Core Viewpoint - Pinnacle Financial Corporation and Morris State Bancshares have announced a strategic partnership, creating a unified holding company named Vallant Financial, Inc., which reflects their commitment to community banking since 1934 [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Pinnacle Financial Corporation is a $2.2 billion asset bank holding company based in Elberton, Georgia, with operations in 17 counties [4]. - Morris State Bancshares, with $1.5 billion in assets, is headquartered in Dublin, Georgia, and has been recognized as one of the Best-In-State Banks 2025 by Forbes [5]. Group 2: Strategic Partnership Details - The new brand, Vallant, symbolizes courage, strength, and resilience, aligning with the values both companies uphold in their communities [2]. - The merger aims to enhance customer access, resources, services, and career opportunities while adding value for shareholders and the communities served [3]. Group 3: Leadership Statements - Jackson McConnell, CEO of Pinnacle, expressed excitement about the new chapter and the dynamic community banking structure that will benefit customers [2]. - Spence Mullis, Chairman and CEO of Morris, emphasized that the name change signifies a shared purpose to serve Georgia and the Southeast as a premier community banking partner [3].

Core Viewpoint - Pinnacle Financial Corporation and Morris State Bancshares, Inc. announced a strategic merger to create a leading community bank in Georgia with combined assets of $3.8 billion, deposits of $3.3 billion, and loans of $2.8 billion [1][4]. Transaction Highlights - The merger will result in a new company with approximately 54% of shares owned by Pinnacle's shareholders and 46% by Morris' shareholders [4]. - Morris shareholders will receive a one-time special cash dividend of $0.54 per share prior to the transaction's closing [4]. Governance and Leadership - The combined company's Board of Directors will consist of nine directors from Pinnacle and eight from Morris [9]. - Key leadership positions will include Jackson McConnell as Executive Chairman and David Voyles as Chief Executive Officer [9]. Timing and Approvals - The transaction is expected to close by the end of Q1 or early Q2 of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent [10]. Company Background - Pinnacle Financial Corporation is a $2.2 billion asset bank holding company based in Elberton, Georgia, while Morris State Bancshares is a $1.5 billion asset community bank headquartered in Dublin, Georgia [12][14].