SouthState Corp

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We may face risks with respect to future expansion, including our proposed acquisition of Independent.

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Our business growth, profitability and market share have been enhanced by us engaging in strategic mergers and acquisitions and de novo branching either within or contiguous to our existing footprint. We have entered into a Merger Agreement with Independent, and we may acquire other financial institutions or parts of those institutions in the future and engage in additional de novo branching. We may also consider and enter into or acquire new lines of business or offer new products or services. As part of our acquisition strategy, we seek companies that are culturally similar to us, have experienced management and are in markets in which we operate or close to those markets so we can achieve economies of scale. We also may receive future inquiries and have discussions with potential acquirers of us or potential companies in which we may engage in a so-called “merger of equals.” Acquisitions and mergers, including our proposed acquisition of Independent, involve a number of risks, including:

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We also face litigation risks with respect to potential mergers and acquisitions, and such litigation is common.

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We expect to continue to evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities that are presented to us in our current and expected markets and conduct due diligence related to those opportunities, as well as negotiate to acquire or merge with other institutions. If we announce a transaction, we may issue equity securities, including common stock and securities convertible into shares of our common stock in connection with future acquisitions. As a result, holders of our common stock may have a reduced ownership and voting interest in the Company after a transaction and may exercise less influence over management.

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We also may issue debt to finance one or more transactions, including subordinated debt issuances. Generally, acquisitions of financial institution involve the payment of a premium over book and market values, resulting in dilution of our book value and fully diluted earnings per share, as well as dilution to our existing shareholders. We may incur substantial costs to expand, and we can give no assurance such expansion will result in the levels of profits we seek. There is no assurance that, following any future mergers or acquisitions, including our proposed acquisition of Independent, that our integration efforts will be successful or our Company, after giving effect to the acquisition, will achieve increased revenues comparable to or better than our historical experience, and failure to realize such expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in market presence or other benefits could have a material adverse effect on our financial conditions and results of operations.

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We may not be able to successfully integrate Independent or to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger with Independent.

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We entered into a Merger Agreement with Independent on May 17, 2024. If the proposed acquisition of Independent is completed, we will also integrate the systems and operations of Independent.

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A successful integration of Independent’s operations with our operations so that the Company operates as one entity depends substantially on our ability to successfully consolidate operations, management teams, corporate cultures, systems and procedures and to eliminate redundancies and costs. While we have substantial experience in successfully integrating institutions we have acquired, we may encounter difficulties during integration, such as:

Previous report

Integration activities could divert resources from regular operations. In addition, general market and economic conditions, governmental actions, natural and human disasters or other international or domestic calamities affecting the financial industry generally may inhibit the Company’s successful integration of these Independent. In connection with the proposed acquisition of Independent, we will assume Independent’s outstanding debt obligations, and the surviving corporation’s level of indebtedness following the completion of the merger could adversely affect the Company’s ability to raise additional capital and to meet its obligations under existing indebtedness.

Previous report

In addition, we have proposed to acquire Independent with the expectation that this merger will result in various benefits including, among other things, benefits relating to enhanced revenues, a strengthened and expanded market position for the combined company, technology efficiencies, cost savings and operating efficiencies. Achieving the anticipated benefits of these mergers is subject to a number of uncertainties, including whether we integrate the institution in an efficient and effective manner, and general competitive factors in the marketplace. Failure to achieve these anticipated benefits could result in a reduction in the price of our shares as well as in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management's time and energy and could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects.