TowneBank completes merger with Dogwood State Bank, expanding its presence in key North Carolina and South Carolina markets.
Quiver AI Summary
TowneBank, based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, has completed its merger with Dogwood State Bank, enhancing its strategic expansion along the Interstate 85 corridor from Virginia into South Carolina and reinforcing its presence in key North Carolina markets. The merger, announced in August 2025 and finalized on January 12, 2026, will initially see Dogwood branches operate under the name “Dogwood State Bank, a Division of TowneBank” until their systems are fully integrated later in 2026. Steven W. Jones, former CEO of Dogwood, joins TowneBank as President of the Carolinas, bringing with him expertise and leadership, while also joining TowneBank’s Board of Directors. This merger, which adds significant assets and expands TowneBank’s footprint, will enhance its small business lending capabilities and align with its community-focused banking philosophy. TowneBank now boasts assets of approximately $22 billion, solidifying its position as a major Virginia bank.
Potential Positives
- The merger with Dogwood State Bank significantly enhances TowneBank's strategic presence along the fast-growing Interstate 85 corridor, expanding their market reach into South Carolina.
- This merger strengthens TowneBank's position in key North Carolina markets, enhancing their competitive advantage in regions such as Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro-Winston Salem.
- The combination of resources and expertise from Dogwood, particularly in small business lending, will enhance TowneBank's lending capabilities and service offerings throughout its expanded footprint.
- The completion of the merger positions TowneBank as one of the largest banks headquartered in Virginia, with pro forma assets of approximately $22 billion, which may increase investor confidence and market presence.
Potential Negatives
- The merger's integration phase, which is scheduled to last until November 2026, could create operational challenges and potential disruptions for customers as Dogwood locations transition to TowneBank's systems.
- Dogwood's branding will only persist until late 2026, which might confuse existing customers during the transition period.
- The significant expansion could strain resources and management capabilities, as TowneBank enters new markets with established competition, risking its reputation and customer satisfaction if not managed effectively.
FAQ
What is the significance of TowneBank's merger with Dogwood State Bank?
The merger enhances TowneBank's presence along the Interstate 85 corridor and in key North Carolina markets.
When did the TowneBank and Dogwood merger take effect?
The merger was effective on January 12, 2026.
Who will lead TowneBank in the Carolinas post-merger?
Steven W. Jones will serve as President of the Carolinas and join the TowneBank Corporate Management Group.
How will Dogwood locations operate after the merger?
Dogwood locations will operate as “Dogwood State Bank, a Division of TowneBank” until November 2026.
What are the expected benefits of the merger for small businesses?
The merger will enhance small business lending capabilities through Dogwood's seasoned SBA lending team.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
$TOWN Hedge Fund Activity
We have seen 146 institutional investors add shares of $TOWN stock to their portfolio, and 85 decrease their positions in their most recent quarter.
Here are some of the largest recent moves:
- VICTORY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC removed 476,050 shares (-18.4%) from their portfolio in Q3 2025, for an estimated $16,457,048
- WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT GROUP LLP removed 326,429 shares (-42.0%) from their portfolio in Q3 2025, for an estimated $11,284,650
- BROWN ADVISORY INC added 273,332 shares (+22.4%) to their portfolio in Q3 2025, for an estimated $9,449,087
- VANGUARD GROUP INC added 234,403 shares (+3.2%) to their portfolio in Q3 2025, for an estimated $8,103,311
- OLD POINT TRUST & FINANCIAL SERVICES N A added 186,805 shares (+1020.2%) to their portfolio in Q3 2025, for an estimated $6,457,848
- GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC added 176,733 shares (+71.9%) to their portfolio in Q3 2025, for an estimated $6,109,659
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Full Release
SUFFOLK, Va., Jan. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hampton Roads-based TowneBank (NASDAQ: TOWN) announced today the completion of its merger with Raleigh-based Dogwood State Bank (“Dogwood”). The merger substantially enhances TowneBank’s strategic journey down the fast-growing Interstate 85 corridor from Richmond, Virginia, and into Greenville and the upstate region of South Carolina. The merger also strengthens TowneBank’s position in key North Carolina markets, including Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro-Winston Salem, and Greenville. In addition, the merger expands the bank’s footprint along the Eastern North Carolina coast from the Outer Banks to include Morehead City, Wilmington, and Fayetteville, together with a new location in historic Charleston, South Carolina. A location in Elizabethton, Tennessee, a city near the Tri-Cities area of Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, rounds out the expansion. The merger was announced on August 19, 2025, and received overwhelming support at the special meeting of Dogwood shareholders held in December 2025.
Following the merger, which was effective on January 12, 2026, Dogwood locations will operate as “Dogwood State Bank, a Division of TowneBank” until November 2026, when the core systems and operations of Dogwood are scheduled to be converted into those of TowneBank.
Steven W. Jones, the former chief executive officer of Dogwood, will continue in a key leadership role with the combined company and join TowneBank as President of the Carolinas, serving as a member of the TowneBank Corporate Management Group. Mr. Jones and George (Robin) Perkins, a former director of Dogwood, were appointed to the TowneBank Board of Directors, effective January 12, 2026.
“We are honored to welcome Steve and his talented teammates to our Towne family. Their efforts to build Dogwood into an excellent, high-performing bank are truly impressive,” said TowneBank executive chairman G. Robert Aston, Jr. “We look forward to working with them to take our Main Street Bank forward in our existing and new fast-growing markets in North and South Carolina.”
“Dogwood has highly respected bankers with deep expertise,” said TowneBank president and chief executive officer William I. Foster III. “We are excited to add Dogwood’s seasoned SBA lending team that will significantly enhance our small business lending capabilities throughout our footprint and in other select markets.”
Jones added, ”When it came to forming a partnership to continue the legacy of Dogwood, TowneBank demonstrated values that naturally aligned with ours. We are excited to combine our resources into one dedicated financial institution that celebrates the power of local banking.”
About TowneBank
:
Founded in 1999, TowneBank is a company built on relationships, offering a full range of banking and other financial services, with a focus on serving others and enriching lives. Dedicated to a culture of caring, Towne values all employees and members by embracing their diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences.
Today, TowneBank operates over 70 banking offices throughout Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, Eastern and Central North Carolina, the Greenville and upstate region of South Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina – serving as a local leader in promoting the social, cultural, and economic growth in each community. Towne offers a competitive array of business and personal banking solutions, delivered with only the highest ethical standards. Experienced local bankers providing a higher level of expertise and personal attention with local decision-making are key to the TowneBank strategy. TowneBank has grown its capabilities beyond banking to provide expertise through its affiliated companies that include Towne Wealth Management, Towne Insurance Agency, Towne Benefits, TowneBank Mortgage, TowneBank Commercial Mortgage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty, Towne 1031 Exchange, LLC, Towne Vacations, and Towne Trust Company, N.A. With the addition of Dogwood, TowneBank will have total pro forma assets of approximately $22 billion as of September 30, 2025, making it one of the largest banks headquartered in Virginia.
For more information, contact:
G. Robert Aston, Jr., Executive Chairman, 757-638-6780
William I. Foster III, Chief Executive Officer, 757-417-6482
Investor Contact
:
William B. Littreal, Chief Financial Officer, 757-638-6813
