Section 7-1-553. National bank to state bank or trust company conversions, mergers, and consolidations -- Approval or disapproval by department; federal approval or disapproval

   (a) The department shall conduct such investigation as it may deem necessary to ascertain whether:

   (1) In the case of a conversion:

      (A) The articles of conversion and supporting items satisfy the requirements of this chapter;

      (B) The plan adequately protects the interests of depositors, other than creditors and shareholders; and

      (C) The requirements for a conversion under all applicable laws have been satisfied and the resulting institution would satisfy the requirements of this chapter applicable to it; and

   (2) In the case of a merger or consolidation, the criteria stated in subsection (a) of Code Section 7-1-534 are satisfied.

(b) Within 90 days after receipt of the articles and the filings required by Code Section 7-1-552, the department shall, in its discretion, approve or disapprove the articles on the basis of its investigation and the criteria set forth in subsection (a) of this Code section. If the department shall approve the articles, it shall deliver its written approval with a copy of the articles attached to the Secretary of State and notify the national bank, and any other parties to the plan, of its action, provided that, if approval of any federal agency is required, the department may withhold, at its option, its approval from the Secretary of State until such federal approval is given. If required federal approval is not given, the department may, at its option, withdraw its approval for this reason. If the department shall disapprove, at its option, the application, it shall give written notice to the national bank and any other parties to the plan of its disapproval and a statement to them generally of the reasons for its decision. The decision of the department shall be conclusive, except that it may be subject to judicial review under Code Section 7-1-90.

Code 1933, § 41A-2504, enacted by Ga. L. 1974, p. 705, § 1; Ga. L. 1977, p. 730, § 8; Ga. L. 1989, p. 1257, § 17.