Pinnacle Bank and Morris Bank Complete Merger, Forming Georgia's Largest Community Bank Holding Company

A major change is underway in Georgia's banking industry as Pinnacle Financial Corporation and Morris State Bancshares have officially completed their merger, creating what officials say is now the largest Georgia-based community bank holding company.

The merger became effective April 1, 2026, bringing together Pinnacle Bank, headquartered in Elberton, and Morris Bank, headquartered in Dublin, under a new parent company, Vallant Financial, Inc.

As part of the transaction, the two banking institutions have legally combined and now operate under the name Vallant Bank. However, customers visiting local branches may not notice any immediate changes.

Officials say Pinnacle Bank and Morris Bank locations will continue operating under their familiar names until a full systems conversion and branding transition is completed later this year.

The newly formed company has approximately $3.98 billion in assets and serves customers across Northeast, Middle, and Southeast Georgia. Combined, the organization operates offices in 22 Georgia counties.

Bank leaders say the transition is expected to be seamless for customers, with day-to-day banking services continuing as normal during the rebranding process. Customers can continue using existing Pinnacle Bank and Morris Bank locations, websites, and banking platforms while integration efforts continue.

The next phase of the transition is expected to begin June 15, when customers may begin noticing updated signage, branding materials, and website information as the organization moves toward a unified Vallant Bank identity. Officials have indicated the full systems conversion and rebranding process is expected to be completed near the end of June.

The holding company, now known as Vallant Financial, will trade on the OTCQX market under the ticker symbol "VLNT."

The merger combines two long-standing community banking organizations with deep roots in Georgia communities. Company officials have stated that the goal is to strengthen local banking services while maintaining the community-focused approach that both institutions have emphasized throughout their histories.

While the legal name of the combined bank is now Vallant Bank, customers will continue to see the Pinnacle Bank and Morris Bank names in many locations during the transition period. Beginning June 15, updated signage, branding, and website changes are expected to roll out across the bank's footprint as part of the move to a single Vallant Bank brand. The complete conversion is anticipated by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

Following the transition, customers throughout the combined footprint will begin seeing Vallant Bank branding appear on branches, materials, and banking services.

The company says it will continue offering a full range of personal and business banking services throughout its service area.

The merger marks one of the largest community banking combinations in Georgia in recent years and creates a financial institution with a presence stretching across much of the state.