News Releases

McColl Partners Closes Financial Services Transaction

McColl Partners, LLC acted as financial advisor to Carolina National Corporation ("Carolina National") in its sale to First National Bancshares, Inc. ("First National"). As part of the transaction, First National will merge Carolina National's banking subsidiary, Carolina National Bank & Trust Company, into First National's banking subsidiary, First National Bank of the South.

The cash and stock deal became effective January 31, 2008 and had a deal value of approximately $54.1 million. First National opened Carolina National's four Columbia area offices as First National Bank of the South on February 19, 2008. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has approved the opening of the fifth full-service branch in the Columbia market, which is currently under construction in Lexington, South Carolina.

About Carolina National Corporation

Carolina National, based in Columbia, South Carolina, is a $226 million asset bank holding company and conducts a general banking business through its subsidiary, Carolina National Bank & Trust Company. The bank opened July 15, 2002 and conducts its activities from its main office, three full-service branches and a loan production office.

About First National Bancshares, Inc.

First National, based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is an $806 million asset bank holding company. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol FNSC. First National was incorporated in 1999 and conducts a general banking business through its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, First National Bank of the South.

About McColl Partners, LLC

McColl Partners is an independent investment banking firm specializing in the needs of management and owners of middle-market companies.  With significant experience working with private equity groups, entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, public companies, financial institutions, and divisions of large companies, the firm is dedicated to offering strategic advice and assistance to its clients regarding mergers and acquisitions and private capital raising assignments.

For more information about our Financial Services Group, please contact Phil Colaco at (704) 333-0525. More information about McColl Partners can be found at www.mccollpartners.com.