(a) A bank seeking approval of a combination shall file with the Commissioner an application for approval, copies of the agreement under which the bank proposes to effect the combination, and such additional information as the Commissioner shall require by rule or as is required by the Commissioner in connection with the application in order to achieve the objectives of this Chapter.

(b) A bank filing an application for approval of a combination shall publish a public notice of the filing of the application not more than 30 days before nor more than 10 days after the filing of the application with the Commissioner. The public notice shall contain the following:

(1) A statement that the application has been filed with the Commissioner.

(2) The names of the parties to the proposed combination and the addresses of their principal offices.

(3) A statement that any interested person may make written comment on the proposed combination and that comments received by the Commissioner within 14 days of the date of the publication of the public notice shall be considered. The public notice shall contain the current mailing address of the Commissioner.

(c) The Commissioner shall examine the proposed combination, including the character, competency, and experience of the proposed directors and executive officers of the surviving party of the combination, to determine whether the interests of the customers of and communities served by the parties to the combination would be adversely affected by the proposed combination.

(d) Notwithstanding any laws to the contrary, information about the character, competence, or experience of the directors and executive officers of the parties to a combination received by the Commissioner shall be subject to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 53C-2-7(b). (2012-56, s. 4.)