MOULTRIE, Ga., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ameris Bancorp (Nasdaq: ABCB), announced today the completion of its charter consolidation and branding processes that began in 2005. As a result of these processes, all banking operations are now conducted in a single bank subsidiary, Ameris Bank.

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In an announcement released in August of 2005, the Company shared its intention of moving from a structure having multiple banking subsidiaries with different brands, to a structure that would include only one banking subsidiary with a very identifiable brand. This effort included several data conversions and multiple applications with state and federal regulatory agencies. In December of 2005, the Company took a special after-tax charge to earnings of $1.8 million with respect to the completion of the reorganization and branding efforts. This charge to earnings was offset during 2006, as the Company was able to dispose of three bank charters in transactions resulting in an aggregate after-tax gain to the Company of approximately $1.9 million.

Edwin W. Hortman, Jr., Ameris Bancorp's President and CEO stated, "I am extremely proud of our employees who are responsible for the tremendous success of our branding and charter consolidation efforts. Our bankers have worked tirelessly to insure a smooth and seamless transition while our corporate support and operations teams have managed every detail in the most professional manner possible. Our Company is stronger today with approximately 600 employees working as a team to provide our style of community banking."

Ameris Bancorp is headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia, and has 43 locations in Georgia, Alabama and northern Florida.

Ameris Bancorp Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "ABCB." The preceding release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "anticipate" and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward- looking statements.

SOURCE Ameris Bancorp

Contact: Dennis J. Zember Jr., Executive Vice President & CFO of Ameris Bancorp, +1-229-890-1111