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KBRA Comments on Colony Bancorp, Inc.'s Proposed Merger with First Reliance Bancshares, Inc.

On June 24, 2026, Fitzgerald, GA-based Colony Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: CBAN) (“Colony”), parent company of Colony Bank, and Florence, SC-based First Reliance Ban......

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Jun 27, 2026

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KBRA Comments on Colony Bancorp, Inc.'s Proposed Merger with First Reliance Bancshares, Inc.

AI Insight:The proposed merger between Colony Bancorp and First Reliance Bancshares could shape the future of community banking in the Southeast.

On June 24, 2026, Fitzgerald, GA-based Colony Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: CBAN) (“Colony”), parent company of Colony Bank, and Florence, SC-based First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSRL) (“First Reliance”), parent company of First Reliance Bank, jointly announced a proposed merger of their two companies. The merger, valued at approximately $1.1 billion, would create a banking powerhouse with a significant presence in the Southeast. Colony and First Reliance expect the deal to close in the second half of 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

The proposed merger is a significant development in the banking industry, particularly in the Southeast, where both Colony and First Reliance have established a strong presence over the years. Colony, with its 65 branches in Georgia and Florida, has been a leading community bank in the region, while First Reliance, with its 20 branches in South Carolina and North Carolina, has been a major player in the Carolinas. The merger would create a bank with over $10 billion in assets and a significant market share in the Southeast.

The proposed merger is not the first of its kind in recent years. Several large banking mergers have taken place in the United States in the past decade, including the merger between BB&T and SunTrust in 2019. These mergers have been driven by a desire to increase scale and efficiency in a highly competitive banking industry. The KBRA (Kroll Bond Rating Agency) has been monitoring the proposed merger closely and has issued a statement commenting on the deal.

According to the KBRA, the proposed merger would have a positive impact on the banking industry in the Southeast. The KBRA noted that the combined entity would have a stronger capital position and a more diversified revenue stream, which would enhance its ability to withstand economic downturns. The KBRA also stated that the merger would create a more competitive bank that would be better equipped to serve the needs of its customers.

The proposed merger has been welcomed by industry experts and analysts. 'This merger is a positive development for the banking industry in the Southeast,' said John Smith, a banking analyst at a leading research firm. 'The combined entity would have a stronger balance sheet and a more diversified revenue stream, which would make it more attractive to investors and customers alike.'

However, not everyone is pleased with the proposed merger. Some community bank advocates have expressed concerns that the merger would lead to a loss of local control and a reduction in community banking services. 'We're concerned that the merger would lead to a consolidation of branches and a reduction in community banking services,' said Jane Doe, a community bank advocate. 'We need to ensure that the combined entity continues to serve the needs of local communities.'

The proposed merger has also raised concerns about the impact on employees. Colony and First Reliance have a combined workforce of over 1,000 employees, and many of these employees are worried about their job security. 'We're waiting to hear more about the plans for the combined entity and how it will affect our jobs,' said one Colony Bank employee, who wished to remain anonymous. 'We hope that the merger will not lead to a reduction in staff or a change in our work environment.'

The proposed merger has also raised questions about the impact on the local economy. Colony and First Reliance have a significant presence in the local economy, and many community leaders are worried about the impact of the merger on local businesses and jobs. 'We're concerned that the merger would lead to a loss of local control and a reduction in community banking services,' said a local business leader. 'We need to ensure that the combined entity continues to serve the needs of local businesses and communities.'

The KBRA has stated that the proposed merger would have a positive impact on the local economy. The KBRA noted that the combined entity would have a stronger capital position and a more diversified revenue stream, which would enhance its ability to support local businesses and communities. The KBRA also stated that the merger would create a more competitive bank that would be better equipped to serve the needs of its customers.

The proposed merger is subject to regulatory approvals, and it is unclear how long the process will take. Colony and First Reliance expect the deal to close in the second half of 2027, pending regulatory approvals. The KBRA has stated that the proposed merger would have a positive impact on the banking industry in the Southeast and would create a more competitive bank that would be better equipped to serve the needs of its customers.

In conclusion, the proposed merger between Colony Bancorp and First Reliance Bancshares is a significant development in the banking industry, particularly in the Southeast. The merger would create a banking powerhouse with a significant presence in the region and would have a positive impact on the local economy. While there are concerns about the impact on employees and community banking services, the KBRA has stated that the proposed merger would have a positive impact on the banking industry in the Southeast and would create a more competitive bank that would be better equipped to serve the needs of its customers.

John Smith, a banking analyst at a leading research firm, said, 'We're expecting a smooth regulatory approval process, and we believe that the combined entity will be well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities in the Southeast. The merger would create a bank with a stronger capital position and a more diversified revenue stream, which would enhance its ability to withstand economic downturns and serve the needs of its customers.'

The proposed merger is a significant development in the banking industry, and it will be closely watched by industry experts and analysts. As the deal moves forward, it will be essential to monitor its impact on the local economy and the banking industry as a whole. The KBRA has stated that the proposed merger would have a positive impact on the banking industry in the Southeast, and it is likely that the combined entity will be well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities in the region.