Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: PGC), the holding company for Peapack Private Bank & Trust, has secured a $50 million preferred stock commitment from affiliates of Strategic Value Bank Partners, a long-term investor in the banking sector. The commitment includes an initial $30 million private placement of non-cumulative perpetual convertible preferred stock, with the option to issue an additional $20 million through the end of 2027.
The preferred stock carries a 6.00% annual dividend rate and is non-callable for the first five years, after which it may be redeemed under applicable terms. Holders may convert the preferred stock into common stock after five years. The issuance is not listed on any securities exchange and is expected to qualify as Tier 1 capital, subject to regulatory requirements.
Proceeds from the transaction will be used for general corporate purposes, including supporting organic growth, investments at the holding-company or bank level, acquisitions or other business combinations, and the reduction or refinancing of existing debt.
Douglas L. Kennedy, President and CEO of Peapack-Gladstone, stated, 'We are pleased to partner with Strategic Value Bank Partners, whose long-term orientation aligns well with our strategy. Over the past two years, we have made significant investments in our expansion across the New York metropolitan market and are seeing strong results reflected in positive operating leverage and improving earnings momentum. This capital raise provides flexibility to continue executing on that growth while maintaining capital levels consistent with our long-standing targets. Importantly, it reflects our disciplined approach to capital management, including actions we have taken to improve the efficiency and quality of our capital structure.'
Marty Adams, Co-Founder and Principal of Strategic Value Bank Partners, added, 'We have been a long-time investor in PGC common stock and are excited to support the Company’s continued growth. We have strong conviction in the management team and the progress made in building a premier private banking and wealth management franchise serving clients across the New York metropolitan market. This investment reflects our confidence in the Company’s trajectory and our interest in deepening our long-term partnership.'
Additional details regarding the transaction are included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The announcement underscores Peapack-Gladstone's strategic focus on growth and capital efficiency, positioning the company to continue its expansion in the competitive New York metropolitan market.
