The First Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for The First Bank, and Heritage Southeast Bancorporation, Inc. (HSBI), the holding company for Heritage Southeast Bank, announced the previously announced merger between First Bancshares and HSBI, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 27, 2022, has been approved by the shareholders of each of First Bancshares and HSBI.

First Bancshares previously announced the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the proposed merger of Heritage Southeast Bank with and into The First Bank. Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction was expected to become effective as of Jan. 1, 2023.