NOTICE OF BANK MERGER APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that application has been made by Optus Bank, 1501 Gervais St, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina 29201 to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for approval of the merger of Mechanics & Farmers Bank, 116 W Parrish St, Durham, Durham County, North Carolina 27701 with and into Optus Bank. It is contemplated that all offices of the above-named institutions will continue to be operated. Any person wishing to comment on this application may file his or her comments in writing with the regional director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at the FDIC office located at 10 10th Street NE, Suite 900, Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3849 not later than September 13, 2026. The nonconfidential portions of the application are on file at the appropriate FDIC office and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the nonconfidential portion of the application file will be made available upon request. IPL0365900 Aug 14,28,Sep 9 2026