WOODSTOCK, Ga., Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brian D. Schmitt, Chief Executive Officer of SouthCrest Financial Group, Inc. (SCSG:PK), announced today that the company has reached agreement for the sale of its two branches in Alabama and all related deposits and assets to Guardian Credit Union, a respected Alabama consumer financial services cooperative.

The sale, expected to close in early 2017, subject to regulatory approval, will strengthen the Alabama asset portfolio of Guardian Credit Union while supporting SouthCrest Financial Group’s strategic plan to grow its private business banking operations in the Atlanta region. 

“It’s a win-win for the two financial institutions and the two markets in which they focus their operations,” said Schmitt. “And, our employees and managers will be joining one of the most successful, distinguished and admired credit unions in the South.”

Schmitt, a veteran banker known for planning and executing successful growth initiatives, said the sale of the two branches is a key element of SouthCrest Financial Group’s long-term strategy to become a dominant provider of commercial banking services in the sprawling Atlanta metropolitan region.

“We are pleased to be acquiring two branches from a bank that has similar values and culture,” said Heath Harrell, President and CEO of Guardian Credit Union.  “We are excited to join with like-minded employees and customers in Chilton County, as this is a win for all employees, customers, members and the community. The acquisition furthers our growth strategy and positions us as a premier credit union in Central Alabama.”

Guardian will pay a 5% deposit premium on the total deposits transferred, which are expected to be about $45 million, and purchase over $6 million worth of loans. FIG Partners advised SouthCrest with this transaction.  Michael M. Bell, Esq. of Howard & Howard Attorneys, PLLC advised Guardian with this transaction. 

ABOUT GUARDIAN CREDIT UNION

Established in 1958, Guardian Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone that lives, works, or worships in the 13 counties Guardian serves. Guardian holds $375 million in assets and has more than 41,504 members with a total of 12 locations spanning Montgomery, Prattville, Tallassee, Troy, and Greenville. For more information, visit www.myguardiancu.com or call (334) 244-9999 or (800) 239-7366.

ABOUT SOUTHCREST

SouthCrest Financial Group, Inc. is a $550 million asset bank holding company headquartered in Woodstock, Ga. The company operates a 12 branch network throughout Georgia and Alabama through its subsidiary bank, SouthCrest Bank, N.A.  The bank provides a full suite of retail and commercial banking services, and online banking services. 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This presentation may contain certain “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results and shareholder values to differ materially from those projected.  Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include economic conditions, government regulation and legislation, changes in interest rates, credit quality, competition, and other risk factors.  For more information on SouthCrest Financial Group, please contact Andy Borrmann, Chief Financial Officer, at 678.734.3505.

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