A banking institution that has been part of the Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County community for 120 years has announced plans for a significant new chapter.
Hazlehurst Investors, Inc., the holding company of Bank of Hazlehurst, announced Monday that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with an investor group based in Alpharetta. Under the proposed transaction, Bank of Hazlehurst will continue operating locally under the Bank of Hazlehurst name, with President and CEO Butch Kirkley continuing to lead the local bank.
The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals and other closing conditions.
Hazlehurst Now is sharing Bank of Hazlehurst’s announcement below in its entirety:
Hazlehurst Investors, Inc. Announces Agreement to Be Acquired by Investor Group
Hazlehurst, Ga., August 24, 2026 – Hazlehurst Investors, Inc. (the “Company”), the holding company of Bank of Hazlehurst, announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Brighton Capital Corporation (“Brighton”), a corporation formed by an investor group based in Alpharetta, GA. Brighton is led by Taylor Watson, formerly of The Piedmont Bank, and includes several investors who have previously served as directors of Georgia community banks and understand the importance of preserving a community bank’s culture, relationships, and commitment to its customers.
Following completion of the transaction, the organization will operate under a new brand called Peachtree Banking Company and will pursue expansion in North Metro Atlanta through a relationship-focused community banking model centered on local decision-making and personalized customer service. Bank of Hazlehurst will continue serving its existing markets under the Bank of Hazlehurst name as a division of Peachtree Banking Company, maintaining its longstanding commitment to its customers, employees, and the communities it serves.
“This transaction represents an exciting opportunity for Bank of Hazlehurst and, most importantly, for the customers, employees and communities we have proudly served for generations. Brighton shares our commitment to community banking and recognizes the importance of maintaining the personal service, local decision-making and strong customer relationships that have defined Bank of Hazlehurst. We believe this partnership provides a strong foundation for the continued growth and success of the Bank while creating meaningful opportunities for our customers, employees and shareholders.” – said Butch Kirkley, the Company’s President and CEO. Mr. Kirkley will continue in the role of CEO of Bank of Hazlehurst, a division of Peachtree Banking Company, focused on serving the bank’s customers in Jeff Davis County and the surrounding markets.
“Bank of Hazlehurst has built a strong organization with a talented leadership team that shares our values and our belief in relationship banking, local decision-making, and exceptional customer service. We are excited to join forces and build on that strong foundation, continuing to invest in the communities the Bank proudly serves while bringing the same community banking approach that has made Bank of Hazlehurst successful to new markets in North Metro Atlanta.” – said Taylor Watson, the proposed Chief Executive Officer of Peachtree Banking Company.
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026. Closing is subject to the receipt of customary regulatory approvals, the Company’s shareholder approval, and other closing conditions.
Burke Stelling Group, LLC served as financial advisor to Hazlehurst Investors, Inc. and James Bates Brannan Groover served as its legal advisor. Alston & Bird served as legal advisor to Brighton Capital Corporation.
About Hazlehurst Investors, Inc. and Bank of Hazlehurst
Hazlehurst Investors, Inc. is the holding company for Bank of Hazlehurst, a Georgia-chartered bank based in Hazlehurst, Georgia. Founded in 1906, Bank of Hazlehurst has served the financial needs of individuals and businesses in Jeff Davis County and surrounding communities for 120 years. As of June 30, 2026, Bank of Hazlehurst had total assets of $134.2 million, total loans of $57.5 million, and total deposits of $117.9 million. The Bank of Hazlehurst provides a range of deposit, lending, and other banking services with an emphasis on personal service, local relationships, and community involvement. For more information, visit https://www.bankofhazlehurst.com/.
