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<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font SIZE=4>UNITED STATES</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font SIZE=4>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=3>Washington, D.C. 20549</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><B><font SIZE=4>FORM 8-K</font></B></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><B><font SIZE=4>CURRENT REPORT</font></B></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top: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-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>Date of Report: October 19, 2006</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align=center style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><u><font size=4>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The South Financial Group, Inc.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></u><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="160" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><u><font size=2>South Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></u></p> </td>
        <td width="160" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><u><font size=2>0-15083 &nbsp;</font></u></p> </td>
        <td width="160" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><u><font size=2>57-0824914&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></u></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="100" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="160" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(State or other jurisdiction</font></p> </td>
        <td width="160" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(Commission</font></p> </td>
        <td width="160" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(IRS Employer</font></p> </td> </tr>
    <tr >
        <td width="100" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="160" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>of incorporation)</font></p> </td>
        <td width="160" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>File Number)</font></p> </td>
        <td width="160" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Identification Number)</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>





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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="413" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2><U>102 South Main Street, Greenville, South Carolina</U></font></p> </td>
        <td width="413" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>29601</U></font></p> </td> </tr></table>







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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=1>&nbsp;</font></p> </td>
        <td width="413" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Address of principal executive offices)</font></p> </td>
        <td width="413" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>(Zip Code)</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code:  (864) 255-7900</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top: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></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font face=Wingdings>o</font></p> </td>
        <td width="619" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font face=Wingdings>o</font></p> </td>
        <td width="619" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p> </td> </tr>
<tr>
<td>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>


    <tr >
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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font face=Wingdings>o</font></p> </td>
        <td width="619" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p> </td> </tr>



<tr>
<td>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>


    <tr >
        <td width="30" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font face=Wingdings>o</font></p> </td>
        <td width="619" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p> </td> </tr> </table>



<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style='page-break-before:always'></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Item 2.02. &nbsp; </font><u><font size=2>Results of Operations and Financial Condition</font></u><font size=2>.</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.5in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.5in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>On October 19, 2006, The South Financial Group, Inc. (&#147;TSFG&#148;) issued a press release (the &#147;Press Release&#148;) announcing its results of operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. &nbsp;A copy of the Press Release and the Quarterly Financial Data Supplement are attached hereto as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference. </font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; text-indent:0.5in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Item 9.01. &nbsp; </font><u><font size=2>Financial Statements and Exhibits </font></u><font size=2>.</font></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><u><font size=2>Exhibit No.</font></u></p> </td>
        <td width="619" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><u><font size=2>Description</font></u></p> </td> </tr></table>



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        <td width="144" valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>99.1</font></p> </td>
        <td  valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Press Release dated October 19, 2006</font></p> </td> </tr></table>



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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>99.2</font></p> </td>
        <td  valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>Quarterly Financial Data Supplement, Third Quarter 2006</font></p> </td> </tr></table>


<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>2</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style='page-break-before:always'></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'>
<b><font size=2>Signatures</font></b></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top: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-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; margin-left:2in; text-indent:1.7in;text-align:left;'><font SIZE=2>THE SOUTH FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


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            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>October 19, 2006</font></p> </td>
        <td width="25" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><font size=2>By:</font></p> </td>
        <td width="357" nowrap valign=top >
            <p style='margin-left:0pt;text-indent:0pt;text-align:left;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt'><i><font size=2><U>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;William P. Crawford, Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></font></i></p> </td> </tr></table>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; margin-left:2in; text-indent:1.7in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>William P. Crawford, Jr. </font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt; margin-left:2in; text-indent:1.7in;text-align:left;'><font size=2>Executive Vice President and General Counsel</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:justify;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>3</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>


<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style=' margin-bottom:0pt; margin-top:0pt;text-align:left;'><font size=2>&nbsp;</font></p>



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{"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": "061153883"}, "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: October 19, 2006
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:
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 Securities 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 2.02.
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
.
On October 19, 2006, The South Financial Group, Inc. ("TSFG") issued a press release (the "Press Release") announcing its results of operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.  A copy of the Press Release and the Quarterly Financial Data Supplement are attached hereto as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits
.
Exhibit No.
Description
99.1
Press Release dated October 19, 2006
99.2
Quarterly Financial Data Supplement, Third Quarter 2006
2
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.
THE SOUTH FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
October 19, 2006
By:
/s/   William P. Crawford, Jr.
William P. Crawford, Jr.
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
3