United Community Banks, Inc. has completed its merger, effective May 1, 2019, with First Madison Bank & Trust (“First Madison”).  The legacy First Madison offices will continue to operate as First Madison Bank & Trust until conversion to United’s operating systems, which is expected in the third quarter of 2019.  After conversion, these offices will operate under the brand name of United Community Bank.

The merger with First Madison represents United’s entry into the diverse and fast growing Athens, Georgia market and is a natural extension of United’s existing presence in the Atlanta and North Georgia markets.

“The acquisition of First Madison is perfectly aligned with our strategy of expanding into new markets with the right team of bankers and using it as a platform for growth with our expanded array of products and services,” stated Lynn Harton, Chief Executive Officer of United.  “First Madison has a strong and loyal customer base and shares our passion for delivering excellent customer service.  We have long desired to expand into the Athens market, and believe we have found the ideal partner in First Madison.  We are very pleased to welcome Jay Staines, Chief Executive Officer of First Madison, and his team of outstanding bankers to the United team.”

Jay Staines, Chief Executive Officer of First Madison, said, “We couldn’t be more excited to join forces with United Community Bank.  We believe that our customers will quickly find that United’s commitment to providing high-quality, personalized customer service is very much like ours, with the additional benefit that they will now have more products and services from which to choose.  We are confident that this will make us ever more competitive in this great Athens market and allow us to deepen our relationships and increase business opportunities.  We can’t wait to get started.”

First Madison operates four banking offices, all of which are located in the Athens-Clarke County, Georgia MSA.  At March 31, 2019, First Madison had $244 million in assets, $199 million in loans, and $213 million in deposits, of which nearly two-thirds are non-CD core deposits.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP served as United’s legal advisor.  Olsen Palmer LLC served as First Madison’s financial advisor, and Fenimore, Kay, Harrison & Ford, LLP served as its legal advisor.