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        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">UNITED
        STATES</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
        <font size="2">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
        <font size="2">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="3">FORM
        8-K</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
        <b><font size="3">CURRENT REPORT</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">Pursuant
        to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">Date of
        Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 18, 2008</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
        <u><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The South Financial
        Group, Inc.</font></u> <font size="2">&nbsp;</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">(Exact
        name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <div align="left">
            <table style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0">
                <tr>
                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="220">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        &nbsp;</p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="248">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <u><font size="2">South Carolina &nbsp;</font></u></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="226">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <u><font size="2">0-15083</font></u></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="292">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <u><font size="2">57-0824914</font></u></p>
                    </td>
                </tr>
            </table>
        </div>

        <div align="left">
            <table style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0">
                <tr>
                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="219">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        &nbsp;</p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="235">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">(State or other jurisdiction</font></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="234">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">(Commission</font></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="298">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">(IRS Employer</font></p>
                    </td>
                </tr>
            </table>
        </div>

        <div align="left">
            <table style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0">
                <tr>
                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="219">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        &nbsp;</p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="240">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">of incorporation)</font></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="210">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">File Number)</font></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="317">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">Identification Number)</font></p>
                    </td>
                </tr>
            </table>
        </div>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><u><font size="2">102
        South Main Street, Greenville, South
        Carolina</font></u><font size="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font>
        <u><font size="2">29601</font></u></p>

        <div align="left">
            <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0">
                <tr>
                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="339">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        &nbsp;</p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="288">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">(Address of principal executive offices)</font></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="359">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">(Zip Code)</font></p>
                    </td>
                </tr>
            </table>
        </div>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <font size="2">Registrant&rsquo;s telephone number, including area code: (864)
        255-7900</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">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
        (</font><i><font size="2">see</font></i> <font size="2">General Instruction
        A.2.below):</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <font face="Wingdings">o</font> <font size="2">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425
        under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <font face="Wingdings">o</font> <font size="2">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12
        under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <font face="Wingdings">o</font> <font size="2">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to
        Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <font face="Wingdings">o</font> <font size="2">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to
        Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p>
        <!-- EEDocs PBStart-->

        <p style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></p>
        <PAGE><!-- EEDocs PBEnd-->

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><font size="2">Item
        5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of
        Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">5.02
        (e)</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><u><font size="2">2008
        &ndash; 2010 LTIP</font></u> <font size="2">&nbsp;</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">
        <font size="2">On March 12, 2008, the Company&rsquo;s Compensation Committee (the
        &ldquo;Committee&rdquo;) approved the criteria applicable to the LTIP for the 2008 &ndash;
        2010 cycle. This was described in a Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated March
        12, 2008. No awards were made to Company officers or employees pursuant to such
        criteria.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">
        &nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">
        <font size="2">On September 18, 2008, the Committee recommended and the Board of Directors
        approved a revised LTIP program for the 2008 &ndash; 2010 period. Pursuant to this revised
        program, LTIP participants (including senior executive officers) will receive their LTIP
        grant in the form of restricted stock units (approximately 17% of units) and stock options
        (approximately 83% of units). All stock options will have an exercise price equal to the
        fair market value on the date of grant (i.e., the closing price on September 18, 2008). The
        stock options granted to the 16 most senior officers are &ldquo;market-based stock
        options&rdquo; and will not vest unless (1) the executive remains employed by the Company
        at June 30, 2011 and (2) the Company&rsquo;s closing stock price for 20 consecutive
        business days during the first six months of 2011 equals or exceeds $12 per share. The
        stock options granted to the other participants and all restricted stock units will vest
        50% on each of January 31, 2010 and January 31, 2011 based on continued service to those
        respective dates.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <u><font size="2">Operating Council Retention Bonus</font></u></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">
        <font size="2">On September 18, 2008, the Compensation Committee recommended and the Board
        of Directors ratified and approved Retention Bonus Award Agreements with each of James R.
        Gordon (Senior Executive Vice President &amp; Chief Financial Officer), Herbert Lynn Harton
        (Senior Executive Vice President &amp; Chief Commercial Banking Officer) and Christopher T.
        Holmes (Senior Executive Vice President &amp; Chief Retail Banking Officer). Under the
        terms of each agreement, if the executive remains employed by the Company until December
        31, 2009, the Company will pay a retention bonus in the amount of $500,000. The retention
        bonus will be paid to the executive in a lump sum payment on January 1, 2010, or as soon as
        practicable thereafter but in all events no later than January 31, 2010.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">
        &nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">
        <font size="2">The retention bonus will accelerate and become payable if the executive is
        terminated without cause or resigns for good reason following a change in control as set
        forth in each executive&rsquo;s employment agreement. The retention bonus will be forfeited
        on termination for cause or resignation by the executive, or upon death or
        disability.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">
        &nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">
        <font size="2">A copy of the form of agreement is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1 and is
        incorporated herein by reference.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><font size="2">Item
        9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <div align="left">
            <table style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="638" border="0">
                <tr>
                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="67">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        &nbsp;</p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="28">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">(d)</font></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="544">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">The following exhibits are being filed herewith:</font></p>
                    </td>
                </tr>
            </table>
        </div>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <div align="left">
            <table style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="638" border="0">
                <tr>
                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="95">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <u><font size="2">Exhibit No.</font></u></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="543">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <u><font size="2">Description</font></u></p>
                    </td>
                </tr>
            </table>
        </div>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <div align="left">
            <table style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0">
                <tr>
                    <td valign="top" width="96">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">10.1</font></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">Form of Retention Bonus Award Agreement</font></p>
                    </td>
                </tr>
            </table>
        </div>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        &nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">- 2
        -</font></p>
        <!-- EEDocs PBStart-->

        <p style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></p>
        <PAGE><!-- EEDocs PBEnd-->

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
        <b><font size="2">Signature</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <font size="2">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 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 2in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <font size="2">&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;&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;
        THE SOUTH FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <div align="left">
            <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="638" border="0">
                <tr>
                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="408">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">September 22, 2008</font></p>
                    </td>

                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="230">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                        <font size="2">By:</font> <u><i><font size="2">/s/ William P. Crawford,
                        Jr.</font></i></u></p>
                    </td>
                </tr>
            </table>
        </div>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 2in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <font size="2">&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;&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;
        William P. Crawford, Jr.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 2in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
        <font size="2">&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;&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;
        Executive Vice President and General Counsel</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">- 3
        -</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>
        <!-- EEDocs PBStart--><!-- EEDocs PBEnd-->

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>
    </body>
</html>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "form8k-09222008.htm", "description": "REPORT DATED SEPTEMBER 18, 2008", "secsgml_size_bytes": 22120}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "SOUTH FINANCIAL GROUP INC", "cik": "0000797871", "assigned-sic": "6022", "irs-number": "570824914", "state-of-incorporation": "SC", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "000-15083", "film-number": "081084665"}, "business-address": {"street1": "102 S MAIN ST", "city": "GREENVILLE", "state": "SC", "zip": "29601", "phone": "8642557900"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "102 S MAIN STREET", "city": "GREENVILLE", "state": "SC", "zip": "29601"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "CAROLINA FIRST CORP", "date-changed": "19920703"}}
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): September 18, 2008
The South Financial
        Group, Inc.
(Exact
        name of registrant as specified in its charter)
South Carolina
0-15083
57-0824914
(State or other jurisdiction
(Commission
(IRS Employer
of incorporation)
File Number)
Identification Number)
102
        South Main Street, Greenville, South
        Carolina
29601
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (864)
        255-7900
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):
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425
        under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12
        under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to
        Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to
        Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item
        5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of
        Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
5.02
        (e)
2008
        – 2010 LTIP
On March 12, 2008, the Company's Compensation Committee (the
        "Committee") approved the criteria applicable to the LTIP for the 2008 –
        2010 cycle. This was described in a Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated March
        12, 2008. No awards were made to Company officers or employees pursuant to such
        criteria.
On September 18, 2008, the Committee recommended and the Board of Directors
        approved a revised LTIP program for the 2008 – 2010 period. Pursuant to this revised
        program, LTIP participants (including senior executive officers) will receive their LTIP
        grant in the form of restricted stock units (approximately 17% of units) and stock options
        (approximately 83% of units). All stock options will have an exercise price equal to the
        fair market value on the date of grant (i.e., the closing price on September 18, 2008). The
        stock options granted to the 16 most senior officers are "market-based stock
        options" and will not vest unless (1) the executive remains employed by the Company
        at June 30, 2011 and (2) the Company's closing stock price for 20 consecutive
        business days during the first six months of 2011 equals or exceeds $12 per share. The
        stock options granted to the other participants and all restricted stock units will vest
        50% on each of January 31, 2010 and January 31, 2011 based on continued service to those
        respective dates.
Operating Council Retention Bonus
On September 18, 2008, the Compensation Committee recommended and the Board
        of Directors ratified and approved Retention Bonus Award Agreements with each of James R.
        Gordon (Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Herbert Lynn Harton
        (Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Banking Officer) and Christopher T.
        Holmes (Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Retail Banking Officer). Under the
        terms of each agreement, if the executive remains employed by the Company until December
        31, 2009, the Company will pay a retention bonus in the amount of $500,000. The retention
        bonus will be paid to the executive in a lump sum payment on January 1, 2010, or as soon as
        practicable thereafter but in all events no later than January 31, 2010.
The retention bonus will accelerate and become payable if the executive is
        terminated without cause or resigns for good reason following a change in control as set
        forth in each executive's employment agreement. The retention bonus will be forfeited
        on termination for cause or resignation by the executive, or upon death or
        disability.
A copy of the form of agreement is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1 and is
        incorporated herein by reference.
Item
        9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d)
The following exhibits are being filed herewith:
Exhibit No.
Description
10.1
Form of Retention Bonus Award Agreement
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Signature
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.
THE SOUTH FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
September 22, 2008
By:
/s/ William P. Crawford,
                        Jr.
William P. Crawford, Jr.
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
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