Beach Community Bank and First City Bank Announce Merger Agreement

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beach Community Bank has entered into agreement with Florida First City Banks, Inc. and First City Bank of Florida that provides for the merger of First City Bank of Florida with and into Beach Community Bank. Completion of the transaction will result in a combined entity with approximately $675 million in assets, making it the largest community bank headquartered in northwest Florida.

“I am thrilled at the rare opportunity to join forces with one of Northwest Florida’s founding financial institutions,” said Beach Community Bank President and CEO Chip Reeves. “And even more unique is finding another institution that shares community investment and client focused relationships as core beliefs. We are excited to foster the next level of relationship driven banking in Florida.”

Florida First City Banks, Inc. will undertake a voluntary action, allowing the transaction to be accomplished. This impacts Florida First City Banks, Inc. only. First City Bank of Florida’s day-to-day operations and clients will not be affected, nor will depositors’ insurance coverage.

Beach intends to carry out the transaction together with the raise of new investment capital so that the combined entity may continue its legacy of serving the local community. The transaction is subject to approval of the Court and the regulators of First City Bank and Beach. Subject to those approvals, Beach anticipates closing the transaction early in the 2^nd quarter of 2020.

“This merger agreement represents an extremely desirable outcome for First City Bank as we faced the challenges of the Great Recession and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill,” said First City Chairman and CEO John McGee. “We appreciate the resiliency of our team members, the unwavering support of our clients and the vision of Beach Community Bank.”

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for us,” said First City Bank President and Chief Operating Officer Bob Bennett. “The merger allows us to continue our superior standard of service and responsiveness, while providing our client base a greatly expanded product suite and increased lending power.”

With this transaction, Beach Community Bank, which raised $100MM in a July of 2018 recapitalization, continues its impressive turnaround and growth story.

“This merger is an important and integral next step for Beach as we build a Florida based multi-billion-dollar business bank,” said Carl Chaney, former CEO of Hancock Whitney and current Chairman of Beach Community Bank. “We look forward to welcoming First City Bank’s team members and clients.”

Hovde Group, LLC served as financial advisor to Beach Community Bank with Smith McKinnon serving as legal counsel and Nelson Mullins serving as special counsel.

Gerrish Smith Tuck served as financial advisor and legal counsel to Florida First City Banks, Inc. and First City Bank of Florida, with Wilson, Harrell serving as special counsel.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, among other things, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, (i) statements regarding certain of the Bank’s goals and expectations with respect to the merger, and (ii) statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “projects”, “outlook” or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current belief and expectations of the Bank’s management team and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Bank’s control). Although the Bank believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, the Bank can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation by the Bank or any person that future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by Bank.

Relationship Driven. Business Centric. Community Focused: About Beach Community Bank

Beach Community Bank offers a full array of financial products and personalized services to meet the needs of its consumer and business communities. With locations spanning from Pensacola to Tampa, Beach is a Florida based institution that pledges itself to reinvestment in local economies. Beach Community Bank’s flagship commitment, the $1 Billion Lending Pledge, puts values in action as northwest Florida’s leading business bank. For more information, visit beachcommunitybank.com

Integrity. Service. Community: About First City Bank

First City Bank of Florida was the first chartered bank south of Eglin Air Force Base. Through the efforts of the entire community, the bank was charted by and for the citizens in South Okaloosa County. Today, First City Bank of Florida remains the oldest independent bank on the Emerald Coast.