United Community Banks and ANB Holdings announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement in which United will acquire ANB, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, American National Bank (“ANB Bank”), in an all-stock transaction with an aggregate value of roughly $80 million.
ANB Bank is headquartered in Oakland Park, Florida, a northern and fast-growing part of the Miami metropolitan area. Founded in 1985, ANB Bank primarily services Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. It is a premier franchise with an experienced management team led by President and CEO Ginger Martin. ANB Bank’s high-touch customer service is delivered to retail and business customers through one location on North Federal Highway in Oakland Park. As of September 30, 2024, ANB Bank reported total assets of $439 million, with total loans of $322 million, and total deposits of $374 million, of which over $300 million are non-CD core deposits.
“This transaction strengthens our presence in the greater Miami market,” said Lynn Harton, Chairman and CEO of United. “We made an investment in this market with our acquisition of First National Bank of South Miami in 2023 and currently have an experienced and expanding team in place. The acquisition of American National Bank is an exciting opportunity to add a customer service focused hub in an attractive area with a team that shares our values of customer service, employee engagement, and community development.”
Martin said, “We have spent many years developing a customer-centric business model and building an outstanding banking franchise in South Florida. In selecting a partner to help propel us into the next phase of our growth, it was important to identify a bank that was aligned with our core values. United Community is an exceptional fit. Their focus on the needs of the customer, combined with their larger balance sheet and expanded product and service offerings, will ensure that our customers continue to receive best in class service. I am excited about our partnership with United, and I believe that the combination of our two teams will result in tremendous success for both parties but even more importantly, our customers.”
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, ANB shareholders will receive 1.650 shares of United common stock for each share of ANB common stock outstanding. The Merger is expected to be accretive to United’s earnings per share by approximately $0.04 per share in 2026, the first full year of combined operations. Additionally, the estimated transaction returns are consistent with United’s stated acquisition criteria pertaining to tangible book value and targeted internal rates of return. The Merger Agreement was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of United and ANB. The Merger is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025 and is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approval as well as the approval of ANB’s shareholders.
Stephens Inc. acted as financial advisor to United, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as United’s legal advisor. Hovde Group, LLC served as ANB’s financial advisor, and Smith Mackinnon, PA served as ANB’s legal advisor.