Moultrie-Based Ameris Bank Acquires Two Failed Banks From FDIC

STAFF REPORT - Moultrie-based Ameris Bank announced today a definitive
agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to assume the
deposits and certain assets of One Georgia Bank in Midtown Atlanta,
Georgia, and High Trust Bank in Stockbridge with a branch location in
Leary, Georgia. The Georgia Department of Banking & Finance declared
One Georgia Bank and High Trust Bank closed as of Friday, and
appointed the FDIC as receiver for both financial institutions. The
FDIC entered into a loss-share transaction and sold the assets and
deposit liabilities of One Georgia Bank and High Trust Bank to Ameris
Bank.


All of the branches of High Trust Bank and the one branch of One
Georgia Bank have reopened as branches of Ameris Bank, and all
depositors of both banks will automatically become depositors of
Ameris Bank, and all deposits will continue to be insured by the FDIC.
With these acquisitions, Ameris Bank will now operate 62 locations in
Georgia, Florida, Alabama and South Carolina.

Edwin W. Hortman, Jr., CEO commented, "We appreciate the opportunity
to welcome customers and employees of both One Georgia Bank and High
Trust Bank to the Ameris Bank family. Customers can be confident that
their deposits are safe and readily accessible. Ameris Bank has
supported the financial needs of local communities since 1971."

As a result of the One Georgia Bank acquisition, Ameris Bank will
assume approximately $160.7 million in total deposits and $131.7
million in total loans. Approximately $171.0 million in total deposits
and $136.9 million in total loans will be assumed as a result of the
High Trust Bank acquisition. Substantially all of the loans and all of
the OREO purchased from the FDIC are covered under loss-sharing
agreements that afford the Company significant protection from losses.