissenting Shareholder    Section 2.11
     Dissenting Shares         Section 2.11
     Effective Time            Section 2.3
     Employer Entity           Section 5.12(b)
     Index Group               Section 7.1(h)
     Index Price               Section 7.1(h)
     Initial Merger Agreement  Recitals
     Matewan                   Introduction
     Maximum Amount            Section 5.13
     Merger                    Recitals
     Merger Consideration      Section 2.7
     PBGC                      Section 3.14(b)(iv)
     Plan                      Section 3.14(b)(i)
     Plan of Merger            Recitals
     Pension Plan              Section 5.12(b)
     Preferred Exchange Ratio  Section 2.7
     Starting Date             Section 7.1(h)
     Surviving Corporation     Section 2.1(a)
</TABLE>

                                  ARTICLE II

                                  The Merger

2.1 Merger

  BB&T and Matewan are constituent corporations (the "Constituent
Corporations") to the Merger as contemplated by the NCBCA. At the Effective
Time:

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

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

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

    (d) The Bylaws of BB&T 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 shareholders holding the requisite number of
shares of Matewan Common Stock and Matewan Preferred Stock.

                                      A-5
<PAGE>

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 Secretary of State of North Carolina and the Delaware
Department of State, as provided in Section 55-11-05 of the NCBCA and Section
252 of the DGCL, respectively. 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 Matewan 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 as filed as provided in Section 2.2 (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 offices of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice,
PLLC, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at 10:00 a.m. on the date designated by
BB&T which is within thirty days following the satisfaction of the conditions
to Closing set forth in Article VI (other than the delivery of certificates,
opinions and other instruments and documents to be delivered at the Closing),
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 Matewan shall
cease, and the Surviving Corporation shall thereupon and thereafter, to the
extent consistent with its Articles of Incorporation, possess all of the
rights, privileges, immunities and franchises, of a public as well as 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 each 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 for all the liabilities, obligations and penalties of each of
the Constituent Corporations; and any claim, existing 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 number of
shares of BB&T Common Stock to be exchanged for each share of Matewan Common
Stock issued and outstanding as of the Effective

                                      A-6
<PAGE>

Time (the "Common Exchange Ratio") and for each share of Matewan Preferred
Stock issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time (the "Preferred Exchange
Ratio") and cash (without interest) to be payable in exchange for any
fractional share of BB&T Common Stock which would otherwise be distributable
to a Matewan shareholder as provided in Section 2.7(b).

  (a) The Common Exchange Ratio shall be 0.67, and the Preferred Exchange
Ratio shall be .8375.

  (b) The amount of cash payable with respect to any fractional share of BB&T
Common Stock shall be determined by multiplying the fractional part of such
share by the Closing Value. The "Closing Value" shall mean the average closing
price per share of BB&T Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Transaction List
(as reported by The Wall Street Journal--Eastern Edition) for the five trading
days (determined by excluding days on which the NYSE is closed) ending on the
tenth calendar day immediately preceding the Effective Time (the tenth day to
be determined by counting the first calendar day preceding the Effective Time
as the first day). No person will be entitled to dividends, voting rights or
any other rights as a BB&T shareholder in respect of any fractional share.

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 Matewan or the holders of record of Matewan Common Stock or
Matewan Preferred Stock, each share of Matewan Common Stock and each share of
Matewan Preferred 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 Matewan
Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock (as provided in subsection (d) below),
the Merger Consideration.

  (b) Each share of the common stock of BB&T 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 Matewan Common Stock or
Matewan Preferred Stock shall be deemed upon the Effective Time for all
purposes to represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration. No
interest will be paid or accrued on the Merger Consideration upon the
surrender of the certificate or certificates representing shares of Matewan
Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock. With respect to any certificate for
Matewan Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock that has been lost or
destroyed, BB&T shall pay the Merger Consideration attributable to such
certificate upon receipt of a surety bond or other adequate indemnity as
required in accordance with BB&T's standard policy, and evidence reasonably
satisfactory to BB&T of ownership of the shares represented thereby. After the
Effective Time, no transfer of the shares of Matewan Common Stock or Matewan
Preferred 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, BB&T shall cause to be delivered or
mailed to each Matewan 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 Matewan
Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock. Upon surrender of such certificates
or other evidence of ownership meeting the requirements of Section 2.8(c),
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, BB&T shall promptly cause the transfer to the persons
entitled thereto of the Merger Consideration.

  (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 Matewan in respect of shares of Matewan Common Stock or Matewan
Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and which
remain unpaid at the Effective Time, subject to compliance by Matewan with
Section 5.9(b). To the extent permitted by law, former shareholders of record
of Matewan shall be entitled to vote after the Effective Time at any meeting
of BB&T shareholders the number of whole shares of BB&T Common Stock into
which their respective shares of

                                      A-7
<PAGE>

Matewan Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock are converted, regardless of
whether such holders have exchanged their certificates representing Matewan
Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock for certificates representing BB&T
Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Whenever a
dividend or other distribution is declared by BB&T on the BB&T 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 BB&T Common
Stock issuable pursuant to this Agreement, but no dividend or other
distribution payable to the holders of record of BB&T Common Stock as of any
time subsequent to the Effective Time shall be delivered to the holder of any
certificate representing Matewan Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock until
such holder surrenders such certificate for exchange as provided in this
Section 2.8. Upon surrender of such certificate, both the BB&T Common Stock
certificate and any undelivered dividends and cash payments payable hereunder
(without interest) shall be delivered and paid with respect to the shares of
Matewan Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock represented by such
certificate.

2.9 Merger of Subsidiaries

  In the event that BB&T shall request, Matewan shall take such actions, and
shall cause the Matewan 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
Matewan Subsidiaries with and into, in each case, one of the BB&T Subsidiaries
or any other Subsidiary of BB&T. In the event that any such actions shall be
taken and the Merger shall not be consummated for any reason other than a
breach of this Agreement by Matewan, BB&T shall reimburse Matewan for all
legal and regulatory costs incurred by Matewan with respect to such actions.

2.10 Anti-Dilution

  In the event BB&T changes the number of shares of BB&T 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 Common Exchange Ratio
and the Preferred Exchange Ratio shall be proportionately adjusted.

2.11 Dissenting Shares

  Any holder of shares of Matewan Preferred Stock who shall have exercised
appraisal rights with respect to the Merger in accordance with the DGCL and
who has properly exercised such shareholder's rights to demand payment of the
"fair value" of the Shareholder's shares (the "Dissenting Shares") as provided
in the DGCL (the "Dissenting Shareholder") shall thereafter have only such
rights, if any, as are provided a Dissenting Shareholder in accordance with
the DGCL 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 DGCL) 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.

                                  ARTICLE III

                   Representations and Warranties of Matewan

  Except as Disclosed, Matewan represents and warrants to BB&T as follows (the
representations and warranties herein of Matewan are made subject to the
applicable standard set forth in Section 6.3(a), and no such representation or
warranty shall be deemed to be inaccurate unless the inaccuracy would permit
BB&T to refuse to consummate the Merger under such applicable standard):

                                      A-8
<PAGE>

3.1 Capital Structure

  The authorized capital stock of Matewan consists of 10,000,000 shares of
Matewan Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share. As of the date hereof, 3,978,392
shares of Matewan Common Stock and 617,358 shares of Matewan Preferred Stock
are issued and outstanding. No other classes of capital stock of Matewan,
common or preferred, are authorized, issued or outstanding. All outstanding
shares of Matewan Common Stock and Matewan Preferred Stock have been duly
authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. No shares of
capital stock have been reserved for any purpose, except for (i) shares of
Matewan Common Stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of shares of
Matewan Preferred Stock and (ii) 791,700 shares of Matewan Common Stock
reserved in connection with the BB&T Option Agreement. Except as set forth in
this Section 3.1, there are no Rights authorized, issued or outstanding with
respect to, nor are there any agreements, understandings or commitments
relating to the right of any Matewan shareholder to own, to vote or to dispose
of, the capital stock of Matewan. Holders of Matewan Common Stock and holders
of Matewan Preferred Stock do not have preemptive rights.

3.2 Organization, Standing and Authority

  Matewan is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with full corporate power
and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and to own, lease and
operate its properties and assets. Matewan has qualified to do business in
West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, and Matewan is not required to be
qualified to do business in any other state of the United States or foreign
jurisdiction.

3.3 Ownership of Subsidiaries

  Section 3.3 of the Matewan Disclosure Memorandum lists all of the Matewan
Subsidiaries and, with respect to each, its jurisdiction of organization,
jurisdictions in which it is qualified or otherwise licensed to conduct
business, the number of shares or ownership interests owned by Matewan
(directly or indirectly), the percentage ownership interest so owned by
Matewan and its business activities. The outstanding shares of capital stock
or other equity interests of the Matewan Subsidiaries are validly issued and
outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and all such shares are directly or
indirectly owned by Matewan 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 or other equity
interests of the Matewan Subsidiaries, and there are no agreements,
understandings or commitments relating to the right of Matewan to own, to vote
or to dispose of said interests. None of the shares of capital stock or other
equity interests of the Matewan Subsidiaries have been issued in violation of
the preemptive rights of any person. Section 3.3 of the Matewan Disclosure
Memorandum also lists all shares of capital stock or other securities or
ownership interests of any corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other
organization (other than the Matewan Subsidiaries) owned directly or
indirectly by Matewan.

3.4 Organization, Standing and Authority of the Subsidiaries

  Each Matewan Subsidiary which is a depository institution is a federally
chartered national bank or savings association with its deposits insured by
the FDIC. Each of the Matewan Subsidiaries is validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization. Each of the
Matewan Subsidiaries has full corporate power and authority to carry on its
business as now conducted, and is duly qualified to do business in each
jurisdiction Disclosed with respect to it. No Matewan Subsidiary is required
to be qualified to do business in any other state of the United States or
foreign jurisdiction, or is engaged in any type of activities that have not
been Disclosed.

3.5 Authorized and Effective Agreement

  (a) Matewan 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 Matewan shareholders of this Agreement and the Plan
of Merger) to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement, the
Articles of Merger and the

                                      A-9
<PAGE>

BB&T Option Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
Articles of Merger and the BB&T Option Agreement, and consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly and validly
authorized by all necessary corporate action, except, in the case of this
Agreement and the Plan of Merger, the approval of the Matewan shareholders
pursuant to and to the extent required by applicable law. This Agreement, the
Plan of Merger and the BB&T Option Agreement constitute legal, valid and
binding obligations of Matewan, and each is enforceable against Matewan in
accordance with its 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 the rights of creditors of FDIC-insured
institutions or the enforcement of creditors' rights generally; and (ii)
general principles of equity (whether applied in a court of law or in equity).

  (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Articles of
Merger or the BB&T Option Agreement, nor consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by Matewan 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 Matewan or any
Matewan 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 Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, license, permit, contract, 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 Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary.

  (c) Other than consents or approvals required from, or notices to,
regulatory authorities as provided in Section 5.4(b), no notice to, filing
with, or consent of, any public body or authority is necessary for the
consummation by Matewan of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
in this Agreement.

3.6 Securities Filings; Financial Statements; Statements True

  (a) Matewan has timely filed all Securities Documents required by the
Securities Laws to be filed since December 31, 1995. Matewan has Disclosed or
made available to BB&T a true and complete copy of each Securities Document
filed by Matewan with the Commission after December 31, 1995 and prior to the
date hereof, which are all of the Securities Documents that Matewan was
required to file during such period. As of their respective dates of filing,
such Securities Documents complied 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.

  (b) The Financial Statements of Matewan fairly present or will fairly
present, as the case may be, the consolidated financial position of Matewan
and the Matewan Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the consolidated
statements of income and retained earnings, changes in shareholders' equity
and statements of cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case
of unaudited interim statements, to the absence of notes and to normal year-
end audit adjustments that are not material in amount or effect) in conformity
with GAAP applied on a consistent basis.

  (c) No statement, certificate, instrument or other writing furnished or to
be furnished hereunder by Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary to BB&T contains
or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or will omit to state
a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

3.7 Minute Books

  The minute books of Matewan and each of the Matewan Subsidiaries contain or
will contain at Closing accurate records of all meetings and other corporate
actions of their respective shareholders and Boards of

                                     A-10
<PAGE>

Directors (including committees of the Board of Directors), and the signatures
contained therein are the true signatures of the persons whose signatures they
purport to be.

3.8 Adverse Change

  Since December 31, 1997, Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries have not
incurred any liability, whether accrued, absolute or contingent, except as
disclosed in the most recent Matewan Financial Statements, or entered into any
transactions with Affiliates, in each case other than in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practices, nor has there been any adverse
change or any event involving a prospective adverse change in the business,
financial condition, results of operations or business prospects of Matewan or
any of the Matewan Subsidiaries.

3.9 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities

  All liabilities (including contingent liabilities) of Matewan and the
Matewan Subsidiaries are disclosed in the most recent Financial Statements of
Matewan or were incurred in the ordinary course of its business since the date
of Matewan's most recent Financial Statements.

3.10 Properties

  (a) Matewan and the Matewan 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, tangible
and intangible, reflected on the consolidated balance sheet included in the
Financial Statements of Matewan as of December 31, 1997 or acquired after such
date, except for (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 Matewan or any Matewan
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

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

  (b) There are no pending Environmental Claims, neither Matewan nor any
Matewan Subsidiary has received notice of any pending Environmental Claims,
and there are no conditions or facts existing which might reasonably be
expected to result in legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings
asserting 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) Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary, (ii) any person or entity
whose liability for any Environmental Claim Matewan or any Matewan 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 Matewan or any
Matewan Subsidiary, or any real or personal property which Matewan or any
Matewan 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 Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary holds a security interest securing a
loan recorded on the books of Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary. Neither
Matewan nor any Matewan 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 liability under any
Environmental Laws.


                                     A-11
<PAGE>

  (c) Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries are in compliance with all
recommendations contained in any environmental audits, analyses and surveys
received by Matewan relating to all real and personal property owned or leased
by Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary and all real and personal property of
which Matewan or any Matewan 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 Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary or against any
person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim Matewan or any
Matewan Subsidiary has or may have retained or assumed, either contractually
or by operation of law.

3.12 Loans; Allowance for Loan Losses

  (a) All of the loans on the books of Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries
are valid and properly documented, and were made in the ordinary course of
business. Neither the terms of such loans, nor any of the loan documentation,
nor the manner in which such loans have been administered and serviced, nor
Matewan's procedures and practices of approving or rejecting loan
applications, violates 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.

  (b) The allowances for loan losses reflected on the consolidated balance
sheets included in the Financial Statements of Matewan are adequate as of
their respective dates under the requirements of GAAP and applicable
regulatory requirements and guidelines.

3.13 Tax Matters

  (a) Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries and each of their predecessors have
timely filed (or requests for extensions have been timely filed and any such
extensions either are pending or 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 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 Matewan nor any Matewan Subsidiary has or will
have any liability for any such taxes in excess of the amounts so paid or
reserves or accruals so established. Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries have
paid, or where payment is not required to have been made have set up an
adequate reserve or accrual for payment of, all taxes required to be paid or
accrued for the preceding or current fiscal year for which a return is not yet
due.

  (b) All federal, state and local (and, if applicable, foreign) tax returns
filed by Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries are complete and accurate.
Neither Matewan nor any Matewan 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 Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary which
have not been settled and paid. There are currently no agreements in effect
with respect to Matewan or any Matewan 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.

  (c) Deferred taxes have been provided for in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied.

  (d) Neither Matewan nor any of the Matewan Subsidiaries is a party to any
tax allocation or sharing agreement or has been a member of an affiliated
group filing a consolidated federal income tax return (other than a group the
common parent of which was Matewan or a Matewan subsidiary) or has any
liability for taxes of any person (other than Matewan and the Matewan
Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar
provision of state, local or foreign law) as a transferee or successor or by
contract or otherwise.

                                     A-12
<PAGE>

  (e) Each of Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries is in compliance with, and
its records contain all information and documents (including properly
completed IRS Forms W-9) necessary to comply with, all applicable information
reporting and tax withholding requirements under federal, state, and local tax
laws, and such records identify with specificity all accounts subject to
backup withholding under Section 3406 of the Code.

  (f) Neither Matewan nor any of the Matewan Subsidiaries has made any
payments, is obligated to make any payments, or is a party to any contract
that could obligate it to make any payments that would be disallowed as a
deduction under Section 280G or 162(m) of the Code.

3.14 Employees; Compensation; Benefit Plans

  (a) Compensation. Matewan has 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 Matewan and of each Matewan Subsidiary and
each other person (in each case other than as an employee) to whom Matewan or
any Matewan 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) Matewan has Disclosed an accurate and complete list of all Plans, as
  defined below, contributed to, maintained or sponsored by Matewan or any
  Matewan Subsidiary, to which Matewan or any Matewan 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 Matewan or
  any Matewan 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, 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) Neither Matewan nor any Matewan 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) None of the Plans obligates Matewan or any Matewan 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, and all related trusts, insurance contracts and funds,
  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

                                     A-13
<PAGE>

  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 Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary is the
  subject of any lien arising under Section 302(f) of ERISA or Section 412(n)
  of the Code, neither Matewan nor any Matewan 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 Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary to
  any tax under Sections 4971, 4972, 4976, 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 IRS 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 Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary is a member or was a member during
  such five-year period.

    (vii) As of the close of the last plan year preceding the date hereof,
  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 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 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 Matewan nor, to the best knowledge of Matewan, any
  Matewan Subsidiary, any trustee, administrator or other fiduciary of any
  Plan, or any agent of any of the foregoing has engaged in any transaction
  or acted or failed to act in a manner that could subject Matewan or any
  Matewan Subsidiary to any 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) Matewan and each Matewan Subsidiary has been and is presently in
  compliance with all of the requirements of Section 4980B of the Code.


                                     A-14
<PAGE>

    (xi) Neither Matewan nor any Matewan Subsidiary has a liability as of
  December 31, 1997 under any Plan that, to the extent disclosure is required
  under GAAP, is not reflected on the consolidated balance sheet included in
  the Financial Statements of Matewan as of December 31, 1997 or otherwise
  Disclosed.

    (xii) Neither the consideration nor implementation of the transactions
  contemplated under this Agreement will increase (A) Matewan's or any
  Matewan 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 or accelerated allocation of previously unallocated
  Plan assets.)

    (xiii) With respect to each Plan, Matewan has Disclosed or made available
  to BB&T, 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 IRS (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.

    (xiv) Each of the Plans as applied to Matewan and any Matewan Subsidiary
  may be amended or terminated at any time by action of Matewan's Board of
  Directors, or such Matewan's Subsidiary's Board of Directors, as the case
  may be, or a committee of such Board of Directors or duly authorized
  officer, in each case subject to the terms of the Plan and compliance with
  applicable laws and regulations (and limited, in the case of multiemployer
  plans, to termination of the participation of Matewan or a Matewan
  Subsidiary thereunder).

3.15 Certain Contracts

  (a) Neither Matewan nor any Matewan Subsidiary is a party to, is bound or
affected by, or receives benefits under (i) any agreement, arrangement or
commitment, written or oral, 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, written or oral, relating to the borrowing of money by
Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary or the guarantee by Matewan or any Matewan
Subsidiary of any such obligation, which cannot be terminated within less than
30 days after the Closing Date by Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary (without
payment of any penalty or cost, except with respect to Federal Home Loan Bank
or Federal Reserve Bank advances), (iii) any agreement, arrangement or
commitment, written or oral, relating to the employment of a consultant,
independent contractor or agent, 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 Matewan or any
Matewan Subsidiary (without payment of any penalty or cost), or that provides
benefits which are contingent, or the application of which is altered, upon
the occurrence of a transaction involving Matewan of the nature contemplated
by this Agreement or the BB&T Option Agreement, or (iv) any agreement or plan,
written or oral, 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 BB&T 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 BB&T Option Agreement. Each matter Disclosed pursuant
to this Section 3.15(a) is in full force and effect as of the date hereof.

  (b) Neither Matewan nor any Matewan Subsidiary is in default 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.

                                     A-15
<PAGE>

3.16 Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals

  There are no actions, suits, claims, governmental investigations or
proceedings instituted, pending or, to the best knowledge of Matewan,
threatened against Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary or against any asset,
interest, plan or right of Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary, or, to the best
knowledge of Matewan, against any officer, director or employee of any of them
in their capacity as such. There are no actions, suits or proceedings
instituted, pending or, to the best knowledge of Matewan, threatened against
any present or former director or officer of Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary
that would reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim against Matewan or
any Matewan Subsidiary for indemnification. There are no actual or, to the
best knowledge of Matewan, threatened actions, suits or proceedings which
present a claim to restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated herein
or in the BB&T Option Agreement. To the best knowledge of Matewan, no fact or
condition relating to Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary exists (including,
without limitation, noncompliance with the CRA) that would prevent Matewan or
BB&T from obtaining all of the federal and state regulatory approvals
contemplated herein.

3.17 Compliance with Laws; Filings

  Each of Matewan and each Matewan Subsidiary is in compliance with all
statutes and regulations (including, but not limited to, the CRA, the TILA and
regulations promulgated thereunder, and other consumer banking laws), and has
obtained and maintained all permits, licenses and registrations applicable to
the conduct of its business, and neither Matewan nor any Matewan 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, (ii)
threatening to revoke any permit, license, registration, or other government
authorization, or (iii) restricting or in any way limiting its operations.
Neither Matewan nor any Matewan 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. Since December 31, 1995,
Matewan and each of the Matewan Subsidiaries has filed all reports,
registrations, notices and statements, and any amendments thereto, that it was
required to file with federal and state regulatory authorities, including,
without limitation, the OTS, Commission, FDIC, Federal Reserve Board and
applicable state regulators. Each such report, registration, notice and
statement, and each amendment thereto, complied with applicable legal
requirements.

3.18 Brokers and Finders

  Neither Matewan nor any Matewan 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
BB&T Option Agreement, except for an obligation to the Financial Advisor, the
nature and extent of which has been Disclosed, for investment banking
services, and except for fees to accountants and lawyers.

3.19 Repurchase Agreements; Derivatives

  (a) With respect to all agreements currently outstanding pursuant to which
Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary has purchased securities subject to an
agreement to resell, Matewan or the Matewan Subsidiary has a valid, perfected
first lien or security interest in the securities or other collateral securing
such 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 Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary has sold
securities subject to an agreement to repurchase, neither Matewan nor the
Matewan Subsidiary has pledged collateral in excess of the amount of the debt
secured thereby. Neither Matewan nor any Matewan Subsidiary has pledged
collateral in excess of the amount required under any interest rate swap or
other similar agreement currently outstanding.

  (b) Neither Matewan nor any Matewan 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,

                                     A-16
<PAGE>

which is a financial derivative contract (including various combinations
thereof), except for options and forwards entered into in the ordinary course
of its mortgage lending business consistent with past practice and current
policy.

3.20 Deposit Accounts

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

3.21 Related Party Transactions

  Matewan has Disclosed all existing transactions, investments and loans,
including loan guarantees existing as of the date hereof, to which Matewan or
any Matewan Subsidiary is a party with any director, executive officer or 5%
shareholder of Matewan 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 Matewan
than could be obtained from unrelated parties.

3.22 Certain Information

  When the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed, and at the time of the
meeting of shareholders of Matewan to vote on the Plan of Merger, the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and all amendments or supplements thereto, with respect
to all information set forth therein provided by Matewan, (i) shall comply
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.

3.23 Tax and Regulatory Matters

  Neither Matewan nor any Matewan Subsidiary has taken or agreed to take any
action which would or could reasonably be expected to (i) cause the Merger not
to constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code or (ii) 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).

3.24 State Takeover Laws

  Matewan and each Matewan 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.

3.25 Labor Relations

  Neither Matewan nor any Matewan Subsidiary is the subject of any claim or
allegation that it has committed an unfair labor practice (within the meaning
of the National Labor Relations Act or comparable state law) or seeking to
compel it to bargain with any labor organization as to wages or conditions of
employment, nor is Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary party to any collective
bargaining agreement. There is no strike or other labor dispute involving
Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary, pending or threatened, or to the best
knowledge of Matewan, is there any activity involving any employees of Matewan
or any Matewan Subsidiary seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit or
engaging in any other organization activity.

3.26 Fairness Opinion

  Matewan has received from the Financial Advisor an opinion that, as of the
date hereof, the Merger Consideration is fair, from a financial point of view,
to the holders of the Matewan Common Stock and the Matewan Preferred Stock.

                                     A-17
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE IV

                    Representations and Warranties of BB&T

  BB&T represents and warrants to Matewan as follows (the representations and
warranties herein of BB&T are made subject to the applicable standard set
forth in Section 6.2(a), and no such representation or warranty shall be
deemed to be inaccurate unless the inaccuracy would permit Matewan to refuse
to consummate the Merger under such applicable standard):

4.1 Capital Structure of BB&T

  The authorized capital stock of BB&T consists of (i) 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share, of which 2,000,000 shares have
been designated as Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock and the
remainder are undesignated, and none of which shares are issued and
outstanding, and (ii) 500,000,000 shares of BB&T Common Stock of which
290,210,766 shares were issued and outstanding on December 31, 1998. All
outstanding shares of BB&T Common Stock have been duly authorized and are
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The shares of BB&T 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 BB&T Common Stock do not
have preemptive rights.

4.2 Organization, Standing and Authority of BB&T

  BB&T 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 states of the
United States where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its
business requires such qualification. BB&T is registered as a bank holding
company under the Bank Holding Company Act.

4.3 Authorized and Effective Agreement

  (a) BB&T has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and
(subject to receipt of all necessary government approvals) perform all of its
obligations under this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and
validly authorized by all necessary corporate action in respect thereof on the
part of BB&T. This Agreement and the Plan of Merger attached hereto constitute
legal, valid and binding obligations of BB&T, and each is enforceable against
BB&T 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.

  (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Articles of
Merger, nor consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor
compliance by BB&T 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 BB&T or any BB&T 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 BB&T or any BB&T Subsidiary pursuant
to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, agreement or other
instrument or obligation, or (iii) violate any order, writ, injunction,
decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to BB&T or any BB&T Subsidiary.

  (c) Other than consents or approvals required from, or notices to,
regulatory authorities as provided in Section 5.4(b), no notice to, filing
with, or consent of, any public body or authority is necessary for the
consummation by BB&T of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated in
this Agreement.

                                     A-18
<PAGE>

4.4 Organization, Standing and Authority of BB&T Subsidiaries

  Each of the BB&T Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under applicable laws. BB&T owns, directly or indirectly, all of
the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the BB&T
Subsidiaries. Each of the BB&T 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.

4.5 Securities Documents; Statements True

  BB&T has timely filed all Securities Documents required by the Securities
Laws to be filed since December 31, 1995. As of their respective dates of
filing, such Securities Documents complied 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. No statement, certificate, instrument or other writing
furnished or to be furnished hereunder by BB&T or any other BB&T Subsidiary to
Matewan contains or will contain any untrue statement of material fact or will
omit to state a material fact 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 BB&T fairly present or will fairly present, as
the case may be, the consolidated financial position of BB&T and the BB&T
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
the absence of any notes and to normal year-end audit adjustments that are not
material in amount or effect) in conformity with GAAP consistently applied.

4.7 Certain Information

  When the 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
Matewan to vote on the Merger, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all
amendments or supplements thereto, with respect to all information set forth
therein relating to BB&T, (i) shall comply 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.

4.8 Tax and Regulatory Matters

  Neither BB&T nor any BB&T Subsidiary has taken or agreed to take any action
which would or could reasonably be expected to (i) cause the Merger 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).

4.9 Share Ownership

  As of the date of this Agreement, BB&T does not own (except in a fiduciary
capacity) any shares of Matewan Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock.

4.10 Legal Proceedings; Regulatory Approvals

  There are no actual or, to the best knowledge of BB&T, threatened actions,
suits or proceedings instituted, which present a claim to restrain or prohibit
the transactions contemplated herein. To the best knowledge of BB&T, no fact
or condition relating to BB&T or any BB&T Subsidiary exists (including,
without limitation,

                                     A-19
<PAGE>

noncompliance with the CRA) that would prevent BB&T or Matewan from obtaining
all of the federal and state regulatory approvals contemplated herein.

4.11 Adverse Change

  Since December 31, 1997 and except as specifically identified (by footnote
or otherwise) in the most recent BB&T Financial Statements, there has not been
any adverse change or any event involving a prospective adverse change in the
business, financial condition, results of operations or business prospects of
BB&T or any of the BB&T Subsidiaries.

                                   ARTICLE V

                                   Covenants

5.1 Matewan Shareholder Meeting

  Matewan shall submit this 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 Matewan
agrees that it shall, at the time the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed to
the shareholders of Matewan, recommend that Matewan's shareholders vote for
such approval; provided, that the Board of Directors of Matewan may withdraw
or refuse to make such recommendation only if the Board of Directors shall
determine in good faith that such recommendation would violate its fiduciary
duty to Matewan's shareholders after consideration of (i) written advice of
legal counsel that, in the opinion of such counsel, such recommendation or the
failure to withdraw or modify such recommendation would likely constitute a
breach of the fiduciary duty of the Board of Directors to the shareholders of
Matewan, and (ii) a written determination from the Financial Advisor that the
Merger Consideration is not fair or is inadequate to the Matewan shareholders
from a financial point of view, or a written withdrawal of the opinion
described in Section 3.26, in either case accompanied by a detailed analysis
of the reasons for such determination, or a written withdrawal of the opinion
described in Section 3.26.

5.2 Registration Statement; Proxy Statement/Prospectus

  As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, BB&T shall prepare and
file the Registration Statement with the Commission. Matewan will furnish to
BB&T 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 BB&T on the form of, and any characterizations of
such information included in, the Registration Statement prior to the filing
with the Commission. 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. The Registration Statement shall include the
form of Proxy Statement/Prospectus. BB&T and Matewan shall use their
reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be approved
by the Commission for mailing to the Matewan shareholders, and such 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 Commission thereunder. Matewan shall cause the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to shareholders in accordance with all
applicable notice requirements under the Securities Laws and the DGCL.

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 connection therewith, BB&T undertakes and agrees to pay or
cause to be paid when due the Merger Consideration. BB&T has reserved for
issuance such number of shares of BB&T Common Stock as shall be necessary to
pay the Merger Consideration and agrees not to take any action that would
cause the aggregate number of authorized shares of BB&T Common Stock available
for issuance hereunder not to be sufficient to effect the Merger. If at

                                     A-20
<PAGE>

any time the aggregate number of shares of BB&T Common Stock reserved for
issuance hereunder is not sufficient to effect the Merger, BB&T shall take all
appropriate action as may be required to increase the number of shares of BB&T
Common Stock reserved for such purpose.

5.4 Additional Acts

  (a) Matewan agrees to take such actions requested by BB&T as may be
reasonably necessary to modify the structure of, or to substitute parties to
(so long as such substitute is BB&T or a BB&T Subsidiary) the transactions
contemplated hereby, provided that such modifications do not change the Merger
Consideration or abrogate the covenants and other agreements contained in this
Agreement, including, without limitation, the covenant not to take any action
that would substantially delay or impair the prospects of completing the
Merger pursuant to this Agreement and the Plan of Merger.

  (b) As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, BB&T and Matewan 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. Matewan and BB&T each represents and
warrants to the other that all information included (or submitted for
inclusion) concerning it, its respective Subsidiaries, and any of its
respective directors, officers and shareholders, shall be true, correct and
complete in all material respects as of the date presented.

5.5 Best Efforts

  Each of BB&T and Matewan 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,
including, without limitation, executing and delivering, or causing to be
executed and delivered, such representations, certificates and other
instruments or documents as may be reasonably requested by BB&T's legal
counsel for such counsel to issue the opinion contemplated by Section 6.1(e),
and to consummate the transactions herein contemplated at the earliest
possible date. Neither BB&T nor Matewan 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

  Matewan shall cooperate with BB&T concerning accounting and financial
matters necessary or appropriate to facilitate the Merger (taking into account
BB&T'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; provided, that any action taken pursuant to this Section 5.6 shall
not be deemed to constitute or result in the breach of any representation or
warranty of Matewan contained in this Agreement; and provided further, that
Matewan shall not be required to implement any changes in accounting or
financial matters unless and until BB&T agrees in writing that all conditions
to BB&T's obligation to consummate the Merger set forth in Sections 6.1 and
6.3 (other than the delivery of certificates, opinions and other instruments
and documents to be delivered at the Closing or otherwise to be dated at the
Effective Time, the delivery of which shall continue to be conditions to
BB&T's obligation to consummate the Merger) have been satisfied or waived.

5.7 Access to Information

  Matewan and BB&T will each keep the other advised of all material
developments relevant to its business and the businesses of its Subsidiaries,
and to consummation of the Merger, and each shall provide to the other, upon
request, reasonable details of any such development. Upon reasonable notice,
Matewan shall afford to

                                     A-21
<PAGE>

representatives of BB&T access, during normal business hours during the period
prior to the Effective Time, to all of the properties, books, contracts,
commitments and records of Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries and, during
such period, shall make available all information concerning their businesses
as may be reasonably requested. BB&T shall make available to representatives
of Matewan information consistent with information provided by BB&T in the
past to other corporations similarly situated. 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. Each party hereto shall, and shall cause each of its directors,
officers, attorneys and advisors to, maintain the confidentiality of all
information obtained hereunder which is not otherwise publicly disclosed by
the other party, said undertakings with respect to confidentiality to survive
any termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1. In the event of the
termination of this Agreement, each party shall return to the other party upon
request all confidential information (including all copies thereof, but not
including such party's own work product) previously furnished in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.8 Press Releases

  BB&T and Matewan 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 Matewan

  Except with the prior written consent of BB&T, between the date hereof and
the Effective Time, Matewan shall not, and shall cause each of the Matewan
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 type of
  activity or expand any existing activities;

    (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 $.12 per share of Matewan Common Stock and $.47 per share of
  Matewan Preferred Stock payable on record dates and in amounts consistent
  with past practices; provided that any dividend declared or payable on the
  shares of Matewan Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock for the quarterly
  period during which the Effective Time occurs shall, unless otherwise
  agreed upon in writing by BB&T and Matewan, 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 BB&T Common Stock is
  before the Effective Time;

    (c) issue any shares of its capital stock (including treasury shares),
  except upon conversion of Matewan Preferred Stock or pursuant to the BB&T
  Option Agreement;

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

    (e) amend its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws;

    (f) impose or permit imposition, of any lien, charge or encumbrance on
  any share of stock held by it in any Matewan Subsidiary, or permit any such
  lien, charge or encumbrance to exist (with the exception of the lien held
  on the shares of common stock of Matewan National Bank held by One Valley
  Bank, National Association); or waive or release any material right or
  cancel or compromise any debt or claim, in each case other than in the
  ordinary course of business;

    (g) 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;


                                     A-22
<PAGE>

    (h) 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;

    (i) 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 new
  employee benefit or incentive to, any of its directors, officers or
  employees, except for increases or payments made in the ordinary course of
  business consistent with past practice pursuant to plans or arrangements in
  effect on the date hereof;

    (j) 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, however, that this subparagraph shall not prevent
  renewal of any of the foregoing consistent with past practice;

    (k) 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, Matewan or
  any Matewan Subsidiary or any business combination with Matewan or any
  Matewan Subsidiary other than as contemplated by this Agreement; or
  authorize any officer, director, agent or affiliate of Matewan or any
  Matewan Subsidiary to do any of the above; or fail to notify BB&T
  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 subsection (k)
  shall not apply to furnishing information, negotiations or discussions
  following an unsolicited offer if, as a result of such offer, Matewan is
  advised in writing by legal counsel that in its opinion the failure to so
  furnish information or negotiate would likely constitute a breach of the
  fiduciary duty of Matewan's Board of Directors to the Matewan shareholders;

    (l) 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 Matewan or a Matewan Subsidiary or guarantee by
  Matewan or a Matewan 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 or the reappointment of
  officers in the normal course), or (iv) any contract, agreement or
  understanding with a labor union;

    (m) 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 and after receipt of the
  requisite regulatory approvals for the transactions contemplated by this
  Agreement and the Plan of Merger, Matewan shall cooperate in good faith
  with BB&T to adopt policies, practices and procedures consistent with those
  utilized by BB&T, effective on or before the Closing Date;

    (n) change its methods of accounting in effect at December 31, 1997,
  except as required by changes in GAAP concurred in by BB&T, 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, 1997, except as required by changes in law
  or regulation;

    (o) incur any commitments for capital expenditures or obligation to make
  capital expenditures in excess of $50,000 for any one expenditure, or
  $250,000 in the aggregate (it being understood that Matewan has existing
  commitments of approximately $900,000 for the purchase of a banking
  facility in Tazewell, Virginia, approximately $750,000 for the construction
  of a banking facility in Richlands, Virginia, and approximately $900,000
  for year-2000 compliance and for computer systems);

    (p) incur any indebtedness other than deposits from customers, advances
  from the Federal Home Loan Bank or Federal Reserve Bank and reverse
  repurchase arrangements in the ordinary course of business;


                                     A-23
<PAGE>

    (q) take any action which would or could reasonably be expected to (i)
  cause the Merger not to constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of
  the Code as determined by BB&T, (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;

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

    (s) agree to do any of the foregoing.

5.10 Employment Agreements

  BB&T (or its specified BB&T Subsidiary) agrees to enter into an employment
agreement with Dan R. Moore substantially in the form of Annex B hereto, with
Timothy Edwards and Anna Ward substantially in the form of Annex C hereto, and
with Lee E. Ellis substantially in the form of Annex D hereto.

5.11 Affiliates

  Matewan shall use its best efforts to cause all persons who are Affiliates
of Matewan to deliver to BB&T promptly following this Agreement a written
agreement providing that such person will not dispose of BB&T Common Stock
received in the Merger except in compliance with the Securities Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and in any event shall use its
best efforts to cause such affiliates to deliver to BB&T such written
agreement prior to the Closing Date.

5.12 401(k) Plan; Pension Plan; Other Employee Benefits; Stock Purchase Plan

  (a) BB&T shall cause the 401(k) plan of Matewan to be merged with the 401(k)
plan maintained by BB&T and the BB&T Subsidiaries, and the account balances of
former employees of Matewan or the Matewan Subsidiaries who are participants
in the Matewan plan shall be transferred to the accounts of such employees
under the BB&T 401(k) plan. Following such merger and transfer, such accounts
shall be governed and controlled by the terms of the BB&T 401(k) plan as in
effect from time to time (and subject to BB&T's right to terminate such plan).
For purposes of administering the 401(k) plan, service with Matewan and the
Matewan Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be service with BB&T or the BB&T
Subsidiaries for participation and vesting purposes, but not for purposes of
benefit accrual.

  (b) As soon as practicable following the Effective Time, BB&T shall take any
and all action necessary either (i) to terminate the defined benefit pension
plan of Matewan (the "Pension Plan") pursuant to a standard termination in
accordance with Section 4041 of ERISA and to provide for full vesting of the
accrued benefits of all participants in the Pension Plan and the distribution
of the assets thereof to the participants or (ii) to merge the Pension Plan
with and into BB&T's defined benefit pension plan. The actions relating to
termination or merger of the Pension Plan shall be conditioned upon receiving
a favorable determination letter from the IRS with regard to the termination
or merger of the Pension Plan. BB&T will use its reasonable best efforts to
seek the issuance of such letter as soon as practicable following the
Effective Time. Each employee of Matewan or a Matewan Subsidiary at the
Effective Time who becomes an employee immediately following the Effective
Time of BB&T or a BB&T Subsidiary ("Employer Entity") shall be given credit
under BB&T's defined benefit pension plan for service with Matewan and the
Matewan Subsidiaries for participation and vesting purposes, but not for
purposes of benefit accrual.

  (c) Each employee of Matewan or a Matewan Subsidiary at the Effective Time
who becomes an employee immediately following the Effective Time of an
Employer Entity shall be eligible to participate in the group hospitalization,
medical, dental, life, disability and other welfare benefit plans and programs
available to employees of the Employer Entity, subject to the terms of such
plans and programs; provided, that service with Matewan or a Matewan
Subsidiary shall be deemed to be service with the Employer Entity for the
purpose of determining eligibility to participate and vesting (if applicable)
in such welfare plans and programs, but not for

                                     A-24
<PAGE>

the purpose of computing benefits, if any, determined in whole or in part with
reference to service. Medical expenses paid by any Matewan employee prior to
the Effective Time shall be counted toward deductibles or co-payments to the
same extent that such expenses would have been counted had such employee been
participating in the Employer Entity's welfare plans and programs.

  (d) Each employee of Matewan or a Matewan Subsidiary who becomes an employee
of an Employer Entity and is terminated by such or another Employer Entity
subsequent to the Effective Time, excluding any employee who has an existing
employment or special termination agreement which is Disclosed, shall be
entitled to severance pay in accordance with the general severance policy
maintained by BB&T, if and to the extent that such employee is entitled to
severance pay under such policy. Such employee's service with Matewan or a
Matewan Subsidiary shall be treated as service with BB&T for purposes of
determining the amount of severance pay, if any, under BB&T's severance
policy.

  (e) BB&T agrees to honor all employment agreements, severance agreements and
deferred compensation agreements that Matewan and the Matewan Subsidiaries
have with their current and former employees and directors and which have been
Disclosed to BB&T pursuant to this Agreement, except to the extent any such
agreements shall be superseded or terminated at the Closing or following the
Closing Date. Except for the agreements described in the preceding sentence,
the employee benefit plans of Matewan shall be terminated as of the Effective
Time.

5.13 Directors and Officers Protection

  BB&T or a BB&T Subsidiary shall provide and keep in force for a period of
three years after the Effective Time directors' and officers' liability
insurance providing coverage to directors and officers of Matewan for acts or
omissions occurring prior to the Effective Time. Such insurance shall provide
at least the same coverage and amounts as contained in Matewan's policy on the
date hereof; provided, that in no event shall the annual premium on such
policy exceed 150% of the annual premium payments on Matewan's policy in
effect as of the date hereof (the "Maximum Amount"). If the amount of the
premiums necessary to maintain or procure such insurance coverage exceeds the
Maximum Amount, BB&T 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. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, BB&T further agrees to indemnify all individuals who are or have
been officers, directors or employees of Matewan or any Matewan Subsidiary
prior to the Effective Time from any acts or omissions in such capacities
prior to the Effective Time, to the extent that such indemnification is
provided pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Matewan on
the date hereof and is permitted under the NCBCA.

5.14 Forbearances of BB&T

  Except with the prior written consent of Matewan, which consent shall not be
arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld, between the date hereof and the
Effective Time, neither BB&T nor any BB&T Subsidiary shall take any action
which would or might be expected to (i) cause the business combination
contemplated hereby 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; (iii) cause any of the
conditions precedent to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to
fail to be satisfied; (iv) exercise the BB&T Option Agreement other than in
accordance with its terms, or dispose of the shares of Matewan Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of the option rights conferred thereby other than as
permitted by the terms thereof; or (v) 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.

5.15 Reports

  Each of Matewan and BB&T shall file (and shall cause the Matewan
Subsidiaries and the BB&T Subsidiaries, respectively, to file), between the
date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, all reports required

                                     A-25
<PAGE>

to be filed by it with the Commission and any other regulatory authorities
having jurisdiction over such party, and shall deliver to BB&T or Matewan, 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 GAAP
(subject in the case of interim financial statements to the absence of notes
and 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.

5.16 Exchange Listing

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

5.17 Advisory Board for the Matewan Market Area.

  As of the Effective Time, BB&T shall offer to each of the members of the
Board of Directors of Matewan a seat on the Advisory Board for the Southern
West Virginia region. For two years following the Effective Time, the Advisory
Board members appointed pursuant to this Section 5.17 and who continue to
serve shall receive, as compensation for service on the Advisory Board,
Advisory Board member's fees (annual retainer and attendance fees) equal in
amount each year (prorated for any partial year) to the annual retainer and
schedule of attendance fees for directors of Matewan in effect on January 1,
1999. Following such two-year period, Advisory Board Members, if they continue
to serve in such capacity, shall receive fees in accordance with BB&T's
standard schedule of fees for service thereon as in effect from time to time.
For two years after the Effective Time, no such Advisory Board member shall be
prohibited from serving thereon because he or she shall have attained the
maximum age for service thereon (currently age 70). Matewan shall use its best
efforts to cause each member of its Board of Directors to enter into an
agreement with BB&T on or before the Closing Date providing that such member
will not engage in activities competitive with BB&T for two years following
the Effective Time.

5.18 Board of Directors of BB&T

  As of the Effective Time, Branch Banking and Trust Company, a North Carolina
banking corporation, shall elect Dan R. Moore to its Board of Directors, to
serve until its next annual meeting (subject to the right of removal for
cause) and thereafter so long as he is elected and qualifies.

                                  ARTICLE VI

                             Conditions Precedent

6.1 Conditions Precedent--BB&T and Matewan

  The respective obligations of BB&T and Matewan 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 Agreement and the Plan of Merger, and consummation
  of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, shall have been duly
  and validly taken, including, without limitation, the approval of the
  shareholders of Matewan of the Agreement and the Plan of Merger;

                                     A-26
<PAGE>

    (b) The Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendments
  thereto) shall be effective under the Securities Act, no proceedings shall
  be pending or to the knowledge of BB&T threatened by the Commission to
  suspend the effectiveness of such Registration Statement and the BB&T
  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 Agreement and the
  Plan of Merger, all notice periods and waiting periods with respect to such
  approvals shall have passed and all such approvals shall be in effect;

    (d) None of BB&T, any of the BB&T Subsidiaries, Matewan or any of the
  Matewan 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 Agreement; and

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

6.2 Conditions Precedent--Matewan

  The obligations of Matewan 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 Matewan
pursuant to Section 7.4:

    (a) All representations and warranties of BB&T shall be evaluated 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 Agreement or consented to in
  writing by Matewan. The representations and warranties of BB&T set forth in
  Sections 4.1, 4.2 (except as relates to qualification), 4.3(a), 4.3(b)(i)
  and 4.4 (except as relates to qualification) shall be true and correct
  (except for inaccuracies which are de minimis in amount). There shall not
  exist inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of BB&T set forth
  in this Agreement (including the representations and warranties set forth
  in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3(a), 4.3(b)(i) and 4.4) such that the aggregate
  effect of such inaccuracies has, or is reasonably likely to have, a
  Material Adverse Effect on BB&T.

    (b) BB&T shall have performed in all material respects all obligations
  and complied in all material respects with all covenants required by this
  Agreement.

    (c) BB&T shall have delivered to Matewan 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), 6.1(d), 6.2(a) and 6.2(b) hereof, to the extent applicable
  to BB&T, 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 BB&T or that present a claim
  to restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated herein or in the Plan
  of Merger.

    (d) Matewan shall have received opinions of counsel to BB&T in the form
  reasonably acceptable to Matewan's legal counsel.

    (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.

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


                                     A-27
<PAGE>

6.3 Conditions Precedent--BB&T

  The obligations of BB&T 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 BB&T pursuant
to Section 7.4:

    (a) All representations and warranties of Matewan shall be evaluated 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 Agreement or consented to
  in writing by BB&T. The representations and warranties of Matewan set forth
  in Sections 3.1, 3.2 (except the last sentence thereof), 3.3, 3.4 (except
  the last sentence thereof), 3.5(a), 3.5(b)(i), 3.23 and 3.24 shall be true
  and correct (except for inaccuracies which are de minimis in amount). There
  shall not exist inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of
  Matewan set forth in this Agreement (including the representations and
  warranties set forth in the Sections designated in the preceding sentence)
  such that the effect of such inaccuracies individually or in the aggregate
  has, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Matewan
  and the Matewan Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Notwithstanding the
  foregoing provisions of this Section 6.3(a), BB&T acknowledges and agrees
  that any claim against Matewan or loss to Matewan based on facts known to
  BB&T at 11:59 p.m. on April 26, 1999, shall not be considered in
  determining whether there has occurred a Material Adverse Effect with
  respect to Matewan for purposes of this Section 6.3(a).

    (b) No regulatory approval shall have imposed any condition or
  requirement which, in the reasonable opinion of the Board of Directors of
  BB&T, would so materially adversely affect the business or economic
  benefits to BB&T of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as to
  render consummation of such transactions inadvisable or unduly burdensome.

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

    (d) Matewan shall have delivered to BB&T 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) hereof,
  to the extent applicable to Matewan, 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
  Matewan or that present a claim to restrain or prohibit the transactions
  contemplated herein or in the Plan of Merger.

    (e) BB&T shall have received opinions of counsel to Matewan in the form
  reasonably acceptable to BB&T's legal counsel.

    (f) BB&T shall have received the written agreements from Affiliates as
  specified in Section 5.11 hereof to the extent necessary, in the reasonable
  judgment of BB&T, to promote compliance with Rule 145 promulgated by the
  Commission.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                  Termination, Default, 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) hereof in the case of Matewan and Section 6.3(a) hereof in the case
  of BB&T;

                                     A-28
<PAGE>

  and, in the case of (i) or (ii), if such breach or inaccuracy has not been
  cured by the earlier of thirty days following written notice of such breach
  to the party committing such breach or the Effective Time. Notwithstanding
  the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.1(b), BB&T acknowledges and
  agrees that it shall not have grounds to terminate this Agreement pursuant
  to (i) or (ii) of this Section 7.1(b) because of facts known to BB&T at
  11:59 p.m. on April 26, 1999.

    (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 hereof 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 Matewan do not approve the Agreement and the Plan of Merger.

    (f) At any time following October 15, 1999 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 April 26, 1999 by BB&T in writing,
  if BB&T determines in its sole good faith judgment, through review of
  information Disclosed by Matewan, or otherwise, that the financial
  condition, results of operations, business or business prospects of Matewan
  and of the Matewan Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are materially adversely
  different from BB&T's reasonable expectations with respect thereto on the
  date of execution of this Agreement; provided that BB&T shall inform
  Matewan upon such termination as to the reasons for BB&T's determination.
  The fact that Matewan has Disclosed information shall not prevent BB&T from
  terminating this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(g) on account of
  such information.

    (h) By Matewan at any time during the five-day period commencing after
  the Determination Date if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

      (1) the Closing Value shall be less than $30.87; and

      (2) (i) the quotient obtained by dividing the Closing Value by
    $36.3125 (such number being referred to herein as the "BB&T Ratio")
    shall be less than (ii) 90% of the quotient obtained by dividing the
    Index Price on the Determination Date by the Index Price on the
    Starting Date;

  subject, however, to the following three sentences. If Matewan determines
not to consummate the Merger pursuant to this Section 7.1(h), it shall give
prompt written notice of its election to terminate to BB&T, which notice may
be withdrawn at any time prior to the lapse of the ten-day period commencing
on the Determination Date. During the five-day period commencing with its
receipt of such notice, BB&T shall have the option, with respect to a failure
to satisfy the condition in clause (1), to elect to increase the Common
Exchange Ratio to a number such that the value (based on the Closing Value) of
the amount of BB&T Common Stock to be received in the Merger for each share of
Matewan Common Stock shall equal the value (based on the Closing Value) that
would have been received if the Closing Value were $30.87. The election
contemplated by the preceding sentence shall be made by giving notice to
Matewan of such election and the revised Common 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
Common Exchange Ratio shall have been so modified), and any references in this
Agreement to "Common Exchange Ratio" shall thereafter be deemed to refer to
the Common Exchange Ratio as adjusted pursuant to this Section 7.1(h) and any
references in this Agreement to "Preferred Exchange Ratio" shall thereafter be
deemed to refer to the product of the Common Exchange Ratio as adjusted
pursuant to this Section 7.1(h) multiplied by 1.25. If the Closing Date shall
occur during the five-day period such option is in effect, the Closing Date
shall be extended until the fifth Business Day following the close of such
five-day period.

                                     A-29
<PAGE>

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

  "Closing Value" shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.7(d).

  "Determination Date" shall mean the tenth calendar day preceding the date
designated by BB&T as the Closing Date.

  "Index Group" shall mean the 12 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) shall be redistributed proportionately for purposes
of determining the Index Price. The 12 bank holding companies and the weights
attributed to them are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Bank Holding Companies                                         % Weighting
      ----------------------                                         -----------
      <S>                                                            <C>
      Wachovia Corporation..........................................     9.64
      Fifth Third Bancorp...........................................    12.69
      Comerica Incorporation........................................     7.40
      Summit Bancorp................................................     8.23
      Mercantile Bancorporation, Inc................................     7.48
      First Security Corporation....................................     8.95
      Huntington Bancshares Inc.....................................    10.06
      SouthTrust Corporation........................................     7.86
      Regions Financial Corporation.................................    10.52
      Marshall & Ilsley Corp........................................     5.05
      AmSouth Bancorporation........................................     5.67
      Union Planters Corp...........................................     6.45
                                                                       ------
      Total.........................................................   100.00%
                                                                       ======
</TABLE>

  "Index Price" on a given date shall mean the weighted average (weighted in
accordance with the "% Weighting" listed above) of the closing sales prices of
the companies composing the Index Group (determined as provided with respect
to the Closing Value).

  "Starting Date" shall mean the date of this Agreement.

  If any company belonging to the Index Group or BB&T 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 BB&T
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 hereof, 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 hereof,
respectively, shall survive any such termination and (ii) a termination
pursuant to Section 7.1(b) hereof shall not relieve the breaching party from
liability for a breach of the covenant, agreement, representation or warranty
giving rise to such termination. The BB&T Option Agreement shall be governed
by its own terms.

                                     A-30
<PAGE>

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 (including Sections 5.13, 5.17 and 5.18), provided that no such
representations, warranties or covenants shall be deemed to be terminated or
extinguished so as to deprive BB&T or Matewan (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 BB&T or Matewan,
the aforesaid representations, warranties and covenants being material
inducements to consummation by BB&T and Matewan of the transactions
contemplated herein.

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 Matewan 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 this Section 7.4, executed after approval by the
Matewan shareholders of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger, shall reduce
either the Common Exchange Ratio or the Preferred Exchange Ratio 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 BB&T and Matewan, 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 Agreement, including,
without limitation, fees and expenses of its own financial consultants,
accountants and counsel; provided, however, that the filing fees and printing
costs incurred in connection with the Registration Statement and the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus shall be borne 50% by BB&T and 50% by Matewan.

8.2 Entire Agreement

  This Agreement, including the documents and other writings referenced herein
or delivered pursuant hereto, contains the entire agreement between the
parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder
and supersedes all arrangements or understandings with respect thereto,
written or oral, entered into on or before the date hereof. The terms and
conditions of this Agreement and the BB&T Option Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and thereto and their
respective successors. Nothing in this Agreement or the BB&T Option Agreement,
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, except for the rights of directors and
officers of Matewan to enforce rights in Sections 5.13, 5.17 and 5.18.

                                     A-31
<PAGE>

8.3 No Assignment

  Except for a substitution of parties pursuant to Section 5.4(a), none of the
parties hereto may assign any of its rights or obligations under this
Agreement to any other person, except upon the prior written consent of each
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 Matewan:

  Dan R. Moore
  2nd Avenue and Vinton Street
  Post Office Box 100
  Williamston, West Virginia 25661
  Telephone: 304-235-1544
  Fax: 304-235-1556

  With a required copy to:

  Charles D. Dunbar
  Jackson & Kelly
  1600 Laidley Tower
  Charleston, West Virginia 25301
  Telephone: 304-340-1196
  Fax: 304-340-1080

  If to BB&T:

  Scott E. Reed
  150 South Stratford Road
  4th Floor
  Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104
  Telephone: 336-733-3088
  Fax: 336-733-2296

  With a required copy to:

  William A. Davis, II
  Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC
  200 West Second Street
  Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102
  Telephone: 336-721-3624
  Fax: 336-733-8364

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

8.5 Specific Performance

  Matewan acknowledges that the Matewan Common Stock and the Matewan Preferred
Stock and the Matewan business and assets are unique, and that if Matewan
fails to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement such
failure will cause irreparable harm to BB&T for which there will be no
adequate remedy

                                     A-32
<PAGE>

at law, BB&T shall be entitled, in addition to its other remedies at law, to
specific performance of this Agreement if Matewan shall, without cause, refuse
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

8.6 Captions

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

8.7 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.

8.8 Governing Law

  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to the principles of
conflicts of laws, except to the extent federal law may be applicable.

8.9 Initial Merger Agreement

  This Agreement, executed May 6, 1999, sets forth the terms of the Initial
Merger Agreement as amended prior to the date of execution hereof, effective
as of February 24, 1999, the date of execution of the Initial Merger
Agreement. Following execution hereof, the Initial Merger Agreement and the
amendments thereto shall have no further force or effect. All references in
this Agreement to "the date hereof" shall mean February 24, 1999, and all
agreements, covenants, representations and warranties set forth in this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been made on February 24, 1999.

8.10 BB&T Option Agreement

  The parties acknowledge that this Agreement represents ongoing consideration
for the BB&T Option Agreement, and that the BB&T Option Agreement shall
continue in effect in accordance with its terms.

                 [remainder of page intentionally left blank]


                                     A-33
<PAGE>

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

                                          BB&T Corporation

                                                  /s/ John A. Allison IV
                                          By: _________________________________
                                             Name: John A. Allison IV
                                             Title: Chairman and Chief
                                             Executive Officer

                                          Matewan Bancshares, Inc.

                                                     /s/ Dan R. Moore
                                          By: _________________________________
                                             Name: Dan R. Moore
                                             Title: Chairman, President and
                                             Chief Executive Officer

                                     A-34
<PAGE>

                                                                        ANNEX A

                             ARTICLES OF MERGER OF
                           MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC.
                                 WITH AND INTO
                               BB&T CORPORATION

  Pursuant to the provisions of Section 55-11-05 of the General Statutes of
North Carolina, BB&T Corporation, a North Carolina corporation ("BB&T"), the
surviving corporation, submits these Articles of Merger for the purpose of
merging Matewan BancShares, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Matewan") into BB&T
(the "Merger").

                                   ARTICLE I

  The Plan of Merger attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by
reference (the "Plan of Merger") was duly approved in the manner prescribed by
law by the shareholders of Matewan on the   day of    , 1999, pursuant to the
terms of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of February 24,
1999, with BB&T and Matewan as parties thereto.

                                  ARTICLE II

  Approval of the Plan of Merger by the shareholders of BB&T was not required.

                                  ARTICLE III

  The merger shall become effective at  : .m. on        , 1999.

  This the   day of      , 1999.

                                          BB&T CORPORATION

                                          By: _________________________________
                                          Name: _______________________________
                                          Title: ______________________________

                                          MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC.

                                          By: _________________________________
                                          Name: _______________________________
                                          Title: ______________________________

                                     A-35
<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT A

                               PLAN OF MERGER OF
                           MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC.
                                 WITH AND INTO
                               BB&T CORPORATION

  Section 1. Corporations Proposing to Merge and Surviving
Corporation. Matewan BancShares, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Matewan"),
shall be merged (the "Merger") with and into BB&T Corporation, a North
Carolina corporation ("BB&T"), pursuant to the terms and conditions of this
Plan of Merger (the "Plan of Merger") and of the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization, dated as of February 24, 1999, (the "Agreement"), by and
between Matewan and BB&T. The effective time for the Merger (the "Effective
Time") shall be set forth in the Articles of Merger to be filed with the
Office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina and the Certificate of
Merger to be filed with the Delaware Department of State. BB&T shall continue
as the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation") in the Merger and
the separate corporate existence of Matewan shall cease. The name of the
surviving corporation shall be BB&T Corporation.

  Section 2. Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects set
forth in Section 8-259 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
(the "DGCL") and in Section 55-11-06 of the North Carolina Business
Corporation Act (the "NCBCA").

  Section 3. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Articles of
Incorporation and the Bylaws of BB&T as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall remain in effect as the Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation following the Effective Time until changed
in accordance with their terms and the NCBCA.

  Section 4. Conversion of Shares.

  (a) At the Effective Time, each share of common stock, par value $1.00, of
Matewan ("Matewan Common Stock") and each share of the Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $1.00, of Matewan ("Matewan Preferred
Stock") outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue
of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be
converted into and become the right to receive shares of common stock, par
value $5.00, of BB&T ("BB&T Common Stock") as described in Section 5.

  (b) At the Effective Time, each share of the common stock of BB&T issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue to be
issued and outstanding.

  Section 5. Merger Consideration. As used herein, the term "Merger
Consideration" shall mean the number of shares of BB&T Common Stock to be
exchanged for each share of Matewan Common Stock issued and outstanding as of
the Effective Time (the "Common Exchange Ratio") and for each share of Matewan
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time (the
"Preferred Exchange Ratio") and cash (without interest) to be payable in
exchange for any fractional share of BB&T Common Stock which would otherwise
be distributable to a Matewan shareholder as provided in Section 2.7(b).

  (a) The Common Exchange Ratio shall be 0.67, and the Preferred Exchange
Ratio shall be 0.8375.

  (b) The amount of cash payable with respect to any fractional share of BB&T
Common Stock shall be determined by multiplying the fractional part of such
share by the Closing Value. The "Closing Value" shall mean the average closing
price per share of BB&T Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Transaction List
(as reported by The Wall Street Journal--Eastern Edition) for the five trading
days (determined by excluding days on which the NYSE is closed) ending on the
tenth calendar day immediately preceding the Effective Time (the tenth day to
be determined by counting the first calendar day preceding the Effective Time
as the first day). No person will be entitled to dividends, voting rights or
any other rights as a BB&T shareholder in respect of any fractional share.

                                     A-36
<PAGE>

  Section 6. No Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any other term or provision
hereof, no fraction of a share of BB&T Common Stock, and no certificates or
script therefor or other evidence of ownership thereof, will be issued in
connection with the conversion of Matewan Common Stock and Matewan Preferred
Stock in the Merger, and no right to receive cash in lieu thereof shall
entitle the holder thereof to any voting or other rights of a holder of shares
or fractional share interests of the Surviving Corporation. In lieu of such
fractional shares, any holder of shares who would otherwise be entitled to
fractional shares of BB&T Common Stock will, upon receipt by the Surviving
Corporation of the instruction letter and other documents described in Section
2.8(d) of the Agreement, be paid the cash value of each such fraction as set
forth in Section 5.

  Section 7. Amendment. At any time before the Effective Time, this Plan of
Merger may be amended, provided that: (i) any such amendment is approved by
the Boards of Directors of Matewan and BB&T; and (ii) no such amendment made
subsequent to the submission of this Plan of Merger to the shareholders of
Matewan shall have any of the effects specified in Section 8-251(d) of the
DGCL without the approval of the shareholders affected thereby.


                                     A-37
<PAGE>

                                                                     APPENDIX B

                                                                  June 22, 1999
The Board of Directors
Matewan BancShares, Inc.
2nd Avenue and Vinson
Street Williamson, West
Virginia 25661

Dear Members of the Board:

  Matewan BancShares, Inc., Williamson, West Virginia ("Matewan") and BB&T
Corporation, Winston Salem, North Carolina, ("BB&T") have entered into an
agreement providing for the merger of Matewan with and into BB&T ("Merger").
The terms of the Merger are set forth in the Amended and Restated Agreement
and Plan of Reorganization ("Agreement") dated February 24, 1999 and as
amended on April 27, 1999.

  The terms of the Merger provide that, with the possible exception of those
shares as to which dissenter's rights may be perfected, each share of Matewan
common stock, $1.00 par value, will be exchanged for .67 shares of BB&T common
stock, $5.00 par value, and that each share of Matewan convertible preferred
stock, $1.00 par value, will be exchanged for .8375 shares of BB&T common
stock (the "Exchange Ratios"), subject to certain adjustments.

  You have asked our opinion as to whether the proposed transaction pursuant
to the terms of the Merger is fair to the respective shareholders of Matewan
from a financial point of view.

  In rendering our opinion, we have evaluated the consolidated financial
statements of Matewan and BB&T available to us from published sources. In
addition, we have, among other things: (a) to the extent deemed relevant,
analyzed selected public information of certain other financial institutions
and compared Matewan and BB&T from a financial point of view to the other
financial institutions; (b) compared the terms of the Merger with the terms of
certain other comparable transactions to the extent information concerning
such acquisitions was publicly available; (c) reviewed the drafts of the
Agreement and related documents; (d) reviewed the historical market price of
Matewan's common stock and convertible preferred stock and BB&T's common
stock; and (e) made such other analyses and examinations as we deemed
necessary. We also met with various senior officers of Matewan and BB&T to
discuss the foregoing as well as other matters that may be relevant.

  We have not independently verified the financial and other information
concerning Matewan and BB&T, or other data which we have considered in our
review. We have assumed the accuracy and completeness of all such information;
however, we have no reason to believe that such information is not accurate
and complete. Our conclusion is rendered on the basis of securities market
conditions prevailing as of the date hereof and on the conditions and
prospects, financial and otherwise, of Matewan and BB&T as they exist and are
known to us as of March 31, 1999.

  We have acted as financial advisor to Matewan in connection with the Merger
and will receive from Matewan a fee for our services, a significant portion of
which is contingent upon the consummation of the Merger.

  It is understood that this opinion may be included in its entirety in any
communication by Matewan or the Board of Directors to the stockholders of
Matewan. The opinion may not, however, be summarized, excerpted from or
otherwise publicly referred to without our prior written consent.

  Based on the foregoing, and subject to the limitations described above, we
are of the opinion that the Exchange Ratios are fair to the shareholders of
Matewan from a financial point of view.

                                          Sincerely,

                                          Baxter Fentriss and Company

                                      B-1
<PAGE>

                                                                     APPENDIX C

                                  SECTION 262
                        OF THE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
                           OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

(S) 262. Appraisal Rights.

  (a) Any stockholder of a corporation of this State who holds shares of stock
on the date of the making of a demand pursuant to subsection (d) of this
section with respect to such shares, who continuously holds such shares
through the effective date of the merger or consolidation, who has otherwise
complied with subsection (d) of this section and who has neither voted in
favor of the merger or consolidation nor consented thereto in writing pursuant
to (S) 228 of this title shall be entitled to an appraisal by the Court of
Chancery of the fair value of his shares of stock under the circumstances
described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section. As used in this section,
the word "stockholder" means a holder of record of stock in a stock
corporation and also a member of record of a nonstock corporation; the words
"stock" and "share" mean and include what is ordinarily meant by those words
and also membership or membership interest of a member of a nonstock
corporation; and the words "depository receipt" mean a receipt or other
instrument issued by a depository representing an interest in one or more
shares, or fractions thereof, solely of stock of a corporation, which stock is
deposited with the depository.

  (b) Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class or
series of stock of a constituent corporation in a merger or consolidation to
be effected pursuant to (S) 251 (other than a merger effected pursuant to (S)
251(g) of this title), (S) 252,(S) 254, (S) 257, (S) 258, (S) 263 or (S) 264
of this title:

    (1) Provided, however, that no appraisal rights under this section shall
  be available for the shares of any class or series of stock, which stock,
  or depository receipts in respect thereof, at the record date fixed to
  determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the
  meeting of stockholders to act upon the agreement of merger or
  consolidation, were either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or
  designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
  system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held
  of record by more than 2,000 holders; and further provided that no
  appraisal rights shall be available for any shares of stock of the
  constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger did not require
  for its approval the vote of the holders of the surviving corporation as
  provided in subsection (f) of (S) 251 of this title.

    (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, appraisal rights
  under this section shall be available for the shares of any class or series
  of stock of a constituent corporation if the holders thereof are required
  by the terms of an agreement of merger or consolidation pursuant to (S)(S)
  251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 263 and 264 of this title to accept for such stock
  anything except:

      a. Shares of stock of the corporation surviving or resulting from
    such merger or consolidation, or depository receipts in respect
    thereof;

      b. Shares of stock of any other corporation, or depository receipts
    in respect thereof, which shares of stock (or depositary receipts in
    respect thereof) or depository receipts at the effective date of the
    merger or consolidation will be either listed on a national securities
    exchange or designated as a national market system security on an
    interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities
    Dealers, Inc. or held of record by more than 2,000 holders;

      c. Cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depository
    receipts described in the foregoing subparagraphs a. and b. of this
    paragraph; or

      d. Any combination of the shares of stock, depository receipts and
    cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depository receipts
    described in the foregoing subparagraphs a., b. and c. of this
    paragraph.

    (3) In the event all of the stock of a subsidiary Delaware corporation
  party to a merger effected under (S) 253 of this title is not owned by the
  parent corporation immediately prior to the merger, appraisal rights shall
  be available for the shares of the subsidiary Delaware corporation.

                                      C-1
<PAGE>

  (c) Any corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation that
appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares of any
class or series of its stock as a result of an amendment to its certificate of
incorporation, any merger or consolidation in which the corporation is a
constituent corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets
of the corporation. If the certificate of incorporation contains such a
provision, the procedures of this section, including those set forth in
subsections (d) and (e) of this section, shall apply as nearly as is
practicable.

  (d) Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:

    (1) If a proposed merger or consolidation for which appraisal rights are
  provided under this section is to be submitted for approval at a meeting of
  stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to the meeting,
  shall notify each of its stockholders who was such on the record date for
  such meeting with respect to shares for which appraisal rights are
  available pursuant to subsections (b) or (c) hereof that appraisal rights
  are available for any or all of the shares of the constituent corporations,
  and shall include in such notice a copy of this section. Each stockholder
  electing to demand the appraisal of his shares shall deliver to the
  corporation, before the taking of the vote on the merger or consolidation,
  a written demand for appraisal of his shares. Such demand will be
  sufficient if it reasonably informs the corporation of the identity of the
  stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to demand the
  appraisal of his shares. A proxy or vote against the merger or
  consolidation shall not constitute such a demand. A stockholder electing to
  take such action must do so by a separate written demand as herein
  provided. Within 10 days after the effective date of such merger or
  consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation shall notify each
  stockholder of each constituent corporation who has complied with this
  subsection and has not voted in favor of or consented to the merger or
  consolidation of the date that the merger or consolidation has become
  effective; or

    (2) If the merger or consolidation was approved pursuant to (S) 228 or
  (S) 253 of this title, each constituent corporation, either before the
  effective date of the merger or consolidation or within ten days
  thereafter, shall notify each of the holders of any class or series of
  stock of such constituent corporation who are entitled to appraisal rights
  of the approval of the merger or consolidation and that appraisal rights
  are available for any or all shares of such class or series of stock of
  such constituent corporation, and shall include in such notice a copy of
  this section; provided that, if the notice is given on or after the
  effective date of the merger or consolidation, such notice shall be given
  by the surviving or resulting corporation to all such holders of any class
  or series of stock of a constituent corporation that are entitled to
  appraisal rights. Such notice may, and, if given on or after the effective
  date of the merger or consolidation, shall, also notify such stockholders
  of the effective date of the merger consolidation. Any stockholder entitled
  to appraisal rights may, within 20 days after the date of mailing of such
  notice, demand in writing from the surviving or resulting corporation the
  appraisal of such holder's shares. Such demand will be sufficient if it
  reasonably informs the corporation of the identity of the stockholder and
  that the stockholder intends thereby to demand the appraisal of such
  holder's shares. If such notice did not notify stockholders of the
  effective date of the merger or consolidation, either (i) each such
  constituent corporation shall send a second notice before the effective
  date of the merger or consolidation notifying each of the holders of any
  class or series of stock of such constituent corporation that are entitled
  to appraisal rights of the effective date of the merger or consolidation or
  (ii) the surviving or resulting corporation shall send such a second notice
  to all such holders on or within 10 days after such effective date;
  provided, however, that if such second notice is sent more than 20 days
  following the sending of the first notice, such second notice is sent more
  than 20 days following the sending of the first notice, such second notice
  need only be sent to each stockholder who is entitled to appraisal rights
  and who has demanded appraisal of such holder's shares in accordance with
  this subsection. An affidavit of the secretary or assistant secretary or of
  the transfer agent of the corporation that is required to give either
  notice that such notice has been given shall, in the absence of fraud, be
  prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. For purposes of
  determining the stockholders entitled to receive either notice, each
  constituent corporation may fix, in advance, a record date that shall be
  not more than 10 days prior to the date the notice is given, provided, that
  if the notice is given on or after the effective date of the merger or
  consolidation, the record date shall be such effective date. If no record
  date is fixed and the

                                      C-2
<PAGE>

  notice is given prior to the effective date, the record date shall be the
  close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the notice is
  given.

  (e) Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation,
the surviving or resulting corporation or any stockholder who has complied
with subsections (a) and (d) hereof and who is otherwise entitled to appraisal
rights, may file a petition in the Court of Chancery demanding a determination
of the value of the stock of all such stockholders. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, at any time within 60 days after the effective date of the merger
or consolidation, any stockholder shall have the right to withdraw his demand
for appraisal and to accept the terms offered upon the merger or
consolidation. Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, any stockholder who has complied with the requirements of
subsections (a) and (d) hereof, upon written request, shall be entitled to
receive from the corporation surviving the merger or resulting from the
consolidation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not
voted in favor of the merger or consolidation and with respect to which
demands for appraisal have been received and the aggregate number of holders
of such shares. Such written statement shall be mailed to the stockholder
within 10 days after his written request for such a statement is received by
the surviving or resulting corporation or within 10 days after expiration of
the period for delivery of demands for appraisal under subsection (d) hereof,
whichever is later.

  (f) Upon the filing of any such petition by a stockholder, service of a copy
thereof shall be made upon the surviving or resulting corporation, which shall
within 20 days after such service file in the office of the Register in
Chancery in which the petition was filed a duly verified list containing the
names and addresses of all stockholders who have demanded payment for their
shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have not been
reached by the surviving or resulting corporation. If the petition shall be
filed by the surviving or resulting corporation, the petition shall be
accompanied by such a duly verified list. The Register in Chancery, if so
ordered by the Court, shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the
hearing of such petition by registered or certified mail to the surviving or
resulting corporation and to the stockholders shown on the list at the
addresses therein stated. Such notice shall also be given by 1 or more
publications at least 1 week before the day of the hearing, in a newspaper of
general circulation published in the City of Wilmington, Delaware or such
publication as the Court deems advisable. The forms of the notices by mail and
by publication shall be approved by the Court, and the costs thereof shall be
borne by the surviving or resulting corporation.

  (g) At the hearing on such petition, the Court shall determine the
stockholders who have complied with this section and who have become entitled
to appraisal rights. The Court may require the stockholders who have demanded
an appraisal for their shares and who hold stock represented by certificates
to submit their certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery for notation
thereon of the pendency of the appraisal proceedings; and if any stockholder
fails to comply with such direction, the Court may dismiss the proceedings as
to such stockholder.

  (h) After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the Court
shall appraise the shares, determining their fair value exclusive of any
element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger
or consolidation, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid
upon the amount determined to be the fair value. In determining such fair
value, the Court shall take into account all relevant factors. In determining
the fair rate of interest, the Court may consider all relevant factors,
including the rate of interest which the surviving or resulting corporation
would have had to pay to borrow money during the pendency of the proceeding.
Upon application by the surviving or resulting corporation or by any
stockholder entitled to participate in the appraisal proceeding, the Court
may, in its discretion, permit discovery or other pretrial proceedings and may
proceed to trial upon the appraisal prior to the final determination of the
stockholder entitled to an appraisal. Any stockholder whose name appears on
the list filed by the surviving or resulting corporation pursuant to
subsection (f) of this section and who has submitted his certificates of stock
to the Register in Chancery, if such is required, may participate fully in all
proceedings until it is finally determined that he is not entitled to
appraisal rights under this section.

  (i) The Court shall direct the payment of the fair value of the shares,
together with interest, if any, by the surviving or resulting corporation to
the stockholders entitled thereto. Interest may be simple or compound, as

                                      C-3
<PAGE>

the Court may direct. Payment shall be so made to each such stockholder, in
the case of holders of uncertificated stock forthwith, and the case of holders
of shares represented by certificates upon the surrender to the corporation of
the certificates representing such stock. The Court's decree may be enforced
as other decrees in the Court of Chancery may be enforced, whether such
surviving or resulting corporation be a corporation of this State or of any
state.

  (j) The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Court and taxed
upon the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances. Upon
application of a stockholder, the Court may order all or a portion of the
expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with the appraisal
proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and the
fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro rata against the value of all
the shares entitled to an appraisal.

  (k) From and after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, no
stockholder who has demanded his appraisal rights as provided in subsection
(d) of this section shall be entitled to vote such stock for any purpose or to
receive payment of dividends or other distributions on the stock (except
dividends or other distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date
which is prior to the effective date of the merger or consolidation);
provided, however, that if no petition for an appraisal shall be filed within
the time provided in subsection (e) of this section, or if such stockholder
shall deliver to the surviving or resulting corporation a written withdrawal
of his demand for an appraisal and an acceptance of the merger or
consolidation, either within 60 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation as provided in subsection (e) of this section or thereafter with
the written approval of the corporation, then the right of such stockholder to
an appraisal shall cease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no appraisal
proceeding in the Court of Chancery shall be dismissed as to any stockholder
without the approval of the Court, and such approval may be conditioned upon
such terms as the Court deems just.

  (l) The shares of the surviving or resulting corporation to which the shares
of such objecting stockholders would have been converted had they assented to
the merger or consolidation shall have the status of authorized and unissued
shares of the surviving or resulting corporation.

                                      C-4
<PAGE>

                PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

  Sections 55-8-50 through 55-8-58 of the North Carolina Business Corporation
Act contain specific provisions relating to indemnification of directors and
officers of North Carolina corporations. In general, such sections provide
that: (i) a corporation must indemnify a director or officer who is wholly
successful in his defense of a proceeding to which he is a party because of
his status as such, unless limited by the articles of incorporation, and (ii)
a corporation may indemnify a director or officer if he is not wholly
successful in such defense if it is determined as provided by statute that the
director or officer meets a certain standard of conduct, except that when a
director or officer is liable to the corporation or is adjudged liable on the
basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him, the corporation
may not indemnify him. A director or officer of a corporation who is a party
to a proceeding may also apply to a court for indemnification, and the court
may order indemnification under certain circumstances set forth in statute. A
corporation may, in its articles of incorporation or bylaws or by contract or
resolution of the board of directors, provide indemnification in addition to
that provided by statute, subject to certain conditions.

  The registrant's bylaws provide for the indemnification of any director or
officer of the registrant against liabilities and litigation expenses arising
out of his status as such, excluding: (i) any liabilities or litigation
expenses relating to activities that were at the time taken known or believed
by such person to be clearly in conflict with the best interest of the
registrant and (ii) that portion of any liabilities or litigation expenses
with respect to which such person is entitled to receive payment under any
insurance policy.

  The registrant's articles of incorporation provide for the elimination of
the personal liability of each director of the registrant to the fullest
extent permitted by law.

  The registrant maintains directors' and officers' liability insurance that,
in general, insures: (i) the registrant's directors and officers against loss
by reason of any of their wrongful acts and (ii) the registrant against loss
arising from claims against the directors and officers by reason of their
wrongful acts, all subject to the terms and conditions contained in the
policy.

  Certain rules of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit the ability
of certain depository institutions, their subsidiaries and their affiliated
depository institution holding companies to indemnify affiliated parties,
including institution directors. In general, subject to the ability to
purchase directors and officers liability insurance and to advance
professional expenses under certain circumstances, the rules prohibit such
institutions from indemnifying a director for certain costs incurred with
regard to an administrative or enforcement action commenced by any federal
banking agency that results in a final order or settlement pursuant to which
the director is assessed a civil money penalty, removed from office,
prohibited from participating in the affairs of an insured depository
institution or required to cease and desist from or take an affirmative action
described in Section 8(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. (S)
1818(b)).

                                     II-1
<PAGE>

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

  (a) The following documents are filed as exhibits to this registration
statement on Form S-4:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
   No.                                 Description
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
   2     Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of
         February 24, 1999 between BB&T Corporation and Matewan BancShares,
         Inc. (included as Appendix A to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus)

   5     Opinion of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC

   8     Tax Opinion of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC

  23(a)  Consent of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC (included in Exhibits
         5 and 8)

  23(b)  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

  23(c)  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

  23(d)  Consent of Baxter Fentriss and Company

  24     Power of Attorney

  99(a)  Form of Matewan BancShares, Inc. Proxy Card

  99(b)  Option Agreement, dated February 24, 1999, between BB&T Corporation
         and Matewan BancShares, Inc.
</TABLE>
- --------
  (b) Financial statement schedules: Not applicable.

Item 22. Undertakings

  A. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

    1. To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
  post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

      (i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
    Securities Act of 1933;

      (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
    the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
    post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
    aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
    in the registration statement; and

      (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
    distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
    any material change to such information in the registration statement.

    2. That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
  to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
  therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
  to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

    3. To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
  of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination
  of the offering.

  B. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.


                                     II-2
<PAGE>

  C. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to
any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c),
the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the
information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to
reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other Items of the applicable form.

  D. The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed
pursuant to Paragraph (C) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet
the requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 and is used
in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be
filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be
used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining
any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

  E. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

  F. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through
the date of responding to the request.

  G. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.

                                     II-3
<PAGE>

                                  SIGNATURES

  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Winston-Salem, State of North Carolina, on June 23, 1999.

                                          BB&T Corporation

                                                   /s/ Jerone C. Herring
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                     Jerone C. Herring
                                               Executive Vice President and
                                                         Secretary

  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement on Form S-4 has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities indicated on June 23, 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              Signature                                  Title
              ---------                                  -----
<S>                                    <C>
     /s/ John A. Allison IV*           Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
______________________________________  Officer (principal executive officer)
          John A. Allison IV
        /s/ Scott E. Reed*             Senior Executive Vice President and Chief
______________________________________  Financial Officer (principal financial
            Scott E. Reed               officer)
      /s/ Sherry A. Kellett*           Executive Vice President and Controller
______________________________________  (principal accounting officer)
          Sherry A. Kellett
                                       Director
______________________________________
          Paul B. Barringer
     /s/ Alfred E. Cleveland*          Director
______________________________________
         Alfred E. Cleveland
   /s/ W. R. Cuthbertson, Jr.*         Director
______________________________________
        W. R. Cuthbertson, Jr.
       /s/ Ronald E. Deal*             Director
______________________________________
            Ronald E. Deal
      /s/ A. J. Dooley, Sr.*           Director
______________________________________
          A. J. Dooley, Sr.
        /s/ Tom D. Efird*              Director
______________________________________
             Tom D. Efird
      /s/ Paul S. Goldsmith*           Director
______________________________________
          Paul S. Goldsmith
</TABLE>

                                     II-4
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              Signature                                  Title
              ---------                                  -----
<S>                                    <C>
     /s/ L. Vincent Hackley*           Director
______________________________________
          L. Vincent Hackley
        /s/ Jane P. Helm*              Director
______________________________________
             Jane P. Helm
    /s/ Richard Janeway, M.D.*         Director
______________________________________
        Richard Janeway, M.D.
   /s/ J. Ernest Lathem, M.D.*         Director
______________________________________
        J. Ernest Lathem, M.D.
      /s/ James H. Maynard*            Director
______________________________________
           James H. Maynard
                                       Director
______________________________________
        Joseph A. McAleer, Jr.
     /s/ Albert O. McCauley*           Director
______________________________________
          Albert O. McCauley
   /s/ Richard L. Player, Jr.*         Director
______________________________________
        Richard L. Player, Jr.
                                       Director
______________________________________
       C. Edward Pleasants, Jr.
       /s/ Nido R. Qubein*             Director
______________________________________
            Nido R. Qubein
       /s/ E. Rhone Sasser*            Director
______________________________________
           E. Rhone Sasser
        /s/ Jack E. Shaw*              Director
______________________________________
             Jack E. Shaw
       /s/ Harold B. Wells*            Director
______________________________________
           Harold B. Wells
      /s/ Jerone C. Herring
*By: _________________________________
          Jerone C. Herring
           Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>

                                      II-5

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 5

             [Letterhead of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC]

June 23, 1999

BB&T Corporation
200 West Second Street
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") with
     respect to shares to be issued pursuant to the Amended and Restated
     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and between BB&T Corporation
     ("BB&T") and Matewan BancShares, Inc. dated as of February 24, 1999 (the
     "Merger Agreement")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to BB&T in connection with the registration of
3,182,309 shares of its common stock, par value $5.00 per share, with associated
preferred stock purchase rights (the "Common Stock"), issuable pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, as set forth in the Registration Statement that is being filed
on the date hereof by BB&T with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"). This opinion is provided pursuant to the requirements of Item
21(a) of Form S-4 and Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K.

     In connection with the foregoing, we have examined such records, documents,
and proceedings as we have deemed relevant as a basis for the opinion expressed
herein, and we have relied upon an officer's certificate as to certain factual
matters.

     Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, when the shares of
Common Stock have been issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the
Merger Agreement, the shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.

     We hereby consent to be named in the Registration Statement under the
heading "LEGAL MATTERS" as attorneys who passed upon the validity of the shares
of Common Stock and to the filing of a copy of this opinion as Exhibit 5 to the
Registration Statement.  In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are
within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the
Securities Act or other rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE
                                    A Professional Limited Liability Company


                                    By:  /s/ Garza Baldwin, III
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Garza Baldwin, III


<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 8



                                                                Neil G. O'Rourke
                                                       Direct Dial: 336-721-3752
                                                        Direct Fax: 336-726-6997
                                                       E-mail: [email protected]
June 23, 1999

BB&T Corporation
200 West Second Street
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

     Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") with
          respect to shares to be issued pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of
          Reorganization, dated as of February 24, 1999, by and between Matewan
          Bancshares, Inc., a Delaware corporation  ("Matewan"), and BB&T
          Corporation, a North Carolina corporation ("BB&T"), as amended by the
          First 1999 Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated
          April 9, 1999, and by the Second 1999 Amendment to Agreement and Plan
          of Reorganization dated April 27, 1999 (the "Reorganization
          Agreement").

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

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to BB&T in connection with the registration of
3,182,309 shares of its Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share (the "BB&T
Common Stock"), issuable pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, as set forth
in the Registration Statement that is being filed on the date hereof by BB&T
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This opinion is
provided pursuant to the requirements of Item 21(a) of Form S-4 and Item
601(b)(8) of Regulation S-K. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings given to them in the Reorganization Agreement.

     In the Merger, Matewan will merge with and into BB&T pursuant to North
Carolina and Delaware law, and each outstanding share of Matewan Common Stock
and Matewan Preferred Stock is to be converted into a number of shares of BB&T
Common Stock determined under a formula in the Reorganization Agreement.  Also,
cash will be paid in lieu of issuance of fractional shares.  Holders of Matewan
Preferred Stock are entitled by state law to dissent from the Merger.

     In giving this opinion we have reviewed, and with your permission we have
relied upon the representations and warranties contained in or the facts
described in, the Reorganization Agreement, the Registration Statement, and
certificates dated June 17th, 1999 and June 21st, 1999 in which officers of
Matewan and officers of BB&T make certain representations on behalf of BB&T and
Matewan, respectively, regarding the Merger (the "Tax Certificates").  We also
have reviewed such other documents as we have considered necessary and
appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.

     In giving this opinion, with your permission, we have assumed that the
statements in the Tax Certificates are true, correct and complete as of the date
of this opinion, and any representation or statement made "to the best of
knowledge" or similarly qualified is correct without such qualification.  As to
all matters in which a person or entity has represented that such person or
entity either is not a party to, or does not have, or is not aware of, any plan
or intention, understanding or agreement, we have assumed that there is in fact
no such plan, intention, understanding or agreement. We also assume that (a) the
Merger will be consummated in accordance with the Reorganization Agreement, (b)
Matewan's only outstanding stock (as that term is used in Section 368 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")) is the Matewan Common
Stock and Matewan Preferred Stock, and (c) the Rights attached to the shares of
BB&T Common Stock issued in the Merger will not be exchanged by BB&T for any
part of the value of
<PAGE>

                                                                BB&T Corporation
                                                                June 23, 1999
                                                                Page 2

the Matewan Common Stock and Matewan Preferred Stock, and such Rights will have
no ascertainable fair market value at the Effective Time.

     Based on the foregoing, and subject to the limitations herein, we are of
the opinion that under existing law, upon consummation of the Merger in
accordance with the Reorganization Agreement, for federal income tax purposes:

          (1)  The Merger will constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning
               of Section 368 of the Code.

          (2)  No gain or loss will be recognized by Matewan or BB&T by reason
               of the Merger.

          (3)  No gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of Matewan
               upon the receipt of BB&T Common Stock (including any fractional
               share interest to which they may be entitled) solely in exchange
               for their shares of Matewan Common Stock and shares of Matewan
               Preferred Stock.

          (4)  A shareholder of Matewan who receives cash in lieu of a
               fractional share of BB&T Common Stock will recognize gain or loss
               as if the fractional share has been received and then redeemed
               for cash equal to the amount paid by BB&T in respect of such
               fractional share, subject to the provisions and limitations of
               Section 302 of the Code.

          (5)  The tax basis in the BB&T Common Stock received by a Matewan
               shareholder (including any fractional share interest deemed
               received) will be the same as the tax basis in the Matewan Common
               Stock and Matewan Preferred Stock surrendered in exchange
               therefor.

          (6)  The holding period for BB&T Common Stock received (including any
               fractional share interest deemed received) in exchange for shares
               of Matewan Common Stock and Matewan Preferred Stock will include
               the period during which the shareholder held the shares of
               Matewan Common Stock and Matewan Preferred Stock surrendered in
               the exchange, provided that the Matewan Common Stock and Matewan
               Preferred Stock was held as a capital asset at the Effective
               Time.

     We express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
United States of America.  Further, our opinion is limited to the specific
conclusions set forth above, and no other opinions are expressed or implied.
The opinions stated with respect to shares of Matewan Common Stock and Matewan
Preferred Stock do not apply to any stock rights, warrants or options to acquire
Matewan Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock.  The opinions stated as to
Matewan shareholders are general in nature and do not necessarily apply to any
particular Matewan shareholder, and, for example, may not apply to shareholders
who are corporations, trusts, dealers in securities, financial institutions,
insurance companies or tax exempt organizations; or to persons who are not
United States citizens or resident aliens or domestic entities (partnerships or
trusts), are subject to the alternative minimum tax (to the extent that tax
affects the tax consequences), or are subject to the "golden parachute"
provisions of the Code (to the extent that tax affects the tax consequences); or
to shareholders who acquired Matewan Common Stock or Matewan Preferred Stock
pursuant to employee stock options or otherwise as compensation if such shares
are subject to any restriction related to employment, who do not hold their
shares as capital assets, or who hold their shares as part of a "straddle" or
"conversion transaction."

     This opinion represents our best legal judgment, but it has no binding
effect or official status of any kind. Changes to the Code or in regulations or
rulings thereunder, or changes by the courts in the interpretation of the
authorities relied upon, may be applied retroactively and may affect the
opinions expressed herein.  Any material defect in any assumption or
representation on which we have relied would adversely affect our opinion.
<PAGE>

                                                                BB&T Corporation
                                                                June 23, 1999
                                                                Page 3

     We furnish this opinion to you solely to support the discussion set forth
under the headings "SUMMARY-No Federal Income Tax on Shares Received in Merger,"
"THE MERGER--The Merger Agreement--Conditions to the Merger," "THE MERGER-
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger" and "LEGAL MATTERS" in
the Registration Statement, and we do not consent to its use for any other
purpose.  We hereby consent to be named in the Registration Statement under the
foregoing headings and to the filing of a copy of this opinion as Exhibit 8 to
the Registration Statement.  In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are
within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the
Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE
                                   A Professional Limited Liability Company



                                   By:/s/ Neil G. O' Rourke
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Neil G. O'Rourke

<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated April 30, 1999,
included in BB&T Corporation's Form 8-K dated April 30, 1999, and to all
references to our firm included in this registration statement. Our report dated
January 29, 1999, included in BB&T Corporation's financial statements previously
filed on Form 10-K and incorporated by reference in this registration statement
is no longer appropriate since restated financial statements have been presented
giving effect to a business combination accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.

                                      /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Charlotte, North Carolina
June 22, 1998

<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(c)


                        Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of BB&T Corporation for
the registration of up to 3,128,309 shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated April 12, 1999, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Matewan BancShares, Inc.
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998,
filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

                                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Charleston, West Virginia
June 23, 1999




<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(d)

                          CONSENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR

     We consent to the inclusion of our Fairness Opinion issued to Matewan
BancShares, Inc. in this registration statement on Form S-4.  We also consent to
the reference to our firm under the caption "The Merger-Opinion of Matewan's
Financial Advisor."

                                      /s/ Baxter Fentriss and Company


Richmond, Virginia
June 22, 1999

<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 24

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     Each of the undersigned, being a director and/or officer of BB&T
Corporation (the "Company"), hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints John A.
Allison, Scott E. Reed and Jerone C. Herring, or any one of them severally, to
be his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and to sign in his or her name
and on his or her behalf in any and all capacities stated below, and to file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") relating to the issuance of
shares of the Company's common stock, $5.00 par value per share, in connection
with the acquisition by the Company of Matewan BancShares, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and to file any and all amendments, including post-effective
amendments on Form S-4 or other applicable form, to the Registration Statement,
making such changes in the Registration Statement as such attorney-in-fact deems
appropriate, and generally to do all such things on his or her behalf in any and
all capacities stated below to enable the Company to comply with the provisions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all requirements of the
Commission.

     This Power of Attorney has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on April 27, 1999.


       /s/ John A. Allison                                 /s/ Scott E. Reed
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  John A. Allison                   Name:  Scott E. Reed
Title: Chairman of the Board and         Title: Senior Executive Vice President
       Chief Executive Officer                  and Chief Financial Officer
       (principal executive officer)            (principal financial officer)


       /s/ Sherry A. Kellett
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  Sherry A. Kellett                 Name:  Paul Barringer
Title: Senior Executive Vice President   Title: Director
       and Controller
       (principal accounting officer)


       /s/ Alfred E. Cleveland           /s/ W. R. Cuthbertson, Jr.
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  Alfred E. Cleveland               Name:  W. R. Cuthbertson, Jr.
Title: Director                          Title: Director


       /s/ Ronald E. Deal                /s/ A. J. Dooley, Sr.
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  Ronald E. Deal                    Name:  A. J. Dooley, Sr.
Title: Director                          Title: Director



       /s/ Tom D. Efird                  /s/ Paul S. Goldsmith
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  Tom D. Efird                      Name:  Paul S. Goldsmith
Title: Director                          Title: Director
<PAGE>

       /s/ Dr. L. Vincent Hackley        /s/ Jane P. Helm
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  Dr. L. Vincent Hackley            Name:  Jane P. Helm
Title: Director                          Title: Director



       /s/ Richard Janeway, M.D.         /s/ J. Ernest Lathem, M.D.
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  Richard Janeway, M.D.             Name:  J. Ernest Lathem, M.D.
Title: Director                          Title: Director



       /s/ James H. Maynard
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  James H. Maynard                  Name:  Joseph A. McAleer, Jr.
Title: Director                          Title: Director



       /s/ Albert O. McCauley            /s/ Richard L. Player, Jr.
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  Albert O. McCauley                Name:  Richard L. Player, Jr.
Title: Director                          Title: Director


                                         /s/ Nido R. Qubein
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  C. Edward Pleasants, Jr.          Name:  Nido R. Qubein
Title: Director                          Title: Director



       /s/ E. Rhone Sasser               /s/ Jack E. Shaw
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Name:  E. Rhone Sasser                   Name:  Jack E. Shaw
Title: Director                          Title: Director


       /s/ Harold B. Wells
- ---------------------------------------
Name:  Harold B. Wells
Title: Director

<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 99(a)

                                REVOCABLE PROXY
                            MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC.

                        SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                                 JULY 27, 1999

                      THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF
                             THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     The undersigned hereby appoints Dan R.Moore, Frank E. Ellis and George A.
Kostas, and each of them, with full power of substitution in each, proxies to
vote all the shares of common stock and/or preferred stock of Matewan
BancShares, Inc. ("Matewan") that the undersigned is entitled to vote, at the
Special Meeting of Shareholders of Matewan to be held on Tuesday, July 27, 1999,
at 11:00 a.m., and at any and all adjournments thereof.

     1.   To approve an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization, dated as of February 24, 1999 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and
between Matewan and BB&T Corporation, a North Carolina corporation ("BB&T"), and
a related Plan of Merger (the "Plan of Merger"), pursuant to which each share of
common stock and each share of preferred stock of Matewan will be converted into
the right to receive shares of common stock of BB&T and cash in lieu of any
fractional share, in amounts to be determined as described in the accompanying
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.  A copy of the Merger Agreement and the Plan of
Merger set forth therein is attached to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus as
Appendix A.

      [   ] For                  [   ] Against             [   ] Abstain

     PLEASE CHECK BOX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING: [   ]

     This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned shareholder(s).  If no direction is made, this proxy
will be voted FOR Item 1.

     Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon.  Joint owners should each
sign.  When signing as Executor, Administrator, Attorney, Trustee or Guardian,
please give full title as such.  If a corporation, please sign in full corporate
name by President, or other authorized officer, giving full title.  If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by an authorized person, giving
full title.

Please be sure to sign and date this proxy in the box below.


- -----------------
Date


- -------------------------------------
Shareholder sign above


- -------------------------------------
Co-holder (if any) sign above

   Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.

                            MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC.

                              PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY
                    SIGN, DATE & MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD TODAY

<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 99(b)

                            STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


     THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as
of February 24, 1999 by and between MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("Matewan" or "Issuer"), and BB&T CORPORATION, a North Carolina
corporation ("Grantee").

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

     WHEREAS, Grantee and Issuer have entered into that certain Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization, dated this date (the "Merger Agreement"), providing for,
among other things, the merger of Issuer with and into Grantee; and

     WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Grantee's execution of the Merger
Agreement, Grantee has required that Issuer agree, and Issuer has agreed, to
grant to Grantee the Option (as defined below);

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the respective representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and in the Merger
Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Issuer and Grantee agree as
follows:

     1.   Defined Terms.  Capitalized terms which are used but not defined
herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement.

     2.   Grant of Option.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth
herein, Issuer hereby grants to Grantee an irrevocable option (the "Option") to
purchase up to 791,700 shares (as adjusted as set forth herein, the "Option
Shares," which term shall refer to the Option Shares before and after any
transfer of such Option Shares), of the common stock of Issuer, par value $1.00
per share ("Issuer Common Stock"), at a purchase price per Option Share (subject
to adjustment as set forth herein, the "Purchase Price") equal to $28.00.

     3.   Exercise of Option.

          (a) Provided that (i) Grantee or Holder (as hereinafter defined), as
applicable, shall not be in material breach of its agreements or covenants
contained in this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, and (ii) no preliminary or
permanent injunction or other order against the delivery of shares covered by
the Option issued by any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States
shall be in effect, Holder may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any
time and from time to time following the occurrence of a Purchase Event (as
hereinafter defined); provided, that the Option shall terminate and be of no
further force and effect upon the earliest to occur of (A) the Effective Time,
(B) subject to clause (E) below, termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with the terms thereof prior to the occurrence of a Purchase Event or
a Preliminary Purchase Event (as hereinafter defined) (other than a termination
of the Merger Agreement by Grantee pursuant to Section 7.1(b) thereof (a
"Default Termination")), (C) 12 months after a Default Termination, (D) 12
months after any termination of the Merger Agreement (other than a Default
Termination) following the occurrence of a Purchase Event or a Preliminary
Purchase Event, and (E) subject to clause (D) above, 12 months after termination
of the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(e) thereof; provided further,
that any purchase of shares upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to
compliance with applicable law, including, without limitation, the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act").  Subject to compliance with
Section 12(h) hereof, the term "Holder" shall mean the holder or holders of the
Option from time to time, including initially Grantee.  The rights set forth in
Section 8
<PAGE>

hereof shall terminate when the right to exercise the Option terminates (other
than as a result of a complete exercise of the Option) as set forth herein.

          (b) As used herein, a "Purchase Event" means any of the following
events subsequent to the date of this Agreement:

               (i) without Grantee's prior written consent, Issuer shall have
     authorized, recommended, publicly proposed or publicly announced an
     intention to authorize, recommend or propose, or entered into an agreement
     with any person (other than Grantee or any Subsidiary of Grantee) to effect
     an Acquisition Transaction (as defined below).  As used herein, the term
     "Acquisition Transaction" shall mean (A) a merger, consolidation or similar
     transaction involving Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (other than
     transactions solely between Issuer's Subsidiaries or between Issuer's
     Subsidiaries and Issuer), (B) the disposition, by sale, lease, exchange or
     otherwise, of assets of Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries representing in
     either case 15% or more of the consolidated assets of Issuer and its
     Subsidiaries (other than a sale of loan receivables in a financing
     transaction in the normal course of business consistent with past
     practices), or (C) the issuance, sale or other disposition (including by
     way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or any similar transaction) of
     securities representing 15% or more of the voting power of Issuer or any of
     its Subsidiaries; or

               (ii) any person (other than Grantee or any Subsidiary of Grantee)
     shall have acquired beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in Rule
     13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of or the right to acquire
     beneficial ownership of, or any "group" (as such term is defined under the
     Exchange Act), other than a group of which Grantee or any of the
     Subsidiaries of Grantee is a member, shall have been formed which
     beneficially owns or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, 15%
     or more of the then-outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock.

          (c) As used herein, a "Preliminary Purchase Event" means any of the
following events:

               (i) any person (other than Grantee or any Subsidiary of Grantee)
     shall have commenced (as such term is defined in Rule 14d-2 under the
     Exchange Act), or shall have filed a registration statement under the
     Securities Act with respect to, a tender offer or exchange offer to
     purchase any shares of Issuer Common Stock such that, upon consummation of
     such offer, such person would own or control 15% or more of the then-
     outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock (such an offer being referred to
     herein as a "Tender Offer" or an "Exchange Offer," respectively); or

               (ii) the holders of Issuer Common Stock shall not have approved
     the Merger Agreement at the meeting of such shareholders held for the
     purpose of voting on the Merger Agreement, such meeting shall not have been
     held or shall have been canceled prior to termination of the Merger
     Agreement, or Issuer's Board of Directors shall have withdrawn or modified
     in a manner adverse to Grantee the recommendation of Issuer's Board of
     Directors with respect to the Merger Agreement, in each case after any
     person (other than Grantee or any Subsidiary of Grantee) shall have (A)
     made, or disclosed an intention to make, a proposal to engage in an
     Acquisition Transaction, (B) commenced a Tender Offer or filed a
     registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an Exchange
     Offer, or (C) filed an application (or given a notice), whether in draft or
     final form, under any federal or state statute or regulation (including an
     application or notice filed under the BHC Act,  the Bank Merger Act, the
     Home Owners' Loan Act or the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978) seeking
     the consent to an Acquisition Transaction from any federal or state
     governmental or regulatory authority or agency.

As used in this Agreement, "person" shall have the meaning specified in Sections
3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

                                       2
<PAGE>

          (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligation of Matewan to issue
Option Shares upon exercise of the Option shall be deferred (but shall not
terminate): (i) until the receipt of all required governmental or regulatory
approvals or consents necessary for Matewan to issue the Option Shares or Holder
to exercise the Option, or until the expiration or termination of any waiting
period required by law, or (ii) so long as any injunction or other order, decree
or ruling issued by any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction is in
effect which prohibits the sale or delivery of the Option Shares.

          (e) In the event Holder wishes to exercise the Option, it shall send
to Issuer a written notice (the date of which being herein referred to as the
"Notice Date") specifying (i) the total number of Option Shares it intends to
purchase pursuant to such exercise and (ii) a place and date not earlier than
three business days nor later than 15 business days from the Notice Date for the
closing (the "Closing") of such purchase (the "Closing Date").  If prior consent
of any governmental or regulatory agency or authority is required in connection
with such purchase, Issuer shall cooperate with Holder in the filing of the
required notice or application for such consent and the obtaining of such
consent at Holder's expense, and the Closing shall occur not earlier than three
business days nor later than 15 business days following receipt of such consents
(and expiration of any mandatory waiting periods).

     4.   Payment and Delivery of Certificates.

          (a) On each Closing Date, Holder shall (i) pay to Issuer, in
immediately available funds by wire transfer to a bank account designated by
Issuer, an amount equal to the Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Option
Shares to be purchased on such Closing Date, and (ii) present and surrender this
Agreement to the Issuer at the address of the Issuer referenced in Section 12(f)
hereof.

          (b) At each Closing, simultaneously with the delivery of immediately
available funds and surrender of this Agreement as provided in Section 4(a)
hereof, (i) Issuer shall deliver to Holder (A) a certificate or certificates
representing the Option Shares to be purchased at such Closing, which Option
Shares shall be free and clear of all liens, claims, charges and encumbrances of
any kind whatsoever and subject to no preemptive rights, and (B) if the Option
is exercised in part only, an executed new agreement with the same terms as this
Agreement evidencing the right to purchase the balance of the shares of Issuer
Common Stock purchasable hereunder, and (ii) Holder shall deliver to Issuer a
letter evidencing Holder's agreement not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of
such Option Shares in violation of applicable federal and state law or of the
provisions of this Agreement.

          (c) In addition to any other legend that is required by applicable
law, certificates for the Option Shares delivered at each Closing shall be
endorsed with a restrictive legend which shall read substantially as follows:

          THE TRANSFER OF THE STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT
          TO RESTRICTIONS ARISING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED,
          AND PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF A STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT DATED AS OF
          FEBRUARY 24, 1999.  A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE
          HOLDER HEREOF WITHOUT CHARGE UPON RECEIPT BY THE ISSUER OF A WRITTEN
          REQUEST THEREFOR.

It is understood and agreed that the above legend shall be removed by delivery
of substitute certificate(s) without such legend if Holder shall have delivered
to Issuer a copy of a letter from the staff of the Commission, or an opinion of
counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Issuer and its counsel,
to the effect that such legend is not required for purposes of the Securities
Act.

     5.   Representations and Warranties of Issuer.  Issuer hereby represents
and warrants to Grantee as follows:

                                       3
<PAGE>

          (a) Issuer has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter
into this Agreement and, subject to its obtaining any approvals or consents
referred to herein, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Issuer.  This Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by Issuer.

          (b) Issuer has taken all necessary corporate and other action to
authorize and reserve and to permit it to issue and, at all times from the date
hereof until the obligation to deliver Issuer Common Stock upon the exercise of
the Option terminates, will have reserved for issuance, upon exercise of the
Option, the number of shares of Issuer Common Stock necessary for Holder to
exercise the Option, and Issuer will take all necessary corporate action to
authorize and reserve for issuance all additional shares of Issuer Common Stock
or other securities which may be issued pursuant to Section 7 hereof upon
exercise of the Option.  The shares of Issuer Common Stock to be issued upon due
exercise of the Option, including all additional shares of Issuer Common Stock
or other securities which may be issuable pursuant to Section 7 hereof, upon
issuance pursuant hereto, shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid, and
nonassessable, and shall be delivered free and clear of all liens, claims,
charges, and encumbrances of any kind or nature whatsoever, including any
preemptive rights of any shareholder of Issuer.

     6.   Representations and Warranties of Grantee.  Grantee hereby represents
and warrants to Issuer that:

          (a) Grantee has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter
into this Agreement and, subject to its obtaining any approvals or consents
referred to herein, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.  The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Grantee.  This Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by Grantee.

          (b) Grantee represents that it is acquiring the Option for Grantee's
own account and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any
distribution of the Option or the Option Shares.  Grantee represents that it is
aware that neither the Option nor the Option Shares is the subject of a
registration statement filed with and declared effective by the Commission
pursuant to Section 5 of the Securities Act, but instead each is being offered
in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirement provided by
Section 4(2) thereof and the representations and warranties made by Grantee in
connection therewith.  Grantee represents that neither the Option nor the Option
Shares will be transferred or otherwise disposed of except in a transaction
registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Laws, and that with
respect to any transfer or other disposition proposed to be made in reliance
upon an exemption from registration, such transfer or other disposition shall
not be made unless Matewan first receives an opinion of counsel in form and
substance reasonably acceptable to it regarding the availability of such
exemption.

     7.   Adjustment upon Changes in Capitalization, etc.

          (a) In the event of any change in Issuer Common Stock by reason of a
stock dividend, stock split, split-up, recapitalization, combination, exchange
of shares or similar transaction, the type and number of shares or securities
subject to the Option and the Purchase Price therefor shall be adjusted
appropriately, and proper provision shall be made in the agreements governing
such transaction so that Holder shall receive, upon exercise of the Option, the
number and class of shares or other securities or property that Holder would
have received in respect of Issuer Common Stock if the Option had been exercised
immediately prior to such event, or the record date therefor, as applicable.  If
any additional shares of Issuer Common Stock are issued after the date of this
Agreement (other than pursuant to an event described in the first sentence of
this Section 7(a) or pursuant to the conversion of any shares of Issuer's
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $1.00 per share
("Issuer Preferred Stock")), the number of shares of Issuer Common Stock subject
to the Option shall be adjusted so that, after such issuance, it, when added to
the number of shares of Issuer Common Stock previously issued pursuant hereto,
equals 19.9% of the number of shares of Issuer Common Stock then issued and
outstanding plus the number

                                       4
<PAGE>

of shares of Issuer Common Stock issuable upon conversion of all shares of
Issuer Preferred Stock then issued and outstanding, without giving effect to any
shares subject to or issued pursuant to the Option.

          (b) In the event that Issuer shall enter into an agreement (prior to
termination of the Option pursuant to Section 3(a) hereof):  (i) to consolidate
with or merge into any person, other than Grantee or one of its Subsidiaries,
and Issuer shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation of such
consolidation or merger; (ii) to permit any person, other than Grantee or one of
its Subsidiaries, to merge into Issuer, and Issuer shall be the continuing or
surviving corporation, but, in connection with such merger, the then outstanding
shares of Issuer Common Stock shall be changed into or exchanged for stock or
other securities of Issuer or any other person or cash or any other property or
the outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock immediately prior to such merger
shall after such merger represent less than 50% of the outstanding shares and
share equivalents of the merged company; (iii) to permit any person, other than
Grantee or one of its Subsidiaries, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of
Issuer Common Stock pursuant to a statutory share exchange; or (iv) to sell or
otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any person, other
than Grantee or one of its Subsidiaries, then, and in each such case, the
agreement governing such transaction shall make proper provisions so that the
Option shall, upon the consummation of any such transaction and upon the terms
and conditions set forth herein, be converted into, or exchanged for, an option
(the "Substitute Option"), at the election of Grantee, deemed granted by either
(x) the Acquiring Corporation (as defined below), (y) any person that controls
the Acquiring Corporation, or (z) in the case of a merger described in clause
(ii), the Issuer (in each case, such person being referred to as the "Substitute
Option Issuer").

          (c) The Substitute Option shall have the same terms as the Option,
provided that, if the terms of the Substitute Option cannot, for legal reasons,
be identical to those of the Option, such terms shall be as similar as possible
and in no event less advantageous to Grantee.  The Substitute Option Issuer
shall also enter into an agreement with the then-holder or holders of the
Substitute Option in substantially the same form as this Agreement, which
agreement shall be applicable to the Substitute Option.

          (d) The Substitute Option shall be exercisable for such number of
shares of the Substitute Common Stock (as hereinafter defined) as is equal to
the Assigned Value (as hereinafter defined) multiplied by the number of shares
of the Issuer Common Stock for which the Option was theretofore exercisable,
divided by the Average Price (as hereinafter defined).  The exercise price of
the Substitute Option per share of the Substitute Common Stock (the "Substitute
Purchase Price") shall then be equal to the Purchase Price multiplied by a
fraction in which the numerator is the number of shares of the Issuer Common
Stock for which the Option was theretofore exercisable and the denominator is
the number of shares for which the Substitute Option is exercisable.

          (e)  The following terms have the meanings indicated:

               (i)    "Acquiring Corporation" shall mean the continuing or
     surviving corporation of a consolidation or merger with Issuer (if other
     than Issuer), Issuer in a merger in which Issuer is the continuing or
     surviving person, the corporation that shall acquire all of the outstanding
     shares of Issuer Common Stock pursuant to a statutory share exchange, or
     the transferee of all or substantially all of the Issuer's assets (or the
     assets of its Subsidiaries).

               (ii)   "Substitute Common Stock" shall mean the common stock
     issued by the Substitute Option Issuer upon exercise of the Substitute
     Option.

               (iii)  "Assigned Value" shall mean the highest of (x) the price
     per share of the Issuer Common Stock at which a Tender Offer or Exchange
     Offer therefor has been made by any person (other than Grantee), (y) the
     price per share of the Issuer Common Stock to be paid by any person (other
     than the Grantee) pursuant to an agreement with Issuer, and (z) the highest
     closing sales price per share of Issuer Common Stock quoted on the Nasdaq
     National Market System within the six-month period immediately preceding
     the agreement; provided, that in the event of a sale of less than all of
     Issuer's assets, the Assigned Value shall be the sum of the price paid in
     such sale for such assets and the current market value of the remaining
     assets of

                                       5
<PAGE>

     Issuer as determined by a nationally recognized investment banking firm
     selected by Grantee (or by a majority in interest of the Grantees if there
     shall be more than one Grantee (a "Grantee Majority")), divided by the
     number of shares of the Issuer Common Stock outstanding at the time of such
     sale. In the event that an exchange offer is made for the Issuer Common
     Stock or an agreement is entered into for a merger or consolidation
     involving consideration other than cash, the value of the securities or
     other property issuable or deliverable in exchange for the Issuer Common
     Stock shall be determined by a nationally recognized investment banking
     firm mutually selected by Grantee and Issuer (or if applicable, Acquiring
     Corporation). (If there shall be more than one Grantee, any such selection
     shall be made by a Grantee Majority.)

               (iv) "Average Price" shall mean the average closing price of a
     share of the Substitute Common Stock for the one-year period immediately
     preceding effectiveness of the consolidation, merger, share exchange or
     sale in question, but in no event higher than the closing price of the
     shares of the Substitute Common Stock on the day preceding the
     effectiveness of such consolidation, merger, share exchange or sale;
     provided, that if Issuer is the issuer of the Substitute Option, the
     Average Price shall be computed with respect to a share of common stock
     issued by Issuer, the person merging into Issuer or by any company which
     controls or is controlled by such merger person, as Grantee may elect.

          (f)  In no event pursuant to any of the foregoing sections shall the
Substitute Option be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the aggregate of the
shares of the Substitute Common Stock outstanding prior to exercise of the
Substitute Option.  In the event that the Substitute Option would be exercisable
for more than 19.9% of the aggregate of the shares of Substitute Common Stock
but for this clause (f), the Substitute Option Issuer shall make a cash payment
to Grantee equal to the excess of (i) the value of the Substitute Option without
giving effect to the limitation in this clause (f) over (ii) the value of the
Substitute Option after giving effect to the limitation in this clause (f).
This difference in value shall be determined by a nationally recognized
investment banking firm selected by Grantee (or a Grantee Majority).

          (g)  Issuer shall not enter into any transaction described in
subsection (b) of this Section 7 unless the Acquiring Corporation and any person
that controls the Acquiring Corporation assume in writing all the obligations of
Issuer hereunder and take all other actions that may be necessary so that the
provisions of this Section 7 are given full force and effect (including, without
limitation, any action that may be necessary so that the shares of Substitute
Common Stock are in no way distinguishable from or have lesser economic value
than other shares of common stock issued by the Substitute Option Issuer).

          (h)  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 hereof shall apply,
with appropriate adjustments, to any securities for which the Option becomes
exercisable pursuant to this Section 7 and, as applicable, references in such
sections to "Issuer," "Option," "Purchase Price" and "Issuer Common Stock" shall
be deemed to be references to "Substitute Option Issuer," "Substitute Option,"
"Substitute Purchase Price" and "Substitute Common Stock," respectively.

     8.   Repurchase at the Option of Holder.

          (a)  Subject to the last sentence of Section 3(a) hereof, at the
request of Holder at any time commencing upon the first occurrence of a
Repurchase Event (as defined in Section 8(d)) and ending 12 months immediately
thereafter, Issuer shall repurchase from Holder the Option and all shares of
Issuer Common Stock purchased by Holder pursuant hereto with respect to which
Holder then has beneficial ownership.  The date on which Holder exercises its
rights under this Section 8 is referred to as the "Request Date."  Such
repurchase shall be at an aggregate price (the "Section 8 Repurchase
Consideration") equal to the sum of:

               (i) the aggregate Purchase Price paid by Holder for any shares of
     Issuer Common Stock acquired by Holder pursuant to the Option with respect
     to which Holder then has beneficial ownership;

                                       6
<PAGE>

               (ii)  the excess, if any, of (x) the Applicable Price (as defined
     below) for each share of Issuer Common Stock over (y) the Purchase Price
     (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7), multiplied by the number of
     shares of Issuer Common Stock with respect to which the Option has not been
     exercised; and

               (iii) the excess, if any, of the Applicable Price over the
     Purchase Price (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7) paid (or, in
     the case of Option Shares with respect to which the Option has been
     exercised but the Closing Date has not occurred, payable) by Holder for
     each share of Issuer Common Stock with respect to which the Option has been
     exercised and with respect to which Holder then has beneficial ownership,
     multiplied by the number of such shares.

          (b) If Holder exercises its rights under this Section 8, Issuer shall,
within ten business days after the Request Date, pay the Section 8 Repurchase
Consideration to Holder in immediately available funds, and contemporaneously
with such payment Holder shall surrender to Issuer the Option and the
certificates evidencing the shares of Issuer Common Stock purchased thereunder
with respect to which Holder then has beneficial ownership, and Holder shall
warrant that it has sole record and beneficial ownership of such shares and that
the same are then free and clear of all liens, claims, charges and encumbrances
of any kind whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that prior
notification to or the consent or approval of any governmental or regulatory
agency or authority is required in connection with the payment of all or any
portion of the Section 8 Repurchase Consideration, Holder shall have the ongoing
option to revoke its request for repurchase pursuant to Section 8, in whole or
in part, or to require that Issuer deliver from time to time that portion of the
Section 8 Repurchase Consideration that it is not then so prohibited from paying
and promptly file the required notice or application for approval and
expeditiously process the same (and each party shall cooperate with the other in
the filing of any such notice or application and the obtaining of any such
approval), in which case the ten business day period of time that would
otherwise run pursuant to the preceding sentence for the payment of the portion
of the Section 8 Repurchase Consideration shall run instead from the date on
which, as the case may be, any required notification period has expired or been
terminated or such approval has been obtained and, in either event, any
requisite waiting period shall have passed.  If any governmental or regulatory
agency or authority disapproves of any part of Issuer's proposed repurchase
pursuant to this Section 8, Issuer shall promptly give notice of such fact to
Holder.  If any governmental or regulatory agency or authority prohibits the
repurchase in part but not in whole, then Holder shall have the right (i) to
revoke the repurchase request or (ii) to the extent permitted by such agency or
authority, determine whether the repurchase should apply to the Option and/or
Option Shares and to what extent to each, and Holder shall thereupon have the
right to exercise the Option as to the number of Option Shares for which the
Option was exercisable at the Request Date less the sum of the number of shares
covered by the Option in respect of which payment has been made pursuant to
Section 8(a)(ii) and the number of shares covered by the portion of the Option
(if any) that has been repurchased.  Holder shall notify Issuer of its
determination under the preceding sentence within five business days of receipt
of notice of disapproval of the repurchase.

              Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all of Holder's
rights under this Section 8 shall terminate on the date of termination of this
Option pursuant to Section 3(a) hereof.

          (c) For purposes of this Agreement, the "Applicable Price" means the
highest of (i) the highest price per share of Issuer Common Stock paid for any
such share by the person or groups described in Section 8(d)(i) hereof, (ii) the
price per share of Issuer Common Stock received by holders of Issuer Common
Stock in connection with any merger or other business combination transaction
described in Sections 7(b)(i), 7(b)(ii), 7(b)(iii) or 7(b)(iv) hereof, or (iii)
the highest closing sales price per share of Issuer Common Stock quoted on the
Nasdaq National Market (or if Issuer Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq
National Market, the highest bid price per share as quoted on the principal
trading market or securities exchange on which such shares are traded as
reported by a recognized source chosen by Holder) during the 60 business days
preceding the Request Date; provided, however, that in the event of a sale of
less than all of Issuer's assets, the Applicable Price shall be the sum of the
price paid in such sale for such assets and the current market value of the
remaining assets of Issuer as determined by an independent nationally recognized
investment banking firm selected by Holder and reasonably acceptable to Issuer
(which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement),
divided by the number of shares of the Issuer Common Stock outstanding at the
time of such sale.  If the consideration to be offered, paid or received
pursuant to either of the

                                       7
<PAGE>

foregoing clauses (i) or (ii) shall be other than in cash, the value of such
consideration shall be determined in good faith by an independent nationally
recognized investment banking firm selected by Holder and reasonably acceptable
to Issuer, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes of this
Agreement.

          (d) As used herein, "Repurchase Event" shall occur if (i) any person
(other than Grantee or any Subsidiary of Grantee) shall have acquired actual
ownership or control, or any "group" (as such term is defined under the Exchange
Act) shall have been formed which shall have acquired actual ownership or
control, of 50% or more of the then-outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock,
or (ii) any of the transactions described in Section 7(b)(i), 7(b)(ii),
7(b)(iii) or 7(b)(iv) shall be consummated.

     9.   Registration Rights.

          (a) For a period of 24 months following termination of the Merger
Agreement, Issuer shall, subject to the conditions of subsection (c) below, if
requested by any Holder, including Grantee and any permitted transferee of the
Option Shares ("Selling Holder"), as expeditiously as possible prepare and file
a registration statement under the Securities Laws if necessary in order to
permit the sale or other disposition of any or all shares of Issuer Common Stock
or other securities that have been acquired by or are issuable to Selling Holder
upon exercise of the Option in accordance with the intended method of sale or
other disposition stated by the Selling Holder in such request, including,
without limitation, a "shelf" registration statement under Rule 415 under the
Securities Act or any successor provision, and Issuer shall use its best efforts
to qualify such shares or other securities for sale under any applicable state
securities laws.

          (b) If Issuer at any time after the exercise of the Option proposes to
register any shares of Issuer Common Stock under the Securities Laws in
connection with an underwritten public offering of such Issuer Common Stock,
Issuer will promptly give written notice to Holder of its intention to do so
and, upon the written request of Holder given within 30 days after receipt of
any such notice (which request shall specify the number of shares of Issuer
Common Stock intended to be included in such underwritten public offering by
Selling Holder), Issuer will cause all such shares, the holders of which shall
have requested participation in such registration, to be so registered and
included in such underwritten public offering; provided, that Issuer may elect
to cause any such shares not to be so registered (i) if the underwriters in good
faith object for a valid business reason, or (ii) in the case of a registration
solely to implement a dividend reinvestment or similar plan, an employee benefit
plan or a registration filed on Form S-4 or any successor form, or a
registration filed on a form which does not permit registration of resales;
provided, further, that such election pursuant to clause (i) may be made only
one time.  If some but not all the shares of Issuer Common Stock, with respect
to which Issuer shall have received requests for registration pursuant to this
subsection (b), shall be excluded from such registration, Issuer shall make
appropriate allocation of shares to be registered among Selling Holders and any
other person (other than Issuer or any person exercising demand registration
rights in connection with such registration) who or which is permitted to
register their shares of Issuer Common Stock in connection with such
registration pro rata in the proportion that the number of shares requested to
be registered by each Selling Holder bears to the total number of shares
requested to be registered by all persons then desiring to have Issuer Common
Stock registered for sale.

          (c) Issuer shall use all reasonable efforts to cause each registration
statement referred to in subsection (a) above to become effective and to obtain
all consents or waivers of other parties which are required therefor and to keep
such registration statement effective, provided, that Issuer may delay any
registration of Option Shares required pursuant to subsection (a) above for a
period not exceeding 90 days in the event that Issuer shall in good faith
determine that any such registration would adversely affect an offering or
contemplated offering of other securities by Issuer, and Issuer shall not be
required to register Option Shares under the Securities Laws pursuant to
subsection (a) above:

              (i) prior to the occurrence of a Purchase Event;

              (ii)  on more than two occasions;

                                       8
<PAGE>

              (iii)  more than once during any calendar year;

              (iv) within 90 days after the effective date of a registration
     referred to in subsection (b) above pursuant to which the Selling Holders
     concerned were afforded the opportunity to register such shares under the
     Securities Laws and such shares were registered as requested; and

               (v) unless a request therefor is made to Issuer by Selling
     Holders holding at least 25% or more of the aggregate number of Option
     Shares then outstanding.

          In addition to the foregoing, Issuer shall not be required to maintain
the effectiveness of any registration statement after the expiration of nine
months from the effective date of such registration statement.  Issuer shall use
all reasonable efforts to make any filings, and take all steps, under all
applicable state securities laws to the extent necessary to permit the sale or
other disposition of the Option Shares so registered in accordance with the
intended method of distribution for such shares, provided, that Issuer shall not
be required to consent to general jurisdiction or qualify to do business in any
state where it is not otherwise required to so consent to such jurisdiction or
to so qualify to do business.

          (d) Except where applicable state law prohibits such payments, Issuer
will pay all expenses (including without limitation registration fees,
qualification fees, blue sky fees and expenses (including the fees and expenses
of counsel), accounting expenses, legal expenses, including reasonable fees and
expenses of one counsel to the Selling Holders whose Option Shares are being
registered, printing expenses, reasonable expenses of underwriters, excluding
discounts and commissions but including liability insurance if Issuer so desires
or the underwriters so require, and the reasonable fees and expenses of any
necessary special experts) in connection with each registration pursuant to
subsection (a) or (b) above (including the related offerings and sales by
Selling Holders) and all other qualifications, notifications or exemptions
pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) above.  Underwriting discounts and commissions
relating to Option Shares and any other expenses incurred by such Selling
Holders in connection with any such registration shall be borne by such Selling
Holders.

          (e) In connection with any registration under subsection (a) or (b)
above Issuer hereby indemnifies the Selling Holders, and each underwriter
thereof, including each person, if any, who controls such holder or underwriter
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, against all expenses,
losses, claims, damages and liabilities caused by any untrue statement of a
material fact contained in any registration statement or prospectus or
notification or offering circular (including any amendments or supplements
thereto) or any preliminary prospectus, or caused by any omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such expenses, losses,
claims, damages or liabilities of such indemnified party are caused by any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission
that was included by Issuer in any such registration statement or prospectus or
notification or offering circular (including any amendments or supplements
thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with, information furnished in
writing to Issuer by such indemnified party expressly for use therein, and
Issuer and each officer, director and controlling person of Issuer shall be
indemnified by such Selling Holder, or by such underwriter, as the case may be,
for all such expenses, losses, claims, damages and liabilities caused by any
untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission that was
included by Issuer in any such registration statement or prospectus or
notification or offering circular (including any amendments or supplements
thereto) in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished in
writing to Issuer by such holder or such underwriter, as the case may be,
expressly for such use.

          Promptly upon receipt by a party indemnified under this subsection (e)
of notice of the commencement of any action against such indemnified party in
respect of which indemnity or reimbursement may be sought against any
indemnifying party under this subsection (e), such indemnified party shall
notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement of such action, but
the failure so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it of any
liability which it may otherwise have to any indemnified party under this
subsection (e).  In case notice of commencement of any such action shall be
given to the indemnifying party as above provided, the indemnifying party shall
be entitled to participate in and, to the extent it may wish, jointly with any
other indemnifying party similarly

                                       9
<PAGE>

notified, to assume the defense of such action at its own expense, with counsel
chosen by it and satisfactory to such indemnified party. The indemnified party
shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and
participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel
(other than reasonable costs of investigation) shall be paid by the indemnified
party unless (i) the indemnifying party agrees to pay them, (ii) the
indemnifying party fails to assume the defense of such action with counsel
satisfactory to the indemnified party, or (iii) the indemnified party has been
advised by counsel that one or more legal defenses may be available to the
indemnifying party that may be contrary to the interest of the indemnified
party, in which case the indemnifying party shall be entitled to assume the
defense of such action notwithstanding its obligation to bear fees and expenses
of such counsel. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement
entered into without its consent, which consent may not be unreasonably
withheld.

          If the indemnification provided, for in this subsection (e) is
unavailable to a party otherwise entitled to be indemnified in respect of any
expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to herein, then the
indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such party otherwise entitled to be
indemnified, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such party to be
indemnified as a result of such expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities
in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received
by Issuer, all Selling Holders and the underwriters from the offering of the
securities and also the relative fault of Issuer, all Selling Holders and the
underwriters in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in
such expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations.  The amount paid or payable by a party as a
result of the expenses, losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to
above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably
incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any action
or claim; provided, that in no case shall any Selling Holder be responsible, in
the aggregate, for any amount in excess of the net offering proceeds
attributable to its Option Shares included in the offering.  No person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  Any obligation by any holder to
indemnify shall be several and not joint with other holders.

              In connection with any registration pursuant to subsection (a) or
(b) above, Issuer and each Selling Holder (other than Grantee) shall enter into
an agreement containing the indemnification provisions of this subsection (e).

          (f) Issuer shall comply with all reporting requirements and will do
all such other things as may be necessary to permit the expeditious sale at any
time of any Option Shares by the Selling Holders in accordance with and to the
extent permitted by any rule or regulation promulgated by the Commission from
time to time, including, without limitation, Rules 144 and 144A.  Issuer shall
at its expense provide the Selling Holders with any information necessary in
connection with the completion and filing of any reports or forms required to be
filed by them under the Securities Laws, or required pursuant to any state
securities laws or the rules of any stock exchange.

          (g) Issuer will pay all stamp taxes in connection with the issuance
and the sale of the Option Shares and in connection with the exercise of the
Option, and will save Holder harmless, without limitation as to time, against
any and all liabilities, with respect to all such taxes.

     10.  Quotation; Listing.  If Issuer Common Stock or any other securities to
be acquired upon exercise of the Option are then authorized for quotation or
trading or listing on the Nasdaq National Market or any other securities
exchange or any automated quotations system maintained by a self-regulatory
organization, Issuer will promptly file an application, if required, to
authorize for quotation or trading or listing the shares of Issuer Common Stock
or other securities to be acquired upon exercise of the Option on the Nasdaq
National Market or any other securities exchange or any automated quotations
system maintained by a self-regulatory organization and will use its best
efforts to obtain approval, if required, of such quotation or listing as soon as
practicable.

     11.  Division of Option.  This Agreement (and the Option granted hereby) is
exchangeable, without expense, at the option of Holder, upon presentation and
surrender of this Agreement at the principal office of Issuer for other
Agreements providing for Options of different denominations entitling the holder
thereof to purchase in the

                                       10
<PAGE>

aggregate the same number of shares of Issuer Common Stock purchasable
hereunder. The terms "Agreement" and "Option" as used herein include any other
Agreements and related Options for which this Agreement (and the Option granted
hereby) may be exchanged. Upon receipt by Issuer of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this
Agreement, and (in the case of loss, theft or destruction) of reasonably
satisfactory indemnification, and upon surrender and cancellation of this
Agreement, if mutilated, Issuer will execute and deliver a new Agreement of like
tenor and date. Any such new Agreement executed and delivered shall constitute
an additional contractual obligation on the part of Issuer, whether or not the
Agreement so lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated shall at any time be
enforceable by anyone.

     12.  Miscellaneous.

          (a) Expenses.  Except as otherwise provided, herein, each of the
parties hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on
its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including
fees and expenses of its own financial consultants, investment bankers,
accountants and counsel.

          (b) Waiver and Amendment.  Any provision of this Agreement may be
waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits of such
provision.  This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented
except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the
parties hereto.

          (c) Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiary; Severability.  This
Agreement, together with the Merger Agreement and the other documents and
instruments referred to herein and therein, between Grantee and Issuer (a)
constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and (b) is not intended to confer upon any person other
than the parties hereto (other than any transferees of the Option Shares or any
permitted transferee of this Agreement pursuant to Section 12(h) hereof) any
rights or remedies hereunder.  If any term, provision, covenant or restriction
of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or a federal or
state governmental or regulatory agency or authority to be invalid, void or
unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and
restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall
in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.  If for any reason such court or
regulatory agency determines that the Option does not permit Holder to acquire,
or does not require Issuer to repurchase, the full number of shares of Issuer
Common Stock as provided, in Sections 3 and 8 hereof (as adjusted pursuant to
Section 7 hereof), it is the express intention of Issuer to allow Holder to
acquire or to require Issuer to repurchase such lesser number of shares as may
be permissible without any amendment or modification hereof.

          (d) Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina without
regard to any applicable conflicts of law rules, except to the extent that the
federal laws of the United States shall govern.

          (e) Descriptive Headings.  The descriptive headings contained herein
are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

          (f) Notices.  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be
in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (with
confirmation) or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested) to the parties at the addresses set forth in the Merger Agreement (or
at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice).

          (g) Counterparts.  This Agreement and any amendments hereto may be
executed in two counterparts, each of which shall be considered one and the same
agreement and shall become effective when both counterparts have been signed, it
being understood that both parties need not sign the same counterpart.

          (h) Assignment; Transfer.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights, interests or obligations hereunder or under the Option shall be assigned
or transferred by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or
otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party, except that
Grantee may assign this Agreement to a

                                       11
<PAGE>

wholly owned subsidiary of Grantee and Grantee may assign or transfer its rights
hereunder in whole or in part after the occurrence of a Purchase Event. In the
case of any permitted assignment or transfer of the Option, Issuer shall do all
things necessary to facilitate the same, and the Holder to whom the Option is
assigned or transferred shall make the representations contained in Section 6
hereof (with Holder substituted for Grantee) and shall agree in writing to the
terms and conditions hereof. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement
shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties
and their respective successors and assigns.

          (i) Further Assurances.  In the event of any exercise of the Option by
Holder, Issuer and Holder shall execute and deliver all other documents and
instruments and take all other action that may be reasonably necessary in order
to consummate the transactions provided, for by such exercise.

          (j) Specific Performance.  The parties hereto agree that this
Agreement may be enforced by either party through specific performance,
injunctive relief and other equitable relief.  Both parties further agree to
waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with
the obtaining of any such equitable relief and that this provision is without
prejudice to any other rights that the parties hereto may have for any failure
to perform this Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  Issuer and Grantee have caused this Stock Option
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
all as of the day and year first written above.

MATEWAN BANCSHARES, INC.            BB&T CORPORATION


By:     /s/ Dan R. Moore              By:      /s/ John A. Allison IV
    ----------------------------         ---------------------------------
     Name:  Dan R. Moore                  Name:  John A. Allison IV
     Title: Chairman, President           Title: Chairman and
            and Chief Executive Officer          Chief Executive Officer

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