The parent company of Hoschton-based Hamilton State Bank reached a merger agreement this week that will see its resources and equity combined with another Georgia-based company.
Hamilton State Bancshares, Inc. will merge with Ameris Bancorp, itself the parent company of Ameris Bank, according to terms announced in an online press release Friday morning.
Hamilton State Bank operates 28 branches across North Georgia, including branches in Hall, Barrow, Forsyth and Jackson counties. According to the release, it joins a Moultrie-headquartered company that currently has 97 locations throughout Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and northern Florida.
Additionally, Hamilton State Banks operates 24 branches that are located inside the Atlanta metro area.
"Atlanta is the largest market in Georgia and one of the largest markets in the entire Southeast," said Ameris Bancorp CEO Edwin J. Hortman, Jr., after the deal was anounced. "While we have had a small presence in Atlanta for a number of years, we have been looking for an opportunity to expand our presence in this important market."
Upon completion of the merger, the combined company is projected to have roughly $11.3 billion in assests, in addition to its growing network that spans four states.
