Buying Signature Bank of Georgia would boost First Community’s Small Business Administration lending and create a bank with 23 locations and roughly $2.3 billion in assets, the companies said.\n\nPublished July 15, 2025 <a>Dan Ennis</a> Senior Editor <a> post </a><a> share </a><a> post </a><a> print </a><a> email </a><a> license </a> Equity Residential recently purchased two apartment properties in the Atlanta area. Marilyn Nieves via Getty Images \n\nLexington, South Carolina-based First Community Corp. will acquire Sandy Springs-based Signature Bank of Georgia in a roughly $41.6 million deal that would bring First Community Bank to the Atlanta metro area, the <a>companies said Monday</a>.\n\n\"During our initial conversations, there was immediate mutual recognition of cultural alignment,\" First Community Corp. CEO Mike Crapps said. \"Signature's deep local relationships, talented leadership team and specialized lending capabilities – especially in [Small Business Administration lending] – will significantly enhance our presence and service offerings across all of our combined markets.\" \n\nThe deal, expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2026, will create a 23-location entity that counts about $2.3 billion in assets, $2 billion in deposits and $1.5 billion in loans.\n\nAs part of the transaction, Signature CEO Freddie Deutsch will become a regional market president and director of specialty business lending at First Community Bank.\n\n\"This transaction provides meaningful value to our shareholders — including a cash dividend and increased liquidity — while positioning the combined company for long-term success,\" Deutsch said.\n\nTwo Signature directors will join First Community’s board as part of the deal.\n\nSignature shareholders are set to receive 0.6410 shares of First Community stock for each Signature share they own. The estimated $41.6 million value of the deal stems from First Community's $24.84-per-share closing price from Friday.\n\nThe transactionis estimated to be 4.4% accretive to First Community's earnings per share in 2026, with a tangible book value dilution of roughly 2.6% and an earn-back period of 2.2 years, the companies said.\n\nFirst Community Bank CEO Ted Nissen called the SBA lending prospects from the deal \"compelling.\" \n\n\"Signature's team brings deep expertise and a strong track record in small-business lending, which aligns perfectly with our strategic focus on supporting entrepreneurs, local businesses and professionals,\" Nissen said. \"Together, we're well positioned to expand this line of business across our legacy footprint while also enhancing Signature's existing franchise with our wealth management and residential mortgage lines of business.\"

SC’s First Community broaches Atlanta area in $41.6M deal

First Community Corp. acquires Signature Bank of Georgia in a $41.6M deal to expand its presence in the Atlanta metro area, creating a combined entity with 23 locations, $2.3B in assets, and enhanced Small Business Administration lending capabilities.