Ameris Bancorp, the parent holding company of Ameris Bank, announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of approximately $75 million in aggregate principal amount of its fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2027.

Stephens Inc. will serve as the book-running manager for the offering.  The Notes will be issued pursuant to a prospectus supplement and prospectus filed as part of an effective shelf registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form S-3 (File No. 333-216254).  The Company expects to use the net proceeds of this offering to repay existing indebtedness under its revolving credit agreement and for general corporate purposes, which may include providing capital to support its growth organically or through strategic acquisitions, financing investments and capital expenditures, and for investments in the Bank as regulatory capital.