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<P id=PARA1 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>UNITED STATES </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA3 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Washington, D. C. 20549</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA5 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>FORM 8-K</B></FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA7 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">CURRENT REPORT</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA9 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA11 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 22, 2015</FONT></P>
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<TD style="WIDTH: 33.8%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">&nbsp; </TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 41.5%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" colSpan=5>&nbsp; </TD>
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<P id=PARA12 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt 47.85pt 0pt 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Palmetto Bancshares, Inc.</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA13 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt 47.85pt 0pt 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA22 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA23 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<TD style="WIDTH: 33.8%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA24 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><U>South Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA26 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0-26016&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA28 style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 74-2235055</U></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA29 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">State or other jurisdiction of incorporation </FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA31 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Commission File Number</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA32 style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;IRS Employer I.D. number</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<TD style="WIDTH: 33.9%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" colSpan=2>&nbsp; </TD>
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<P id=PARA35 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA36 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA37 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><U>306 East North Street, Greenville, South Carolina&nbsp;</U></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA39 style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><U>29601</U></FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA40 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Address of principal executive offices</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA42 style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Zip Code</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA43 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA44 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA45 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA47 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA48 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 6.5%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA49 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 22%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA50 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 12.5%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA51 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 25%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" colSpan=2>
<P id=PARA52 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<TD style="WIDTH: 33.9%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" colSpan=2>
<P id=PARA53 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 6.5%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA54 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="WIDTH: 22%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top">
<P id=PARA55 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;<U>800.725.2265</U></FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA56 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD>
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<P id=PARA57 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<P id=PARA58 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registrant&#39;s telephone number </FONT></P>
<P id=PARA59 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><U></U></FONT>&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
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<TD style="WIDTH: 100%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colSpan=7>N/A</TD></TR>
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<TD style="WIDTH: 100%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; TEXT-ALIGN: center" colSpan=7><U>(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)</U></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA64 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA65 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">[X] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA67 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA69 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA71 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA72 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA73 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SECTION 8 &#8211; OTHER EVENTS</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA74 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA75 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Item 8.01. Other Events</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA76 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA77 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B></B>On April 22, 2015, Palmetto Bancshares, Inc. (&#8220;Palmetto&#8221;), the holding company for The Palmetto Bank, Greenville, South Carolina, sent a letter to Palmetto shareholders regarding the proposed merger of Palmetto with and into United Community Banks, Inc. (&#8220;United&#8221;), the holding company for United Community Bank, Blairsville, Georgia, (the &#8220;Merger&#8221;). A copy of the letter to Palmetto shareholders is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></P>
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<P id=PARA78 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA80 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA81 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B></B>This Form 8-K contains &#8220;forward-looking statements&#8221; as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In general, forward-looking statements usually use words such as &#8220;may,&#8221; &#8220;believe,&#8221; &#8220;expect,&#8221; &#8220;anticipate,&#8221; &#8220;intend,&#8221; &#8220;will,&#8221; &#8220;should,&#8221; &#8220;plan,&#8221; &#8220;estimate,&#8221; &#8220;predict,&#8221; &#8220;continue&#8221; and &#8220;potential&#8221; or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, including statements related to the expected timing of the closing of the Merger, the expected returns and other benefits of the Merger to shareholders, expected improvement in operating efficiency resulting from the Merger, estimated expense reductions resulting from the transactions and the timing of achievement of such reductions, the impact on and timing of the recovery of the impact on tangible book value, and the effect of the Merger on United&#8217;s capital ratios. Forward-looking statements represent management&#8217;s beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed; they are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. </FONT></P>
<P id=PARA82 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA83 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B></B>Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the possibility that expected benefits may not materialize in the time frames expected or at all, or may be more costly to achieve; that the Merger may not be timely completed, if at all; that prior to completion of the Merger or thereafter, the parties&#8217; respective businesses may not perform as expected due to transaction-related uncertainties or other factors; that the parties are unable to implement successful integration strategies; that the required regulatory, shareholder, or other closing conditions are not satisfied in a timely manner, or at all; reputational risks and the<B> </B>reaction of the parties&#8217; customers to the Merger; diversion of management time to Merger-related issues; and other factors and risk influences contained in the cautionary language included in Palmetto&#8217;s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and other documents subsequently filed by Palmetto with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#8220;SEC&#8221;). Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Neither Palmetto nor United undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For any forward-looking statements made in this Form 8-K, the exhibits hereto, or any related documents, Palmetto and United claim protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA84 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA131.1 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<DIV id=PGBK131  style="WIDTH: 100%; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<DIV id=PGFTR131  style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</DIV>
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<DIV id=PGHDR131  style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<P id=PARA131.2 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA85 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER AND WHERE TO FIND IT</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA86 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA87 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">This communication is being made in respect of the Merger involving Palmetto and United. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the Merger, United will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement/prospectus for the shareholders of Palmetto. United also plans to file other documents with the SEC regarding the Merger with Palmetto. Palmetto will mail the final proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders. <B>BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT OR VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE MERGER AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER. </B>The proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Palmetto and United, will be available, without charge, at the SEC&#8217;s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC in connection with the Merger can also be obtained, when available, without charge, from Palmetto&#8217;s website (<U>http://www.palmettobank.com)</U> and United&#8217;s website (<U>http://www.ucbi.com)</U>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA88 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA89 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>PARTICIPANTS IN THE MERGER SOLICITATION</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA90 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA91 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Palmetto and United, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers, and other members of management and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Palmetto in respect of the Merger. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Palmetto and United and other persons who may be deemed participants in the solicitation of the shareholders of Palmetto in connection with the Merger will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus for Palmetto&#8217;s special meeting of shareholders, which will be filed by United. Information about Palmetto&#8217;s directors and executive officers can also be found in Palmetto&#8217;s definitive proxy statement in connection with its 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on April 1, 2015, and other documents subsequently filed by Palmetto with the SEC. Information about United&#8217;s directors and executive officers can also be found in United&#8217;s definitive proxy statement in connection with its 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015, and other documents subsequently filed by United with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents regarding the Merger filed with the SEC when they become available.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA92 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA93 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SECTION 9 &#8211; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA94 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA95 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA96 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA97 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">(d) Exhibits</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA98 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA99 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B><U>Exhibit No.</U></B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<B><U>Description</U></B><B> </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA100 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: -36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">99.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Letter to Shareholders dated April 22, 2015.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA101.1 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<DIV id=PGHDR101  style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<P id=PARA101.2 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA102 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>SIGNATURES</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA103 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA104 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA105 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA106 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA107 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA108 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>PALMETTO BANCSHARES, INC</B>.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA109 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA110 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA111 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">By:</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA112 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA113 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA114 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><U>/s/ Roy D. Jones&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA115 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Roy D. Jones</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA116 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Chief Financial Officer a</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">nd Treasurer </FONT></P>
<P id=PARA133 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA117 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA118 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA120 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">Date: April 22, 2015</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA121 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA122 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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<DIV id=PGHDR123  style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</DIV></DIV>
<P id=PARA123.2 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA125 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B><U>INDEX TO EXHIBITS</U></B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA126 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA127 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif"><B><U>Exhibit No.</U></B>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<B><U>Description</U></B><B> </B></FONT></P>
<P id=PARA128 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; TEXT-INDENT: -36pt"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">99.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Letter to Shareholders dated April 22, 2015.</FONT></P>
<P id=PARA129 style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, Times, serif">&nbsp;</FONT></P></BODY></HTML>
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plmt20150422_8k.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 22, 2015
Palmetto Bancshares, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
South Carolina
0-26016
74-2235055
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
Commission File Number
IRS Employer I.D. number
306 East North Street, Greenville, South Carolina
29601
Address of principal executive offices
Zip Code
800.725.2265
Registrant's telephone number
N/A
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
[X] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
SECTION 8 – OTHER EVENTS
Item 8.01. Other Events
On April 22, 2015, Palmetto Bancshares, Inc. ("Palmetto"), the holding company for The Palmetto Bank, Greenville, South Carolina, sent a letter to Palmetto shareholders regarding the proposed merger of Palmetto with and into United Community Banks, Inc. ("United"), the holding company for United Community Bank, Blairsville, Georgia, (the "Merger"). A copy of the letter to Palmetto shareholders is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Form 8-K contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In general, forward-looking statements usually use words such as "may," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "will," "should," "plan," "estimate," "predict," "continue" and "potential" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, including statements related to the expected timing of the closing of the Merger, the expected returns and other benefits of the Merger to shareholders, expected improvement in operating efficiency resulting from the Merger, estimated expense reductions resulting from the transactions and the timing of achievement of such reductions, the impact on and timing of the recovery of the impact on tangible book value, and the effect of the Merger on United's capital ratios. Forward-looking statements represent management's beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed; they are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the possibility that expected benefits may not materialize in the time frames expected or at all, or may be more costly to achieve; that the Merger may not be timely completed, if at all; that prior to completion of the Merger or thereafter, the parties' respective businesses may not perform as expected due to transaction-related uncertainties or other factors; that the parties are unable to implement successful integration strategies; that the required regulatory, shareholder, or other closing conditions are not satisfied in a timely manner, or at all; reputational risks and the
reaction of the parties' customers to the Merger; diversion of management time to Merger-related issues; and other factors and risk influences contained in the cautionary language included in Palmetto's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and other documents subsequently filed by Palmetto with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Neither Palmetto nor United undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For any forward-looking statements made in this Form 8-K, the exhibits hereto, or any related documents, Palmetto and United claim protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER AND WHERE TO FIND IT
This communication is being made in respect of the Merger involving Palmetto and United. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the Merger, United will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement/prospectus for the shareholders of Palmetto. United also plans to file other documents with the SEC regarding the Merger with Palmetto. Palmetto will mail the final proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders.
BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT OR VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE MERGER AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER.
The proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Palmetto and United, will be available, without charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC in connection with the Merger can also be obtained, when available, without charge, from Palmetto's website (
http://www.palmettobank.com)
and United's website (
http://www.ucbi.com)
.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE MERGER SOLICITATION
Palmetto and United, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers, and other members of management and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Palmetto in respect of the Merger. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Palmetto and United and other persons who may be deemed participants in the solicitation of the shareholders of Palmetto in connection with the Merger will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus for Palmetto's special meeting of shareholders, which will be filed by United. Information about Palmetto's directors and executive officers can also be found in Palmetto's definitive proxy statement in connection with its 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on April 1, 2015, and other documents subsequently filed by Palmetto with the SEC. Information about United's directors and executive officers can also be found in United's definitive proxy statement in connection with its 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015, and other documents subsequently filed by United with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents regarding the Merger filed with the SEC when they become available.
SECTION 9 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Description
99.1                   Letter to Shareholders dated April 22, 2015.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
PALMETTO BANCSHARES, INC
.
By:
/s/ Roy D. Jones
Roy D. Jones
Chief Financial Officer a
nd Treasurer
Date: April 22, 2015
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
Description
99.1                   Letter to Shareholders dated April 22, 2015.