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Black-owned Columbia bank announces merger, creating billion-dollar company. July 24, 2026 9:28 AM Gift Article A large Columbia-based bank with a focus on serving underserved communities is absorbing another bank with a similar mission, a Thursday news release from the companies announced. Optus Bank, which was founded in 1921 and is South Carolina's first African American-owned bank, is joining with Durham, North Carolina-based Mechanics and Farmers Bank, the second-oldest African American-owned bank. Both companies are Minority Depository Institutions and certified Community Development Financial Institutions, federal designations which indicate a bank is primarily owned by minority businesspeople and aim to serve and empower economically distressed communities. In a statement, Optus and Optus Bank Chairman Paul Mitchell called the merger a defining moment, saying it would greatly advance mission-driven banking. "M&F Bank has a proud legacy of supporting entrepreneurship, fostering generational wealth, and expanding access to capital in underserved communities," Mitchell wrote. "Together, we will create a stronger institution with greater scale, enhanced capabilities, and an expanded capacity to advance economic mobility throughout the Carolinas and beyond." According to the release, the transaction's total aggregate value is expected to exceed $105 million, with MFBP shareholders, M&F's parent company, receiving up to $53.30 per common share in cash. The combined company's total assets were valued at approximately $1.27 billion in March 2026, the release said. The merger will form the largest African American owned financial institution in the United States, the release said. M&F's seven locations will operate under their current name for two years before rebranding to Optus. MFBP CEO James H. Sills III will continue in that role under the combined company, while Mitchell will remain Chairman. Financial advisor firm Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC and law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP assisted Optus in making the deal, which remains subject to regulatory and MFBP shareholder approval.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquires Hartford Sprinkler to expand Connecticut services. July 16, 2026 L-R: Dana Good, Pye-Barker; Kevin Kita, owner of Hartford Sprinkler and Jay Strickland with Pye-Barker. Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Hartford Sprinkler Co., Inc., expanding its fire protection capabilities in Connecticut and strengthening its integrated life safety services across the state. The transaction adds a long-established fire sprinkler specialist to Pye-Barker's existing security and alarm operations, enabling the company to deliver a broader portfolio of fire protection solutions to commercial and residential customers. Founded in 1933, Hartford Sprinkler has built its business around the installation, inspection, testing and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems throughout Connecticut. The company also provides fire alarm services, fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, backflow testing and fire pump testing, giving Pye-Barker additional technical expertise across multiple life safety disciplines. The acquisition supports Pye-Barker's strategy of expanding through established regional providers with strong customer relationships and specialized technical capabilities. By combining Hartford Sprinkler's sprinkler expertise with its existing security and life safety operations in Connecticut, Pye-Barker expects to offer customers a more comprehensive suite of services through a single provider while expanding its presence in the state's fire protection market. Hartford Sprinkler President Kevin Kita said the company has spent more than 90 years focused on delivering high-quality fire sprinkler services to its communities. He said joining Pye-Barker will allow the business to introduce additional services for customers while creating new career development opportunities for employees. Pye-Barker Chief Executive Officer Bart Proctor said Hartford Sprinkler's history as a second-generation family-owned business aligns closely with Pye-Barker's culture and long-term growth strategy. He noted that the Connecticut company's reputation for customer service and technical expertise has established a strong foundation that the combined organization will continue to build upon. Hartford Sprinkler has earned a reputation for helping customers navigate complex fire code compliance requirements while maintaining systems designed to protect people and property. Its experience serving both commercial and residential clients complements Pye-Barker's nationwide platform, which continues to grow through acquisitions of established regional fire protection and security businesses. As part of the transaction, Hartford Sprinkler's technicians will continue serving customers throughout Connecticut, maintaining local operations while gaining access to the broader resources and service capabilities of the Pye-Barker network. The acquisition further expands Pye-Barker's national footprint as the company continues investing in regional fire protection businesses that enhance its ability to provide integrated fire, life safety and security services. Headquartered in the United States, Pye-Barker operates more than 250 locations with approximately 9,000 employees and has grown into one of the country's largest providers of fire protection and security solutions through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP served as legal counsel to Pye-Barker in the transaction.

Nelson Mullins strengthens Products Liability practice with addition of Los Angeles partner. LOS ANGELES - Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is pleased to announce that Cristina Ciminelli has joined the firm as a partner in its Los Angeles office. Ciminelli joins from California-based litigation boutique Yukevich Cavanaugh and brings extensive experience defending manufacturers, employers, and other businesses in high-stakes litigation. Ciminelli focuses her practice on defending product liability and general negligence claims. She has represented manufacturers and businesses in matters involving automobiles, tires, industrial equipment, helmets, swimming pools, and amusement park rides. Her experience spans all phases of litigation, from early case assessment and discovery through trial preparation and resolution. "Cristina brings extensive experience handling complex product liability and commercial litigation matters," said Mike Brown, leader of the firm's Products Liability team. "She is a strong addition to our growing practice and will further enhance our ability to serve clients nationwide." In addition to her product liability practice, Ciminelli has defended rideshare companies, contract disputes, employment disputes, consumer class actions, Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) claims, habitability matters, and defamation actions. Her broad litigation experience enables her to counsel clients facing a wide range of complex legal challenges. "I am thrilled to join Nelson Mullins. The firm's collaborative culture, deep industry experience, and commitment to delivering exceptional client service make it an ideal platform for my practice," said Ciminelli. "I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to help clients navigate complex litigation and achieve successful outcomes." Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins is a full-service Am Law 100 firm of more than 1,000 attorneys, policy advisors, and professionals with offices across the United States. For more information, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.