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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2017

Registration No. 333-219339

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No. 1

to

Form S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Florida		6022		59-2260678
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

815 Colorado Avenue

Stuart, Florida 34994

(772) 287-4000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Dennis S. Hudson, III

Chief Executive Officer

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

815 Colorado Avenue

Stuart, Florida 34994

(772) 287-4000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Randolph A. Moore III Alston & Bird LLP One Atlantic Center 1201 W. Peachtree Street Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Telephone: (404) 881-7000		Scott Jacobsen NorthStar Banking Corporation 400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400 Tampa, Florida 33602 Telephone: (813) 549-5000		John N. Giordano Bush Ross, P.A. 1801 North Highland Avenue Tampa, Florida 33602 Telephone: (813) 224-9255

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective and all other conditions to the proposed merger described herein have been satisfied or waived.

If the securities being registered on this form are to be offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.  ☐

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emergency growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer		☐		Accelerated filer		☒
Non-accelerated filer		☐  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company		☐
				Emerging growth company		☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 14e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ☐

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-party Tender Offer)  ☐

 

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

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The information in this preliminary proxy statement/prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This proxy statement/prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

 

MERGER PROPOSED—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

 

 

To the Shareholders of NorthStar Banking Corporation:

On May 18, 2017, Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, or Seacoast, Seacoast National Bank, or SNB, NorthStar Banking Corporation, or NSBC, and NorthStar Bank entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (which we refer to as the “merger agreement”) that provides for the combination of our two banks. Under the merger agreement, NSBC will merge with and into Seacoast, with Seacoast as the surviving corporation (which we refer to as the “merger”). Immediately following the merger, NorthStar Bank will merge with and into SNB, with SNB as the surviving bank (which we refer to as the “bank merger”). The acquisition will expand Seacoast’s presence in the attractive Tampa market and strengthen its position in the state.

In the merger, each share of NSBC common stock (except for specified shares of NSBC common stock held by NSBC, Seacoast or SNB and any dissenting shares) will be converted into the right to receive: (i) 0.5605 of a share of Seacoast common stock (the “per share stock consideration”); and (ii) $2.40 per share of NSBC common stock in cash (the “per share cash consideration,” and collectively with the per share stock consideration, the “merger consideration”). In the event that NSBC’s consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity is less than NSBC’s target consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity (defined in the merger agreement as $22.25 million, less any permitted expenses including (i) those incurred in connection with the merger and the bank merger and (ii) the fee payable to NSBC’s financial advisor), then Seacoast shall have the option to adjust the merger consideration downward by an amount that equals the difference between NSBC’s target consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity and NSBC’s consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity.

The market value of the per share stock consideration will fluctuate with the market price of Seacoast common stock and other factors and will not be known at the time NSBC shareholders vote on the merger agreement. Based on the closing price of Seacoast’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on             , 2017, the last practicable date before the date of this document, the value of the per share merger consideration payable to holders of NSBC common stock was approximately $            . We urge you to obtain current market quotations for Seacoast (trading symbol “SBCF”) because the value of the per share stock consideration will fluctuate.

Based on the current number of shares of NSBC common stock outstanding, Seacoast expects to issue up to approximately              million shares of common stock and pay $              in cash to NSBC shareholders in the aggregate upon completion of the merger. Upon completion of the merger, current NSBC shareholders will own approximately 2.3% of the common stock of Seacoast immediately following the merger. However, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of NSBC common stock outstanding that occurs for any reason prior to the completion of the merger will cause the actual number of shares issued upon completion of the merger to change.

NSBC will hold a special meeting of its shareholders in connection with the merger. Holders of NSBC common stock will be asked to vote to approve the merger agreement and related matters as described in this proxy statement/prospectus. NSBC shareholders will also be asked to approve the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the merger agreement and related matters, as described in this proxy statement/prospectus.

The special meeting of NSBC shareholders will be held on             , 2017 at             ,             , Tampa, Florida, at      local time.

NSBC’s board of directors has determined and declared that the merger agreement, the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, are advisable and in the best interests of NSBC and its shareholders, has unanimously authorized, adopted and approved the merger agreement, the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and recommends that NSBC shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement and “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the NSBC special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

This document, which serves as a proxy statement for the special meeting of NSBC shareholders and as a prospectus for the shares of Seacoast common stock to be issued in the merger to NSBC shareholders, describes the special meeting of NSBC, the merger, the documents related to the merger and other related matters. Please carefully read this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including “Risk Factors,” beginning on page 16, for a discussion of the risks relating to the proposed merger. You also can obtain information about Seacoast from documents that Seacoast has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

If you have any questions concerning the merger, NSBC shareholders should contact Scott Jacobsen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rivergate Tower, 400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400, Tampa, Florida 33602 at (813) 549-5000. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, nor any state securities commission or any other bank regulatory agency has approved or disapproved the merger, the issuance of the Seacoast common stock to be issued in the merger or the other transactions described in this document or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this proxy statement/prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The securities to be issued in the merger are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of any bank or non-bank subsidiary of either Seacoast or NSBC, and they are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

The date of this proxy statement/prospectus is                     , 2017, and it is first being mailed or otherwise delivered to the shareholders of NSBC on or about                     , 2017.

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON                     , 2017

To the Shareholders of NorthStar Banking Corporation:

NorthStar Banking Corporation (“NSBC”) will hold a special meeting of shareholders at      local time,     on                     , 2017, at                     , Tampa, Florida             , for the following purposes:

 

•

for holders of NSBC common stock to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 18, 2017, by and among Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, Seacoast National Bank, NSBC and NorthStar Bank, pursuant to which NSBC will merge with and into Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, as more fully described in the attached proxy statement/prospectus; and

 

•

for holders of NSBC common stock to consider and vote upon a proposal to adjourn the NSBC special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

We have fixed the close of business on                     , 2017 as the record date for the NSBC special meeting. Only holders of record of NSBC common stock at that time are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the NSBC special meeting, or any adjournment or postponement of the NSBC special meeting. In order for the merger agreement to be approved, at least a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock must be voted in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement. The special meeting may be adjourned from time to time upon approval of holders of NSBC common stock without notice other than by announcement at the meeting of the adjournment thereof, and any and all business for which notices hereby given may be transacted at such adjourned meeting.

NSBC shareholders have appraisal rights under Florida state law entitling them to obtain payment in cash for the fair value of their shares, provided they comply with each of the requirements under Florida law, including not voting in favor of the merger agreement and providing notice to NSBC. For more information regarding appraisal rights, please see “The Merger — Appraisal Rights for NSBC Shareholders” beginning on page .

Your vote is very important. We cannot complete the merger unless NSBC’s shareholders approve the merger agreement.

Regardless of whether you plan to attend the NSBC special meeting, please vote as soon as possible. If you hold stock in your name as a shareholder of record, please complete, sign, date and return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope as described on the proxy card. If you hold your stock in “street name” through a bank or broker, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished by the record holder.

The enclosed proxy statement/prospectus provides a detailed description of the special meeting, the merger, the documents related to the merger, including the merger agreement, and other related matters. We urge you to read the proxy statement/prospectus, including any documents incorporated in the proxy statement/prospectus by reference, and its appendices carefully and in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the merger or

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the proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of the proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares of NSBC common stock, please contact Scott Jacobsen, President and Chief Executive Officer, at (813) 549-5000.

NSBC’s board of directors has determined and declared that the merger agreement, the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, are advisable and in the best interests of NSBC and its shareholders, has unanimously authorized, adopted and approved the merger agreement, the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and recommends that NSBC shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement and “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the NSBC special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

 

Tampa, Florida

                    , 2017

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

Seacoast files annual, quarterly, current and special reports, proxy statements and other business and financial information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You may read and copy any materials that Seacoast files with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 ((800) 732-0330) for further information on the public reference room. In addition, Seacoast files reports and other business and financial information with the SEC electronically, and the SEC maintains a website located at http://www.sec.gov containing this information. You will also be able to obtain these documents, free of charge, from Seacoast by accessing Seacoast’s website at www.seacoastbanking.com. Copies can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a written request to:

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

815 Colorado Avenue

P.O. Box 9012

Stuart, Florida 34994

Attn: Investor Relations

Telephone: (772) 288-6085

Seacoast has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 to register with the SEC up to 1,212,839 shares of Seacoast common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger. This proxy statement/prospectus is a part of that Registration Statement on Form S-4. As permitted by SEC rules, this proxy statement/prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 or in the exhibits or schedules to the Registration Statement on Form S-4. You may read and copy the Registration Statement on Form S-4, including any amendments, schedules and exhibits, at the SEC’s public reference room at the address set forth above. The Registration Statement on Form S-4, including any amendments, schedules and exhibits, is also available, free of charge, by accessing the websites of the SEC and Seacoast or upon written request to Seacoast at the address set forth above.

Statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus are not necessarily complete. In each case, you should refer to the copy of the applicable contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4. This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about Seacoast that is not included in or delivered with this document, including incorporating by reference documents that Seacoast has previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about Seacoast and its financial condition. See “Documents Incorporated by Reference” beginning on page     . These documents are available free of charge upon written request to Seacoast at the address listed above.

To obtain timely delivery of these documents, you must request them no later than                     , 2017 in order to receive them before the NSBC special meeting of shareholders.

Except where the context otherwise specifically indicates, Seacoast supplied all information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus relating to Seacoast, and NSBC supplied all information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus relating to NSBC.

NSBC

NSBC does not have a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), is not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and accordingly does not file documents and reports with the SEC.

 

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If you have any questions concerning the merger or this proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares of NSBC common stock, please contact NSBC at:

NorthStar Banking Corporation

Rivergate Tower

400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400

Tampa, Florida 33602

Attention: Scott Jacobsen, Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (813) 549-5000

You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus. No one has been authorized to give any information or make any representation about the merger or Seacoast or NSBC that differs from, or adds to, the information in this proxy statement/prospectus or in documents that are incorporated by reference herein and publicly filed with the SEC. Therefore, if anyone does give you different or additional information, you should not rely on it. You should not assume that the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, and you should not assume that any information incorporated by reference into this document is accurate as of any date other than the date of such other document, and neither the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus to NSBC shareholders nor the issuance of Seacoast common stock in the merger shall create any implication to the contrary.

This proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, the securities offered by this proxy statement/prospectus, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom or from whom it is unlawful to make such offer, solicitation of an offer or proxy solicitation in such jurisdiction.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE SPECIAL MEETING			1
SUMMARY			6
Information Regarding Seacoast, SNB, NSBC and NorthStar Bank			6
Recent Developments			7
Regulatory Approvals			7
The Merger			7
Closing and Effective Time of Merger			7
Merger Consideration			7
Equivalent NSBC Common Stock Per Share Value			8
Procedures for Converting Shares of NSBC Common Stock into Merger Consideration			8
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger			9
Appraisal Rights			9
Opinion of NSBC’s Financial Advisor			9
Recommendation of the NSBC Board of Directors			9
Interests of NSBC Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger			10
Treatment of NSBC Equity Awards			10
Conditions to Completion of the Merger			10
Third Party Proposals			11
Termination			12
Termination Fee			13
NASDAQ Listing			13
NSBC Special Meeting			13
Required Shareholder Votes			14
No Restriction on Resale			14
Market Prices and Dividend Information			14
Comparison of Shareholders’ Rights			15
Risk Factors			15
RISK FACTORS			16
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			21
SEACOAST SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA			23
MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION			24
INFORMATION ABOUT THE NSBC SPECIAL MEETING			26
Time, Date, and Place			26
Matters to be Considered at the Meeting			26
Recommendation of the NSBC Board of Directors			26
Record Date and Quorum			26
Required Vote			27
How to Vote — Shareholders of Record			27
Revocation of Proxies			27
Shares Subject to Support Agreements; Shares Held by Directors and Executive Officers			28
Solicitation of Proxies			28
Attending the Meeting			28
Questions and Additional Information			29
PROPOSAL 1: THE MERGER			30
Background of the Merger			30
NSBC’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendations of the NSBC Board of Directors			32

 

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		Page
Seacoast’s Reasons for the Merger			34
Opinion of NSBC’s Financial Advisor			35
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger			46
Accounting Treatment			49
Regulatory Approvals			49
Appraisal Rights for NSBC Shareholders			50
Board of Directors and Management of Seacoast Following the Merger			53
Interests of NSBC Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger			53
PROPOSAL 2: ADJOURNMENT OF THE NSBC SPECIAL MEETING			56
THE MERGER AGREEMENT			57
The Merger and the Bank Merger			57
Closing and the Effective Time of the Merger			57
Merger Consideration			57
Treatment of NSBC Equity Awards			58
Exchange Procedures			58
Organizational Documents of Surviving Holding Company and Surviving Bank; Directors and Officers			59
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger			59
Company Shareholder Approval			61
Regulatory Matters			62
NASDAQ Listing			62
Employee Matters			62
Indemnification and Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance			63
Third Party Proposals			63
Approval of 280G Payments			65
Systems Integration; Operating Functions			65
Representations and Warranties			66
Conditions to Completion of the Merger			67
Termination			69
Termination Fee			70
Waiver; Amendment			70
Expenses			70
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS			71
BUSINESS OF NORTHSTAR BANKING CORPORATION AND NORTHSTAR BANK			82
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF NSBC COMMON STOCK BY MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS OF NSBC			85
DESCRIPTION OF SEACOAST CAPITAL STOCK			87
EXPERTS			91
LEGAL MATTERS			91
OTHER MATTERS			91
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE			92
APPENDICES:
Appendix A — Agreement and Plan of Merger			A-1
Appendix B — Opinion of Sandler O’Neill  & Partners, L.P.			B-1
Appendix C — Provisions of Florida Business Corporation Act Relating to Appraisal Rights			C-1

We have not authorized any person to give any information or make any representation about the merger of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida or NorthStar Banking Corporation that differs from, or adds to, the information in this proxy statement/prospectus or in documents that are publicly filed with the SEC. Therefore, if anyone does give you different or additional information, you should not rely on it.

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE SPECIAL MEETING

The following are answers to certain questions that you may have regarding the special meeting and merger. The parties urge you to read carefully the remainder of this document because the information in this section may not provide all the information that might be important to you in determining how to vote. Additional important information is also contained in the appendices to, and the documents incorporated by reference in, this document. In this proxy statement/prospectus we refer to Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida as “Seacoast,” Seacoast National Bank as “SNB” and NorthStar Banking Corporation as “NSBC.”

 

Q:	Why am I receiving this proxy statement/prospectus?

 

A:

Seacoast, SNB, NSBC and NorthStar Bank have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 18, 2017 (which we refer to as the “merger agreement”) pursuant to which NSBC will merge with and into Seacoast, with Seacoast continuing as the surviving company. Immediately following the merger, NorthStar Bank, a wholly owned bank subsidiary of NSBC, will merge with and into Seacoast’s wholly owned bank subsidiary, SNB, with SNB continuing as the surviving bank and using the name “Seacoast National Bank” (the “bank merger”). A copy of the merger agreement is included in this proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix A.

The merger cannot be completed unless, among other things, a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

In addition, NSBC is soliciting proxies from holders of NSBC common stock with respect to a proposal to adjourn the NSBC special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement if there are insufficient votes at the time of such adjournment to approve such proposal.

NSBC will hold a special meeting to obtain these approvals. This proxy statement/prospectus contains important information about the merger and the other proposals being voted on at the special meeting, and you should read it carefully. It is a proxy statement because NSBC’s board of directors is soliciting proxies from its shareholders. It is a prospectus because Seacoast will issue shares of Seacoast common stock to holders of NSBC common stock in connection with the merger. The enclosed materials allow you to have your shares voted by proxy without attending the NSBC meeting. Your vote is important. We encourage you to submit your proxy as soon as possible.

 

Q:	What will I receive in the merger?

 

A:

If the merger is completed, for each share of NSBC common stock that you hold (other than dissenters shares) immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, you will receive: (1) 0.5605 of a share of Seacoast common stock, which we refer to as the exchange ratio (the “per share stock consideration”); and (2) $2.40 in cash (the “per share cash consideration”). The per share cash consideration, together with the per share stock consideration, is referred to as the “merger consideration.” If NSBC’s consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity is less than $22.25 million (less permitted expenses), Seacoast shall have the option to adjust the merger consideration downward by the amount that equals the difference between $22.25 million (less permitted expenses) and NSBC’s consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity.

Seacoast will not issue any fractional shares of Seacoast common stock in the merger. Rather, NSBC shareholders who would otherwise be entitled to a fractional share of Seacoast common stock upon the completion of the merger will instead receive cash (without interest) in an amount equal to such fractional part of a share of Seacoast common stock multiplied by the average closing price per share of Seacoast common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the five (5) trading day period preceding the closing date, less any applicable withholding taxes.

 

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Q:	Will the value of the merger consideration change between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the time the merger is completed?

 

A:

Yes, the value of the merger consideration will fluctuate between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the completion of the merger based upon the market value of Seacoast common stock and certain other adjustments. Any fluctuation in the market price of Seacoast common stock after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus will change the value of the shares of Seacoast common stock that NSBC shareholders will receive.

 

Q:	How does NSBC’s board of directors recommend that I vote at the special meeting?

 

A:	NSBC’s board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement and “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

 

Q:	When and where is the special meeting?

 

A:	The NSBC special meeting will be held at                 , Tampa, Florida, on         , 2017, at              local time.

 

Q:	Who can vote at the special meeting of shareholders?

 

A:	Holders of record of NSBC common stock at the close of business on                 , 2017, which is the date that the NSBC board of directors has fixed as the record date for the special meeting, are entitled to vote at the special meeting.

 

Q:	What do I need to do now?

 

A:

After you have carefully read this proxy statement/prospectus and have decided how you wish to vote your shares, please vote your shares promptly so that your shares are represented and voted at the special meeting. You must complete, sign, date and mail your proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope as soon as possible. If you hold your shares in your name as a shareholder of record, you must complete, sign, date and mail your proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope as soon as possible. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, you must direct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote in accordance with the instructions you have received from your bank, broker or other nominee. “Street name” shareholders who wish to vote in person at the special meeting will need to obtain a proxy form from the institution that holds their shares.

 

Q:	What constitutes a quorum for the special meeting?

 

A:

The presence at the special meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Abstentions, if any, will be included in determining the number of shares present at the meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

 

Q:	What is the vote required to approve each proposal?

 

A:

Approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock entitled to vote on the merger agreement as of the close of business on                 , 2017, the record date for the special meeting. If you (1) fail to submit a proxy or vote in person at the special meeting, (2) mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, or (3) fail to instruct your bank, broker, or other nominee how to vote with respect to the proposal to approve the merger agreement, it will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal and no effect on the adjournment proposal. The adjournment proposal will be approved if the votes of NSBC common stock cast in favor of the adjournment proposal exceed the vote cast against the adjournment proposal.

 

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Q:	Why is my vote important?

 

A:

If you do not submit a proxy or vote in person, it may be more difficult for NSBC to obtain the necessary quorum to hold its special meeting. In addition, your failure to submit a proxy or vote in person, or abstention will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the merger agreement. The merger agreement must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock entitled to vote on the merger agreement. NSBC’s board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

 

Q:	How many votes do I have?

 

A:	You are entitled to one vote for each share of NSBC common stock that you owned as of the close of business on the record date. As of the close of business on the record date,              shares of NSBC common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote at the NSBC special meeting.

 

Q:	Do NSBC directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, my interests?

 

A:

Yes. In considering the recommendation of the NSBC’s board of directors with respect to the merger agreement, you should be aware that some of NSBC’s directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of NSBC’s shareholders generally. Interests of certain officers and directors that may be different from or in addition to the interests of NSBC’s shareholders include but are not limited to, the receipt of continued indemnification and insurance coverage under the merger agreement, the acceleration of the vesting of NSBC stock options and the receipt of cash payment in exchange for their cancellation, the payment of change in control payments to certain executives and the entry into employment agreements with Seacoast by certain executives.

 

Q:	If my shares are held in “street name” by my bank, broker or other nominee, will my bank, broker or other nominee automatically vote my shares for me?

 

A:

No. Your bank, broker, or other nominee cannot vote your shares without instructions from you. You should instruct your bank, broker, or other nominee how to vote your shares in accordance with the instructions provided to you. Please check the voting form used by your bank, broker, or other nominee.

 

Q:	What if I abstain from voting or fail to instruct my bank, broker, or other nominee?

 

A:

If you (1) fail to submit a proxy or vote in person at the special meeting, (2) mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, or (3) fail to instruct your bank, broker, or other nominee how to vote with respect to the proposal to approve the merger agreement, it will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal. If you fail to submit a proxy or vote in person at the special meeting or mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy with respect to the adjournment proposal, it will have no effect on such proposal.

 

Q:	Can I attend the special meeting and vote my shares in person?

 

A:

Yes. All NSBC shareholders, including shareholders of record and shareholders who hold their shares through nominees or any other holder of record, are invited to attend the special meeting. Holders of record of NSBC common stock can vote in person at the special meeting. If you are not a shareholder of record, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the record holder of your shares to be able to vote in person at the special meeting. If you plan to attend the special meeting, you must hold your shares in your own name or have a letter from the record holder of your shares confirming your ownership. In addition, you must bring a form of personal photo identification with you in order to be admitted. NSBC reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone without proper proof of share ownership or without proper photo identification. The use of cameras, sound recording equipment, communications devices or any similar equipment during the special meeting is prohibited without NSBC’s express written consent.

 

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Q:	Can I change my vote?

 

A:

Yes. If you are a holder of record of NSBC common stock, you may revoke any proxy at any time before it is voted by (1) signing and returning a proxy card with a later date, (2) delivering a written revocation letter to NSBC’s corporate secretary or (3) attending the special meeting in person, notifying the corporate secretary and voting by ballot at the special meeting. Attendance at the special meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy. A revocation or later-dated proxy received by NSBC’s after the vote will not affect the vote. NSBC’s corporate secretary’s mailing address is: NorthStar Banking Corporation, Rivergate Tower, 400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400, Tampa, Florida 33602.

 

Q:	What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to holders of NSBC common stock?

 

A:

The merger is expected to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the “Code.” Holders of NSBC common stock are not expected to recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the shares of Seacoast common stock they receive in the merger. However, holders of NSBC common stock generally will recognize gain (but not loss) in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the amount of gain realized (i.e., the excess of the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of the Seacoast common stock received pursuant to the merger agreement over your adjusted tax basis in the shares of NSBC common stock surrendered) and (2) the amount of cash received pursuant to the merger (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share). Holders of NSBC common stock may also recognize gain or loss on any cash received instead of a fractional share of Seacoast common stock assuming that the cash received is not treated as a dividend.

For further information, see “The Merger — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger.”

The U.S. federal income tax consequences described above may not apply to all holders of NSBC stock. Your tax consequences will depend on your individual situation. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to consult your own tax advisor to determine the particular tax consequences of the merger to you.

 

Q:	Are NSBC shareholders entitled to appraisal rights?

 

A:

Yes. If a NSBC shareholder wants to exercise appraisal rights and receive the fair value of shares of NSBC common stock in cash instead of the merger consideration, then you must file a written objection with NSBC prior to the special meeting stating, among other things, that you will exercise your right to dissent if the merger is completed. Also, you may not vote in favor of the merger agreement and must follow other procedures, both before and after the special meeting, as described in Appendix C to this proxy statement/prospectus. Note that if you return a signed proxy card without voting instructions or with instructions to vote “FOR” the merger agreement, then your shares will automatically be voted in favor of the merger agreement and you will lose all appraisal rights available under Florida law. A summary of these provisions can be found under “The Merger — Appraisal Rights for NSBC Shareholders” beginning on page      and detailed information about the special meeting can be found under “Information About the Special Meeting” on page     . Due to the complexity of the procedures for exercising the right to seek appraisal, NSBC shareholders who are considering exercising such rights are encouraged to seek the advice of legal counsel. Failure to strictly comply with the applicable Florida law provisions will result in the loss of the right of appraisal.

 

Q:	What should I do if I hold my shares of NSBC stock in book-entry form?

 

A:

You are not required to take any specific actions if your shares of NSBC stock are held in book-entry form. After the completion of the merger, shares of NSBC stock held in book-entry form automatically will be exchanged for the per share stock consideration, including shares of Seacoast common stock in book-entry

 

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form, the per share cash consideration and any cash to be paid in exchange for fractional shares in the merger, as applicable.

 

Q:	If I am a NSBC shareholder, should I send in my stock certificates now?

 

A:

No. Please do not send in your NSBC stock certificates with your proxy. Seacoast’s transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company, will send you instructions for exchanging NSBC stock certificates for the applicable merger consideration. See “The Merger Agreement — Procedures for Converting Shares of NSBC Common Stock into Merger Consideration” beginning on page of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q:	Whom may I contact if I cannot locate my NSBC stock certificate(s)?

 

A:

If you are unable to locate your original NSBC stock certificate(s), you should contact Felicia Lambdin at (813) 549-5000. Following the merger, any inquiries should be directed to Seacoast’s transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company at 17 Battery Place, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10004, or at (800) 509-5586.

 

Q:	When do you expect to complete the merger?

 

A:	Seacoast and NSBC expect to complete the merger in the fourth quarter of 2017. However, neither Seacoast nor NSBC can assure you when or if the merger will occur. NSBC must first obtain the approval of NSBC shareholders for the merger and Seacoast must receive the necessary regulatory approvals.

 

Q:	Whom should I call with questions?

 

A:

If you have any questions concerning the merger or this proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares of NSBC common stock, please contact: Scott Jacobsen, Chief Executive Officer, Rivergate Tower, 400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400, Tampa, Florida 33602 (813) 549-5000.

 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in Seacoast common stock in connection with the merger involves risks. Seacoast describes below the material risks and uncertainties that it believes affect its business and an investment in Seacoast common stock. In addition to the other information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus, including Seacoast’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and Seacoast’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-months ended March 31, 2017 and the three months ended June 30, 2017, and the matters addressed under “Forward-Looking Statements,” you should carefully read and consider all of the risks and all other information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus in deciding whether to vote to approve the merger agreement. Additional Risk Factors included in Item 1A in Seacoast’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and Seacoast’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017 are incorporated herein by reference. You should read and consider those Risk Factors in addition to the Risk Factors listed below. If any of the risks described in this proxy statement/prospectus occur, Seacoast’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of the Seacoast common stock could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Associated with the Merger

The market price of Seacoast common stock after the merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting NSBC or Seacoast.

The businesses of Seacoast and NSBC differ in some respects and, accordingly, the results of operations of the combined company and the market price of Seacoast’s shares of common stock after the merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the independent results of operations of each of Seacoast and NSBC. For a discussion of the business of Seacoast and of certain factors to consider in connection with that business, see the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus and referred to under “Documents Incorporated by Reference.”

Because the sale price of Seacoast common stock will fluctuate, you cannot be sure of the value of the per share stock consideration that you will receive in the merger until the closing.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, each share of NSBC common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (excluding shares of NSBC common stock owned by NSBC, Seacoast or SNB or the dissenting shares) will be converted into the right to receive 0.5605 shares of Seacoast common stock (plus cash in lieu of fractional shares), which is subject to adjustment based on the value of NSBC’s consolidated tangible shareholder’s equity, and $2.40 in cash. The value of the shares of Seacoast common stock to be issued to NSBC shareholders in the merger will fluctuate between now and the closing date of the merger due to a variety of factors, including general market and economic conditions, changes in the parties’ respective businesses, operations and prospects and regulatory considerations, among other things. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Seacoast and NSBC. We make no assurances as to whether or when the merger will be completed. NSBC shareholders should obtain current sale prices for shares of Seacoast common stock before voting their shares of NSBC common stock at the special meeting.

Shares of Seacoast common stock to be received by holders of NSBC common stock as a result of the merger will have rights different from the shares of NSBC common stock.

Upon completion of the merger, the rights of former NSBC shareholders will be governed by the articles of incorporation, as amended, and bylaws of Seacoast. The rights associated with NSBC common stock are different from the rights associated with Seacoast common stock, although both companies are organized under Florida law. See “Comparison of Shareholders’ Rights” beginning on page      for a discussion of the different rights associated with Seacoast common stock.

 

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NSBC shareholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the merger and will exercise less influence over management.

NSBC shareholders currently have the right to vote in the election of the board of directors of NSBC and on other matters affecting NSBC. Upon the completion of the merger, NSBC’s shareholders will be shareholders of Seacoast with a percentage ownership of Seacoast that is smaller than such shareholders’ current percentage ownership of NSBC. It is currently expected that the former shareholders of NSBC as a group will receive shares in the merger constituting approximately 2.3% of the outstanding shares of the combined company’s common stock immediately after the merger. Because of this, NSBC shareholders will have less influence on the management and policies of the combined company than they now have on the management and policies of NSBC.

Seacoast and NSBC will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the merger is pending.

Uncertainty about the effect of the merger on employees, customers, suppliers and vendors may have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of NSBC and Seacoast. These uncertainties may impair Seacoast’s or NSBC’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel, depositors and borrowers pending the consummation of the merger, as such personnel, depositors and borrowers may experience uncertainty about their future roles following the consummation of the merger. Additionally, these uncertainties could cause customers (including depositors and borrowers), suppliers, vendors and others who deal with Seacoast or NSBC to seek to change existing business relationships with Seacoast or NSBC or fail to extend an existing relationship. In addition, competitors may target each party’s existing customers by highlighting potential uncertainties and integration difficulties that may result from the merger.

Seacoast and NSBC have a small number of key personnel. The pursuit of the merger and the preparation for the integration may place a burden on each company’s management and internal resources. Any significant diversion of management attention away from ongoing business concerns and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could have a material adverse effect on each company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the merger agreement restricts NSBC from taking certain actions without Seacoast’s consent while the merger is pending. These restrictions may, among other matters, prevent NSBC from pursuing otherwise attractive business opportunities, selling assets, incurring indebtedness, engaging in significant capital expenditures in excess of certain limits set forth in the merger agreement, entering into other transactions or making other changes to NSBC’s business prior to consummation of the merger or termination of the merger agreement. These restrictions could have a material adverse effect on NSBC’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Please see the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Conduct of Business Pending the Merger” beginning on page for a description of the covenants applicable to NSBC’ and Seacoast.

Seacoast may fail to realize the cost savings estimated for the merger.

Although Seacoast estimates that it will realize cost savings from the merger when fully phased in, it is possible that the estimates of the potential cost savings could turn out to be incorrect. For example, the combined purchasing power may not be as strong as expected, and therefore the cost savings could be reduced. In addition, unanticipated growth in Seacoast’s business may require Seacoast to continue to operate or maintain some facilities or support functions that are currently expected to be combined or reduced. The cost savings estimates also depend on Seacoast’s ability to combine the businesses of Seacoast and NSBC in a manner that permits those costs savings to be realized. If the estimates turn out to be incorrect or Seacoast is not able to combine the two companies successfully, the anticipated cost savings may not be fully realized or realized at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.

 

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The combined company expects to incur substantial expenses related to the merger.

The combined company expects to incur substantial expenses in connection with completing the merger and combining the business, operations, networks, systems, technologies, policies and procedures of Seacoast and NSBC. Although Seacoast and NSBC have assumed that a certain level of transaction and combination expenses would be incurred, there are a number of factors beyond their control that could affect the total amount or the timing of their combination expenses. Many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time. Due to these factors, the transaction and combination expenses associated with the merger could, particularly in the near term, exceed the savings that the combined company expects to achieve from the elimination of duplicative expenses and the realization of economies of scale and cost savings related to the combination of the businesses following the completion of the merger. In addition, prior to completion of the merger, each of NSBC and Seacoast will incur or have incurred substantial expenses in connection with the negotiation and completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. If the merger is not completed, Seacoast and NSBC would have to recognize these expenses without realizing the anticipated benefits of the merger.

Seacoast and NSBC may waive one or more of the conditions to the merger without re-soliciting NSBC shareholder approval for the merger.

Each of the conditions to the obligations of Seacoast and NSBC to complete the merger may be waived, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by agreement of Seacoast and NSBC, if the condition is a condition to both parties’ obligation to complete the merger, or by the party for which such condition is a condition of its obligation to complete the merger. The boards of directors of Seacoast and NSBC may evaluate the materiality of any such waiver to determine whether amendment of this proxy statement/prospectus and re-solicitation of proxies is necessary. Seacoast and NSBC, however, generally do not expect any such waiver to be significant enough to require re-solicitation of NSBC’s shareholders. In the event that any such waiver is not determined to be significant enough to require re-solicitation of NSBC’s shareholders, the companies will have the discretion to complete the merger without seeking further shareholder approval.

The merger is expected to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

It is expected that the merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. If the merger does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization, then the holders of shares of NSBC common stock will recognize any gain with respect to the entire consideration received in the merger, including the per share stock consideration received. The consequences of the merger to any particular NSBC shareholder will depend on that shareholder’s individual situation. We strongly urge you to consult your own tax advisor to determine the particular tax consequences of the merger to you.

Regulatory approvals may not be received, may take longer than expected or impose conditions that are not presently anticipated.

Before the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, may be completed, various approvals must be obtained from bank regulatory authorities. These governmental entities may impose conditions on the granting of such approvals. Such conditions or changes and the process of obtaining regulatory approvals could have the effect of delaying completion of the merger or of imposing additional costs or limitations on Seacoast following the merger. The regulatory approvals may not be received at all, may not be received in a timely fashion, and may contain conditions on the completion of the merger that are not anticipated or have a material adverse effect. If the consummation of the merger is delayed, including by a delay in receipt of necessary governmental approvals, the business, financial condition and results of operations of each company may also be materially adversely affected.

 

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The fairness opinion of NSBC’s financial advisor will not reflect changes in circumstances between the date of the opinion and the completion of the merger.

NSBC’s board of directors received an opinion from its financial advisor to address the fairness of the merger consideration, from a financial point of view, to the holders of NSBC’s common stock as of May 17, 2017. Subsequent changes in the operation and prospects of Seacoast or NSBC, general market and economic conditions and other factors that may be beyond the control of Seacoast or NSBC, and on which NSBC’s financial advisor’s opinion was based, may significantly alter the value of Seacoast or the price of the shares of Seacoast common stock by the time the merger is completed. Because NSBC does not anticipate asking its advisor to update its opinion, the opinion will not address the fairness of the merger consideration from a financial point of view at the time the merger is completed, or as of any other date other than the date of such opinion. For a description of the opinion that NSBC received from its financial advisor, please refer to the sections entitled “The Merger — Opinion of NSBC’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page     .

NSBC’s executive officers and directors have financial interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of NSBC shareholders.

Executive officers of NSBC, the Chairman of the board of directors of NSBC and the Mergers & Acquisitions committee of the board of directors of NSBC negotiated the terms of the merger agreement with Seacoast, and the NSBC board of directors unanimously approved and recommended that NSBC shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement. In considering these facts and the other information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus, you should be aware that certain NSBC executive officers and directors have financial interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of NSBC shareholders generally. See “The Merger — Interests of NSBC Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” on page      for information about these financial interests.

The termination fees and the restrictions on third party acquisition proposals set forth in the merger agreement may discourage others from trying to acquire NSBC.

Until the completion of the merger, with some limited exceptions, NSBC is prohibited from soliciting, initiating, encouraging or participating in any discussion concerning a proposal to acquire NSBC, such as a merger or other business combination transaction, with any person other than Seacoast. In addition, NSBC has agreed to pay to Seacoast in certain circumstances a termination fee equal to $1,650,000. These provisions could discourage other companies from trying to acquire NSBC even though those other companies might be willing to offer greater value to NSBC shareholders than Seacoast has offered in the merger. The payment of any termination fee could also have an adverse effect on NSBC’s financial condition. See “The Merger Agreement — Third Party Proposals” beginning on page      and “The Merger Agreement — Termination Fee” beginning on page     .

Failure of the merger to be completed, the termination of the merger agreement or a significant delay in the consummation of the merger could negatively impact Seacoast and NSBC.

If the merger is not consummated, the ongoing business, financial condition and results of operations of each party may be materially adversely affected and the market price of each party’s common stock may decline significantly, particularly to the extent that the current market price reflects a market assumption that the merger will be consummated. If the consummation of the merger is delayed, the business, financial condition and results of operations of each company may be materially adversely affected. If the merger agreement is terminated and a party’s board of directors seeks another merger or business combination, such party’s shareholders cannot be certain that such party will be able to find a party willing to engage in a transaction on more attractive terms than the merger.

 

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Some of the performing loans in the NSBC loan portfolio being acquired by Seacoast may be under collateralized, which could affect Seacoast’s ability to collect all of the loan amount due.

In an acquisition transaction, the purchasing financial institution may be acquiring under collateralized loans from the seller. Under collateralized loans are risks that are inherent in any acquisition transaction and are mitigated through the loan due diligence process that the purchaser performs and the estimated fair market value adjustment that the purchaser places on the seller’s loan portfolio. The year a loan was originated can impact the current value of the collateral. Many Florida banks have performing loans that are under collateralized because of the decline in real estate values during the 2006 through 2010 economic downturn. While real estate values generally commenced stabilizing in 2011, and in some markets began to increase in recent years, nonetheless like other financial services institutions, NSBC’s and Seacoast’s loan portfolios have under collateralized loans that are still performing.

When it acquires another loan portfolio, Seacoast will place what is referred to as a fair market value adjustment on the acquired loan portfolio to address certain risks, including those relating to under collateralized loans. With respect to the NSBC loan portfolio, Seacoast has placed a preliminary $4.8 million fair value adjustment which Seacoast believes is adequate to mitigate the risk of under collateralized performing loans. Seacoast has engaged a third party valuation firm that assisted in valuing the acquired loan portfolio as of the acquisition date. There is no assurance that the adjustment that Seacoast has placed on the NSBC loan portfolio to mitigate against under collateralized performing loans will be adequate or that Seacoast will not incur losses that could be greater than this adjustment.

Risks Associated with Seacoast’s Business

New lines of business or new products and services may subject Seacoast to additional risks.

From time to time, Seacoast may implement or may acquire new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, Seacoast may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of Seacoast’s system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on Seacoast’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

An interruption in or breach in security of Seacoast’s information systems may result in a loss of customer business and have an adverse effect on Seacoast’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Seacoast relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in Seacoast’s customer relationship management, general ledger, deposits, servicing or loan origination systems. If any such failures, interruptions or security breaches of its communications or information systems occur, they may not be adequately addressed by Seacoast. Further, the occurrence of any such failures, interruptions or security breaches could damage Seacoast’s reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject Seacoast to additional regulatory scrutiny or expose Seacoast to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Seacoast’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus, including statements included or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus, are not statements of historical fact and constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are intended to be protected by the safe harbor provided by the same. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and include information about possible or assumed future results of operations of Seacoast after the merger is completed as well as information about the merger. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “would,” “continue,” “should,” “may,” or similar expressions, or the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Many possible events or factors could affect the future financial results and performance of each of Seacoast and NSBC before the merger or Seacoast after the merger, and could cause those results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These possible events or factors include, but are not limited to:

 

•

the failure to obtain the approval of NSBC shareholders in connection with the merger;

 

•

the risk that the merger may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect Seacoast’s and NSBC’s business and the price of Seacoast common stock;

 

•

the risk that a condition to closing of the proposed merger may not be satisfied;

 

•

the risk that a regulatory approval that may be required for the proposed merger is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated;

 

•

the parties’ ability to achieve the synergies and value creation contemplated by the proposed merger;

 

•

the parties’ ability to promptly and effectively integrate the businesses of Seacoast and NSBC, including unexpected transaction costs, including the costs of integrating operations, severance, professional fees and other expenses;

 

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the diversion of management time on issues related to the merger;

 

•

the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement;

 

•

the effect of the announcement or pendency of the merger on Seacoast’s customer, employee and business relationships, operating results, and business generally;

 

•

deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following the proposed merger, including difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, may be greater than expected;

 

•

reputational risks and the reaction of the companies’ customers to the proposed merger;

 

•

customer acceptance of the combined company’s products and services;

 

•

increased competitive pressures and solicitations of customers and employees by competitors;

 

•

the failure to consummate or delay in consummating the merger for other reasons;

 

•

the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Seacoast or NSBC related to the merger agreement or the merger;

 

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changes in laws or regulations;

 

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changes in interest rates, deposit flows, loan demand and real estate values; and

 

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changes in general business, economic and market conditions.

For additional information concerning factors that could cause actual conditions, events or results to materially differ from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the “Risk Factors”

 

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section of this proxy statement/prospectus, as well as the factors set forth under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Seacoast’s most recent Form 10-K report and to Seacoast’s most recent Form 10-Q and 8-K reports, which are available online at www.sec.gov, and are incorporated by reference herein. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of operations or financial condition of Seacoast or NSBC. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or the date of the applicable document incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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SEACOAST SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Seacoast. The following selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, is derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Seacoast and has been prepared on the same basis as the selected historical consolidated financial data derived from the audited consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of Seacoast’s management, reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of this data for those dates.

The results of operations as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the twelve months ending December 31, 2017 or any future period. You should read the following selected historical consolidated financial data in conjunction with: (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Seacoast’s audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Seacoast’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016; and (ii) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Seacoast’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Seacoast’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See “Documents Incorporated by Reference.”

 

		(unaudited) Six Months ended June 30								Year ended December 31,
		2017				2016				2016				2015				2014				2013				2012
Net interest income		$	82,321			$	64,715			$	139,588			$	109,487			$	74,907			$	65,206			$	64,809
Provision for loan losses			2,705				861				2,411				2,644				(3,486	)			3,188				10,796
Noninterest income:
Other			20,372				17,741				37,427				32,018				24,744				24,319				21,444
Bargain purchase gain			—				—				—				416				—				—				—
Loss on sale of loan			—				—				—				—				—				—				(1,238	)
Securities			21				136				368				161				469				419				7,619
Noninterest expenses			76,371				67,149				130,881				103,770				93,366				75,152				82,548
Income (loss) before income taxes			23,638				14,582				44,091				35,668				10,240				11,604				(710	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			8,036				5,284				14,889				13,527				4,544				(40,385	)			—
Net income (loss)		$	15,602			$	9,298			$	29,202			$	22,141			$	5,696			$	51,989			$	(710	)
Per Share Data
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders:
Diluted		$	0.38			$	0.25			$	0.78			$	0.66			$	0.21			$	2.44			$	(0.24	)
Basic			0.38				0.26				0.79				0.66				0.21				2.46				(0.24	)
Cash dividends declared			0				0				0				0				0				0				0
Book value per share common			13.29				11.20				11.45				10.29				9.44				8.40				6.16
Assets		$	5,281,295			$	4,381,204			$	4,680,932			$	3,534,780			$	3,093,335			$	2,268,940			$	2,173,929
Securities			1,413,840				1,325,130				1,323,001				994,291				949,279				641,611				656,868
Net loans			3,304,075				2,595,327				2,856,136				2,137,202				1,804,814				1,284,139				1,203,977
Deposits			3,975,458				3,501,316				3,523,245				2,844,387				2,416,534				1,806,045				1,758,961
Shareholders’ equity			577,377				425,429				435,397				353,453				312,651				198,604				165,546
Performance ratios(2):
Return on average assets			0.64	%			0.48	%			0.69	%			0.67	%			0.23	%			2.38	%			(0.03	)%
Return on average equity			6.08				4.75				7.06				6.56				2.22				28.36				(0.43	)
Net interest margin(1)			3.74				3.65				3.63				3.64				3.25				3.15				3.22
Average equity to average assets			10.58				10.09				9.85				10.21				10.34				8.38				7.81

 

(1)	On a fully taxable equivalent basis

(2)	Performance ratios for interim periods are presented on an annualized basis

 

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MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

Seacoast common stock is listed and trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SBCF.” As of August 15, 2017, there were 43,477,365 shares of Seacoast common stock outstanding. Approximately 50.5% of these shares are owned by institutional investors, as reported by NASDAQ. Seacoast’s top institutional investor owns approximately 6.2% of its outstanding stock. Seacoast has approximately 2,285 shareholders of record.

To Seacoast’s knowledge, the only shareholders who owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Seacoast common stock on August 15, 2017 was BlackRock, Inc. (6.2%), 55 East 52^nd Street, New York, New York 10055.

NSBC common stock is not listed or traded on any established securities exchange or quotation system. Accordingly, there is no established public trading market for the NSBC common stock. Transactions in the shares are privately negotiated directly between the purchaser and the seller and sales, if they do occur, are not subject to any reporting system. The shares of NSBC are not traded frequently. As of August 24, 2017, there were 1,938,935 shares of NSBC common stock outstanding, which were held by 117 holders of record.

The following tables show, for the indicated periods, the high and low sales prices per share for Seacoast common stock, as reported on NASDAQ. Cash dividends declared and paid per share on Seacoast common stock are also shown for the periods indicated below. Seacoast did not pay cash dividends on its common stock during the periods indicated.

The high and low sales prices reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

		Seacoast Common Stock												NSBC Common Stock(1)
		High				Low				Dividend				High				Low				Volume
2015
First Quarter		$	14.46			$	12.02			$	—			$	—			$	—				—
Second Quarter		$	16.09			$	13.81			$	—			$	—			$	—				—
Third Quarter		$	16.26			$	14.11			$	—			$	—			$	—				—
Fourth Quarter		$	16.95			$	14.10			$	—			$				$	—
2016
First Quarter		$	16.22			$	13.40			$	—			$	—			$	—				—
Second Quarter		$	17.19			$	15.21			$	—			$	—			$	—				—
Third Quarter		$	17.80			$	15.50			$	—			$	—			$	—				—
Fourth Quarter		$	22.91			$	15.85			$	—			$	—			$	—				—
2017
First Quarter		$	25.13			$	20.59			$	—			$	—			$	—				—
Second Quarter		$	25.88			$	21.65			$	—			$	—			$	—				—
Third Quarter (through                     , 2017)		$				$

 

(1)	NSBC common stock is not listed or traded on any established securities exchange or quotation system. Accordingly, there is no established public trading market for NSBC common stock. Transactions in the shares are privately negotiated directly between the purchasers and the sellers.

Dividends from SNB are Seacoast’s primary source of funds to pay dividends on its common stock. Under the National Bank Act, national banks may in any calendar year, without the approval of the OCC, pay dividends to the extent of net profits for that year, plus retained net profits for the preceding two years (less any required transfers to surplus). The need to maintain adequate capital in SNB also limits dividends that may be paid to Seacoast. Beginning in the third quarter of 2008, Seacoast reduced its dividend per share of common stock to a de minimis $0.01. On May 19, 2009, Seacoast’s board of directors voted to suspend quarterly dividends on its common stock entirely.

 

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Any dividends paid on Seacoast’s common stock would be declared and paid at the discretion of its board of directors and would be dependent upon Seacoast’s liquidity, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and such other factors as the board of directors may deem relevant.

NSBC does not pay dividends to its common shareholders.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE NSBC SPECIAL MEETING

This section contains information about the special meeting that NSBC has called to allow NSBC shareholders to vote on the approval of the merger agreement. The NSBC board of directors is mailing this proxy statement/prospectus to you, as a NSBC shareholder, on or about                     , 2017. Together with this proxy statement/prospectus, the NSBC board of directors is also sending you a notice of the special meeting of NSBC shareholders and a form of proxy that the NSBC board of directors is soliciting for use at the special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.

Time, Date, and Place

The special meeting is scheduled to be held on                     , 2017 at ,      local time, at             , Tampa, Florida.

Matters to be Considered at the Meeting

At the special meeting, NSBC shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on:

 

•

a proposal to approve the merger agreement, which we refer to as the merger proposal;

 

•

a proposal of the NSBC board of directors to adjourn or postpone the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, including to permit further solicitation of proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the merger agreement, which we refer to as the adjournment proposal; and

 

•

any other matters as may properly be brought before the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting.

At this time, the NSBC board of directors is unaware of any other matters that may be presented for action at the special meeting. If any other matters are properly presented, however, and you have completed, signed and submitted your proxy, the person(s) named as proxy will have the authority to vote your shares in accordance with his or her judgment with respect to such matters. A copy of the merger agreement is included in this proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix A, and we encourage you to read it carefully in its entirety.

Recommendation of the NSBC Board of Directors

The NSBC board of directors unanimously recommends that NSBC shareholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal. See “The Merger — NSBC’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendations of the NSBC Board of Directors.”

Record Date and Quorum

                     , 2017 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of NSBC shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. At the close of business on the record date, there were              shares of NSBC common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting, held by approximately              holders of record.

A quorum is necessary to transact business at the special meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock entitled to vote at the meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum. Shares of NSBC common stock represented at the special meeting but not voted, including shares that a shareholder abstains from voting, will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. Once a share of NSBC common stock is represented at the special meeting, it will be counted for the purpose of determining a quorum not only at the special meeting but also at any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting. In the event that a quorum is not present at the special meeting, it is expected that the special meeting will be adjourned or postponed.

 

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Required Vote

The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock must vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement. If you vote to “ABSTAIN” with respect to the merger proposal or if you fail to vote on the merger proposal, this will have the same effect as voting “AGAINST” the merger proposal.

The adjournment proposal will be approved if the votes of NSBC common stock cast in favor of the adjournment proposal exceed the votes cast against the adjournment proposal. If you vote to “ABSTAIN” with respect to the adjournment proposal or if you fail to vote on the adjournment proposal, this will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the adjournment proposal.

Each share of NSBC common stock you own as of the record date for the special meeting entitles you to one vote at the special meeting on all matters properly presented at the meeting.

How to Vote — Shareholders of Record

Voting in Person. If you are a shareholder of record, you can vote in person by submitting a ballot at the special meeting. Nevertheless, we recommend that you vote by proxy as promptly as possible, even if you plan to attend the special meeting. This will ensure that your vote is received. If you attend the special meeting, you may vote by ballot, thereby canceling any proxy previously submitted.

Voting by Proxy. Your proxy card includes instructions on how to vote by mailing in the proxy card. If you choose to vote by proxy, please mark each proxy card you receive, sign and date it, and promptly return it in the envelope enclosed with the proxy card. If you sign and return your proxy without instruction on how to vote your shares, your shares will be voted “FOR” the merger proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal. At this time, the NSBC board of directors is unaware of any other matters that may be presented for action at the special meeting. If any other matters are properly presented, however, and you have signed and returned your proxy card, the person(s) named as proxy will have the authority to vote your shares in accordance with his or her judgment with respect to such matters. Please do not send in your stock certificates with your proxy card. If the merger is completed, then you will receive a separate letter of transmittal and instructions on how to surrender your NSBC stock certificates for the merger consideration.

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND PROMPTLY RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. SHAREHOLDERS WHO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING MAY REVOKE THEIR PROXIES BY VOTING IN PERSON.

Revocation of Proxies

You can revoke your proxy at any time before your shares are voted. If you are a shareholder of record, then you can revoke your proxy by:

 

•

submitting another valid proxy card bearing a later date;

 

•

attending the special meeting and voting your shares in person; or

 

•

delivering prior to the special meeting a written notice of revocation to NSBC’s Corporate Secretary at the following address: NorthStar Banking Corporation, Rivergate Tower, 400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400, Tampa, Florida 33602.

If you choose to send a completed proxy card bearing a later date or a notice of revocation, the new proxy card or notice of revocation must be received before the beginning of the special meeting. Attendance at the

 

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special meeting will not, in and of itself, constitute revocation of a proxy. If you hold your shares in street name with a bank, broker or other nominee, you must follow the directions you receive from your bank, broker or other nominee to change your vote. Your last vote will be the vote that is counted.

Shares Subject to Support Agreement; Shares Held by Directors and Executive Officers

As of the record date, directors and executive officers of NSBC and their affiliates owned and were entitled to vote              shares of NSBC common stock, representing approximately             % of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock entitled to vote on that date.

A total of              shares of NSBC common stock, representing approximately             % of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting, are subject to a shareholder support agreement between Seacoast and each of NSBC’s directors and executive officers who held shares of NSBC common stock as of the date of the merger agreement, and certain holders of more than 5% of NSBC’s outstanding shares of common stock. Pursuant to the shareholder support agreement, each director and executive officer who held shares of NSBC common stock as of the date of the merger agreement, and certain holders of more than 5% of NSBC’s outstanding shares of common stock have agreed to, at any meeting of NSBC shareholders, however called, or any adjournment or postponement thereof (and subject to certain exceptions):

 

•

vote (or cause to be voted) all shares of NSBC’s common stock beneficially owned by such director and which such director has the right to vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement, the merger and each of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

•

not vote or grant any proxies to any third party, except where such proxies are directed to vote in favor of the merger agreement, the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; and

 

•

vote (or cause to be voted) his shares against any competing transaction.

Pursuant to the shareholder support agreement, without the prior written consent of Seacoast, each director has further agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer any shares of NSBC common stock. The foregoing summary of the support agreement entered into by NSBC’s directors and executive officers who held shares of NSBC common stock as of the date of the merger agreement, and certain holders of more than 5% of NSBC’s outstanding shares of common stock does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of shareholder support agreement attached as Exhibit B to the merger agreement, which is attached as Appendix A to this document.

For more information about the beneficial ownership of NSBC common stock by each greater than 5% beneficial owner, each director and executive officer and executive officers as a group, see “Beneficial Ownership of NSBC Common Stock by Management and Principal Shareholders of NSBC.”

Solicitation of Proxies

The proxy for the special meeting is being solicited on behalf of the NSBC board of directors. NSBC will bear the entire cost of soliciting proxies from you. NSBC will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of NSBC stock. Proxies will be solicited principally by mail, but may also be solicited by the directors, officers, and other employees of NSBC in person or by telephone, facsimile or other means of electronic communication. Directors, officers and employees will receive no compensation for these activities in addition to their regular compensation, but may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such solicitation.

Attending the Meeting

All holders of NSBC common stock, including shareholders of record and shareholders who hold their shares in street name through banks, brokers or other nominees, are cordially invited to attend the special

 

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meeting. Shareholders of record can vote in person at the special meeting. If you are not a shareholder of record and would like to vote in person at the special meeting, you must produce a legal proxy executed in your favor by the record holder of your shares. In addition, you must bring a form of personal photo identification with you in order to be admitted at the special meeting. We reserve the right to refuse admittance to anyone without proper proof of share ownership or without proper photo identification. The use of cameras, sound recording equipment, communications devices or any similar equipment during the special meeting is prohibited without NSBC’s express written consent.

Questions and Additional Information

If you have more questions about the merger or how to submit your proxy or vote, or if you need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy card or voting instructions, please contact NSBC at:

NorthStar Banking Corporation

Rivergate Tower

400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400

Tampa, Florida 33602

Telephone: (813) 549-5000

Attn: Scott Jacobsen, Chief Executive Officer

 

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PROPOSAL 1: THE MERGER

Background of the Merger

As part of its ongoing consideration and evaluation of its long-term prospects and strategies, NSBC’s board of directors and senior management regularly review and assess its business strategies and objectives, including strategic opportunities and challenges, all with the goal of enhancing long term value for NSBC shareholders. Generally, these reviews centered on strategies to improve NSBC’s financial condition, asset quality, existing operations, whether to pursue opportunities in new markets or lines of business, organizational requirements, scale, and financial and operating structure necessary to deliver competitive risk adjusted returns on shareholders’ capital, in addition to the business environment facing financial institutions generally, and NSBC specifically, the direction and influences of growth, margins, cost structure, and regulatory dynamics. On occasion, these discussions centered on the possibility of merging with another banking organization as a means to enhance or improve shareholder value and provide for shareholder liquidity.

In this regard, and to assist in evaluating NSBC’s strategic considerations and analysis, the board of directors of NSBC and management, at least annually during the past three years, has met with various investment banking firms, including Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill”). The meetings would typically include formal and informal presentations from each investment banking firm regarding the overall banking industry and markets, nationally and in Florida; merger and acquisition activity trends and pricing; comparable company analyses; valuation perspectives on NSBC; and analyses of potential acquisition targets and acquirers along with potential transaction pricing. The Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of NSBC also responded during this time, to unsolicited calls from, and introductions and meetings with, prospective buyers for NSBC, including Seacoast. Such meetings, during this time, were established as opportunities to develop relationships and with the intent of developing a more in-depth understanding of each prospective buyer and its respective potential fit and acquisition capacity for NSBC.

After receiving an unsolicited letter of intent on January 27, 2017, the board of directors of NSBC determined that it would be appropriate to give serious consideration to merging with a suitable merger partner as a possible means of enhancing long-term shareholder value. In furtherance of this decision, at its regularly scheduled board meeting on February 15, 2017, NSBC unanimously voted to engage Sandler O’Neill to act as its financial advisor in connection with a potential transaction. With input and review from NSBC’s legal counsel, Bush Ross, P.A. (“Bush Ross”), NSBC executed a final engagement letter with Sandler O’Neill on February 15, 2017.

During the period from February 16, 2017 through March 15, 2017, representatives of Sandler O’Neill, NSBC’s senior management team and the Merger & Acquisition Committee of the board of directors of NSBC advanced sale process preparations, including finalizing a targeted buyers list and the completion of customary marketing materials (including a confidential information memorandum and proposed form of nondisclosure agreement). This process also included population of a virtual data room with customary due diligence materials on NSBC and as commonly requested by prospective buyers. At NSBC’s direction, representatives of Sandler O’Neill proceeded to make contact with the buyers on the targeted list, which included a high priority group of ten (10) prospective buyers. The group included public and private banking companies, regional banks, non-Florida based banks, and Florida-based banks, and it included prospective buyers with total assets ranging from approximately $1 billion to $20 billion.

As a result of this process, NSBC entered into nondisclosure agreements with prospective buyers, including one with Seacoast, who performed varying levels of due diligence. NSBC’s senior executive management held various calls and in-person meetings with the prospective buyers. Similarly, the meetings presented management with initial opportunities for high-level reverse due diligence inquiries. NSBC ultimately received three letters of intent, including one from Seacoast.

 

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In mid—February, Seacoast asked Raymond James to assist Seacoast as it considered the merits of a potential transaction with NSBC. Later, on March 9, 2017, Seacoast formally engaged Raymond James as its financial advisor in connection with the potential NSBC transaction.

On March 15, 2017, the board of directors of NSBC held a regular meeting with representatives of Sandler O’Neill present via telephone to review the three offers from prospective buyers. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill provided a process overview and a summary of the bids received, and discussed financial aspects of each bid and bidder. The board of directors of NSBC also discussed and considered potential strategic and cultural fits, integration success histories, and client, employee, and community impacts of the prospective merger partners. The three bidders presented indications of interest, which included stock and cash mix, and with pricing ranging from approximately $14.00 to $16.25 per share of common stock of NSBC. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill were charged by the board with relaying the message to Seacoast to enhance its offer for further consideration.

Seacoast increased its offer to $16.38 and based on the board’s determination that Seacoast’s preliminary proposal offered substantial value to NSBC and its shareholders and was attractive for strategic reasons, the NSBC board of directors authorized NSBC to enter into the indication of interest and a limited exclusivity agreement with Seacoast. On March 16, 2017, Seacoast and NSBC executed a non-binding letter of intent for the potential acquisition of NSBC, along with an exclusivity agreement which expired on May 16, 2017.

Seacoast began its diligence review, including credit due diligence, of NSBC in early March 2017. Based on discussions between the parties, NSBC opened an electronic data room for Seacoast to review its due diligence requests and NSBC’s responses during this period. During due diligence, Seacoast reduced its offer from $16.38 to $16.00. Upon the conclusion of its preliminary review of NSBC’s loan portfolio, representatives of Seacoast’s financial advisor, Raymond James, communicated Seacoast’s continued interest in a strategic business combination. The parties continued to negotiate the principal terms of the transaction.

On April 24, 2017, Alston & Bird LLP, counsel to Seacoast (“Alston & Bird”), circulated an initial draft of the merger agreement, along with exhibits, based on the terms outlined in the letter of intent and certain revised terms agreed to by the parties, to Bush Ross and the parties began negotiations of the terms of the agreement.

On May 3, 2017, Bush Ross sent a revised draft of the merger agreement to Alston & Bird. On May 9, 2017, Bush Ross and Alston & Bird preliminarily reviewed and discussed issues relating to the terms of the merger agreement. Over the course of the following several weeks, Seacoast and its representatives continued negotiations with NSBC and its representatives with respect to the terms of the potential transaction and the draft merger agreement. The issues raised in these negotiations included the respective covenants of the parties pending closing of the transaction, the rights and obligations of the parties in the event the merger agreement is terminated prior to the consummation of the merger, the amount of the termination fee payable by NSBC in certain circumstances and certain price adjustments and pricing mechanics. Representatives of Seacoast and Alston & Bird had multiple telephonic conference calls with representatives of NSBC and Bush Ross to negotiate the terms of the draft merger agreement and ancillary agreements. On May 11, 2017, the Chief Executive Officer of NSBC sent a draft of the merger agreement to NSBC’s Merger & Acquisition Committee for review and comment.

On May 13, 2017, Alston & Bird circulated a revised draft of the merger agreement. Following a conference call among the parties on May 16, Alston & Bird circulated a revised draft of the merger agreement to the working group. On May 17, 2017, NSBC’s board of directors held a meeting to consider the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated therein. Representatives of Bush Ross summarized the merger agreement, the ancillary documents related to the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated therein. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill then reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed merger and rendered an oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Sandler O’Neill as set forth in such opinion, the merger consideration to

 

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be received by NSBC’s common shareholders in the proposed transaction was fair, from a financial point of view, to NSBC’s common shareholders. The full text of the written opinion of Sandler O’Neill is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix B and is incorporated by reference in its entirety. For further information, please see the section entitled “The Merger — Opinion of NSBC’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page     .

Following further discussion, the NSBC board of directors unanimously (i) determined and declared that the merger agreement, the merger, and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of NSBC and its shareholders, (ii) authorized, adopted and approved the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (iii) recommended the adoption of the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement to the NSBC shareholders and (iv) resolved that the merger agreement be submitted to the NSBC shareholders for adoption thereof.

On May 17, 2017, Seacoast’s board of directors met in special session to review and consider the merger agreement and the transactions and agreements contemplated by it. The management team made a presentation relating to the strategic and financial considerations and rationale of the transaction. Further to this discussion, a representative of Raymond James reviewed the principal terms of the proposed transaction and the financial impacts of the merger on Seacoast and provided comparable transaction analysis for Florida and national bank mergers. At the meeting, Alston & Bird reviewed for the directors the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, the merger and the various agreements to be signed in connection with the merger agreement, and engaged in discussions with the board members on such matters. After additional discussion and deliberation, the Seacoast board of directors adopted and approved the draft merger agreement and the transactions and agreements contemplated by it (subject to no material terms or conditions being revised) and determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by it were in the best interests of Seacoast and its shareholders.

The parties signed the merger agreement and a press release announcing the transaction was issued on May 18, 2017 prior to the opening of trading in Seacoast common stock. A conference call to discuss the merger was held later that morning.

NSBC’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the NSBC Board of Directors

After careful consideration, NSBC’s board of directors, at a meeting held on May 17, 2017, determined that the merger agreement is in the best interests of NSBC and its shareholders. Accordingly, NSBC’s board of directors adopted and approved the merger agreement and recommends that NSBC shareholders vote “FOR” the approval of the merger agreement.

In reaching its decision to adopt and approve the merger agreement and the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and to recommend that its shareholders approve the merger agreement, the NSBC board of directors consulted with NSBC’s management, as well as its financial and legal advisors, and considered a number of potentially positive factors, including, among others, the following factors (not necessarily in order of relative importance):

 

•

its belief that the transaction is likely to provide substantial value to NSBC’s shareholders;

 

•

each of NSBC’s, Seacoast’s and the combined company’s business, operations, financial condition, asset quality, earnings and prospects. In reviewing these factors, the NSBC board of directors considered its view that Seacoast’s business and operations complement those of NSBC and that the merger would result in a combined company with diversified revenue sources in desirable markets, a well-balanced loan portfolio and an attractive funding base, as evidenced by a significant portion of core deposit funding;

 

•

its understanding of the current and prospective environment in which NSBC and Seacoast operate, including national and local economic conditions, the interest rate environment, increasing operating

 

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costs resulting from regulatory initiatives and compliance mandates, the competitive environment for financial institutions, and the probable effect of these factors on NSBC both with and without the proposed transaction;

 

•

the strategic, business and legal considerations, as well as the risks and benefits relating to a potential transaction with Seacoast compared to the stand-alone prospects of NSBC, the results that NSBC could expect to achieve operating independently, and the likely risks and benefits to NSBC shareholders of that course of action. NSBC’s board of directors concluded that a potential transaction with Seacoast would likely deliver higher value to NSBC shareholders than continuing to operate independently;

 

•

the opinion, dated May 17, 2017, of Sandler O’Neill, NSBC’s financial advisor, delivered to NSBC’s board of directors, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Sandler O’Neill as set forth in its opinion, the merger consideration was fair to the holders of NSBC common stock from a financial point of view, as more fully described in the section entitled “The Merger — Opinion of NSBC’s Financial Advisor”;

 

•

its view that the size of the institution and related economies of scale are increasingly important to continued success in the current financial services environment, including the increased expenses of regulatory compliance, and that a merger with a larger bank holding company could provide those economies of scale, increase efficiencies of operations and enhance customer products and services;

 

•

its belief that the number of potential acquirers interested in smaller institutions like NSBC, with total assets less than $500 million and limited geographic markets, has diminished and may diminish even further over time;

 

•

the financial and other terms of the merger agreement, the expected tax treatment and deal protection provisions, including the ability of NSBC’s board of directors, under certain circumstances, to withdraw or materially adversely modify its recommendation to NSBC shareholders that they approve the merger agreement (subject to payment of a termination fee), each of which it reviewed with its outside financial and legal advisors;

 

•

its review and discussions with NSBC’s management regarding the benefits of an acquisition by Seacoast compared to other alternatives;

 

•

the complementary nature of the credit cultures of the two companies, which management believes should facilitate integration and implementation of the transaction;

 

•

management’s expectation that the combined company will have a strong capital position upon completion of the transaction;

 

•

the board’s belief that the combined enterprise would benefit from Seacoast’s ability to take advantage of economies of scale, including an enhanced platform to achieve critical mass and compete in the Tampa Bay market area, and grow in the current economic environment, making Seacoast an attractive partner for NSBC;

 

•

the fact that the merger consideration will consist of both cash and shares of Seacoast common stock which offers NSBC shareholders a balance of immediate certain value and the opportunity to participate in a significant portion of the future performance of the combined NSBC and Seacoast business and synergies resulting from the merger, and the value to NSBC shareholders represented by that consideration;

 

•

the greater liquidity in the trading market for Seacoast common stock relative to the market for NSBC common stock due to the listing of Seacoast’s shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market;

 

•

the business reputation and capabilities of Seacoast and its management;

 

•

the fact that the terms of the merger agreement were the result of robust arm’s-length negotiations conducted by NSBC and its financial and outside legal advisors and the benefits that NSBC and its advisors were able to obtain during its extensive negotiations with Seacoast; and

 

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•

the belief that Seacoast would have the resources needed to complete the merger and the fact that the transaction was not subject to a financing contingency.

In reaching its decision, the NSBC board of directors also considered a number of potentially negative factors, including, among others, the following factors (not necessarily in order of relative importance):

 

•

the risks that the financial results or stock price of the combined entity might decline, including the possible adverse effects on the stock price and financial results of the combined entity if any expected benefits or synergies are not obtained on a timely basis or at all;

 

•

the potential risk of diverting management attention and resources from the operation of NSBC’s business and towards the completion of the merger;

 

•

the requirement that NSBC conduct its business in the ordinary course and the other restrictions on the conduct of NSBC’s business prior to the completion of the merger, which may delay or prevent NSBC from undertaking business opportunities that may arise pending completion of the merger;

 

•

the potential risks associated with achieving anticipated cost synergies and savings and successfully integrating Seacoast’s business, operations and workforce with those of NSBC;

 

•

the regulatory and other approvals required in connection with the merger and the expectation that such regulatory approvals will be received in a timely manner and without the imposition of unacceptable conditions;

 

•

the fact that some of NSBC’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, those of NSBC’s shareholders generally, including as result of employment and compensation arrangements and the manner in which they could be affected by the merger; and

 

•

the fact that there can be no assurance that all conditions to the parties’ obligations to consummate the merger will be satisfied and, as a result, the merger might be delayed or not be completed, including due to a failure to obtain required regulatory approvals in accordance with the terms agreed upon by the parties, or due to a failure of other closing conditions, and the resulting risks to NSBC and its shareholders (including with respect to the diversion of management and employee attention, potential employee attrition and potential adverse effects on NSBC’s customer or other commercial relationships following the announcement of a transaction).

While the NSBC board of directors considered potentially positive and potentially negative factors, the NSBC board of directors concluded that overall, the potentially positive factors outweighed the potentially negative factors. The foregoing discussion of the factors considered by the NSBC board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather includes the material factors considered by the NSBC board of directors. In reaching its decision to adopt and approve the merger agreement, the NSBC board of directors did not quantify or assign any relative weights to the factors considered, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The NSBC board of directors considered all these factors as a whole, including discussions with, and questioning of, NSBC’s management and NSBC’s financial and legal advisors, and overall considered the factors to be favorable to, and to support, its determination.

FOR THE REASONS SET FORTH ABOVE, THE NSBC BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED AND APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE MERGER PROPOSAL AND “FOR” THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.

Seacoast’s Reasons for the Merger

As a part of Seacoast’s growth strategy, Seacoast routinely evaluates opportunities to acquire financial institutions. The acquisition of NSBC is consistent with Seacoast’s expansion strategy. Seacoast’s board of

 

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directors and senior management reviewed the business, financial condition, results of operation and prospects for NSBC, the market condition of the market area in which NSBC conducts business, the compatibility of the management and the proposed financial terms of the merger. In addition, management of Seacoast believes that the merger will expand Seacoast’s presence in the attractive Tampa market are, provide opportunities for future growth and provide the potential to realize cost savings. Seacoast’s board of directors also considered the financial condition and valuation for both NSBC and Seacoast as well as the financial and other effects the merger would have on Seacoast’s shareholders and stakeholders. The board considered the fact that the acquisition would significantly increase Seacoast’s existing footprint in Tampa, that market overlap would drive cost savings, and that cultural similarities supported the probability of an efficient, low risk integration with minimal customer attritions. In addition, the board of directors also considered the analysis and presentations from its outside financial advisor, Raymond James Financial, Inc.

While management of Seacoast believes that revenue opportunities will be achieved and costs savings will be obtained following the merger, Seacoast has not quantified the amount of enhancements or projected the areas of operation in which such enhancements will occur.

In view of the variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger, the Seacoast board did not find it useful to and did not attempt to quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to factors it considered. Further, individual directors may have given differing weights to different factors. In addition, the Seacoast board did not undertake to make any specific determination as to whether any particular factor, or any aspect of any particular factor, was favorable or unfavorable to its ultimate determination. Rather, the board conducted an overall analysis of the factors it considered material, including thorough discussions with, and questioning of, Seacoast’s management.

Opinion of NSBC’s Financial Advisor

NSBC retained Sandler O’Neill to act as financial advisor to NSBC’s board of directors in connection with NSBC’s consideration of a possible business combination. Sandler O’Neill is a nationally recognized investment banking firm whose principal business specialty is financial institutions. In the ordinary course of its investment banking business, Sandler O’Neill is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial institutions and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions.

Sandler O’Neill acted as financial advisor in connection with the proposed transaction and participated in certain of the negotiations leading to the execution of the merger agreement. At the May 17, 2017 meeting at which NSBC’s board of directors considered and discussed the terms of the merger agreement and the merger, Sandler O’Neill delivered to NSBC’s board of directors its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing on May 17, 2017, to the effect that, as of such date, the consideration provided for in the merger was fair the holders of NSBC common stock from a financial point of view. The full text of Sandler O’Neill’s opinion to is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement/prospectus. The opinion outlines the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Sandler O’Neill in rendering its opinion. The description of the opinion set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. Holders of NSBC common stock are urged to read the entire opinion carefully in connection with their consideration of the proposed merger.

Sandler O’Neill’s opinion speaks only as of the date of the opinion. The opinion was directed to NSBC’s board of directors in connection with its consideration of the merger agreement and the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of NSBC as to how any such shareholder should vote at any meeting of shareholders called to consider and vote upon the approval of the merger agreement and the merger. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion was directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to the holders of NSBC common stock and does not address the underlying business decision of NSBC to engage in the merger, the form or structure of the merger or any other transactions contemplated in the merger agreement, the relative merits of the merger as compared

 

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to any other alternative transactions or business strategies that might exist for NSBC or the effect of any other transaction in which NSBC might engage. Sandler O’Neill did not express any opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the merger by any officer, director or employee of NSBC or Seacoast, or any class of such persons, if any, relative to the compensation to be received in the merger by any other shareholder, including the merger consideration to be received by the holders of NSBC common stock. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion was approved by Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion committee.

In connection with its opinion, Sandler O’Neill reviewed and considered, among other things:

 

•

an execution copy of the merger agreement, dated May 18, 2017;

 

•

certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of NSBC that Sandler O’Neill deemed relevant;

 

•

certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Seacoast that Sandler O’Neill deemed relevant;

 

•

certain internal financial projections for NSBC for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2021, as provided by the senior management of NSBC;

 

•

publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Seacoast for the years ending December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, as well as an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter;

 

•

the pro forma financial impact of the Merger on Seacoast based on certain assumptions relating to purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and transaction expenses;

 

•

the publicly reported historical price and trading activity for Seacoast common stock, including a comparison of certain stock market information for Seacoast common stock and certain stock indices as well as publicly available information for certain other similar companies, the securities of which are publicly traded;

 

•

a comparison of certain financial information for NSBC and Seacoast with similar financial institutions for which information is publicly available;

 

•

the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the banking industry (on a regional and nationwide basis), to the extent publicly available;

 

•

the current market environment generally and the banking environment in particular; and

 

•

such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as Sandler O’Neill considered relevant.

Sandler O’Neill also discussed with certain members of the senior management of NSBC the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of NSBC and held similar discussions with certain members of the senior management of Seacoast regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Seacoast.

In performing its review, Sandler O’Neill relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to and reviewed by Sandler O’Neill from public sources, that was provided to Sandler O’Neill by NSBC or Seacoast or their respective representatives or that was otherwise reviewed by Sandler O’Neill, and Sandler O’Neill assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering its opinion without any independent verification or investigation. Sandler O’Neill relied on the assurances of the respective managements of NSBC and Seacoast that they were not aware of any facts or circumstances that would have made any of such information inaccurate or misleading. Sandler O’Neill was not asked to and did not undertake an independent verification of any of such information and did not assume any

 

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responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof. Sandler O’Neill did not make an independent evaluation or perform an appraisal of the specific assets, the collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of NSBC or Seacoast or any of their respective subsidiaries, nor was Sandler O’Neill furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. Sandler O’Neill rendered no opinion or evaluation on the collectability of any assets or the future performance of any loans of NSBC or Seacoast. Sandler O’Neill did not make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses of NSBC or Seacoast, or of the combined entity after the merger, and it did not review any individual credit files relating to NSBC or Seacoast. Sandler O’Neill assumed, with NSBC’s consent, that the respective allowances for loan losses for both NSBC and Seacoast were adequate to cover such losses and would be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity.

In preparing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill used certain internal financial projections for NSBC for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2021, as provided by the senior management of NSBC. In addition, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Seacoast for the years ending December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, as well as an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter. Sandler O’Neill also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and transaction expenses. With respect to the foregoing information, the senior management of NSBC confirmed to Sandler O’Neill that such information reflected (or, in the case of the publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates referred to above, were consistent with) the best currently available projections, estimates and judgments of senior management as to the future financial performance of NSBC and the other matters covered thereby, and Sandler O’Neill assumed that the future financial performance reflected in such information would be achieved. Sandler O’Neill expressed no opinion as to such information, or the assumptions on which such information is based. Sandler O’Neill also assumed that there was no material change in the respective assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of NSBC or Seacoast since the date of the most recent financial statements made available to Sandler O’Neill. Sandler O’Neill assumed in all respects material to its analysis that NSBC and Seacoast will remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to its analysis.

Sandler O’Neill also assumed, with NSBC’s consent, that (i) each of the parties to the merger agreement would comply in all material respects with all material terms and conditions of the merger agreement and all related agreements, that all of the representations and warranties contained in such agreements were true and correct in all material respects, that each of the parties to such agreements would perform in all material respects all of the covenants and other obligations required to be performed by such party under such agreements and that the conditions precedent in such agreements were not and would not be waived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases with respect to the merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition would be imposed that would have an adverse effect on NSBC, Seacoast or the merger or any related transaction, (iii) the merger and any related transactions would be consummated in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement without any waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof and in compliance with all applicable laws and other requirements, and (iv) the merger would qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. Finally, with NSBC’s consent, Sandler O’Neill relied upon the advice that NSBC received from its legal, accounting and tax advisors as to all legal, accounting and tax matters relating to the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Sandler O’Neill expressed no opinion as to any such matters.

Sandler O’Neill’s opinion was necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to it as of, the date of its opinion. Events occurring after the date of its opinion could materially affect Sandler O’Neill’s opinion. Sandler O’Neill has not undertaken to update, revise, reaffirm or withdraw its opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date of its opinion. Sandler O’Neill expressed no opinion as to the trading values of NSBC common stock or Seacoast common stock at any time or what the value of Seacoast common stock would be once it is actually received by the holders of NSBC common stock.

 

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In rendering its opinion, Sandler O’Neill performed a variety of financial analyses. The summary below is not a complete description of the analyses underlying Sandler O’Neill’s opinion or the presentation made by Sandler O’Neill to NSBC’s board of directors, but is a summary of all material analyses performed and presented by Sandler O’Neill. The summary includes information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand the financial analyses, these tables must be read together with the accompanying text. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving subjective judgments as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. The process, therefore, is not necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. Sandler O’Neill believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the factors and analyses to be considered without considering all factors and analyses, or attempting to ascribe relative weights to some or all such factors and analyses, could create an incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying its opinion. Also, no company included in Sandler O’Neill’s comparative analyses described below is identical to NSBC or Seacoast and no transaction is identical to the merger. Accordingly, an analysis of comparable companies or transactions involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies and other factors that could affect the public trading values or merger transaction values, as the case may be, of NSBC and Seacoast and the companies to which they are being compared. In arriving at its opinion, Sandler O’Neill did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor that it considered. Rather, Sandler O’Neill made qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. Sandler O’Neill did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor (positive or negative) considered in isolation supported or failed to support its opinion, rather, Sandler O’Neill made its determination as to the fairness of the merger consideration on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all its analyses taken as a whole.

In performing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill also made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions and various other matters, many of which are beyond the control of NSBC, Seacoast and Sandler O’Neill. The analyses performed by Sandler O’Neill are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, both of which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. Sandler O’Neill prepared its analyses solely for purposes of rendering its opinion and provided such analyses to NSBC’s board of directors at its May 17, 2017 meeting. Estimates on the values of companies do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or their securities may actually be sold. Such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty and actual values may be materially different. Accordingly, Sandler O’Neill’s analyses do not necessarily reflect the value of NSBC common stock or the prices at which NSBC common stock or Seacoast common stock may be sold at any time. The analyses of Sandler O’Neill and its opinion were among a number of factors taken into consideration by NSBC’s board of directors in making its determination to approve the merger agreement and should not be viewed as determinative of the merger consideration or the decision of NSBC’s board of directors or management with respect to the fairness of the merger. The type and amount of consideration payable in the merger were determined through negotiation between NSBC and Seacoast.

 

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Summary of Proposed Merger Consideration and Implied Transaction Metrics. Sandler O’Neill reviewed the financial terms of the proposed merger. Using the per share cash consideration and the implied value of the per share stock consideration based on the closing price of Seacoast common stock on May 16, 2017, Sandler O’Neill calculated an aggregate implied transaction value of approximately $31.2 million, or an implied transaction price per share of $15.57. Based upon financial information for NSBC as of or for the last twelve months (“LTM”) ended March 31, 2017, as provided by the senior management of NSBC, Sandler O’Neill calculated the following implied transaction metrics:

 

Implied Transaction Price Per Share / Last Twelve Months Earnings Per Share:			34.3x
Implied Transaction Price Per Share / Tangible Book Value Per Share:			135.6	%
Implied Transaction Price Per Share / Adjusted Tangible Book Value Per Share1:			141.3	%
Tangible Book Premium / Core Deposits2:			6.9	%

 

1)	Adjusted tangible book value assumes normalized TCE / TA of 9.00%

2)	Core Deposits defined as total deposits less time deposits greater than $100,000

Stock Trading History. Sandler O’Neill reviewed the historical stock price performance of Seacoast common stock for the three-year period ended May 16, 2017. Sandler O’Neill then compared the relationship between the stock price performance of Seacoast to stock price movements in the Seacoast Peer Group (as described below) as well as certain stock indices.

Seacoast Three-Year Stock Price Performance

 

		Beginning May 16, 2014				Ending May 16, 2017
Seacoast			100	%			230.2	%
Seacoast Peer Group			100	%			165.4	%
NASDAQ Bank Index			100	%			151.8	%
S&P 500 Index			100	%			127.8	%

Comparable Company Analyses. Sandler O’Neill used publicly available information to compare selected financial information for NSBC with a group of financial institutions selected by Sandler O’Neill (the “NSBC Peer Group”). The NSBC Peer Group consisted of publicly-traded banks and thrifts headquartered in the Southeast with total assets between $100 million and $400 million and nonperforming assets/total assets less than 2.00%, excluding announced merger targets. The NSBC Peer Group consisted of the following companies:

 

Aquesta Financial Holdings, Inc.		CCB Bankshares, Inc.
Paragon Financial Solutions, Inc.		United Tennessee Bankshares, Inc.
First IC Corporation		Oak View National Bank
Premara Financial, Inc.		Security Bancorp, Inc.
Citizens Financial Corp.		Virginia Bank Bankshares, Incorporated
Virginia Community Bankshares, Inc.		Mountain-Valley Bancshares, Inc.
Exchange Bankshares, Inc.		Great State Bank
Farmers Bank of Appomattox

The analysis compared financial information for NSBC provided by NSBC as of or the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 with the corresponding publicly available data for the NSBC Peer Group as of or for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 (or, if data as of or for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 was not publicly available, as of or for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016), with pricing data as of May 16, 2017. The analysis also included certain other data for the NSBC Peer Group. The table below sets forth the data for NSBC and the high, low, median and mean data for the NSBC Peer Group.

 

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NSBC Peer Group Analysis

 

		NSBC				NSBC Peer Group Median				NSBC Peer Group Mean				NSBC Peer Group Low				NSBC Peer Group High
Total assets (in millions)		$	212			$	234			$	234			$	118			$	354
Loans/Deposits			81.5	%			86.2	%			84.0	%			54.3	%			99.6	%
Non-performing assets1/Total assets			0.00	%			0.77	%			0.87	%			0.03	%			1.95	%
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets			10.2	%			10.1	%			10.8	%			7.3	%			16.8	%
Leverage Ratio			9.8	%			10.5	%			11.3	%			8.3	%			16.3	%
Total RBC Ratio			13.7	%			15.9	%			17.3	%			11.6	%			25.1	%
Last Twelve Months Return on average assets			0.46	%			0.78	%			0.85	%			0.27	%			2.27	%
Last Twelve Months Return on average equity			4.57	%			7.75	%			7.47	%			2.76	%			14.02	%
Last Twelve Months Net interest margin			4.06	%			3.71	%			3.73	%			2.91	%			4.41	%
Last Twelve Months Efficiency ratio			82.0	%			72.3	%			71.9	%			48.3	%			89.9	%
Price/Tangible book value			—				94	%			97	%			77	%			125	%
Price/Last Twelve Months Earnings per share			—				12.8x				14.4x				10.0x				23.6x
Current Dividend Yield			—				2.1	%			2.4	%			0.0	%			5.7	%
Market value (in millions)			—			$	21			$	24			$	10			$	48

 

1)	Nonperforming assets defined as nonaccrual loans and leases, renegotiated loans and leases, and real estate owned.

Sandler O’Neill used publicly available information to perform a similar analysis for Seacoast and a group of financial institutions selected by Sandler O’Neill (the “Seacoast Peer Group”). The Seacoast Peer Group consisted of nationwide publicly-traded banks and thrifts with total assets between $4.0 billion and $5.5 billion with last twelve months core return on average assets greater than 0.75%, and nonperforming assets/total assets less than 1.50%, excluding announced merger targets. The Seacoast Peer Group consisted of the following companies:

 

Central Pacific Financial Corp.		Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.
First Busey Corporation		Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
Westamerica Bancorporation		Lakeland Financial Corporation
CenterState Banks, Inc.		Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania
Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.		State Bank Financial Corporation
Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.		Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.
OceanFirst Financial Corp.		Oritani Financial Corp.
Enterprise Financial Services Corp.		City Holding Company
TrustCo Bank Corp NY		TriState Capital Holdings, Inc.
Hanmi Financial Corporation		Bridge Bancorp, Inc.
Meridian Bancorp, Inc.		MainSource Financial Group, Inc.
First Bancorp

 

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The analysis compared financial information for Seacoast provided by Seacoast as of or for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 with the corresponding publicly available data for the Seacoast Peer Group as of or for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 (or, if data as of or for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 was not publicly available, as of or for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016), with pricing data as of May 16, 2017. The analysis also compared price to publicly available median analyst 2017 estimated earnings per share and price to publicly available median analyst 2018 estimated earnings per share multiples of Seacoast and the Seacoast Peer Group. The table below sets forth the data for SCBF and the high, low, median and mean data for the Seacoast Peer Group:

Seacoast Peer Group Analysis

 

		Seacoast1				Seacoast Peer Group Median				Seacoast Peer Group Mean				Seacoast Peer Group Low				Seacoast Peer Group High
Total assets (in millions)		$	4,770			$	4,442			$	4,668			$	4,042			$	5,443
Loans/Deposits			80.8	%			92.5	%			92.5	%			28.8	%			132.9	%
Non-performing assets2/Total assets			0.90	%			0.57	%			0.62	%			0.02	%			1.35	%
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets			9.0	%			9.0	%			9.4	%			7.3	%			13.5	%
Leverage Ratio			10.3	%			10.1	%			10.2	%			7.6	%			13.6	%
Total RBC Ratio			15.0	%			14.1	%			14.4	%			12.1	%			19.2	%
CRE/Total RBC Ratio			178.4	%			248.3	%			262.2	%			22.4	%			549.8	%
Last Twelve Months Core Return on average assets			0.95	%			1.11	%			1.09	%			0.79	%			1.44	%
Last Twelve Months Core Return on average equity			9.76	%			9.91	%			10.04	%			5.51	%			13.20	%
Last Twelve Months Net interest margin			3.62	%			3.50	%			3.53	%			2.20	%			4.68	%
Last Twelve Months Efficiency ratio			63.6	%			56.2	%			56.7	%			39.1	%			68.2	%
Price/Tangible book value			229	%			222	%			220	%			139	%			305.7	%
Price/Last Twelve Months Core Earnings per share			21.2x				18.3x				19.5x				15.3x				27.2x
Price/Median Analyst 2017E Earnings per share			18.8x				17.8x				18.2x				15.3x				23.5x
Price/Median Analyst 2018E Earnings per share			15.1x				15.4x				16.1x				13.7x				21.4x
Current Dividend Yield			0.0	%			2.2	%			2.1	%			0.0	%			4.1	%
Market value (in millions)		$	1,072			$	920			$	957			$	699			$	1,465

 

1)	Seacoast Price / Tangible book value and Market value pro forma for pending and recently closed acquisitions.

2)	Nonperforming assets defined as nonaccrual loans and leases, renegotiated loans and leases, and real estate owned.

Analysis of Selected Nationwide Merger Transactions. Sandler O’Neill reviewed a group of selected nationwide merger and acquisition transactions involving U.S. banks and thrifts (the “Nationwide Transactions”). The Nationwide Transactions group consisted of transactions with disclosed deal values announced between January 1, 2015 and May 16, 2017 for targets with total assets between $100 million and $400 million, nonperforming assets/total assets less than 1.00% and last twelve months return on average assets between 0.25% and 0.75%. The National Transactions group was composed of the following transactions:

 

Acquiror		Target
Northwest Bancorp.		CenterPointe Community Bank
Kinderhook Bank Corp.		Patriot Federal Bank
Old Line Bancshares Inc.		DCB Bancshares Inc.
Trustmark Corp.		RB Bancorp.
Seacoast Banking Corp. of FL		GulfShore Bancshares Inc.
Heartland Financial USA Inc.		Founders Bancorp
IBM Southeast Employees’ CU		Mackinac SB FSB

 

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Acquiror		Target
Independent Bank Corp.		Island Bancorp Inc.
HomeTrust Bancshares Inc.		TriSummit Bancorp Inc.
Stonegate Bank		Insignia Bank
RCB Holding Co.		Cornerstone Alliance Ltd.
State Bank Financial Corp.		S Bankshares Inc.
Central Valley Community Bancorp		Sierra Vista Bank
Community Bancshares Corp.		IT&S of Iowa Inc.
County Bank Corp		Capac Bancorp Inc.
Pacific Commerce Bancorp		ProAmérica Bank
Renasant Corp.		KeyWorth Bank
Revere Bank		BlueRidge Bank
California Bank of Commerce		Pan Pacific Bank
National Commerce Corp.		Reunion Bank of Florida
FNB Bancorp		America California Bank
Merchants Bancshares Inc.		NUVO B&TC
Heritage Commerce Corp		Focus Business Bank
Overton Financial Corp.		Vision Bank—Texas
Sunshine Bancorp Inc.		Community Southern Holdings Inc.
Community & Southern Holdings Inc.		Community Business Bank

Using the latest publicly available information prior to the announcement of the relevant transaction, Sandler O’Neill reviewed the following transaction metrics: transaction price to last-twelve-months earnings per share, transaction price to book value per share, transaction price to tangible book value per share, and core deposit premium. Sandler O’Neill compared the indicated transaction multiples for the merger to the high, low, mean and median multiples of the Nationwide Transactions group.

 

		NSBC/ Seacoast				Nationwide Transactions Median				Nationwide Transactions Mean				Nationwide Transactions High				Nationwide Transactions Low
Transaction price/Last Twelve Months earnings per share:			34.3x				27.2x				30.5x				68.8x				12.2x
Transaction price/Book value per share:			136	%			130	%			135	%			180	%			90	%
Transaction price/Tangible book value per share:			136	%			130	%			136	%			180	%			90	%
Core deposit premium:			6.9	%			6.0	%			5.5	%			10.9	%			0.3	%

Analysis of Selected Regional Merger Transactions. Sandler O’Neill also reviewed a regional group of selected merger and acquisition transactions involving U.S. banks and thrifts headquartered in the Southeast (the “Regional Transactions”). The Regional Transactions group consisted of transactions with disclosed deal values announced between January 1, 2015 and May 16, 2017 for targets headquartered in the Southeast with total assets between $100 million and $400 million, nonperforming assets/total assets less than 5.00% and last twelve months return on average assets between 0.25% and 0.75%. The Regional Transactions group was composed of the following transactions:

 

Acquiror		Target
First Community Corp.		Cornerstone Bancorp
West Town Bancorp Inc.		Sound Banking Co.
HCBF Holding Co.		Jefferson Bankshares Inc.
Little Bank Inc.		Union Banc Corp.
Trustmark Corp.		RB Bancorp.
Seacoast Banking Corp. of FL		GulfShore Bancshares Inc.
IBM Southeast Employees’ CU		Mackinac SB FSB
HomeTrust Bancshares Inc.		TriSummit Bancorp Inc.

 

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Acquiror		Target
Stonegate Bank		Insignia Bank
State Bank Financial Corp.		S Bankshares Inc.
Summit Financial Group Inc.		Highland County Bankshares Inc.
CenterState Banks		Hometown of Homestead Banking Co.
Fidelity Southern Corp.		American Enterprise Bankshares Inc.
Renasant Corp.		KeyWorth Bank
Citizens Bancshares of Batesville Inc.		Parkway Bank
HCBF Holding Co.		OGS Investments Inc.
Premier Financial Bancorp Inc.		First National Bankshares Corp
National Commerce Corp.		Reunion Bank of Florida
Hamilton State Bancshares		Highland Financial Services Inc.
Sunshine Bancorp Inc.		Community Southern Holdings Inc.
Community & Southern Holdings Inc.		Community Business Bank

Using the latest publicly available information prior to the announcement of the relevant transaction, Sandler O’Neill reviewed the following transaction metrics: transaction price to last-twelve-months earnings per share, transaction price to tangible book value per share, and core deposit premium to core deposits. Sandler O’Neill compared the indicated transaction multiples for the merger to the high, low, mean and median multiples of the Regional Transactions group.

 

		NSBC/ Seacoast				Nationwide Transactions Median				Nationwide Transactions Mean				Nationwide Transactions High				Nationwide Transactions Low
Transaction price/Last Twelve Months earnings per share:			34.3x				25.2x				28.1x				66.3x				11.3x
Transaction price/Book value per share:			136	%			139	%			137	%			163	%			102	%
Transaction price/Tangible book value per share:			136	%			140	%			138	%			165	%			102	%
Core deposit premium:			6.9	%			6.1	%			5.4	%			9.4	%			0.3	%

Net Present Value Analyses. Sandler O’Neill performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of NSBC common stock assuming NSBC performed in accordance with internal financial projections for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2021. To approximate the terminal value of a share of NSBC common stock at December 31, 2021, Sandler O’Neill applied price to 2021 earnings per share multiples ranging from 10.0x to 20.0x and price to December 31, 2021 tangible book value per share multiples ranging from 70% to 140%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 15.0% which were chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of NSBC common stock. As illustrated in the following tables, the analysis indicated an imputed range of values per share of NSBC common stock of $8.53 to $20.19 when applying multiples of earnings per share and $6.13 to $14.50 when applying multiples of tangible book value per share.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

 

Discount Rate		10.0x				12.0x				14.0x				16.0x				18.0x				20.0x
11.0%		$	10.10			$	12.11			$	14.13			$	16.15			$	18.17			$	20.19
11.7%		$	9.81			$	11.77			$	13.74			$	15.70			$	17.66			$	19.62
12.3%		$	9.54			$	11.45			$	13.35			$	15.26			$	17.17			$	19.08
13.0%		$	9.27			$	11.13			$	12.98			$	14.84			$	16.69			$	18.55
13.7%		$	9.02			$	10.82			$	12.63			$	14.43			$	16.23			$	18.04
14.3%		$	8.77			$	10.53			$	12.28			$	14.03			$	15.79			$	17.54
15.0%		$	8.53			$	10.24			$	11.95			$	13.65			$	15.36			$	17.07

 

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Tangible Book Value Per Share Multiples

 

Discount Rate		70%				82%				94%				106%				118%				140%
11.0%		$	7.25			$	8.49			$	9.74			$	10.98			$	12.22			$	14.50
11.7%		$	7.05			$	8.25			$	9.46			$	10.67			$	11.88			$	14.09
12.3%		$	6.85			$	8.02			$	9.20			$	10.37			$	11.55			$	13.70
13.0%		$	6.66			$	7.80			$	8.94			$	10.08			$	11.23			$	13.32
13.7%		$	6.48			$	7.59			$	8.70			$	9.81			$	10.92			$	12.95
14.3%		$	6.30			$	7.38			$	8.46			$	9.54			$	10.62			$	12.60
15.0%		$	6.13			$	7.18			$	8.23			$	9.28			$	10.33			$	12.25

Sandler O’Neill also considered and discussed with the NSBC board of directors how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to net income. To illustrate this impact, Sandler O’Neill performed a similar analysis assuming NSBC’s net income varied from 15% above projections to 15% below projections. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for NSBC common stock, applying the price to 2021 earnings per share multiples range of 10.0x to 20.0x referred to above and a discount rate of 12.62%.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

 

Annual Budget Variance		10.0x				12.0x				14.0x				16.0x				18.0x				20.0x
(15.0%)		$	8.01			$	9.61			$	11.21			$	12.82			$	14.42			$	16.02
(10.0%)		$	8.48			$	10.18			$	11.87			$	13.57			$	15.27			$	16.96
(5.0%)		$	8.95			$	10.74			$	12.53			$	14.32			$	16.12			$	17.91
0.0%		$	9.42			$	11.31			$	13.19			$	15.08			$	16.96			$	18.85
5.0%		$	9.90			$	11.87			$	13.85			$	15.83			$	17.81			$	19.79
10.0%		$	10.37			$	12.44			$	14.51			$	16.59			$	18.66			$	20.73
15.0%		$	10.84			$	13.01			$	15.17			$	17.34			$	19.51			$	21.68

Sandler O’Neill also performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of Seacoast common stock assuming that Seacoast performed in accordance with publicly available consensus mean analyst estimates for Seacoast for the years ending December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, and an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter. To approximate the terminal value of Seacoast common stock at December 31, 2020, Sandler O’Neill applied price to 2020 earnings per share multiples ranging from 16.0x to 21.0x and price to December 31, 2020 tangible book value per share multiples ranging from 185% to 260%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 7.5% to 9.5% chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of Seacoast common stock. As illustrated in the following tables, the analysis indicated an imputed range of values per share of Seacoast common stock of $20.95 to $29.46 when applying multiples of earnings per share and $21.99 to $33.12 when applying multiples of tangible book value per share.

 

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Earnings Per Share Multiples

 

Discount Rate		16.0x				17.0x				18.0x				19.0x				20.0x				21.0x
7.5%		$	22.45			$	23.85			$	25.25			$	26.66			$	28.06			$	29.46
7.8%		$	22.19			$	23.57			$	24.96			$	26.35			$	27.73			$	29.12
8.2%		$	21.93			$	23.30			$	24.67			$	26.04			$	27.42			$	28.79
8.5%		$	21.68			$	23.04			$	24.39			$	25.75			$	27.10			$	28.46
8.8%		$	21.43			$	22.77			$	24.11			$	25.45			$	26.79			$	28.13
9.2%		$	21.19			$	22.51			$	23.84			$	25.16			$	26.49			$	27.81
9.5%		$	20.95			$	22.26			$	23.57			$	24.88			$	26.18			$	27.49

Tangible Book Value Per Share Multiples

 

Discount Rate		185%				200%				215%				230%				245%				260%
7.5%		$	23.57			$	25.48			$	27.39			$	29.30			$	31.21			$	33.12
7.8%		$	23.29			$	25.18			$	27.07			$	28.96			$	30.85			$	32.74
8.2%		$	23.03			$	24.89			$	26.76			$	28.63			$	30.49			$	32.36
8.5%		$	22.76			$	24.61			$	26.45			$	28.30			$	30.14			$	31.99
8.8%		$	22.50			$	24.33			$	26.15			$	27.98			$	29.80			$	31.62
9.2%		$	22.25			$	24.05			$	25.85			$	27.66			$	29.46			$	31.26
9.5%		$	21.99			$	23.78			$	25.56			$	27.34			$	29.13			$	30.91

Sandler O’Neill also considered and discussed with the NSBC board of directors how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to net income. To illustrate this impact, Sandler O’Neill performed a similar analysis assuming Seacoast’s net income varied from 15% above estimates to 15% below estimates. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for Seacoast common stock, applying the price to 2020 earnings per share multiples range of 16.0x to 21.0x referred to above and a discount rate of 7.82%.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

 

Annual Budget Variance		16.0x				17.0x				18.0x				19.0x				20.0x				21.0x
(15.0%)		$	18.87			$	20.05			$	21.23			$	22.41			$	23.59			$	24.77
(10.0%)		$	19.98			$	21.23			$	22.48			$	23.73			$	24.98			$	26.22
(5.0%)		$	21.09			$	22.41			$	23.73			$	25.04			$	26.36			$	27.68
0.0%		$	22.20			$	23.59			$	24.98			$	26.36			$	27.75			$	29.14
5.0%		$	23.31			$	24.77			$	26.22			$	27.68			$	29.14			$	30.60
10.0%		$	24.42			$	25.95			$	27.47			$	29.00			$	30.53			$	32.05
15.0%		$	25.53			$	27.13			$	28.72			$	30.32			$	31.91			$	33.51

Sandler O’Neill noted that the net present value analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such methodology are highly dependent upon the numerous assumptions that must be made, and the results thereof are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results.

Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Sandler O’Neill analyzed certain potential pro forma effects of the merger, assuming the merger closes at the end of the fourth calendar quarter of 2017. In performing its analysis, Sandler O’Neill utilized the following information: (i) financial projections for NSBC for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2021, as provided by the senior management of NSBC; (ii) publicly available

 

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consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Seacoast for the years ending December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, and an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter; and (iii) certain assumptions relating to purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and transaction expenses, as provided by the senior management of Seacoast. The analysis indicated that the merger could be accretive to Seacoast’s earnings per share (excluding one-time transaction costs and expenses) in the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020, dilutive to Seacoast’s estimated tangible book value per share at close and accretive to Seacoast’s estimated tangible book value per share at December 31, 2018 and thereafter.

In connection with this analysis, Sandler O’Neill considered and discussed with the NSBC board of directors how the analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including the impact of final purchase accounting adjustments determined at the closing of the transaction, and noted that the actual results achieved by the combined company may vary from projected results and the variations may be material.

Sandler O’Neill’s Relationship. Sandler O’Neill has acted as NSBC’s financial advisor in connection with the merger and will receive a fee for its services in an amount equal to 1.3% of the aggregate purchase price, which fee is estimated to be approximately $405,000 based on the market value of Seacoast’s common stock at the time the merger was announced. Sandler O’Neill’s fee is contingent upon the closing of the merger. Sandler O’Neill also received a $125,000 fee upon rendering its fairness opinion to the NSBC Board of Directors, which opinion fee will be credited in full towards the transaction fee which will become payable to Sandler O’Neill on the day of closing of the merger. NSBC has also agreed to indemnify Sandler O’Neill against certain claims and liabilities arising out of its engagement and to reimburse Sandler O’Neill for certain of its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its engagement.

Sandler O’Neill did not provide any other investment banking services to NSBC in the two years preceding the date of its opinion. In the two years preceding the date of its opinion, Sandler O’Neill has provided certain investment banking services to Seacoast and received fees for such services. Most recently, Sandler O’Neill acted as joint book-running manager in connection with Seacoast’s offer and sale of common stock, which transaction closed in February 2017, and financial advisor to the board of directors of Seacoast in connection with Seacoast’s acquisition of Grand Bankshares, Inc., which transaction closed in July 2015. In addition, in the ordinary course of its business as a broker-dealer, Sandler O’Neill may purchase securities from and sell securities to Seacoast and its affiliates. Sandler O’Neill may also actively trade the equity and debt securities of Seacoast and its affiliates for its own account and for the accounts of its customers.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

The following discussion describes the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders (as defined below) of NSBC common stock that exchange their shares of NSBC common stock for shares of Seacoast common stock and cash in the merger. This discussion is based on the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations thereunder and published rulings and decisions, all as currently in effect as of the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth in this discussion.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of NSBC common stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, or entity treated as a corporation, organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) such trust has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or (iv) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source. This discussion addresses only U.S. holders of NSBC common stock.

 

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If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds NSBC common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners in a partnership holding NSBC common stock should consult their own tax advisors.

This discussion addresses only those U.S. holders of NSBC common stock that hold their shares of NSBC common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, stock held for investment). Further, this discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances or if you are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including if you are:

 

•

a financial institution;

 

•

a tax-exempt organization;

 

•

an S corporation or other pass-through entity (or an investor in an S corporation or other pass-through entity);

 

•

an insurance company;

 

•

a regulated investment company;

 

•

a real estate investment trust;

 

•

a dealer or broker in stocks and securities, commodities or currencies;

 

•

a trader in securities that elects the mark-to-market method of accounting;

 

•

a holder of NSBC stock that received such stock through the exercise of an employee stock option, through a tax qualified retirement plan or otherwise as compensation;

 

•

a person that is not a U.S. holder (as defined above);

 

•

a person that has a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;

 

•

a holder of NSBC stock that holds such stock as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion or other integrated transaction; or

 

•

a U.S. expatriate.

 

•

a person who purchased or sells their NSBC stock as part of a wash sale.

In addition, the discussion does not address any alternative minimum tax or any state, local or foreign tax consequences of the merger, nor does it address any tax consequences arising under the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. The actual tax consequences of the merger to you may be complex. These consequences will depend on your individual situation. You should consult with your own tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of the merger to you.

Tax Consequences of the Merger Generally

The parties intend for the merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. It is a condition to Seacoast’s obligation to complete the merger that Seacoast receive an opinion from Alston & Bird LLP, dated the closing date of the merger, to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. It is a condition to NSBC’s obligation to complete the merger that NSBC receive an opinion from Bush Ross, P.A., dated the closing date of the merger, to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. The opinion of Alston & Bird LLP provided on behalf of Seacoast and the opinion of Bush Ross, P.A. provided on behalf of NSBC, will be based on representation letters provided by Seacoast and NSBC and on customary factual assumptions, including assumptions regarding the absence of changes in existing facts and the completion of the merger strictly in accordance with the merger agreement and the registration statement. If any of these assumptions or representations are inaccurate in any way, or any of the covenants are not complied with, these opinions could be adversely affected. Neither of the opinions described above will be binding on the Internal

 

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Revenue Service or any court. NSBC and Seacoast have not sought and will not seek any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding any matters relating to the merger. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the conclusions set forth in this discussion.

Provided the merger qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, upon exchanging your NSBC common stock for Seacoast common stock and cash (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional share), you generally will recognize gain (but not loss) in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the amount of gain realized (i.e., the excess of the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of the Seacoast common stock received pursuant to the merger over your adjusted tax basis in the shares of NSBC common stock surrendered) and (2) the amount of cash received pursuant to the merger (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share). If you acquired different blocks of NSBC common stock at different times or different prices, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the manner in which gain or loss should be determined. Any recognized gain generally will be long-term capital gain if, as of the effective date of the merger, your holding period with respect to the NSBC common stock surrendered exceeds one year. If, however, the cash received has the effect of the distribution of a dividend, the gain will be treated as a dividend to the extent of the holder’s ratable share of accumulated earnings and profits as calculated for United States federal income tax purposes. See “—Possible Dividend Treatment” below.

The aggregate tax basis of in the Seacoast common stock you receive in the merger (including any fractional shares deemed received and redeemed for cash as described below) will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the NSBC common stock surrendered in exchange therefor, reduced by the amount of cash received (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share) and increased by the amount of gain, if any, recognized by you (excluding any gain recognized with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share) on the exchange. The holding period of the Seacoast common stock received (including any fractional shares deemed received and sold for cash as described below) will include the holding period of the NSBC shares surrendered.

Possible Dividend Treatment

In general, the determination of whether the gain recognized in the exchange will be treated as capital gain or has the effect of a distribution of a dividend depends upon whether and to what extent the exchange reduces the holder’s deemed percentage stock ownership of Seacoast. For purposes of this determination, the holder is treated as if it first exchanged all of its shares of NSBC common stock solely for Seacoast common stock and then Seacoast immediately redeemed, which we refer to in this document as the “deemed redemption,” a portion of the Seacoast common stock in exchange for the cash the holder actually received. The gain recognized in the deemed redemption will be treated as capital gain if the deemed redemption is (1) “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the holder or (2) “not essentially equivalent to a dividend.”

The deemed redemption will generally be “substantially disproportionate” with respect to a holder if the percentage described in (2) below is less than 80% of the percentage described in (1) below. Whether the deemed redemption is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to a holder will depend upon the holder’s particular circumstances. At a minimum, however, in order for the deemed redemption to be “not essentially equivalent to a dividend,” the deemed redemption must result in a “meaningful reduction” in the holder’s deemed percentage stock ownership of Seacoast. In general, that determination requires a comparison of (1) the percentage of the outstanding stock of Seacoast that the holder is deemed actually and constructively to have owned immediately before the deemed redemption and (2) the percentage of the outstanding stock of Seacoast that is actually and constructively owned by the holder immediately after the deemed redemption. In applying the above tests, a holder may, under the constructive ownership rules, be deemed to own stock that is owned by other persons or stock underlying a holder’s option to purchase in addition to the stock actually owned by the holder.

Because the possibility of dividend treatment depends primarily on each holder’s particular circumstances, including the application of the constructive ownership rules, holders of NSBC common stock should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the foregoing rules to their particular circumstances.

 

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Cash Instead of Fractional Shares

If you receive cash instead of a fractional share of Seacoast common stock, you will be treated as having received the fractional share of Seacoast common stock pursuant to the merger and then as having sold that fractional share of Seacoast common stock for cash. As a result, assuming that the cash received is not treated as a dividend (as described above), you generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the tax basis allocated to such fractional share. This gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if, as of the effective date of the merger, your holding period for the shares (including the holding period of the NSBC common stock deemed surrendered in exchange for a fractional share of Seacoast common stock) is greater than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

In certain instances you may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28%) on any cash payments you receive. You generally will not be subject to backup withholding, however, if you:

 

•

furnish a correct taxpayer identification number, certify that you are not subject to backup withholding on the substitute Form W-9 or successor form included in the letter of transmittal you will receive and otherwise comply with all the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules; or

 

•

provide proof that you are otherwise exempt from backup withholding.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not additional tax and will generally be allowed as a refund or credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided you timely furnish the required information to the Internal Revenue Service.

If you are considered a “significant holder,” you will be required (a) to file a statement with your U.S. federal income tax return providing certain facts pertinent to the merger including your U.S. tax basis in and the fair market value of the NSBC stock you surrendered in the merger and (b) to retain permanent records of these facts relating to the merger. A “significant holder” is any NSBC stockholder that immediately before the merger (y) owned at least 5% (by vote or value) of the outstanding stock of NSBC or (z) owned NSBC securities with a tax basis of $1.0 million or more.

Exercise of Dissenters’ Rights

A U.S. Holder who receives cash pursuant to the exercise of dissenters’ rights generally will recognize capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the cash received and its adjusted basis in its shares of NSBC common stock.

The preceding discussion does not purport to be a complete analysis or discussion of all the potential tax consequences of the merger. It is for general information purposes and is not tax advice. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences to you, in light of your particular circumstances, of the merger (or exercise of dissenters’ rights), including tax return reporting requirements, United States federal estate or gift tax rules and the applicability and effect of federal, state, local, and foreign tax laws.

Accounting Treatment

The merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting with Seacoast treated as the acquiror. Under this method of accounting, NSBC’s assets and liabilities will be recorded by Seacoast at their respective fair values as of the date of completion of the merger. Financial statements of Seacoast issued after the merger will reflect these values and will not be restated retroactively to reflect the historical financial position or results of operations of Seacoast.

Regulatory Approvals

Under federal law, the merger must be approved by the Federal Reserve and the bank merger must be approved by the OCC. Once the Federal Reserve approves the merger (unless such requirement for approval has

 

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been waived), the parties must wait for up to 30 days before completing the merger. With the concurrence of the U.S. Department of Justice and permission from the Federal Reserve, however, the merger may be completed on or after the fifteenth day after approval from the Federal Reserve (unless such requirement for approval has been waived). Similarly, after receipt of approval of the bank merger from the OCC, the parties must wait for up to 30 days before completing the bank merger. If, however, there are no adverse comments from the U.S. Department of Justice and Seacoast receives permission from the OCC to do so, the bank merger may be completed on or after the fifteenth (15th) day after approval from the OCC.

As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, all of the required regulatory applications have been filed. There is no assurance as to whether the regulatory approvals will be obtained or as to the date of such approval. There also can be no assurance that the regulatory approvals received will not contain a condition that would increase any of the minimum regulatory capital requirements of Seacoast following the merger or have a material adverse effect. See “The Merger Agreement — Conditions to Completion of the Merger.”

Appraisal Rights for NSBC Shareholders

Holders of NSBC common stock as of the record date are entitled to appraisal rights under the FBCA. Pursuant to Section 607.1302 of the FBCA, a NSBC shareholder who does not wish to accept the merger consideration to be received pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement may dissent from the merger and elect to receive the fair value of his or her shares of NSBC common stock immediately prior to the consummation of the merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the merger unless exclusion would be inequitable. Under the terms of the merger agreement, if 5% or more of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock validly exercise their appraisal rights, then Seacoast will not be obligated to complete the merger.

In order to exercise appraisal rights, a dissenting NSBC shareholder must strictly comply with the statutory procedures of Sections 607.1301 through 607.1333 of the FBCA, which are summarized below. A copy of the full text of those Sections is included as Appendix C to this proxy statement/prospectus. NSBC shareholders are urged to read Appendix C in its entirety and to consult with their legal advisors. Each NSBC shareholder who desires to assert his or her appraisal rights is cautioned that failure on his or her part to adhere strictly to the requirements of Florida law in any regard will cause a forfeiture of any appraisal rights.

Procedures for Exercising Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal. The following summary of Florida law is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the applicable provisions of the FBCA, a copy of which is included as Appendix C to this proxy statement/prospectus.

A dissenting shareholder who desires to exercise his or her appraisal rights must file with NSBC, prior to the taking of the vote on the merger agreement, a written notice of intent to demand payment for his or her shares if the merger is effectuated. A vote against the merger agreement will not alone be deemed to be the written notice of intent to demand payment and will not be deemed to satisfy the notice requirements under the FBCA. A dissenting shareholder need not vote against the merger agreement, but cannot vote, or allow any nominee who holds such shares for the dissenting shareholder to vote, any of his or her shares of NSBC common stock in favor of the merger agreement. A vote in favor of the merger agreement will constitute a waiver of the shareholder’s appraisal rights. A shareholder’s failure to vote against the merger agreement will not constitute a waiver of such shareholder’s dissenters’ rights. Such written notification should be delivered either in person or by mail (certified mail, return receipt requested, being the recommended form of transmittal) to:

NorthStar Banking Corporation

Rivergate Tower

400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400

Tampa, Florida 33602

Attn: Felicia Lambdin, Corporate Secretary

 

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All such notices must be signed in the same manner as the shares are registered on the books of NSBC. If a NSBC shareholder has not provided written notice of intent to demand fair value before the vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement is taken at the special meeting, then the NSBC shareholder will be deemed to have waived his or her appraisal rights.

Within 10 days after the completion of the merger, Seacoast must provide to each NSBC shareholder who filed a notice of intent to demand payment for his or her shares a written appraisal notice and an election form that specifies, among other things:

 

•

the date of the completion of the merger;

 

•

Seacoast’s estimate of the fair value of the shares of NSBC common stock;

 

•

where to return the completed appraisal election form and the shareholder’s stock certificates and the date by which each must be received by Seacoast or its agent, which date with respect to the receipt of the appraisal election form may not be fewer than 40, nor more than 60, days after the date Seacoast sent the appraisal election form to the shareholder (and shall state that the shareholder shall have waived the right to demand appraisal with respect to the shares unless such form is received by Seacoast by such specified date) and which with respect to the return of stock certificates must not be earlier than the date for receiving the appraisal election form;

 

•

that, if requested in writing, Seacoast will provide to the shareholder so requesting, within 10 days after the date set for receipt by Seacoast of the appraisal election form, the number of shareholders who return the forms by such date and the total number of shares owned by them; and

 

•

the date by which a notice from the NSBC shareholder of his or her desire to withdraw his or her appraisal election must be received by Seacoast, which date must be within 20 days after the date set for receipt by Seacoast of the appraisal election form from the NSBC shareholder.

The form must also contain Seacoast’s offer to pay to the NSBC shareholder the amount that it has estimated as the fair value of the shares of NSBC common stock and include NSBC’s financial statements, consisting of a balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year ending not more than 15 months prior to the date of the corporation’s appraisal notice, an income statement for that year, a cash flow statement for that year, and the latest applicable interim financial statements if any, and a copy of Section 607.1301-607.1333, and request certain information from the NSBC shareholder, including:

 

•

the shareholder’s name and address;

 

•

the number of shares as to which the shareholder is asserting appraisal rights;

 

•

that the shareholder did not vote for the merger;

 

•

whether the shareholder accepts the offer of Seacoast to pay its estimate of the fair value of the shares of NSBC common stock to the shareholder; and

 

•

if the shareholder does not accept the offer of Seacoast, the shareholder’s estimated fair value of the shares of NSBC common stock and a demand for payment of the shareholder’s estimated value plus interest.

A dissenting shareholder must execute the appraisal election form and submit it together with the certificate(s) representing his or her shares, in the case of certificated shares, by the date specified in the notice. Any dissenting shareholder failing to return a properly completed appraisal election form and his or her stock certificates within the period stated in the form will lose his or her appraisal rights and be bound by the terms of the merger agreement. Upon returning the appraisal election form, a dissenting shareholder will be entitled only to payment pursuant to the procedure set forth in the applicable sections of the FBCA and will not be entitled to vote or to exercise any other rights of a shareholder, unless the dissenting shareholder withdraws his or her demand for appraisal within the time period specified in the appraisal election form.

 

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A dissenting shareholder who has delivered the appraisal election form and his or her NSBC common stock certificates may decline to exercise appraisal rights and withdraw from the appraisal process by giving written notice to Seacoast within the time period specified in the appraisal election form. Thereafter, a dissenting shareholder may not withdraw from the appraisal process without the written consent of Seacoast. Upon such withdrawal, the right of the dissenting shareholder to be paid the fair value of his or her shares will cease, and he or she will be reinstated as a shareholder and will be entitled to receive the merger consideration.

If the dissenting shareholder accepts the offer of Seacoast in the appraisal election form to pay Seacoast’s estimate of the fair value of the shares of NSBC common stock, payment for the shares of the dissenting shareholder is to be made within 90 days after the receipt of the appraisal election form by Seacoast or its agent. Upon payment of the agreed value, the dissenting shareholder will cease to have any interest in such shares.

A shareholder who is dissatisfied with Seacoast’s estimate of the fair value of the shares of Seacoast common stock must notify Seacoast of the shareholder’s estimate of the fair value of the shares and demand payment of that estimate plus interest in the appraisal election form within the time period specified in the form. A shareholder who fails to notify Seacoast in writing of the shareholder’s demand to be paid its stated estimate of the fair value of the shares plus interest within the required time period waives the right to demand payment and will be entitled only to the payment offered by Seacoast in the appraisal election form.

A shareholder must demand appraisal rights with respect to all of the shares registered in his or her name, except that a record shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to fewer than all of the shares registered in the record shareholder’s name but which are owned by a beneficial shareholder, if the record shareholder objects with respect to all shares owned by the beneficial shareholder. A record shareholder must notify NSBC in writing of the name and address of each beneficial shareholder on whose behalf appraisal rights are being asserted. A beneficial shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to any shares held on behalf of the beneficial shareholder only if the beneficial shareholder submits to NSBC the record shareholder’s written consent to the assertion of such rights before the date specified in the appraisal election form, and does so with respect to all shares that are beneficially owned by the beneficial shareholder.

Section 607.1330 of the FBCA addresses what should occur if a dissenting shareholder fails to accept the offer of Seacoast to pay the value of the shares as estimated by Seacoast, and Seacoast fails to comply with the demand of the dissenting shareholder to pay the value of the shares as estimated by the dissenting shareholder, plus interest.

If a dissenting shareholder refuses to accept the offer of Seacoast to pay the value of the shares as estimated by Seacoast, and Seacoast fails to comply with the demand of the dissenting shareholder to pay the value of the shares as estimated by the dissenting shareholder, plus interest, then within 60 days after receipt of a written demand from any dissenting shareholder, Seacoast shall file an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the county in Florida where the registered office of Seacoast, maintained pursuant to Florida law, is located requesting that the fair value of such shares be determined by the court.

If Seacoast fails to institute a proceeding within the above-prescribed period, any dissenting shareholder may do so in the name of Seacoast. All dissenting shareholders whose demands remain unsettled shall be made parties to the proceeding as in an action against their shares and a copy of the initial pleading will be served on each dissenting shareholder as provided by law. The shareholders demanding appraisal rights are entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings. There shall be no right to a jury trial.

Seacoast is required to pay each dissenting shareholder the amount of the fair value of such shareholder’s shares plus interest, as found by the court, within 10 days after final determination of the proceedings. Upon payment of the judgment, the dissenting shareholder ceases to have any interest in such shares.

Section 607.1331 of the FBCA provides that the costs of a court appraisal proceeding, including reasonable compensation for, and expenses of, appraisers appointed by the court, will be determined by the court and

 

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assessed against Seacoast, except that the court may assess costs against all or some of the dissenting shareholders, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent that the court finds such shareholders acted arbitrarily, vexatiously or not in good faith with respect to their appraisal rights. The court also may assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable, against: (i) Seacoast and in favor of any or all dissenting shareholders if the court finds Seacoast did not substantially comply with the notification provisions set forth in Sections 607.1320 and 607.1322 of the FBCA; or (ii) either Seacoast or a dissenting shareholder, in favor of any other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to the appraisal rights. If the court in an appraisal proceeding finds that the services of counsel for any dissenting shareholder were of substantial benefit to other dissenting shareholders, and that the fees for those services should not be assessed against Seacoast, the court may award to such counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded the dissenting shareholders who were benefited. To the extent that Seacoast fails to make a required payment when a dissenting shareholder accepts Seacoast’s offer to pay the value of the shares as estimated by Seacoast, the dissenting shareholder may sue directly for the amount owed and, to the extent successful, shall be entitled to recover from Seacoast all costs and expenses of the suit, including counsel fees.

For a discussion of tax consequences with respect to dissenting shares, see “The Merger — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger.”

BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE PROVISIONS OF FLORIDA LAW RELATING TO DISSENTERS’ APPRAISAL RIGHTS, SHAREHOLDERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING DISSENTING FROM THE MERGER ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN LEGAL ADVISORS.

Board of Directors and Management of SNB Following the Merger

The members of the board of directors and officers of SNB immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be the directors and officers of the surviving bank and will hold office until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, or their earlier death, resignation or removal.

Information regarding the executive officers and directors of SNB is contained in documents filed by Seacoast with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including Seacoast’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and its definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its 2017 annual meeting, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2017 and April 6, 2017, respectively. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference.”

Interests of NSBC Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

In the merger, the directors and executive officers of NSBC will receive the same merger consideration for their NSBC shares as the other NSBC shareholders. In considering the recommendation of the NSBC board of directors that you vote to approve the merger agreement, you should be aware that some of the executive officers and directors of NSBC may have interests in the merger and may have arrangements, as described below, that may be considered to be different from, or in addition to, those of NSBC shareholders generally. The NSBC board of directors was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in reaching its decision to adopt and approve the merger agreement and to recommend that NSBC shareholders vote in favor of approving the merger agreement. See “The Merger — Background of the Merger” and “The Merger — NSBC’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendations of the NSBC Board of Directors.” NSBC’s shareholders should take these interests into account in deciding whether to vote “FOR” the proposal to adopt the merger agreement. These interests are described in more detail below, and certain of them are quantified in the narrative below.

Entry into New Employment Agreement with Jacobsen

In connection with the merger, Seacoast will enter into a new employment agreement with Mr. Jacobsen. The new employment agreement replaces Mr. Jacobsen’s existing employment agreement with NorthStar Bank

 

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and will be effective upon completion of the merger. The term of the new employment agreement will commence as of the effective date of the merger and will terminate on the third anniversary thereof. Pursuant to the new employment agreement, Mr. Jacobsen will serve as a Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Manager of SNB, with an annual salary equal to $220,000, such bonuses or other compensation as may be authorized by the SNB Board of Directors, as well as participation in benefit plans applicable to similarly situated employees of Seacoast. Following completion of the merger, Mr. Jacobsen will receive a retention equity award consisting of restricted stock units relating to Seacoast common stock having a value equal to $33,000 on the grant date, and a one-time cash payment equal the cash severance that he would have received under his employment agreement with NorthStar Bank if his employment had been terminated. This cash payment will be equal to the sum of $428,480, plus $50,000 (which represents two times his 2016 bonus with NorthStar), plus an amount equal to two years of premium cost for the benefit plans in which he was participating prior to the merger, plus 24 times his monthly club dues and auto allowance under his employment agreement with NorthStar Bank, less applicable withholdings. If Mr. Jacobsen is terminated by Seacoast without “cause” (as defined in the new employment agreement) prior to the expiration of the term, then he will receive a severance payment equal to 12 months’ of salary payable in ten equal monthly installments, reimbursement for group health care premiums under COBRA for 12 months following termination of employment, and any annual incentive compensation earned but not yet paid for any completed full fiscal year immediately preceding the employment termination date. The new employment agreement contains customary confidentiality covenants, as well as covenants regarding the non-solicitation of customers and employees and non-competition that apply for the later of (i) the third anniversary of the effective date of the agreement and (ii) one year following the executive’s termination of employment.

Entry into New Employment Agreement with Shaw

In connection with the merger, Seacoast will enter into a new employment agreement with Mr. Shaw. The new employment agreement replaces Mr. Shaw’s employment agreement with NorthStar Bank and will be effective upon completion of the merger. The term of the new employment agreement will commence as of the effective date of the merger and will terminate on the first anniversary thereof. Pursuant to the new employment agreement, Mr. Shaw will serve as a Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Manager of SNB, with an annual salary equal to $178,000, such bonuses or other compensation as may be authorized by the SNB Board of Directors, as well as participation in benefit plans applicable to similarly situated employees of Seacoast. Following completion of the merger, Mr. Shaw will receive a retention equity award consisting of restricted stock units related to Seacoast common stock having a value equal to $62,300 on the grant date, and a one-time cash payment equal the cash severance that he would have received under his employment agreement with NorthStar Bank if his employment had been terminated. This cash payment will be equal to the sum of $178,000, plus $22,000 (which represents one time his 2016 bonus with NorthStar), plus an amount equal to one year of premium cost for the benefit plans in which he was participating prior to the merger, plus 12 times his monthly club dues and auto allowance under his employment agreement with NorthStar Bank, less applicable withholdings. If Mr. Shaw is terminated by Seacoast without “cause” (as defined in the new employment agreement) prior to the expiration of the term, then he will receive a severance payment equal to 6 months’ of salary payable in four equal monthly installments. The new employment agreement contains customary confidentiality covenants, as well as covenants regarding the non-solicitation of customer and employees and non-competition that apply for one year following the executive’s termination of employment.

As noted in the new employment agreement, prior to the effective time of the merger, NorthStar Bank paid $100,000 in cash to Mr. Shaw, less applicable withholdings, in lieu of certain payments described in a letter agreement between Mr. Shaw and NorthStar Bank dated April 27, 2017.

Treatment of NSBC Equity Awards

The merger agreement requires NSBC to take all actions necessary to terminate all outstanding awards, grants, units, option to purchase or other right to receive (the “NSBC Equity Awards”) shares of NSBC common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the merger in exchange for an amount in cash, without interest,

 

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equal to the product of (x) the aggregate number of shares of NSBC common stock subject to such NSBC Equity Award immediately prior to its termination, multiplied by (y) the excess, if any, of $16.00 over the exercise price per share of the NSBC Equity Award.

The table below follows reflects securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2017.

Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Plan Category		Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights				Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights				Number of Securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation  plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
		(a)				(b)				(c)
Equity Compensation plans approved by security holders			235,750			$	10.95				406,439
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders			—				—				—
Total			235,750			$	10.95				406,439

Director Restrictive Covenant Agreement; Claims Letters

Certain directors who are executive officers of NSBC have entered into a restrictive covenant agreement, covering a two year period commencing with the effective time of the merger, with Seacoast in the form attached as Exhibit C to the merger agreement attached as Appendix A to this document and certain directors who are not executive officers of NSBC have entered into a restrictive covenant agreement, covering a three year period commencing with the effective time of the merger, with Seacoast in the form attached as Exhibit C to the merger agreement attached as Appendix A to this document. In addition, certain officers and directors of NSBC have entered into a claims letter in the form attached as Exhibit B to the merger agreement attached as Appendix A to this document, by which they have agreed to release certain claims against NSBC, effective as of the effective time of the merger.

Indemnification and Insurance

As described under “The Merger Agreement — Indemnification and Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance,” after the effective time of the merger, Seacoast will indemnify and defend the present and former directors, officers and employees of NSBC and its subsidiaries against claims pertaining to matters occurring at or prior to the closing of the merger as permitted by NSBC’s articles of incorporation, bylaws and the FBCA. Seacoast also has agreed, for a period of no less than six years after the effective time of the merger, to provide coverage to present and former directors and officers of NSBC pursuant to NSBC’s existing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. This insurance policy may be substituted, but must contain at least the same coverage and amounts, and contain terms no less advantageous than the coverage currently provided by NSBC. In no event shall Seacoast be required to expend for the tail insurance a premium amount in excess of 150% of the annual premiums paid by NSBC for its directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect as of the date of the merger agreement.

 

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PROPOSAL 2: ADJOURNMENT OF THE NSBC SPECIAL MEETING

NSBC shareholders are being asked to approve the adjournment proposal.

If this adjournment proposal is approved, the NSBC special meeting could be adjourned to any date. If the NSBC special meeting is adjourned, NSBC shareholders who have already submitted their proxies will be able to revoke them at any time prior to their use. If you sign and return a proxy and do not indicate how you wish to vote on the adjournment proposal, your shares of NSBC common stock will be voted in favor of the adjournment proposal.

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal, in person or by proxy, at the special meeting by holders of shares of NSBC common stock is required to approve the adjournment proposal.

THE NSBC BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT NSBC SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.

 

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THE MERGER AGREEMENT

The following is a summary of the material provisions of the merger agreement. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement, a copy of which is included as Appendix A to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. You should read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety, as it is the legal document governing the merger.

The Merger and the Bank Merger

The boards of directors of Seacoast and NSBC have each unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement, which provides for the merger of NSBC with and into Seacoast, with Seacoast as the surviving company in the Merger.

The merger agreement also provides that immediately after the effective time of the merger, NorthStar Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NSBC, will merge with and into SNB, with SNB surviving the merger as the surviving bank in the merger. Each share of NSBC common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (excluding shares held by NSBC, SNB, Seacoast and their wholly-owned subsidiaries, and dissenting shares described below) shall be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration as described further below. Each share of Seacoast common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will remain outstanding as one share of Seacoast common stock and will not be affected by the merger

All shares of Seacoast common stock received by NSBC shareholders in the merger will be freely tradable, except that shares of Seacoast common stock received by persons who become affiliates of Seacoast for purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be resold by them only in transactions permitted by Rule 144, or as otherwise permitted under the Securities Act.

Closing and Effective Time of the Merger

Seacoast and NSBC will use their reasonable best efforts to cause the closing to occur on a mutually agreeable date after the satisfaction or waiver of all closing conditions (other than those conditions that by their nature can only be satisfied at the closing, but subject to the satisfaction and waiver thereof) when the effective time is to occur. Simultaneously with the closing of the merger, Seacoast will file articles of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida. The merger will become effective at such time as the articles of merger are filed or such other time as may be specified in the articles of merger.

We currently expect that the merger will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to the approval of the merger agreement by NSBC shareholders and certain bank regulators and subject to other conditions as described further in this proxy statement/prospectus. However, completion of the merger could be delayed if there is a delay in satisfying any other conditions to the merger. No assurance is made as to whether, or when, Seacoast and NSBC will complete the merger. See “The Merger Agreement — Conditions to Completion of the Merger.”

Merger Consideration

Under the terms of the merger agreement, each share of NSBC common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (excluding certain shares held by NSBC, Seacoast and their wholly-owned subsidiaries, and dissenting shares described below) will be converted into the right to receive: (1) 0.5605 of a share of Seacoast common stock, which we refer to as the “exchange ratio” or the “per share stock consideration”; and (2) $2.40 in cash, which we refer to as the “per share cash consideration.” The per share cash consideration and per share stock consideration are collectively referred to as the “merger consideration.” In the event that NSBC’s consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity is less than $22.25 million (less any permitted expenses), Seacoast may adjust the merger consideration downward by an amount that equals the difference between $22.25 million (less any permitted expenses) and NSBC’s consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity.

 

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No fractional shares of Seacoast common stock will be issued in connection with the merger. Instead, Seacoast will make to each NSBC shareholder who would otherwise receive a fractional share of Seacoast common stock a cash payment (rounded to the nearest whole cent), without interest, equal to: (i) the fractional share amount multiplied by (ii) the average closing price per share of Seacoast common stock on the NASDAQ for the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the closing date less (iii) applicable withholding taxes. No such holder of fractional shares will be entitled to dividends, voting rights or any other rights as a shareholder in respect of any fractional shares.

A NSBC shareholder also has the right to obtain the fair value of his or her shares of NSBC common stock in lieu of receiving the merger consideration by strictly following the appraisal procedures under the FBCA. Shares of NSBC common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger and which are held by a shareholder who does not vote to approve the merger agreement and who properly demands the fair value of such shares pursuant to, and who complies with, the appraisal procedures under the FBCA are referred to as “dissenting shares.” Dissenting shares shall not be entitled to receive the applicable merger consideration unless and until such shareholder shall have failed to perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn or lost such holder’s right to dissent from the merger under the FBCA. See “The Merger — Appraisal Rights for NSBC Shareholders.”

If Seacoast or NSBC change the number of shares of Seacoast common stock or NSBC common stock outstanding prior to the effective time of the merger as a result of a reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or similar recapitalization with respect to the Seacoast common stock or NSBC common stock, then the per share stock consideration shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted.

Based upon the closing sale price of the Seacoast common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market of $             on                     , 2017, the last practicable trading date prior to the printing of this proxy statement/prospectus, each share of NSBC common stock will be entitled to be exchanged for total merger consideration with a value equal to approximately $             per share.

The value of the shares of Seacoast common stock to be issued to NSBC shareholders in the merger will fluctuate between now and the closing date of the merger. We make no assurances as to whether or when the merger will be completed, and you are advised to obtain current sale prices for the Seacoast common stock. See “Risk Factors — Because the sale price of the Seacoast common stock will fluctuate, you cannot be sure of the value of the stock consideration that you will receive in the merger until the closing.”

Treatment of NSBC Equity Awards

The merger agreement requires NSBC to take all actions necessary to exercise, vest, and/or terminate all outstanding awards, grants, units, option to purchase or other right to receive (the “NSBC Equity Awards”) shares of NSBC common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the merger in exchange for an amount in cash, without interest, equal to the product of (x) the aggregate number of shares of NSBC common stock subject to such NSBC Equity Award immediately prior to its termination, multiplied by (y) the excess, if any, of $16.00 over the exercise price per share of the NSBC Equity Award.

Exchange Procedures

Seacoast has appointed as the exchange agent under the merger agreement its transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company. Any holder of book-entry shares will not be required to deliver a certificate or an executed letter of transmittal to receive the merger consideration. Instead, a holder of book-entry shares will automatically at the effective time of the merger be entitled to receive the merger consideration, which will be paid as soon as practicable by the exchange agent.

 

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Subject to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws, following payment of the merger consideration in respect of book-entry shares, the holder of the book-entry shares will be entitled to receive, without interest: (i) the amount of unpaid dividends or other distributions with a record date after the effective time of the merger payable with respect to the whole shares of Seacoast common stock represented by such book-entry shares; and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions payable with respect to shares of Seacoast common stock represented by such book-entry shares with a record date after the effective time of the merger and with a payment date subsequent to the issuance of the shares of Seacoast common stock issuable in exchange for such book-entry shares.

After the effective time of the merger, there will be no transfers on the stock transfer books of NSBC other than to settle transfers of shares of NSBC common stock that occurred prior to the effective time of the merger.

Organizational Documents of Surviving Holding Company and Surviving Bank; Directors and Officers

The organizational documents of Seacoast in effect immediately prior to the effective time of the merger shall be the organizational documents of the surviving company after the effective time of the merger, and the directors and officers of Seacoast immediately prior to the effective time of the merger shall continue as the directors and officers of Seacoast following the effective time of the merger.

In addition, the organizational documents of SNB in effect immediately prior to the effective time of the bank merger shall be the organizational documents of the surviving bank after the effective time of the bank merger. The directors and officers of SNB immediately prior to the effective time of the bank merger shall continue as the directors and officers of the surviving bank following the effective time of the bank merger.

Conduct of Business Pending the Merger

Pursuant to the merger agreement, NSBC has agreed to certain restrictions on its activities until the effective time of the merger. In general, NSBC has agreed that, except as otherwise contemplated or permitted by the merger agreement, it will:

 

•

conduct its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice;

 

•

use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization, employees and advantageous business relationships; and

 

•

maintain its books, accounts and records in the usual manner on a basis consistent with that previously employed.

Both Seacoast and NSBC have agreed to take no action that would adversely affect or delay (i) the receipt of regulatory or governmental approvals required for the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) the performance of their respective covenants and agreements or (iii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

NSBC has also agreed that except as otherwise permitted by the merger agreement, as required by applicable laws or a governmental entity, or with the prior written consent of Seacoast (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) it will not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries, to do any of the following:

 

•

amend its organizational documents or any resolution or agreement concerning indemnification of its directors or officers;

 

•

adjust, split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any capital stock;

 

•

make, declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for any shares its capital stock;

 

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•

grant any securities or obligations convertible into or exercisable for or giving any person any right to subscribe for or acquire, or any options, calls, restricted stock, deferred stock awards, stock units, phantom awards, dividend equivalents, or commitments relating to, or any stock appreciation right or other instrument;

 

•

issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, grant, transfer, lease, license, guarantee, encumber or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition, grant, transfer, lease, license, guarantee or encumbrance of, any shares of its capital stock, except pursuant to the exercise of NSBC Equity Awards outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement;

 

•

make any change in any instrument or contract governing the terms of any of its securities;

 

•

make any investment in any other person, other than in the ordinary course of business;

 

•

charge off or sell (except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or as required by GAAP) any of its portfolio of loans, discounts or financing leases or sell any asset held as other real estate owned (“OREO”) or other foreclosed assets for an amount less than its book value;

 

•

terminate or allow to be terminated any of the policies of insurance maintained on its business or property, cancel any material indebtedness owing to it or any claim that it may possess or waive any right of substantial value or discharge or satisfy any material noncurrent liability;

 

•

enter into any new line of business or change its lending, investment, underwriting, risk and asset liability management and other banking and operating policies other than as required by law or any regulatory agreement or order;

 

•

lend any money or pledge any of its credit in connection with any aspect of its business (except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices);

 

•

mortgage or otherwise subject to any lien, encumbrance or other liability any of its assets (except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices);

 

•

sell, assign or transfer any of its assets in excess of $50,000 in the aggregate (except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and except for property held as OREO);

 

•

incur any material liability, commitment, indebtedness or obligation or cancel, release or assign any indebtedness of any person or any claims against any person (except (i) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (ii) pursuant to contracts in force as of the date of the merger agreement and disclosed in the disclosure schedules attached thereto);

 

•

transfer, agree to transfer or grant, or agree to grant a license to, any of its material intellectual property (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice);

 

•

except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than short-term indebtedness incurred to refinance short term indebtedness) or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become responsible for the obligations of any other person;

 

•

other than purchases of investment securities in the ordinary course of business or in consultation with Seacoast, restructure or change its investment securities portfolio or its gap position, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported;

 

•

terminate or waive any material provision of any contract other than normal renewals of contracts without materially adverse changes of terms or otherwise amend or modify any material contract;

 

•

other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or as required by benefit plans and contracts in effect as of the date of the merger agreement, (i) increase in any manner the compensation or fringe benefits of, or grant any bonuses to, any director, officer or employee, whether under a benefit plan or otherwise, (ii) pay any pension or retirement allowance not required by any existing benefit plan or contract to any director, officer or employee, (iii) become a party to, amend or

 

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commit itself to any benefit plan or contract (or any individual contracts evidencing grants or awards) or employment agreement, retention agreement or severance arrangement with or for the benefit of any director, officer or employee, (iv) accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to, rights pursuant to any NSBC stock plan, (v) make any changes to a benefit plan that are not required by law, or (vi) hire or terminate the employment of a chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief risk officer, chief credit officer, internal auditor, general counsel or other officer holding the position of senior vice president or above or any employee with annual base salary and incentive compensation that is reasonably anticipated to exceed $100,000;

 

•

settle any litigation, except in the ordinary course of business;

 

•

revalue any of its assets or change any method of accounting or accounting practice used by it, other than changes required by GAAP or the FDIC or any regulatory authority;

 

•

file or amend any tax return except in the ordinary course of business or settle or compromise any tax liability or make, change or revoke any tax election or change any method of tax accounting, except as required by applicable law;

 

•

enter into any closing agreement as described in Section 7121 of the Internal Revenue Code or surrender any claim for a refund of taxes or consent to any extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to any claim or assessment with respect to taxes;

 

•

knowingly take, or knowingly omit to take, any action that is reasonably likely to result in any of the conditions to the merger not being satisfied, except as may be required by applicable law;

 

•

merge or consolidate with any other person;

 

•

acquire assets outside of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices from any other person with a value or purchase price in the aggregate in excess of $50,000, other than purchase obligations pursuant to contracts in effect prior to the execution of the merger agreement and set forth in the disclosure schedules attached to the merger agreement;

 

•

enter into any contract that is material and would have been material had it been entered into prior the execution of the merger agreement;

 

•

make any adverse changes in the mix, rates, terms or maturities of its deposits or other liabilities;

 

•

close or relocate any existing branch or facility;

 

•

make any extension of credit that, when added to all other extensions of credit to a borrower and its affiliates, would exceed its applicable regulatory limits;

 

•

take any action or fail to take any action that will cause NSBC’s consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity to be less than $22.25 million (less permitted expenses) at the effective time of the merger;

 

•

make any loans, or enter into any commitments to make loans, which vary other than in immaterial respects from its written loan policies (subject to certain exceptions and thresholds, provided that NorthStar Bank may extend or renew credit or loans in the ordinary course of business consistent with past lending practices or in connection with the workout or renegotiation of current loans);

 

•

take any action that at the time of taking such action is reasonably likely to prevent, or would materially interfere with, the consummation of the merger;

 

•

knowingly take any action that would prevent or impede the merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code; or

 

•

agree or commit to take any of the actions set forth above.

Company Shareholder Approval

NSBC has agreed to call a meeting of its shareholders as soon as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement on Form S-4 is declared effective by the SEC for the purpose of obtaining the approval of

 

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the merger agreement by the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock and such other matters as the NSBC board of directors may direct.

Regulatory Matters

This proxy statement/prospectus forms part of a Registration Statement on Form S-4 which Seacoast has filed with the SEC. Seacoast has agreed to use all reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be declared effective.

Each of Seacoast and NSBC has agreed to use all reasonable best efforts to obtain all permits required by the securities laws, including state securities law or “blue sky” permits, necessary to carry out the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and each of Seacoast and NSBC has agreed to furnish all information concerning it and the holders of its capital stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action.

Seacoast and NSBC have agreed to use all respective reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, in good faith, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or desirable, or advisable under applicable laws, to permit the consummation of the merger as promptly as practicable.

Seacoast and NSBC will consult with each other with respect to the obtaining of all regulatory consents and other material consents advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and each party will keep the other apprised of the status of material matters relating to the completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Seacoast and NSBC have agreed to promptly furnish to each other copies of applications filed with all governmental authorities and copies of written communications received by such party from any governmental authorities with respect to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Additionally, each of Seacoast and NSBC has agreed to cooperate fully with and furnish information to the other party, and obtain all consents of, and give all notices to and making all filings with, all governmental authorities and other third parties that may be or become necessary for the performance of its obligations under the merger agreement and the consummation of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

In connection with seeking regulatory approval for the merger, Seacoast is not required to agree to any condition or consequence that would, after the effective time of the merger, have a material adverse effect on Seacoast or any its subsidiaries, including NSBC.

NASDAQ Listing

Seacoast has agreed to cause the shares of Seacoast common stock to be issued to the holders of NSBC common stock in the merger to be authorized for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the effective time of the merger.

Employee Matters

Following the effective time of the merger, Seacoast has agreed to maintain employee benefit plans and compensation opportunities for full-time active employees of NSBC on the closing date of the merger (referred to below as “covered employees”) that provide employee benefits and compensation opportunities which, in the aggregate, are substantially comparable to the employee benefits and compensation opportunities that are available on a uniform and non-discriminatory basis to similarly situated employees of Seacoast or its subsidiaries (provided that in no event are covered employees eligible to participate in any closed or frozen plan of Seacoast or its subsidiaries and provided further that in no event is Seacoast required to take into account any retention arrangements or equity compensation when determining whether employee benefits are substantially

 

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comparable). Seacoast will give the covered employees full credit for their prior service with NSBC for purposes of eligibility (including initial participation and eligibility for current benefits) and vesting under any qualified or non-qualified employee benefit plan maintained by Seacoast in which covered employees may be eligible to participate and for all purposes under any welfare benefit plans, vacation plans, and similar arrangements maintained by Seacoast.

With respect to any Seacoast health, dental, vision or other welfare plan in which any covered employee is eligible to participate following the closing date of the merger, Seacoast or its applicable subsidiary must use its commercially reasonable best efforts to (i) cause any pre-existing condition limitations or eligibility waiting periods under such plan to be waived with respect to the covered employee to the extent the condition was, or would have been, covered under the NSBC benefit plan in which the covered employee participated immediately prior to the effective time of the merger; and (ii) recognize any health, dental, vision or other welfare expenses incurred by the covered employee in the year that includes the closing date of the merger for purposes of any applicable deductible and annual out-of-pocket expense requirements.

If, within 6 months after the effective time of the merger, any covered employee is terminated by Seacoast or its subsidiaries other than “for cause” or as a result of a death or disability, then Seacoast will pay severance to the covered employee in an amount equal to the equivalent of one week of salary per year employed with the bank (but no less than four weeks’ severance). Any severance to which a covered employee may be entitled in connection with a termination occurring more than 6 months after the effective time of the merger will be the equivalent of (i) one week of salary per year employed with the bank (up to ten weeks’ severance, but no less than two weeks’ severance) for non-exempt employees and (ii) two weeks salary per year employed with the bank (up to 20 weeks’ severance, but not less than four weeks’ severance) for exempt employees.

Indemnification and Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

From and after the effective time of the merger, Seacoast has agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the present and former directors and officers of NSBC against any liability, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of NSBC or its subsidiaries, or the merger agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, to the greatest extent as such persons are indemnified or have the right to advancement of expenses pursuant to the organizational documents of NSBC and the FBCA. All existing rights to indemnification and all existing limitations on liability existing in favor of the directors, officers and employees of NSBC as provided in its organizational documents shall survive the merger and continue in full force and effect and shall be honored by Seacoast.

For a period of no less than six years after the effective time of the merger, Seacoast will provide director’s and officer’s liability insurance that serves to reimburse the officers and directors of NSBC at or prior to the effective time of the merger with respect to claims against them arising from facts or events occurring at or before the effective time of the merger (including the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement). The directors’ and officers’ liability insurance will contain at least the same coverage and amounts, and contain terms and conditions no less advantageous to the indemnified person as the coverage currently provided by NSBC provided, however, that Seacoast may substitute policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions that are not less advantageous than such NSBC policy. In no event shall Seacoast be required to expend for the tail insurance a premium an aggregate amount in excess of 150% of the annual premiums paid by NSBC for its directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect as of the date of the merger agreement.

Third Party Proposals

NSBC has agreed that it will not, and will cause its directors, officers, employees and representatives and affiliates not to: initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitate inquiries or proposals with respect to, or

 

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engage or participate in any negotiations concerning, or provide to any person any confidential or nonpublic information or data or have or participate in any discussions with any person relating to, any (i) merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving NSBC or its subsidiaries, (ii) tender or exchange offer, that if consummated, would result in any third-party owning 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of NSBC or NorthStar Bank, (iii) acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of 25% or more of the consolidated assets of NSBC and its subsidiaries or 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of NSBC or NorthStar Bank, or (iv) other transaction the consummation of which could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, prevent or materially delay the merger or that could reasonably be expected to dilute materially the benefits to Seacoast of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement (items (i)-(iv) collectively referred to as an “acquisition proposal”).

However, the merger agreement provides that at any time prior to the approval of the merger agreement by the NSBC shareholders, if NSBC receives an unsolicited acquisition proposal that does not violate the “no shop” provisions in the merger agreement and NSBC board of directors concludes in good faith that there is a reasonable likelihood that such proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal (as defined below), then NSBC may: (i) enter into a confidentiality agreement with the third party making the acquisition proposal with terms and conditions no less favorable to NSBC than the confidentiality agreement entered into by NSBC and Seacoast prior to the execution of the merger agreement; (ii) furnish non-public information or data to the third party making the acquisition proposal pursuant to such confidentiality agreement; and (iii) participate in such negotiations or discussions with the third party making the acquisition proposal regarding such proposal, if the NSBC board of directors determines in good faith (and based upon the written advice of its outside counsel) that failure to take such actions would result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law. NSBC must promptly advise Seacoast within two (2) business days following receipt of any acquisition proposal and the substance of such proposal and must keep Seacoast apprised of any related developments, discussions and negotiations on a current basis.

A “superior proposal” means any bona fide, unsolicited, written “acquisition proposal” for at least a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock on terms that the NSBC board of directors concludes in good faith to be more favorable to the shareholders from a financial point of view than the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement (including taking into account the terms, if any, proposed by Seacoast to amend or modify the terms of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement in response to such proposal), (i) after receiving the written advice of its financial advisor, (ii) after taking into account the likelihood of consummation of such transaction on the terms set forth therein and (iii) after taking into account all legal (with the written advice of outside counsel), financial (including the financing terms of any such proposal), regulatory and other aspects of the proposal and any other relevant factors permitted under applicable law.

The merger agreement generally prohibits NSBC’s board of directors from making a change in recommendation (i.e., from withdrawing or modifying in a manner adverse to Seacoast the recommendation of the NSBC board of directors set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus that the NSBC shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement, or from making or causing to be made any third party or public communication proposing or announcing an intention to withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Seacoast such recommendation). At any time prior to the approval of the merger agreement by the NSBC shareholders, however, the NSBC board of directors may effect a change in recommendation in response to a bona fide written unsolicited acquisition proposal that the NSBC board of directors concludes in good faith (and based upon the written advice of its outside counsel and after consultation with its financial advisor) constitutes a superior proposal and if the board concludes that the failure to accept such superior proposal would result in a violation of its fiduciary obligations to shareholders then the board may terminate the merger agreement and enter into a definitive agreement with respect to such superior proposal.

The NSBC board of directors may not make a change in recommendation, or terminate the merger agreement to pursue a superior proposal, unless: (i) NSBC has not breached any of the provisions of the merger

 

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agreement relating to third party acquisition proposals in any respect; (ii) the NSBC board of directors determines in good faith (after consultation with counsel and its financial advisors) that such superior proposal continues to be a superior proposal (after taking into account all adjustments to the terms of the merger agreement offered by Seacoast); (iii) NSBC has given Seacoast at least 4 business days’ prior written notice of its intention to take such action (which notice shall specify the material terms and conditions of any superior proposal including the identity of the person making such superior proposal) and has contemporaneously provided an unredacted copy of the relevant proposed transaction agreements with the person making such superior proposal; and (iv) before effecting such change in recommendation, NSBC has negotiated in good faith with Seacoast during the notice period (to the extent Seacoast wishes to negotiate) to enable Seacoast to revise the terms of the merger agreement so that such superior proposal no longer constitutes a superior proposal. In the event of any material change to the terms of a superior proposal, NSBC shall be required to deliver a new notice to Seacoast and the four business day negotiation period with Seacoast shall have recommenced.

If the NSBC board of directors makes a change in recommendation, or if NSBC terminates the merger agreement to enter into an agreement with respect to a superior proposal, NSBC could be required to pay Seacoast a termination fee of $1,650,000 in cash. See “The Merger Agreement — Termination,” and “The Merger Agreement — Termination Fee.”

Approval of 280G Payments

In the event that the execution of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby would entitle any person who is a “disqualified individual” to a “parachute payment” (as such terms are defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder) absent approval by the NSBC shareholders, then NSBC has agreed to take all necessary actions (including obtaining any required waivers or consents from each disqualified individual) to submit to a shareholder vote in a manner that satisfies the stockholder approval requirements for exemption under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the right of each disqualified individual to receive or retain, as applicable, any payments and benefits to the extent necessary so that no payment or benefit received by such disqualified person shall be deemed a parachute payment. Such vote will establish the disqualified individual’s right to the payment or benefits.

Systems Integration; Operating Functions

From and after the date of the merger agreement, NSBC shall and shall cause its directors, officers and employees to and shall make all commercially reasonable best efforts (without undue disruption to their business) to cause NorthStar Bank’s data processing consultants and software providers to, cooperate and assist NSBC and Seacoast in connection with an electronic and systems conversion of all applicable data of NSBC and NorthStar Bank to the Seacoast systems, including the training of NSBC and NorthStar Bank employees during normal banking hours. Additionally, NSBC shall provide Seacoast access to its data files to facilitate the conversion process, including but not limited to (i) sample data files with data dictionary no later than 30 days following the date of the merger agreement, (ii) a full set of data files, including electronic banking and online bill payment data, for mapping and mock conversion no later than 90 days prior to the targeted conversion date as determined by Seacoast, (iii) a second full set of data files from which to establish CIS records, deposit shells, electronic banking accounts, bill payment, payees and order debit cards no later than 21 days prior to the targeted conversion date, and (iv) a final set of data files no later than the date of the targeted conversion date. NSBC shall cooperate with Seacoast in connection with the planning for the efficient and orderly combination of the parties and the operation of SNB after the merger, and in preparing for the consolidation of appropriate operating functions to be effective at the effective time of the merger, or such later time as may be decided by Seacoast. NSBC shall provide office space and support services in connection with the foregoing, and senior officers of NSBC and Seacoast shall meet from time to time as NSBC or Seacoast my reasonably request, to review the financial and operational affairs of NSBC and its subsidiaries, and NSBC shall give due consideration to Seacoast’s input on such matters, with the understanding that, neither Seacoast nor SNB will be permitted to

 

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exercise control of NSBC or NorthStar Bank prior to the effective time of the merger and NSBC and NorthStar Bank shall not be under any obligation to act in a manner that could reasonably be deemed to constitute anti-competitive behavior under federal or state antitrust laws.

Representations and Warranties

The merger agreement contains generally customary representations and warranties of Seacoast and NSBC relating to their respective businesses. The representations and warranties of each of Seacoast and NSBC have been made solely for the benefit of the other party, and these representations and warranties should not be relied on by any other person. In addition, these representations and warranties:

 

•

have been qualified by information set forth in confidential disclosure schedules in connection with signing the merger agreement — the information contained in these schedules modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to the representations and warranties in the merger agreement;

 

•

will not survive consummation of the merger;

 

•

may be intended not as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties to the merger agreement if those statements turn out to be inaccurate;

 

•

are in some cases subject to a materiality standard described in the merger agreement which may differ from what may be viewed as material by you; and

 

•

were made only as of the date of the merger agreement or such other date as is specified in the merger agreement.

The representations and warranties made by Seacoast and NSBC to each other primarily relate to:

 

•

corporate organization, existence, power and standing;

 

•

capitalization;

 

•

ownership of subsidiaries;

 

•

corporate authorization to enter into the merger agreement and to consummate the merger;

 

•

absence of any breach of organizational documents, violation of law or breach of agreements as a result of the merger;

 

•

regulatory approvals required in connection with the merger;

 

•

reports filed with governmental entities, including, in the case of Seacoast, the SEC;

 

•

financial statements;

 

•

compliance with laws and the absence of regulatory agreements;

 

•

accuracy of the information supplied by each party for inclusion or incorporation by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

•

fees paid to financial advisors;

 

•

litigation; and

 

•

Community Reinvestment Act compliance.

NSBC has also made representations and warranties to Seacoast with respect to:

 

•

absence of a material adverse effect on NSBC since January 1, 2015;

 

•

tax matters;

 

•

the inapplicability to the merger of state takeover laws;

 

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•

employee benefit plans and labor matters;

 

•

material contracts;

 

•

environmental matters;

 

•

intellectual property;

 

•

real and personal property;

 

•

loan and investment portfolios;

 

•

adequacy of allowances for losses;

 

•

maintenance of insurance policies;

 

•

loans to executive officers and directors;

 

•

privacy of customer information;

 

•

technology systems;

 

•

transactions with affiliates;

 

•

corporate documents; and

 

•

fairness opinion.

Additionally, Seacoast has also made a representation and warranty to NSBC with respect to the legality of Seacoast common stock to be issued in connection with the merger.

Certain of the representations and warranties of NSBC and Seacoast are qualified as to “materiality” or “material adverse effect.” For purposes of the merger agreement, the term “material adverse effect” means, with respect to NSBC and Seacoast, any change, event, development, violation, inaccuracy or circumstance the effect, individually or in the aggregate, of which is or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse impact on the (i) executive management team, condition (financial or otherwise), property, business, assets (tangible or intangible) or results of operations or prospects of such party taken as a whole, or (ii) prevents or materially impairs, or would be reasonably likely to prevent or materially impair, the ability of such party to perform its obligations under the merger agreement or to timely consummate the merger, the bank merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The definition of “material adverse effect” excludes: (A) the impact of actions and omissions of a party (or its subsidiaries) taken with the prior written consent of the other party in contemplation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; (B) changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements for the financial services industry; (C) changes in laws, rules or regulations or interpretations of laws, rules or regulations by governmental authorities of general applicability to companies in the industry in which such party and its subsidiaries operate; and (D) changes in general economic or market conditions in the United States generally affecting banks and their holding companies, except, with respect to (B), (C) and (D), if the effects of such changes are disproportionately adverse to the condition (financial or otherwise), property, business, assets (tangible or intangible), liabilities or results of operations of such party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other banks and their holding companies.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

Mutual Closing Conditions. The obligations of Seacoast and NSBC to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

•

the approval of the merger agreement by NSBC shareholders;

 

•

all regulatory approvals from the Federal Reserve, the OCC, and any other regulatory approval required to consummate the merger and the bank merger shall have been obtained and remain in full

 

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force and effect and all statutory waiting periods shall have expired, and such approvals or consents shall not be subject to any conditions or consequences that would have a material adverse effect on Seacoast or any of its subsidiaries after the effective time of the merger and the bank merger, including NSBC and NorthStar Bank;

 

•

the absence of any order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other law preventing or making illegal the consummation of the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

•

the effectiveness of the Registration Statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no order suspending such effectiveness having been issued;

 

•

the authorization for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market of the shares of Seacoast common stock to be issued in the merger;

 

•

the accuracy of the other party’s representations and warranties in the merger agreement on the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger (or such other date specified in the merger agreement) other than, in most cases, inaccuracies that would not reasonably be likely to have a material adverse effect on such party;

 

•

the performance and compliance in all material respects by the other party of its respective obligations under the merger agreement;

 

•

the receipt by each party of corporate authorizations and other certificates from the other party;

 

•

the absence of any event which has had or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the other party; and

 

•

receipt by each party of an opinion of its counsel or accounting advisor to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

Additional Closing Conditions to the Obligations of Seacoast. In addition to the mutual closing conditions, Seacoast’s obligation to complete the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:

 

•

the receipt of all consents required as a result of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement pursuant to NSBC’s material contracts;

 

•

NSBC’s consolidated tangible shareholders’ equity as of the close of business on the fifth business day prior to the closing of the merger shall be an amount not less than $22.25 million (less permitted expenses) and general allowance for loan and lease losses shall be an amount not less than $1.82 million of total loans and leases outstanding;

 

•

all outstanding NSBC Equity Awards shall have been vested, exercised and/or terminated and NSBC’s stock plans shall have been terminated;

 

•

the completion of certain items set forth on the Seacoast disclosure schedule;

 

•

to the extent required, the receipt of shareholder approval for exemption under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code for certain payments and benefits payable to certain disqualified persons so that no payment or benefit received by such person will be deemed a parachute payment;

 

•

the receipt of executed claims letters and restrictive covenant agreements from certain executive officers and/or directors of NSBC; and

 

•

the receipt of a FIRPTA certificate stating that each of NSBC and NorthStar Bank is not and has not been a United Sates real property holding corporation.

 

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Termination

The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, whether before or after the approval of the merger agreement by NSBC shareholders, as follows:

 

•

by mutual consent of the board of directors of NSBC and the board of directors or executive committee of the board of directors of Seacoast; or

 

•

by the board of directors of either Seacoast or NSBC, if there is a breach by the other party of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement set forth in the merger agreement, that would, if occurring or continuing on the closing date, result in the failure to satisfy the closing conditions of the party seeking termination and such breach cannot be or is not cured within 30 days following written notice to the breaching party; or

 

•

by the board of directors of either Seacoast or NSBC, if a requisite regulatory consent has been denied and such denial has become final and non-appealable; or

 

•

by the board of directors of either Seacoast or NSBC, if the NSBC shareholders fail to approve the merger agreement at a duly held meeting of such shareholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof; or

 

•

by the board of directors of either Seacoast or NSBC, if the merger has not been completed by February 28, 2018, unless the failure to complete the merger by such date is due to a breach of the merger agreement by the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement; or

 

•

by the board of directors of Seacoast, if (i) the NSBC board of directors withdraws, qualifies or modifies their recommendation that the NSBC shareholders approve the merger agreement in a manner adverse to Seacoast, or resolves to do any of the foregoing, (ii) NSBC fails to substantially comply with any of the provisions of the merger agreement relating to third party acquisition proposals, or (iii) NSBC’s board of directors recommends, endorses, accepts or agrees to a third party acquisition proposal; or

 

•

by the board of directors of NSBC, in order to enter into an agreement relating to a superior proposal in accordance with the provisions of the merger agreement relating to third party acquisition proposals (provided that NSBC has not materially breached any such provisions); or

 

•

by the board of directors of NSBC during the five day period commencing on the determination date (as defined in the merger agreement as the later of: (i) the date on which the last required regulatory approval is obtained without regard to any requisite waiting period; or (ii) the date on which the NSBC shareholder approval is obtained), if and only if the (a) buyer ratio (defined in the merger agreement to mean the number obtained by dividing the average closing price (defined in the merger agreement to mean the daily volume weighted average price of Seacoast common stock during the ten (10) consecutive full trading days ending on the trading day prior to the determination date) by $23.50) is less than 0.85 and (b) the buyer ratio is less than the number obtained by (i) dividing the average of the index price (defined in the merger agreement to mean the closing price on any given trading day) for the ten (10) consecutive trading days preceding the determination date by the average of the index price for the ten (10) consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day immediately preceding the date of the first public announcement of the entry into the merger agreement and (ii) subtracting 0.20 from the quotient; or

 

•

by the board of directors of Seacoast, if holders of more than 5% in the aggregate of NSBC common stock have voted such shares against the merger agreement or the merger at the NSBC special meeting and have given notice of their intent to exercise their dissenters’ rights in accordance with the FBCA.

 

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Termination Fee

NSBC will owe Seacoast a $1,650,000 termination fee if:

 

•

(A)(i) either party terminates the merger agreement in the event that approval by the shareholders of NSBC is not obtained at a meeting at which a vote was taken; or (ii) Seacoast terminates the merger agreement (a) as a result of a willful breach of a covenant or agreement by NSBC or NorthStar Bank; (b) because NSBC has withdrawn, qualified or modified its recommendation to shareholders in a manner adverse to Seacoast; or (c) because NSBC has failed to substantially comply with the no-shop covenant or its obligations under the merger agreement by failing to hold a special meeting of NSBC shareholders; and

 

•

(B)(i) NSBC receives or there is a publicly announced third party acquisition proposal that has not been formally withdrawn or abandoned prior to the termination of the merger agreement; and (ii) within 18 months of the termination of the merger agreement, NSBC either consummates a third party acquisition proposal or enters into a definitive agreement or letter of intent with respect to a third party acquisition proposal; or

 

•

Seacoast terminates the merger agreement as a result of the board of directors of NSBC recommending, endorsing, accepting or agreeing to a third party acquisition proposal; or

 

•

NSBC terminates the merger agreement because the board of directors of NSBC has determined in accordance with the provisions in the merger agreement relating to acquisition proposals that a superior proposal has been made and has not been withdrawn and none of NSBC or its representatives has failed to comply in all material respects with the terms of merger agreement relating to third party acquisition proposals.

Except in the case of a willful breach of the merger agreement, the payment of the termination fee will fully discharge NSBC from any losses that may be suffered by Seacoast arising out of the termination of the merger agreement.

Waiver; Amendment

The merger agreement, including the disclosure letters and exhibits, may be amended at any time before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the merger by NSBC, in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties, provided that after any approval of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by the NSBC shareholders, there may not be, without further approval of the NSBC shareholders, any amendment of the merger agreement that requires the approval of NSBC shareholders.

At any time prior to the effective time of the merger, the parties may, to the extent legally allowed: (i) waive any default in the performance of any term of the merger agreement by the other party; (ii) waive or extend the time for the compliance or fulfillment of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party; and (iii) waive any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations contained in the merger agreement on the part of the other party. Any agreement on the part of a party to any extension or waiver must be in writing signed on behalf of such party by a duly authorized officer of such party. Any such extension or waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance with an obligation, covenant, agreement or condition will not operate as a waiver of any subsequent or other failure.

Expenses

Regardless of whether the merger is completed, all expenses incurred in connection with the merger, the merger agreement and other transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by the party incurring the expenses, except that Seacoast has paid the filing fee for the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part and will pay any other filings fees with the SEC in connection with the merger and Seacoast will pay one half of the costs and expenses of printing and mailing this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

Seacoast and NSBC are each incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida and, accordingly, the rights of their shareholders are governed by Florida law and their respective articles of incorporation and bylaws. After the merger, each share of NSBC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, which will consist of Seacoast common stock and cash. As a result, the rights of former shareholders of NSBC who receive shares of Seacoast common stock in the merger will be determined by reference to Seacoast’s articles of incorporation and bylaws and Florida law. Set forth below is a description of the material differences between the rights of NSBC shareholders and Seacoast shareholders. The following summary does not include a complete description of all differences between the rights of NSBC shareholders and Seacoast shareholders, nor does it include a complete discussion of the respective rights of NSBC shareholders and Seacoast shareholders.

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the FBCA, Seacoast’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, and NSBC’s articles of incorporation and bylaws. Seacoast and NSBC urge you to carefully read this entire proxy statement/prospectus, the relevant provisions of the FBCA, Seacoast’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, and NSBC’s articles of incorporation and bylaws and each other document referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus for a more complete understanding of the differences between the rights of Seacoast shareholders and the rights of NSBC shareholders. NSBC will send copies of its articles of incorporation and bylaws to you, without charge, upon your request. Seacoast’s articles and bylaws are filed as exhibits to its Form 10-K, filed on March 15, 2017 and are incorporated by reference herein. See the section entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information” beginning on page of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

		NSBC		SEACOAST
Capital Stock		Holders of NSBC capital stock are entitled to all the rights and obligations provided to capital shareholders under the FBCA and NSBC’s articles of incorporation and bylaws.		Holders of Seacoast capital stock are entitled to all the rights and obligations provided to capital shareholders under the FBCA and Seacoast’s articles of incorporation and bylaws.
Authorized		NSBC’s authorized capital stock consists of 7,500,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 2,500,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.		Seacoast’s authorized capital stock consists of 60,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share, and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, stated value $0.10 per share (2,000 of which are designated as Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A and 50,000 of which are designated as Mandatorily Convertible Noncumulative Nonvoting Preferred Stock, Series B).
Outstanding		As of August 24, 2017, there were 1,938,935 shares of NSBC common stock outstanding and no shares of NSBC preferred stock outstanding.		As of August 15, 2017, there were 43,477,365 shares of Seacoast common stock outstanding and no shares of Seacoast preferred stock outstanding.
Voting Rights		Holders of NSBC common stock are entitled to one vote per share in the election of directors and on all matters submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders.		Holders of Seacoast common stock generally are entitled to one vote per share in the election of directors and on all matters submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders.
Cumulative Voting		No shareholder has the right of cumulative voting in the election of directors.		No shareholder has the right of cumulative voting in the election of directors.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Dividends		Under the FBCA, a corporation may make a distribution, unless after giving effect to the distribution:   •    The corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they come due in the usual course of business; or   •    The corporation’s assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus (unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise) the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.   In addition, under Federal Reserve policy adopted in 2009, a bank holding company should consult with the Federal Reserve and eliminate, defer or significantly reduce its dividends if:   •    its net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends;   •    its prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with its capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or   •    it will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.		Holders of Seacoast common stock are subject to the same provisions of the FBCA and the Federal Reserve Policy adopted in 2009.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Number of Directors		NSBC’s bylaws provide that the number of directors serving on the NSBC board of directors shall be such number as determined from time to time by a resolution of a majority of the full board of directors, but in no event shall be fewer than three directors nor greater than twenty-five directors.   There are currently ten directors serving on the NSBC board of directors.   The NSBC board of directors is divided into three classes, with the members of each class of directors serving staggered three-year terms and with approximately one-third of the directors being elected annually. As a result, it would take a dissident shareholder or shareholder group at least two annual meeting of shareholders to replace a majority of the directors of NSBC. Each director holds office for the term for which he or she is elected and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject to such directors’ death, resignation or removal.		Seacoast’s bylaws provide that the number of directors serving on the Seacoast board of directors shall be such number as determined from time to time by a vote of 66 2/3% of the whole board of directors and a majority of the Continuing Directors (director who either (i) was first elected as a director of the company prior to March 1, 2002 or (ii) was designated as a Continuing Directors by a majority vote of the Continuing Directors), but in no event shall be fewer than three directors nor greater than fourteen directors (exclusive of the directors to be elected by the holders of one or more series of preferred stock voting separately as a class).   There are currently fourteen directors serving on the Seacoast board of directors.   The Seacoast board of directors is divided into three classes, with the members of each class of directors serving staggered three-year terms and with approximately one-third of the directors being elected annually. As a result, it would take a dissident shareholder or shareholder group at least two annual meeting of shareholders to replace a majority of the directors of Seacoast. Each director holds office for the term for which he or she is elected and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject to such directors’ death, resignation or removal.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Election of Directors		Under the FBCA, unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of the shares entitled to vote in an election of directors at a meeting at which a quorum is present. NSBC’s articles of incorporation do not otherwise provide for the vote required to elect directors.		Seacoast directors are similarly elected in accordance with FBCA and its articles of incorporation do not otherwise provide for the vote required to elect directors.   However, notwithstanding the plurality standard, in an uncontested election for directors, our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that if any director nominee receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his or her election than votes “for” such election, then the director will promptly tender his or her resignation to the board of directors following certification of the shareholder vote, with such resignation to be effective upon acceptance by the board of directors. The Compensation and Governance Committee would then review and make a recommendation to the board of directors as to whether the board should accept the resignation, and the board of directors would ultimately decide whether to accept the resignation.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Removal of Directors		NSBC’s bylaws provide that directors may be removed (a) for any reason at a meeting of shareholders, noticed and called expressly for that purpose, by a vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors; or (b) by a majority vote of “disinterested directors,” a director may be removed from the board for “cause.” For purposes of this section of the bylaws, a disinterested director is defined to be a director who is not the subject of the removal action and “cause” shall mean a director’s: (i) act of willful misconduct, self-dealing, malfeasance, gross negligence, personal dishonesty, breach of fiduciary duty including a breach resulting in personal profit, usurping a corporate opportunity, intentional failure to perform stated duties, or willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses); (ii) conduct which could negatively reflect on NSBC in its market area or in the banking or regulatory communities; (iii) act or failure to act which is inconsistent with an oral or written commitment made to the board and which jeopardizes NSBC’s financial condition, business opportunities or reputation in its market area or in the banking and regulatory communities; or (iv) failure to attend any three consecutive board meetings, failure to attend any three consecutive meetings of any board committee on which that director serves, or failure to attend two-thirds of the board meetings in a calendar year. A director shall be deemed to have attended any board or committee meeting at which he was physically present or which he was present telephonically, provided the telephonic device used provides two-way communication between the director and all other directors attending the meeting.		Seacoast’s bylaws provide that directors may be removed only for cause upon the affirmative vote of (1) 66 2/3% of all shares of common stock entitled to vote and (2) holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock that are not beneficially owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any person (1) who is the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the common stock or (2) who is an affiliate of Seacoast and at any time within the past five years was the beneficial owner of 5% or more of Seacoast’s then outstanding common stock (“Independent Majority of Shareholders”) at a shareholders’ meeting duly called and held for that purpose upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Vacancies on the Board of Directors		NSBC’s bylaws provide that in the event of any vacancy on the board of directors, including any vacancy created by a failure to qualify or by any increase in the number of directors authorized, the board of directors may, but shall not be required to, fill such vacancy by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired portion of the term of his predecessor in office. A director elected to fill a newly created directorship shall serve until the next succeeding annual meeting of shareholders and until his successor shall have been elected and qualified.		Seacoast’s bylaws provide that vacancies in the Seacoast’s board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of (1) 66 2/3% of all directors and (2) majority of the Continuing Directors, even if less than a quorum exists, or if no directors remain, by the affirmative vote of not less than 66 2/3% of all shares of common stock entitled to vote and an Independent Majority of Shareholders.
Action by Written Consent		NSBC’s bylaws provide that any action of the board of directors or of any committee thereof, which is required or permitted to be taken at a meeting, may be taken without a meeting if consent in writing, setting forth the action to be taken, and signed by all members of the board of directors or of the committee, as the case may be, is filed in the minutes of the proceedings of the board of directors or such committee.		Seacoast’s articles of incorporation provide that no action may be taken by written consent except as may be provided in the designation of the preferences, limitations and relative rights of any series of Seacoast’s preferred stock. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of Seacoast’s common stock must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such holders, and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Advance Notice requirements for Shareholder Nominations and Other Proposals		None.		Any Seacoast shareholder entitled to vote generally on the election of directors may recommend a candidate for nomination as a director. A shareholder may recommend a director nominee by submitting the name and qualifications of the candidate the shareholder wishes to recommend to Seacoast’s Compensation and Governance Committee, c/o Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, 815 Colorado Avenue, P. O. Box 9012, Stuart, Florida 34995.   To be considered, recommendations with respect to an election of directors to be held at an annual meeting must be received not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary of Seacoast’s last annual meeting of shareholders (or, if the date of the annual meeting is changed by more than 20 days from such anniversary date, within 10 days after the date that Seacoast mails or otherwise gives notice of the date of the annual meeting to shareholders), and recommendations with respect to an election of directors to be held at a special meeting called for that purpose must be received by the 10th day following the date on which notice of the special meeting was first mailed to shareholders.
Notice of Shareholder Meeting		Notice of each shareholder meeting must be mailed to each shareholder entitled to vote not less than 10, nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting.		Notice of each shareholder meeting must be given to each shareholder entitled to vote not less than 10, nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Amendments to Charter		NSBC’s articles of incorporation may be amended in accordance with the FBCA.   Subject to certain requirements set forth in Section 607.1003 of the FBCA, amendments to a corporation’s articles of incorporation must be approved by a corporation’s board of directors and holders of a majority of the outstanding stock of a corporation entitled to vote thereon and, in cases in which class voting is required, by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class. The board of directors must recommend the amendment to the shareholders, unless the board of directors determines that, because of a conflict of interest or other special circumstances, it should make no recommendation and communicates the basis for its determination to the shareholders with the amendment.   The FBCA also allows the board of directors to amend the articles of incorporation without shareholder approval in certain discrete circumstances (for example, to change the par value for a class or series of shares).		Seacoast’s articles of incorporation have similar amendment provisions, except that the affirmative vote of (1) 66 2/3% of all of shares outstanding and entitled to vote, voting as classes, if applicable, and (2) an Independent Majority of Shareholders will be required to approve any change of Articles VI (“Board of Directors”), VII (“Provisions Relating to Business Combinations”), IX (“Shareholder Proposals”) and X (“Amendment of articles of incorporation”) of the articles of incorporation.
Amendments to Bylaws		NSBC’s bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed in a manner consistent with the FBCA at any time by a majority of the full board of directors.		Seacoast’s bylaws may be amended by a vote of (1) 66 2/3% of all directors and (2) majority of the Continuing Directors. In addition, the shareholders may also amend the Bylaws by the affirmative vote of (1) 66 2/3% of all shares of common stock entitled to vote and (2) an Independent Majority of Shareholders.   Under the FBCA, Seacoast’s shareholders, by majority vote of all of the shares having voting power, may amend or repeal the bylaws even though they may also be amended or repealed by the Seacoast board of directors.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Special Meeting of Shareholders		NSBC’s bylaws provide that special meetings of shareholders of NSBC may be called by the chairman of the board or the president of NSBC and shall be called by the president or the chairman pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the board for adoption), or pursuant to a resolution adopted by shareholders holding at least 10% of the outstanding shares of NSBC. Business transacted at any special meeting of shareholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice thereof.		Seacoast’s bylaws provide that special meetings of the shareholders, for any purpose or purposes unless prescribed by statute, may be called by the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, the President or by the board of directors, and shall be called by the Chief Executive Officer at the request of the holders of shares representing not less than 50% of all votes entitled to be cast by all shares of Seacoast common stock outstanding.
Quorum		Except as otherwise provided in NSBC’s bylaws or articles of incorporation, a majority of the outstanding shares of NSBC entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of shareholders		A majority of the shares entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum at any shareholder meeting.
Proxy		At any meeting of shareholders, a shareholder may be represented by a proxy appointed by an instrument executed in writing by the shareholder, or by his duly authorized attorney-in fact; but no proxy shall be valid after one year from its date, unless the instrument appointing the proxy provides for a longer period.		Under the FBCA, a proxy is valid for 11 months unless a longer period in expressly provided in the appointment form.
Preemptive Rights		NSBC’s shareholders do not have preemptive rights.		Seacoast’s shareholders do not have preemptive rights.
Shareholder Rights Plan/Shareholders’ Agreement		NSBC does not have a rights plan or shareholder’s agreement.		Seacoast does not have a rights plan. Neither Seacoast nor Seacoast shareholders are parties to a shareholders’ agreement with respect to Seacoast’s capital stock.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers		NSBC’s bylaws provide that NSBC shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees, but not its agents unless specifically approved in writing by the board, to the fullest extent authorized by the FBCA.		Seacoast’s bylaws provide that Seacoast may indemnify its current and former directors, officers, employees and agents in accordance with that provided under the FBCA.
Certain Business Combination Restrictions		NSBC’s articles of incorporation do not contain any provision regarding business combinations between NSBC and significant shareholders.		Seacoast’s articles of incorporation do not contain any provision regarding business combinations between Seacoast and significant shareholders.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Fundamental Business Transactions		NSBC’s articles of incorporation do not contain any provision regarding fundamental business transactions.		Seacoast’s articles of incorporation provide that Seacoast needs the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of all shares of common stock entitled to vote for the approval of any merger, consolidation, share exchange or sale, exchange, lease, transfer, purchase and assumption of assets and liabilities, or assumption of liabilities of Seacoast or any subsidiary of all or substantially all of the corporation’s consolidated assets or liabilities or both, unless the transaction is approved and recommended to the shareholders by the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of all directors and a majority of the Continuing Directors.
Non-Shareholder Constituency Provision		NSBC’s articles of incorporation do not contain a provision that expressly permits the board of directors to consider constituencies other than the shareholders when evaluating certain offers.		Seacoast’s articles of incorporation provide that in connection with the exercise of its judgment in determining what is in the best interest of the corporation and its shareholders when evaluating certain offers, in addition to considering the adequacy and form of the consideration, the board shall also consider the social and economic effects of the transaction on Seacoast and its subsidiaries, its and their employees, depositors, loan and other customers, creditors, and the communities in which Seacoast and its subsidiaries operate or are located; the business and financial condition, and the earnings and business prospects of the acquiring person or persons, including, but not limited to, debt service and other existing financial obligations, financial obligations to be incurred in connection with the acquisition, and other likely financial obligations of the acquiring person or persons, and the possible effect of such conditions upon the corporation and its subsidiaries and the other elements of the communities in which the corporation and its subsidiaries operate or are located; the competence, experience, and integrity of the person and their management proposing or making such actions; the prospects for a successful conclusion of the business combination prospects; and Seacoast’s prospects as an independent entity.

 

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		NSBC		SEACOAST
Dissenters’ Rights		Under the FBCA, a shareholder generally has the right to dissent from any merger to which the corporation is a party, from any sale of all assets of the corporation, or from any plan of exchange and to receive fair value for his or her shares. See “The Merger — Appraisal Rights for NSBC Shareholders” and Appendix C.		Under the FBCA, dissenters’ rights are not available to holders of shares of any class or series of shares which is designated as a national market system security or listed on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Accordingly, holders of Seacoast common stock are not entitled to exercise dissenters’ rights under the FBCA.

 

 

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BUSINESS OF NORTHSTAR BANKING CORPORATION AND NORTHSTAR BANK

General Business

NSBC is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, for NorthStar Bank, and is subject to the supervision and regulation of the Federal Reserve and Florida Office of Financial Regulation and is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Florida. Its main office is located at 400 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 1400, Tampa, FL 33602. NorthStar Bank is a Florida state bank, which was established in 2007, and is subject to the supervision and regulation of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. NorthStar Bank is a full-service commercial bank, providing a wide range of business and consumer financial services to individual and corporate customers through its three banking offices located in Tampa and Belleair Bluffs, Florida, and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

At June 30, 2017, NorthStar Bank had total assets of approximately $213.7 million, total deposits of approximately $169.6 million, total net loans of approximately $138.7 million, and shareholders’ equity of approximately $22 million.

Banking Services

NorthStar Bank serves the Tampa Bay market and provides a range of commercial and consumer banking services to small to medium size businesses (typically a business with revenues under $25 million), professionals and executives, and individuals. The business model incorporates a community banking relationship approach, delivered by experienced and highly trained professionals. NorthStar Bank’s range of loan products to consumers and businesses includes, but is not limited to: secured and unsecured loans for owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied real estate, construction, multi-family properties, business assets, stand-by letters of credit, and other consumer loan needs. NorthStar Bank also provides a range of depository services to consumers and businesses, including, but not limited to: non-interest bearing and interest bearing demand deposit accounts, NOW and savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposits. NorthStar Bank’s services also include, but are not limited to: branch banking, ATM, wire, ACH, online and mobile banking products, and treasury management services.

The revenues of NorthStar Bank are primarily derived from interest on, and fees received in connection with lending activities, from interest and dividends on cash and investment securities, service charge income generated from depository and treasury management services, as well as premium income from guaranteed SBA loan sales. The principal sources of funds for NorthStar Bank’s lending activities are customer deposits, loan repayments, and proceeds from investment securities, as well as its equity. The principal expenses of NorthStar Bank include interest paid on deposits, and operating and general administrative expenses. As is the case with banking institutions generally, NorthStar Bank’s operations are materially and significantly influenced by general economic conditions and by related monetary and fiscal policies of financial institution regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve and the FDIC. Deposit flows and costs of funds are influenced by interest rates on competing investments and general market rates of interest. Lending activities are affected by the demand for financing of real estate, business, and other types of loans, which in turn is affected by the interest rates at which such financing may be offered and other factors affecting local demand and availability of funds. NorthStar Bank faces strong competition in the attraction of deposits (the primary source of lendable funds) and in the origination of loans.

Commercial Banking. NorthStar Bank focuses its commercial loan originations on small- and mid-sized businesses (generally up to $25 million in annual sales) and such loans are usually accompanied by significant related deposits. Commercial underwriting is driven by cash flow analysis supported by collateral analysis and review. Commercial loan products include commercial real estate construction and owner occupied and non-owner occupied term and construction loans; working capital loans and lines of credit; demand, term, and time loans; and equipment, inventory and accounts receivable financing. NorthStar Bank offers a range of treasury cash management services and deposit products to commercial customers. Online banking is available to commercial customers.

 

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Retail Banking. NorthStar Bank’s consumer banking activities include consumer deposit and checking accounts. In addition to traditional products and services, NorthStar Bank offers additional products and services, such as debit cards, online and mobile banking, and electronic bill payment services. Consumer loan products offered by NorthStar Bank include home equity lines of credit, other consumer loans, and unsecured personal credit lines.

Employees

As of August 24, 2017, NorthStar Bank had 39 full-time equivalent employees. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. NorthStar Bank considers relations with employees to be good.

Properties

The main office of NSBC is located at 400 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 1400, Tampa, Florida 33602. NorthStar Bank also has 3 branch offices located in Belleair Bluffs, Downtown Tampa, and South Tampa, Florida.

Legal Proceedings

NorthStar Bank is periodically a party to or otherwise involved in legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business, such as claims to enforce liens, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to its business. As of the date hereof, management does not believe that there is any pending or threatened proceeding against NorthStar Bank which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect on NorthStar Bank’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.

Competition

NorthStar Bank encounters strong competition both in making loans and in attracting deposits. In one or more aspects of its business, NorthStar Bank competes with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, brokerage and investment banking companies, and other financial intermediaries. Most of these competitors, some of which are affiliated with bank holding companies, have substantially greater resources and lending limits, and may offer certain services that NorthStar Bank does not currently provide. In addition, many of NorthStar Bank’s non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive federal regulations that govern bank holding companies and federally insured banks. Recent federal and state legislation has heightened the competitive environment in which financial institutions must conduct their business, and the potential for competition among financial institutions of all types has increased significantly. There is no assurance that increased competition from other financial institutions will not have an adverse effect on NorthStar Bank’s operations.

Management

Directors. The board of directors of NSBC is comprised of 10 individuals. The directors are elected for staggered terms of three years.

 

Name		Position Held with NorthStar Bank		Principal Occupation
James Cantonis		Chairman		President of Acme Sponge & Chamois Co., Inc.
Gene Marshall		Vice Chairman		Retired, former banker
Scott Jacobsen		Director, President and CEO		President and CEO, NorthStar Bank
Dr. James Brookins		Director		Retired, medical
Herbert Goetschius		Director		President of Help to Grow Services, LLC
Dr. Devanand Mangar		Director		Doctor
Joseph Merluzzi		Director		Retired, education
Pablo Santa Cruz		Director		Chairman & CEO of Topview International, Inc.
Martin Schaffel		Director		Entrepreneur
Dr. Rebecca White		Director		James W. Walter Distinguished Chair in Entrepreneurship and Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Tampa

 

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Executive Officers. The following sets forth information regarding the executive officers of NorthStar Bank. The officers of NorthStar Bank serve at the pleasure of the board of directors.

 

Name		Position Held with NorthStar Bank
Scott Jacobsen		President and CEO
Rob Shaw		EVP, Chief Operating Officer
William “Mac” Fleming		SVP, Chief Financial Officer
Scott Muyskens		SVP, Chief Credit Officer
Ty Lindsey		SVP, Chief Administrative Officer
Thomas Gene Evans		SVP, Retail Division Executive

 

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF NSBC COMMON STOCK BY

MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS OF NSBC

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of NSBC common stock as of June 30, 2017 by: (i) each person or entity who is known by NSBC to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of NSBC common stock; (ii) each director and executive officer of NSBC; and (iii) all directors and executive officers of NSBC as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, based on factors including voting and investment power with respect to shares. The percentage of beneficial ownership is calculated in relation to the 1,928,101 shares of NSBC common stock that were issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2017.

Unless otherwise indicated, to NSBC’s knowledge, the persons or entities identified in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(a)		Number of shares of NSBC Common Stock Beneficially Owned(b)				Percent of Outstanding Shares of NSBC Common Stock
Directors:
James Brookins			36,500	(c)			1.89	%
James Cantonis			38,000	(d)			1.97	%
Herbert Goetschius			16,500	(e)				*
Scott Jacobsen			35,750	(f)			1.85	%
Devanand Mangar			40,000	(g)			2.07	%
Gene Marshall			39,500	(h)			2.05	%
Joseph Merluzzi			14,000	(i)				*
Pablo Santa Cruz			38,000	(j)			1.97	%
Martin Schaffel			89,200	(k)			4.63	%
Rebecca White			16,500	(l)				*
Executive Officers(m)			68,750	(n)			3.57	%
John Sykes			197,500	(o)			10.24	%
Kiran Patel			145,000	(p)			7.52	%
Melvin Cutler			124,300	(q)			6.45	%
H. Monty Weigel			110,000	(r)			5.71	%
All Directors, Executive Officers and Other Beneficial Owners as a Group (19 individuals)			1,009,500				52.36	%

 

*	Less than 1%

(a)	The address of each of GulfShore’s executive officers and directors is c/o NorthStar Banking Corporation, 400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400, Tampa, FL 33602.

(b)	Common shares owned include NSBC option awards vested or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

(c)	Includes 6,500 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(d)	Includes (i) 15,000 shares held by MCG Precyse, LLC, (ii) 10,000 shares held by James M. Cantonis Directed IRA, and (iii) 13,000 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(e)	Includes 6,500 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(f)	Includes (i) 2,500 shares held by Scott Jacobsen’s IRA, and (ii) 25,750 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(g)	Includes 7,500 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(h)	Includes (i) 25,000 shares held jointly with his wife, and (ii) 14,500 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(i)	Includes (i) 2,500 shares held jointly with his wife, and (ii) 5,500 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

 

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(j)	Includes (i) 25,000 shares held jointly with his wife, and (ii) 12,500 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(k)	Includes 7,500 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(l)	Includes (i) 10,000 shares held jointly with Giles T. Hertz, and (ii) 6,500 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(m)	Does not include Scott Jacobsen

(n)	Includes 67,750 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(o)	Includes 12,500 shares subject to options vested or exercisable within 60 days.

(p)	All shares are owned jointly with his wife.

(q)	Includes (i) 77,500 shares held by Cutler Investment Fund, LP, (ii) 33,300 shares held in the Melvin S. Cutler 2008 Revocable Trust, and (iii) 13,500 shares held by Cutler Income and Growth Fund, LP.

(r)	Includes (i) 69,000 shares held by Monty Weigel’s IRA, and (ii) 3,000 shares held by his wife’s IRA.

Other Principal Shareholders. Four individuals have beneficial ownership of NSBC’s outstanding common stock representing 5% or more of such shares: John Sykes (10.24%), Kiran and Pallavi Patel (7.52%), Melvin Cutler (6.45%) and H. Monty Weigel (5.71%).

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SEACOAST CAPITAL STOCK

Common Stock

General

The following description of shares of Seacoast’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share, is a summary only and is subject to applicable provisions of the FCBA and to Seacoast’s amended and restated articles of incorporation, as amended, and its amended and restated bylaws. Seacoast’s articles of incorporation provide that it may issue up to 60 million shares of common stock, par value of $0.10 per share. Seacoast common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SBCF.”

Voting Rights

Each outstanding share of Seacoast’s common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the election of directors. The holders of Seacoast common stock possess exclusive voting power, except as otherwise provided by law or by articles of amendment establishing any series of Seacoast preferred stock.

There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that the holders of a plurality of Seacoast’s outstanding shares of common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election. Since the closing of the CapGen Capital Group III LP, or CapGen, offering on December 17, 2009, which we refer to as the CapGen Offering, CapGen was entitled to appoint one director to Seacoast’s board of directors, so long as CapGen retained ownership of all of the shares of common stock purchased in that offering, adjusted as applicable. On September 11, 2015, such CapGen representative resigned. On November 13, 2015, CapGen sold an aggregate of 500,000 shares of Seacoast common stock. In addition, on February 21, 2017, CapGen sold 6,210,000 shares of its common stock in the Company. As reported with the SEC on February 22, 2017, CapGen ceased to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of Seacoast and as of that date owned approximately 3.1% of the outstanding shares of Seacoast common stock.

When a quorum is present at any meeting, questions brought before the meeting will be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present and voting on such matter, whether in person or by proxy, except when the meeting concerns matters requiring the vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares under applicable Florida law. Seacoast’s articles of incorporation provide certain anti-takeover provisions that require super-majority votes, which may limit shareholders’ rights to effect a change in control as described under the section below entitled “Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain articles of incorporation Provisions.”

Registration Rights

On January 13, 2014, Seacoast completed the sale to CapGen of $25 million of its common stock pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 6, 2013, entered into in connection with its $75 million offering of common stock in November 2013. In connection with such offering, Seacoast granted certain registration rights to CapGen pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2014.

Dividends, Liquidation and Other Rights

Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, as and if approved by Seacoast’s board of directors from funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Seacoast’s shareholders are entitled to share ratably in its assets legally available for distribution to its shareholders in the event of Seacoast’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntarily or involuntarily, after payment of, or adequate provision for, all of our known debts and liabilities and of any preferences of any series of our preferred stock that may be outstanding in the future. These rights are subject to the preferential rights of any series of Seacoast’s preferred stock that may then be outstanding.

 

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Holders of shares of Seacoast common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund or redemption rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. Seacoast’s board of directors, under its articles of incorporation, may issue additional shares of its common stock or rights to purchase shares of its common stock without shareholder approval.

Restrictions on Ownership

The Bank Holding Company Act requires any “bank holding company,” as defined in the Bank Holding Company Act, to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve prior to the acquisition of 5% or more of our common shares. Any person, other than a bank holding company, is required to obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve to acquire 10% or more of our common shares under the Change in Bank Control Act. Any holder of 25% or more of our common shares, or a holder of 5% or more if such holder otherwise exercises a “controlling influence” over us, is subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act.

Certain provisions included in our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, as described further below, as well as certain provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act and federal law, may discourage, delay or prevent potential acquisitions of control of us, particularly when attempted in a transaction that is not negotiated directly with, and approved by, our board of directors, despite possible benefits to our shareholders. These provisions are more fully described in the documents and reports filed with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Preferred Stock

General

Seacoast is authorized to issue 4 million shares of preferred stock, 2,000 shares of which have been designated as Series A Preferred Stock, and 50,000 of which have been designated as Series B Preferred Stock. On December 31, 2013, Seacoast redeemed in full all 2,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock then issued and outstanding. Such Series A Preferred Stock was originally issued to the U.S. Treasury Department under the Capital Purchase Program and subsequently auctioned to private investors. No shares of Series B Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Under Seacoast’s amended and restated articles of incorporation, its board of directors is authorized, without shareholder approval, to adopt resolutions providing for the issuance of up to 4 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share, in one or more series. Seacoast’s board of directors may fix the voting powers, designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of each series of preferred stock. A series of preferred stock upon issuance will have preference over Seacoast common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation or dissolution of Seacoast. The relative rights, preferences and limitations that Seacoast’s board of directors has the authority to determine as to any such series of such stock include, among other things, dividend rights, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption rights, and liquidation preferences. Because Seacoast’s board of directors has the power to establish the relative rights, preferences and limitations of each series of such stock, it may afford to the holders of any such series, preferences and rights senior to the rights of the holders of the shares of common stock, as well as the shares of preferred stock to be issued in the reclassification transaction. Although Seacoast’s board of directors has no intention at the present time of doing so, it could cause the issuance of any additional shares of preferred stock that could discourage an acquisition attempt or other transactions that some, or a majority of, the shareholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which the shareholders might receive a premium for their shares of common stock over the market price of such shares.

 

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Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for Seacoast common stock is Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Articles of Incorporation Provisions

Seacoast’s articles of incorporation contain certain provisions that make it more difficult to acquire control of it by means of a tender offer, open market purchase, a proxy fight or otherwise. These provisions are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of Seacoast to negotiate with its directors. Seacoast believes that, as a general rule, the interests of its shareholders would be best served if any change in control results from negotiations with its directors.

Seacoast’s articles of incorporation provide for a classified board to which approximately one-third of its board of directors is elected each year at its annual meeting of shareholders. Accordingly, Seacoast’s directors serve three-year terms rather than one-year terms. The classification of Seacoast’s board of directors has the effect of making it more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of its board of directors. At least two annual meetings of shareholders, instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a majority of Seacoast’s board of directors. Such a delay may help ensure that its directors, if confronted by a shareholder attempting to force a proxy contest, a tender or exchange offer, or an extraordinary corporate transaction, would have sufficient time to review the proposal as well as any available alternatives to the proposal and to act in what they believe to be the best interests of Seacoast’s shareholders. The classification provisions apply to every election of directors, however, regardless of whether a change in the composition of Seacoast’s board of directors would be beneficial to Seacoast and its shareholders and whether or not a majority of its shareholders believe that such a change would be desirable.

The classification of Seacoast’s board of directors could also have the effect of discouraging a third party from initiating a proxy contest, making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of Seacoast, even though such an attempt might be beneficial to Seacoast and its shareholders. The classification of Seacoast’s board of directors could thus increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions. In addition, because the classification of Seacoast’s board of directors may discourage accumulations of large blocks of its stock by purchasers whose objective is to take control of Seacoast and remove a majority of its board of directors, the classification of its board of directors could tend to reduce the likelihood of fluctuations in the market price of its common stock that might result from accumulations of large blocks of its common stock for such a purpose. Accordingly, Seacoast’s shareholders could be deprived of certain opportunities to sell their shares at a higher market price than might otherwise be the case.

Seacoast’s articles of incorporation require the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of all the shares of its stock outstanding and entitled to vote generally in the election of directors in addition to the votes required by law or elsewhere in the articles of incorporation, the bylaws or otherwise, to approve: (a) any sale, lease, transfer, purchase and assumption of all or substantially all of its consolidated assets and/or liabilities, (b) any merger, consolidation, share exchange or similar transaction, or any merger of any significant subsidiary, into or with another person, or (c) any reclassification of securities, recapitalization or similar transaction that has the effect of increasing other than pro rata with the other shareholders, the proportionate amount of shares that is beneficially owned by an Affiliate (as defined in Seacoast’s articles of incorporation). Any business combination described above may instead be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the plan of merger if such business combination is approved and recommended to the shareholders by (x) the affirmative vote of two-thirds of Seacoast’s board of directors, and (y) a majority of the Continuing Directors (as defined in Seacoast’s articles of incorporation).

 

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Seacoast’s articles of incorporation also contain additional provisions that may make takeover attempts and other acquisitions of interests in it more difficult where the takeover attempt or other acquisition has not been approved by its board of directors. These provisions include:

 

•

A requirement that any change to Seacoast’s articles of incorporation relating to the structure of its board of directors, certain anti-takeover provisions and shareholder proposals must be approved by the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote;

 

•

A requirement that any change to Seacoast’s bylaws, including any change relating to the number of directors, must be approved by the affirmative vote of either (a) (i) two-thirds of its board of directors, and (ii) a majority of the continuing directors (as defined in Seacoast’s articles of incorporation) or (b) (i) two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (ii) an Independent Majority of Shareholders. An “Independent Majority of Shareholders” means the majority of the outstanding voting shares that are not beneficially owned or controlled, directly or indirectly by a related party. For these purposes, a “related party” means a beneficial owner of 5% or more of the voting shares, or any person who is an affiliate of Seacoast and at any time within five years was the beneficial owner of 5% or more of Seacoast’s then outstanding shares; provided, however, that this provision shall not include (i) any person who is the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Seacoast’s shares on February 28, 2003, (ii) any plan or trust established for the benefit of Seacoast’s employees generally, or (iii) any subsidiary of Seacoast that holds shares in a fiduciary capacity, whether or not it has the authority to vote or dispose of such securities;

 

•

A requirement that shareholders may call a meeting of shareholders on a proposed issue or issues only upon the receipt by Seacoast from the holders of 50% of all shares entitled to vote on the proposed issue or issues of signed and dated written demands for the meeting describing the purpose for which it is to be held; and

 

•

A requirement that a shareholder wishing to submit proposals for a shareholder vote or nominate directors for election comply with certain procedures, including advanced notice requirements.

Seacoast’s articles of incorporation provide that, subject to the rights of any holders of its preferred stock to act by written consent instead of a meeting, shareholder action may be taken only at an annual meeting or special meeting of the shareholders and may not be taken by written consent. The articles of incorporation also include provisions that make it difficult to replace directors. Specifically, directors may be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote at a meeting duly called and held for that purpose upon not less than thirty days prior written notice of (i) two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (ii) an Independent Majority of Shareholders. In addition, any vacancies on the board of directors for any reason, and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, may be filled only by the board of directors (except if no directors remain on the board, in which case the shareholders may act to fill the vacant board).

Seacoast believes that the power of its board of directors to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of its common stock or preferred stock without further action by its shareholders, unless required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which its securities may be listed or traded, will provide Seacoast with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise. Seacoast’s board of directors could authorize and issue a class or series of stock that could, depending upon the terms of such class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of Seacoast’s common stock or that its shareholders otherwise consider to be in their best interest.

 

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EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the three years ending December 31, 2016 and the effectiveness of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 have been audited by Crowe Horwath LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as expert in accounting and auditing.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of Seacoast common stock to be issued by Seacoast in connection with the merger will be passed upon by Alston & Bird LLP, Atlanta, Georgia.

OTHER MATTERS

No matters other than the matters described in this proxy statement/prospectus are anticipated to be presented for action at the special meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement of such meetings. If any procedural matters relating to the conduct of the meeting are presented, the persons named as proxies will vote the shares represented by properly executed proxies in accordance with their judgment with respect to those matters.

 

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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows Seacoast to “incorporate by reference” information in this proxy statement/prospectus. This means that Seacoast can disclose important business and financial information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information that Seacoast incorporates by reference is considered to be part of this proxy statement/prospectus, and later information that Seacoast files with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information Seacoast included in this proxy statement/prospectus. This document incorporates by reference the documents that are listed below that Seacoast has previously filed with the SEC, except to the extent that any information contained in such filings is deemed “furnished” in connection with SEC rules.

 

•

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed on March 16, 2017;

 

•

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed on May 9, 2017 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, filed on August 8, 2017;

 

•

The information incorporated by reference into Part III of our Annual Report from our Proxy Statement for 2017 Annual Meeting, filed on April 6, 2017;

 

•

Current Reports on Form 8-K or Form 8-K/A, as applicable, filed on January 27, 2017, February 3, 2017, February 6, 2017, February 13, 2017, February 14, 2017, February 21, 2017, April 10, 2017, May 5, 2017, May 9, 2017, May 18, 2017, May 24, 2017, May 26, 2017 and June 27, 2017; and

 

•

The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), including any amendment or report filed for purposes of updating such description.

Seacoast also incorporates by reference any future filings it makes with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and before the NSBC shareholder meeting. Any statement contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus is deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document that also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein modified or superseded such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Documents incorporated by reference are available from Seacoast without charge (except for exhibits to the documents unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated in the document by reference). You may obtain documents incorporated by following the instructions set forth under “Where You Can Find More Information”:

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

815 Colorado Avenue

P.O. Box 9012

Stuart, Florida 34994

Attn: Investor Relations

Telephone: (772) 287-4000

To obtain timely delivery, you must make a written or oral request for a copy of such information by                     , 2017.

 

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APPENDIX A

EXECUTION COPY

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

BY AND AMONG

SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA

SEACOAST NATIONAL BANK

NORTHSTAR BANKING CORPORATION

AND

NORTHSTAR BANK

Dated as of May 18, 2017

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

				Page
Parties					1
Preamble					1
ARTICLE 1 – TRANSACTIONS AND TERMS OF MERGER					1
1.1		Merger			1
1.2		Bank Merger			1
1.3		Time and Place of Closing			2
1.4		Effective Time			2
1.5		Conversion of NorthStar Common Stock			2
1.6		SBC Common Stock			3
1.7		NorthStar Equity Awards			3
1.8		Organizational Documents of Surviving Corporation; Directors and Officers			3
1.9		Tax Consequences			3
ARTICLE 2 – DELIVERY OF MERGER CONSIDERATION					4
2.1		Exchange Procedures			4
2.2		Rights of Former NorthStar Shareholders			5
2.3		Dissenters’ Rights			6
ARTICLE 3 – REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES					6
3.1		Company Disclosure Letter			6
3.2		Standards			6
3.3		Representations and Warranties of the Company			7
3.4		Representations and Warranties of Seacoast			22
ARTICLE 4 – COVENANTS AND ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS					26
4.1		Conduct of Business Prior to Effective Time			26
4.2		Forbearances			26
4.3		Litigation			28
4.4		State Filings			29
4.5		NorthStar Shareholder Approval; Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus			29
4.6		Listing of SBC Capital Stock			29
4.7		Reasonable Best Efforts			30
4.8		Applications and Consents			30
4.9		Notification of Certain Matters			31
4.10		Investigation and Confidentiality			31
4.11		Press Releases; Publicity			31
4.12		Acquisition Proposals			31
4.13		Takeover Laws			33
4.14		Employee Benefits and Contracts.			33
4.15		Indemnification			34
4.16		Resolution of Certain Matters			35
4.17		Claims Letters			35
4.18		Restrictive Covenant Agreement			35
4.19		Systems Integration			35
4.20		Closing Payments			36
ARTICLE 5 – CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS TO CONSUMMATE					36
5.1		Conditions to Obligations of Each Party			36
5.2		Conditions to Obligations of Seacoast			36
5.3		Conditions to Obligations of The Company			38
ARTICLE 6 – TERMINATION					39
6.1		Termination			39
6.2		Effect of Termination			40

 

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				Page
ARTICLE 7 – MISCELLANEOUS					41
7.1		Definitions			41
7.2		Non-Survival of Representations and Covenants			47
7.3		Expenses			47
7.4		Termination Fee			48
7.5		Entire Agreement			48
7.6		Amendments			49
7.7		Waivers			49
7.8		Assignment			49
7.9		Notices			49
7.10		Governing Law			50
7.11		Counterparts			50
7.12		Captions			50
7.13		Interpretations			50
7.14		Severability			50
7.15		Attorneys’ Fees			51
7.16		Specific Performance			51
7.17		Waiver of Jury Trial			51

 

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LIST OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit		Description
A		Bank Merger Agreement
B		Form of Shareholder Support Agreement
C		Form of Claims Letter
D		Form of Restrictive Covenant Agreement

 

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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of May 18, 2017, by and among Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, a Florida corporation (“SBC”), Seacoast National Bank, a national banking association and wholly owned subsidiary of SBC (“SNB” and collectively with SBC, “Seacoast”), NorthStar Banking Corporation, a Florida corporation (“NorthStar”) and NorthStar Bank, a Florida chartered bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of NorthStar (the “Bank” and collectively with NorthStar, the “Company”).

Preamble

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of SBC and NorthStar have approved this Agreement and the transactions described herein and have declared the same advisable and in the best interests of each of SBC and NorthStar and each of SBC and NorthStar’s shareholders;

WHEREAS, this Agreement provides for the acquisition of NorthStar by SBC pursuant to the merger of NorthStar with and into SBC (the “Merger”) and the merger of the Bank with and into SNB (the “Bank Merger”) pursuant to the terms of the Plan of Merger and Merger Agreement between SNB and the Bank attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Bank Merger Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, as a condition and inducement to Seacoast’s willingness to enter into this Agreement, (i) the Company’s directors, (ii) certain of the Company’s executive officers, and (iii) each beneficial holder of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of NorthStar Common Stock, have executed and delivered to SBC an agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit B (the “Shareholder Support Agreement”), pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, subject to the terms of such Shareholder Support Agreement, to vote the shares of NorthStar Common Stock held of record by such Persons or as to which they otherwise have sole voting power to approve and adopt this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger and the Bank Merger.

Certain terms used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement are defined in Section 7.1.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above and the mutual warranties, representations, covenants, and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

TRANSACTIONS AND TERMS OF MERGER

1.1 Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.4 herein), NorthStar shall be merged with and into SBC in accordance with the provisions of the FBCA. SBC shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) resulting from the Merger and the separate corporate existence of NorthStar shall thereupon cease. SBC shall continue to be governed by the Laws of the State of Florida, and the separate corporate existence of SBC with all of its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises shall continue unaffected by the Merger.

1.2 Bank Merger. Prior to the Effective Time, the Boards of Directors of SNB and the Bank will execute the Bank Merger Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Bank Merger Agreement, the Bank shall be merged with and into SNB in accordance with the provisions of 12 U.S.C. Section 215 and with the effect provided in 12 U.S.C. Section 215. SNB shall be the surviving bank (the “Surviving Bank”) resulting from the Bank Merger and the separate existence of the Bank shall thereupon cease.

 

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SNB shall continue to be governed by the Laws of the United States, and the separate existence of SNB with all of its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises shall continue unaffected by the Bank Merger. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions to closing set forth in the Bank Merger Agreement, the Bank Merger shall occur immediately following the Merger unless otherwise determined by Seacoast in its sole discretion.

1.3 Time and Place of Closing. Unless otherwise mutually agreed to by SBC and the Company, the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place in the offices of Alston & Bird LLP, One Atlantic Center, 1201 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 at 10:00 a.m., Atlanta time, on the date when the Effective Time is to occur (the “Closing Date”).

1.4 Effective Time. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date, the Parties will cause articles of merger to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida as provided in the FBCA (the “Articles of Merger”). The Merger shall take effect when the Articles of Merger becomes effective (the “Effective Time”). Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Effective Time to occur on a mutually agreeable date following the date on which satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article 5 has occurred (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the fulfillment or waiver of those conditions).

1.5 Conversion of the NorthStar Common Stock.

(a) At the Effective Time, in each case subject to Section 1.5(d) and excluding Dissenting Shares and subject to certain adjustments, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Parties or the holder thereof, each share of NorthStar Common Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive: (i) the number of shares of SBC Common Stock that is equal to the Exchange Ratio (the “Stock Consideration”); and (ii) $2.40 per share of NorthStar Common Stock in cash (the “Cash Consideration” and, together with the Stock Consideration, the “Merger Consideration”); provided, however, that in the event the conditions set forth in Section 5.2(i)(A) of this Agreement are not satisfied, Seacoast shall have the option to adjust the Merger Consideration downward by an amount that equals the difference between the NorthStar Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity and the NorthStar Target Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity and waive the satisfaction of such condition set forth in Section 5.2(i)(A) herein. At least ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, the Company and Seacoast shall agree on a schedule setting forth the expected NorthStar Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity amount as of the Closing Date. The consideration which all of NorthStar shareholders and option holders are entitled to receive pursuant to this Article 1 is referred to herein as the “Aggregate Merger Consideration.”

(b) At the Effective Time, all shares of NorthStar Common Stock shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist as of the Effective Time, and each certificate or electronic book-entry previously representing any such shares of NorthStar Common Stock (the “NorthStar Certificates”) shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration and any cash in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to Section 1.5(c), and any Dissenting Shares shall thereafter represent only the right to receive applicable payments as set forth in Section 2.3.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each holder of shares of NorthStar Common Stock exchanged pursuant to the Merger who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of SBC Common Stock (after taking into account all the NorthStar Certificates delivered by such holder) shall receive, in lieu thereof, cash (without interest) in an amount equal to such fractional part of a share of SBC Common Stock multiplied by the average closing price per share of SBC Common Stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the five (5) trading day period ending on the trading day preceding the Closing Date, less any applicable withholding Taxes. No such holder will be entitled to dividends, voting rights, or any other rights as a shareholder in respect of any fractional shares.

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number or kind of shares or securities as a result of a reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, or other similar change in capitalization, then an appropriate and proportionate adjustment shall be made to the Stock Consideration.

(e) Each share of NorthStar Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and owned by any of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries (in each case other than shares of NorthStar Common Stock held on behalf of third parties) shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, cease to be outstanding, shall be cancelled and retired without payment of any consideration therefore and shall cease to exist (together with the Dissenting Shares, the “Excluded Shares”).

1.6 SBC Common Stock. At and after the Effective Time, each share of SBC Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain an issued and outstanding share of SBC Common Stock and shall not be affected by the Merger.

1.7 NorthStar Equity Awards. NorthStar shall take all actions necessary (including delivering all required notices and obtaining all necessary approvals and consents) to cause each NorthStar Equity Award issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time to be (a) vested in accordance with its terms, (b) exercised in accordance with its terms, and/or (c) terminated, so that no NorthStar Equity Awards shall be outstanding as of the Effective Time. If NorthStar Common Stock is issued to holders of NorthStar Equity Awards as a result of such vesting, exercise or termination, such shares of the NorthStar Common Stock shall be treated as all other shares of the NorthStar Common Stock under this Agreement. Each NorthStar Equity Award which is an option to purchase NorthStar Common Stock and which is not exercised and which is terminated immediately prior to the Effective Time pursuant to this Section 1.7, shall cease to be outstanding and shall be converted into the right to promptly receive from SBC following the Effective Time an amount in cash, without interest, equal to the product of (x) the aggregate number of shares of NorthStar Common Stock subject to such NorthStar Equity Award immediately prior to its termination, multiplied by (y) the excess, if any, of $16.00 over the exercise price per share of the NorthStar Equity Award. Prior to the Effective Time, NorthStar shall take all actions necessary to terminate the NorthStar Stock Plans as of the Effective Time and to cause the provisions in any other NorthStar Benefit Plan providing for the issuance, transfer or grant of any capital stock of NorthStar or any interest in respect of any capital stock of NorthStar to terminate and be of no further force and effect as of the Effective Time, and NorthStar shall ensure that following the Effective Time no person who was, immediately prior to the Effective Time, a holder of any NorthStar Equity Award or a participant in any NorthStar Stock Plan or other NorthStar Benefit Plan, shall have any right thereunder to acquire any capital stock of SBC, SNB, NorthStar or the Bank, except as provided in Section 1.5 of this Agreement with respect to NorthStar Common Stock which such person received or became entitled to receive in accordance with the vesting or exercise of such NorthStar Equity Award prior to the Effective Time.

1.8 Organizational Documents of Surviving Corporation; Directors and Officers.

(a) The Organizational Documents of SBC in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the Organizational Documents of the Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time until otherwise amended or repealed.

(b) The directors of SBC immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation as of the Effective Time. The officers of SBC immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation as of the Effective Time, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or otherwise ceasing to be an officer or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case may be.

1.9 Tax Consequences. It is the intention of the Parties to this Agreement that the Merger and the Bank Merger, for federal income Tax purposes, shall qualify as “reorganizations” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and that this Agreement shall constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of

 

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Sections 354 and 361 of the Internal Revenue Code. The business purpose of the Merger and the Bank Merger is to combine two financial institutions to create a strong commercial banking franchise. SBC shall have the right to revise the structure of the Merger and/or the Bank Merger contemplated by this Agreement in order to assure that the Merger and the Bank Merger, for federal income Tax purposes shall qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code or to substitute an interim corporation that is wholly owned by SBC (“Interim”), which interim corporation may merge with and into NorthStar, provided, that no such revision to the structure of the Merger or the Bank Merger shall (a) result in any changes in the amount or type of the consideration that the holders of shares of NorthStar Common Stock are entitled to receive under this Agreement or (b) adversely affect the Tax treatment of the Merger and/or the Bank Merger with respect to NorthStar shareholders as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. SBC may exercise this right of revision by giving written notice to NorthStar in the manner provided in Section 7.9, which notice shall be in the form of an amendment to this Agreement.

ARTICLE 2

DELIVERY OF MERGER CONSIDERATION

2.1 Exchange Procedures.

(a) Delivery of Transmittal Materials. Prior to the Effective Time, SBC shall appoint an exchange agent (the “Exchange and Paying Agent”) to act as exchange agent hereunder. At or immediately prior to the Effective Time, SBC shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Exchange and Paying Agent (i) SBC Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 1.5(a) in book-entry form equal to the aggregate Stock Consideration (excluding any fractional share consideration), and (ii) cash in immediately available funds in an amount sufficient to pay the aggregate Cash Consideration, fractional share consideration and any dividends under Section 2.1(d). As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time (and within five Business Days), the Exchange and Paying Agent shall send to each former holder of record of shares of NorthStar Common Stock, including holders of NorthStar Equity Awards who received or became entitled to receive NorthStar Common Stock which in accordance with the vesting or exercise of such NorthStar Equity Award prior to the Effective Time as provided in Section 1.7, but excluding the holders, if any, of Dissenting Shares, immediately prior to the Effective Time transmittal materials for use in exchanging such holder’s NorthStar Certificates for the Merger Consideration (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the NorthStar Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of such NorthStar Certificates (or effective affidavit of loss in lieu thereof as provided in Section 2.1(e)) to the Exchange and Paying Agent).

(b) Delivery of Merger Consideration. After the Effective Time, following the surrender of a NorthStar Certificate to the Exchange and Paying Agent (or effective affidavit of loss in lieu thereof as provided in Section 2.1(e)) in accordance with the terms of the letter of transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such NorthStar Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor the Merger Consideration in respect of the shares of the NorthStar Common Stock represented by its NorthStar Certificate or Certificates. If any portion of the Merger Consideration is to be paid to a Person other than the Person in whose name a NorthStar Certificate so surrendered is registered, it shall be a condition to such payment that such NorthStar Certificate shall be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for transfer, and the Person requesting such payment shall pay to the Exchange and Paying Agent any transfer or other similar Taxes required as a result of such payment to a Person other than the registered holder of such NorthStar Certificate, or establish to the reasonable satisfaction of the Exchange and Paying Agent that such Tax has been paid or is not payable. Payments to holders of Dissenting Shares shall be made as required by the FBCA.

(c) Payment of Taxes. The Exchange and Paying Agent (or, after the agreement with the Exchange and Paying Agent is terminated, SBC) shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the Merger Consideration (including cash in lieu of fractional shares of SBC Common Stock) otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of the NorthStar Common Stock such amounts as the Exchange and Paying Agent or SBC, as the

 

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case may be, is required to deduct and withhold under the Internal Revenue Code, or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax law, with respect to the making of such payment. To the extent the amounts are so withheld by the Exchange and Paying Agent or SBC, as the case may be, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of shares of the NorthStar Common Stock in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made by the Exchange and Paying Agent or SBC, as the case may be.

(d) Return of Merger Consideration to SBC. At any time upon request by SBC, SBC shall be entitled to require the Exchange and Paying Agent to deliver to it any remaining portion of the Merger Consideration not distributed to holders of the NorthStar Certificates that was deposited with the Exchange and Paying Agent (the “Exchange Fund”) (including any interest received with respect thereto and other income resulting from investments by the Exchange and Paying Agent, as directed by SBC), and holders shall be entitled to look only to SBC (subject to abandoned property, escheat or other similar laws) with respect to the Merger Consideration, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of SBC Common Stock and any dividends or other distributions with respect to SBC Common Stock payable upon due surrender of their NorthStar Certificates, without any interest thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither SBC nor the Exchange and Paying Agent shall be liable to any holder of a NorthStar Certificate for Merger Consideration (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or cash from the Exchange Fund in each case delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.

(e) Lost Certificates. In the event any NorthStar Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such NorthStar Certificate(s) to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by SBC or the Exchange and Paying Agent, the posting by such Person of a bond in such sum as SBC may reasonably direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against NorthStar or SBC with respect to such NorthStar Certificate(s), the Exchange and Paying Agent will issue the Merger Consideration deliverable in respect of the shares of NorthStar Common Stock represented by such lost, stolen or destroyed NorthStar Certificates.

2.2 Rights of Former NorthStar Shareholders. On or before the Closing Date, the stock transfer books of NorthStar shall be closed as to holders of NorthStar Common Stock and no transfer of NorthStar Common Stock by any such holder shall thereafter be made or recognized. Until surrendered for exchange in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.1, each NorthStar Certificate (other than NorthStar Certificates representing Excluded Shares) shall from and after the Effective Time represent for all purposes only the right to receive the Merger Consideration in exchange therefor and any cash in lieu of fractional shares of SBC Common Stock to be issued or paid in consideration therefor upon surrender of such certificate in accordance with Section 1.5(c), and any dividends or distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to this Article 2. No dividends or other distributions with respect to SBC Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered NorthStar Certificate with respect to the shares of SBC Common Stock represented thereby, and no cash payment in lieu of fractional shares shall be paid to any such holder pursuant to Section 1.5(c), and all such dividends, other distributions and cash in lieu of fractional shares of SBC Common Stock shall be paid by SBC to the Exchange and Paying Agent and shall be included in the Exchange Fund, in each case until the surrender of such NorthStar Certificate in accordance with this Article 2. Subject to the effect of applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws, following surrender of any such NorthStar Certificate there shall be paid to the holder of a SBC stock certificate representing whole shares of SBC Common Stock issued in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) at the time of such surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions, if applicable, with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares of SBC Common Stock and the amount of any cash payable in lieu of a fractional share of SBC Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 1.5(c), and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions, if applicable, with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to such surrender and with a payment date subsequent to such surrender payable with respect to such whole shares of SBC Common Stock. SBC shall make available to the Exchange and Paying Agent cash for these purposes, if necessary.

 

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2.3 Dissenters’ Rights. Any Person who otherwise would be deemed a holder of Dissenting Shares (a “Dissenting Shareholder”) shall not be entitled to receive the applicable Merger Consideration with respect to the Dissenting Shares unless and until such Person shall have failed to perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn or lost such holder’s right to dissent from the Merger under the FBCA. Each Dissenting Shareholder shall be entitled to receive only the payment provided by the provisions of Sections 607.1301 through 607.1333 of the FBCA with respect to shares of NorthStar Common Stock owned by such Dissenting Shareholder. NorthStar shall give SBC (i) prompt notice of any written demands for appraisal, attempted withdrawals of such demands, and any other instruments served pursuant to applicable Law received by NorthStar relating to shareholders’ rights of appraisal and (ii) the opportunity to direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to demand for appraisal under the FBCA. NorthStar shall not, except with the prior written consent of SBC, voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demands for appraisals of Dissenting Shares, offer to settle or settle any such demands or approve any withdrawal of any such demands. Any payments made in respect of Dissenting Shares shall be made by SBC as the Surviving Corporation.

ARTICLE 3

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

3.1 Company Disclosure Letter. Prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company has delivered to Seacoast a letter (the “Company Disclosure Letter”) setting forth, among other things, items the disclosure of which is necessary or appropriate either in response to an express disclosure requirement contained in a provision hereof or as an exception to one or more of the Company’s representations or warranties contained in this Article 3 or to one or more of its covenants contained in Article 4; provided, that (a) no such item is required to be set forth in the Company Disclosure Letter as an exception to any representation or warranty of the Company if its absence would not result in the related representation or warranty being deemed untrue or incorrect under the standard established by Section 3.2, and (b) the mere inclusion of an item in the Company Disclosure Letter as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by the Company that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company. Any disclosures made with respect to a subsection of Section 3.3 shall be deemed to qualify any subsections of Section 3.3 specifically referenced or cross-referenced that contains sufficient detail to enable a reasonable Person to recognize the relevance of such disclosure to such other subsections. All representations and warranties of Seacoast shall be qualified by reference to Seacoast’s SEC Reports and such disclosures in any such SEC Reports or other publicly available documents filed with or furnished by Seacoast to the SEC or any other Governmental Authority prior to the date hereof (but excluding any risk factor disclosures contained under the heading “Risk Factors”, any disclosure of risks included in any “forward-looking statements” disclaimer or any other statements that are similarly forward-looking in nature).

3.2 Standards.

(a) No representation or warranty of any Party hereto contained in this Article 3 (other than the representations and warranties in (i) Section 3.3(c) and 3.4(c), which shall be true and correct in all respects (except for inaccuracies that are de minimis in amount), and (ii) Sections 3.3(b)(i), 3.3(b)(ii), 3.3(d) and 3.4(b)(i), which shall be true and correct in all material respects) shall be deemed untrue or incorrect, and no Party shall be deemed to have breached any of its representations or warranties, as a consequence of the existence or absence of any fact, circumstance or event unless such fact, circumstance or event, individually or taken together in the aggregate with all other facts, circumstances or events inconsistent with such Party’s representations or warranties contained in this Article 3, has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Party; provided, that, for purposes of Sections 5.2(a) and 5.3(a) only, the representations and warranties which are qualified by references to “material,” “Material Adverse Effect” or to the “Knowledge” of any Party shall be deemed not to include such qualifications.

 

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(b) Unless the context indicates specifically to the contrary, a “Material Adverse Effect” on a Party shall mean any change, event, development, violation, inaccuracy or circumstance the effect, individually or in the aggregate, of which is or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse impact on (i) the executive management team, condition (financial or otherwise), property, business, assets (tangible or intangible) or results of operations or prospects of such Party taken as a whole or (ii) prevents or materially impairs, or would be reasonably likely to prevent or materially impair, the ability of such Party to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to timely consummate the Merger, the Bank Merger, or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that “Material Adverse Effect” shall not be deemed to include for purposes of (b)(i) above, (A) the impact of actions and omissions of a Party (or any of its subsidiaries) taken with the prior written consent of the other Party in contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (B) changes after the date of this Agreement in GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements for the financial services industry, (C) changes after the date of this Agreement in laws, rules or regulations or interpretations of laws, rules or regulations by Governmental Authorities of general applicability to banks and their holding companies and (D) changes after the date of this Agreement in general economic or market conditions in the United States or any state or territory thereof, in each case generally affecting banks and their holding companies, except to the extent with respect to clauses (B), (C) or (D) that the effect of such changes are disproportionately adverse to the condition (financial or otherwise), property, business, assets (tangible or intangible), liabilities or results of operations of such Party and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, as compared to other banks and their holding companies. Similarly, unless the context indicates specifically to the contrary, a “Material Adverse Change” is an event, change or occurrence resulting in a Material Adverse Effect on such Party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

3.3 Representations and Warranties of the Company. Subject to and giving effect to Sections 3.1 and 3.2 and except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Letter, NorthStar and the Bank, jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant to Seacoast as follows:

(a) Organization, Standing, and Power. Each Subsidiary of NorthStar is listed in Section 3.3(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter. NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries are duly organized, validly existing, and (as to corporations) are in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its formation. NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries have the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease, and operate their properties and assets and to carry on their businesses as now conducted. NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries are duly qualified or licensed to do business and in good standing in the States of the United States and foreign jurisdictions where the character of their assets or the nature or conduct of their business requires them to be so qualified or licensed. NorthStar is a bank holding company within the meaning of the BHC Act. The Bank is registered with the Federal Reserve Board as a Florida state non-member bank. The Bank is an “insured depository institution” as defined in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and applicable regulations thereunder, its deposits are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund and all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due. No action for the revocation or termination of such deposit insurance is pending, or to the Knowledge of NorthStar, threatened.

(b) Authority; No Breach of Agreement.

(i) NorthStar and the Bank each has the corporate power and authority necessary to execute, deliver, and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action (including valid authorization and adoption of this Agreement by its duly constituted Board of Directors and, in the case of the Bank, its sole shareholder), subject only to the NorthStar Shareholder Approval and such regulatory approvals as are required by law. Subject to the NorthStar Shareholder Approval and assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery of this Agreement by each of SBC and SNB, this Agreement represents a legal, valid, and binding obligation of each of NorthStar and the Bank enforceable against NorthStar and the Bank in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may

 

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be limited by (A) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship, and other Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or the rights of creditors of insured depository institutions, and (B) except that the availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding may be brought).

(ii) As of the date hereof, NorthStar’s Board of Directors has (A) by the affirmative vote of all directors voting, which constitute at least a majority of the entire Board of Directors of NorthStar, duly approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, including the Bank Merger Agreement and the Bank Merger; (B) determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Bank Merger, are advisable and in the best interests of NorthStar and the holders of NorthStar Common Stock; (C) resolved to recommend adoption of this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, including the Bank Merger, to the holders of shares of NorthStar Common Stock (such recommendations being the “NorthStar Directors’ Recommendation”); (D) directed that this Agreement be submitted to the holders of shares of the NorthStar Common Stock for their adoption; and (E) no Knowledge of any fact, event or circumstance that would cause any beneficial holder of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of NorthStar Common Stock to vote against the adoption of this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, including the Bank Merger.

(iii) The Bank’s Board of Directors has, by the affirmative vote of all directors voting, which constitutes at least a majority of the entire Board of Directors of the Bank, duly approved and declared advisable the Bank Merger Agreement, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby.

(iv) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Bank Merger Agreement by it nor the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by it with any of the provisions hereof or thereof, will (A) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of its Organizational Documents, (B) constitute or result in a Default under, or require any Consent pursuant to, or result in the creation of any Lien on any material assets of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries under any Contract or Permit, or (C) subject to receipt of the Regulatory Consent and the expiration of any waiting period required by Law, violate any Law or Order applicable to NorthStar or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective material assets.

(v) Other than in connection or compliance with the provisions of the Securities Laws, and other than (A) the Regulatory Consents, (B) notices to or filings with the Internal Revenue Service or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or both with respect to any Benefit Plans, (C) filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida as required by the FBCA and (D) as set forth in Section 3.3(b)(v)(D) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no order of, notice to, filing with, or Consent of, any Governmental Authority or other third party is necessary in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the consummation by NorthStar and the Bank of the Merger, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(c) Capital Stock. NorthStar’s authorized capital stock consists of (i) 7,500,000 shares of NorthStar Common Stock, of which, as of the date of this Agreement, 1,928,100 shares are validly issued and outstanding, and (ii) 2,500,000 shares of NorthStar Preferred Stock, of which, as of the date of this Agreement, no shares are outstanding. Set forth in Section 3.3(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter is a true and complete schedule of all outstanding Rights to acquire shares of the NorthStar Common Stock, including grant date, vesting schedule, exercise price, expiration date and the name of the holder of such Rights. As of the date hereof, there were 238,850 options outstanding for shares of NorthStar Common Stock granted and vested and unvested in accordance with the NorthStar Stock Plans and such restricted shares represent all of the Rights issued under the NorthStar Stock Plans. Except as set forth in this Section 3.3(c) or in Section 3.3(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter, there are no shares of NorthStar Common Stock or other equity securities of NorthStar outstanding and no outstanding Rights relating to NorthStar Common Stock, and no Person has any Contract or any right or privilege (whether pre-emptive or contractual) capable of becoming a Contract or Right for the purchase, subscription or issuance of any securities of NorthStar. All of the outstanding shares of NorthStar Common Stock are duly and

 

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validly issued and outstanding and are fully paid and, except as expressly provided otherwise under applicable Law, nonassessable under the FBCA. None of the outstanding shares of NorthStar Common Stock have been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of the current or past shareholders of NorthStar. There are no Contracts among NorthStar and its shareholders or by which NorthStar is bound with respect to the voting or transfer of NorthStar Common Stock or the granting of registration rights to any holder thereof. All of the outstanding shares of NorthStar Common Stock and all Rights to acquire shares of NorthStar Common Stock have been issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state Securities Laws. All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of its Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with all legal requirements and is not subject to any preemptive or similar rights. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of its Subsidiaries are owned by NorthStar or a wholly-owned Subsidiary thereof, free and clear of all Liens. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect ownership interest in any firm, corporation, bank, joint venture, association, partnership or other entity (other than the Bank and the Subsidiaries), nor are they under any current or prospective obligation to form or participate in, provide funds to, make any loan, capital contribution, guarantee, credit enhancement or other investment in, or assume any liability or obligation of, any Person other than lending transactions which occur in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. NorthStar does not have any outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, securities having the right to vote) with the shareholders of NorthStar on any matter.

(d) Financial Statements; Regulatory Reports.

(i) NorthStar has delivered or made available (which shall include access to the following by electronic data room) to Seacoast true and complete copies of (A) all monthly reports and financial statements of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries that were prepared for NorthStar’s or the Bank’s Board of Directors since December 31, 2015, including the NorthStar Financial Statements; (B) the Annual Report of Bank Holding Companies to the Federal Reserve Board for the year ended December 31, 2016, of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries required to file such reports; (C) all call reports and consolidated and parent company only financial statements, including all amendments thereto, made to the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC since December 31, 2015 of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries required to file such reports; and (D) NorthStar’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended 2016 and all subsequent Quarterly Reports to Shareholders.

(ii) NorthStar’s Financial Statements, true and correct copies of which have been made available to Seacoast, have been (and all financial statements to be delivered to Seacoast as required by this Agreement will be) prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto. NorthStar’s Financial Statements fairly present (and all financial statements to be delivered to Seacoast as required by this Agreement will fairly present) in all material respects the financial position, results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and for the periods covered thereby (subject to, in the case of unaudited statements, recurring audit adjustments normal in nature and amount). All call and other regulatory reports referred to above have been filed on the appropriate form and prepared in all material respects in accordance with such forms’ instructions and the applicable rules and regulations of the regulating federal and/or state agency. As of the date of the latest balance sheet forming part of NorthStar’s Financial Statements (the “NorthStar Latest Balance Sheet”), none of NorthStar or its Subsidiaries has had, nor are any of such entities’ assets subject to, any material liability, commitment, indebtedness or obligation (of any kind whatsoever, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, known or unknown, matured or unmatured) that is not reflected and adequately provided for in accordance with GAAP. No report, including any report filed with the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation or other banking regulatory agency or other federal or state regulatory agency, and no report, proxy statement, registration statement or offering materials made or given to shareholders of NorthStar or the Bank since January 1, 2014, as of the respective dates thereof, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated

 

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therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. No report, including any report filed with the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, or other banking regulatory agency, and no report, proxy statement, registration statement or offering materials made or given to shareholders of NorthStar or the Bank to be filed or disseminated after the date of this Agreement will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they will be made, not misleading. NorthStar’s Financial Statements are supported by and consistent with the general ledger and detailed trial balances of investment securities, loans and commitments, depositors’ accounts and cash balances on deposit with other institutions, true and complete copies of which have been made available to Seacoast. NorthStar and the Bank have timely filed all reports and other documents required to be filed by them with the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board. The call reports of the Bank and the accompanying schedules as filed with the FDIC, for each calendar quarter beginning with the quarter ended December 31, 2013, through the Closing Date have been, and will be, prepared in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, including applicable regulatory accounting principles and practices through periods covered by such reports.

(iii) Each of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries maintains accurate books and records reflecting its assets and liabilities and maintains proper and adequate internal accounting controls, which provide assurance that (A) transactions are executed with management’s authorization; (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the consolidated financial statements of NorthStar in accordance with GAAP and to maintain accountability for NorthStar’s consolidated assets; (C) access to NorthStar’s assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s authorization; (D) the reporting of NorthStar’s assets is compared with existing assets at regular intervals; and (E) accounts, notes and other receivables and assets are recorded accurately, and proper and adequate procedures are implemented to effect the collection thereof on a current and timely basis. Such records, systems, controls, data and information of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries is recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of NorthStar or its Subsidiaries. The corporate record books of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries are complete and accurate in all material respects and reflect all meetings, consents and other actions of the boards of directors and shareholders of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries, respectively.

(iv) Since January 1, 2014, neither NorthStar nor any Subsidiary nor any current director, officer, nor to NorthStar’s Knowledge, any former officer or director or current employee, auditor, accountant or representative of NorthStar or any Subsidiary has received or otherwise had or obtained Knowledge of any complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or oral, regarding a material weakness, significant deficiency or other defect or failure in the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of NorthStar or any Subsidiary or their respective internal accounting controls. No attorney representing NorthStar or any Subsidiary, whether or not employed by NorthStar or any Subsidiary, has reported evidence of a material violation (as such term is interpreted under Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the SEC’s regulations thereunder) by NorthStar or any Subsidiary or any officers, directors, employees or agents of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries to NorthStar’s Board of Directors or any committee thereof or to any director or officer of NorthStar. For purposes of the Agreement, Knowledge of NorthStar shall mean the actual knowledge of the individuals listed in Section 3.3(d)(iv) of the Company Disclosure Letter, after reasonable inquiry.

(v) NorthStar’s independent public accountants, which have expressed their opinion with respect to the NorthStar Financial Statements (including the related notes), are and have been throughout the periods covered by such Financial Statements (A) a registered public accounting firm (as defined in Section 2(a)(12) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) (to the extent applicable during such period), (B) “independent” with respect to NorthStar within the meaning of Regulation S-X and (C) with respect to NorthStar, in compliance with subsections (g) through (l) of Section 10A of the 1934 Act and related Securities Laws. NorthStar’s independent public accountants have not resigned or been dismissed as independent public accountants of NorthStar as a result of or in connection with any disagreements with NorthStar on a matter of accounting

 

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principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure. Section 3.3(d)(v) of the Company Disclosure Letter lists all nonaudit services performed by NorthStar’s independent public accountants for the Company since January 1, 2014.

(vi) There is no transaction, arrangement or other relationship between NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries and any unconsolidated or other affiliated entity that is not reflected in the NorthStar Financial Statements. NorthStar has no Knowledge of (A) any significant deficiency in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect NorthStar’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or any material weaknesses in internal controls or (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in NorthStar’s internal controls. Since December 31, 2015, there have been no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls of NorthStar.

(vii) None of NorthStar or its Subsidiaries has any material Liabilities, except Liabilities which are accrued or reserved against in the NorthStar Latest Balance Sheet included in NorthStar’s Financial Statements delivered prior to the date of this Agreement or reflected in the notes thereto. The Company has not incurred or paid any Liability since the date of the NorthStar Latest Balance Sheet, except for such Liabilities incurred or paid (A) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past business practice and which are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect or (B) in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Except as disclosed in Section 3.3(d)(vii) of the Company Disclosure Letter, none of NorthStar or its Subsidiaries is directly or indirectly liable, by guarantee or otherwise, to assume any Liability or any Person for any amount in excess of $10,000. NorthStar has delivered to SBC true and complete NorthStar Financial Statements as of December 31, 2016 and the Company shall deliver promptly, when available, all subsequent Quarterly Reports.

(viii) Prior to the Effective Time, NorthStar shall deliver to Seacoast true and complete copies of (A) all monthly reports and financial statements of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries that were prepared for NorthStar or the Bank since December 31, 2016, including the NorthStar 2016 Financial Statements; (B) the Annual Report of Bank Holding Companies to the Federal Reserve Board for the year ended December 31, 2016, of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries required to file such reports; and (C) NorthStar’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended 2016 and all subsequent Quarterly Reports to Shareholders, if any.

(e) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since January 1, 2015, (A) NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries has conducted its business only in the ordinary course, (B) neither NorthStar nor any Subsidiary has taken any action which, if taken after the date of this Agreement, would constitute a breach of Section 4.1 or 4.2, and (C) there have been no facts, events, changes, occurrences, circumstances or effects that have had, or are reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on NorthStar and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(f) Tax Matters.

(i) All Taxes of NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries that are or were due or payable (whether or not shown or required to be shown on any Tax Return) have been fully and timely paid. NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries has timely filed all Tax Returns in all jurisdictions in which Tax Returns are required to have been filed by it or on its behalf, and each such Tax Return is true, complete and accurate in all material respects and has been prepared in compliance with all applicable Laws. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return. There have been no examinations or audits of any Tax Return by any Taxing Authority. NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries has made available to Seacoast true and correct copies of the United States federal, state and local income Tax Returns and related workpapers filed by it for each of the three most recent fiscal years ended on or before December 31, 2016. No claim has ever been made by a Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction where NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries does not file a Tax Return that NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries is or may be subject to Taxes by that jurisdiction, and to the Knowledge of NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries, no basis for such a claim exists.

 

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(ii) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of assessment or proposed assessment in connection with any Tax, and there is no threatened or pending dispute, action, suit, proceeding, claim, investigation, audit, examination, or other Litigation regarding any Tax of NorthStar, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries. No officer or employee responsible for Tax matters of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries expects any Taxing Authority to assess any additional Tax for any period for which a Tax Return has been filed. There are no agreements, waivers or other arrangements providing for an extension of time with respect to the assessment of any Tax or deficiency against NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, and neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has waived or extended the applicable statute of limitations for the assessment or collection of any Tax or agreed to a Tax assessment or deficiency.

(iii) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to a Tax allocation, sharing, indemnification or similar agreement or any agreement pursuant to which it has any obligation to any Person with respect to Taxes, and neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated federal, state or local income Tax Return or any combined, affiliated or unitary group for any Tax purpose (other than the group of which it is currently a member), and neither NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries has any Tax liability under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 or any similar provision of Law, or as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise.

(iv) NorthStar and its Subsidiaries have withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority all amounts of Taxes required to have been withheld and paid over by it, and has complied in all respects with all information reporting and backup withholding requirements under all applicable federal, state, local and foreign Laws in connection with amounts paid or owing to any Person, including Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee or independent contractor, and Taxes required to be withheld and paid pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442 and 3406 of the Internal Revenue Code or similar provisions under state, local or foreign Law.

(v) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a party to any distribution occurring during the five-year period ending on the date hereof in which the parties to such distribution treated the distribution as one to which Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code applied. No Liens for Taxes exist with respect to any assets of NorthStar of any of its Subsidiaries, except for statutory Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.

(vi) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is or has ever been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 897(c) or any comparable provision of state Tax Law. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has been or will be required to include any item in income or exclude any item of deduction from taxable income for any Tax period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any: (A) change in method of accounting pursuant to Section 481 of the Internal Revenue Code or any comparable provision under state, local or foreign Tax Laws; (B) ‘‘closing agreement’’ as described in Section 7121 of the Internal Revenue Code or any comparable provision under state, local, or foreign Tax Laws, executed on or prior to the Closing Date; (C) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Internal Revenue Code or any comparable provision under state, local, or foreign Tax Laws; (D) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date; or (E) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date.

(vii) NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries has disclosed on its Tax Returns any position taken for which substantial authority (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 6662(d)(2)(B)(i) or comparable provision of state or local Tax Law) did not exist at the time the return was filed. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated in any reportable transaction, as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(1) or any comparable provision of state or local Law, or a transaction substantially similar to a reportable transaction. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any joint venture, partnership, or other arrangement or contract which could be treated as a partnership for federal income Tax purposes.

 

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(viii) The unpaid Taxes of NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries (A) did not, as of the date of the NorthStar Latest Balance Sheet, exceed the reserve for Tax Liability (excluding any reserve for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set forth on the face of the NorthStar Latest Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) and (B) do not exceed that reserve as adjusted for the passage of time through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries in filing its Tax Returns. Since the date of the NorthStar Latest Balance Sheet, neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any liability for Taxes arising from extraordinary gains or losses, as that term is used in GAAP, outside the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

(g) Environmental Matters.

(i) NorthStar and the Bank have delivered, or caused to be delivered to Seacoast, or provided Seacoast access to, true and complete copies of all environmental site assessments, test results, analytical data, boring logs and other environmental reports and studies held by NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries relating to its Properties and Facilities (collectively, the “NorthStar Environmental Reports”).

(ii) NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries and their respective Facilities and Properties are, and have been, in compliance with all Environmental Laws, except as set forth in the NorthStar Environmental Reports and except for violations that are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and there are no past or present events, conditions, circumstances, activities or plans related to the Properties or Facilities that did or would violate or prevent compliance or continued compliance with any of the Environmental Laws.

(iii) There is no Litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, threatened before any Governmental Authority or other forum in which NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Properties or Facilities (including but not limited to Properties and Facilities that secure or secured loans made by NorthStar or its Subsidiaries and Properties and Facilities now or formerly held, directly or indirectly, in a fiduciary capacity by NorthStar or its Subsidiaries) has been or, with respect to threatened Litigation, may be named as a defendant (A) for alleged noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with or Liability under any Environmental Law or (B) relating to the release, discharge, spillage, or disposal into the environment of any Hazardous Material, whether or not occurring at, on, under, adjacent to, or affecting (or potentially affecting) any such Properties or Facilities.

(iv) Except as disclosed in the NorthStar Environmental Reports, during the period of (A) NorthStar’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ ownership or operation (including but not limited to ownership or operation, directly or indirectly, in a fiduciary capacity) of, or (B) NorthStar’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ participation in the management (including but not limited to such participation, directly or indirectly, in a fiduciary capacity) of their respective Properties and Facilities, to the Knowledge of NorthStar or its Subsidiaries, there have been no releases, discharges, spillages, or disposals of Hazardous Material in, on, under, adjacent to, or affecting (or potentially affecting) such Properties or Facilities.

(h) Compliance with Permits, Laws and Orders.

(i) NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries has in effect all Permits and has made all filings, applications and registrations with Governmental Authorities that are required for it to own, lease or operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted (and has paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith) and there has occurred no Default under any Permit applicable to their respective business or employees conducting their respective businesses.

(ii) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is and has not since December 31, 2013, been in Default under any Laws or Orders applicable to its business or employees conducting its business. As of the date of this Agreement, none of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries knows of any reason why all Regulatory Consents required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger and the Bank Merger, should not be obtained on a timely basis.

 

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(iii) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notification or communication from any Governmental Authority, (A) asserting that NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries is in Default under any of the Permits, Laws or Orders which such Governmental Authority enforces, (B) threatening or contemplating revocation or limitation of, or which could have the effect of revoking or limiting, any Permits, or (C) requiring or advising that it may require NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries (x) to enter into or consent to the issuance of a cease and desist order, formal agreement, directive, commitment, or memorandum of understanding, or (y) to adopt any resolution of its Board of Directors or similar undertaking that restricts materially the conduct of its business or in any material manner relates to its management.

(iv) NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries are and, at all times since December 31, 2013, have been, in compliance with all Laws applicable to their business, operations, properties or assets, including Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and all other applicable fair lending Laws and other applicable Laws relating to discriminatory business practices.

(v) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any cease-and-desist or other order or enforcement action issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has been ordered to pay any civil money penalty by, or has been since December 31, 2013, a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or since December 31, 2013, have adopted any policies, procedures or board resolutions at the request or suggestion of any Regulatory Authority or other Governmental Authority that currently restricts in any material respect the conduct of their business or that in any material manner relates to their capital adequacy, ability to pay dividends, credit or risk management policies, management or business (each, whether or not set forth in the Company Disclosure Letter, a “Company Regulatory Agreement”), nor has NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries been advised in writing or, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, orally, since December 31, 2013, by any Regulatory Authority or other Governmental Authority that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering or requesting any such Company Regulatory Agreement.

(vi) There (A) is no written, or to the Knowledge of NorthStar, oral unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Governmental Authority with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations or inspections of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, (B) have been no written, or to the Knowledge of NorthStar, oral formal or informal inquiries by, or disagreements or disputes with, any Governmental Authority with respect to its or its Subsidiaries’ business, operations, policies or procedures since December 31, 2013, and (C) is not any pending or, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, threatened, nor has any Governmental Authority indicated an intention to conduct any, investigation or review of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries.

(vii) Neither NorthStar, the Bank (nor to the Knowledge of NorthStar any of their respective directors, executives, officers, employees or Representatives) (A) has used or is using any corporate funds for any illegal contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity, (B) has used or is using any corporate funds for any direct or indirect unlawful payment to any foreign or domestic government official or employee from corporate funds, (C) has violated or is violating any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or (D) has made any bribe, unlawful rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment.

(viii) Except as required by the Bank Secrecy Act, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, no employee of NorthStar or any Subsidiary has provided or is providing information to any law enforcement agency regarding the commission or possible commission of any crime or the violation or possible violation of any applicable Law by NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries or any employee thereof acting in its capacity as

 

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such. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any officer, employee, contractor, subcontractor or agent of NorthStar or any such Subsidiary has discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed or in any other manner discriminated against any employee of NorthStar or any Subsidiary in the terms and conditions of employment because of any act of such employee described in 18 U.S.C. Section 1514A(a).

(ix) Since December 31, 2013, NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries have filed all reports and statements, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries was required to file with any Governmental Authority and all other reports and statements required to be filed by NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries since December 31, 2013, including any report or statement required to be filed pursuant to the Laws of the United States, any state or political subdivision, any foreign jurisdiction, or any other Governmental Authority, have been so filed, and NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith.

(x) The Bank is not authorized to act in any capacity as a corporate fiduciary.

(i) Labor Relations.

(i) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is the subject of any Litigation asserting that NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries has committed an unfair labor practice (within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act or comparable state Law) or seeking to compel NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries to bargain with any labor organization as to wages or conditions of employment, nor is NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, Contract, or other agreement or understanding with a labor union or labor organization, nor is there any strike or other labor dispute involving it pending or, to its Knowledge, threatened, nor, to its Knowledge, is there any activity involving its employees seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit or engaging in any other organization activity.

(ii) (A) Each individual that renders services to NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries who is classified as (1) an independent contractor or other non-employee status or (2) an exempt or non-exempt employee, is, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, properly so classified for all purposes, and (B) NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries have paid or properly accrued in the ordinary course of business all wages and compensation due to employees of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries, including all overtime pay, vacations or vacation pay, holidays or holiday pay, sick days or sick pay, and bonuses.

(iii) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is in conflict with, or in default or in violation of, any applicable Federal, state or local Law, or any collective bargaining agreement or arrangement respecting employment, employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, Tax withholding, prohibited discrimination, equal employment, fair employment practices, immigration status, employee safety and health, facility closings and layoffs (including the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Action of 1988), or wages and hours.

(iv) No executive officer of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries is, or is now expected to be, in violation of any material term of any employment Contract, confidentiality, disclosure or proprietary information agreement, non-competition agreement or any other agreement or any restrictive covenant, and the continued employment of each such executive officer does not subject NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries to any liability with respect to any of the foregoing matters.

(j) Employee Benefit Plans.

(i) Section 3.3(j)(i) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth each Benefit Plan whether or not such Benefit Plan is or is intended to be (A) arrived at through collective bargaining or otherwise, (B) funded or unfunded, (C) covered or qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, or other applicable law, (D) set forth in an employment agreement, consulting agreement, individual award agreement, or (E) written or oral.

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agreements or other funding arrangements for its Benefit Plans (including insurance or group annuity Contracts), and all amendments thereto, (C) with respect to any Benefit Plans or amendments, the most recent determination letters, as well as a correct and complete copy of each pending application for a determination letter (if any), and all rulings, opinion letters, information letters, or advisory opinions issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Department of Labor, or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation after December 31, 1994, (D) for the past three (3) years, annual reports or returns, audited or unaudited financial statements, actuarial valuations and reports, and summary annual reports prepared for any Benefit Plans, including but not limited to the annual report on Form 5500 (if such report was required), (E) the most recent summary plan description for each Benefit Plan for which a summary plan description is required by Law, including any summary of material modifications thereto, (F) in the case of Benefit Plans that are Rights or individual award agreements under the NorthStar Stock Plan, a representative form of award agreement together with a list of persons covered by such representative form and the number of shares of NorthStar Common Stock covered thereby, (G) all documents evidencing any agreements or arrangements with service providers relating to Benefit Plans, (H) all material correspondence and/or notifications from any Governmental Authority or administrative service with regard to any Benefit Plan, and (I) nondiscrimination testing data and results for the two most recently completed plan years (if applicable) with regard to any Benefit Plan.

(iii) All of the Benefit Plans have been administered in compliance with their terms and with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code and (if applicable) in a manner that complies with and is exempt from tax or other penalty under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, in combination with the Health Care and Reconciliation Act of 2010 (together, the “Affordable Care Act”); and any other applicable Laws. All Benefit Plans that are employee pension benefit plans, as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, that are intended to be tax qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, have received a current, favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service or have filed a timely application therefor, and there are no circumstances that will or could reasonably result in revocation of any such favorable determination letter or negative consequences to an application therefor. Each trust created under any of its ERISA Plans has been determined to be exempt from Tax under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is aware of any circumstance that will or could reasonably result in revocation of such exemption. With respect to each of its Benefit Plans, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, no event has occurred that will or could reasonably give rise to a loss of any intended Tax consequences under the Internal Revenue Code or to any Tax under Section 511 of the Internal Revenue Code. There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, threatened Litigation, governmental audits or investigations or other proceedings, or participant claims (other than claims for benefits in the normal course of business) with respect to any Benefit Plan.

(iv) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in a transaction with respect to any of their Benefit Plans that would subject NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries to a Tax or penalty imposed by either Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any administrator or fiduciary of any of their Benefit Plans (or any agent of any of the foregoing) has engaged in any transaction, or acted or failed to act in any manner with respect to any of their Benefit Plans that could subject it to any direct or indirect Liability (by indemnity or otherwise) for breach of any fiduciary, co-fiduciary, or other duty under ERISA. No oral or written representation or communication with respect to any aspect of the Benefit Plans of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries have been made to employees of NorthStar or any such Subsidiary that is not in conformity with the written or otherwise preexisting terms and provisions of such plans.

(v) NorthStar, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliates thereof do not and have never sponsored, maintained, contributed to, or been obligated under ERISA or otherwise to contribute to (A) a “defined benefit plan” (as defined in ERISA Section 3(35) or Internal Revenue Code Section 414(j); (B) a “multi-employer plan” (as defined in ERISA Sections 3(37) and 4001(a)(3); (C) a “multiple employer plan” (meaning a plan sponsored by more than one employer within the meaning of ERISA Sections 4063 or 4064 or Internal Revenue Code Section 413(c); or (D) a “multiple employer welfare arrangement” as defined in

 

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ERISA Section 3(40). Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA Affiliates have incurred and there are no circumstances under which any could reasonably incur any Liability under Title IV of ERISA or Internal Revenue Code Section 412.

(vi) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries nor ERISA Affiliates has any incurred current or projected obligations or Liability for post-employment or post-retirement health, medical, surgical, hospitalization, death or life insurance benefits under any of its Benefit Plans, other than with respect to benefit coverage mandated by Internal Revenue Code Section 4980B or other applicable Law.

(vii) No Benefit Plan exists and there are no other Contracts, plans, or arrangements (written or otherwise) covering any Company employee that, individually or collectively, as a result of the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (whether alone or in connection with any other event(s)), would reasonably be expected to, (A) result in any material severance pay upon any termination of employment, (B) accelerate the time of payment or vesting or result in any material payment or material funding (through a grantor trust or otherwise) of compensation or benefits under, materially increase the amount payable, require the security of material benefits under or result in any other material obligation pursuant to, any such NorthStar Plans, contracts, plans, or arrangements, or (C) result in the payment of any amount that would, individually or in combination with any other such payment, result in the loss of a deduction under Internal Revenue Code Section 280G or be subject to an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.

(viii) Each Benefit Plan that is a “non-qualified deferred compensation plan” (as defined for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A) is in documentary compliance with, and has been operated and administered in compliance with, Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the applicable guidance issued thereunder, and no Benefit Plan provides any compensation or benefits which could subject, or have subjected, a covered service provider to gross income inclusion or tax pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has any indemnification obligation pursuant to any Benefit Plan or any Contract to which NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries is a party for any Taxes imposed under Section 4999 or 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has made available to Seacoast true and complete copies of any Section 280G calculations (whether or not final) with respect to any disqualified individual, if applicable, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(k) Material Contracts.

(i) Except as listed in Section 3.3(k) of the Company Disclosure Letter, as of the date of this Agreement, neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective assets, businesses, or operations is a party to, or is bound or affected by, or receives benefits under, (A) any employment, severance, termination, consulting, retention, or retirement Contract, (B) any Contract relating to the borrowing of money by NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries or the guarantee by NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries of any such obligation (other than Contracts evidencing deposit liabilities, purchases of federal funds, fully-secured repurchase agreements, and Federal Home Loan Bank advances of the Bank or Contracts pertaining to trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), (C) any Contract containing covenants that limit the ability of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their Affiliates (including, after the Effective Time, Seacoast or any of its Affiliates) to engage in any line of business or to compete in any line of business or with any Person, or that involve any restriction of the geographic area in which, or method by which, NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries Affiliates (including, after the Effective Time, Seacoast or any of its Affiliates) may carry on its business, (D) any Contract or series of related Contracts for the purchase of materials, supplies, goods, services, equipment or other assets that (x) provides for or is reasonably likely to require annual payments by NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries of $25,000 or more or (y) have a term exceeding 12 months in duration (except those entered into in the ordinary course of business with respect to loans, lines of credit, letters of credit, depositor agreements, certificates of deposit and similar routine banking activities and equipment maintenance agreements that are not material), (E) Contract involving Intellectual Property (excluding

 

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generally commercially available “off the shelf” software programs licensed pursuant to “shrink wrap” or “click and accept” licenses), (F) any Contract relating to the provision of data processing, network communications or other material technical services to or by NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, (G) any Contract to which any Affiliate, officer, director, employee or consultant of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or beneficiary (except with respect to loans to, or deposits from, directors, officers and employees entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements with respect to it), (H) any Contract with respect to the formation, creation, operation, management or control of a joint venture, partnership, limited liability company or other similar arrangement or agreement, (I) any Contract that provides any rights to investors in NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, including registration, preemptive or anti-dilution rights or rights to designate members of or observers to the NorthStar Board of Directors, (J) any Contract that provides for potential material indemnification payments by NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, or (K) any other Contract or amendment thereto that would be required to be filed as an exhibit to any SEC Report (as described in Items 601(b)(4) and 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K) if NorthStar were required to file such with the SEC. With respect to each of its Contracts that is described above: (w) the Contract is valid and binding on NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries thereto and, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, each other party thereto and is in full force and effect, enforceable in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by (1) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship and other Laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or the rights of creditors of insured depository institutions and (2) general equitable principles and except that the availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding may be brought); (x) neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is in Default thereunder; (y) neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has repudiated or waived any material provision of any such Contract; and (z) no other party to any such Contract is, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, in Default in any material respect or has repudiated or waived any material provision of any such Contract. Except as set forth in Section 3.3(k)(i)(A) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no Consent is required by any such Contract for the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the Merger, the Bank Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. Except as set forth in Section 3.3(k)(i)(B) of the Company Disclosure Letter, all indebtedness for money borrowed of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries is prepayable without penalty or premium.

(ii) All interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars, option agreements, futures, and forward contracts, and other similar risk management arrangements, contracts or agreements, whether entered into for its own account or its customers, were entered into (A) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in accordance with prudent business practices and all applicable Laws and (B) with counterparties believed to be financially responsible, and each of them is enforceable in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, moratorium, or similar Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and except that the availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding may be brought), and is in full force and effect. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor to the Knowledge of NorthStar, any other party thereto, is in Default of any of its obligations under any such agreement or arrangement. The NorthStar Financial Statements disclose the value of such agreements and arrangements on a mark-to-market basis in accordance with GAAP and, since January 1, 2014, there has not been a change in such value that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect on NorthStar.

(l) Legal Proceedings. There is no Litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, threatened against NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their assets, interests, or rights, nor are there any Orders of any Governmental Authority or arbitrators outstanding against NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, nor do any facts or circumstances exist that would be likely to form the basis for any material claim against the Company that, if adversely determined, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries. There is no Litigation, pending or, to the Knowledge of NorthStar,

 

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threatened, against any officer, director, advisory director or employee of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case by reason of any person being or having been an officer, director, advisory director or employee of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries.

(m) Intellectual Property.

(i) NorthStar owns, or is licensed or otherwise possesses legally enforceable and unencumbered rights to use all Intellectual Property (including the Technology Systems) that is used by NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries in their businesses. Except as set forth in Section 3.3(m)(i) of the Company Disclosure Letter, NorthStar has not (A) licensed to any Person in source code form any Intellectual Property owned by NorthStar or (B) entered into any exclusive agreements relating to Intellectual Property owned by NorthStar.

(ii) Section 3.3(m)(ii) of the Company Disclosure Letter lists all patents and patent applications, all registered and unregistered trademarks and applications therefor, trade names and service marks, registered copyrights and applications therefor, domain names, web sites, and mask works owned by or exclusively licensed to NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries included in its Intellectual Property, including the jurisdictions in which each such Intellectual Property right has been issued or registered or in which any application for such issuance and registration has been filed. No royalties or other continuing payment obligations are due in respect of any third-party patents, trademarks or copyrights, including software.

(iii) All patents, registered trademarks, service marks and copyrights held by the Company are valid and subsisting. Since January 1, 2014, neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries (A) have been sued in any Litigation which involves a claim of infringement of any patents, trademarks, service marks, copyrights or violation of any trade secret or other proprietary right of any third party or (B) has not brought any Litigation for infringement of its Intellectual Property or breach of any license or other Contract involving its Intellectual Property against any third party.

(n) Loan and Investment Portfolios.

(i) All loans, loan agreements, notes or borrowing arrangements (including leases, credit enhancements, commitments, guarantees and interest-bearing assets) (collectively, “Loans”) in which NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries is the creditor (A) were at the time and under the circumstances in which made, made for good, valuable and adequate consideration in the ordinary course of business of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries and are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the obligors thereof, enforceable in accordance with their terms, (B) are evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be and (C) to the extent secured, have been secured by valid Liens that have been perfected. True and complete lists of all Loans as of April 30, 2017 and on a monthly basis thereafter, and of the investment portfolios of NorthStar as of such date, are disclosed on Section 3.3(n)(i) of the Company Disclosure Letter.

(ii) Except as specifically set forth on Section 3.3(n)(ii) of the Company Disclosure Letter, neither NorthStar nor any Subsidiary is a party to any Loan that was, as of the most recent month-end prior to the date of this Agreement, (A) delinquent by more than thirty (30) days in the payment of principal or interest, (B) to the Knowledge of NorthStar, otherwise in material default for more than thirty (30) days, (C) classified as “substandard,” “doubtful,” “loss,” “other assets especially mentioned” or any comparable classification by NorthStar or any Regulatory Authority having jurisdiction over NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, (D) an obligation of any director, executive officer or 10% shareholder of NorthStar or the Bank who is subject to Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board (12 C.F.R. Part 215), or any Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of the foregoing, or (E) in violation of any Law.

(iii) Each outstanding Loan (including Loans held for resale to investors) in which NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries is the creditor was solicited and originated, and is and has been administered and, where applicable, serviced, and the relevant loan or other similar files are being maintained, in all material respects, in accordance with the relevant notes or other credit or security documents, the written

 

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underwriting standards of NorthStar and the Bank (and, in the case of Loans held for resale to investors, the underwriting standards, if any, of the applicable investors) and with all applicable federal, state and local Laws.

(iv) None of the agreements pursuant to which NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries has sold Loans or pools of Loans or participations in Loans or pools of Loans contain any obligation to repurchase such Loans or interests therein solely on account of a payment default by the obligor on any such Loan.

(v) Neither NorthStar nor any Subsidiary is now nor have they ever been since December 31, 2013, subject to any material fine, suspension, settlement or other contract or other administrative agreement or sanction by, or any reduction in any loan purchase commitment from, any Governmental Authority or Regulatory Authority relating to the origination, sale or servicing of mortgage or consumer Loans.

(o) Adequacy of Allowances for Losses. Each of the allowances for losses on loans, financing leases and other real estate included on the NorthStar Latest Balance Sheet (along with any subsequent balance sheet required to be delivered hereunder) is, and with respect to the consolidated balance sheets delivered as of the dates subsequent to the execution of this Agreement will be as of the dates thereof, adequate in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines and GAAP in all material respects, and, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, there are no facts or circumstances that are likely to require in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines or GAAP a future material increase in any such provisions for losses or a material decrease in any of the allowances therefor. Each of the allowances for losses on loans, financing leases and other real estate reflected on the books of NorthStar at all times from and after the date of the NorthStar Latest Balance Sheet is, and will be, adequate in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines and GAAP in all material respects, and, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, there are no facts or circumstances that are likely to require, in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines or GAAP, a future material increase in any of such provisions for losses or a material decrease in any of the allowances therefor.

(p) Loans to Executive Officers and Directors. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries have extended or maintained credit, arranged for the extension of credit, or renewed an extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan to or for any director or executive officer (or equivalent thereof) of NorthStar or the Bank, except as permitted by Section 13(k) of the 1934 Act, as applicable, and as permitted by Federal Reserve Regulation O and that have been made in accordance with the provisions of Regulation O. Section 3.3(p) of the Company Disclosure Letter identifies any loan or extension of credit maintained by NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries to which the second sentence of Section 13(k)(1) of the 1934 Act applies.

(q) Community Reinvestment Act. The Bank has complied in all material respects with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“CRA”) and the rules and regulations thereunder, the Bank has a CRA rating of not less than “satisfactory” in its most recently completed exam, has received no material criticism from regulators with respect to discriminatory lending practices, and to the Knowledge of NorthStar, there are no conditions, facts or circumstances that could result in a CRA rating of less than “satisfactory” or material criticism from regulators or consumers with respect to discriminatory lending practices.

(r) Privacy of Customer Information.

(i) NorthStar and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, are the sole owners of all individually identifiable personal information (“IIPI”) relating to customers, former customers and prospective customers that will be transferred to Seacoast or a Subsidiary of Seacoast pursuant to this Agreement and the other transactions contemplated hereby. For purposes of this Section 3.2(r), “IIPI” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, including, but not limited to “personally identifiable financial information” as that term is defined in 12 CFR Part 1016.

(ii) NorthStar and its Subsidiaries’ collection and use of such IIPI, the transfer of such IIPI to Seacoast or any of its Subsidiaries, and the use of such IIPI by Seacoast or any of its Subsidiaries complies with all applicable privacy policies, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and all other applicable state, federal and foreign privacy Laws, and any contract or industry standard relating to privacy.

 

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(s) Technology Systems.

(i) Except to the extent disclosed on Section 3.3(s)(i) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no material action will be necessary as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to enable use of the Technology Systems to continue by the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries to the same extent and in the same manner that it has been used by NorthStar and its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time.

(ii) The Technology Systems (for a period of 18 months prior to the Effective Time) have not suffered unplanned disruption causing a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Except for ongoing payments due under Contracts with third parties, the Technology Systems are free from any Liens (other than Permitted Liens). Access to business-critical parts of the Technology Systems is not shared with any third party.

(iii) NorthStar has furnished to Seacoast a true and correct copy of its disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements.

(iv) Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of and is not aware of any material circumstances, including the execution of this Agreement, that would enable any third party to terminate any of its or any of its Subsidiaries’ agreements or arrangements relating to the Technology Systems (including maintenance and support).

(t) Insurance Policies. NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries maintain in full force and effect insurance policies and bonds in such amounts and against such liabilities and hazards of the types and amounts as (i) it reasonably believes to be adequate for its business and operations and the value of its properties, and (ii) are comparable to those maintained by other banking organizations of similar size and complexity. A true and complete list of all such insurance policies is attached as Section 3.3(t) of the Company Disclosure Letter. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries is now liable for, nor has NorthStar nor any such Subsidiary received written notice of, any material retroactive premium adjustment. NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with their respective insurance policies and are not in Default under any of the terms thereof and each such policy is valid and enforceable and in full force and effect, and neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of a material premium increase or cancellation with respect to any of its insurance policies or bonds and, except for policies insuring against potential liabilities of officers, directors and employees of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries, NorthStar or its Subsidiaries are the sole beneficiary of any such policy, and all premiums and other payments due under any such policy have been paid, and all claims thereunder have been filed in due and timely fashion. Within the last three years, none of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries have been refused any basic insurance coverage sought or applied for (other than certain exclusions for coverage of certain events or circumstances as stated in such policies), and neither NorthStar nor the Bank has any reason to believe that its existing insurance coverage cannot be renewed as and when the same shall expire, upon terms and conditions standard in the market at the time renewal is sought as favorable as those presently in effect.

(u) Corporate Documents. NorthStar has delivered to SBC, with respect to NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries, true and correct copies of its Organizational Documents and the charters of each of the committees of its board of directors, all as amended and currently in effect. All of the foregoing, and all of the corporate minutes and stock transfer records of NorthStar and each of its Subsidiaries that will be made available to SBC after the date hereof, are current, complete and correct in all material respects.

(v) State Takeover Laws. NorthStar has taken all action required to be taken by it in order to exempt this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby from, and this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby are exempt from, the requirements of any “moratorium,” “control share,” “fair price,” “affiliate transaction,” “anti-greenmail,” “business combination” or other anti-takeover Laws of any jurisdiction (collectively, “Takeover Laws”). NorthStar has taken all action required to be taken by it in order to make this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby comply with, and this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby do comply with, the requirements of any provisions of its Organizational Documents concerning “business combination,” “fair price,” “voting requirement,” “constituency requirement” or other related provisions.

 

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(w) Certain Actions. Neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action, and to the Knowledge of NorthStar, there are no facts or circumstances that are reasonably likely to (i) prevent the Merger and the Bank Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any required Regulatory Consents. To the Knowledge of NorthStar, there exists no fact, circumstance, or reason that would cause any required Consent not to be received in a timely manner.

(x) Real and Personal Property. NorthStar and its Subsidiaries have good, valid and marketable title to all material real property owned by it free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens and other standard exceptions commonly found in title policies in the jurisdiction where such real property is located, and such encumbrances and imperfections of title, if any, as do not materially detract from the value of the properties and do not materially interfere with the present or proposed use of such properties or otherwise materially impair such operations. NorthStar and its Subsidiaries have paid, and will pay, any and all applicable tangible personal property Taxes owed or due by NorthStar or its Subsidiaries. NorthStar and its Subsidiaries have good, valid and marketable title to, or in the case of leased property and leased tangible assets, a valid leasehold interest in, all material tangible personal property owned by them, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens). Each of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries has complied with the terms of all leases to which it is a party in all material respects, and all such leases are valid and binding in accordance with their respective terms and in full force and effect, and there is not under any such lease any material existing Default by NorthStar or such Subsidiary or, to the Knowledge of NorthStar, any other party thereto, or any event which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such a Default.

(y) Brokers and Finders. Except for Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P., neither NorthStar nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees or Representatives, has employed any broker or finder or incurred any Liability for any financial advisory fees, investment bankers’ fees, brokerage fees, commissions, or finders’ fees in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

(z) Fairness Opinion. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, NorthStar has received the opinion of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (which, if initially rendered verbally, has or will be confirmed by written opinion, dated the same date) to the effect that as of the date thereof and based upon and subject to the matters set forth therein, the Aggregate Merger Consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of NorthStar and a signed copy of the written opinion has been or will be promptly delivered to SBC solely for informational purposes. Such opinion has not been amended or rescinded as of the date of this Agreement.

(aa) Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth in Section 3.3(aa) of the Company Disclosure Letter, there are no agreements, contracts, plans, arrangements or other transactions between NorthStar and any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any (i) officer or director of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) record or beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of the voting securities of NorthStar, (iii) affiliate or family member of any such officer, director or record or beneficial owner or (iv) any other affiliate of NorthStar, on the other hand, except those of a type available to non-affiliates of NorthStar generally.

(bb) Representations Not Misleading. No representation or warranty by NorthStar and the Bank in this Agreement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

3.4 Representations and Warranties of Seacoast. Subject to and giving effect to Section 3.2, SBC and SNB, jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant to the Company as follows:

(a) Organization, Standing, and Power. Each of SBC and SNB is (i) duly organized, validly existing, and (as to SBC) in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated and (ii) duly qualified or licensed to do business and in good standing in the States of the United States and foreign jurisdictions where the character of their assets or conduct of their business requires them to be so qualified or

 

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licensed, except in the cause of clause (ii) where the failure to be so qualified or licensed, individually or in the aggregate, has not had or would not reasonably be excepted to have a Material Adverse Effect on SBC or SNB. SBC is a bank holding company within the meaning of the BHC Act and meets the applicable requirements for qualification as such. SNB is a national banking association domiciled in the State of Florida. SNB is an “insured institution” as defined in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and applicable regulations thereunder, and its deposits are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund and all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due. No action for the revocation or termination of such deposit insurance is pending or, to the knowledge of SBC, threatened.

(b) Authority; No Breach of Agreement.

(i) SBC and SNB each have the corporate power and authority necessary to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action (including valid authorization and adoption of this Agreement by its duly constituted Board of Directors and in the case of SNB, its sole shareholder). Assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by NorthStar and the Bank, this Agreement represents a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of SBC and SNB, enforceable against each of SBC and SNB, in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by (A) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, moratorium or similar Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (B) except that the availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding may be brought).

(ii) SBC’s Boards of Directors has duly approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, including the Ban Merger Agreement and the Bank Merger. SNB’s Board of Directors has, by the affirmative vote of all directors voting, which constitute at least a majority of the entire Board of Directors of SNB, duly approved and declared advisable the Bank Merger Agreement, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

(iii) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by SBC or SNB, nor the consummation by either of them of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by them with any of the provisions hereof, will (A) violate conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of their respective Organizational Documents, or (B) constitute or result in a Default under, or require any Consent pursuant to, or result in the creation of any Lien on any material asset under, any Contract or Permit, or (C) subject to receipt of the Required Consents and the expiration of any waiting period required by Law, violate any Law or Order applicable to SBC or SNB or any of their respective material assets.

(c) Capital Stock. SBC’s authorized capital stock consists of (i) 60 million shares of SBC Common Stock, of which, as of April 30, 2017, 43,502,445 shares are issued (of which 43,411,260 shares are issued and outstanding and 91,185 shares were held in its treasury) and (ii) 4 million shares of preferred stock, 2,000 shares of which have been designated as Series A Preferred Stock and 50,000 of which has been designated as Series B Preferred Stock (collectively, “SBC Preferred Stock”), of which, as of the date of this Agreement, no shares are issued or outstanding. As of the date of this Agreement, there were 432,672 restricted shares of SBC Common Stock validly issued and outstanding and the restricted shares were each issued in accordance with the SBC Stock Plans and such restricted shares represent all of the Rights issued under the SBC Stock Plans. Except as set forth in this Section 3.4(c), Section 3.4(c) of the disclosure letter delivered by Seacoast to the Company (the “Seacoast Disclosure Letter”) or as set forth in its SEC Reports, as of the date of this Agreement there were no equity securities of SBC outstanding (other than the SBC Common Stock) and no outstanding Rights relating to SBC Common Stock, and no Person has any Contract or any right or privilege (whether preemptive or contractual) capable of becoming a Contract or Right for the purchase, subscription or issuance of any securities of SBC. All of the outstanding shares of SBC Common Stock are duly and validly issued and outstanding and are fully paid and, except as expressly provided otherwise under applicable Law, non-assessable under the FBCA. None of the outstanding shares of SBC Common Stock have been issued in violation of any preemptive rights of the current

 

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or past shareholders of SBC. All of the outstanding shares of SBC Common Stock and all Rights to acquire shares of SBC Common Stock have been issued in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state Securities Laws. All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of its Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and (except as provided in 12 U.S.C. Section 55) nonassessable. The outstanding capital stock of each of its Subsidiaries has been issued in compliance with all legal requirements and is not subject to any preemptive or similar rights. SBC owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of SNB free and clear of all liens, charges, security interests, mortgages, pledges and other encumbrances.

(d) Financial Statements. The financial statements of SBC and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the SBC SEC Reports (including the related notes, where applicable) (A) have been prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of SBC and its Subsidiaries; (B) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated results of operations, cash flows, changes in stockholders’ equity and consolidated financial position of SBC and its Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods or as of the respective dates therein set forth (subject in the case of unaudited statements to recurring audit adjustments normal in nature and amount); (C) complied as to form, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto; and (D) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto. As of the date hereof, the books and records of SBC and its Subsidiaries have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions.

(e) Legal Proceedings. There is no Litigation that would be required to be disclosed in a Form 10-K or Form 10-Q pursuant to Item 103 of Regulation S-K of SEC Rules and Regulations that are not so disclosed, pending or, to its Knowledge, threatened against Seacoast, or against any asset, interest, or right of any of them, nor are there any Orders of any Governmental Authority or arbitrators outstanding against Seacoast.

(f) Compliance with Laws.

(i) SBC and each of its Subsidiaries are, and at all times since December 31, 2014, have been, in compliance in all material respects with all laws applicable to their businesses, operations, properties, assets, and employees. SBC and each of its Subsidiaries have in effect, and at all relevant times since December 31, 2014, held all material Permits necessary for them to own, lease or operate their properties and assets and to carry on their businesses and operations as now conducted and, to SBC’s Knowledge, no suspension or cancellation of any such Permits is threatened and there has occurred no violation of, default under (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) or event giving to others any right of revocation, non-renewal, adverse modification or cancellation of, with or without notice or lapse of time or both, any such Permit. The deposit accounts of SNB are insured by the FDIC through the Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by law, and all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due. No action for the revocation or termination of such deposit insurance is pending or, to the Knowledge of SBC, threatened.

(ii) Since January 1, 2014, neither SBC nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notification or communication from any Governmental Authority (A) requiring SBC or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into or consent to the issuance of a cease and desist order, formal or written agreement, directive, commitment, memorandum of understanding, board resolution, extraordinary supervisory letter or other formal or informal enforcement action of any kind that imposes any restrictions on its conduct of business or that relates to its capital adequacy, its credit or risk management policies, its dividend policy, its management, its business or its operations (any of the foregoing, a “SBC Regulatory Agreement”), or (B) threatening or contemplating revocation or limitation of, or which would have the effect of revoking or limiting, FDIC insurance coverage, and, to the Knowledge of SBC, neither SBC nor any of its Subsidiaries has been advised by any Governmental Authority that such Governmental Authority is contemplating issuing or requesting (or is considering the appropriateness of issuing or requesting) any such judgment,

 

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order, injunction, rule, agreement, memorandum of understanding, commitment letter, supervisory letter, decree or similar submission. Neither SBC nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently a party to or subject to any SBC Regulatory Agreement.

(iii) Neither SBC nor any of its Subsidiaries (nor, to the Knowledge of SBC, any of their respective directors, executives, representatives, agents or employees) (A) has used or is using any corporate funds for any illegal contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity, (B) has used or is using any corporate funds for any direct or indirect unlawful payments to any foreign or domestic governmental officials or employees, (C) has violated or is violating any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, (D) has established or maintained, or is maintaining, any unlawful fund of corporate monies or other properties or (E) has made any bribe, unlawful rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment of any nature.

(g) Reports. Except as set forth on Section 3.4(g) of the Seacoast Disclosure Letter, SBC has and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, statements, and certifications, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file since December 31, 2014 and prior to the date hereof with Governmental Authorities, and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith. There is no unresolved violation or exception of which SBC has been given notice by any Governmental Authority with respect to any such report, statement or certification. No report, including any report filed with the SEC, the FDIC, the OCC, the Federal Reserve Board or other banking regulatory agency, and no report, proxy statement, statement or offering materials made or given to shareholders of SBC or SNB since December 31, 2014, as of the respective dates thereof, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. As of their respective dates, all of the foregoing reports complied as to form in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the Governmental Authority with jurisdiction thereof and with respect thereto. There are no outstanding comments from or unresolved issues raised by the Governmental Authorities with respect to any of the foregoing reports filed by SBC or its Subsidiaries.

(h) Community Reinvestment Act. SNB has complied in all material respects with the provisions of the CRA and the rules and regulations thereunder, has a CRA rating of not less that “satisfactory” in its most recently completed exam, has received no material criticism from regulators with respect to discriminatory lending practices, and has no knowledge of any conditions, facts of circumstances that could result in a CRA rating of less than “satisfactory” or material criticism from regulators or consumers with respect to discriminatory lending practices.

(i) Legality of Seacoast Securities. All shares of SBC Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger have been duly authorized and, when issued pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly and legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will be, at the time of their delivery, free and clear of all Liens and any preemptive or similar rights.

(j) Certain Actions. Neither SBC nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action and it has no Knowledge of any fact or circumstance, that is reasonably likely to (i) prevent the Merger and the Bank Merger from qualifying as a reorganization with the meaning of Section 368(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) materially impede or delay receipt of any required Regulatory Consents. To SBC’s Knowledge, there exists no fact, circumstance, or reason that would cause any required Regulatory Consent not to be received in a timely manner.

(k) Brokers and Finders. Except for Raymond James & Associates, Inc., neither SBC nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees or Representatives, has employed any broker or finder or incurred and Liability for any financial advisory fees, investment bankers’ fees, brokerage fees, commissions, or finders’ fees in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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(l) Sufficiency of Funds. Seacoast has sufficient cash on hand or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it to make payment of the aggregate Cash Consideration and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(m) Representations Not Misleading. No representation or warranty by Seacoast in this Agreement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS AND ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES

4.1 Conduct of Business Prior to Effective Time. During the period from the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article 6 or the Effective Time, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, (a) NorthStar and the Bank shall (i) conduct their business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice, (ii) use reasonable best efforts to maintain and preserve intact their business organization, employees and advantageous business relationships and (iii) maintain their books, accounts and records in the usual manner on a basis consistent with that heretofore employed and each Party shall (b) take no action that would adversely affect or delay the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 5.1(a) or 5.1(b) or the ability of either Party to perform its covenants and agreements under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

4.2 Forbearances. During the period from the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article 6 or the Effective Time, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or as otherwise indicated in this Section 4.2, neither NorthStar nor the Bank shall, without the prior written consent of the chief executive officer or chief financial officer of SBC (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed):

(a) amend its Organizational Documents or any resolution or agreement concerning indemnification of its directors or officers;

(b) (i) adjust, split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any capital stock, (ii) make, declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations convertible (whether currently convertible or convertible only after the passage of time or the occurrence of certain events) into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock, (iii) grant any Rights, (iv) issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, grant, transfer, guarantee, encumber, or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition, grant, transfer, guarantee or encumbrance of, any shares of its capital stock except pursuant to the exercise of NorthStar Equity Awards outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, or (v) make any change in any instrument or Contract governing the terms of any of its securities;

(c) other than in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice or permitted by this Agreement, make any investment (either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers, or purchase of any property or assets) in any other Person;

(d) (i) charge off (except as may otherwise be required by law or by regulatory authorities or by GAAP) or sell (except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices) any of its portfolio of loans, discounts or financing leases, or (ii) sell any asset held as other real estate or other foreclosed assets for an amount less than its book value;

(e) terminate or allow to be terminated any of the policies of insurance it maintains on its business or property, cancel any material indebtedness owing to it or any claims that it may have possessed, or waive any right of substantial value or discharge or satisfy any material noncurrent liability;

 

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(f) enter into any new line of business, or change its lending, investment, underwriting, risk and asset liability management and other banking and operating policies, except as required by applicable Laws or any policies imposed on it by any Governmental Authority;

(g) except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices: (i) lend any money or pledge any of its credit in connection with any aspect of its business whether as a guarantor, surety, issuer of a letter of credit or otherwise, (ii) mortgage or otherwise subject to any Lien or other liability any of its assets, (iii) except for property held as other real estate owned, sell, assign or transfer any of its assets in excess of $50,000 in the aggregate or (iv) incur any material liability, commitment, indebtedness or obligation (of any kind whatsoever, whether absolute or contingent), or cancel, release or assign any indebtedness of any Person or any claims against any Person, except pursuant to Contracts in force as of the date of this Agreement and disclosed in Section 4.2(g) of the Company Disclosure Letter or transfer, agree to transfer or grant, or agree to grant a license to, any of its material Intellectual Property;

(h) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than short-term indebtedness incurred to refinance short-term indebtedness (it being understood that for purposes of this Section 4.2(h), “short-term” shall mean maturities of six months or less)); assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any Person;

(i) other than purchases of investment securities in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or in consultation with SBC, restructure or change its investment securities portfolio or its gap position, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported;

(j) terminate or waive any material provision of any Contract other than normal renewals of Contracts without materially adverse changes of terms or otherwise amend or modify any material Contract;

(k) other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or as required by Benefit Plans and Contracts as in effect at the date of this Agreement, (i) increase in any manner the compensation or fringe benefits of, or grant any bonuses to, any of its officers, employees or directors, whether under a Benefit Plan or otherwise, (ii) pay any pension or retirement allowance not required by any existing Benefit Plan or Contract to any such officers, employees or directors, (iii) become a party to, amend or commit itself to any Benefit Plan or Contract (or any individual Contracts evidencing grants or awards thereunder) or employment agreement, retention agreement or severance arrangement with or for the benefit of any officer, employee or director, or (iv) accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to, Rights pursuant to any NorthStar Stock Plan, except pursuant to Section 1.7, (v) make any changes to a Benefit Plan that are not required by Law or (vi) hire or terminate the employment of a chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief risk officer, chief credit officer, internal auditor, general counsel or other officer holding the position of senior vice president or above or any employee with annual base salary and annual incentive compensation that is reasonably anticipated to exceed $100,000;

(l) settle any Litigation, except in the ordinary course of business;

(m) revalue any of its or its Subsidiaries’ assets or change any method of accounting or accounting practice used by it or its Subsidiaries, other than changes required by GAAP or the FDIC or any Regulatory Authority;

(n) file or amend any Tax Return except in the ordinary course of business; settle or compromise any Tax Liability; or make, change or revoke any Tax election or change any method of Tax accounting, except as required by applicable Law; enter into any “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121 of the Internal Revenue Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law); surrender any claim for a refund of Taxes; or consent to any extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to any claim or assessment with respect of Taxes;

 

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(o) knowingly take, or knowingly omit to take, any action that is reasonably likely to result in any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article 5 not being satisfied, except as may be required by applicable Law; provided, that nothing in this Section 4.2(o) shall preclude NorthStar from exercising its rights under Sections 4.5 or 4.12;

(p) merge or consolidate with any other Person;

(q) acquire assets outside of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices from any other Person with a value or purchase price in the aggregate in excess of $50,000, other than purchase obligations pursuant to Contracts to the extent in effect immediately prior to the execution of this Agreement and described in Section 4.2(q) of the Company Disclosure Letter;

(r) enter into any Contract that is material and would have been material had it been entered into prior to the execution of this Agreement;

(s) the Bank shall not make any adverse changes in the mix, rates, terms or maturities of its deposits or other Liabilities;

(t) close or relocate any existing branch or facility;

(u) make any extension of credit that, when added to all other extensions of credit to a borrower and its affiliates, would exceed its applicable regulatory lending limits;

(v) take any action or fail to take any action that will cause NorthStar’s Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity at the Effective Time to be less than the NorthStar Target Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity;

(w) make any loans, or enter into any commitments to make loans, which vary other than in immaterial respects from its written loan policies, a true and correct copy of such policies has been provided to Seacoast; provided, that this covenant shall not prohibit the Bank from extending or renewing credit or loans in the ordinary course of business consistent with past lending practices or in connection with the workout or renegotiation of loans currently in its loan portfolio; provided further, that from the date hereof, any new individual loan or new extension of credit in excess of $500,000 and which is unsecured, or $1 million and which is secured, shall require the written approval of the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or chief credit officer of SNB, which approval or rejection shall be given at least two (2) Business Days after the loan package is delivered to SNB;

(x) take any action that at the time of taking such action is reasonably likely to prevent, or would materially interfere with, the consummation of the Merger;

(y) knowingly take any action that would prevent or impede the Merger and the Bank Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

(z) agree or commit to take any of the actions prohibited by this Section 4.2.

4.3 Litigation. Each of SBC and NorthStar shall promptly notify each other in writing of any Litigation issued, commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Authority pending or, to the Knowledge of SBC or NorthStar, as applicable, threatened against SBC, NorthStar or any of their respective Subsidiaries or directors that (a) questions or would reasonably be expected to question the validity of this Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby or any actions taken or to be taken by SBC, NorthStar or their respective Subsidiaries with respect hereto or thereto, or (b) seeks to enjoin or otherwise restrain the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. NorthStar shall give Seacoast the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of any shareholder or derivative Litigation against NorthStar or any of

 

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its Subsidiaries and/or its directors relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and no such settlement shall be agreed to without Seacoast’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

4.4 State Filings. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and prior to or in connection with the Closing, SBC and NorthStar shall execute and the Parties shall cause to be filed the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida.

4.5 NorthStar Shareholder Approval; Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/ Prospectus.

(a) NorthStar shall call a meeting of the holders of the NorthStar Common Stock (the “NorthStar Shareholders”) to be held as soon as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement is declared effective by SEC for the purpose of obtaining the NorthStar Shareholder Approval and such other matters as the Board of Directors of NorthStar or SBC may direct. NorthStar shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such meeting to occur as soon as reasonably practicable. SBC shall be entitled to have a representative attend such meeting of shareholders. The Board of Directors of NorthStar shall make the NorthStar Directors’ Recommendation to the NorthStar Shareholders and the NorthStar Directors’ Recommendation shall be included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus; provided, that the NorthStar Board of Directors may withdraw, modify, or change in an adverse manner to Seacoast NorthStar Directors’ Recommendation if the Board of Directors of NorthStar concludes in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel) that the failure to so withdraw, modify, or change its recommendations would constitute, or would be reasonably likely to result in, a breach of its fiduciary duties to the NorthStar Shareholders under applicable Law. Notwithstanding such withdrawal of such NorthStar Directors’ Recommendation, NorthStar shall nevertheless submit this Agreement to the NorthStar Shareholders for adoption.

(b) As soon as reasonably practicable after the execution of this Agreement (but in no event later than sixty (60) days following the date of this Agreement), SBC shall file the Registration Statement with the SEC and shall use all reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be declared effective under the 1933 Act as promptly as practicable after filing thereof. Each Party agrees to cooperate with the other Party, and its Representatives, in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The Parties agree to use all reasonable best efforts to obtain all Permits required by the Securities Laws to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and each Party agrees to furnish all information concerning it and the holders of its capital stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action.

(c) Each Party agrees, as to itself and its Subsidiaries, that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by it for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the Registration Statement will, at the time the Registration Statement and each amendment and supplement thereto, if any, become effective under the 1933 Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and (ii) the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, at the date of mailing to the NorthStar Shareholders and at the times of the meeting of the NorthStar Shareholders, will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or necessary to correct any statement in any earlier statement in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto. Each Party further agrees that if it shall become aware prior to the Effective Time of any information furnished by it that would cause any of the statements in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the Registration Statement to be false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or to omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not false or misleading, to promptly inform the other Party thereof and to take the necessary steps to correct the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the Registration Statement.

4.6 Listing of SBC Common Stock. SBC shall cause the shares of SBC Common Stock to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on NASDAQ, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the Effective Time.

 

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4.7 Reasonable Best Efforts.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties will use all reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, in good faith, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or desirable, or advisable under applicable Laws, including using its reasonable best efforts to lift or rescind any Order adversely affecting its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to cause to be satisfied the conditions in Article 5, to permit consummation of the Merger as promptly as practicable and otherwise to enable consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and each will cooperate fully with and furnish information to, the other Party to that end, and obtain all consents of, and give all notices to and make all filings with, all Governmental Authorities and other third parties that may be or become necessary for the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, that nothing contained herein shall preclude any Party from exercising its rights under this Agreement.

(b) Immediately following the Effective Time (or such later time as SBC may direct), the Parties shall take all actions necessary to consummate the Bank Merger and cause the Bank Merger Agreement effecting the Bank Merger to be filed with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

(c) Each Party undertakes and agrees to use its reasonable efforts to cause the Merger and the Bank Merger to qualify, and to take no action that would cause the Merger and the Bank Merger to not qualify, for treatment as “reorganizations” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code for federal income Tax purposes.

(d) The Parties shall consult with respect to the character, amount and timing of restructuring charges to be taken by each of them in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and shall take such charges in accordance with GAAP, as such Parties mutually agree upon.

4.8 Applications and Consents.

(a) The Parties shall cooperate in seeking all Consents of Governmental Authorities and other Persons necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Without limiting the foregoing, the Parties shall cooperate in (i) the filing of applications and notices, as applicable, with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System under the BHC Act, and obtaining approval of such applications and notices, (ii) the filing of any required applications or notices with any foreign or state banking, insurance or other Regulatory Authorities and obtaining approval of such applications and notices, (iii) making any notices to or filings with the Small Business Administration, (iv) making any notices or filings under the HSR Act, and (v) making any filings with and obtaining any Consents in connection with compliance with the applicable provisions of the rules and regulations of any applicable industry self-regulatory organization, including approvals from FINRA and any relevant state regulator in connection with a change of control of any Subsidiaries that are broker-dealers, or that are required under consumer finance, mortgage banking and other similar Laws (collectively, the “Regulatory Consents”). Each Party shall file any application and notice required of it to any Regulatory Authority within sixty (60) days following the date of this Agreement.

(c) Each Party will promptly furnish to the other Party copies of applications filed with all Governmental Authorities and copies of written communications received by such Party from any Governmental Authorities with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby. Each Party agrees that it will consult with the other Party with respect to the obtaining of all Regulatory Consents and other material Consents advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each Party will keep the other Party apprised of the status of material matters relating to completion of the transactions contemplated hereby. All documents that the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries are responsible for filing with any Governmental Authority in

 

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connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (including to obtain Regulatory Consents) will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of applicable Law.

4.9 Notification of Certain Matters. Each Party will give prompt notice to the other (and subsequently keep such other Party informed on a current basis) upon its becoming aware of the occurrence or existence of any fact, event, development or circumstance that (a) is reasonably likely to result in any Material Adverse Effect on it, or (b) would cause or constitute a breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants, or agreements contained herein; provided, that any failure to give notice in accordance with the foregoing with respect to any breach shall not be deemed to constitute the failure of any condition set forth in Sections 5.2(a) or 5.2(b), or Sections 5.3(a) or 5.3(b), as the case may be, to be satisfied, or otherwise constitute a breach of this Agreement by such Party due to its failure to give such notice unless the underlying breach would independently result in a failure of the conditions set forth in Sections 5.2(a) or 5.2(b), or Sections 5.3(a) or 5.3(b), as the case may be or give rise to a termination right under Section 6.1. NorthStar shall deliver to Seacoast a copy of each written opinion (or any withdrawal of such opinion) of Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P. or any other financial advisor, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company’s receipt thereof.

4.10 Investigation and Confidentiality.

(a) Upon reasonable notice and subject to applicable Laws, each Party shall permit the other to make or cause to be made such investigations of the business and Properties of it and its Subsidiaries and of its Subsidiaries’ financial and legal conditions as the other reasonably requests; provided, that such investigation shall be reasonably related to the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not interfere unnecessarily with normal operations. No investigation by a Party shall affect the representations and warranties of the other or the right of a Party to rely thereon. Neither Party shall be required to provide access to or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of NorthStar (after giving due consideration to the existence of any common interest, joint defense or similar agreement between the Parties) or contravene any Law or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The Parties will make appropriate substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.

(b) Each Party shall, and shall cause its directors, officers, employees and Representatives to, maintain the confidentiality of all confidential information furnished to it by the other Party concerning its and its Subsidiaries’ businesses, operations, and financial positions to the extent required by, and in accordance with, the Confidentiality Agreement, and shall not use such information for any purpose except in furtherance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No investigation by either Party shall affect the representations and warranties of the other Party or the right of such investigating Party to rely thereon.

4.11 Press Releases; Publicity. Prior to the Effective Time, Seacoast shall provide NorthStar with a draft of any press release, other public statement or shareholder communication related to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby prior to issuing such press release, public statement or shareholder communication or making any other public or shareholder disclosure related thereto and Seacoast shall consider any comments and/or modifications to any such press release or public statement provided by NorthStar; provided, that nothing in this Section 4.11 shall be deemed to prohibit any Party from making any disclosure that its counsel deems necessary or advisable in order to satisfy such Party’s disclosure obligations imposed by Law, SEC or NASDAQ.

4.12 Acquisition Proposals.

(a) NorthStar agrees that it will not, and will cause its directors, officers, employees and Representatives and Affiliates not to, (i) initiate, solicit, or knowingly encourage or facilitate inquiries or proposals with respect to, (ii) engage or participate in any negotiations concerning, or (iii) provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to, or have or participate in any discussions with, any Person

 

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relating to, any Acquisition Proposal; provided, that, in the event NorthStar receives an unsolicited bona fide Acquisition Proposal that does not violate (i) and (ii) above at any time prior to, but not after, the time this Agreement is adopted by the NorthStar Shareholder Approval, and NorthStar’s Board of Directors concludes in good faith (after consultation with its financial advisor and outside legal counsel) that there is a reasonable likelihood that such Acquisition Proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal, NorthStar may, and may permit its officers and Representatives to, furnish or cause to be furnished nonpublic information or data and participate in such negotiations or discussions to the extent that the Board of Directors of NorthStar concludes in good faith (after consultation with its financial advisor and outside legal counsel) that failure to take such actions would constitute, or would be reasonably likely to result in, a breach of its fiduciary obligations to the NorthStar Shareholders under applicable Law; provided further, that prior to providing any nonpublic information permitted to be provided pursuant to the foregoing proviso, NorthStar shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement with such third party on terms no less favorable to it than the Confidentiality Agreement. NorthStar will immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the date of this Agreement with any Persons other than Seacoast with respect to any Acquisition Proposal. NorthStar shall promptly (and in any event within two Business Days) advise Seacoast following the receipt or notice of any Acquisition Proposal and the substance thereof (including the identity of the Person making such Acquisition Proposal), and will keep Seacoast apprised of any related developments, discussions and negotiations on a current basis. NorthStar agrees that any breach by its Representatives of this Section 4.12 shall be deemed a breach by NorthStar.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if NorthStar’s Board of Directors concludes in good faith (after consultation with its financial advisor and outside legal counsel) that an Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal and that failure to accept such Superior Proposal would constitute, or would be reasonably likely to result in, a breach of its fiduciary obligations to the NorthStar Shareholders under applicable Laws, the NorthStar Board of Directors may at any time prior to the NorthStar Shareholder Approval (i) withdraw or modify (a “Change in Recommendation”) the NorthStar Directors’ Recommendation or make or cause to be made any third party or public communication proposing or announcing an intention to withdraw or modify the NorthStar Board of Directors recommendation for the NorthStar shareholder approval of this Agreement, and (ii) terminate this Agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to such Superior Proposal; provided, however, that the Board of Directors of NorthStar may not make a Change in Recommendation, and terminate this Agreement, with respect to an Acquisition Proposal unless (i) NorthStar shall not have breached this Section 4.12 in any material respect and (ii) (A) the Board of Directors of NorthStar determines in good faith (after consultation with counsel and its financial advisors) that such Superior Proposal has been made and has not been withdrawn and continues to be a Superior Proposal after taking into account all adjustments to the terms of this Agreement that may be offered by SBC under this Section 4.12(b); (B) NorthStar has given SBC at least four (4) Business Days’ prior written notice of its intention to take such actions set forth above (which notice shall specify the material terms and conditions of any such Superior Proposal (including the identity of the Person making such Superior Proposal) and has contemporaneously provided an unredacted copy of the relevant proposed transaction agreements with the Person making such Superior Proposal, subject to SNB executing any required confidentiality or nondisclosure agreement; and (C) before effecting such Change in Recommendation, NorthStar has negotiated, and has caused its representatives to negotiate in good faith with SBC during such notice period to the extent SBC wishes to negotiate, to enable SBC to revise the terms of this Agreement such that it would cause such Superior Proposal to no longer constitute a Superior Proposal. In the event of any material change to the terms of the such Superior Proposal, NorthStar shall, in each case, be required to deliver to SBC a new written notice, the notice period shall have recommenced and NorthStar shall be required to comply with its obligations under this Section 4.12 with respect to such new written notice. NorthStar will advise SBC in writing within twenty-four (24) hours following the receipt of any Acquisition Proposal and the substance thereof (including the identity of the Person making such Acquisition Proposal) and will keep SBC apprised of any related developments, discussions and negotiations (including the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Proposal) on a current basis.

 

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4.13 Takeover Laws. If any Takeover Law may become, or may purport to be, applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, NorthStar and the members of its Board of Directors will grant such approvals and take such actions as are necessary (other than any action requiring the approval of its shareholders (other than as contemplated by Section 4.5)) so that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of any Takeover Law on any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.14 Employee Benefits and Contracts.

(a) Following the Effective Time, SBC shall maintain or cause to be maintained employee benefit plans and compensation opportunities for the benefit of employees (as a group) who are full-time active employees of NorthStar on the Closing Date (“Covered Employees”) that provide employee benefits and compensation opportunities which, in the aggregate, are substantially comparable to the employee benefits and compensation opportunities that are made available on a uniform and non-discriminatory basis to similarly situated employees of SBC or its Subsidiaries, as applicable; provided, however, that in no event shall any Covered Employee be eligible to participate in any closed or frozen plan of SBC or its Subsidiaries; and provided further that in no event shall SBC be required to take into account any retention arrangements or equity compensation when determining whether employee benefits are substantially comparable. SBC shall give the Covered Employees full credit for their prior service with NorthStar and its Subsidiaries (i) for purposes of eligibility (including initial participation and eligibility for current benefits) and vesting under any qualified or non-qualified employee benefit plan maintained by SBC and in which Covered Employees may be eligible to participate and (ii) for all purposes under any welfare benefit plans, vacation plans and similar arrangements maintained by SBC.

(b) With respect to any employee benefit plan of SBC that is a health, dental, vision or other welfare plan in which any Covered Employee is eligible to participate, for the plan year in which such Covered Employee is first eligible to participate, SBC or its applicable Subsidiary shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to (i) cause any pre-existing condition limitations or eligibility waiting periods under such SBC or Subsidiary plan to be waived with respect to such Covered Employee to the extent such condition was or would have been covered under the NorthStar Benefit Plan in which such Covered Employee participated immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) recognize any health, dental, vision or other welfare expenses incurred by such Covered Employee in the year that includes the Closing Date (or, if later, the year in which such Covered Employee is first eligible to participate) for purposes of any applicable deductible and annual out-of-pocket expense requirements under any such health, dental, vision or other welfare plan.

(c) Nothing in this Section 4.14 shall be construed to limit the right of SBC or any of its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing Date, NorthStar) to amend or terminate any NorthStar Benefit Plan or other employee benefit plan, to the extent such amendment or termination is permitted by the terms of the applicable plan, nor shall anything in this Section 4.14 be construed to require SBC or any of its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing Date, NorthStar) to retain the employment of any particular Covered Employee for any fixed period of time following the Closing Date, and the continued retention (or termination) by SBC or any of its Subsidiaries of any Covered Employee subsequent to the Effective Time shall be subject in all events to SBC’s or its applicable Subsidiary’s normal and customary employment procedures and practices, including customary background screening and evaluation procedures, and satisfactory employment performance.

(d) If, within six (6) months after the Effective Time, any Covered Employee (other than those Covered Employees who receive change in control benefits or retention benefits pursuant to employment or retention agreements with NorthStar), is terminated by SBC or its Subsidiaries other than (i) for cause or (ii) as a result of death or disability, then SBC shall pay severance to such Covered Employee in an amount as set forth in the severance policies set forth in Section 4.14(d)(i) of the Seacoast Disclosure Letter (and based upon the non-exempt and exempt status and/or title for the Covered Employee with NorthStar at the Closing). Any severance to which a Covered Employee may be entitled in connection with a termination occurring more than six (6) months after the Effective Time will be as set forth in the severance policies set forth in Section 4.14(d)(ii) of the Seacoast Disclosure Letter.

 

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(e) Except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in this Section 4.14, SBC shall honor, and SBC shall be obligated to perform, all agreements that are set forth in Section 4.14(e) of the Company Disclosure Letter.

4.15 Indemnification.

(a) From and after the Effective Time, in the event of any threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding, or investigation, whether civil, criminal, or administrative, in which any Person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the date of this Agreement, or who becomes prior to the Effective Time, a director or officer of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries (each an “Indemnified Party”) is, or is threatened to be, made a party based in whole or in part on, or arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to (i) the fact that the Indemnified Party is or was a director, officer, or employee of NorthStar, its Subsidiaries or any of its predecessors, or (ii) this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether in any case asserted or arising before or after the Effective Time, Seacoast shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless, to the same extent such Indemnified Parties have the right to be indemnified and/or have the right to advancement of expenses pursuant to (x) the Organizational Documents of NorthStar or such Subsidiary, as applicable, (y) the FBCA or other applicable Law, and (z) any contractual agreement set forth in Section 4.15(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, each such Indemnified Party against any Liability (including advancement of reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses prior to the final disposition of any claim, suit, proceeding, or investigation to each Indemnified Party to the fullest extent permitted by Law upon receipt of any undertaking required by applicable Law), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any such threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding, or investigation. In the event of any such threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding, or investigation (whether asserted or arising before or after the Effective Time), the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to them; provided, that (1) Seacoast shall have the right to assume the defense thereof and upon such assumption Seacoast shall not be required to advance to any Indemnified Party any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by any Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof, except that if Seacoast elects not to assume such defense or counsel for the Indemnified Parties reasonably advises the Indemnified Parties that there are material issues that raise conflicts of interest between Seacoast and the Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to them, and Seacoast shall advance the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties, (2) Seacoast shall not be liable for any settlement effected without its prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), and (3) Seacoast shall have no obligation hereunder to any Indemnified Party when and if a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine, and such determination shall have become final, that indemnification of such Indemnified Party in the manner contemplated hereby is prohibited by applicable Law.

(b) Seacoast agrees that all existing rights to indemnification and all existing limitations on Liability existing in favor of the directors, officers, and employees of NorthStar and the Bank as provided in their respective Organizational Documents and any contractual agreement set forth in Section 4.15(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter as in effect as of the date of this Agreement shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect, and shall be honored by such entities or their respective successors as if they were the indemnifying party thereunder, without any amendment thereto; provided, that nothing contained in this Section 4.15(b) shall be deemed to preclude the liquidation, consolidation, or merger of SBC or SNB, in which case all of such rights to indemnification and limitations on Liability shall be deemed to so survive and continue notwithstanding any such liquidation, consolidation or merger. Without limiting the foregoing, in any case in which approval by Seacoast is required to effectuate any indemnification for any director or officer of NorthStar or the Bank, Seacoast shall direct, at the election of the Indemnified Party that the determination of any such approval shall be made by independent counsel mutually agreed upon between Seacoast and the Indemnified Party.

(c) Seacoast, from and after the Effective Time, will directly or indirectly cause the Persons who served as directors or officers of NorthStar or the Bank at or before the Effective Time to be covered by NorthStar’s

 

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existing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy; provided, that Seacoast may substitute therefor policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions that are not less advantageous than such policy; provided further, that in no event shall the aggregate premiums applicable to coverage exceed 150% of the current annual premium paid by NorthStar (as set forth in the Company Disclosure Letter) for such insurance. Such insurance coverage shall commence at the Effective Time and will be provided for a period of no less than six (6) years after the Effective Time.

(d) If SBC or SNB or any of their respective successors or assigns shall consolidate with or merge into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving Person of such consolidation or merger or shall transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, then and in each case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of SBC or SNB, as applicable, as the surviving entities shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 4.15.

(e) The provisions of this Section 4.15 are intended to be for the benefit of and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party and his or her heirs and representatives.

4.16. Resolution of Certain Matters. NorthStar shall use its reasonable best efforts and take any and all actions (including completing any necessary filings with Regulatory Authorities) to resolve the items set forth on Section 4.16 of the Seacoast Disclosure Letter, all subject to SBC’s reasonable satisfaction.

4.17 Claims Letters. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and effective upon the Closing, NorthStar has caused each director of NorthStar and the Bank to execute and deliver a Claims Letter in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

4.18 Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, NorthStar has caused each director of NorthStar and the Bank set forth on Section 4.18 to the Seacoast Disclosure Letter to execute and deliver a Restrictive Covenant Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.

4.19. Systems Integration; Operating Functions. From and after the date hereof, NorthStar shall and shall cause the Bank and its directors, officers and employees to, and shall make all commercially reasonable best efforts (without undue disruption to either business) to cause the Bank’s data processing consultants and software providers to, cooperate and assist NorthStar and Seacoast in connection with an electronic and systems conversion of all applicable data of NorthStar and the Bank to the Seacoast systems, including the training of employees of NorthStar and the Bank during normal banking hours. Following the date hereof, NorthStar shall provide Seacoast access to the Bank’s data files to facilitate the conversion process, including but not limited to, (i) sample data files with data dictionary no later than 30 days following the date of this Agreement; (ii) a full set of data files, including electronic banking and online bill payment data, for mapping and mock conversion no later than 90 days prior to the targeted conversion date as determined by Seacoast; (iii) a second full set of data files from which to establish CIS records, deposit shells, electronic banking accounts, bill payment payees and order debit cards no later than 21 days prior to the targeted conversion date; and (iv) a final set of data files no later than the date of the targeted conversion date. NorthStar shall cooperate with Seacoast in connection with the planning for the efficient and orderly combination of the parties and the operation of SNB (including the former operations NorthStar) after the Merger and the Bank Merger, and in preparing for the consolidation of appropriate operating functions to be effective at the Effective Time or such later date as Seacoast may decide. NorthStar shall take any action Seacoast may reasonably request prior to the Effective Time to facilitate the combination of the operations of the Bank with SNB. Without limiting the foregoing, NorthStar shall provide office space and support services (and other reasonably requested support and assistance) in connection with the foregoing, and senior officers NorthStar and Seacoast shall meet from time to as NorthStar or Seacoast may reasonably request, to review the financial and operational affairs of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries, and NorthStar shall give due consideration to Seacoast’s input on such matters, with the understanding that, notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, (i) neither SBC nor SNB shall be permitted to

 

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exercise control of NorthStar or the Bank prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) neither NorthStar nor the Bank shall be under any obligation to act in a manner that could reasonably be deemed to constitute anti-competitive behavior under federal or state antitrust Laws.

4.20. Closing Payments. Immediately prior to the Closing, NorthStar shall wire, in immediately payable funds, the sums due to the persons listed on Section 4.20 of the Seacoast Disclosure Letter.

ARTICLE 5

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS TO CONSUMMATE

5.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party. The respective obligations of each Party to perform this Agreement and to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, unless waived by each Party pursuant to Section 7.7:

(a) NorthStar Shareholder Approval. NorthStar shall have obtained the NorthStar Shareholder Approval.

(b) Regulatory Approvals. All Regulatory Consents required by law to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Bank Merger Agreement (the “Required Consents”) shall (i) have been obtained or made and be in full force and effect and all waiting periods required by Law shall have expired, and (ii) not be subject to any condition or consequence that would, after the Effective Time, have a Material Adverse Effect on Seacoast or any of its Subsidiaries, including NorthStar and the Bank.

(c) No Orders or Restraints; Illegality. No Order issued by any Governmental Authority (whether temporary, preliminary, or permanent) preventing the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect and no Law or Order shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Authority that prohibits, restrains or makes illegal the consummation of the Merger.

(d) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall be effective under the 1933 Act, no stop orders suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued, and no action, suit, proceeding, or investigation by the SEC to suspend the effectiveness thereof shall have been initiated and be continuing.

(e) Listing of SBC Common Stock. The shares of SBC Common Stock to be issued to the holders of the Company Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger shall have been approved for listing on NASDAQ.

5.2 Conditions to Obligations of Seacoast. The obligations of Seacoast to perform this Agreement and consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, unless waived by Seacoast pursuant to Section 7.7:

(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement, after giving effect to Sections 3.1 and 3.2, shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date (except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of this Agreement or some other date shall be true and correct as of such date), and Seacoast shall have received certificates, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of the Company by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of NorthStar, to such effect.

(b) Performance of Agreements and Covenants. Each and all of the agreements and covenants of the Company to be performed and complied with pursuant to this Agreement prior to the Effective Time shall have been duly performed and complied with in all material respects and Seacoast shall have received certificates, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of the Company by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of NorthStar, to such effect.

 

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(c) Corporate Authorization. Seacoast shall have received from the Company (i) certified resolutions of its Board of Directors and shareholders authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Bank Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; (ii) a certificate as to the incumbency and signatures of officers authorized to execute this Agreement; and (iii) certificates of good standing, dated not more than three (3) Business Days before the Closing Date, from the Secretary of State of the State of Florida.

(d) Consents. The Company shall have obtained all Consents required as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to the Contracts set forth in Section 3.3(b) and Section 3.3(k) of the Company Disclosure Letter.

(e) Material Adverse Effect. Since the date hereof, there shall not have occurred any fact, circumstance or event, individually or taken together with all other facts, circumstances or events that has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on NorthStar or the Bank.

(f) Tax Opinions. Seacoast shall have received a written opinion from Alston & Bird LLP in a form reasonably satisfactory to it, dated the date of the Effective Time, substantially to the effect that the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and each of SBC and NorthStar will be a party to that reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. In rendering such opinion, Alston & Bird LLP shall be entitled to rely upon representations of officers of Seacoast and the Company reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to such counsel.

(g) Claims Letters. Seacoast shall have received from the Persons listed in Section 4.17 of the Seacoast Disclosure Letter an executed written agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit C.

(h) Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Each of the Persons as set forth in Section 4.18 of the Seacoast Disclosure Letter shall have entered into the Restrictive Covenant Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit D.

(i) NorthStar Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity. As of the close of business on the fifth (5th) Business Day prior to the Closing Date, (A) NorthStar’s Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity shall be an amount not less than the NorthStar Target Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity, and (B) the Bank’s general allowance for loan and lease losses shall be an amount not less than $1.82 million in the aggregate.

(j) Vesting, Exercise or Termination of NorthStar Equity Awards. All outstanding NorthStar Equity Awards shall have been vested, exercised and/or terminated as provided in Section 1.7, and NorthStar’s Board of Directors and shareholders shall have taken all action necessary to terminate the NorthStar Stock Plans effective prior to the Effective Time. No NorthStar Equity Awards, whether vested or unvested, shall be outstanding as of the Effective Time.

(k) Completion of Section 4.16 Items. Each of the items set forth in Section 4.16 of the Seacoast Disclosure Letter shall have been completed and finalized prior to the Effective Time, all to the reasonable satisfaction of Seacoast.

(l) FIRPTA Certificate. Seacoast shall have received from NorthStar and the Bank, under penalties of perjury, a certificate stating that each of NorthStar and the Bank, respectively, is not and has not been a United States real property holding corporation, dated as of the Closing Date and in form and substance required under Treasury Regulation Section 1.897-2(h) and as reasonably acceptable to Seacoast.

(m) Approval of 280G Payments. If the execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby would entitle any Person who is a “disqualified individual” to a “parachute payment” (as such terms are defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code) absent approval by the

 

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shareholders of the Company, then, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company will take all necessary actions (including obtaining any required waivers or consents from each disqualified individual) to submit to a shareholder vote, in a manner that satisfies the stockholder approval requirements for exemption under Section 280G(b)(5)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the right of each disqualified individual to receive or retain, as applicable, any payments and benefits to the extent necessary so that no payment or benefit received by such disqualified person shall be deemed a parachute payment. Such vote shall establish the disqualified individual’s right to the payment or benefits. The Company and the shareholders will be responsible for all liabilities and obligations related to the matters described in this Section 5.2(m), including any claims by disqualified individuals that they are entitled to payment or reimbursement for any related excise taxes. The Company will provide to Seacoast copies of any waivers, consents, and shareholder information statements or disclosures relating to Section 280G and the shareholder vote described in this Section 5.2(m), a reasonable period of time before disseminating such materials to the disqualified individuals and the Company’s shareholders, and will work with Seacoast in good faith regarding any comments provided by Seacoast thereto.

5.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the Company to perform this Agreement and consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, unless waived by the Company pursuant to Section 7.7:

(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of Seacoast set forth in this Agreement, after giving effect to Sections 3.1 and 3.2, shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date (except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of this Agreement or some other date shall be true and correct as of such date) and NorthStar shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of Seacoast by a duly authorized officer of Seacoast, to such effect.

(b) Performance of Agreements and Covenants. Each and all of the agreements and covenants of Seacoast to be performed and complied with pursuant to this Agreement prior to the Effective Time shall have been duly performed and complied with in all material respects and NorthStar shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of Seacoast by a duly authorized officer of Seacoast, to such effect.

(c) Tax Opinion. NorthStar shall have received a written opinion from Bush Ross, P.A. in a form reasonably satisfactory to it, dated the date of the Effective Time, substantially to the effect that, (i) the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, (ii) each of SBC and NorthStar will be a party to that reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, (iii) no gain or loss will be recognized by holders of the NorthStar Common Stock to the extent such holders exchange their NorthStar Stock solely for SBC Common Stock pursuant to the Merger, (iv) that basis in the shares of SBC Common Stock received in the Merger will consist of the basis for the shares of NorthStar Common Stock exchanged therefor (reduced by an amount of any cash received), and (v) the holding period for the shares of SBC Common Stock received in the Merger will include the holding period for the shares of NorthStar Common Stock exchanged therefor. In rendering such opinion, Bush Ross, P.A. shall be entitled to rely upon representations of officers of Seacoast and the Company reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to it.

(d) Material Adverse Effect. Since the date hereof, there shall not have occurred any fact, circumstance or event, individually or taken together with all other facts, circumstances or events that has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Seacoast.

 

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ARTICLE 6

TERMINATION

6.1 Termination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, and notwithstanding NorthStar Shareholder Approval, this Agreement and the Bank Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger and the Bank Merger abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time:

(a) By mutual consent of the Board of Directors of NorthStar and the Board of Directors or Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of SBC; or

(b) By the Board of Directors of either Party in the event of a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of the other Party, which breach would result in, if occurring or continuing on the Closing Date, the failure of the conditions to the terminating Party’s obligations set forth in Sections 5.2 or 5.3, as the case dictates, and that cannot be or has not been cured within thirty (30) days after the giving of written notice to the breaching Party specifying the existence and nature of such breach, provided that the right to effect such cure shall not extend beyond the date set forth in subparagraph (d) below; or

(c) By the Board of Directors of either Party in the event that (i) any Regulatory Consent required to be obtained from any Governmental Authority has been denied by final non-appealable action of such Governmental Authority, or (ii) the NorthStar Shareholder Approval has not been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at the NorthStar shareholders’ meeting where this Agreement was presented to such shareholders for approval and voted upon; or

(d) By the Board of Directors of either Party in the event that the Merger has not been consummated by February 28, 2018, if the failure to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on or before such date is not caused by any breach of this Agreement by the Party electing to terminate pursuant to this Section 6.1(d); or

(e) By the Board of Directors of SBC in the event that (i) NorthStar has withdrawn, qualified or modified the NorthStar Directors’ Recommendation in a manner adverse to Seacoast or shall have resolved to do any of the foregoing, (ii) NorthStar has failed to substantially comply with its obligations under Sections 4.5 or 4.12, or (iii) the Board of Directors of NorthStar has recommended, endorsed, accepted or agreed to an Acquisition Proposal; or

(f) By the Board of Directors of NorthStar in the event that (i) the Board of Directors of NorthStar has determined in accordance with Section 4.12 that a Superior Proposal has been made with respect to it and has not been withdrawn, and (ii) neither NorthStar nor any of its Representatives has failed to comply in all material respects with Section 4.12; or

(g) By the Board of Directors of SBC if holders of more than five percent (5.0%) in the aggregate of the outstanding NorthStar Common Stock shall have voted such shares against this Agreement or the Merger at any meeting called for the purpose of voting thereon and shall have given notice of their intention to exercise their dissenters’ rights in accordance with the FBCA; or

(h) By the Board of Directors of NorthStar in the event the Board of Directors of NorthStar so determines by a vote of the majority of the members of the entire Board of Directors of NorthStar, at any time during the five (5)-day period commencing with the Determination Date (as defined below), if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

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(ii) (x) the Buyer Ratio shall be less than (y) the number (the “Index Ratio”) obtained by (A) dividing the Final Index Price by the Initial Index Price (each as defined below), and (B) subtracting 0.20 from the quotient in clause (ii)(y)(A);

subject, however, to the following three (3) sentences. If NorthStar elects to exercise the termination right pursuant to this Section 6.1(h), NorthStar shall give written notice to Seacoast not later than the end of the five (5)-day period referred to above (provided that such notice of election to terminate may be withdrawn at any time within the aforementioned five (5)-day period). During the five (5)-day period commencing with its receipt of such notice, Seacoast shall have the option to increase the consideration to be received by the holders of NorthStar Common Stock hereunder, by adjusting the Stock Consideration (calculated to the nearest one ten-thousandth ( 1/10,000)) to equal the lesser of (x) the quotient (rounded to the nearest one ten-thousandth (1/10,000)) of (A) the product of (1) the Starting Price, multiplied by (2) 0.85, and further multiplied by (3) the Stock Consideration (as then in effect), divided by (B) the Average Closing Price, and (y) the quotient (rounded to the nearest one ten-thousandth (1/10,000)) of (A) the product of (1) the Index Ratio, multiplied by (2) the Stock Consideration (as then in effect), divided by (B) the Buyer Ratio. If Seacoast so elects within such five (5)-day period, it shall give prompt written notice to NorthStar of such election and the revised Stock Consideration, whereupon no termination shall have occurred pursuant to this Section 6.1(h), and this Agreement shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms (except as the Stock Consideration shall have been so modified).

For purposes of this Section 6.1(h), the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

“Average Closing Price” means the average of the VWAP of SBC Common Stock during the ten (10) consecutive full Trading Days ending on the Trading Day prior to the Determination Date.

“Determination Date” means the later of (i) the date on which the last Regulatory Approval is obtained without regard to any requisite waiting period or (ii) the date on which the NorthStar Shareholder Approval is obtained.

“Final Index Price” means the average of the Index Prices for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on the Trading Day prior to the Determination Date.

“Index Group” means the Nasdaq Bank Index or, if such index is not available, such substitute or similar index as substantially replicates the Nasdaq Bank Index.

“Index Price” means the closing price on any given Trading Day of the Index Group.

“Initial Index Price” means the average of the Index Prices for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on the last Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the first public announcement of entry into this Agreement.

“Starting Price” means $23.50.

If SBC or any company belonging in the Index Group declares or effects a stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction between the date of this Agreement and the Determination Date, the prices for the SBC Common Stock or the common stock of such other company, as the case may be, shall be appropriately adjusted for the purposes of applying this Section 6.1(h).

6.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination and abandonment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.1, this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and none of Seacoast, the Company, any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any of the officers or directors of any of them, shall have any Liability of any nature whatsoever hereunder or in conjunction with the transactions contemplated hereby, except that (i) the

 

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provisions of Section 4.10(b), Article 6 and Article 7 shall survive any such termination and abandonment, and (ii) a termination of this Agreement shall not relieve the breaching Party from Liability for an uncured willful breach of a representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement of such Party contained in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 7

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Definitions.

(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, the capitalized terms set forth below shall have the following meanings:

“1933 Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

“1934 Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

“Acquisition Proposal” shall mean, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any written offer, proposal or inquiry relating to, or any third party indication of interest in, (i) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of 25% or more of the consolidated assets of NorthStar and its Subsidiaries or 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of NorthStar or the Bank, (ii) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in such third party beneficially owning 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of NorthStar or the Bank, (iii) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any other transaction the consummation of which could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, prevent or materially delay the Merger or that could reasonably be expected to dilute materially the benefits to Seacoast of the transactions contemplated hereby.

“Affiliate” of a Person shall mean (i) any other Person directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person or (ii) any director, partner or officer of such Person or, for any Person that is a limited liability company, any manager or managing member thereof. For purposes of this definition, “control” (and its derivatives) shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of equity, voting or other interests, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise.

“Benefit Plan” shall mean any “employee benefit plan” (as that term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), and the NorthStar Stock Plan, and any other employee benefit plan, policy, or agreement, whether or not covered by ERISA, and any pension, retirement, profit-sharing, deferred compensation, equity compensation, employment, stock purchase, gross-up, retention, incentive compensation, employee stock ownership, severance, vacation, bonus, or deferred compensation plan, policy, or arrangement, any medical, vision, dental, or other written health plan, any life insurance plan, fringe benefit plan, and any other employee program or agreement, whether formal or informal, that is entered into, maintained by, sponsored in whole or in part by, or contributed to by NorthStar or any Subsidiaries thereof, or under which NorthStar or any Subsidiaries thereof could have any obligation or Liability, whether actual or contingent, with respect to any NorthStar employee.

“BHC Act” shall mean the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and rules and regulations thereunder.

“Business Day” shall mean any day that NASDAQ is normally open for trading for a full day and that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or required to close for regular banking business.

 

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“Confidentiality Agreement” shall mean that certain Confidentiality Agreement, dated February 6, 2017, by and between Seacoast and NorthStar.

“Consent” shall mean any consent, approval, authorization, clearance, exemption, waiver, or similar affirmation by any Person pursuant to any Contract, Law, Order, or Permit.

“Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity” shall mean as to a Party as of the close of business on the fifth (5th) Business Day prior to the Closing Date (the “Measuring Date”), the consolidated shareholders’ equity of such Party as set forth on its balance sheet on the Measuring Date calculated in accordance with GAAP and including the recognition of or accrual for all Permitted Expenses paid or incurred, or projected to be paid or incurred, in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by it, excluding (i) any change related to recapture of any of the allowance for loan and lease losses following the date of this Agreement and receipt of any related regulatory approval, and (ii) all intangible assets, and minus any change since March 31, 2017 in unrealized gains or plus any unrealized losses (as the case may be) in such Party’s Subsidiaries’ securities portfolio due to mark-to-market adjustments as of the Measuring Date. The calculation of Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity shall be delivered by each Party to the other Party, accompanied by appropriate supporting detail, no later than the close of business on the fourth (4th) Business Day preceding the Closing Date, and such calculation shall be subject to verification and approval by the other Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

“Contract” shall mean any written or oral agreement, arrangement, commitment, contract, indenture, instrument, lease, understanding, note, bond, license, mortgage, deed of trust or undertaking of any kind or character to which any Person is a party or that is binding on any Person or its capital stock, assets, or business.

“Default” shall mean (i) any breach or violation of or default under any Contract, Law, Order, or Permit, (ii) any occurrence of any event that with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a breach or violation of or default under any Contract, Law, Order, or Permit, or (iii) any occurrence of any event that with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice would give rise to a right to terminate or revoke, change the current terms of, or renegotiate, or to accelerate, increase, or impose any Liability under, any Contract, Law, Order, or Permit, in all instances subject to any stated grace or cure period.

“Dissenting Shares” shall mean shares of NorthStar Common Stock that are owned by shareholders that properly demand and exercise their dissenters’ rights and who comply in all respects with the provisions of Section 607.1301 to 607.1333 of the FBCA.

“Environmental Laws” shall mean all Laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface, or subsurface strata) and which are administered, interpreted, or enforced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and state and local agencies with jurisdiction over, and including common Law in respect of, pollution or protection of the environment, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, and other Laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases, or threatened releases of any Hazardous Material, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling of any Hazardous Material, including all requirements for permits, licenses and other authorizations that may be required.

“ERISA Affiliate” of any Person means any entity that is, or at any relevant time was, a member of (i) a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Section 414(b) of the Internal Revenue Code), (ii) a group of trades or businesses under common control (as defined in Section 414(c) of the Internal Revenue Code) or (iii) an affiliated service group (as defined under Section 414(m) of the Internal Revenue Code or the regulations under Section 414(o) of the Internal Revenue Code) with such Person.

 

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“ERISA Plan” shall mean any Benefit Plan that is an “employee welfare benefit plan,” as that term is defined in Section 3(l) of ERISA, or an “employee pension benefit plan,” as that term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA.

“Exchange Ratio” shall mean 0.5605.

“Exhibits” A through D, inclusive, shall mean the Exhibits so marked, copies of which are attached to this Agreement. Such Exhibits are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof, and may be referred to in this Agreement and any other related instrument or document without being attached hereto.

“Facilities” shall mean all buildings and improvements on the Property of any Person.

“FBCA” shall mean the Florida Business Corporation Act.

“FDIC” shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“FINRA” shall mean the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

“Federal Reserve Board” shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

“Financial Statements” shall mean (i) the consolidated balance sheets (including related notes and schedules, if any) of a Party and its Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2017, and as of December 31, 2015 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows (as to annual financial statements only), and shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss) (including related notes and schedules, if any) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and for each of the two years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, as delivered by such Party to the other Party or as filed or to be filed by such Party in its SEC Reports, and (ii) the consolidated balance sheets of such Party and its Subsidiaries (including related notes and schedules, if any), and related statements of operations, cash flows (as to annual financial statements only), and shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss) (including related notes and schedules, if any) filed with respect to periods ended subsequent to March 31, 2017.

“GAAP” shall mean accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, consistently applied during the periods involved.

“Governmental Authority” shall mean each Regulatory Authority and any other domestic or foreign court, administrative agency, commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality (including the staff thereof), or any industry self-regulatory authority (including the staff thereof).

“Hazardous Material” shall mean (i) any hazardous substance, hazardous material, hazardous waste, regulated substance, or toxic substance (as those terms are defined by any applicable Environmental Laws), and (ii) any chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, petroleum, petroleum products that are or become regulated under any applicable local, state, or federal Law (and specifically shall include asbestos requiring abatement, removal, or encapsulation pursuant to the requirements of governmental authorities and any polychlorinated biphenyls).

“HSR Act” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, any successor statute thereto, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Intellectual Property” shall mean (i) any patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, mask works or similar rights throughout the world, and applications or registrations for any of the foregoing, (ii) any proprietary interest, whether registered or unregistered, in know-how, copyrights, trade secrets, database rights, data in databases, website content, inventions, invention disclosures or applications, software (including source and object code), operating and manufacturing procedures, designs, specifications and the like, (iii) any proprietary interest in any similar intangible asset of a technical, scientific or creative nature, including slogans, logos and the like and (iv) any proprietary interest in or to any documents or other tangible media containing any of the foregoing.

“Internal Revenue Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, any successor statute thereto, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

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“Knowledge” of any Party or “known to” a Party and any other phrases of similar import means, with respect to any matter in question relating to a Party, if any of the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel of such Party have actual knowledge of such matter, after due inquiry of their direct subordinates who would be likely to have knowledge of such matter.

“Law(s)” shall mean any code, law (including any rule of common law), ordinance, regulation, rule, or statute applicable to a Person or its assets, Liabilities, or business, including those promulgated, interpreted, or enforced by any Governmental Authority.

“Liability” shall mean any direct or indirect, primary or secondary, liability, indebtedness, obligation, penalty, cost, or expense (including costs of investigation, collection, and defense), claim, deficiency, or guaranty of any type, whether accrued, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, matured or unmatured, or otherwise.

“Lien” shall mean any mortgage, pledge, reservation, restriction (other than a restriction on transfers arising under the Securities Laws), security interest, lien, or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever of, on, or with respect to any property or property interest, other than Liens for property Taxes not yet due and payable.

“Litigation” shall mean any action, arbitration, cause of action, claim, complaint, criminal prosecution, demand letter, governmental or other examination or investigation, hearing, inquiry, administrative or other proceeding, or notice (written or oral) by any Person alleging potential Liability, but shall not include claims of entitlement under any Benefit Plans that are made or received in the ordinary course of business.

“NASDAQ” shall mean the National Market System of The NASDAQ Stock Market.

“NorthStar Common Stock” shall mean the $0.01 par value per share common stock of NorthStar.

“NorthStar Equity Award” shall mean an award, grant, unit, option to purchase, or other right to receive a share or shares of NorthStar Common Stock and shall specifically include any restricted stock awards.

“NorthStar Shareholder Approval” shall mean the approval of this Agreement by the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock.

“NorthStar Stock Plan” shall mean any equity compensation plan, stock purchase plan, incentive compensation plan, or any other Benefit Plan under which NorthStar Equity Awards have been or may be issued.

“NorthStar Target Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity” shall mean NorthStar’s Consolidated Tangible Shareholders’ Equity equal to $22.25 million, less any Permitted Expenses.

“OCC” shall mean the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

“Order” shall mean any administrative decision or award, decree, injunction, judgment, order, quasi-judicial decision or award, ruling, or writ of any federal, state, local, or foreign or other court, arbitrator, mediator, tribunal, administrative agency, or Governmental Authority.

“Organizational Documents” shall mean the articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, charter, bylaws or other similar governing instruments, in each case as amended as of the date specified, of any Person.

“Party” shall mean Seacoast, on the one hand, or the Company, on the other hand, and “Parties” shall mean Seacoast and the Company.

“Permit” shall mean any federal, state, local, and foreign governmental approval, authorization, certificate, easement, filing, franchise, license, or permit from Governmental Authorities that are required for the operation of the businesses of a Person or its Subsidiaries.

 

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“Permitted Expenses” shall mean (i) the reasonable expenses of NorthStar and the Bank incurred in connection with the Merger and the Bank Merger (including fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants or other consultants but excluding any fees and expenses incurred in connection with the resolution of those certain matters set forth in Section 4.16 of the Company Disclosure Letter), and (ii) the fee payable to NorthStar’s financial advisor in accordance with the engagement letter disclosed to Seacoast prior to the execution of this Agreement.

“Permitted Liens” shall mean (i) Liens for current Taxes and assessment not yet past due or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (ii) mechanics’, workmen’s, repairman’s, warehousemen’s and carrier’s Liens arising in the ordinary course of business of NorthStar or any of its Subsidiaries consistent with past practice, or (iii) restrictions on transfers under applicable securities Laws.

“Person” shall mean any natural person or any legal, commercial, or governmental entity, including, a corporation, general partnership, joint venture, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, business association, or person acting in a representative capacity, as well as any syndicate or group that would be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act.

“Property” shall mean all real property leased or owned by any Person and its Subsidiaries, either currently or in the past.

“Proxy Statement/Prospectus” shall mean the proxy statement and other proxy solicitation materials of NorthStar and the prospectus of SBC constituting a part of the Registration Statement.

“Registration Statement” shall mean the Registration Statement on Form S-4, or other appropriate form, including any pre-effective or post-effective amendments or supplements thereto, filed with the SEC by SBC under the 1933 Act with respect to the shares of SBC Common Stock to be issued to the shareholders of NorthStar in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

“Regulatory Authorities” shall mean, collectively, the Federal Trade Commission, the United States Department of Justice, the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, the FDIC, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Internal Revenue Service, all federal and state regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, FINRA, and the SEC (including, in each case, the staff thereof).

“Representative” shall mean any investment banker, financial advisor, attorney, accountant, consultant, agent or other representative of a Person.

“Rights” shall mean, with respect to any Person, securities, or obligations convertible into or exercisable for, or giving any other Person any right to subscribe for or acquire, or any options, calls, restricted stock, deferred stock awards, stock units, phantom awards, dividend equivalents, or commitments relating to, or any stock appreciation right or other instrument the value of which is determined in whole or in part by reference to the market price or value of, shares of capital stock of such Person, whether vested or unvested or exercisable or unexercisable, and shall include the NorthStar Equity Awards.

“SBC Common Stock” shall mean the $0.10 par value per share common stock of SBC.

“SEC” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.

“SEC Reports” shall mean all forms, proxy statements, registration statements, reports, schedules, and other documents filed, or required to be filed, by a Party or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC.

“Securities Laws” shall mean the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, each as amended, state securities and “Blue Sky” Laws, including in each case the rules and regulations thereunder.

“Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” shall have the meaning assigned in Rule 1-02(x) of Regulation S-X of the SEC.

“Superior Proposal” means any bona fide, unsolicited, written Acquisition Proposal for at least a majority of the outstanding shares of NorthStar Common Stock on terms that the Board of Directors of

 

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NorthStar concludes in good faith to be more favorable from a financial point of view to its shareholders than the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the terms, if any, proposed by Seacoast to amend or modify the terms of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement), (1) after receiving the written advice of its financial advisor (which shall be a nationally recognized investment banking firm, Seacoast acknowledging that Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P. is a nationally recognized investment banking firm), (2) after taking into account the likelihood of consummation of such transaction on the terms set forth therein (as compared to, and with due regard for, the terms herein) and (3) after taking into account all legal (after consultation with outside counsel), financial (including the financing terms of any such proposal), regulatory and other aspects of such proposal and any other relevant factors permitted under applicable Law.

“Tax” or “Taxes” shall mean all federal, state, local, and foreign taxes, charges, fees, levies, imposts, duties, or other like assessments, including assessments for unclaimed property, as well as income, gross receipts, excise, employment, sales, use, transfer, intangible, recording, license, payroll, franchise, severance, documentary, stamp, occupation, windfall profits, environmental, federal highway use, commercial rent, customs duties, capital stock, paid-up capital, profits, withholding, Social Security, single business and unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, registration, ad valorem, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax or governmental fee of any kind whatsoever, or any amount in respect of unclaimed property or escheat, imposed by or required to be paid or withheld by the United States or any state, local, or foreign government or subdivision or agency thereof, whether disputed or not, including any related interest, penalties, and additions imposed thereon or with respect thereto, and including any liability for Taxes of another Person pursuant to a contract, as a transferee or successor, under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 or analogous provision of state, local or foreign Law or otherwise.

“Tax Return” shall mean any report, return, declaration, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any associated schedules, forms, attachments or amendments and any related or supporting information, estimates, elections, or statements provided or required to be provided to a Taxing Authority in connection with Taxes, including any return of an Affiliated or combined or unitary group that includes a Party or its Subsidiaries and including without limitation any estimated Tax return.

“Taxable Period” shall mean any period prescribed by any Taxing Authority.

“Taxing Authority” shall mean any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, or other Governmental Authority, instrumentality, commission, board or body having jurisdiction over the Parties to impose or collect any Tax.

“Technology Systems” shall mean the electronic data processing, information, record keeping, communications, telecommunications, hardware, third-party software, networks, peripherals, portfolio trading and computer systems, including any outsourced systems and processes, and Intellectual Property used by NorthStar and the Bank.

“Termination Fee” shall mean $1,650,000.

“VWAP” shall mean the daily volume weighted average price of SBC Common Stock on NASDAQ or such other exchange or market on which the SBC Common Stock is then listed or quoted for trading on the day in question.

 

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(b) The terms set forth below shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the referenced sections:

 

Articles of Merger		Section 1.4
Agreement		Parties
Bank		Parties
Bank Merger		Preamble
Bank Merger Agreement		Preamble
Closing		Section 1.3
Closing Date		Section 1.3
Company		Parties
Company Disclosure Letter		Section 3.1
Covered Employees		Section 4.14(a)
CRA		Section 3.3(q)
Dissenting Shareholder		Section 2.3
Effective Time		Section 1.4
Exchange and Paying Agent		Section 2.1
IIPI		Section 3.3(r)
Indemnified Party		Section 4.15(a)
Material Adverse Effect		Section 3.2(b)
Merger		Preamble
Merger Consideration		Section 1.5(a)
NorthStar		Parties
NorthStar Certificates		Section 1.5(b)
NorthStar Directors’ Recommendation		Section 3.3(b)(ii)
NorthStar Latest Balance Sheet		Section 3.3(d)(ii)
Regulatory Consents		Section 4.8(b)
Required Consents		Section 5.1(b)
Sarbanes-Oxley Act		Section 3.3(d)(iv)
SBC		Parties
Seacoast		Parties
Seacoast SEC Reports		Section 3.4(d)(i)
Shareholder Support Agreement		Preamble
SNB		Parties
Surviving Bank		Section 1.2
Surviving Corporation		Section 1.1
Takeover Laws		Section 3.3(v)

(c) Any singular term in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the plural, and any plural term the singular. Whenever the words “include,” “includes,” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereby,” “herein,” “hereof” or “hereunder,” and similar terms are to be deemed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any specific section.

7.2 Non-Survival of Representations and Covenants. Except for Articles 1 and 2, Sections 4.7(b), 4.7(c), 4.10(b), 4.14 and 4.15, and this Article 7, the respective representations, warranties, obligations, covenants, and agreements of the Parties shall be deemed only to be conditions of the Merger and shall not survive the Effective Time.

7.3 Expenses.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7.3 or in Section 7.4, each of the Parties shall bear and pay all direct costs and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including filing, registration, and application fees, printing fees, and fees and expenses of its own

 

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financial or other consultants, investment bankers, accountants, and counsel, except that Seacoast shall bear and pay the filing fees payable in connection with the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and one half of the printing costs incurred in connection with the printing of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

(b) Nothing contained in this Section 7.3 or Section 7.4 shall constitute or shall be deemed to constitute liquidated damages for the willful breach by a Party of the terms of this Agreement or otherwise limit the rights of the non-breaching Party.

7.4 Termination Fee.

(a) In the event that (A) (i) either Party terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.1(c)(ii), or (ii) SBC terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.1(b), as a result of a willful breach of a covenant or agreement by NorthStar or the Bank, or pursuant to Sections 6.1(e)(i) or 6.1(e)(ii), (B) at any time after the date of this Agreement and prior to such termination NorthStar shall have received or there shall have been publicly announced an Acquisition Proposal that has not been formally withdrawn or abandoned prior to such termination, and (C) within 18 months following such termination, NorthStar consummates a transaction or enters into a definitive agreement to consummate a transaction with respect to an Acquisition Proposal, NorthStar shall pay Seacoast the Termination Fee within five (5) Business Days after the date it becomes payable pursuant hereto, by wire transfer of immediately available funds; provided that for purposes of this Section 7.4(a) all references in the definition of “Acquisition Proposal” to “25%” shall be to “50%”.

(b) In the event that SBC terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.1(e)(iii), NorthStar shall pay to Seacoast the Termination Fee within five (5) Business Days after the date this Agreement is terminated, by wire transfer of immediately available funds. In the event that NorthStar terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.1(f), NorthStar shall pay to Seacoast the Termination Fee on the date this Agreement is terminated, by wire transfer of immediately available funds.

(c) NorthStar and the Bank hereby acknowledges that the agreements contained in this Section 7.4 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and that, without these agreements, Seacoast would not enter into this Agreement. In the event that NorthStar fails to pay when due any amount payable under this Section 7.4, then (i) NorthStar shall reimburse Seacoast for all costs and expenses (including disbursements and reasonable fees of legal counsel) incurred in connection with the collection of such overdue amount, and (ii) NorthStar shall pay to Seacoast interest on such overdue amount (for the period commencing as of the date such overdue amount was originally required to be paid and ending on the date such overdue amount is actually paid in full) at a rate per annum equal to five percent (5%) over the “prime rate” (as published in the “Money Rates” column in The Wall Street Journal or, if not published therein, in another national financial publication selected by Seacoast) in effect on the date such overdue amount was originally required to be paid.

(d) Assuming NorthStar and the Bank are not in breach of their obligations under this Agreement, including Sections 4.5 and 4.12, then the payment of the Termination Fee shall fully discharge NorthStar and the Bank from and be the sole and exclusive remedy of Seacoast with respect to, any and all losses that may be suffered by Seacoast based upon, resulting from or rising out of the circumstances giving rise to such termination of this Agreement under Section 7.4(a) or 7.4(b). In no event shall NorthStar be required to pay the Termination Fee on more than one occasion.

7.5 Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement (including the Company Disclosure Letter, Seacoast Disclosure Letter and the Exhibits) constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all prior arrangements or understandings with respect thereto, written or oral, other than the Confidentiality Agreement, which shall remain in effect. The representations and warranties in this Agreement are the product of negotiations among the Parties hereto and are for the sole benefit of the Parties. Any inaccuracies in such

 

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representations and warranties are subject to waiver by the Parties hereto in accordance herewith without notice or liability to any other Person. In some instances, the representations and warranties in this Agreement may represent an allocation among the Parties hereto of risks associated with particular matters regardless of the knowledge of any of the Parties hereto. Consequently, Persons other than the Parties may not rely upon the representations and warranties in this Agreement as characterizations of actual facts or circumstances as of the date of this Agreement or as of any other date. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the contrary, no consent, approval, or agreement of any third party beneficiary will be required to amend, modify or waive any provision of the Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person, other than the Parties or their respective successors, any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

7.6 Amendments. Before the Effective Time, this Agreement (including the Company Disclosure and the Exhibits) may be amended by a subsequent writing signed by each of the Parties, whether before or after the NorthStar Shareholder Approval has been obtained, except to the extent that any such amendment would require the approval of the shareholders of NorthStar, unless such required approval is obtained.

7.7 Waivers.

(a) Prior to or at the Effective Time, either Party shall have the right to waive any Default in the performance of any term of this Agreement by the other Party, to waive or extend the time for the compliance or fulfillment by the other Party of any and all of such other Party’s obligations under this Agreement, and to waive any or all of the conditions precedent to its obligations under this Agreement, except any condition which, if not satisfied, would result in the violation of any Law. No waiver by a Party shall be effective unless in writing signed by a duly authorized officer of such Party.

(b) The failure of any Party at any time or times to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right of such Party at a later time to enforce the same or any other provision of this Agreement. No waiver of any condition or of the breach of any term contained in this Agreement in one or more instances shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of the breach of any other term of this Agreement.

7.8 Assignment. Except as expressly contemplated hereby, neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests, or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any Party hereto (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of each other Party. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

7.9 Notices. All notices or other communications which are required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered by hand, by facsimile or electronic transmission, by registered or certified mail, postage pre-paid, or by courier or overnight carrier, to the Persons at the addresses set forth below (or at such other address as may be provided hereunder), and shall be deemed to have been delivered as of the date so delivered:

 

Seacoast:		Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida 815 Colorado Avenue Stuart, Florida 34994 Telecopy Number: (772) 288-6086   Attention: Dennis Hudson
Copy to Counsel (which shall not constitute notice):		Alston & Bird LLP 1201 West Peachtree Street Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Telecopy Number: (404) 881-7777 Attention: Randolph A. Moore III

 

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Company:		NorthStar Banking Corporation Rivergate Tower 400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400 Tampa, Florida 33602 Telecopy Number:   Attention: Scott Jacobsen
Copy to Counsel (which shall not constitute notice):		Bush Ross, P.A. 1801 North Highland Avenue Tampa, Florida 33602 Telecopy Number: (813) 223-9620   Attention: John N. Giordano

7.10 Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Florida, without regard to any applicable principles of conflicts of Laws that would result in the application of the law of another jurisdiction, except that the Laws of the United States shall govern the consummation of the Bank Merger. The Parties agree that any action to enforce this Agreement, as well as any action relating to or arising out of this Agreement, shall be brought and determined exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Hillsborough County, Florida. With respect to any such court action, each Party hereby (i) irrevocably submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts; (ii) consents to service of process; (iii) consents to venue; and (iv) waives any other requirement (whether imposed by statute, rule of court, or otherwise) with respect to personal jurisdiction, service of process, or venue. Each Party further agrees that the state or federal courts located in Hillsborough County, Florida are convenient forums for any dispute that may arise from this Agreement and that neither Party shall raise as a defense that the dispute in such courts is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such dispute is improper.

7.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this Agreement and of signature pages by facsimile or electronic transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Agreement as to the Parties and may be used in lieu of the original Agreement for all purposes. Signatures of the Parties transmitted by facsimile or electronic transmission shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

7.12 Captions. The captions contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not part of this Agreement.

7.13 Interpretations. Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed or resolved against any Party, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise. No Party to this Agreement shall be considered the draftsman. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement has been reviewed, negotiated, and accepted by all Parties and their attorneys and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as fairly to accomplish the purposes and intentions of the Parties.

7.14 Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby, so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon a suitable and equitable substitute provision to effect the original intent of the Parties. If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

 

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7.15 Attorneys’ Fees.

In any action at law or suit in equity to enforce this Agreement or the rights of any of the Parties hereunder, the prevailing Party in such action or suit shall be entitled to receive its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs and expenses incurred in such action or suit.

7.16 Specific Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that, except as set forth in Section 7.4(d) of this Agreement, the Parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Further, no Party has any requirement to post a bond or other security before it can obtain specific performance.

7.17. Waiver of Jury Trial.

THE PARTIES HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THAT ANY PARTY MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY PROCEEDING, LITIGATION OR COUNTERCLAIM BASED ON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY. IF THE SUBJECT MATTER OF ANY LAWSUIT IS ONE IN WHICH THE WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL IS PROHIBITED, NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL PRESENT AS A NONCOMPULSORY COUNTERCLAIM IN ANY SUCH LAWSUIT ANY CLAIM BASED ON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. FURTHERMORE, NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY SUCH ACTION IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE WAIVED.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf and its seal to be hereunto affixed and attested by officers thereunto as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

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Exhibit A

PLAN OF MERGER AND MERGER AGREEMENT

NORTHSTAR BANK

with and into

SEACOAST NATIONAL BANK

under the charter of

SEACOAST NATIONAL BANK

under the title of

“SEACOAST NATIONAL BANK”

(“Resulting Bank”)

THIS AGREEMENT is made this [●] day of [●], 2017, between Seacoast National Bank (hereinafter referred to as “Seacoast Bank” and the “Resulting Bank”), a national banking association, with its main office located at 815 Colorado Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994 and NorthStar Bank, a Florida-chartered bank, with its main office located at 400 N Ashley Drive, Suite 1400, Tampa, FL 33602, (hereinafter referred to as “NorthStar” and, together with Seacoast Bank, the “Banks”).

WHEREAS, at least a majority of the entire Board of Directors of Seacoast Bank has approved this Agreement and authorized its execution pursuant to the authority given by and in accordance with the provisions of The National Bank Act (the “Act”);

WHEREAS, at least a majority of the entire Board of Directors of NorthStar has approved this Agreement and authorized its execution in accordance with Florida Statutes §658.42 and the Act;

WHEREAS, Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (“SBCF”), which owns all of the outstanding shares of Seacoast Bank, and NorthStar Banking Corporation, which owns all of the outstanding shares of NorthStar, have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Plan of Merger”) which, among other things, contemplates the merger of NorthStar Banking Corporation with and into SBCF, all subject to the terms and conditions of such Plan of Merger (the “BHC Merger”); and

WHEREAS, each of the Banks is entering into this Agreement to provide for the merger of NorthStar with and into Seacoast Bank, with Seacoast Bank being the surviving company of such merger transaction subject to, and as soon as practicable following, the closing of the BHC Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the closing of the BHC Merger, at the Effective Time (as defined below) and pursuant to the Act, NorthStar shall be merged with and into Seacoast Bank (the “Merger”). Upon consummation of the Merger, Seacoast Bank shall continue its existence as the surviving company and Resulting Bank under the charter of the Resulting Bank and the separate corporate existence of NorthStar shall cease. The closing of the Merger shall become effective at the time specified in the certificate of merger issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) in connection with the Merger (such time when the Merger becomes effective, the “Effective Time”).

SECTION 2

The name of the Resulting Bank shall be “Seacoast National Bank” or such other name as such bank may adopt prior to the Effective Time. The Resulting Bank will exercise trust powers.

 

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SECTION 3

The business of the Resulting Bank shall be that of a national banking association. This business initially shall be conducted by the Resulting Bank at its main office which shall be located at 815 Colorado Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994, as well as all of the banking offices of Seacoast National Bank and the banking offices of NorthStar that are acquired in the Merger (which such banking offices are set forth on Exhibit A to this Agreement and shall continue to conduct operations after the closing of the Merger as branch offices of Seacoast National Bank). The savings accounts of the Resulting Bank will be issued by the Resulting Bank in accordance with the Act.

SECTION 4

Immediately upon the Merger becoming effective, the amount of issued and outstanding capital stock of the Resulting Bank shall be the amount of capital stock of Seacoast National Bank issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger becoming effective. Preferred stock shall not be issued by the Resulting Bank.

SECTION 5

All assets of NorthStar and the Resulting Bank, as they exist at the Effective Time, shall pass to and vest in the Resulting Bank without any conveyance or other transfer; and the Resulting Bank shall be considered the same business and corporate entity as each constituent bank with all the rights, powers and duties of each constituent bank and the Resulting Bank shall be responsible for all the liabilities of every kind and description, of each of NorthStar and the Resulting Bank existing as of the Effective Time, all in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

SECTION 6

Seacoast Bank and NorthStar shall contribute to the Resulting Bank acceptable assets having a book value, over and above liability to its creditors, in such amounts as set forth on the books of Seacoast Bank and NorthStar at the Effective Time.

SECTION 7

At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of common stock of NorthStar shall be cancelled with no consideration being paid therefor.

Outstanding certificates representing shares of the common stock of NorthStar shall, at the Effective Time, be cancelled.

SECTION 8

Upon the Effective Time, the then outstanding shares of common stock of Seacoast Bank (the “Seacoast Bank Common Stock”) shall continue to remain outstanding shares of Seacoast Bank Common Stock, all of which shall continue to be owned by SBCF.

SECTION 9

The directors of the Resulting Bank following the Effective Time shall consist of those directors of Seacoast Bank as of the Effective Time, who shall serve until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. The executive officers of the Resulting Bank

 

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following the Effective Time shall consist of those executive officers of Seacoast Bank as of the Effective Time, who shall serve until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.

SECTION 10

This Agreement has been approved by SBCF, which owns all of the outstanding shares of Seacoast Bank and by NorthStar Banking Corporation, which owns all of the outstanding shares of NorthStar.

SECTION 11

The effectiveness of this Agreement is subject to satisfaction of the following terms and conditions:

(a) The BHC Merger shall have closed and become effective.

(b) The OCC shall have approved this Agreement and the Merger and shall have issued all other necessary authorizations and approvals for the Merger, and any statutory waiting period shall have expired.

SECTION 12

Each of the Banks hereby invites and authorizes the OCC to examine each of such Bank’s records in connection with the Merger.

SECTION 13

Effective as of the Effective Time, the Articles of Association and Bylaws of the Resulting Bank shall consist of the Articles of Association and Bylaws of Seacoast Bank as in effect immediately prior to Effective Time.

SECTION 14

This Agreement shall terminate if and at the time of any termination of the Plan of Merger.

SECTION 15

This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the Banks with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and supersedes all other prior commitments, arrangements or understandings, both oral and written, among the Banks with respect to the subject matter hereof.

The provisions of this Agreement are intended to be interpreted and construed in a manner so as to make such provisions valid, binding and enforceable. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be partially or wholly invalid, illegal or unenforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be modified or restricted to the extent necessary to make such provision valid, binding and enforceable, or, if such provision cannot be modified or restricted in a manner so as to make such provision valid, binding and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be excised from this Agreement and the validity, binding effect and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired in any manner.

No waiver, amendment, modification or change of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless and until made in writing and signed by the Banks. No waiver, forbearance or failure by any Bank of its rights to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver or estoppel of such Bank’s right to enforce any other provision of this Agreement or a continuing waiver by such Bank of compliance with any provision hereof.

 

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Except to the extent federal law is applicable hereto, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

This Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Banks’ respective successors and permitted assigns.

Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, this Agreement shall not benefit or create any right of action in or on behalf of any person or entity other than the Banks.

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (including by facsimile or optically-scanned electronic mail attachment), each of which shall be deemed to be original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have signed this Plan of Merger and Merger Agreement effective as of the date and year first set forth above.

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT A

BANKING OFFICES OF THE RESULTING BANK

Main Office:

815 Colorado Avenue

Stuart, FL 34994

Branch Offices:

[NTD: SEACOAST TO PROVIDE LIST OF CURRENT BRANCHES]

400 North Ashley Drive

Tampa, FL 33602

715 Indian Rocks Rd. N.

Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770

402 S. MacDill Ave.

Tampa, FL 33609

 

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Exhibit B

FORM OF COMPANY SHAREHOLDER SUPPORT AGREEMENT

THIS SHAREHOLDER SUPPORT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of May 18, 2017, by and among Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, a Florida corporation (“Buyer”), NorthStar Banking Corporation, a Florida corporation (“Seller”), and each of the undersigned (i) directors of Seller and directors of NorthStar Bank (“NorthStar”) that are beneficial owners of any shares of Seller Stock (as defined below), (ii) executive officers of Seller or executive officers of NorthStar that are beneficial owners of any shares of Seller Stock, and (iii) each beneficial holder of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of Seller Stock (each of (i), (ii) and (iii), a “Shareholder,” and collectively, the “Shareholders”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Shareholders desire that Buyer and Seller consummate the transactions (the “Transactions”) set forth in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 18, 2017 (as the same may be amended or supplemented, the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Buyer, Seacoast National Bank, Seller and NorthStar, that provides for, among other things, the merger of Seller with and into Buyer (the “Merger”); and

WHEREAS, the Shareholders, Seller and Buyer are executing this Agreement as an inducement and condition to Buyer entering into, executing and performing the Merger Agreement and consummating the Transactions.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of, and as a material inducement to, entering into and the execution and delivery by Buyer of the Merger Agreement and the mutual covenants, conditions and agreements contained herein and therein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1. Representations and Warranties. Each Shareholder represents and warrants to Buyer severally, but not jointly, as follows:

(a) The Shareholder has voting power over the number of shares (“Shareholder’s Shares”) of the common stock of Seller, par value $0.01 per share (“Seller Stock”), set forth below such Shareholder’s name on the signature page hereto. Except for the Shareholder’s Shares, the Shareholder does not have voting power over any shares of Seller Stock.

(b) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the Shareholder, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

(c) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation by the Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby will result in a violation of, or a default under, or conflict with, any contract, trust, commitment, agreement, understanding, arrangement or restriction of any kind to which the Shareholder is a party or bound or to which the Shareholder’s Shares are subject. Consummation by the Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby will not violate, or require any consent, approval, or notice under, any provision of any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, rule or regulation applicable to the Shareholder or the Shareholder’s Shares.

(d) The Shareholder’s Shares and the certificates representing the Shareholder’s Shares are now, and at all times during the term hereof will be, held by the Shareholder, or by a nominee or custodian for the benefit of such Shareholder, free and clear of all pledges, liens, security interests, claims, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever (any such encumbrance, a “Lien”), except for (i) any such Liens arising hereunder, and (ii) Liens, if any, which have been previously disclosed in writing to Buyer and will be satisfied and released at Closing.

(e) The Shareholder understands and acknowledges that Buyer entered into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the Shareholder’s execution and delivery of this Agreement. The Shareholder acknowledges that the irrevocable proxy set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement is granted in consideration of the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement by Buyer.

 

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(f) No broker, investment banker, financial adviser or other Person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s, financial adviser’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Shareholder.

(g) The Shareholder represents that there are no outstanding or valid proxies or voting rights given to any Person in connection with Shareholder’s Shares.

2. Voting Agreements. The Shareholder agrees with, and covenants to, Buyer as follows:

(a) At any meeting of shareholders of Seller called to vote upon the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the Transactions, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, or in any other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval with respect to the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the Transactions is sought (collectively, the “Shareholders’ Meeting”), the Shareholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) all of the Shareholder’s Shares in favor of the approval of the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Merger and each of the Transactions, and shall not grant any proxies to any third party, except where such proxies are expressly directed to vote in favor of the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the Transactions. The Shareholder hereby waives all notice and publication of notice of any Shareholders’ Meeting to be called or held with respect to the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the Transactions.

(b) At any Shareholders’ Meeting or in any other circumstances upon which their vote, consent or other approval is sought, the Shareholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) such Shareholder’s Shares against (i) any acquisition proposal, including, without limitation, any merger or exchange agreement or merger or exchange (other than the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the Transactions), consolidation, combination, sale of substantial assets, reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of or by Seller; (ii) any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of Seller contained in the Merger Agreement or of Shareholder contained in this Agreement; and (iii) any amendment of Seller’s articles of incorporation or bylaws or other proposal or transaction involving Seller or any of its Subsidiaries, which amendment or other proposal or transaction would in any manner delay, impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify the Merger Agreement, or any of the Transactions, other than an amendment or other proposal or transaction required by a Regulatory Authority or other Governmental Authority (each of the foregoing in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above, a “Competing Transaction”).

Shareholder further agrees not to vote or execute any written consent to rescind or amend in any manner any prior vote or written consent, as a shareholder of Seller, to approve or adopt the Merger Agreement unless this Agreement shall have been terminated in accordance with its terms.

3. Covenants. The Shareholder agrees with, and covenants to, Buyer as follows:

(a) Without the prior written consent of Buyer, the Shareholder shall not (i) “Transfer” (which term shall include, without limitation, for the purposes of this Agreement, any sale, gift, pledge, transfer, hypothecation or other disposition), or consent to any Transfer of, any or all of the Shareholder’s Shares or any interest therein, (ii) enter into any contract, option or other agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to any Transfer of any or all of Shareholder’s Shares or any interest therein, (iii) grant or solicit any proxy, power of attorney or other authorization in or with respect to Shareholder’s Shares, except for this Agreement, (iv) deposit Shareholder’s Shares into a voting trust or enter into any voting agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to Shareholder’s Shares for any purpose (other than to satisfy its obligations under this Agreement), or (v) initiate a shareholders’ vote or action by consent of Seller’s shareholders with respect to a Competing Transaction; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not preclude a Transfer in connection with bona fide estate planning purposes to the Shareholder’s affiliates or immediate family members, provided that as a condition to such Transfer, such affiliate or immediate family member shall execute an agreement that is identical to this Agreement (except to reflect the change in the ownership of the Shareholder’s Shares) and provided further, that the assigning Shareholder shall remain jointly and severally liable for any breaches by any of his or her affiliates or immediate family members of

 

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the terms hereof. The restriction on the Transfer of the Shareholder’s Shares set forth in this Section 3(a) shall terminate upon the first to occur of (x) the Effective Time of the Merger and the Transactions or (y) the date upon which the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.

(b) The Shareholder hereby waives any rights of appraisal, or rights to dissent from the Merger or the Transactions that such Shareholder may have.

(c) The Shareholder shall not, nor shall it permit any investment banker, attorney or other adviser or representative of the Shareholder to, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly induce or encourage, or knowingly take an action to facilitate the making of the submission of any Competing Transaction, or (ii) except as provided in the Merger Agreement, participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any person any information with respect to, or take any other action to facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, any Competing Transactions, other than the Merger or the Transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

4. Irrevocable Proxy. Subject to the last sentence of this Section 4, by execution of this Agreement, Shareholder does hereby appoint Buyer with the full power of substitution and resubstitution, as Shareholder’s true and lawful attorney and irrevocable proxy, to the full extent of Shareholder’s rights with respect to Shareholder’s Shares, to vote each of such Shareholder Shares that Shareholder shall be entitled to so vote with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof at any Shareholders’ Meeting, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, and in connection with any action of the shareholders of Seller taken by written consent. Shareholder intends this proxy to be irrevocable and coupled with an interest hereafter until the termination of this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 9 hereof and hereby revokes any proxy previously granted by Shareholder with respect to the Shareholder Shares. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this irrevocable proxy shall automatically terminate upon the termination of this Agreement.

5. Certain Events. The Shareholder agrees that this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Shareholder’s Shares and shall be binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of Shareholder’s Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including the Shareholder’s successors or assigns. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend, merger, exchange, reorganization, recapitalization or other change in the capital structure of the Seller affecting the Seller Common Stock, or the acquisition of additional shares of Seller Stock or other voting securities of Seller by Shareholder, the number of shares of Seller Stock subject to the terms of this Agreement shall be adjusted appropriately and this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to any additional shares of Seller Stock or other voting securities of the Seller issued to or acquired by the Shareholder.

6. Specific Performance; Remedies; Attorneys’ Fees. Shareholder acknowledges that it is a condition to the willingness of Buyer to enter into the Merger Agreement that Shareholder execute and deliver this Agreement and that it will be impossible to measure in money the damage to Buyer if Shareholder fails to comply with the obligations imposed by this Agreement and that, in the event of any such failure, irreparable damage will occur and Buyer will not have any adequate remedy at law. It is accordingly agreed that Buyer shall be entitled to seek specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for any such breach or to prevent any breach and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Seller agrees that it shall not oppose the granting of such relief on the basis that Buyer has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, any third party participating with Shareholder or receiving from Shareholder assistance in violation of this Agreement and of the rights of Buyer hereunder, and any such participation by such third party with Shareholder in activities in violation of the Shareholder’s agreement with Buyer set forth in this Agreement may give rise to claims by Buyer against such third party and Buyer acknowledges that Shareholder may be responsible for any associated liabilities caused by such third party. In any legal action or other proceeding relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or if the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement is brought against either Party, the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be entitled to recover all reasonable expenses relating thereto (including

 

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reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, court costs and expenses incident to arbitration, appellate and post-judgment proceedings) from the other Party, in addition to any other relief to which such prevailing Party may be entitled.

7. Further Assurances. The Shareholder shall, upon the request of the Buyer, promptly execute and deliver any additional documents and take such further actions as may reasonably be deemed by the Buyer to be necessary or desirable to carry out the provisions hereof and to vest in the Buyer the power to vote such Shareholder’s Shares as contemplated by Section 2 and 4 of this Agreement and the other irrevocable proxies provided herein.

8. Confidentiality. The undersigned recognizes and acknowledges that he or she may have access to certain confidential information of the Buyer and its subsidiaries (including that obtained from the Seller and its shareholders in connection with the Transactions), the Seller and its Subsidiaries and their shareholders, including, without limitation, customer lists, information regarding customers, confidential methods of operation, lending, credit information, organization, pricing, mark-ups, commissions and other information and that all such information constitutes valuable, special and unique property of the Buyer, the Seller and the Buyer’s shareholders. All such information, which shall exclude any information that is publicly known or hereafter becomes publicly known other than as a result of any action or omission by the undersigned, is herein referred to as “Confidential Information.” The undersigned will not disclose or directly or indirectly utilize in any manner any such Confidential Information for Shareholder’s own benefit or the benefit of anyone other than the Buyer and/or its shareholders during the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years after the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9; provided that the undersigned may disclose such Confidential Information as required by law, court order or other valid and appropriate legal process.

9. Term of Agreement; Termination. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement by the written consent of the parties hereto, and this Agreement shall be automatically terminated upon either (i) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, or (ii) the consummation of the Merger. Upon such termination, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities hereunder; provided, however, that such termination shall not relieve any party from liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to such termination; provided further that the provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any such termination pursuant to this Section 9.

10. Severability. In the event that any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement, and the parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to substitute a valid, legal and enforceable provision which, insofar as practical, implements the purpose and intents of this Agreement.

11. Miscellaneous.

(a) Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the Merger Agreement. As used herein, the singular shall include the plural and any reference to gender shall include all other genders. The terms “include,” “including” and similar phrases shall mean including without limitation, whether by enumeration or otherwise.

(b) All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or sent by reliable overnight delivery or by facsimile or electronic transmission to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice): (i) if to the Buyer or Seller, to the addresses set forth in Section 7.9 of the Merger Agreement; and (ii) if to the Shareholder, to its address shown below its signature on the last page hereof.

 

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(c) The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(d) This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts by facsimile or other electronic means, all of which shall be considered and have the same force and effect as one and the same agreement.

(e) This Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(f) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without regard to the applicable conflicts of laws principles thereof.

(g) If any term, provision, covenant or restriction herein, or the application thereof to any circumstance, shall, to any extent, be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions herein and the application thereof to any other circumstances, shall remain in full force and effect, shall not in any way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

(h) Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise, by any of the parties without the prior written consent of the other parties, except as expressly contemplated by Section 3(a) of this Agreement. Any assignment in violation of the foregoing shall be void.

(i) No amendment, modification or waiver in respect of this Agreement shall be effective against any party unless it shall be in writing and signed by both parties.

(j) The parties acknowledge that nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to give rise to joint obligations among the Shareholders. No Shareholder shall be deemed to be in breach of this Agreement as a result of the actions of any other Shareholder.

(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the obligations of the Shareholder under this Agreement shall not be applicable in connection with an Acquisition Proposal that is a Superior Proposal, provided that Seller and its Affiliates have complied with the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, including Section 4.5 and 4.12 of the Merger Agreement.

(l) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, nothing herein is intended or shall be construed or require the Shareholder, in his or her capacity as a director, officer, or employee of the Company, to act or fail to act in accordance with his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement.

[Signatures on following pages]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned parties have executed and delivered this Support Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

[Signature Page to the Shareholder Support Agreement]

 

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Exhibit C

FORM OF CLAIMS LETTER

May 18, 2017

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

815 Colorado Avenue

Stuart, Florida 34994

Attention: Dennis S. Hudson, III

Gentlemen:

This claims letter (“Claims Letter”) is delivered pursuant to Section 4.17 of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 18, 2017 (as the same may be amended or supplemented, the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, a Florida corporation (“Buyer”), Seacoast National Bank, a national banking association and wholly owned subsidiary of Buyer, NorthStar Banking Corporation, a Florida corporation (“Seller”) and NorthStar Bank, a Florida state-chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Seller. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement.

Concerning claims which the undersigned may have against Seller or Buyer or any of their respective Subsidiaries in all capacities, whether as an officer, director, employee, partner, controlling person or Affiliate or otherwise of Seller, NorthStar Bank or any Seller entity, and in consideration of the premises, and the mutual covenants contained herein and in the Merger Agreement and the mutual benefits to be derived hereunder and thereunder, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the undersigned, intending to be legally bound, hereby affirms and agrees to the following in each and every such capacity of the undersigned.

1. Claims. The undersigned does not have, and is not aware of, any claims he or she might have against Seller or Buyer or any of their respective Subsidiaries, except for: (i) compensation and related benefits for services rendered that have been accrued but not yet paid in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (ii) contract rights, under written loan commitments and agreements between the undersigned and Seller, specifically limited to possible future advances in accordance with the terms of such commitments or agreements; (iii) certificates of deposit and deposit accounts; (iv) fees owed on account of any services rendered by the undersigned that have been accrued but not yet paid in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (v) checks issued by any other depositor of Seller; (vi) any rights that the undersigned has or may have under the Merger Agreement including, without limitation, the indemnification rights set forth in Section 4.15 thereof; and (vii) amounts payable to the undersigned pursuant to the Merger Agreement or any ancillary document referred to therein in his or her capacity as a shareholder of Seller or as an officer or director of Seller or a holder of a NorthStar Equity Award (collectively, the “Disclosed Claims”).

2. Releases. Upon the Closing, the undersigned hereby fully, finally and irrevocably releases and forever discharges Seller, NorthStar Bank, Buyer, Seacoast National Bank and all other Seller entities and Buyer entities, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, representatives, Subsidiaries, partners, Affiliates, controlling persons and insurers in their capacities as such, and their respective successors and assigns, and each of them (hereinafter, individually and collectively, the “Releasees”) of and from any and all liabilities, losses, claims, demands, debts, accounts, covenants, agreements, obligations, costs, expenses, actions or causes of action of every nature, character or description, now accrued or which may hereafter accrue, without limitation and whether or not in law, equity or otherwise, based in whole or in part on any known or unknown facts, conduct, activities, transactions, events or occurrences, matured or unmatured, contingent or otherwise, which have or allegedly have existed, occurred, happened, arisen or transpired from the beginning of time to the date of the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, except for the Disclosed Claims (collectively, the “Claims”). The undersigned further irrevocably releases, discharges, and transfers to Buyer, as successor to Seller, respectively, all claims, actions and interests of the undersigned in any Intellectual Property of any nature whatsoever created, developed, registered, licensed or used by or for the undersigned or the Seller, NorthStar Bank or any Seller entity (which shall also be considered to be Claims). The undersigned represents,

 

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warrants and covenants that no Claim released herein has been assigned, expressly, impliedly, by operation of law or otherwise, and that all Claims released hereby are owned solely by the undersigned, which has the sole authority to release them.

3. Forbearance. The undersigned shall forever refrain and forebear from commencing, instituting, prosecuting or making any lawsuit, action, claim or proceeding before or in any court, Regulatory Authority, Governmental Authority, Taxing Authority arbitral or other authority to collect or enforce any Claims which are released and discharged hereby.

4. Miscellaneous.

(a) This Claims Letter shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida without regard to conflict of laws principles (other than the choice of law provisions thereof).

(b) This Claims Letter contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Claims released hereby, and such Claims Letter supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements or understandings (written or otherwise) with respect to such Claims, and no representation or warranty, oral or written, express or implied, has been made by or relied upon by any party hereto, except as expressly contained herein, or in the Merger Agreement.

(c) This Claims Letter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the undersigned and the Releasees and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

(d) In any legal action or other proceeding relating to this Claims Letter and the transactions contemplated hereby or if the enforcement of any right or benefit provided by this Claims Letter is brought against a party, the prevailing party in any such Litigation pursuant to which an arbitral panel, court or other Governmental Authority issues a final order, judgment, decree or award granting substantially the relief sought shall be entitled upon demand to be paid by the other party all reasonable costs incurred in connection with such Litigation, including the reasonable legal fees and charges of one counsel, court costs and expenses incident to arbitration, appellate and post-judgement proceedings, provided no party shall be entitled to any punitive or exemplary damages, which are hereby waived.

(e) IN ANY CIVIL ACTION, COUNTERCLAIM, PROCEEDING, OR LITIGATION, WHETHER AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, WHICH ARISES OUT OF, CONCERNS, OR RELATES TO THIS CLAIMS LETTER, ANY AND ALL TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS CLAIMS LETTER, THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS CLAIMS LETTER, OR THE RELATIONSHIP CREATED BY THIS CLAIMS LETTER, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, TRIAL SHALL BE TO A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION AND NOT TO A JURY. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY. ANY PARTY MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS CLAIMS LETTER WITH ANY COURT, AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES TO THIS CLAIMS LETTER OF THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. NEITHER PARTY HAS MADE OR RELIED UPON ANY ORAL REPRESENTATIONS TO OR BY ANY OTHER PARTY REGARDING THE ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS PROVISION. EACH PARTY HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE EFFECT OF THIS JURY WAIVER PROVISION. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN ADVISED BY ITS OWN COUNSEL WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSACTIONS GOVERNED BY THIS CLAIMS LETTER AND SPECIFICALLY WITH RESPECT TO THE TERMS OF THIS SECTION.

(f) This Claims Letter may not be modified, amended or rescinded except by the written agreement of the undersigned and the Buyer, it being the express understanding of the undersigned and the Releasees that no term hereof may be waived by the action, inaction or course of dealing by or between the undersigned or the Releasees, except in strict accordance with this paragraph, and further that the waiver of any breach of this Claims Letter shall not constitute or be construed as the waiver of any other breach of the terms hereof.

 

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(g) The undersigned represents, warrants and covenants that he or she is fully aware of his or her rights to discuss any and all aspects of this matter with any attorney he or she chooses, and that the undersigned has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Claims Letter, and that the undersigned is voluntarily entering into this Claims Letter.

(h) This Claims Letter shall become effective upon the consummation of the Merger, and its operation to extinguish all of the Claims released hereby is not dependent on or affected by the performance or non-performance of any future act by the undersigned or the Releasees.

[Signatures on following page.]

 

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On behalf of Releasees, the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, acknowledges receipt of this letter as of May 18, 2017.

 

[Signature Page to Claims Letter]

 

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Exhibit D

FORM OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT

[FORM OF OUTSIDE DIRECTOR AGREEMENT – 3 YEAR]

THIS RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of May 18, 2017, by and between Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, a Florida corporation (“Buyer”), and the undersigned director (“Director”) of NorthStar Banking Corporation, a Florida corporation (“NorthStar”) and/or NorthStar Bank, a Florida chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of NorthStar (“Merger Sub” and collectively with NorthStar, “Seller”) and shall become effective as of the Effective Time of the Merger as provided in the Merger Agreement (defined below).

WHEREAS, Buyer, Seacoast National Bank, a national banking association and wholly owned subsidiary of Buyer (“SNB”), NorthStar and Merger Sub are parties to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 18, 2017, as the same may be amended or supplemented (the “Merger Agreement”), that provides for, among other things, the merger of NorthStar with and into Buyer, and the subsequent merger of Merger Sub with and into SNB (the “Merger”);

WHEREAS, Director is a shareholder and director of Seller;

WHEREAS, as a result of the Merger and pursuant to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Director and/or an Affiliate of Director is selling shares of Company Common Stock held by Director and/or the Director’s Affiliate to Buyer and will receive Merger Consideration in exchange for such shares;

WHEREAS, Director is in possession of trade secrets and valuable confidential business information of Seller, and has substantial relationships with its banking customers;

WHEREAS, prior to the date hereof, Director has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Seller, and, therefore, Director has knowledge of the Confidential Information (hereinafter defined);

WHEREAS, the Director acknowledges that the Buyer has legitimate business interests to justify the enforcement of this Agreement;

WHEREAS, as a result of the Merger, Buyer will succeed to all of the Confidential Information, for which Buyer, as of the Effective Time, will have paid valuable considerations and desires reasonable protection; and

WHEREAS, the Merger Agreement contemplates that, upon the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement by Seller, as a condition and inducement to the willingness of Buyer and SNB to enter into the Merger Agreement, Director will enter into and perform this Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, including, without limitation, the Merger Consideration to be received by Director and/or the Director’s Affiliate, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, covenant and agree as follows:

1. Certain Definitions.

(a) “Affiliated Company” means any company or entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with Buyer or Seller.

(b) “Confidential Information” means all information regarding Seller, Buyer and their respective Affiliated Companies and any of their respective activities, businesses or customers that is not generally known to persons not employed by Seller, Buyer or their respective Affiliated Companies, and that is not generally disclosed publicly to persons not employed by Seller, Buyer or their respective Affiliated Companies (except to applicable regulatory authorities and/or pursuant to confidential or other relationships where there is no expectation of public disclosure or use by third Persons). “Confidential Information” shall include, without

 

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limitation, all customer information, customer lists, confidential methods of operation, lending and credit information, commissions, mark-ups, product/service formulas, information concerning techniques for use and integration of websites and other products/services, current and future development and expansion or contraction plans of Seller, Buyer or their respective Affiliated Companies, sale/acquisition plans and contacts, marketing plans and contacts, information concerning the legal affairs of and information concerning the pricing of products and services, strategy, tactics and financial affairs of Seller, Buyer or their respective Affiliated Companies. “Confidential Information” also includes any “confidential information,” “trade secrets” or any equivalent term under any applicable federal, state or local law. “Confidential Information” shall not include information that (i) has become generally available to the public by the act of one who has the right to disclose such information without violating any right or privilege of Seller or Buyer or their respective Affiliated Companies or any duty owed to any of them; or (ii) is independently developed by a person or entity without reference to or use of Confidential Information. Director acknowledges and agrees that the trading in Buyer or Seller securities using Confidential Information or other non-public information may violate federal and state securities laws.

(c) Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meanings provided in the Merger Agreement.

2. Restrictive Covenants.

(a) Nondisclosure of Confidential Information. From the Effective Time and for a period of five (5) years thereafter, Director shall not directly or indirectly transmit or disclose any Confidential Information to any Person, or use or permit others to use any such Confidential Information, directly or indirectly, for any purpose for so long as such information remains Confidential Information, without the prior express written consent of the Chief Executive Officer of Buyer, which consent may be withheld in the sole discretion of Buyer’s Chief Executive Officer. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, Director shall not be restricted from disclosing information that is required to be disclosed by law, court order or other valid and appropriate legal process; provided, however, that in the event such disclosure is required by law, Director shall (i) if allowed by law or legal process, provide Buyer with prompt notice of such requirement so that Buyer may seek an appropriate protective order prior to any such required disclosure by Director; and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that any Confidential Information disclosed will be accorded confidential treatment; provided, further, that no such notice or efforts shall be required in connection with any routine audit or investigation by any Governmental Authority or Taxing Authority that does not expressly reference Seller, Buyer or any of their respective Affiliated Companies. If, in the absence of a required waiver or protective order, Director is nonetheless, in the good faith written opinion of his legal counsel, required to disclose Confidential Information, disclosure may be made only as to that portion of the Confidential Information that counsel advises Director is required to be disclosed.

(b) Nonrecruitment of Employees. Director hereby agrees that, for three (3) years following the Effective Time, Director shall not, without the prior written consent of the Buyer’s Chief Executive Officer, which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of the Buyer’s Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly solicit or recruit or attempt to solicit or recruit for employment or encourage to leave employment with Buyer or any of its Affiliated Companies, on his or her own behalf or on behalf of any other Person, (i) any then-current employee of Buyer or any of its Affiliated Companies or (ii) any employee of Seller who worked at Seller or any of its Affiliated Companies during Director’s services as a director of Seller or any Seller Affiliated Company and who has not ceased employment for a minimum of a six month period with Buyer, Seller or any Affiliated Companies, as applicable. It is acknowledged that general advertisements shall not be deemed to violate this provision.

(c) Nonsolicitation of Customers. Director hereby agrees that, for three (3) years following the Effective Time, Director shall not, without the prior written consent of the Buyer’s Chief Executive Officer, which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of Buyer’s Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly, on behalf of himself, herself or of anyone other than Seller, Buyer or any Affiliated Company, in the Restricted

 

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Area (as defined in Section 2(d) below), solicit or attempt to solicit any customer or client of Seller for the purpose of either (i) providing any Business Activities (as defined in Section 2(d)) or (ii) inducing such customer or client to cease, reduce, restrict or divert its business with Seller, Buyer or any Affiliated Company. It is acknowledged that general advertisements shall not be deemed to violate this provision.

(d) Noncompetition. Director hereby agrees that, for three (3) years following the Effective Time, Director shall not, without the prior written consent of Buyer’s Chief Executive Officer, which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of Buyer’s Chief Executive Officer, prepare or apply to commence, or engage or participate in, Business Activities with, for or on behalf of any other (i) financial institution as an officer, director, manager, owner, partner, joint venture, consultant, independent contractor, employee, or shareholder of, or (ii) Person, business or enterprise, in either case that competes in the Restricted Area with the Buyer and its Affiliated Companies with respect to Business Activities. For purposes of this Agreement, “Business Activities” shall be any business activities conducted by Buyer, Seller or any of their Affiliated Companies, which consist of commercial or consumer loans and extensions of credit, letters of credit, commercial and consumer deposits and deposit accounts, securities repurchase agreements and sweep accounts, cash management services, money transfer and bill payment services, internet or electronic banking, automated teller machines, IRA and retirement accounts, commercial or consumer mortgage loans, and commercial or consumer home equity lines of credit. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 2(d) shall prohibit a Director from providing to any entity which engages in Business Activities within the Restricted Area (i) services that the Director provides as of the date of this Agreement, and (ii) services that the Director has provided prior to the date of this Agreement as a part of such Director’s current business. For purposes of this Agreement, the “Restricted Area” shall mean Brevard, Broward, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Seminole, St. Lucie and Volusia counties in Florida. Nothing in this Section 2(d) shall prohibit Director from acquiring or holding, for investment purposes only, less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of any company or business organization which may compete directly or indirectly with Seller, Buyer or any of their Affiliated Companies. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit a Director or any of such Director’s Affiliated Companies from continuing to hold outstanding securities of an entity that engages in Business Activities; provided that, such securities were held by the Director or any of such Director’s Affiliated Company as of the date of this Agreement. If Buyer is sold during the term of the Agreement, the terms under Section 2(b), 2(c), and 2(d) hereof shall be automatically reduced from three (3) to two (2) years.

(e) Enforceability of Covenants. Director acknowledges and agrees that the covenants in this Agreement are direct consideration for a sale of a business and should be governed by standards applicable to restrictive covenants entered into in connection with a sale of a business. Director acknowledges that each of Buyer and its Affiliated Companies have a current and future expectation of business within the Restricted Area and from the current and proposed customers of Seller that are derived from the acquisition of Seller by Buyer. Director acknowledges that the term, geographic area, and scope of the covenants set forth in this Agreement are reasonable, and agrees that he will not, in any action, suit or other proceeding, deny the reasonableness of, or assert the unreasonableness of, the premises, consideration or scope of the covenants set forth herein. Director agrees that his position as a director of Seller involves duties and authority relating to all aspects of the Business Activities and all of the Restricted Area. Director further acknowledges that complying with the provisions contained in this Agreement will not preclude him from engaging in a lawful profession, trade or business, or from becoming gainfully employed. Director and Buyer agree that Director’s obligations under the above covenants are separate and distinct under this Agreement, and the failure or alleged failure of the Buyer to perform its obligations under any other provisions of this Agreement shall not constitute a defense to the enforceability of this covenant. Director and Buyer agree that if any portion of the foregoing provisions is deemed to be unenforceable because the geography, time or scope of activities restricted is deemed to be too broad, the court shall be authorized to substitute for the overbroad term an enforceable term that will enable the enforcement of the covenants to the maximum extent possible under applicable law. Director acknowledges and agrees that any breach or threatened breach of this covenant will result in irreparable damage and injury to the Buyer and its Affiliated Companies and that damages arising out of such breach would be difficult to ascertain.

 

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Director hereby agrees that, in addition to all other remedies provided at law or in equity, Buyer will be entitled to exercise all rights including, without limitation, obtaining one or more temporary restraining orders, injunctive relief and other equitable relief, including specific performance in the event of any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, without the necessity of posting any bond or security (all of which are waived by the Director), and to exercise all other rights or remedies, at law or in equity, including, without limitation, the rights to damages.

3. Successors.

(a) This Agreement is personal to Director, is not assignable by Director, and none of Director’s duties hereunder may be delegated.

(b) This Agreement may be assigned by, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Buyer and any of its Affiliated Companies and their successors and assigns.

4. Miscellaneous.

(a) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by Director and Buyer. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or any prior subsequent time.

(b) Severability. If any provision or covenant, or any part thereof, of this Agreement should be held by any court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, either in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or covenants, or any part thereof, of this Agreement, all of which shall remain in full force and effect.

(c) Attorneys’ Fees. In any legal action or other proceeding relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or if the enforcement of any right or benefit provided by this Agreement is brought against a Party, the prevailing Party in any such legal action or other proceeding pursuant to which an arbitral panel, court or other Governmental Authority issues a final order, judgment, decree or award granting substantially the relief sought shall be entitled upon demand to be paid by the other Party, all reasonable costs incurred in connection with such legal action or other proceeding, including the reasonable legal fees and charges of counsel, court costs and expenses incident to arbitration, appellate and post-judgment proceedings, provided no party shall be entitled to any punitive or exemplary damages, which are hereby waived.

(d) Governing Law and Forum Selection. Buyer and Director agree that this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to its conflicts of law principles. Director agrees that any action to enforce this Agreement, as well as any action relating to or arising out of this Agreement, shall be filed only in the state courts of Hillsborough County, Florida. With respect to any such court action, Director hereby (i) irrevocably submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts; (ii) consents to service of process; (iii) consents to venue; and (iv) waives any other requirement (whether imposed by statute, rule of court, or otherwise) with respect to personal jurisdiction, service of process, or venue. Both parties hereto further agree that the state courts of Hillsborough County, Florida are convenient forums for any dispute that may arise herefrom and that neither party shall raise as a defense that such courts are not convenient forums.

(e) Notices. All notice, consent, demand, request or other communication given to a party hereto in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given such party (i) when delivered personally to such party or (ii) provided that a written acknowledgement of receipt is obtained, five (5) days after being sent by prepaid certified or registered mail or two (2) days after being sent by a nationally

 

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recognized overnight courier, to the address (if any) specified below for such party (or to such other address at such party shall have specified by ten (10) days’ advance notice given in accordance with this Section 4(e), or (iii) in the case of Buyer only, on the first business day after it is sent by electronic transmission or facsimile to the facsimile number set forth below (or to other such facsimile number as shall have specified by ten (10) days’ advance notice given in accordance with this Section 4(e)), with a confirmation copy sent by certified or registered mail or by overnight courier in accordance with this Section 4(e).

 

To Buyer:		Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida 815 Colorado Avenue Stuart, Florida 34994 Facsimile Number: (772) 288-6086 Attention: Dennis S. Hudson, III
To Director:		To the address set forth under such Director’s name on the signature page of this Agreement

Any party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be delivered or mailed by giving notice thereof to the other party in the same manner provided herein.

(f) Amendments and Modifications. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by both parties hereto, which makes specific reference to this Agreement.

(g) Entire Agreement. Except as provided herein, this Agreement contains the entire agreement between Buyer and Director with respect to the subject matter hereof and, from and after the date hereof, this Agreement shall supersede any prior agreement, understanding and arrangement, oral or written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. A facsimile signature shall constitute and have the same force and effect as an original signature for all purposes under this Agreement.

(i) Termination. If the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article 6 thereof, this Agreement shall become null and void.

[Signatures on following page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first above written.

BUYER:

 

SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA
By:
Name:		Dennis S. Hudson, III
Title:		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

DIRECTOR:

Name:
Address:

[Signature Page to Restrictive Covenant Agreement]

 

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APPENDIX B

 

May 17, 2017

Board of Directors

NorthStar Banking Corporation

400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1400

Tampa, FL 33602

Ladies and Gentlemen:

NorthStar Banking Corporation (“NorthStar”), NorthStar Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NorthStar (“Bank” and together with NorthStar, “Company”), Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (“SBC”) and Seacoast National Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBC (“SNB” and together with SBC, “Seacoast”), are proposing to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which NorthStar will merge with and into SBC with SBC being the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, at the Effective Time, each share of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of NorthStar (“Company Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for certain shares of Company Common Stock as specified in the Agreement, will be converted into the right to receive, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Agreement, (i) 0.5605 shares of SBC Common Stock (the “Stock Consideration”), and (ii) $2.40 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”). The Stock Consideration and the Cash Consideration are collectively referred to herein as the “Merger Consideration.” Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreement. The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Agreement. You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to the holders of Company Common Stock.

Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill”, “we” or “our”), as part of its investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial institutions and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed and considered, among other things: (i) an execution copy of the Agreement, dated May 18, 2017; (ii) certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Company that we deemed relevant; (iii) certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Seacoast that we deemed relevant; (iv) certain internal financial projections for Company for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2021, as provided by the senior management of Company; (v) publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Seacoast for the years ending December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, as well as an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Seacoast; (vi) the pro forma financial impact of the Merger on Seacoast based on certain assumptions relating to purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and transaction expenses, as provided by the senior management of Seacoast; (vii) the publicly reported historical price and trading activity for SBC Common Stock, including a comparison of certain stock market information for SBC Common Stock and certain stock indices as well as publicly available information for certain other

SANDLER O’NEILL + PARTNERS, L.P.

1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10020

T: (212) 466-7700 / (800) 635-6855

www.sandleroneill.com

 

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similar companies, the securities of which are publicly traded; (viii) a comparison of certain financial information for Company and Seacoast with similar financial institutions for which information is publicly available; (ix) the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the banking industry (on a regional and nationwide basis), to the extent publicly available; (x) the current market environment generally and the banking environment in particular; and (xi) such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as we considered relevant. We also discussed with certain members of the senior management of Company the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Company and held similar discussions with certain members of the senior management of Seacoast regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Seacoast.

In performing our review, we have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to and reviewed by us from public sources, that was provided to us by Company or Seacoast or their respective representatives or that was otherwise reviewed by us, and we have assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion without any independent verification or investigation. We have relied on the assurances of the respective managements of Company and Seacoast that they are not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make any of such information inaccurate or misleading. We have not been asked to and have not undertaken an independent verification of any of such information and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof. We did not make an independent evaluation or perform an appraisal of the specific assets, the collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Company or Seacoast or any of their respective subsidiaries, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. We render no opinion or evaluation on the collectability of any assets or the future performance of any loans of Company or Seacoast. We did not make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses of Company or Seacoast, or of the combined entity after the Merger, and we have not reviewed any individual credit files relating to Company or Seacoast. We have assumed, with your consent, that the respective allowances for loan losses for both Company and Seacoast are adequate to cover such losses and will be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity.

In preparing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill used certain internal financial projections for Company for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2021, as provided by the senior management of Company. In addition, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Seacoast for the years ending December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, as well as an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Seacoast. Sandler O’Neill also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and transaction expenses, as provided by the senior management of Seacoast. With respect to the foregoing information, the respective senior managements of Company and Seacoast confirmed to us that such information reflected (or, in the case of the publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates referred to above, were consistent with) the best currently available projections, estimates and judgments of those respective senior managements as to the future financial performance of Company and Seacoast, respectively, and the other matters covered thereby, and we assumed that the future financial performance reflected in such information would be achieved. We express no opinion as to such information, or the assumptions on which such information is based. We have also assumed that there has been no material change in the respective assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of Company or Seacoast since the date of the most recent financial statements made available to us. We have

 

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assumed in all respects material to our analysis that Company and Seacoast will remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to our analysis.

We have also assumed, with your consent, that (i) each of the parties to the Agreement will comply in all material respects with all material terms and conditions of the Agreement and all related agreements, that all of the representations and warranties contained in such agreements are true and correct in all material respects, that each of the parties to such agreements will perform in all material respects all of the covenants and other obligations required to be performed by such party under such agreements and that the conditions precedent in such agreements are not and will not be waived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases with respect to the Merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have an adverse effect on Company, Seacoast or the Merger or any related transaction, (iii) the Merger and any related transactions will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement without any waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof and in compliance with all applicable laws and other requirements, and (iv) the Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. Finally, with your consent, we have relied upon the advice that Company has received from its legal, accounting and tax advisors as to all legal, accounting and tax matters relating to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement. We express no opinion as to any such matters.

Our opinion is necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. Events occurring after the date hereof could materially affect this opinion. We have not undertaken to update, revise, reaffirm or withdraw this opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date hereof. We express no opinion as to the trading value of SBC Common Stock at any time or what the value of SBC Common Stock will be once it is actually received by the holders of Company Common Stock.

We have acted as Company’s financial advisor in connection with the Merger and will receive a fee for our services, which fee is contingent upon the closing of the Merger. We will also receive a fee for rendering this opinion, which opinion fee will be credited in full towards the transaction fee which will become payable to Sandler O’Neill on the day of closing of the Merger. Company has also agreed to indemnify us against certain claims and liabilities arising out of our engagement and to reimburse us for certain of our out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with our engagement. We have not provided any other investment banking services to Company in the two years preceding the date of this opinion. In the two years preceding the date hereof, Sandler O’Neill has provided certain investment banking services to, and received fees from, Seacoast. Most recently, Sandler O’Neill acted as joint book-running manager in connection with Seacoast’s offer and sale of common stock, which transaction closed in February 2017, and financial advisor to the Board of Directors of Seacoast in connection with Seacoast’s acquisition of Grand Bankshares, Inc., which transaction closed in July 2015. In addition, in the ordinary course of our business as a broker-dealer, we may purchase securities from and sell securities to Seacoast and its affiliates. We may also actively trade the equity and debt securities of Seacoast and its affiliates for our own account and for the accounts of our customers.

Our opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of Company in connection with its consideration of the Agreement and the Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Company as to how any such shareholder should vote at any meeting of shareholders called to consider and vote upon the approval of the Agreement and the Merger. Our opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the

 

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Merger Consideration to the holders of Company Common Stock and does not address the underlying business decision of Company to engage in the Merger, the form or structure of the Merger or any other transactions contemplated in the Agreement, the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any other alternative transactions or business strategies that might exist for Company or the effect of any other transaction in which Company might engage. We also do not express any opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the Merger by any officer, director or employee of Company or Seacoast, or any class of such persons, if any, relative to the compensation to be received in the Merger by any other shareholder. This opinion has been approved by Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion committee. This opinion shall not be reproduced without Sandler O’Neill’s prior written consent; provided, however, Sandler O’Neill will provide its consent for the opinion to be included in regulatory filings to be completed in connection with the Merger.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration is fair to holders of Company Common Stock from a financial point of view.

 

 

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APPENDIX C

607.1301 Appraisal rights; definitions. — The following definitions apply to ss. 607.1302-607.1333:

(1) “Affiliate” means a person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another person or is a senior executive thereof. For purposes of s. 607.1302(2)(d), a person is deemed to be an affiliate of its senior executives.

(2) “Beneficial shareholder” means a person who is the beneficial owner of shares held in a voting trust or by a nominee on the beneficial owner’s behalf.

(3) “Corporation” means the issuer of the shares held by a shareholder demanding appraisal and, for matters covered in ss. 607.1322-607.1333, includes the surviving entity in a merger.

(4) “Fair value” means the value of the corporation’s shares determined:

(a) Immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to which the shareholder objects.

(b) Using customary and current valuation concepts and techniques generally employed for similar businesses in the context of the transaction requiring appraisal, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion would be inequitable to the corporation and its remaining shareholders.

(c) For a corporation with 10 or fewer shareholders, without discounting for lack of marketability or minority status.

(5) “Interest” means interest from the effective date of the corporate action until the date of payment, at the rate of interest on judgments in this state on the effective date of the corporate action.

(6) “Preferred shares” means a class or series of shares the holders of which have preference over any other class or series with respect to distributions.

(7) “Record shareholder” means the person in whose name shares are registered in the records of the corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to the extent of the rights granted by a nominee certificate on file with the corporation.

(8) “Senior executive” means the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, or anyone in charge of a principal business unit or function.

(9) “Shareholder” means both a record shareholder and a beneficial shareholder.

History. — s. 118, ch. 89-154; s. 21, ch. 2003-283; s. 2, ch. 2005-267.

607.1302 Right of shareholders to appraisal. —

(1) A shareholder of a domestic corporation is entitled to appraisal rights, and to obtain payment of the fair value of that shareholder’s shares, in the event of any of the following corporate actions:

(a) Consummation of a conversion of such corporation pursuant to s. 607.1112 if shareholder approval is required for the conversion and the shareholder is entitled to vote on the conversion under ss. 607.1103 and 607.1112(6), or the consummation of a merger to which such corporation is a party if shareholder approval is required for the merger under s. 607.1103 and the shareholder is entitled to vote on the merger or if such corporation is a subsidiary and the merger is governed by s. 607.1104;

 

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(b) Consummation of a share exchange to which the corporation is a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the exchange, except that appraisal rights shall not be available to any shareholder of the corporation with respect to any class or series of shares of the corporation that is not exchanged;

(c) Consummation of a disposition of assets pursuant to s. 607.1202 if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the disposition, including a sale in dissolution but not including a sale pursuant to court order or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan by which all or substantially all of the net proceeds of the sale will be distributed to the shareholders within 1 year after the date of sale;

(d) An amendment of the articles of incorporation with respect to the class or series of shares which reduces the number of shares of a class or series owned by the shareholder to a fraction of a share if the corporation has the obligation or right to repurchase the fractional share so created;

(e) Any other amendment to the articles of incorporation, merger, share exchange, or disposition of assets to the extent provided by the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board of directors, except that no bylaw or board resolution providing for appraisal rights may be amended or otherwise altered except by shareholder approval; or

(f) With regard to a class of shares prescribed in the articles of incorporation prior to October 1, 2003, including any shares within that class subsequently authorized by amendment, any amendment of the articles of incorporation if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the amendment and if such amendment would adversely affect such shareholder by:

1. Altering or abolishing any preemptive rights attached to any of his or her shares;

2. Altering or abolishing the voting rights pertaining to any of his or her shares, except as such rights may be affected by the voting rights of new shares then being authorized of any existing or new class or series of shares;

3. Effecting an exchange, cancellation, or reclassification of any of his or her shares, when such exchange, cancellation, or reclassification would alter or abolish the shareholder’s voting rights or alter his or her percentage of equity in the corporation, or effecting a reduction or cancellation of accrued dividends or other arrearages in respect to such shares;

4. Reducing the stated redemption price of any of the shareholder’s redeemable shares, altering or abolishing any provision relating to any sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of any of his or her shares, or making any of his or her shares subject to redemption when they are not otherwise redeemable;

5. Making noncumulative, in whole or in part, dividends of any of the shareholder’s preferred shares which had theretofore been cumulative;

6. Reducing the stated dividend preference of any of the shareholder’s preferred shares; or

7. Reducing any stated preferential amount payable on any of the shareholder’s preferred shares upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the availability of appraisal rights under paragraphs (1)(a), (b), (c), and (d) shall be limited in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) Appraisal rights shall not be available for the holders of shares of any class or series of shares which is:

1. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; or

 

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2. Not so listed or designated, but has at least 2,000 shareholders and the outstanding shares of such class or series have a market value of at least $10 million, exclusive of the value of such shares held by its subsidiaries, senior executives, directors, and beneficial shareholders owning more than 10 percent of such shares.

(b) The applicability of paragraph (a) shall be determined as of:

1. The record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the meeting of shareholders to act upon the corporate action requiring appraisal rights; or

2. If there will be no meeting of shareholders, the close of business on the day on which the board of directors adopts the resolution recommending such corporate action.

(c) Paragraph (a) shall not be applicable and appraisal rights shall be available pursuant to subsection (1) for the holders of any class or series of shares who are required by the terms of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights to accept for such shares anything other than cash or shares of any class or any series of shares of any corporation, or any other proprietary interest of any other entity, that satisfies the standards set forth in paragraph (a) at the time the corporate action becomes effective.

(d) Paragraph (a) shall not be applicable and appraisal rights shall be available pursuant to subsection (1) for the holders of any class or series of shares if:

1. Any of the shares or assets of the corporation are being acquired or converted, whether by merger, share exchange, or otherwise, pursuant to the corporate action by a person, or by an affiliate of a person, who:

a. Is, or at any time in the 1-year period immediately preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights was, the beneficial owner of 20 percent or more of the voting power of the corporation, excluding any shares acquired pursuant to an offer for all shares having voting power if such offer was made within 1 year prior to the corporate action requiring appraisal rights for consideration of the same kind and of a value equal to or less than that paid in connection with the corporate action; or

b. Directly or indirectly has, or at any time in the 1-year period immediately preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporation of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights had, the power, contractually or otherwise, to cause the appointment or election of 25 percent or more of the directors to the board of directors of the corporation; or

2. Any of the shares or assets of the corporation are being acquired or converted, whether by merger, share exchange, or otherwise, pursuant to such corporate action by a person, or by an affiliate of a person, who is, or at any time in the 1-year period immediately preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights was, a senior executive or director of the corporation or a senior executive of any affiliate thereof, and that senior executive or director will receive, as a result of the corporate action, a financial benefit not generally available to other shareholders as such, other than:

a. Employment, consulting, retirement, or similar benefits established separately and not as part of or in contemplation of the corporate action;

b. Employment, consulting, retirement, or similar benefits established in contemplation of, or as part of, the corporate action that are not more favorable than those existing before the corporate action or, if more favorable, that have been approved on behalf of the corporation in the same manner as is provided in s.607.0832; or

c. In the case of a director of the corporation who will, in the corporate action, become a director of the acquiring entity in the corporate action or one of its affiliates, rights and benefits as a director that are provided on the same basis as those afforded by the acquiring entity generally to other directors of such entity or such affiliate.

 

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(e) For the purposes of paragraph (d) only, the term “beneficial owner” means any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, or understanding, other than a revocable proxy, has or shares the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, shares, provided that a member of a national securities exchange shall not be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities held directly or indirectly by it on behalf of another person solely because such member is the recordholder of such securities if the member is precluded by the rules of such exchange from voting without instruction on contested matters or matters that may affect substantially the rights or privileges of the holders of the securities to be voted. When two or more persons agree to act together for the purpose of voting their shares of the corporation, each member of the group formed thereby shall be deemed to have acquired beneficial ownership, as of the date of such agreement, of all voting shares of the corporation beneficially owned by any member of the group.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the articles of incorporation as originally filed or any amendment thereto may limit or eliminate appraisal rights for any class or series of preferred shares, but any such limitation or elimination contained in an amendment to the articles of incorporation that limits or eliminates appraisal rights for any of such shares that are outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of such amendment or that the corporation is or may be required to issue or sell thereafter pursuant to any conversion, exchange, or other right existing immediately before the effective date of such amendment shall not apply to any corporate action that becomes effective within 1 year of that date if such action would otherwise afford appraisal rights.

(4) A shareholder entitled to appraisal rights under this chapter may not challenge a completed corporate action for which appraisal rights are available unless such corporate action:

(a) Was not effectuated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section or the corporation’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, or board of directors’ resolution authorizing the corporate action; or

(b) Was procured as a result of fraud or material misrepresentation.

History. — s. 119, ch. 89-154; s. 5, ch. 94-327; s. 31, ch. 97-102; s. 22, ch. 2003-283; s. 1, ch. 2004-378; s. 3, ch. 2005-267.

607.1303 Assertion of rights by nominees and beneficial owners. —

(1) A record shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to fewer than all the shares registered in the record shareholder’s name but owned by a beneficial shareholder only if the record shareholder objects with respect to all shares of the class or series owned by the beneficial shareholder and notifies the corporation in writing of the name and address of each beneficial shareholder on whose behalf appraisal rights are being asserted. The rights of a record shareholder who asserts appraisal rights for only part of the shares held of record in the record shareholder’s name under this subsection shall be determined as if the shares as to which the record shareholder objects and the record shareholder’s other shares were registered in the names of different record shareholders.

(2) A beneficial shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to shares of any class or series held on behalf of the shareholder only if such shareholder:

(a) Submits to the corporation the record shareholder’s written consent to the assertion of such rights no later than the date referred to in s. 607.1322(2)(b)2.

(b) Does so with respect to all shares of the class or series that are beneficially owned by the beneficial shareholder.

History. — s. 23, ch. 2003-283.

607.1320 Notice of appraisal rights. —

 

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(1) If proposed corporate action described in s. 607.1302(1) is to be submitted to a vote at a shareholders’ meeting, the meeting notice must state that the corporation has concluded that shareholders are, are not, or may be entitled to assert appraisal rights under this chapter. If the corporation concludes that appraisal rights are or may be available, a copy of ss. 607.1301-607.1333 must accompany the meeting notice sent to those record shareholders entitled to exercise appraisal rights.

(2) In a merger pursuant to s. 607.1104, the parent corporation must notify in writing all record shareholders of the subsidiary who are entitled to assert appraisal rights that the corporate action became effective. Such notice must be sent within 10 days after the corporate action became effective and include the materials described in s. 607.1322.

(3) If the proposed corporate action described in s. 607.1302(1) is to be approved other than by a shareholders’ meeting, the notice referred to in subsection (1) must be sent to all shareholders at the time that consents are first solicited pursuant to s. 607.0704, whether or not consents are solicited from all shareholders, and include the materials described in s. 607.1322.

History. — s. 120, ch. 89-154; s. 35, ch. 93-281; s. 32, ch. 97-102; s. 24, ch. 2003-283.

607.1321 Notice of intent to demand payment. —

(1) If proposed corporate action requiring appraisal rights under s. 607.1302 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders’ meeting, or is submitted to a shareholder pursuant to a consent vote under s. 607.0704, a shareholder who wishes to assert appraisal rights with respect to any class or series of shares:

(a) Must deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken, or within 20 days after receiving the notice pursuant to s. 607.1320(3) if action is to be taken without a shareholder meeting, written notice of the shareholder’s intent to demand payment if the proposed action is effectuated.

(b) Must not vote, or cause or permit to be voted, any shares of such class or series in favor of the proposed action.

(2) A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (1) is not entitled to payment under this chapter.

History. — s. 25, ch. 2003-283; s. 7, ch. 2004-378.

607.1322 Appraisal notice and form. —

(1) If proposed corporate action requiring appraisal rights under s. 607.1302(1) becomes effective, the corporation must deliver a written appraisal notice and form required by paragraph (2)(a) to all shareholders who satisfied the requirements of s. 607.1321. In the case of a merger under s. 607.1104, the parent must deliver a written appraisal notice and form to all record shareholders who may be entitled to assert appraisal rights.

(2) The appraisal notice must be sent no earlier than the date the corporate action became effective and no later than 10 days after such date and must:

(a) Supply a form that specifies the date that the corporate action became effective and that provides for the shareholder to state:

1. The shareholder’s name and address.

2. The number, classes, and series of shares as to which the shareholder asserts appraisal rights.

3. That the shareholder did not vote for the transaction.

 

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4. Whether the shareholder accepts the corporation’s offer as stated in subparagraph (b)4.

5. If the offer is not accepted, the shareholder’s estimated fair value of the shares and a demand for payment of the shareholder’s estimated value plus interest.

(b) State:

1. Where the form must be sent and where certificates for certificated shares must be deposited and the date by which those certificates must be deposited, which date may not be earlier than the date for receiving the required form under subparagraph 2.

2. A date by which the corporation must receive the form, which date may not be fewer than 40 nor more than 60 days after the date the subsection (1) appraisal notice and form are sent, and state that the shareholder shall have waived the right to demand appraisal with respect to the shares unless the form is received by the corporation by such specified date.

3. The corporation’s estimate of the fair value of the shares.

4. An offer to each shareholder who is entitled to appraisal rights to pay the corporation’s estimate of fair value set forth in subparagraph 3.

5. That, if requested in writing, the corporation will provide to the shareholder so requesting, within 10 days after the date specified in subparagraph 2., the number of shareholders who return the forms by the specified date and the total number of shares owned by them.

6. The date by which the notice to withdraw under s. 607.1323 must be received, which date must be within 20 days after the date specified in subparagraph 2.

(c) Be accompanied by:

1. Financial statements of the corporation that issued the shares to be appraised, consisting of a balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year ending not more than 15 months prior to the date of the corporation’s appraisal notice, an income statement for that year, a cash flow statement for that year, and the latest available interim financial statements, if any.

2. A copy of ss. 607.1301-607.1333.

History. — s. 26, ch. 2003-283.

607.1323 Perfection of rights; right to withdraw. —

(1) A shareholder who wishes to exercise appraisal rights must execute and return the form received pursuant to s. 607.1322(1) and, in the case of certificated shares, deposit the shareholder’s certificates in accordance with the terms of the notice by the date referred to in the notice pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)2. Once a shareholder deposits that shareholder’s certificates or, in the case of uncertificated shares, returns the executed forms, that shareholder loses all rights as a shareholder, unless the shareholder withdraws pursuant to subsection (2).

(2) A shareholder who has complied with subsection (1) may nevertheless decline to exercise appraisal rights and withdraw from the appraisal process by so notifying the corporation in writing by the date set forth in the appraisal notice pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)6. A shareholder who fails to so withdraw from the appraisal process may not thereafter withdraw without the corporation’s written consent.

 

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(3) A shareholder who does not execute and return the form and, in the case of certificated shares, deposit that shareholder’s share certificates if required, each by the date set forth in the notice described in subsection (2), shall not be entitled to payment under this chapter.

History. — s. 27, ch. 2003-283.

607.1324 Shareholder’s acceptance of corporation’s offer. —

(1) If the shareholder states on the form provided in s. 607.1322(1) that the shareholder accepts the offer of the corporation to pay the corporation’s estimated fair value for the shares, the corporation shall make such payment to the shareholder within 90 days after the corporation’s receipt of the form from the shareholder.

(2) Upon payment of the agreed value, the shareholder shall cease to have any interest in the shares.

History. — s. 28, ch. 2003-283.

607.1326 Procedure if shareholder is dissatisfied with offer. —

(1) A shareholder who is dissatisfied with the corporation’s offer as set forth pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)4. must notify the corporation on the form provided pursuant to s. 607.1322(1) of that shareholder’s estimate of the fair value of the shares and demand payment of that estimate plus interest.

(2) A shareholder who fails to notify the corporation in writing of that shareholder’s demand to be paid the shareholder’s stated estimate of the fair value plus interest under subsection (1) within the timeframe set forth in s. 607.1322(2)(b)2. waives the right to demand payment under this section and shall be entitled only to the payment offered by the corporation pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)4.

History. — s. 29, ch. 2003-283.

607.1330 Court action. —

(1) If a shareholder makes demand for payment under s. 607.1326 which remains unsettled, the corporation shall commence a proceeding within 60 days after receiving the payment demand and petition the court to determine the fair value of the shares and accrued interest. If the corporation does not commence the proceeding within the 60- day period, any shareholder who has made a demand pursuant to s.607.1326 may commence the proceeding in the name of the corporation.

(2) The proceeding shall be commenced in the appropriate court of the county in which the corporation’s principal office, or, if none, its registered office, in this state is located. If the corporation is a foreign corporation without a registered office in this state, the proceeding shall be commenced in the county in this state in which the principal office or registered office of the domestic corporation merged with the foreign corporation was located at the time of the transaction.

(3) All shareholders, whether or not residents of this state, whose demands remain unsettled shall be made parties to the proceeding as in an action against their shares. The corporation shall serve a copy of the initial pleading in such proceeding upon each shareholder party who is a resident of this state in the manner provided by law for the service of a summons and complaint and upon each nonresident shareholder party by registered or certified mail or by publication as provided by law.

(4) The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced under subsection (2) is plenary and exclusive. If it so elects, the court may appoint one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision on the question of fair value. The appraisers shall have the powers described in the order appointing them or in any amendment to the order. The shareholders demanding appraisal rights are entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings. There shall be no right to a jury trial.

 

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(5) Each shareholder made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment for the amount of the fair value of such shareholder’s shares, plus interest, as found by the court.

(6) The corporation shall pay each such shareholder the amount found to be due within 10 days after final determination of the proceedings. Upon payment of the judgment, the shareholder shall cease to have any interest in the shares.

History. — s. 2, ch. 2004-378.

607.1331 Court costs and counsel fees. —

(1) The court in an appraisal proceeding shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the court. The court shall assess the costs against the corporation, except that the court may assess costs against all or some of the shareholders demanding appraisal, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds such shareholders acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to the rights provided by this chapter.

(2) The court in an appraisal proceeding may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:

(a) Against the corporation and in favor of any or all shareholders demanding appraisal if the court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with ss. 607.1320 and 607.1322; or

(b) Against either the corporation or a shareholder demanding appraisal, in favor of any other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to the rights provided by this chapter.

(3) If the court in an appraisal proceeding finds that the services of counsel for any shareholder were of substantial benefit to other shareholders similarly situated, and that the fees for those services should not be assessed against the corporation, the court may award to such counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded the shareholders who were benefited.

(4) To the extent the corporation fails to make a required payment pursuant to s. 607.1324, the shareholder may sue directly for the amount owed and, to the extent successful, shall be entitled to recover from the corporation all costs and expenses of the suit, including counsel fees.

History. — s. 30, ch. 2003-283; s. 98, ch. 2004-5.

607.1332 Disposition of acquired shares. —

Shares acquired by a corporation pursuant to payment of the agreed value thereof or pursuant to payment of the judgment entered therefor, as provided in this chapter, may be held and disposed of by such corporation as authorized but unissued shares of the corporation, except that, in the case of a merger or share exchange, they may be held and disposed of as the plan of merger or share exchange otherwise provides. The shares of the surviving corporation into which the shares of such shareholders demanding appraisal rights would have been converted had they assented to the merger shall have the status of authorized but unissued shares of the surviving corporation.

History. — s. 31, ch. 2003-283.

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(1) No payment shall be made to a shareholder seeking appraisal rights if, at the time of payment, the corporation is unable to meet the distribution standards of s. 607.06401. In such event, the shareholder shall, at the shareholder’s option:

(a) Withdraw his or her notice of intent to assert appraisal rights, which shall in such event be deemed withdrawn with the consent of the corporation; or

(b) Retain his or her status as a claimant against the corporation and, if it is liquidated, be subordinated to the rights of creditors of the corporation, but have rights superior to the shareholders not asserting appraisal rights, and if it is not liquidated, retain his or her right to be paid for the shares, which right the corporation shall be obliged to satisfy when the restrictions of this section do not apply.

(2) The shareholder shall exercise the option under paragraph (1)(a) or paragraph (b) by written notice filed with the corporation within 30 days after the corporation has given written notice that the payment for shares cannot be made because of the restrictions of this section. If the shareholder fails to exercise the option, the shareholder shall be deemed to have withdrawn his or her notice of intent to assert appraisal rights.

History. — s. 32, ch. 2003-283.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers of Seacoast

The Florida Business Corporation Act, as amended, or the “FBCA,” permits, under certain circumstances, the indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents of a corporation with respect to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, to which such person was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party, by reason of his or her being an officer, director, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of, such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against liability incurred in connection with such proceeding, including appeals thereof; provided, however, that the officer, director, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any such third-party action by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person (i) did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation or (ii) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

In the case of proceedings by or in the right of the corporation, the FBCA permits for indemnification of any person by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of, such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against liability incurred in connection with such proceeding, including appeals thereof; provided, however, that the officer, director, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification is made where such person is adjudged liable, unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

To the extent that such person is successful on the merits or otherwise in defending against any such proceeding, Florida law provides that he or she shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.

Our Bylaws contain indemnification provisions similar to the FBCA, and further provide that we may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of directors, officers, employees and agents in their capacities as such, or serving at the request of the corporation, against any liabilities asserted against such persons whether or not we would have the power to indemnify such persons against such liability under our Bylaws.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) List of Exhibits

 

Exhibit 2.1		—		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May  18, 2017, by and among Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, Seacoast National Bank, NorthStar Banking Corporation and NorthStar Bank (attached as Appendix A to the proxy statement/prospectus).

 

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				Certain exhibits and schedules to the Agreement and Plan of Merger have been omitted. Such exhibits and schedules are described in the Agreement and Plan of Merger. Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida hereby agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, any or all of such omitted exhibits and schedules.
Exhibit 3.1.1		—		Amended and Restated articles of incorporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Seacoast’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May 10, 2006).
Exhibit 3.1.2		—		Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated articles of incorporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Seacoast’s Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2008).
Exhibit 3.1.3		—		Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated articles of incorporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.4 to Seacoast’s Form S-1, filed June 22, 2009).
Exhibit 3.1.4		—		Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated articles of incorporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Seacoast’s Form 8-K, filed July 20, 2009).
Exhibit 3.1.5		—		Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated articles of incorporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Seacoast’s Form 8-K, filed December 3, 2009).
Exhibit 3.1.6		—		Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated articles of incorporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Seacoast’s Form 8-K/A, filed July 14, 2010).
Exhibit 3.1.7		—		Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated articles of incorporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Seacoast’s Form 8-K, filed June 25, 2010).
Exhibit 3.1.8		—		Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated articles of incorporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Seacoast’s Form 8-K, filed June 1, 2011).
Exhibit 3.1.9		—		Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated articles of incorporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Seacoast’s Form 8-K, filed December 13, 2013).
Exhibit 3.2		—		Amended and Restated By-laws of the Corporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to Seacoast’s Form 8-K, filed December 21, 2007).
Exhibit 4.1		—		Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Seacoast’s Form 10-K, filed March, 17, 2014).
Exhibit 5.1		—		Legal Opinion of Alston  & Bird, LLP *
Exhibit 8.1		—		Tax Opinion of Alston & Bird, LLP
Exhibit 8.2		—		Tax Opinion of Bush Ross, P.A.
Exhibit 21.1		—		Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 21 Seacoast’s Form 10-K, filed March 16, 2017).
Exhibit 23.1		—		Consent of Alston  & Bird (included in Exhibit 5.1) *
Exhibit 23.2		—		Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP
Exhibit 24		—		Power of Attorney *
Exhibit 99.1		—		Form of Proxy to be used at NorthStar Banking Corporation Special Shareholders Meeting
Exhibit 99.2		—		Consent of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.

 

*	Previously Filed.

 

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(b) Financial Statement Schedules

None. All other schedules for which provision is made in Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related restrictions or are inapplicable, and, therefore, have been omitted.

(c) Opinion of Financial Advisors

Furnished as Appendix B to the proxy statement/prospectus, which forms a part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4.

Item 22. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective Registration Statement; and

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

 

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The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Stuart and State of Florida, on September 1, 2017.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature		Title		Date
/S/ DENNIS S. HUDSON, III      Dennis S. Hudson, III		Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer)		September 1, 2017
/S/ CHARLES M. SHAFFER      Charles M. Shaffer		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)		September 1, 2017
*     Dennis J. Arczynski		Director		September 1, 2017
*     Stephen E. Bohner		Director		September 1, 2017
Jacqueline L. Bradley		Director		September 1, 2017
*     H. Gilbert Culbreth, Jr.		Director		September 1, 2017
*     Julie H. Daum		Director		September 1, 2017
*     Christopher E. Fogal		Director		September 1, 2017
*     Maryann B. Goebel		Director		September 1, 2017
*     Roger O. Goldman		Director		September 1, 2017

 

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Signature		Title		Date
Dennis S. Hudson, Jr.		Director		September 1, 2017
*     Timothy Huval		Director		September 1, 2017
*     Herbert Lurie		Director		September 1, 2017
*     Alvaro J. Monserrat		Director		September 1, 2017
*     Thomas E. Rossin		Director		September 1, 2017

 

*		/s/ Dennis S. Hudson, III
		Dennis S. Hudson, III
		Attorney-in-Fact

 

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