FIRST COMMUNITY CORP /SC/ Material Event - What Happened

Hey there! Let's break down some important news about FIRST COMMUNITY CORP /SC/ so you can understand what's going on without needing a finance degree. Think of this as me explaining it to a friend over coffee.

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1. What happened? (in plain English - the actual event)

Basically, FIRST COMMUNITY CORP /SC/ just completed a big move: they officially merged with Signature Bank of Georgia. This means Signature Bank of Georgia is now fully integrated into First Community Bank, which is a subsidiary of FIRST COMMUNITY CORP. It's like First Community Bank just got a lot bigger by bringing in another bank.

For shareholders of Signature Bank of Georgia, each share they owned was converted into 0.6410 shares of FIRST COMMUNITY CORP's common stock. Also, the company added two new directors, Freddie Deutsch and Jonathan Been, to its Board, expanding it from 12 to 14 members. Mr. Deutsch also took on a new executive role within First Community Bank.

2. When did it happen?

This big merger officially became effective very recently, at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on January 8, 2026.

3. Why did it happen? (context and background)

This merger is the completion of a plan that was announced back in July 2025. While the filing doesn't go into the deep "why," generally, banks merge like this to grow their business, expand into new geographic areas (in this case, Georgia), and offer their services to more customers. It's a strategic move to become a larger and potentially stronger financial institution. The addition of new directors and an executive like Mr. Deutsch suggests a focus on integrating the new business and leveraging new leadership.

4. Why does this matter? (impact and significance)

Okay, so why should you care about this? This isn't just some boring corporate announcement; it could really change things. This merger significantly expands FIRST COMMUNITY CORP's footprint, making it a larger regional bank. It means more assets, more customers, and potentially more market influence. For the company, it's a major growth step, but also involves the complex task of combining two different organizations. The new directors and executive bring fresh perspectives and leadership to the expanded company.

5. Who is affected? (employees, customers, investors, etc.)

This event will touch a few different groups:

• Customers: If you were a customer of Signature Bank of Georgia, you are now a customer of First Community Bank. You might see changes in branding, online banking systems, or even new branch locations. Existing First Community Bank customers might benefit from an expanded network and potentially new services.
• Employees: Employees of Signature Bank of Georgia are now part of First Community Bank. This means new colleagues, potentially new roles, and a period of integration. For example, Freddie Deutsch, formerly associated with Signature, has joined First Community Bank as Regional Market President and Director of Specialty Business Lending.
• Investors/Shareholders: Signature Bank of Georgia shareholders now own shares in FIRST COMMUNITY CORP. For existing FIRST COMMUNITY CORP shareholders, they now own a piece of a larger, combined company. This news could make the company's stock price go up or down, depending on how the market views the success and potential of this expanded entity.
• The Company Itself: FIRST COMMUNITY CORP is now a larger, multi-state banking organization. This means a lot of work to integrate systems, cultures, and operations, but also significant opportunities for growth and increased market share.

6. What happens next? (immediate and future implications)

So, what's on the horizon?

• Immediately: The focus will be on smoothly integrating Signature Bank of Georgia's operations, systems, and employees into First Community Bank. The new directors, Mr. Deutsch and Mr. Been, will begin their roles on the Board, and Mr. Deutsch will start his executive position, helping to lead the combined entity.
• Looking Ahead: Over the next year or two, we'll see how well the integration goes and if the merger helps FIRST COMMUNITY CORP achieve its growth goals. The performance of the combined bank will be closely watched, and the new leadership will play a key role in steering the company's direction.

7. What should investors/traders know? (practical takeaways)

If you own shares of FIRST COMMUNITY CORP /SC/ or are thinking about it, here's what to keep in mind:

• Watch the Stock Price: The stock might be volatile (meaning it could jump up and down) as the market digests this news and assesses the potential benefits and challenges of the merger.
• Look for More Information: Keep an eye out for future announcements about the integration process, financial results of the combined entity, and any updates from the new directors or executive.
• Consider the Big Picture: This merger represents a significant growth step for the company. Think about how this expansion into new markets and the addition of new leadership fits into the company's long-term strategy and whether it makes the company stronger or introduces new risks.
• Do Your Own Homework: Always remember to do your own research and consider your personal financial goals before making any investment decisions.