As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

Registration No. 333-213307333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No. 1

to

FORMS-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware 6035 22-3412577

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

975 HOOPER AVENUE, TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY 08753

(732)240-4500

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Christopher D. Maher

President and Chief Executive Officer

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, New Jersey 08753

(732)240-4500

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Steven J. Tsimbinos, Esq.

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, New Jersey 08753

Phone: (732)240-4500

 

Steven E. BradyThomas M. O’Brien

Ocean Shore Holding Co.Patricia M. Schaubeck, Esq.

1001 Asbury AvenueSun Bancorp, Inc.

Ocean City,350 Fellowship Road, Suite 101

Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 0822608054

Phone: (609) 399-0012(856)691-7700

David C. Ingles, Esq.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

4 Times Square

New York, New York 10036

Phone: (212)735-3000

 

Aaron M. Kaslow,Edward D. Herlihy, Esq.

Kilpatrick TownsendNicholas G. Demmo, Esq.

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLPKatz

607 14th51 W 52nd Street NW, Suite 900

Washington, D.C. 20005New York, New York 10019

Phone: (202) 508-5825(212)403-1000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and the conditions to the closing of the merger described herein have been satisfied or waived.

If the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box:  ¨

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company ¨
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ¨

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d)14d- 1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  ¨


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of each class of
securities to be registered

Amount

to be

registered

Proposed

maximum

offering price

per share

Proposed

maximum

aggregate

offering price

Amount of

registration fee

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

18,646,027 shares(1)N/A$381,155,067.66(2)$44,175.87(3)

(1)Represents the maximum number of shares of the common stock of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (“OceanFirst”) estimated to be issuable upon completion of the merger (the “first-step merger”) of Mercury Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst (“Merger Sub”), with and into Sun Bancorp, Inc. (“Sun”). This number represents the sum of (a) the product of (i) 0.9405 (which we refer to as the “assumed exchange ratio”), which is the quotient, rounded to the nearestone-ten thousandth, of (A) $23.38 (the assumed per share cash consideration in the first-step merger calculated as follows: (x) $3.78 plus (y) the product of 0.7884 multiplied by $24.86 (which we refer to as “the assumed OceanFirst closing price” and calculated based on the volume-weighted average trading price of shares of common stock of OceanFirst for the five trading day period ending on and including August 28, 2017, the latest practicable date prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus)) divided by (B) the assumed OceanFirst closing price and (ii) 19,273,118 which is the number of shares of Sun’s common stock outstanding as of August 24, 2017 (including the shares of Sun’s common stock underlying Sun’s restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards as of August 24, 2017), and (b) the product of (i) the assumed exchange ratio of 0.9405 and (ii) 552,535, the number of shares of Sun’s common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the outstanding Sun stock options, in each case, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 30, 2017, by and among Sun, OceanFirst and Merger Sub, which is attached to the joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A.

 

(2)Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee required by Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and computed pursuant to Rules 457(f) and 457(c) under the Securities Act, based upon the market value of shares of Sun common stock in accordance with Rules 457(c) and 457(f) under the Securities Act as follows: (a) the product of (i) $22.90, the average of the high and low prices per share of Sun’s common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on August 28, 2017 and (ii) 19,825,653, the estimated maximum number of shares of Sun common stock that may be exchanged for shares of OceanFirst common stock minus (b) $72,167,344.20, the estimated aggregate amount of the cash consideration to be paid by OceanFirst in exchange for shares of Sun common stock, which is calculated in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement as follows: (a) $3.78 multiplied by (b) 19,273,118, the total number of shares of Sun common stock issued and outstanding as of August 24, 2017 (including the shares of Sun’s common stock underlying Sun’s restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards as of August 24, 2017).

(3)Determined in accordance with Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at a rate equal to $115.90 per $1,000,000 of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This document shalldoes not constitute an offer to sell, or thea solicitation of anyan offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in whichto or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of anyin such jurisdiction.

 

PRELIMINARY — SUBJECT TO COMPLETION — DATED OCTOBER 6, 2016AUGUST 29, 2017

 

Proxy Statement

  

Prospectus

 

 

LOGO

LOGO
  LOGOLOGO

MERGER AND SHARE ISSUANCE PROPOSED — YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Dear Stockholder:

On July 12, 2016,June 30, 2017, OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation (which we refer to as “OceanFirst”), Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc., a New Jersey corporation (which we refer to as “Ocean Shore”“Sun”), and MastersMercury Merger Sub Corp., a New Jersey corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst (which we refer to as “Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (which we refer to as the “merger agreement”) that provides for the combination of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore.Sun. Under the terms of the merger agreement, (i) Merger Sub will merge with and into Ocean ShoreSun (which we refer to as the “first-step merger”), with Ocean ShoreSun continuing as the surviving corporation in the first-step merger and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst, (ii) immediately following the completion of the first-step merger, Ocean ShoreSun will merge with and into OceanFirst (which we refer to as the “second-step merger” and, together with the first-step merger, the “integrated mergers”), with OceanFirst continuing as the surviving corporation in the second-step merger (we refer to the surviving corporation following the second-step merger as the “combined company”), and (iii) immediately following the completion of the integrated mergers, Ocean City HomeSun National Bank, a federal savingsnational bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ocean ShoreSun (which we refer to as “Ocean Shore“Sun National Bank”), will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, a federal savings bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst (which we refer to as “OceanFirst Bank”), with OceanFirst Bank being the surviving bank in such merger (which we refer to as the “bank merger” and, together with the integrated mergers, the “Transactions”).

At the effective time of the first-step merger (which we refer to as the “effective time”), each outstanding share of the common stock, par value $0.01$5.00 per share, of Ocean ShoreSun (which we refer to as “Ocean Shore“Sun common stock”), except for specifiedcertain shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock owned by Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, will be converted into the right to receive $4.35either:

(i)an amount in cash without interest (which we refer to as the “cash consideration”), and 0.9667 shares (such number being referred to as the “exchange ratio” and such shares being referred to as “stock consideration”) equal to the sum of (A) $3.78 plus (B) the product of 0.7884 multiplied by the volume-weighted average trading price of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of OceanFirst (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst common stock”) for the five trading days immediately prior to the day on which the first-step merger occurs (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst share closing price”); or

(ii)a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock equal to the quotient of (A) the cash consideration divided by (B) the OceanFirst share closing price (we refer to such quotient as the “exchange ratio,” we refer to such number of shares as the “stock consideration” and we refer to the stock consideration and the cash consideration as the “merger consideration”).

Holders of theSun common stock par value $0.01 per share, of OceanFirst (which we referwill have the right to aselect to receive the “OceanFirst common stock”), together with cash in lieu of fractional shares. The cash consideration andor the stock consideration, are collectively referredsubject to as the “merger consideration.”

Althoughallocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides that the aggregate amount of cash consideration will not exceed the product of (x) $3.78 and (y) the total number of shares of OceanFirstSun common stock that holders of Ocean Shore common stock (which we referissued and outstanding immediately prior to as the “Ocean Shore stockholders”) will be entitled to receive is fixed, theeffective time.

The market value of the stock consideration will fluctuate with the market price of OceanFirst common stock and will not be known at the time Ocean Shore stockholders vote on the first-step merger. However, Ocean Shore has the right to terminate the merger agreement if, at any time during a five-day period following the datethat holders of receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals for the Transactions, the market value of OceanFirstSun common stock (i) is less than $14.46 and (ii) fails to meet certain comparison thresholds relative to the NASDAQ Bank Index. If Ocean Shore elects to exercise this termination right, then OceanFirst has the option to override the proposed termination by increasing the exchange ratio to a level that would cause either of the two requirements of this termination right to not be satisfied. Based on the $18.74 closing price of OceanFirst common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (which we refer to as the “NASDAQ”“Sun shareholders”) vote on July 12, 2016, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the Transactions, the per share value of the stock consideration was equal to $18.12 and the per share value of the merger consideration was equal to $22.47.first-step merger. Based on the $[●] closing price of OceanFirst common stock on the NASDAQ on [●], 2016,2017, the latest practicable trading day before the printing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the per share value of the merger consideration was equal to $[●] (and the aggregate value of the merger consideration was equal to approximately $[●]) million), which includes the value of the stock portion of the merger consideration and the cash portion of the merger consideration. Based on the 0.96670.7884 exchange ratio and the number of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock outstanding as of September 23, 2016[●], 2017 (which includes the number of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock underlying Ocean Shore’sSun’s restricted stock awards and restricted stock award units as of September 23, 2016)[●], 2017),


the maximum number of shares of OceanFirst common stock estimated to be issuable at the effective time of the first-step merger is 6,294,189.[●].We urge you to obtain current market quotations for OceanFirst (trading symbol “OCFC”) and Ocean ShoreSun (trading symbol “OSHC”“SNBC”).


OceanFirst will hold a special meeting of its stockholders (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst special meeting”) in connection with the issuance of the shares of OceanFirst common stock representing the stock consideration (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst share issuance”). At the OceanFirst special meeting, the holders of OceanFirst common stock (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst stockholders”) will be asked to vote to approve the OceanFirst share issuance. Approval of the OceanFirst share issuance requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast by the OceanFirst stockholders at the OceanFirst special meeting.

Ocean ShoreSun will hold a special meeting of its stockholdersshareholders (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun special meeting”) in connection with the first-step merger. At the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders will be asked to vote to approve the merger agreement and related matters, as described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Under New Jersey law and Ocean Shore’sSun’s organizational documents, approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders entitled to vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

The OceanFirst special meeting will be held on [●], 20162017 at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753, at [●] local time. The Ocean ShoreSun special meeting will be held on [●], 20162017 at Ocean City Yacht Club, 100 Bay350 Fellowship Road, Ocean City, NJ 08226,Suite 101, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054, at [●] local time.

The Ocean ShoreSun board of directors unanimously recommends that Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders vote “FOR” the approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, “FOR” the Sun merger-related compensation proposal and “FOR” the other matters to be considered at the Ocean Shore special meeting.Sun adjournment proposal.

The OceanFirst board of directors unanimously recommends that OceanFirst stockholders vote “FOR” the OceanFirst share issuance and “FOR” the other matter to be considered at the OceanFirst special meeting.adjournment proposal.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus describes the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, the OceanFirst special meeting, the Transactions, the OceanFirst share issuance, the documents related to the Transactions and other related matters.Please carefully read this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including Risk“Risk Factors,,” beginning on page[●], for a discussion of the risks relating to the proposed merger and the OceanFirst share issuance.issuance. You also can obtain information about OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun from documents that each has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

LOGO  

LOGO

Christopher D. Maher

President, and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

  

Steven E. BradyThomas M. O’Brien

President and Chief Executive Officer

Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued in the first-step merger or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.offense.

The securities to be issued in the first-step merger are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of any bank ornon-bank subsidiary of either OceanFirst or Ocean Shore,Sun, and they are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.agency.

The date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus is [●], 2017, and it is first being mailed or otherwise delivered to theOceanFirst stockholders of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun shareholders on or about [●], 2016.2017.


LOGOLOGO

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To the Stockholders of OceanFirst:

OceanFirst will hold the OceanFirst special meeting at [●] local time, on [●], 2016,2017, at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753 to consider and vote upon the following matters:

 

a proposal to approve the issuance of shares of OceanFirst common stock in connection with the first-step merger (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst share issuance proposal”); and

 

a proposal to adjourn the OceanFirst special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst adjournment proposal”).

We have fixed the close of business on September 27, 2016[●], 2017, as the record date for the OceanFirst special meeting (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst record date”). Only OceanFirst stockholders of record as of the OceanFirst record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the OceanFirst special meeting, or any adjournment of the OceanFirst special meeting. Approval of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast by the holders of OceanFirst common stock at the OceanFirst special meeting. The OceanFirst adjournment proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast by the holders of OceanFirst common stock at the OceanFirst special meeting are voted in favor of the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

The OceanFirst board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the integrated mergers and the OceanFirst share issuance, and unanimously recommends that OceanFirst stockholders vote “FOR” the OceanFirst share issuance proposal and “FOR” the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

Your vote is very important.important. We cannot complete the integrated mergers unless the OceanFirst stockholders approve the OceanFirst share issuance proposal.

Regardless of whether you plan to attend the OceanFirst special meeting, please vote as soon as possible. If you hold stock in your name as a stockholder of record of OceanFirst, please complete, sign, date and return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope. If you hold your stock in “street name” through a bank or broker, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished by the record holder.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus provides a detailed description of the OceanFirst special meeting, the Transactions, the OceanFirst share issuance, the documents related to the Transactions and other related matters. We urge you to read this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including any documents incorporated in thethis joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference, and its annexes carefully and in their entirety.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

 

 

LOGO

Christopher D. Maher

President, and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board


LOGOLOGO

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSSHAREHOLDERS

To the StockholdersShareholders of Ocean Shore:Sun:

Ocean ShoreSun will hold the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting at [●] local time, on [●], 2016,2017, at Ocean City Yacht Club, 100 Bay350 Fellowship Road, Ocean City, NJ 08226Suite 101, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054 to consider and vote upon the following matters:

 

a proposal to approve the merger agreement and the first-step merger, pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into Ocean Shore,Sun, as more fully described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun merger proposal”);

 

a proposal to approve, on an advisory(non-binding) basis, the compensation that certain executive officers of Ocean ShoreSun may receive in connection with the first-step merger pursuant to existing agreements or arrangements with Ocean ShoreSun (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun merger-related compensation proposal”); and

 

a proposal to adjourn the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun adjournment proposal”).

We have fixed the close of business on September 23, 2016,[●], 2017, as the record date for the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun record date”). Only Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders of record as of the Ocean ShoreSun record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, or any adjournment of the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. Under New Jersey law and Ocean Shore’sSun’s organizational documents, approval of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast by Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders entitled to vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. The Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast on such proposal at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting are voted in favor of such proposal. The Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast on such proposal at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting are voted in favor of such proposal.

The Ocean ShoreSun board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement, has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger,integrated mergers, are advisable and in the best interests of Ocean ShoreSun and its stockholders,shareholders, and unanimously recommends that Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders vote “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal and “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal.

Your vote is very important.important. We cannot complete the integrated mergers unless the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders approve the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal.

Regardless of whether you plan to attend the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, please vote as soon as possible. If you hold stock in your name as a stockholdershareholder of record of Ocean Shore,Sun, please complete, sign, date and return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope. You may also vote through the Internet. If you hold your stock in “street name” through a bank or broker, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished by the record holder.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus provides a detailed description of the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, the Transactions, the Sun merger proposal, Sun merger-related compensation proposal, the documents related to the Transactions and other related matters. We urge you to read thethis entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including any documents incorporated in thethis joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference, and its annexes carefully and in their entirety.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

LOGO

Steven E. BradyThomas M. O’Brien

President and Chief Executive Officer


REFERENCES TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun from documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (which we refer to as the “SEC”) that are not included in or delivered with this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You can obtain any of the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by OceanFirst and/or Ocean ShoreSun at no cost from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also request copies of these documents, including documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, at no cost by contacting the appropriate company at the following address:

 

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, New Jersey 08753

(732)240-4500

  

Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc.

1001 Asbury Avenue350 Fellowship Road, Suite 101

Ocean City,Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 0822608054

(609) 399-0012(856)691-7700

You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request. To obtain timely delivery of these documents, you must request them no later than five business days before the date of your meeting. This means that OceanFirst stockholders requesting documents must do so by [], 2016,2017, in order to receive them before the OceanFirst special meeting, and Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders requesting documents must do so by [], 2016,2017, in order to receive them before the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this document. No one has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from that contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this document. This document is dated [●], 2016,2017, and you should assume that the information in this document is accurate only as of such date. You should assume that the information incorporated by reference into this document is accurate as of the date of such document, and neither the mailing of this document to Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders or OceanFirst stockholders nor the issuance by OceanFirst of shares of OceanFirst common stock in connection with the first-step merger will create any implication to the contrary.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. Except where the context otherwise indicates, information contained in this document regarding Ocean ShoreSun has been provided by Ocean ShoreSun and information contained in this document regarding OceanFirst has been provided by OceanFirst.

See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●] for more details.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   Page 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

   1 

SUMMARY

   1011 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF OCEANFIRST

   1920 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF OCEAN SHORESUN

   2122 

SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA

   2324 

UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

   2526 

RISK FACTORS

   2627 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   3334 

THE OCEAN SHORESUN SPECIAL MEETING

   3435 

Date, Time and Place of the Ocean ShoreSun Special Meeting

   3435 

Matters to Be Considered

   3435 

Recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun Board

   3435 

Ocean ShoreSun Record Date and Quorum

   3435 

Required Vote; Treatment of Abstentions, BrokerNon-Votes and Failure to Vote

   35 

Shares Held by Officers, Directors and Certain Stockholders

   3536 

Voting of Proxies; Incomplete Proxies

   3536 

Shares Held in “Street Name”

   3637 

Revocability of Proxies and Changes to an Ocean Shorea Sun Stockholder’s Vote

   3637 

Solicitation of Proxies

   3637 

Attending the Ocean ShoreSun Special Meeting

   3738 

Delivery of Proxy Materials to Ocean ShoreSun Stockholders Sharing an Address

   3738 

Assistance

   3738 

OCEAN SHORESUN PROPOSALS

   3839 

Proposal No. 1 Ocean ShoreSun Merger Proposal

   3839 

Proposal No. 2 Ocean ShoreSun Merger-Related Compensation Proposal

   3839 

Proposal No. 3 Ocean ShoreSun Adjournment Proposal

   3839 

THE OCEANFIRST SPECIAL MEETING

   4041 

Date, Time and Place of the OceanFirst Special Meeting

   4041 

Matters to Be Considered

   4041 

Recommendation of the OceanFirst Board

   4041 

OceanFirst Record Date and Quorum

   4041 

Required Vote; Treatment of Abstentions, BrokerNon-Votes and Failure to Vote

   4142 

i


Page

Shares Held by Officers, Directors and Certain Stockholders

   4142 

i


Page

Voting of Proxies; Incomplete Proxies

   4142 

Shares Held in “Street Name”

   4243 

Revocability of Proxies and Changes to an OceanFirst Stockholder’s Vote

   4243 

Solicitation of Proxies

   4243 

Attending the OceanFirst Special Meeting

   4243 

Delivery of Proxy Materials to OceanFirst Stockholders Sharing an Address

   4344 

Assistance

   4344 

OCEANFIRST PROPOSALS

   4445 

Proposal No. 1 OceanFirst Share Issuance Proposal

   4445 

Proposal No. 2 OceanFirst Adjournment Proposal

   4445 

INFORMATION ABOUT OCEANFIRST

   4546 

INFORMATION ABOUT MERGER SUB

   4647 

INFORMATION ABOUT OCEAN SHORESUN BANCORP

   4748 

THE TRANSACTIONS

   4849 

Structure of the Transactions

   4849 

Background of the Transactions

   4849 

Ocean Shore’sSun’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun Board

   53 

Opinion of Ocean Shore’sSun’s Financial Advisor

   5654 

OceanFirst’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the OceanFirst Board

   7268 

Opinion of OceanFirst’s Financial Advisor

   74

Certain Unaudited Prospective Financial Information of Ocean Shore

8270 

Interests of Ocean Shore’sSun’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions

   8480 

Public Trading Markets

   9084 

Dividend Policy

   9084 

No Dissenters’ Rights

   9185 

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Transactions

   9185 

Litigation Related to the Transactions

   9286 

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

   9387

THE SUN VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENTS

108 

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

   110 

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE INTEGRATED MERGERS

   111 

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF OCEANFIRST

   114115 

Authorized Capital Stock

   114115 

Common Stock

   114115 

Preferred Stock

   115116 

 

ii


   Page 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   116118 

COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

   124127 

COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS

   131138 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OF OCEANFIRST

   132139 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OF OCEAN SHORESUN

   134142 

LEGAL MATTERS

   136144 

EXPERTS

   136144 

OceanFirst

   136144

Sun

144 

Ocean Shore

   136144 

Cape

   136144 

DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

   137145 

OceanFirst

   137145 

Ocean ShoreSun

   137145 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

   138146 

 

Annexes  

Annex A — Agreement and Plan of Merger

   A-1 

Annex B — Form of Brown Voting and Support Agreement with Ocean Shore Directors

   B-1 

Annex C — OpinionForm of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.WLR Voting and Support Agreement

   C-1 

Annex D — Opinion of Sandler O’Neill  & Partners, L.P.

D-1

Annex E — Opinion of Piper Jaffray & Co.

   D-1E-1 

 

iii


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are some questions that you, as an OceanFirst stockholder or an Ocean Shore stockholder,a Sun shareholder, may have about the Transactions, the OceanFirst share issuance, the OceanFirst special meeting or the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, as applicable, and brief answers to those questions. We urge you to read carefully the remainder of this joint proxy statement/prospectus because the information in this section does not provide all of the information that might be important to you with respect to the Transactions, the OceanFirst share issuance, the OceanFirst special meeting or the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, as applicable. For details about where you can find additional important information, please see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [].

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to “OceanFirst” refer to OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, and references to “Ocean Shore”“Sun” refer to Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc., a New Jersey corporation, and its subsidiaries.

Q: What are the Transactions?

A: OceanFirst, Ocean ShoreSun and Mercury Merger Sub Corp. (which we refer to as “Merger Sub”) entered into the merger agreement on July 12, 2016.June 30, 2017. The first-step merger is the first step in a series of transactions to combine OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, and their respective subsidiary banks, OceanFirst Bank and Ocean City Home Bank (which we refer to as “Ocean Shore Bank”).Sun National Bank.

Under the terms of the merger agreement:

 

Merger Sub will merge with and into Ocean Shore,Sun, with Ocean ShoreSun continuing as the surviving corporation in such merger and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst (which we refer to as the “first-step merger”).

 

Immediately following the completion of the first-step merger, Ocean Shore,Sun, as the surviving corporation in the first-step merger, will merge with and into OceanFirst with OceanFirst being the surviving corporation (which we refer to as the “second-step merger” and, together with the first-step merger, the “integrated mergers”), with OceanFirst being the surviving corporation (we refer to the surviving corporation following the second-step merger as the “combined company”).

 

Immediately following the completion of the integrated mergers, Ocean ShoreSun National Bank will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank being the surviving bank (which we refer to as the “bank merger,”merger” and, together with the integrated mergers, the “Transactions”).

A copy of the merger agreement is included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A.

The integrated mergers cannot be completed unless, among other things:

 

The holders (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst stockholders”) of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of OceanFirst (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst common stock”) approve the issuance of the shares of OceanFirst common stock in connection with the first-step merger (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst share issuance”).

 

The holders (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore stockholders”“Sun shareholders”) of the common stock, par value $0.01$5.00 per share, of Ocean ShoreSun (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun common stock”) approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun merger proposal”).

The completion of the integrated mergers is subject to the fulfillment of additional customary conditions, which are discussed in the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Conditions—Conditions to Complete the Integrated Mergers” beginning on page [●].

Q: Why am I receiving this joint proxy statement/prospectus?

A: We are delivering this document to you because it is a joint proxy statement being used by both the OceanFirst board of directors (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst board”) and the Ocean ShoreSun board of

directors (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun board”) to solicit proxies of the stockholders of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,shareholders of Sun, as applicable, in connection with the approval of the OceanFirst share issuance and the first-stepSun merger proposal, as applicable, and related matters.

In order to approve the OceanFirst share issuance, OceanFirst has called a special meeting of the OceanFirst stockholders (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst special meeting”). In order to approve the Sun merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, Ocean Shoreproposal, Sun has called a special meeting of the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun special meeting”). This document also serves as a notice of the OceanFirst special meeting and the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, and describes the proposals to be presented at each special meeting.

In addition, this document is also a prospectus that is being delivered to Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders because OceanFirst is offering shares of OceanFirst common stock to Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders in connection with, and as consideration for, the first-step merger.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus contains important information about the Transactions. This document also contains important information about the proposals being voted on at the OceanFirst special meeting and the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, respectively. You should read this document carefully and in its entirety. The enclosed materials allow you to have your shares voted by proxy without attending your special meeting.Your vote is important. We encourage you to submit your proxy as soon as possible.

Q: In addition to the OceanFirst share issuance, what else are OceanFirst stockholders being asked to vote on at the OceanFirst special meeting?

A: In addition to voting on the OceanFirst share issuance (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst share issuance proposal”), OceanFirst is soliciting proxies from the OceanFirst stockholders with respect to a proposal to adjourn the OceanFirst special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst adjournment proposal”). Completion of the integrated mergers is not conditioned upon approval of the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

Q: In addition to the approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, what else are Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders being asked to vote on at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting?

A: In addition to voting on the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, Ocean ShoreSun is soliciting proxies from the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders with respect to a proposal to approve, on an advisory(non-binding) basis, the compensation that certain executive officers of Ocean ShoreSun may receive in connection with the first-step merger pursuant to agreements or arrangements with Ocean ShoreSun (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun merger-related compensation proposal”) and a proposal to adjourn the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun adjournment proposal”). Completion of the integrated mergers is not conditioned upon approval of the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal or the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal.

Q: What will Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders be entitled to receive in the first-step merger?

A: If the first-step merger is completed, each outstanding share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock, except for certain shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock owned by Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, will be converted into the right to receive $4.35either:

(i)an amount in cash (the “cash consideration”) equal to the sum of (A) $3.78 plus (B) the product of 0.7884 multiplied by the volume-weighted average trading price of shares of OceanFirst common stock for the five trading days immediately prior to the day on which the first-step merger occurs (the “OceanFirst share closing price”); or

(ii)a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock equal to the quotient of (A) the cash consideration divided by (B) the OceanFirst share closing price (we refer to such quotient as the “exchange ratio,” we refer to such number of shares as the “stock consideration” and we refer to the stock consideration and the cash consideration as the “merger consideration”).

Holders of Sun common stock will have the right to elect to receive the cash without interest,consideration or the stock consideration, subject to the allocation and 0.9667proration provisions of the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides that the aggregate amount of cash consideration will not exceed the product of (x) $3.78 and (y) the total number of shares of OceanFirst common stock. OceanFirst will not issue any fractional shares of OceanFirstSun common stock inissued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the first-step merger. Ocean Shore stockholdersmerger (which we refer to as the “effective time”). Sun shareholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of OceanFirst common stock upon the completion of the first-step merger will instead be entitled to receive an amount in cash (rounded to the nearest cent) based on the average closing-sale priceOceanFirst share closing price.

Q: Will the Sun shareholders receive the form of consideration they elect?

A: A Sun shareholder may not receive the form of consideration that such Sun shareholder elects in the first-step merger. The allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement will result, regardless of the elections made, in the total cash consideration being equal to the product of $3.78 and the total number of shares of Sun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (we refer to such product as the “cash component”). Accordingly, upon the conversion of shares of Sun common stock (excluding certain shares of Sun common stock owned by Sun or OceanFirst or any of their respective subsidiaries) into the right to receive the merger consideration, the number of shares of Sun common stock to be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration will equal the quotient of the cash component divided by the per share cash consideration (we refer to such quotient as the “cash conversion number”), and the balance of the shares of Sun common stock that are entitled to receive the merger consideration will be converted into the right to receive the stock consideration.

Pursuant to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement, if the number of shares of Sun common stock for which a cash election has been made exceeds the cash conversion number, a pro rata portion of all those shares for which a cash election has been made will instead be converted into the right to receive the stock consideration. Similarly, if the number of shares of Sun common stock for which a cash election has been made is less than the cash conversion number, the outstanding shares of Sun common stock with respect to which no election has been made will be converted to the cash consideration before any outstanding shares of Sun common stock with respect to which a stock election has been made are converted to the cash consideration. The allocation of the consideration payable to the Sun shareholders in the first-step merger will not be known until the results of the merger consideration elections made by the Sun shareholders are tallied, which will not occur until near or after the closing of the Transactions. See “The Merger Agreement — Merger Consideration” beginning on page [●].

Q: How will Sun shareholders make their elections to receive either the cash consideration or the stock consideration in the first-step merger?

A: An election form will be mailed to each holder of record of Sun common stock as of the business day immediately preceding the date on which the election forms are mailed. The mailing will occur at least 20 business days prior to the anticipated election deadline, which is expected to be 5:00 p.m. local time (determined as the city in which the principal office of the exchange agent is located) on the date OceanFirst and Sun agree is as near as practicable to two business days before the closing date. OceanFirst will also make an election form available to each Sun shareholder who, following the date on which the election forms are initially mailed but prior to the election deadline, requests such election form. Each Sun shareholder should complete and return the election form, along with Sun stock certificate(s) (or a properly completed notice of guaranteed delivery), according to the instructions included with the form. The election form will be provided to Sun shareholders under separate cover and is not being provided with this document.

If you own shares of Sun common stock in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee and you wish to make an election, you should seek instructions from the bank, broker or other nominee holding your shares concerning how to make an election. If you do not send in the election form with your stock certificate(s) by the election deadline, you will be treated as though you had not made an election.

Q: What happens if a Sun shareholder does not make a valid election to receive either the cash consideration or the stock consideration?

A: If a Sun shareholder does not return a properly completed election form by the election deadline specified in the election form, such Sun shareholder shares of Sun common stock will be considered“non-election” shares and will be converted into the right to receive the stock consideration or the cash consideration according to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. In the event one form of merger consideration (i.e., cash or shares of OceanFirst common stock) is undersubscribed, shares of Sun common stock for which no election was validly made will be allocated to that form of merger consideration before shares of Sun common stock electing the five full trading days ending onoversubscribed form of merger consideration will be allocated to the day precedingundersubscribed form of merger consideration pursuant to the day on whichallocation and proration provisions of the first-step merger agreement. Accordingly, although electing one form of merger consideration will not guarantee you will receive that form of merger consideration for all of your shares of Sun common stock, in the event proration is completed.necessary, electing shares will be allocated the undersubscribed form of consideration only after such consideration is allocated to“non-election” shares.

Q: What will OceanFirst stockholders be entitled to receive in the first-step merger?

A: OceanFirst stockholders will not be entitled to receive any merger consideration and will continue to hold the shares of OceanFirst common stock that they held immediately prior to the completion of the first-step merger.

Q: How will the first-step merger affect Ocean ShoreSun equity awards?

A: The Ocean ShoreSun equity awards will be affected as follows:

Restricted Stock Awards: At the effective time, of the first-step merger (which we refer to as the “effective time”), each restricted stock award granted by Ocean ShoreSun will become fully vested, and each holder of such restricted stock awards will be entitled to receive the per share merger consideration forand will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration with respect to each share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock held subject to such awards, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards: At the effective time, each restricted stock unit award granted by Sun will be cancelled, and each holder of such holder.restricted stock unit awards will be entitled to receive the merger consideration and will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration with respect to each share of Sun common stock held subject to such awards, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement.

Stock Options: Also atAt the effective time, alleach outstanding and unexercised optionsoption to purchase Ocean ShoreSun common stock will fully vest and will convertbe converted into optionsan option to purchase a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by multiplying (i) the number of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock subject to such Ocean ShoreSun stock option immediately prior to the effective time by (ii) 1.2084;the exchange ratio; and the exercise price per share of the new option will be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the per share exercise price for the shareseach share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock subject to such Ocean ShoreSun option by (b) 1.2084the exchange ratio (rounded up to the nearest whole cent).

Q: Will the value of the merger consideration change between the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the time that the first-step merger is completed?

A: Yes. AlthoughAny changes in the exchange ratio is fixed,market price of OceanFirst common stock will have a corresponding effect on the value of the stock portionconsideration. In addition, because the value of the mergerper share cash consideration will fluctuate betweenis derived from the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus andOceanFirst share closing price during a period prior to the closing, date becauseany changes in the market value forprice of OceanFirst common stock fluctuates. Thewill also have a corresponding effect on the amount of the per share cash consideration. However, the aggregate amount of the cash consideration is fixed.will not exceed the product of (x) $3.78 and (y) the total number of shares of Sun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time.

Q: How does the OceanFirst board recommend that I vote at the OceanFirst special meeting?

A: The OceanFirst board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the OceanFirst share issuance proposal and “FOR” the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

Q: How does the Ocean ShoreSun board recommend that I vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting?

A: The Ocean ShoreSun board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal and “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal.

Q: When and where are the meetings?

A: The OceanFirst special meeting will be held at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753 on [●], 2016,2017, at [●] local time.

The Ocean ShoreSun special meeting will be held at Ocean City Yacht Club, 100 Bay350 Fellowship Road, Ocean City, NJ 08226Suite 101, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054 on [●], 2016,2017, at [●] local time.

Q: What do I need to do now?

A: After you have carefully read this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus and have decided how you wish to vote your shares, please vote your shares promptly so that your shares are represented and voted at your special meeting. If you hold your shares in your name as a stockholder of record, you must complete, sign, date and mail your proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope as soon as possible. Alternatively, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders may vote through the Internet.Internet or by telephone. Information and applicable deadlines for voting Ocean ShoreSun shares

through the Internet or by telephone are set forth in the enclosed Ocean ShoreSun proxy card instructions. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a bank or broker, you must direct your bank or broker how to vote in accordance with the instructions you have received from your bank or broker. “Street name” stockholders who wish to vote in person at their special meeting will need to obtain a legal proxy from the institution that holds their shares.

Q: What constitutes a quorum for the OceanFirst special meeting?

A: The presence at the OceanFirst special meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders representing at least a majority of the outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock entitled to be voted at the OceanFirst special meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the OceanFirst special meeting. Once a share is represented for any purpose at the OceanFirst special meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the OceanFirst special meeting or for any adjournment(s) thereof. Abstentions and brokernon-votes, if any, will be included in determining the number of shares present at the meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

Q: What constitutes a quorum for the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting?

A: The presence at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders representing at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock entitled to be voted at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting will constitute a

quorum for the transaction of business at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. Once a share is represented for any purpose at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting or for any adjournment(s) thereof. Abstentions and brokernon-votes, if any, will be included in determining the number of shares present at the meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

Q: What is the vote required to approve each proposal at the OceanFirst special meeting?

A:OceanFirst share issuance proposal:

 

  Standard:Standard: Approval of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast by the holders of OceanFirst common stock at the OceanFirst special meeting.

 

  Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the OceanFirst special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the OceanFirst share issuance proposal, it will have no effect on the OceanFirst share issuance proposal.

OceanFirst adjournment proposal:

 

  Standard:Standard: The OceanFirst adjournment proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast by the holders of OceanFirst common stock at the OceanFirst special meeting are voted in favor of the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

 

  Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the OceanFirst special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the OceanFirst adjournment proposal, it will have no effect on the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

Q: What is the vote required to approve each proposal at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting?

A:Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal:

 

  Standard:Standard: Approval of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders entitled to vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

  Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, it will have no effect on the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal.

Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal:

 

  Standard:Standard: Approval of the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders entitled to vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

 

  Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal, it will have no effect on the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal.

Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal:

 

  Standard:Standard: Approval of the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders entitled to vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

  Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal, it will have no effect on the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal.

OceanFirst has entered into agreements (which we refer to as the “voting and support agreements”) with (1) Bernard Brown, Sidney R. Brown, Anne Koons, Irwin J. Brown, Jeffrey S. Brown, Shirley Brown, The Bernard A. Brown 2012 Trust, Sidney & Sandy Brown Foundation, Inc., The Four B’s, Interactive Logistics, LLC, National Distribution Centers, L.P., National Freight, Inc. and Vineland Construction Co. (which we refer to collectively as the “Brown family”) and (2) WLR SBI AcquisitionCo, LLC and its ultimate controlling affiliate, WL Ross & Co., LLC (which we refer to collectively as “WLR”) (which we refer to collectively as the “Sun supporting shareholders”), who have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to, among other things, vote the shares of Sun common stock owned beneficially or of record by each Sun supporting shareholder in favor of the merger proposal. In addition, each Sun supporting shareholder has agreed to vote against any proposal made in competition with the merger proposal, as well as certain other restrictions with respect to the voting and transfer of such Sun supporting shareholder’s shares of Sun common stock.

Based on information set forth in filings with the SEC, as of [●], 2017, made by the Sun supporting shareholders, the Sun supporting shareholders beneficially owned, in the aggregate, [●] shares of Sun common stock (approximately 39% of the outstanding shares of Sun common stock).

Q: Why is my vote important?

A: If you do not vote, it will be more difficult for OceanFirst and/or Ocean ShoreSun to obtain the necessary quorum to hold their respective special meetings. If you are an OceanFirst stockholder, your failure to submit a proxy or vote in person, or failure to instruct your bank or broker how to vote, or abstention with respect to the OceanFirst share issuance proposal will not be counted as a vote cast and will have no effect on the approval of such proposal, even though such approval is a condition to the completion of the integrated mergers. If you are an Ocean Shore stockholder,a Sun shareholder, your failure to submit a proxy or vote in person, or failure to instruct your bank or broker how to vote, or abstention with respect to the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal will not be counted as a vote cast and will have no effect on the approval of such proposal, even though such approval is a condition to the completion of the integrated mergers. The OceanFirst share issuance must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the total votes cast by the OceanFirst stockholders at the OceanFirst special meeting. The Sun merger agreementproposal must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast by the holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock entitled to vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. The OceanFirst board unanimously recommends that the OceanFirst stockholders vote “FOR” the OceanFirst share issuance proposal and the Ocean ShoreSun board unanimously recommends that the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders vote “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal.

Q: If my shares of common stock are held in “street name” by my bank or broker, will my bank or broker automatically vote my shares for me?

A: No. Your bank or broker cannot vote your shares without instructions from you. You should instruct your bank or broker how to vote your shares in accordance with the instructions provided to you. Please check the voting form used by your bank or broker.

Q: If I am a participant in Ocean Shore’s ESOP or Ocean Shore’sSun’s 401(k) Plan, how will shares owned through such plans be voted?

A: If you participate inhold shares of Sun common stock through the Ocean ShoreSun National Bank Employee Stock Ownership401(k) Plan (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore ESOP”) or if you hold shares of Ocean Shore common stock through the Ocean Shore Bank Savings and

Investment Plan (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun 401(k) Plan”), you will receive a voting instruction card for each planthe Sun 401(k) Plan that reflects all shares you may direct the trustees to vote on your behalf under the plans.Sun 401(k) Plan. Under the terms of the Ocean Shore ESOP, the Ocean Shore ESOP trustee votes all allocated shares of Ocean Shore common stock held by the Ocean Shore ESOP as directed by the plan participants. The Ocean Shore ESOP trustee, subject to the exercise of its fiduciary duties, will vote all unallocated shares of Ocean Shore common stock held by the Ocean Shore ESOP and allocated shares for which no voting instructions are received in the same proportion as shares for which it has received timely voting instructions.

Under the terms of the Ocean ShoreSun 401(k) Plan, a participant is entitled to direct the trustee how to vote the shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock held in the Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc. Stock Fund and credited to his or her Ocean ShoreSun 401(k) Plan account. The trustee will vote all shares for which no directions are given or for which instructions were not timely received in the same proportion as shares for which the trustee received voting instructions.

The deadline for returning your voting instructions to each plan’s trustee is [], 2016.

Q: If I am a participant in OceanFirst’s ESOP, OceanFirst’s 401(k) Plan or Cape Bancorp’sOcean Shore’s 401(k) Plan, how will shares owned through such plans be voted?

A: If you participate in the OceanFirst Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan or the OceanFirst Bank Matching Contribution Employee Stock Ownership Plan (which we collectively refer to as the “OceanFirst ESOP”), or the OceanFirst Bank Retirement Plan (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst 401(k) Plan”), or the CapeOcean Shore Bank Employees’ Savings & Profit Sharingand Investment Plan (which we refer to as the “Cape“Ocean Shore 401(k) Plan”), which was maintained by Cape Bancorp, Inc.Ocean Shore Holding Co. (which we refer to as “Cape”“Ocean Shore”) prior to May 2,November 30, 2016, the date on which OceanFirst completed its acquisition of CapeOcean Shore (which we refer to as the “Cape“Ocean Shore acquisition”), you will receive a voting instruction form for each plan that reflects all shares that you may vote under the particular plan. Under the terms of the OceanFirst ESOP, the OceanFirst ESOP trustee votes all shares held by the OceanFirst ESOP, but each OceanFirst ESOP participant may direct the trustee how to vote the shares of OceanFirst common stock allocated to his or her account. The OceanFirst ESOP trustee, subject to the exercise of its fiduciary responsibilities, will vote all unallocated shares of OceanFirst common stock held by the OceanFirst ESOP and allocated shares for which no voting instructions are received in the same proportion as shares for which it has received timely voting instructions.

Under the terms of the OceanFirst 401(k) Plan and under the terms of the CapeOcean Shore 401(k) Plan, respectively, a participant is entitled to provide instructions for all shares credited to his or her OceanFirst 401(k) Plan account or CapeOcean Shore 401(k) Plan account.account, as applicable. The trustee will vote all shares for which no directions are given or for which timely instructions were not received in the same proportion as shares for which voting instructions were timely received.

The deadline for returning your voting instructions is [], 2016.2017.

Q: Can I attend the OceanFirst special meeting and/or the Sun special meeting and vote my shares in person?

A: Yes. All stockholders of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,shareholders of Sun, including stockholders and shareholders of record and stockholders and shareholders who hold their shares “in street name” through banks, brokers, nominees or any other holder of record, are invited to attend their respective meetings. Holders of record of OceanFirst common stock and Ocean ShoreSun common stock can vote in person at the OceanFirst special meeting and Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, respectively. If you are not a stockholder or shareholder of record, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the record holder of your shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee, to be able to vote in person at your meeting. If you plan to attend your special meeting, you must hold your shares in your own name or have a letter from the record holder of your shares confirming your ownership. In addition, you must bring a form of personal photo identification with you in order to be admitted. OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun reserve the right to refuse admittance to anyone without proper proof of share ownership or without proper photo identification. The use of cameras, sound recording equipment, communications devices or any similar equipment during the special meetings is prohibited without OceanFirst’s or Ocean Shore’sSun’s express written consent, respectively.

Q: Can I change my vote?

A:OceanFirst stockholders: Yes. If you are a holder of record of OceanFirst common stock, you may change your vote or revoke any proxy at any time before it is voted by (i) signing and returning a proxy card with a later date, (ii) delivering a written revocation letter to OceanFirst’s corporate secretary or (iii) attending the OceanFirst special meeting in person, notifying the corporate secretary and voting by ballot at the OceanFirst special meeting. Attendance at the OceanFirst special meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy. A revocation or later-dated proxy received by OceanFirst after the vote will not affect the vote. OceanFirst’s corporate secretary’s mailing address is: Corporate Secretary, OceanFirst Financial Corp., 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753.

Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders: Yes. If you are a holder of record of Ocean ShoreSun common stock, you may change your vote or revoke any proxy at any time before it is voted by (i) signing and returning a proxy with a later date (including a proxy given over the Internet or by telephone), (ii) delivering a written revocation letter to Ocean Shore’sSun’s corporate secretary or (iii) attending the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting in person, notifying the corporate secretary and voting by ballot at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting or (iv) voting through the Internet at a later time.meeting. Attendance at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting by itself will not automatically revoke your proxy. A revocation or later-dated proxy received by Ocean ShoreSun after the vote will not affect the vote. Ocean Shore’sSun’s corporate secretary’s mailing address is: Corporate Secretary, Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc., 1001 Asbury Ave., Ocean City,350 Fellowship Road, Suite 101, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08226.08054.

If you hold your shares of OceanFirst common stock or Ocean ShoreSun common stock in “street name” through a bank or broker, you should contact your bank or broker to change your vote or revoke your proxy.

Q: Will OceanFirst be required to submit the OceanFirst share issuance proposal to its stockholders even if the OceanFirst board has withdrawn, modified or qualified its recommendation?

A: Yes. Unless the merger agreement is terminated before the OceanFirst special meeting, OceanFirst is required to submit the OceanFirst share issuance proposal to its stockholders even if the OceanFirst board has withdrawn, modified or qualified its recommendation.

Q: Will Ocean ShoreSun be required to submit the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal to its stockholdersshareholders even if the Ocean ShoreSun board has withdrawn, modified or qualified its recommendation?

A: Yes. Unless the merger agreement is terminated before the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, Ocean ShoreSun is required to submit the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal to its stockholdersshareholders even if the Ocean ShoreSun board has withdrawn, modified or qualified its recommendation.

Q: What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the integrated mergers to Ocean Shore stockholders?Sun shareholders?

A: The obligations of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst to complete the integrated mergers are subject to, among other customary closing conditions described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the receipt by each of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst of the opinion of its counsel to the effect that the integrated mergers together will be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (which we refer to as the “Code”).

Assuming that the integrated mergers qualify as a reorganization, Ocean Shore stockholders generally will recognize gain (but not loss) in an amount not to exceed the cash portion of the merger consideration for U.S. federal income tax purposes.consequences of the integrated mergers to each Sun shareholder will vary depending on whether such Sun shareholder receives cash, shares of OceanFirst common stock or a combination thereof in exchange for such Sun shareholder’s shares of Sun common stock pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement.

You should read the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Integrated Mergers” beginning on page [●] for a more complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the integrated mergers. Tax matters can be complicated and the tax consequences of the integrated mergers to you will depend on your particular tax situation. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of the integrated mergers to you.

Q: Are Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders entitled to dissenters’ rights?

A: No. Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders are not entitled to exercise dissenters’ rights in connection with the Transactions. For further information, see “The Transactions — No Dissenters’ Rights” beginning on page [●].

Q: If I am an Ocean Shore stockholder,a Sun shareholder, should I send in my Ocean ShoreSun stock certificates now?

A: No. Please do not send in your Ocean ShoreSun stock certificates with your proxy. Promptly following the completion of the first-step merger, an exchange agent will send you instructions for exchanging Ocean ShoreSun stock certificates for the merger consideration. See “The Merger Agreement — Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates” beginning on page [●].

Q: What should I do if I hold my shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock in book-entry form?

A: You are not required to take any special additional actions if your shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock are held in book-entry form. Promptly following the completion of the first-step merger, shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock held in book-entry form automatically will be exchanged for shares of OceanFirst common stock in book-entry form and cash to be paid in exchange for fractional shares, if any.

Q: Whom may I contact if I cannot locate my Ocean ShoreSun stock certificate(s)?

A: If you are unable to locate your original Ocean ShoreSun stock certificate(s), you should contact ComputerShare, Investor, Ocean Shore’sSun’s transfer agent, at (800) 368-5948.[●].

Q: What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

A: OceanFirst stockholders and Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold shares of OceanFirst common stock and/or Ocean ShoreSun common stock in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold such shares. If you are a holder of record of OceanFirst common stock and/or Ocean ShoreSun common stock and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. In addition, if you are a holder of both OceanFirst common stock and Ocean ShoreSun common stock, you will receive one or more separate proxy cards or voting instruction cards for each company. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive or otherwise follow the voting instructions set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to ensure that you vote every share of OceanFirst common stock and/or Ocean ShoreSun common stock that you own.

Q: When do you expect to complete the Transactions?

A: OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun currently expect to complete the Transactions late in the fourth quarter of 2016 or early in the first quarter of 2017.2018. However, neither OceanFirst nor Ocean ShoreSun can assure you of when, or if, the Transactions will be completed. The completion of the integrated mergers is subject to the fulfillment of customary closing conditions, including the approval by the OceanFirst stockholders of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal, the approval by the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal and the receipt of necessaryall required regulatory approvals.

Q: What happens if the first-step merger is not completed?

A: If the first-step merger is not completed, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders will not receive any consideration for their shares in connection with the first-step merger. Instead, Ocean ShoreSun will remain an independent public company and its common stock will continue to be listed and traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (which we refer to as the “NASDAQ”). In addition, if the merger agreement is terminated in certain circumstances, a termination fee may be required to be paid by either OceanFirst or Ocean Shore.Sun. For a more detailed discussion of the circumstances under which such payments will be required to be paid, please see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Termination Fee” beginning on page [●].

Q: Whom should I call with questions?

A:OceanFirst stockholders: If you have any questions concerning the Transactions or this joint proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares of OceanFirst common stock, please contact Investor Relations at (732)240-4500 or OceanFirst’s proxy solicitor, Georgeson LLC, at (866)296-5716.

Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders: If you have any questions concerning the Transactions or this joint proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock, please contact Ocean Shore’s proxy solicitor, Regan & Associates, Inc,Sun’s Corporate Secretary at (800) 737-3246.691-7701.

SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information from this joint proxy statement/prospectus. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. We urge you to read carefully the entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the annexes, and the other documents to which we refer in order to fully understand the Transactions. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page []. Each item in this summary refers to the page of this joint proxy statement/prospectus on which that subject is discussed in more detail.

In the First-Step Merger, Ocean Shore StockholdersSun Shareholders will be Entitled to Receive the Merger Consideration (page [])

OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun are proposing a strategic merger. If the first-step merger is completed, each outstanding share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock, except for certain shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock owned by Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, will be converted into the right to receive $4.35either (i) an amount in cash without interest, and 0.9667(which we refer to as the “cash consideration”) equal to the sum of (A) $3.78 plus (B) the product of 0.7884 multiplied by the volume-weighted average trading price of shares of OceanFirst. OceanFirst common stock for the five trading days immediately prior to the day on which the first-step merger occurs (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst share closing price”), or (ii) a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock equal to the quotient of (A) the cash consideration divided by (B) the OceanFirst share closing price (we refer to such quotient as the “exchange ratio,” we refer to such number of shares as the “stock consideration” and we refer to the stock consideration and the cash consideration as the “merger consideration”). Holders of Sun common stock will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides that the aggregate amount of cash consideration will not exceed the product of (x) $3.78 and (y) the total number of shares of Sun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time.

OceanFirst will not issue any fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock in the first-step merger. Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a share of OceanFirst common stock upon the completion of the first-step merger will instead be entitled to receive an amount in cash, rounded to the nearest cent, determined by multiplying the fraction of a share (rounded to the nearest thousandth when expressed as a decimal form) of OceanFirst common stock to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by the average closing-sale price perOceanFirst share of OceanFirst common stock on the NASDAQ (as reported byThe Wall Street Journal) for the five full trading days ending on the day preceding the day on which the first-step merger is completed.closing price.

OceanFirst common stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OCFC” and Ocean ShoreSun common stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OSHC.“SNBC.” The following table shows the closing sale prices of OceanFirst common stock and Ocean ShoreSun common stock as reported on the NASDAQ on July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the Transactions, and on [●], 20162017 the latest practicable trading day before the printing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This table also shows the implied value of the merger consideration payable for each share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock, which was calculated by first multiplying the closing price of OceanFirst common stock on those dates by the exchange ratio of 0.9667,0.7884, and then adding $4.35, representing the per share cash consideration.$3.78.

 

   OceanFirst
Common Stock
   Ocean Shore
Common Stock
   Implied Value of
Merger
Consideration
 

July 12, 2016

  $18.74    $16.96    $22.47  

[●], 2016

  $[●]    $[●]    $[●]  
   OceanFirst
Common Stock
   Sun
Common Stock
   Implied Value of
Merger Consideration
 

June 29, 2017

  $27.26   $24.95   $25.27 

[●], 2017

  $[●]   $[●]   $[●] 

The merger agreement governs the integrated mergers. The merger agreement is included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A. All descriptions in this summary and elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus of the terms and conditions of the integrated mergers are qualified by reference to the merger agreement. Please read the merger agreement carefully for a more complete understanding of the integrated mergers.



The OceanFirst Board Unanimously Recommends that OceanFirst Stockholders Vote “FOR” the OceanFirst Share Issuance Proposal and “FOR” the OceanFirst Adjournment Proposal Presented at the OceanFirst Special Meeting (page [])

The OceanFirst board has unanimously approved the merger agreement. The OceanFirst board unanimously recommends that OceanFirst stockholders vote “FOR” the OceanFirst share issuance proposal and “FOR” the OceanFirst adjournment proposal presented at the OceanFirst special meeting. For the factors considered by the



OceanFirst board in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions — OceanFirst’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the OceanFirst Board” beginning on page [●].

The Ocean ShoreSun Board Unanimously Recommends that Ocean Shore StockholdersSun Shareholders Vote “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun Merger Proposal, “FOR” the Sun Merger-Related Compensation Proposal and “FOR” the Other ProposalsSun Adjournment Proposal Presented at the Ocean ShoreSun Special Meeting (page [])

The Ocean ShoreSun board has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the first-step merger, are advisable and in the best interests of Ocean ShoreSun and its stockholdersshareholders and has unanimously approved the merger agreement. The Ocean ShoreSun board unanimously recommends that Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders vote “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, “FOR” the Sun merger-related compensation proposal and “FOR” the other proposalsSun adjournment proposal presented at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. For the factors considered by the Ocean ShoreSun board in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions — Ocean Shore’sSun’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun Board” beginning on page [●].

EachCertain of Ocean Shore’sSun’s directors, solely in his or her capacity as an Ocean Shore stockholder, hasa Sun shareholder, as well as other Sun shareholders, have entered into a separate voting agreementand support agreements with OceanFirst, pursuant to which each such director haspersons have agreed to vote in favor of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal and certain related matters and against alternative transactions. A formForms of these voting and support agreements isare attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex B andAnnex C.

For more information regarding the voting and support agreements, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement —Sun Voting and Support Agreements” beginning on page [●].

Opinion of Ocean Shore’sSun’s Financial Advisor (page [] andAnnex C)D)

On July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (which we refer to as “Sandler O’Neill”) rendered its writtenoral opinion, which was later confirmed in writing, to the Ocean ShoreSun board that, as of the date of the opinion and based upon and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitation set forth in the opinion, the merger consideration in the first-step merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to Ocean Shore stockholders.Sun shareholders. The full text of the Sandler O’Neill written opinion, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached to this document asAnnex CD. Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion speaks only as of the date of the opinion and was necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as they existed on, and the information made available to Sandler O’Neill as of, the date of Sandler O’Neill’s opinion. The Sandler O’Neill written opinion is addressed to the Ocean ShoreSun board, is directed only to the fairness of the merger consideration to Ocean Shore’s stockholdersSun shareholders from a financial point of view, and does not constitute a recommendation as to how any Ocean Shore stockholderSun shareholder should vote with respect to the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal, or any other proposals presented at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.



Opinion of OceanFirst’s Financial Advisor (page []andAnnex D)E)

On July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, Piper Jaffray & Co. (which we refer to as “Piper”) rendered its written opinion to the OceanFirst board that, as of the date of the opinion and based upon and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations set forthon the scope of review undertaken in rendering the opinion, the merger consideration to be paid by OceanFirst pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to OceanFirst. The full text of the Piper written opinion, which sets forth the procedures followed, assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken in connection withrendering the opinion, is attached to this document asAnnex DE. OceanFirst stockholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety. Piper’s opinion speaks only as of the date of the opinion and was



necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as they existed on, and the information made available to Piper as of, the date of Piper’s opinion. The Piper written opinion is addressed to the OceanFirst board is directed only toin connection with its evaluation of the fairness of the merger consideration, and does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of OceanFirst common stock should vote in connection with respect to the OceanFirst share issuance proposal or any other matter.integrated mergers.

What Holders of Ocean ShoreSun Equity-Based Awards will be Entitled to Receive (page [])

The Ocean ShoreSun equity awards will be affected as follows:

Restricted Stock Awards: At the effective time, each restricted stock award granted by Ocean ShoreSun will become fully vested, and each holder of such restricted stock awards will be entitled to receive the per share merger consideration forand will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration with respect to each share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock held subject to such awards, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards: At the effective time, each restricted stock unit award granted by Sun will be cancelled, and each holder of such holder.restricted stock unit awards will be entitled to receive the merger consideration and will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration with respect to each share of Sun common stock held subject to such awards, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement.

Stock Options: Also atAt the effective time, alleach outstanding and unexercised optionsoption to purchase Ocean ShoreSun common stock will fully vest and will convertbe converted into optionsan option to purchase a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by multiplying (i) the number of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock subject to such Ocean ShoreSun stock option immediately prior to the effective time by (ii) 1.2084;the exchange ratio; and the exercise price per share of the new option will be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the per share exercise price for the shareseach share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock subject to such Ocean ShoreSun option by (b) 1.2084the exchange ratio (rounded up to the nearest whole cent).

OceanFirst Will Hold the OceanFirst Special Meeting on [], 20162017 (page [])

The OceanFirst special meeting will be held on [●], 2016,2017, at [●] local time, at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753. At the OceanFirst special meeting, OceanFirst stockholders will be asked to approve the OceanFirst share issuance proposal and approve the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

Only holders of record of OceanFirst common stock at the close of business on September 27, 2016[●], 2017 (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst record date”), will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the OceanFirst special meeting. Subject to the ten percent voting limitation set forth in OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation, each share of OceanFirst common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal to be considered at the OceanFirst special meeting. As of the OceanFirst record date, there were 25,850,956[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock entitled to vote at the OceanFirst special meeting.



As of the OceanFirst record date, the directors and executive officers of OceanFirst and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 1,097,243[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock representing approximately 4.2%[●]% of the shares of OceanFirst common stock outstanding on that date.

Approval of the OceanFirst share issuance requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast by the OceanFirst stockholders at the OceanFirst special meeting. If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the OceanFirst special meeting or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the OceanFirst share issuance proposal, it will have no effect on the OceanFirst share issuance proposal.

The OceanFirst adjournment proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast by the holders of OceanFirst common stock at the OceanFirst special meeting are voted in favor of such proposal. If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the OceanFirst special meeting or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the OceanFirst adjournment proposal, it will have no effect on the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.



Ocean ShoreSun Will Hold the Ocean ShoreSun Special Meeting on [], 20162017 (page [])

The Ocean ShoreSun special meeting will be held on [●], 2016,2017, at [●] local time, at Ocean City Yacht Club, 100 Bay350 Fellowship Road, Ocean City, NJ 08226.Suite 101, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054. At the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders will be asked to approve the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal and the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal.

Only holders of record of Ocean ShoreSun common stock at the close of business on September 23, 2016[●], 2017 (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore“Sun record date”), will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. Subject to the ten percent voting limitation set forth in Ocean Shore’s certificate of incorporation, eachEach share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal to be considered at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. As of the Ocean ShoreSun record date, there were 6,511,006[●] shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock entitled to vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

As of the Ocean ShoreSun record date, the directors and executive officers of Ocean ShoreSun and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 609,013[●] shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock representing approximately 9.4%[●]% of the shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock outstanding on that date.

EachCertain of Ocean Shore’sSun’s directors, solely in his or her capacity as an Ocean Shore stockholder, hasa Sun shareholder, as well as other Sun shareholders, have entered into a separate voting and support agreement with OceanFirst, pursuant to which each such Ocean Shore directorperson has agreed to vote in favor of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal.proposal and against competing proposals. As of the Sun record date, the Sun shareholders that are parties to these voting and support agreements were entitled to vote approximately [●] shares of Sun common stock representing approximately [●]% of the shares of Sun common stock outstanding on that date.

Under New Jersey law and Ocean Shore’sSun’s organizational documents, approval of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders entitled to vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, it will have no effect on the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal.

The Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal and the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal will each be approved if a majority of the votes cast on each such proposal at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting are voted in favor of each such proposal at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to either such proposal, it will have no effect on the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal or the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal.



U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Integrated Mergers (page [])

The obligations of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst to complete the integrated mergers are subject to, among other customary closing conditions described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the receipt by each of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst of the opinion of its counsel to the effect that the integrated mergers together will be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

Assuming that the integrated mergers qualify as a reorganization, Ocean Shore stockholders generally will recognize gain (but not loss) in an amount not to exceed the cash portion of the merger consideration for U.S. federal income tax purposes.consequences of the integrated mergers to each Sun shareholder will vary depending on whether such Sun shareholder receives cash, shares of OceanFirst common stock or a combination thereof in exchange for such Sun shareholder’s shares of Sun common stock pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement.

You should read the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Integrated Mergers” beginning on page [●] for a more complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the integrated mergers. Tax matters can be complicated and the tax consequences of the integrated mergers to you will depend on your particular tax situation. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of the integrated mergers to you.



Ocean Shore’sSun’s Directors and Officers Have Financial Interests in the Transactions that Differ from Your Interests (page [])

In considering the recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun board, to adopt the merger agreement, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders should be aware that the directors and executive officers and directors of Ocean ShoreSun have employment and other compensation agreements or plans that give themcertain interests in the Transactions that aremay be different from, or in addition to, theirthe interests as Ocean Shore stockholders.of Sun shareholders generally. The Ocean ShoreSun board was aware of these circumstances atinterests and considered them, among other matters, in making its recommendation that Sun shareholders vote to approve the time it approved theSun merger agreement. proposal.

These interests include:

 

The awards of stock options that Ocean Shore has made to certain executive officers and directors under its equity incentive plan. As a result of the first-step merger, eachEach outstanding stock option whether vested or unvested, that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to closing will fully vest and be convertedpurchase Sun common stock would convert at the effective time into an option to acquirepurchase a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock;

Each outstanding Sun restricted stock (rounded downaward or restricted stock unit would vest at the effective time and would convert into the right to receive the nearest whole share) determined by multiplying (i) the numbermerger consideration with respect to each share of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock subject to such Ocean Shore option immediately prior to the effective time by (ii) 1.2084; and the exercise per share of the new option (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) will be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the per share exercise price for the shares of Ocean Shore common stock subject to such Ocean Shore stock option by (ii) 1.2084;thereto;

 

The awards of restricted stock that Ocean Shore has made to certainSun and each of its executive officers and directors under its equity incentive plans. As a result of the first-step merger, each restricted stock award that is outstanding immediately priorparty to closing will fully vest and each holder will be entitled to receive the per share merger consideration for each share of Ocean Shore common stock held by such holder;

The employment agreement of Steven E. Brady, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Shore, that provides for a cash severance payment and continued health, life and disability insurance coverage benefits in the event of a termination of employment without cause or for good reason within two years following a change in control;

Change in control agreements for certain Ocean Shore executive officers, including Janet M. Bossi, Executive Vice President, Lending, Kim M. Davidson, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Donald F. Morgenweck, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Anthony J. Rizzotte, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer and Paul Esposito, Senior Vice President of Operations that provide for cash severance payments and continued health and welfare insurance coverage in the event of a termination of employment without cause or for good reason within one year following a change in control;

The supplemental executive retirement plan maintained by Ocean Shore that provides Mr. Brady with a benefit if a change in control occurs;

The separation and consultingcontinuity agreement into which Mr. Brady is anticipated to enter with OceanFirst providingthat provides for certain payments andor benefits to be made in full satisfaction of Mr. Brady’s rights under his employment agreement in connection with histhe closing of the integrated mergers or a qualifying termination thereunder followingof employment thereafter;

Two current members of the first-step merger and setting forthSun board would be appointed to the termsboards of his consulting arrangement with, and his role as a directordirectors of OceanFirst and OceanFirst Bank following the first-step merger.

The agreements into which Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson are anticipated to enter with OceanFirst providing for certain payments in lieu of the cash severance under their change in control agreements and setting forth their new positionsbank at OceanFirst following the effective time of the first-step merger;

The salary continuation agreements that Ocean Shore maintains with Mr. Brady, Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson pursuant to which, following a change in control, they will be entitled to the normal retirement benefit under such agreements even if their employment terminates prior to their normal retirement ages;



The split dollar life insurance agreements that Ocean Shore maintains with Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson that will remain in effect, unless mutually terminated, if Ms. Bossi or Ms. Davidson terminates employment other than for cause following a change in control;

The director and executive officer life insurance plan maintained by Ocean Shore that provides executive officers with enhanced death benefits in the event of death following a termination of employment other than for cause within two years following a change in control;

That Mr. Brady and two other directors are expected to be appointed as a member of the OceanFirst board and the OceanFirst Bank boards;time; and

 

OceanFirst’s agreementSun’s directors and executive officers are entitled to create an advisory board consistingcontinued indemnification and insurance coverage under the merger agreement.

For a more complete description of Mr. Bradythese interests, see “ Interests of Sun’s Directors and each member ofExecutive Officers in the Ocean Shore board who has not been appointed to the OceanFirst board.

Transactions.”

Ocean Shore StockholdersSun Shareholders Are NOT Entitled to Assert Dissenters’ Rights (page [])

Under the New Jersey Business Corporation Act (which we refer to as the “NJBCA”), the holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock will not have any dissenters’ rights with respect to the Transactions. For further information, see “The Transactions — No Dissenters’ Rights” beginning on page [●].



Completion of the Transactions; Conditions That Must Be Fulfilled For The Integrated Mergers To Occur (page [])

Currently, Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst expect to complete the Transactions late in the fourth quarter of 2016 or early in the first quarter of 2017.2018. As more fully described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in the merger agreement, the completion of the integrated mergers depends on a number of customary closing conditions being satisfied or, where legally permissible, waived. These conditions include:include, among others:

 

approval of the merger agreement by the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders and approval of the issuance of shares of OceanFirst common stock in connection with the first-step merger by the OceanFirst stockholders;

 

authorization for listing on the NASDAQ of the shares of OceanFirst common stock to be issued in the first-step merger;

 

the receipt of required regulatory approvals, including the approval (or waiver of such approval requirement) of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (which we refer to as the “Federal Reserve Board”) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (which we refer to as the “OCC”), without any such requisite regulatory approval including or containing, or resulting in the imposition of, a materially burdensome regulatory condition (as defined below);

 

effectiveness of the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part;

 

the absence of any order, injunction or other legal restraint preventing the completion of the integrated mergers or making the completion of the integrated mergers illegal;

 

subject to the materiality standards provided in the merger agreement, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun in the merger agreement;

 

performance in all material respects by each of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun of its obligations under the merger agreement; and

 

receipt by each of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun of an opinion from its counsel as to certain tax matters.

Neither Ocean ShoreSun nor OceanFirst can be certain when, or if, the conditions to the integrated mergers will be satisfied or waived, or that the integrated mergers will be completed.



Termination of the Merger Agreement (page [])

The merger agreement can be terminated at any time prior to completion of the first-step mergereffective time in the following circumstances:

 

by mutual written consent, if the OceanFirst board and the Ocean ShoreSun board so determine;

 

by the OceanFirst board or the Ocean ShoreSun board if (i) any governmental entity denies any requisite regulatory approval in connection with the Transactions and such denial has become final and nonappealable, or (ii) any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction has issued a final and nonappealable order permanently prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, unless the failure to obtain a requisite regulatory approval is due to the failure of the terminating party to perform or observe its obligations under the merger agreement;

 

by the OceanFirst board or the Ocean ShoreSun board if the integrated mergers have not been consummated on or before the one yearone-year anniversary of the date of the merger agreement (which we refer to as the “termination date”), unless the failure of the integrated mergers to be consummated by such date is due to the failure of the terminating party to perform or observe its obligations under the merger agreement;

 

by the OceanFirst board or the Ocean ShoreSun board (except that the terminating party cannot then be in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the merger agreement) if the other party breaches any of its obligations or any of its representations and warranties set forth in the merger agreement (or any such representation or warranty ceases to be true) which either individually or in the aggregate would constitute, if occurring or continuing on the closing date, the failure of a closing condition of the terminating party and such breach is not cured within 45 days following written notice to the party committing such breach, or such breach cannot be cured during such period;



agreement) if the other party breaches any of its obligations or any of its representations and warranties (or any such representation or warranty ceases to be true) set forth in the merger agreement which either individually or in the aggregate with all other breaches by such party would constitute, if occurring or continuing on the closing date, the failure of a closing condition of the terminating party and such breach is not cured within forty-five (45) days following written notice to the party committing such breach, or such breach cannot be cured during such period (or such fewer days as remain prior to the termination date);

 

by the Ocean ShoreSun board, prior to the time that the OceanFirst share issuance proposal is approved, if the OceanFirst board (i) fails to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the OceanFirst stockholders approve the OceanFirst share issuance, or takes certain adverse actions with respect to such recommendation, or (ii) materially breaches certain obligations including with respect to calling a meeting of its stockholders and recommending that they approve the OceanFirst share issuance, in any material respect;issuance; or

 

by the OceanFirst board, prior to the time that the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal is approved, if the Ocean ShoreSun board (i) fails to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders approve the merger agreement, or takes certain adverse actions with respect to such recommendation, (ii) fails to recommend against acceptance of aany publicly-disclosed tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding Ocean ShoreSun common stock that has been publicly disclosed (other than by OceanFirst or an affiliate of OceanFirst) within ten (10) business days afterday period specified in Rule14e-2(a) under the commencementSecurities Exchange Act of such tender or exchange offer,1934, as amended (which we refer to as the “Exchange Act”), (iii) recommends or endorses an acquisition proposal, or (iv) materially breaches certain obligations including with respect to acquisition proposals or calling a meeting of its stockholdersshareholders and recommending that they approve the merger agreement, in any material respect; oragreement.

by Ocean Shore, if the market value of OceanFirst common stock on the determination date is less than $14.46 and OceanFirst common stock underperforms an index of financial institutions by more than a specified threshold calculated pursuant to a prescribed formula set forth in the merger agreement and described in more detail in the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Termination of the Merger Agreement” beginning on page [●].



Termination Fee (page [])

If the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, including circumstances involving alternative acquisition proposals with respect to Ocean Shore,Sun, changes in the recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun board or changes in the recommendation of the OceanFirst board, Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, as applicable, may be required to pay to the other party a termination fee equal to $5.72$17.045 million (which we refer to as the “termination fee”). The termination fee could discourage other companies from seeking to acquire or merge with Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst.

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger (page [])

Subject to the terms of the merger agreement, both Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst have agreed to cooperate with each other and use their reasonable best efforts to obtain all regulatory approvals or waivers necessary or advisable to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. These include approvals or waivers from, among others, the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC. OceanFirst and Ocean Shore have submitted a waiver requestintends to submit applications to the Federal Reserve Board on August 26, 2016 (which we refer to as the “FRB waiver request”application”) and an application to the OCC on August 18, 2016 (which we refer to as the “OCC application”). as promptly as practicable. As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the FRB waiver request has been granted,application and the OCC application remains outstanding.have not yet been submitted. Although neither Ocean Shore nor OceanFirst knows of anyno reason why the FRB application or the OCC application should not be approved in a timely manner, Ocean Shore and OceanFirst cannot be certain when, or if, the FRB application and the OCC application will be approved. In addition, subject to approval from the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC, prior to the completion of the Transactions, OceanFirst Bank intends to convert from a federal savings association into a national banking association, and OceanFirst intends to cease being a savings and loan holding company and become a bank holding company.

The Rights of Ocean Shore StockholdersSun Shareholders Will Change as a Result of the First-Step Merger (page [])

OceanFirst is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and Ocean ShoreSun is incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey. Accordingly, Delaware law governs the OceanFirst stockholders and New Jersey law



governs the Ocean Shore stockholders.Sun shareholders. As a result of the first-step merger, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders who receive the stock consideration (either because they elect to receive stock consideration or because of the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement) will become stockholders of OceanFirst.OceanFirst stockholders. Thus, following the completion of the first-step merger, the rights of Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders who so become OceanFirst stockholders in the first-step merger will be governed by the corporate law of the State of Delaware and will also then be governed by OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, rather than by the corporate law of the State of New Jersey and Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

See “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights” for a description of the material differences in stockholders’ rights under the laws of the State of Delaware, the laws of the State of New Jersey and each of the OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun governing documents.

Information About the Companies (page [])

OceanFirst

OceanFirst is the holding company for OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Bank, founded in 1902, is a community bank with $4.0$5.2 billion in assets and 5051 branches located throughout Central and Southern New Jersey. OceanFirst Bank delivers commercial and residential financing solutions, wealth management, and deposit services throughout the central New Jersey region and is the largest and oldest community-based financial institution headquartered in Ocean County, New Jersey. OceanFirst’s website is www.oceanfirstonline.com.

OceanFirst Bank is currently a federal savings association, and OceanFirst is currently a savings and loan holding company regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve Board under the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933, as amended (which we refer to as “HOLA”). Prior to the completion of the Transactions, OceanFirst Bank intends to convert from a federal savings association into a national banking association, and OceanFirst intends to cease being a savings and loan holding company and become a bank holding company. OceanFirst Bank’s conversion to a national banking association is subject to approval of the OCC, and OceanFirst becoming a bank holding company is subject to approval of the Federal Reserve Board. As a bank holding company, OceanFirst would be regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (which we refer to as “BHCA”).

OceanFirst common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OCFC.”

OceanFirst’s principal executive office is located at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753 and its telephone number at that location is (732)240-4500. Additional information about OceanFirst and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●].



Merger Sub

Merger Sub is a New Jersey corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst. Merger Sub was formed by OceanFirst for the sole purpose of consummating the integrated mergers. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Information About Merger Sub” beginning on page [●].

Ocean ShoreSun

Ocean ShoreSun is the holding company for Ocean Shore Bank.Sun National Bank, a bank with $2.2 billion in assets. Founded in 1887, Ocean Shore1985, Sun National Bank operates 11has 35 locations primarily throughout New Jersey, 30 of which were branch offices throughout Cape May and Atlantic Counties in New Jersey. Ocean Shore Bank places a strong emphasis on obtaining deposits by offering checking account products and services for consumers, businesses, municipalities and local boards of education. Additionally, Ocean Shoreoffices. Sun National Bank provides savings accounts designedan array of community banking services to fit any need. Ocean Shore Bank also provides a full menu of residential, consumerconsumers, small businesses and commercial lending options. The goal at Ocean Shore Bank is to develop a strong relationship with customers by continually offering innovative products and services that will fill all their financial needs. Ocean Shoremid-size companies. Sun is headquartered in Ocean City,Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Ocean Shore’sSun’s website is www.ochome.com/home.www.sunnationalbank.com.

Ocean Shore



Sun common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OSHC.“SNBC.

Ocean Shore’sSun’s principal executive offices are located at 1001 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City,350 Fellowship Road, Suite 101, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 0822608054 and its telephone number at that location is (609) 399-0012.(856)691-7700. Additional information about Ocean ShoreSun and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●].

Litigation Related to the Transactions (page [])

On July 22, 2016, Robert Strougo, a18, 2017, three purported Ocean Shore stockholder,Sun shareholders filed a putative shareholder class action lawsuitlawsuits against Sun, the members of the Sun board, OceanFirst and Merger Sub in the Superior Court for the State of New Jersey, Cape MayBurlington County, against Ocean Shore, theChancery Division, captionedBruce Oswald v. Sun Bancorp, Inc., et al., Docket No. C 000070 17;Robert Rumsey v. Sun Bancorp, Inc., et al., Docket No. C 000071 17; andPaul D. Chetcuti v. Sun Bancorp, Inc., et al., Docket No. C 000072 17. The actions generally allege that members of the Ocean Shore board and OceanFirst on behalf of all Ocean Shore public stockholders. The lawsuit generally alleges that the members of the Ocean ShoreSun board breached their fiduciary duties by approving the merger agreement because the Transactions aretransaction is procedurally flawed and financially inadequate, certain terms in the merger agreement are preclusiveinadequate. Plaintiffs further allege that OceanFirst and unfair, and certain members of the Ocean Shore board are conflicted. Plaintiff further alleges that OceanFirstMerger Sub aided and abetted such alleged breaches. The lawsuit seeks to enjoin the merger, as well as unspecified money damages, costs and attorney’s fees and expenses. Ocean Shore and OceanFirst believe these allegations are without merit and they intend to vigorously defend against all claims asserted.

On September 8, 2016, Robert Garfield, a purported stockholder of OceanFirst, filed a putative class action in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Ocean County, captioned Garfield v. OceanFirst Financial Corp., et alNo. OCN-L-2469-16, against OceanFirst and members of the OceanFirst board on behalf of all public OceanFirst stockholders. The lawsuit generally alleges that the members of the OceanFirst board breached their fiduciary duties by approving the Transactions. The lawsuit further alleges the Transactions are not in the best interests of the OceanFirst stockholders and provide personal benefits to the individual defendants. The lawsuit also alleges that OceanFirst’s registration statement on Form S-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, filed with the SEC on August 25, 2016, omits certain material information. The lawsuit seeksactions seek to enjoin the Transactions, as well as unspecified money damages, costs and attorney’sattorneys’ fees and expenses. OceanFirst believesexpense. On July 31, 2017, the allegationsplaintiffs in such class action lawsuits filed a motion to consolidate all three actions, and for the lawsuit are without merit and it intends to vigorously defend against all claims asserted. However, neither OceanFirst nor Ocean Shore can give you any assurance that OceanFirst may not face additional claims related to the Transactions.appointment of interim lead counsel.

Risk Factors (page [])

You should consider all the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus in deciding how to vote for the proposals presented in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. In particular, you should consider the factors described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page [●].

 



SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF OCEANFIRST

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data for OceanFirst as of and for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011.2012. This information has been derived in part from and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of OceanFirst. The following table also presents selected historical consolidated financial data for OceanFirst as of and for each of the six monthssix-month periods ended June 30, 20162017 and June 30, 2015.2016. This information has been derived in part from and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of OceanFirst. You should read this information in conjunction with the historical financial statements of OceanFirst and the related notes, including those contained in OceanFirst’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152016 and in OceanFirst’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the three monthsthree- andsix-month periods ended June 30, 2016,2017, each of which is incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

 As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
 As of and for the Year Ended December 31,  As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
 As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 
 2016* 2015** 2015** 2014 2013 2012 2011       2017           2016†*      2016†* 2015** 2014 2013 2012 
(in thousands, except per share data)                              

Operating Data

              

Interest income

 $56,214   $40,745   $85,863   $79,853   $80,157   $87,615   $95,387   $92,893  $56,214  $133,425  $85,863  $79,853  $80,157  $87,615 

Interest expense

 5,641   4,179   9,034   7,505   9,628   14,103   18,060   9,236  5,641  13,163  9,034  7,505  9,628  14,103 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net interest income

 50,573   36,566   76,829   72,348   70,529   73,512   77,327   83,657  50,573  120,262  76,829  72,348  70,529  73,512 

Provision for loan losses

 1,225   675   1,275   2,630   2,800   7,900   7,750   1,865  1,225  2,623  1,275  2,630  2,800  7,900 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 49,348   35,891   75,554   69,718   67,729   65,612   69,577   81,792  49,348  117,639  75,554  69,718  67,729  65,612 

Non-interest income

 8,259   8,157   16,426   18,577   16,458   17,724   14,845   12,969  8,259  20,412  16,426  18,577  16,458  17,724 

Non-interest expense

 36,770   27,896   58,897   57,764   59,244   52,389   52,208   58,008  36,770  86,318  58,897  57,764  58,665  52,389 

Branch consolidation expenses

 5,484   —     —     —     —    579   —   

Merger related expenses

 8,591   234   1,878    —      —      —      —     4,602  8,591  16,534  1,878   —     —     —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income before income taxes

 12,246   15,918   31,205   30,531   24,943   30,947   32,214   26,667  12,246  35,199  31,205  30,531  24,943  30,947 

Provision for income taxes

 4,380   5,523   10,883   10,611   8,613   10,927   11,473   6,969  4,380  12,153  10,883  10,611  8,613  10,927 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income

 $7,866   $10,395   $20,322   $19,920   $16,330   $20,020   $20,741   $19,698  $7,866  $23,046  $20,322  $19,920  $16,330  $20,020 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Per Share

              

Net income, basic

 $0.40   $0.63   $1.22   $1.19   $0.96   $1.13   $1.14   $0.62  $0.40  $1.00  $1.22  $1.19  $0.96  $1.13 

Net income, diluted

 0.39   0.63   1.21   1.19   0.95   1.12   1.14   0.59  0.39  0.98  1.21  1.19  0.95  1.12 

Book value

 15.89   13.25   13.79   12.91   12.33   12.28   11.61   18.05  15.89  17.80  13.79  12.91  12.33  12.28 

Tangible book value

 13.14   13.25   13.67   12.91   12.33   12.28   11.61   13.19  13.14  12.95  13.67  12.91  12.33  12.28 

Cash dividends declared

 0.26   0.26   0.52   0.49   0.48   0.48   0.48   0.30  0.26  0.54  0.52  0.49  0.48  0.48 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:

              

Basic

 19,694   16,433   16,600   16,687   17,071   17,730   18,191   32,014  19,694  23,093  16,600  16,687  17,071  17,730 

Diluted

 19,996   16,613   16,811   16,767   17,157   17,829   18,240   33,111  19,996  23,526  16,811  16,797  17,157  17,829 

Number of shares outstanding

 25,749   16,723   17,287   16,902   17,387   17,895   18,683   32,529  25,749  32,137  17,287  16,902  17,387  17,895 

Selected Balance Sheet Data

              

Total assets

 $4,047,493   $2,395,100   $2,593,068   $2,356,714   $2,249,711   $2,269,228   $2,302,094   $5,202,200  $4,047,493  $5,167,052  $2,593,068  $2,356,714  $2,249,711  $2,269,228 

Investment securities(1)

 547,358   463,395   444,693   508,391   553,953   564,457   548,370   803,023  547,358  630,228  444,693  508,391  553,953  564,511 

Loans receivable, net(2)

 3,135,356   1,774,333   1,973,400   1,693,047   1,542,245   1,516,454   1,572,316   3,868,973  3,135,356  3,804,994  1,973,400  1,693,047  1,542,245  1,529,946 

Allowance for loan losses

 16,678   16,534   16,722   16,317   20,930   20,510   18,230   16,557  16,678  15,183  16,722  16,317  20,930  20,510 

Deposits

 3,206,262   1,761,675   1,916,678   1,720,135   1,746,763   1,719,671   1,706,083   4,176,909  3,206,262  4,187,750  1,916,678  1,720,135  1,746,763  1,719,671 

Total borrowings

 402,776   394,803   422,757   400,550   270,804   313,291   359,601   409,214  402,776  376,992  422,757  440,550  270,804  313,291 

Stockholders’ equity

 409,258   221,535   238,446   218,259   214,350   219,792   216,849   587,303  409,258  572,038  238,446  218,259  214,350  219,792 

Selected Performance Ratios

       

Return on average assets (annualized)(6)

 0.50 0.88 0.82 0.86 0.71 0.87 0.91

Return on average equity (annualized)(6)

 5.00   9.35   8.92   9.18   7.51   9.15   9.88  

Net interest margin(7)

 3.45   3.23   3.28   3.31   3.24   3.37   3.59  

Efficiency ratio(3)(6)

 77.10   62.90   65.17   63.53   68.11   57.42   56.64  

Tangible common equity to tangible assets(4)

 8.51   9.25   9.12   9.26   9.53   9.69   9.42  

 



 As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
 As of and for the Year Ended December 31,  As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
 As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 
 2016* 2015** 2015** 2014 2013 2012 2011       2017           2016†*      2016†* 2015** 2014 2013 2012 
(in thousands, except per share data)                              

Selected Performance Ratios

       

Return on average assets (annualized)(3)

 0.76 0.51 0.62 0.82 0.86 0.71 0.87

Return on average equity (annualized)(3)

 6.81  5.03  6.08  8.92  9.18  7.51  9.15 

Net interest margin(4)

 3.56  3.47  3.47  3.28  3.31  3.24  3.37 

Efficiency ratio(3)(5)

 70.47  77.10  73.11  65.17  63.53  68.11  57.42 

Tangible common equity to tangible assets(6)

 8.51  8.51  8.30  9.12  9.26  9.53  9.69 

Asset Quality Ratios

              

Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)(10)

 0.11 0.05 0.05 0.45 0.16 0.36 0.57

Allowance for loan losses to total loans receivable(8)(9)(10)

 0.53   0.92   0.84   0.95   1.33   1.32   1.15  

Nonperforming loans to total loans receivable(8)(9)(10)

 0.48   1.16   0.91   1.06   2.88   2.80   2.77  

Nonperforming assets to total assets(9)(10)

 0.62   1.01   1.05   0.97   2.21   2.05   2.00  

Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)

 0.03 0.11 0.15 0.05 0.45 0.16 0.36

Allowance for loan losses to total loans receivable(7)

 0.42  0.53  0.40  0.84  0.95  1.33  1.32 

Nonperforming loans to total loans receivable(7)(8)

 0.42  0.48  0.35  0.91  1.06  2.88  2.80 

Nonperforming assets to total assets(8)

 0.48  0.62  0.45  1.05  0.97  2.21  2.05 

Capital Ratios (Bank)

              

Total risk-based capital

 11.76 13.73 13.65 15.08 15.97 16.11 16.40 13.44 11.76 13.26 13.65 15.08 15.97 16.11

Tier I risk-based capital

 11.18   12.76   12.72   14.05   14.72   14.86   15.42   12.95  11.18  12.81  12.72  14.05  14.72  14.86 

Common equity Tier I(5)

 11.18   12.76   12.72    —      —      —      —    

Common equity Tier I(9)

 12.95  11.18  12.81  12.72   —     —     —   

Tier I leverage

 9.45   9.12   8.91   9.46   9.66   9.49   9.41   9.10  9.45  10.19  8.91  9.46  9.66  9.49 

 

*On November 30, 2016, OceanFirst closed the Cape acquisition onOcean Shore acquisition.
*On May 2, 2016.2016, OceanFirst closed its acquisition of Cape Bancorp, Inc. (we refer to such acquisition as the “Cape acquisition” and we refer to Cape Bancorp, Inc. as “Cape”).
**On July 31, 2015, OceanFirst closed its merger withacquisition of Colonial American Bank on July 31, 2015.(we refer to such acquisition as the “Colonial American acquisition”).
(1)Investment securities includeavailable-for-sale andheld-to-maturity securities and Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
(2)Loans receivable, net, includes loans held for sale and is net of undisbursed loan funds, net deferred origination costs and the allowance for loan losses.
(3)Efficiency ratio is non-interest expense divided byPerformance ratios for the sumsix months ended June 30, 2017 include merger related and branch consolidation of net interest income and non-interest income.
(4)Tangible common equity to tangible assets is total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets.
(5)OceanFirst Bank became subject to new Basel III regulatory capital ratios in 2015. The common equity Tier I ratio was not reported in prior years.
(6)$10.1 million, with anafter-tax cost of $6.6 million. Performance ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2016 include merger related expenses of $8.6 million with anafter-tax cost of $6.2 million. Performance ratios for the six months ended June 30,2015 include merger related expenses of $234,000 with an after-tax cost of $188,000. Performance ratios for the year ended December 31, 2015 include merger related expenses of $1.9 million with an after tax cost of $1.3 million. Performance ratios for 2013 include non-recurring expenses relating to the payment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances of $4.3 million and the consolidation of two branches into newer,in-market facilities, at a cost of $579,000. The total after tax cost was $3.1 million. Performance ratios for 2012 include an additional loan loss provision of $1.8 million relating to the superstorm Sandy and $687,000 in net severance expense. The total after tax cost was $1.6 million.
(7)(4)The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(8)(5)Efficiency ratio isnon-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income andnon-interest income
(6)Tangible common equity to tangible assets is total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets.
(7)Total loans receivable includes loans receivable and loansheld-for-sale.
(9)(8)Non-performing assets consist ofnon-performing loans and real estate acquired through foreclosure.Non-performing loans consist of all loans 90 days or more past due and other loans in the process of foreclosure. It is OceanFirst’s policy to cease accruing interest on all such loans and to reverse previously accrued interest.
(10)(9)During the fourth quarter of 2011, OceanFirst modified its charge-off policy on problem loans secured by real estate so that losses are charged offBank became subject to new Basel III regulatory capital ratios in the period the loans are deemed uncollectible rather than when the foreclosure process is completed.2015. The changecommon equity Tier I ratio was not reported in the charge-off policy resulted in additional charge-offs in the fourth quarter of 2011 of $5.7 million.prior years.

 



SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF OCEAN SHORESUN

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data for Ocean ShoreSun as of and for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011.2012. This information has been derived in part from and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Ocean Shore.Sun. The following table also presents selected historical consolidated financial data for Ocean ShoreSun as of and for each of the six monthssix-month periods ended June 30, 20162017 and June 30, 2015.2016. This information has been derived in part from and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Ocean Shore.Sun. You should read this information in conjunction with the historical financial statements of Ocean ShoreSun and the related notes, including those contained in Ocean Shore’sSun’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016 and in Ocean Shore’sSun’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the three monthsthree- andsix-month periods ended June 30, 2016,2017, each of which is incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

  As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
  As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2015  2014  2013  2012  2011 
(in thousands, except per share data)                     

Operating Data

       

Interest and dividend income

 $17,673   $17,551   $35,150   $35,367   $34,972   $36,851   $38,087  

Interest expense

  3,026    3,403    6,696    7,566    8,512    10,217    12,186  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income

  14,647    14,148    28,454    27,801    26,460    26,634    25,901  

Provision for loan losses

  313    331    689    462    757    893    473  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

  14,334    13,817    27,765    27,339    25,703    25,741    25,428  

Other income

  2,075    2,182    4,390    4,246    4,463    4,003    3,538  

Other expense

  11,078    10,814    21,888    21,765    21,972    21,563    20,376  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

  5,331    5,185    10,267    9,820    8,194    8,181    8,590  

Provision for income taxes

  1,799    1,733    3,399    3,522    2,845    3,180    3,532  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

 $3,532   $3,452   $6,868   $6,298   $5,349   $5,001   $5,058  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Per Share Data

       

Earnings per share, basic

 $0.58   $0.58   $1.14   $1.00   $0.82   $0.75   $0.75  

Earnings per share, diluted

  0.57    0.57    1.12    0.98    0.81    0.74    0.74  

Dividends per share

  0.12    0.12    0.24    0.24    0.24    0.24    0.24  

Dividend payout ratio

  21.8  21.0  22.0  25.7  31.2  34.5  34.6

Weighted average shares—basic

  6,134    5,953    6,015    6,226    6,521    6,653    6,748  

Weighted average shares—diluted

  6,242    6,063    6,124    6,401    6,607    6,715    6,832  

Selected Financial Condition Data

       

Total assets

 $1,042,835   $1,019,031   $1,043,379   $1,024,754   $1,020,048   $1,045,488   $994,730  

Investment securities

  107,631    115,564    112,992    111,317    128,701    116,774    52,732  

Loans receivable, net

  791,219    780,789    783,948    774,017    744,802    703,898    727,626  

Deposits

  806,701    779,859    812,033    787,078    780,647    801,765    752,455  

Borrowings

  105,000    117,217    105,000    117,217    120,309    125,464    125,464  

Total equity

  115,651    106,884    111,789    105,811    106,223    104,728    104,680  

Performance Ratios

       

Return on average assets

  0.67  0.67  0.65  0.61  0.51  0.48  0.54

Return on average equity

  6.19    6.46    6.31    5.89    5.02    4.73    4.90  

Interest rate spread(1)

  3.11    3.01    3.04    3.08    3.10    3.43    3.54  

Net interest margin(2)

  3.26    3.18    3.19    3.15    3.12    3.37    3.51  

Noninterest expense to average assets

  2.10    2.09    2.08    2.10    2.09    2.08    2.18  

Efficiency ratio(3)

  66.25    66.22    66.64    67.91    71.05    70.38    69.21  

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

  121.84    121.84    120.67    107.76    102.41    95.18    98.17  

Average equity to average assets

  10.79    10.32    10.34    10.32    10.16    10.20    11.03  

Capital Ratios(4)

       

Tier 1 leverage capital

  9.55  9.89  9.30  9.78  9.96  9.62  9.72

Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital

  18.40    19.09    17.94    —      —      —      —    

Tier 1 risk-based capital

  18.40    19.09    17.94    18.73    19.05    19.92    19.40  

Total risk-based capital

  18.99    19.73    18.52    19.24    19.77    20.63    18.75  
  As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
  As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 
        2017              2016        2016  2015  2014  2013  2012 
(in thousands, except per share data)                     

Operating Data

       

Interest income

 $35,947  $34,432  $69,610  $70,208  $90,212  $105,082  $115,433 

Interest expense

  6,312   5,074   10,706   9,610   12,261   15,313   17,585 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income

  29,635   29,358   58,904   60,598   77,951   89,769   97,848 

(Release of) provision for loan losses

  (831  (1,682  (1,682  (3,280  14,803   1,147   57,215 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income after (release of) provision for loan losses

  30,466   31,040   60,586   63,878   63,148   88,622   40,633 

Non-interest income

  6,431   6,936   13,389   27,625   17,763   31,681   28,675 

Non-interest expense

  32,351   33,590   64,953   80,086   109,402   129,949   119,833 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  4,546   4,386   9,022   11,417   (28,491  (9,646  (50,525

Income tax expense (benefit)

  1,661   598   (52,395  1,197   1,317   297   (34
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 $2,885  $3,788  $61,417  $10,220  $(29,808 $(9,943 $(50,491
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share Data(1)

       

Earnings per share, basic

 $0.15  $0.20  $3.26  $0.55  $(1.67 $(0.58 $(2.94

Earnings per share, diluted

  0.15   0.20   3.24   0.55   (1.67  (0.58  (2.94

Dividend per share

  0.02   —     0.02   —     —     —     —   

Dividend payout ratio

  13.33  —     0.62  —     —     —     —   

Weighted average shares — basic

  19,023   18,794   18,843   18,648   17,830   17,283   17,188 

Weighted average shares — diluted

  19,149   18,890   18,933   18,710   17,830   17,283   17,188 

Selected Financial Condition Data

       

Total assets

 $2,216,802  $2,186,982  $2,262,262  $2,210,584  $2,715,348  $3,087,553  $3,224,031 

Cash and investments

  428,818   470,513   450,935   508,173   971,383   751,559   631,596 

Loans receivable, net

  1,574,167   1,548,593   1,594,377   1,530,501   1,486,898   2,102,167   2,351,222(2) 

Total deposits

  1,708,253   1,713,665   1,741,363   1,746,102   2,091,904   2,621,571   2,713,224 

Borrowings

  91,396   92,011   91,708   92,305   68,978   68,765   70,992 

Junior subordinated debentures

  77,322   92,786   92,786   92,786   92,786   92,786   92,786 

Shareholders’ equity

  325,060   264,172   319,709   256,388   245,323   245,337   262,595 

Performance Ratios

       

Return on average assets

  0.26  0.35  2.81  0.42  (1.02)%   (0.31)%   (1.60)% 

Return on average equity

  1.78   2.90   23.25   4.03   (11.96  (3.81  (17.19

Interest rate spread(3)

  2.72   2.77   2.75   2.57   2.77   2.92   3.27 

Net interest margin(4)

  2.94   2.94   2.94   2.74   2.92   3.05   3.43 

Total equity to total assets

  14.66   12.08   14.13   11.60   9.03   7.95   8.14 

Capital Ratios

       

Leverage capital

  14.70  13.19  14.57  12.19  10.06  8.99  9.30

Tier 1 capital

  19.72   17.87   18.94   17.61   16.73   12.34   11.82 

Total risk-based capital

  21.41   21.04   21.63   21.04   19.25   14.41   13.72 

 



 As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
 As of and for the Year Ended December 31,  As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
 As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 
 2016 2015 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011        2017             2016       2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 
(in thousands, except per share data)                              

Asset Quality Ratios

              

Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans

 0.41 0.43 0.41 0.49 0.56 0.57 0.52 0.94 1.02 0.97 1.16 1.54 1.66 2.02

Allowance for loan losses as a percent of nonperforming loans

 78.8   53.1   56.3   60.0   82.8   69.5   58.0   336.90  272.57  501.16  577.74  153.66  93.58  47.97 

Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans

 0.52   0.82   0.72   0.81   0.68   0.82   0.89   0.28  0.37  0.19  0.20  1.00  1.78  4.20 

Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets

 0.55   0.74   0.72   0.68   0.55   0.64   0.66   0.20  0.27  0.14  0.14  0.58  1.31  3.20 

 

(1)Prior period data for 2013 and 2012 is retroactively adjusted for the impact of a1-for-5 reverse stock split effective August 11, 2014.
(2)Includesheld-for-sale loans.
(3)Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(2)(4)Represents net interest income as a percentpercentage of average interest-earning assets.
(3)Represents noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income, excluding gains or losses on the sale of securities.
(4)Ratios are for Ocean City Home Bank. Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital was introduced in 2015.

 



SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA

The following table shows selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data about the financial condition and results of operations ofdata for OceanFirst giving effect to (a) the Transactions and, (b)with respect to the pro forma data about the results of operations data for OceanFirst for the twelve months ending December 31, 2016, the Cape acquisition (we refer to (a) and (b) collectively asthe Ocean Shore acquisition (collectively, the “OceanFirst business combinations”).

With respect to the Transactions, the selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information assumes that the Transactions will be accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting with OceanFirst treated as the acquirer. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the identifiable assets and identifiable liabilities of Ocean Shore,Sun, as of the effective date of the Transactions, will be recorded by OceanFirst at their respective estimated fair values and the excess of the merger consideration over the estimated fair value of Ocean Shore’sSun’s net identifiable assets will be allocated to goodwill.

The pro forma financial condition data set forth in the table below assumes that the Transactions became effective on June 30, 2016.2017. The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statementsstatement for the periodsperiod ending June 30, 2017 presents the pro forma results of operations of OceanFirst giving effect to the Transactions assuming that the Transactions became effective at the beginning of such period. The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statement for the period ending December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2016 presentpresents the pro forma results of operations of OceanFirst giving effect to each of the OceanFirst business combinations (with separate columns to present the pro forma effect of the Transactions and the Cape acquisition) assuming that each OceanFirst business combination became effective on January 1, 2015.2016.

The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, including the notes thereto, which is included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus under the section entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.” The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily indicate the financial results of the combined companies had the companies actually been combined at the beginning of the periods presented. The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data also does not consider any potential impacts of current market conditions on revenues, potential revenue enhancements, anticipated cost savings and expense efficiencies, or asset dispositions, among other factors. Further, as explained in more detail in the notes accompanying the more detailed unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information included under “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page [●], the pro forma allocation of purchase price reflected in the selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is subject to adjustment and may vary from the actual purchase price allocation that will be recorded at the time the Transactions are completed. Additionally, the adjustments made in the unaudited pro forma condensed financial information, which are described in those notes, are preliminary and may be revised.

 

  As of
June 30, 2016
   As of
June 30, 2017
 

Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Combined Statement of Financial Condition Data

    
(Dollars in thousands)        

Securities and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

  $660,919    $1,103,010 

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses

   3,929,231  

Loans receivable, net and loans held for sale

   5,425,693 

Total assets

   5,102,739     7,436,769 

Deposits

   4,013,938     5,884,776 

Borrowings

   515,223  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings

   561,923 

Stockholders’ equity

   528,898     947,296 

 



 Six months ended
June 30, 2016
 Year Ended
December 31, 2015
  Six months ended
June 30, 2017
 Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Combined Statement of Income Data

    
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)          

Net interest income

 $83,165   $156,615   $113,843  $227,307 

Provision for loan losses

 2,754   4,639   1,034  2,718 

Non-interest income

 12,564   33,292   19,400  39,149 

Non-interest expense

 62,944   123,479   97,248  207,002 

Net income before income taxes

 30,031   61,789   34,961  56,736 

Net income

 18,257   42,285   25,019  92,016 

Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Combined Per Share Data

    

Net income per share — basic

 $0.54   $1.39   $0.53  $1.93 

Net income per share — diluted

 0.53   1.37   $0.52  $1.90 

 



UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

Presented below for OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun is historical, unaudited pro forma combined and pro forma equivalent per share financial data. The information presented below should be read together with the historical consolidated financial statements of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, including the related notes, filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.” The unaudited pro forma combined and pro forma equivalent per share information gives effect to the Transactions as if they had been effective on June 30, 20162017 in the case of the book value data, and as if the Transactions had been effective as of the beginning of the periods presented in the case of the earnings per share and the cash dividends data. The unaudited pro forma earnings per share data and dividend data combines the historical results of Ocean ShoreSun into OceanFirst’s consolidated statement of income. While certain adjustments to the book value data were made for the estimated impact of fair value adjustments and other acquisition-related activity, they are not indicative of what could have occurred had the acquisition taken place as of the beginning of the period presented. In addition, the unaudited pro forma data includes adjustments that are preliminary and may be revised. The unaudited pro forma data, while helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the combined company under one set of assumptions, does not reflect the impact of factors that may result as a consequence of the Transactions or consider any potential impacts of current market conditions or the Transactions on revenues, expense efficiencies, asset dispositions and share repurchases, among other factors, nor the impact of possible business model changes. As a result, unaudited pro forma data is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an attempt to predict or suggest future results.

 

   OceanFirst
Historical
   Ocean
Shore
   Pro Forma
Combined(1)
   Per
Equivalent
Ocean
Shore
Share
 

Book value per share:

        

At June 30, 2016

  $15.89    $18.03    $16.55    $16.00  

At December 31, 2015

  $13.79    $17.46    $16.28    $15.74  

Cash dividends declared per share:

        

Six months ended June 30, 2016

  $0.26    $0.12    $0.26    $0.25  

Year ended December 31, 2015

  $0.52    $0.24    $0.52    $0.50  

Basic earnings per share:

        

Six months ended June 30, 2016

  $0.40    $0.58    $0.54    $0.52  

Year ended December 31, 2015

  $1.22    $1.14    $1.39    $1.34  

Diluted earnings per share:

        

Six months ended June 30, 2016

  $0.39    $0.57    $0.53    $0.51  

Year ended December 31, 2015

  $1.21    $1.12    $1.37    $1.32  
   OceanFirst
Historical
   Sun
Historical
   Pro Forma
Combined(1)
   Per
Equivalent
Sun Share(2)
 

Book value per share:

        

At June 30, 2017

  $18.05   $17.05   $19.92   $18.73 

At December 31, 2016

   17.80    16.90    19.69    18.52 

Cash dividends declared per share:

        

Six months ended June 30, 2017

   0.30    0.02    0.30    0.28 

Year ended December 31, 2016

   0.54    0.02    0.54    0.51 

Basic earnings per share:

        

Six months ended June 30, 2017

   0.62    0.15    0.53    0.50 

Year ended December 31, 2016

   1.00    3.26    1.93    1.81 

Diluted earnings per share:

        

Six months ended June 30, 2017

   0.59    0.15    0.52    0.49 

Year ended December 31, 2016

   0.98    3.24    1.90    1.79 

 

(1)Pro forma dividends per share represent OceanFirst’s historical dividends per share.
(2)Per equivalent Sun share is the pro forma combined amount multiplied by the following exchange ratio, which was calculated in accordance with the formula prescribed by the merger agreement (and, for this purpose, assuming the OceanFirst share closing price was $24.86, which was the volume-weighted average of the closing price of shares of OceanFirst common stock on the NASDAQ for the five trading day period ending on and including August 28, 2017, the latest practicable date prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus): a quotient equal to (a) (i) $3.78plus (ii) the product of 0.7884multiplied by $24.86,divided by (b) $24.86.

 



RISK FACTORS

In addition to general investment risks and the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the matters addressed under the section “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page[●]] you should carefully consider the following risk factors in deciding how to vote for the proposals presented in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You should also consider the other information in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page[●]].

Because the market price of OceanFirst common stock may fluctuate, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders cannot be certain of the precisemarket value of the stock portion of the merger consideration they will be entitled to receive.

At the time the first-step merger is completed, each issued and outstanding share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock, except for certain specified shares of Sun common stock owned by OceanFirstSun or Ocean Shore,OceanFirst, will be converted into the right to receive $4.35either (i) the cash consideration, which is an amount in cash without interest, and 0.9667equal to the sum of (A) $3.78 plus (B) the product of 0.7884 multiplied by the OceanFirst share closing price, or (ii) the stock consideration, which will be a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock together withequal to the exchange ratio, which is the quotient of (A) the cash in lieuconsideration divided by (B) the OceanFirst share closing price. Holders of fractional shares.Sun common stock will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides that the aggregate amount of cash consideration will not exceed the product of (x) $3.78 and (y) the total number of shares of Sun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time. There will be a lapse of time between each of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the date of the OceanFirst special meeting, the date of the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, the election deadline by which Sun shareholders may elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration, the date on which the first-step merger is completed and the date on which Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders entitled to receive the merger consideration actually receive the merger consideration. The market value of OceanFirst common stock may fluctuate during these periods as a result of a variety of factors, including general market and economic conditions, changes in OceanFirst’s businesses, operations and prospects and regulatory considerations. Many of these factors are outside of the control of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore. Consequently, at the time Ocean Shore stockholders must decide whether to approveSun.

Because the merger agreement, they will not knowconsideration is primarily based on the actualOceanFirst share closing price, any changes in the market value of the sharesprice of OceanFirst common stock they may receive whenprior to the completion of the first-step merger is completed. Althoughwill have a corresponding effect on the amount of per share cash consideration and the value of the per share stock consideration. There will be no adjustments to the formula to be used for calculating the per share cash portionconsideration or the per share stock consideration as a result of any changes in the market prices of either OceanFirst common stock or Sun common stock.

In addition, because the date when the proposed Transactions will be completed will be later than the date of the merger consideration is fixedOceanFirst special meeting and the Sun special meeting, neither OceanFirst stockholders nor Sun shareholders will know at $4.35 per share of Ocean Shore common stock, the time they vote in the applicable special meeting the exact value of the portion of the merger consideration that is represented by shares of OceanFirst common stock that will depend ondetermine the merger consideration. Accordingly, if the OceanFirst share closing price is lower than the market value of sharesprice of OceanFirst common stock on the date of the Sun special meeting, the merger consideration is received. This value will not be knownlower than what the merger consideration would have been at the time of the Ocean Shore special meeting and may be more or less thanSun shareholders vote on the current price of OceanFirst common stock or the price of OceanFirst common stock at the time of the Ocean Shore special meeting.Sun merger agreement proposal.

The market price of OceanFirst common stock after the first-step merger is completed may be affected by factors different from those affecting the market price of Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst common stock currently.

Upon completion of the first-step merger, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders who receive the stock consideration (either because they elect to receive stock consideration or because of the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement) will become OceanFirst stockholders. OceanFirst’s business differs in important respects from that of Ocean Shore,

Sun, and, accordingly, the results of operations of the combined company and the market price of OceanFirst common stock after the completion of the first-step merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the independent results of operations of each of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore.Sun. For a discussion of the businesses of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun and of some important factors to consider in connection with those businesses, see the documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and referred to under “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●].

Sun shareholders may receive a form of merger consideration different from what they elect.

Although each Sun shareholder may elect to receive either the cash consideration or the stock consideration in the first-step merger, the merger agreement provides that the aggregate amount of cash consideration will not exceed the product of (x) $3.78 and (y) the total number of shares of Sun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time. Accordingly, depending on the elections made by other Sun shareholders, a Sun shareholder might receive a portion of the merger consideration in the form such holder did not elect. See “The Merger Agreement — Merger Consideration.”

If a Sun shareholder does not submit a properly completed and signed form of election to the exchange agent by the election deadline, then such holder will have no control over the type of merger consideration such holder may receive. In the event one form of merger consideration (i.e., cash or shares of OceanFirst common stock) is undersubscribed, shares of Sun common stock for which no election was validly made will be allocated to that form of merger consideration before shares of Sun common stock electing the oversubscribed form of merger consideration will be allocated to the undersubscribed form of merger consideration pursuant to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. Accordingly, although electing one form of merger consideration will not guarantee you will receive that form of merger consideration for all of your shares of Sun common stock, in the event proration is necessary, electing shares will be allocated the undersubscribed form of consideration only after such consideration is allocated to“non-election” shares.

Regulatory approvals may not be received, may take longer than expected or may impose conditions that are not presently anticipated or that could have an adverse effect on the combined company following the Transactions.

Before the Transactions can be completed, OceanFirst and Ocean Shore must obtain approvals or waivers from the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC. As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the FRB waiver request has been granted. Other approvals, as well as waivers or consents, from regulators may also be required. In determining whether to grant these approvals, waivers and consents the regulators consider a variety of factors, including the regulatory standing of each party and the factors described under the section of this joint proxy

statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions —Regulatory— Regulatory Approvals Required for the Completion of the Transactions” beginning on page [●]. In addition, subject to approval from the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC, prior to the completion of the Transactions, OceanFirst Bank intends to convert from a federal savings association into a national banking association, and OceanFirst intends to cease being a savings and loan holding company and become a bank holding company. An adverse development in either party’s regulatory standing or these factors could result in an inability to obtain approval or delay their receipt. These regulators may impose conditions on the completion of the Transactions or require changes to the terms of the Transactions. Such conditions or changes could have the effect of delaying or preventing completion of the Transactions or imposing additional costs on or limiting the revenues of the combined company following the completion of the Transactions, any of which might have an adverse effect on the combined company following the completion of the Transactions. However, under the terms of the merger agreement, in connection with obtaining such regulatory approvals or waivers, neither party is required to take any action, or commit to take any action, or agree to any condition or restriction, that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect (measured on a scale relative to Ocean Shore)Sun) on any of OceanFirst, Ocean ShoreSun or the surviving corporation,combined company, after giving effect to the integrated mergers (which we refer to as a “materially burdensome regulatory condition”). For more information, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions — Regulatory Approvals Required for the Transactions” beginning on page [●].

Combining the two companies may be more difficult, costly or time consuming than expected and the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the Transactions may not be realized.

OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun have operated and, until the completion of the Transactions, will continue to operate, independently. The success of the Transactions, including anticipated benefits and cost savings, will depend, in part, on OceanFirst’s ability to successfully combine and integrate the businesses of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun in a manner that permits growth opportunities and does not materially disrupt existing customer relations nor result in decreased revenues due to loss of customers. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of either company’s ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect the combined company’s ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers, depositors, employees and other constituents or to achieve the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the Transactions. The loss of key employees could adversely affect OceanFirst’s ability to successfully conduct its business, which could have an adverse effect on OceanFirst’s financial results and the value of its common stock. If OceanFirst experiences difficulties with the integration process, the anticipated benefits of the Transactions may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. As with any merger of financial institutions, there also may be business disruptions that cause OceanFirst and/or Ocean ShoreSun to lose customers or cause customers to remove their accounts from OceanFirst and/or Ocean ShoreSun and move their business to competing financial institutions. Integration efforts between the two companies, as well as OceanFirst’s ongoing integration efforts relating to the Cape acquisition and the Ocean Shore acquisition, will also divert management attention and resources. These integration matters could have an adverse effect on each of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst during this transition period and for an undetermined period after completion of the Transaction on the combined company. In addition, the actual cost savings of the Transactions could be less than anticipated.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements included in this document are preliminary. The actual financial condition and results of operations of OceanFirst after the completion of the Transactions may differ materially.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what OceanFirst’s actual financial condition or results of operations would have been had the Transactions been completed on the dates indicated. In addition, the unaudited pro forma income statements for the year ended December 31, 20152016 and the six month period ended June 30, 20162017 are not necessarily indicative of what OceanFirst’s actual results of operations would have been had the Transactions (and, in the case of the pro forma income statement for the year ended December 31, 2016, the Cape acquisition and the Ocean Shore acquisition) been completed as of January 1, 20152016 and January 1, 2016,2017, respectively. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements reflect adjustments to illustrate the effect of the Transactions (and, in the case of the pro forma income statements,statement for the year ended December 31, 2016, the effect of the Cape acquisition and the Ocean Shore acquisition) had they been completed on the dates indicated. Such unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are

based upon preliminary estimates, to record the Ocean ShoreSun identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value and the resulting goodwill recognized.

The purchase price allocation for the first-step merger reflected in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is preliminary, and final allocation of the purchase price will be based upon the actual purchase price and the fair value of the identifiable assets and identifiable liabilities of Ocean ShoreSun as of the date of the completion of the Transactions. Accordingly, the final acquisition accounting adjustments may differ materially from the pro forma adjustments reflected in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. For more information, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page [●].

Certain of Ocean Shore’sSun’s directors and executive officers have interests in the Transactions that may differ from the interests of the Ocean Shore stockholders.Sun shareholders.

The Ocean Shore stockholders should be aware that some of Ocean Shore’s directors and executive officers of Sun have certain interests in the Transactions and have arrangements that aremay be different from, or in addition to, thosethe interests of Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders generally. The Ocean ShoreSun board was aware of these interests and considered these interests,them, among other matters, whenin making its decisionrecommendation that Sun shareholders vote to approve the Sun merger agreement, and in recommending that Ocean Shore stockholders vote in favor of the Ocean Shore merger proposal and certain related matters and against alternative transactions.proposal.

The materialThese interests considered by the Ocean Shore board were as follows:include:

 

The awards of stock options that Ocean Shore has made to certain executive officers and directors under its equity incentive plan. As a result of the first-step merger, eachEach outstanding stock option whether vested or unvested, that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to closing will fully vest and be convertedpurchase Sun common stock would convert at the effective time into an option to acquirepurchase a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock;

Each outstanding Sun restricted stock (rounded downaward or restricted stock unit would vest at the effective time and would convert into the right to receive the nearest whole share) determined by multiplying (i) the numbermerger consideration with respect to each share of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock subject to such Ocean Shore option immediately prior to the effective time by (ii) 1.2084; and the exercise per share of the new option (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) will be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the per share exercise price for the shares of Ocean Shore common stock subject to such Ocean Shore stock option by (ii) 1.2084;thereto;

 

The awards of restricted stock that Ocean Shore has made to certainSun and each of its executive officers and directors under its equity incentive plans. As a result of the first-step merger, each restricted stock award that is outstanding immediately priorparty to closing will fully vest and each holder will be entitled to receive the per share merger consideration for each share of Ocean Shore common stock held by such holder;

The employment agreement of Steven E. Brady, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Shore, that provides for a cash severance payment and continued health, life and disability insurance coverage benefits in the event of a termination of employment without cause or for good reason within two years following a change in control;

Change in control agreements for certain Ocean Shore executive officers, including Janet M. Bossi, Executive Vice President, Lending, Kim M. Davidson, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Donald F. Morgenweck, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Anthony J. Rizzotte, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer and Paul Esposito, Senior Vice President of Operations that provide for cash severance payments and continued health and welfare insurance coverage in the event of a termination of employment without cause or for good reason within one year following a change in control;

The supplemental executive retirement plan maintained by Ocean Shore that provides Mr. Brady with a benefit if a change in control occurs;

The separation and consultingcontinuity agreement into which Mr. Brady is anticipated to enter with OceanFirst providingthat provides for certain payments andor benefits to be made in full satisfaction of Mr. Brady’s rights under his employment agreement in connection with histhe closing of the integrated mergers or a qualifying termination thereunder followingof employment thereafter;

Two current members of the first-step merger and setting forthSun board would be appointed to the termsboards of his consulting arrangement with, and his role as a directordirectors of OceanFirst and OceanFirst Bank followingat the first-step merger;effective time; and

 

The agreements into which Ms. BossiSun’s directors and Ms. Davidson are anticipated to enter with OceanFirst providing for certain payments in lieu of the cash severance under their change in control agreements and setting forth their new positions at OceanFirst following the effective time of the first-step merger;

The salary continuation agreements that Ocean Shore maintains with Mr. Brady, Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson pursuant to which, following a change in control, they will be entitled to the normal retirement benefit under such agreements even if their employment terminates prior to their normal retirement ages;

The split dollar life insurance agreements that Ocean Shore maintains with Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson that will remain in effect, unless mutually terminated, if Ms. Bossi or Ms. Davidson terminates employment other than for cause following a change in control;

The rights of Ocean Shore executive officers and directorsare entitled to continued indemnification coverage and continuedinsurance coverage under directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies;

That Mr. Brady and two other directors are expected to be appointed as a member of the OceanFirst board and the OceanFirst Bank boards; and

OceanFirst’s agreement to create an advisory board consisting of Mr. Brady and each member of the Ocean Shore board who has not been appointed to the OceanFirst board.merger agreement.

For a more complete description of these interests, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions — Interests of Ocean Shore’sSun’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions” beginning on page [●].

TerminationThe merger agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms, and the Transactions may not be completed.

The merger agreement is subject to a number of customary closing conditions that must be fulfilled in order to complete the Transactions, including the receipt of the requisite approval of the OceanFirst stockholders, the requisite approval of the Sun shareholders and the requisite regulatory approvals. These conditions to the closing of the Transactions may not be fulfilled in a timely manner or at all, and, accordingly, the Transactions may be delayed or may not be completed. In addition, OceanFirst and Sun may elect to terminate the merger agreement could negatively impact Ocean Shorein certain other circumstances and, in certain limited circumstances, Sun or OceanFirst.OceanFirst may be required to pay to the other party a termination fee of $17.045 million.

If the Transactions are not completed, OceanFirst and Sun will have incurred substantial expenses without realizing the expected benefits of the Transactions, and may experience other adverse consequences to their future business and financial results.

Each of OceanFirst and Sun has incurred and will incur substantial expenses in connection with the negotiation and completion of the Transactions, as well as the costs and expenses of filing, printing and mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the first-step merger. If the Transactions are not completed, OceanFirst and Sun would have to recognize these expenses without realizing the expected benefits of the Transactions

In addition, if the Transactions are not completed, the ongoing businesses of Sun and OceanFirst may be adversely affected, and Sun and OceanFirst will be subject to several risks, including:

Sun or OceanFirst may be required, under certain circumstances, to pay to the other party a termination fee of $17.045 million;

Under the merger agreement, is terminated, thereSun and OceanFirst are subject to certain restrictions on the conduct of their respective businesses prior to completing the Transactions, which may be various consequences.adversely affect the ability of each of Sun and OceanFirst to execute certain of its business strategies; and

Matters relating to the Transactions may require substantial commitments of time and resources by the management teams of Sun and OceanFirst, which could otherwise have been devoted to other opportunities that may have been beneficial to Sun and OceanFirst, respectively.

Finally, if the Transactions are not completed, Sun and OceanFirst may experience negative reactions from the financial markets and from their customers and employees. For example, Ocean Shore’sSun’s or OceanFirst’s businesses may have been impacted adversely by the failure to pursue other opportunities due to management’s focus on the Transactions, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the Transactions. Additionally, if the merger agreement is terminated, the market price of the Ocean ShoreSun common stock or the OceanFirst common stock could decline to the extent that the current market prices reflect a market assumption that the Transactions will be completed. If the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, Ocean ShoreTransactions are not completed, neither Sun nor OceanFirst can assure its shareholders that the risks described above will not materialize and will not materially affect its business, financial results or OceanFirst may be required to pay to the other party a termination fee of $5.72 million.stock price.

Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the Transactions are pending.

Uncertainty about the effect of the Transactions on employees and customers may have an adverse effect on Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst. These uncertainties may impair Ocean Shore’sSun’s or OceanFirst’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the Transactions are completed, and could cause customers and others that deal with Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst to seek to change existing business relationships with Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst. Retention of certain employees by Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst may be challenging while the Transactions are pending, as certain employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with OceanFirst. If key employees depart because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, Ocean Shore’sSun’s business or OceanFirst’s business could be harmed. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, Ocean ShoreSun has agreed to operate its business in the ordinary

course prior to closing, and each of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst has agreed to certain restrictive covenants. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Covenants—Covenants and Agreements” beginning on page [●] for a description of the restrictive covenants applicable to Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst.

Litigation relating to the Transactions could require us to incur significant costs and suffer management distraction, as well as delay and/or enjoin the Transactions.

On July 22, 2016, Robert Strougo, a18, 2017, three purported Ocean Shore stockholder,Sun shareholders filed a putative shareholder class action lawsuitactions against Sun, the members of the Sun board, OceanFirst and Merger Sub in the Superior Court for the State of New Jersey, Cape MayBurlington County, Chancery Division, captioned StrougoBruce Oswald v. Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc, et al., Docket No. CMP C-45-16, against Ocean Shore, theC 000070 17;Robert Rumsey v. Sun Bancorp, Inc., et al., Docket No. C 000071 17; andPaul D. Chetcuti v. Sun Bancorp, Inc., et al., Docket No. C 000072 17. The actions generally allege that members of the Ocean Shore board and OceanFirst on behalf of all Ocean Shore public stockholders. The lawsuit generally alleges that the members of the Ocean ShoreSun board breached their fiduciary duties by approving the merger agreement because the Transactions aretransaction is procedurally flawed and financially inadequate, certain terms in the merger agreement are preclusiveinadequate. Plaintiffs further allege that OceanFirst and unfair, and certain members of the Ocean Shore board are conflicted. Plaintiff further alleges that OceanFirstMerger Sub aided and abetted such alleged breaches. The lawsuit seeksactions seek to enjoin the Transactions, as well as unspecified money damages, costs and attorney’sattorneys’ fees and expenses. Ocean Shore and OceanFirst believe these allegations are without merit and they intend to vigorously defend against all claims asserted.

expense. On September 8, 2016, Robert Garfield, a purported stockholder of OceanFirst,July 31, 2017, the plaintiffs in such class action lawsuits filed a putative class action inmotion to consolidate all three actions, and for the Superior Courtappointment of New Jersey, Ocean County, captioned Garfield v. OceanFirst Financial Corp., et alNo. OCN-L-2469-16, against OceanFirst and members of the OceanFirst board on behalf of all public OceanFirst stockholders. The lawsuit generally alleges that the members of the OceanFirst board breached their fiduciary duties by approving the Transactions. The lawsuit further alleges the Transactions are not in the best interests of the OceanFirst stockholders and provide personal benefits to the individual defendants. The lawsuit also alleges that OceanFirst’s registration statement on Form S-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, filed with the SEC on August 25, 2016, omits certain material information. The lawsuit seeks to enjoin the Transactions, as well as unspecified money damages, costs and attorney’s fees and expenses. OceanFirst believes the allegations in the lawsuit are without merit and it intends to vigorously defend against all claims asserted. However, neither OceanFirst nor Ocean Shore can give you any assurance that OceanFirst may not face additional claims related to the Transactions.

A negative outcome in these suits could have a material adverse effect on Ocean Shore and OceanFirst if they result in preliminary or permanent injunctive relief or rescission of the merger agreement. Such actions may also create additional uncertainty relating to the Transactions, and responding to such demands and defending such actions may be costly and distracting to management. Neither Ocean Shore nor OceanFirst is currently able to predict the outcome of the suit with any certainty. Additional suits arising out of or relating to the proposed transaction may be filed in the future. If additional similar complaints are filed, absent new or different allegations that are material, Ocean Shore and OceanFirst will not necessarily announce such additional filings.

If the Transactions are not completed, OceanFirst and Ocean Shore will have incurred substantial expenses without realizing the expected benefits of the Transactions.

Each of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore has incurred and will incur substantial expenses in connection with the negotiation and completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, as well as the costs and expenses of filing, printing and mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the first-step merger. If the Transactions are not completed, OceanFirst and Ocean Shore would have to recognize these expenses without realizing the expected benefits of the Transactions.interim lead counsel.

The merger agreement limits Ocean Shore’sSun’s ability to pursue acquisition proposals and requires either company to pay a termination fee of $5.72$17.045 million under limited circumstances, including circumstances relating to acquisition proposals for Ocean Shore.Sun. Additionally, certain provisions of Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws may deter potential acquirers.

The merger agreement prohibits Ocean ShoreSun from initiating, soliciting, knowingly encouraging or knowingly facilitating certain third-party acquisition proposals. For more information, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers” beginning on page [●]. In addition, unless the merger agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, Ocean ShoreSun has an unqualified obligation to submit the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal to a vote by Ocean Shore stockholders,Sun shareholders, even if Ocean ShoreSun receives a proposal that the Ocean ShoreSun board believes is superior to the Transactions. For more information, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Stockholder Meetings and Recommendation of the Boards of Directors of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst” beginning on page [●]. The merger agreement also provides that OceanFirst or Ocean ShoreSun must pay a termination fee in the amount of $5.72$17.045 million in the event that the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, including Ocean Shore’sSun’s failure to abide by certain obligations not to solicit acquisition proposals. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement —Termination— Termination Fee” beginning on page [●]. These provisions might discourage a potential competing acquirer that might have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of Ocean ShoreSun from considering or proposing such an acquisition. Each director of Ocean Shore, solely in his or her capacity as an Ocean Shore stockholder,

OceanFirst has entered into avoting and support agreements with the Brown family and separate voting agreementand support agreements with OceanFirst, pursuantWLR, in each case, who have agreed, subject to whichcertain exceptions, to, among other things, vote the shares of Sun common stock owned beneficially or of record by each such directorSun supporting shareholder in favor of the Sun merger proposal. In addition, each Sun supporting shareholder has agreed to vote against any proposal made in favor ofcompetition with the Ocean Shore merger proposal, as well as certain other restrictions with respect to the voting and certain related matters, and against alternative transactions.transfer of such Sun supporting shareholder’s shares of Sun common stock. As of the Ocean ShoreSun record date, the Ocean Shore directors that are party to these voting agreementsSun supporting shareholders beneficially owned and were entitled to vote in the aggregate approximately 5.7%39 % of the outstanding shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock. For more information see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement —Sun Voting and Support Agreements” beginning on page [●]. Additionally, certain provisions of Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or of the NJBCA could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire control of Ocean ShoreSun or may discourage a potential competing acquirer.

The shares of OceanFirst common stock to be received by Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders as a result of the first-step merger will have different rights from the shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock.

The rights of Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders are currently governed by the NJBCA, Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation and Ocean Shore’sSun’s bylaws. Upon completion of the first-step merger, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders who receive the stock consideration (either because they elect to receive stock consideration or because of the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement) will become OceanFirst stockholders and their rights as OceanFirst stockholders will then be governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law (which we refer to as the “DGCL”), OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation and OceanFirst’s bylaws. The rights associated with Ocean ShoreSun common stock are different from the rights associated with OceanFirst common stock. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights” beginning on page [●] for a discussion of the different rights associated with OceanFirst common stock.

Holders of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst common stock will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the first-step merger and will exercise less influence over management.

Holders of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst common stock currently have the right to vote in the election of the board of directors of each such company and on other matters affecting Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst, respectively. Upon the completion of the first-step merger, each Ocean Shore stockholderSun shareholder who receives sharesthe stock consideration (either because such Sun shareholder elects to receive stock consideration or because of OceanFirst common stockthe allocation and proration provisions

of the merger agreement) will become ana OceanFirst stockholder with a percentage ownership of OceanFirst that is smaller than the stockholder’s percentage ownership of Ocean Shore.Sun. It is currently expected that the former Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders as a group will receive shares in the first-step merger constituting approximately 20%32% of the outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock immediately after the first-step merger. As a result, current OceanFirst stockholders as a group will own approximately 80%68% of the outstanding shares of OceanFirst

common stock immediately after the first-step merger. Because of this reduced ownership percentage, Ocean ShoreSun shareholders who become OceanFirst stockholders may have less influence on the management and policies of OceanFirst than they now have on the management and policies of Ocean Shore,Sun, and current OceanFirst stockholders may have less influence than they now have on the management and policies of OceanFirst. Upon consummation of the Transactions, OceanFirst has agreed to increase the size of the OceanFirst board and the board of directors of OceanFirst Bank to thirteenfourteen members and appoint Steven E. Brady and two other current members of the Ocean ShoreSun board, to be selected by the Leadership Committee of OceanFirst in consultation with the OceanFirst board and the Ocean ShoreSun board, to the OceanFirst board and the board of directors of OceanFirst Bank, with oneBank. Each such appointee beingwill be appointed to eacha class of the three classes of directors of OceanFirst and OceanFirst Bank.

In addition, at the effective time of the first-step merger, OceanFirst has agreed to create an advisory board, the purpose of which will be to advise OceanFirst with respect to the integration of Ocean Shore’s business, as well as to maintain and develop customer and other stakeholder relationships in Ocean Shore’s market area. The advisory board is expected to consist of Steven E. Brady and the four current members of the Ocean Shore board who are not selected for appointment to the OceanFirst board and the board of directors of OceanFirst Bank to be selected by OceanFirst in its discretion (provided that such appointees shall be allocated among the classes as described above. The members of the advisory board will be appointed to the advisory board for a term ending on the second anniversary of the effective time of the first-step merger.evenly as possible).

Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders do not have dissenters’ or appraisal rights in the first-step merger.

Dissenters’ rights are statutory rights that, if applicable under law, enable stockholders to dissent from an extraordinary transaction, such as a merger, and to demand that the corporation pay the fair value of their shares as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead of receiving the consideration offered to stockholders in connection with the extraordinary transaction. New Jersey law provides that a stockholder is not entitled to demand the fair value of his or her shares of stock in any transaction if, among other things, the stock is listed on a national securities exchange, if cash is to be received or the securities to be received are listed on a national securities exchange. Because the Ocean ShoreSun common stock is listed on the NASDAQ, the holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock are not entitled to dissenters’ or appraisal rights in the first-step merger.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This joint proxy statement/prospectus contains forward-looking statements.“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may include: management plans relating to the Transactions;proposed transaction; the expected timing of the completion of the Transaction;proposed transaction; the ability to complete the Transactions;proposed transaction; the ability to obtain any required regulatory, stockholdershareholder or other approvals; any statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations, products or services, including the execution of integration plans relating to the Transactionsproposed transaction and OceanFirst’sthe recently completed acquisitionacquisitions of Cape;Cape and Ocean Shore by OceanFirst; any statements of expectation or belief; projections related to certain financial metrics; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “seek”, “plan”, “will”, “would”, “target” “outlook,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project” and other similar words and expressions.expressions or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time and are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Neither OceanFirst nor Ocean ShoreSun assumes any duty and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements are by their nature, to different degrees, uncertain and subject to assumptions, and uncertainties, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those that OceanFirst or Ocean ShoreSun anticipated in its forward-looking statements, and future results could differ materially from historical performance. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those included under Item 1A “Risk Factors” in OceanFirst’s Annual Report on Form10-K, those included under Item 1A “Risk Factors” in Ocean Shore’sSun’s Annual Report on Form10-K, those disclosed in OceanFirst’s and Ocean Shore’sSun’s respective other periodic reports filed with the SEC,Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as well as the possibility:possibility that expected benefits of the Transactionsproposed transaction and the Cape acquisitionand Ocean Shore acquisitions may not materialize in the timeframe expected or at all, or may be more costly to achieve; that the Transactionsproposed transaction may not be timely completed, if at all; that prior to the completion of the Transactionsproposed transaction or thereafter, OceanFirst’s and Ocean Shore’sSun’s respective businesses may not perform as expected due to transaction-related uncertainty or other factors; that the parties are unable to successfully implement integration strategies relatingrelated to the Transactions orproposed transaction and the Cape acquisition;and Ocean Shore acquisitions; that required regulatory, stockholdershareholder or other approvals are not obtained or other customary closing conditions are not satisfied in a timely manner or at all; reputational risks and the reaction of the companies’ shareholders, customers, employees and other constituents to the Transactions;proposed transaction; and diversion of management time on merger-related matters. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward looking statements. For any forward-looking statements made in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or in any documents, OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.

THE OCEAN SHORESUN SPECIAL MEETING

This section contains information for Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders about the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting that Ocean ShoreSun has called to allow its stockholdersshareholders to consider and vote on the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal and the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal. Ocean ShoreSun is mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus to you, as an Ocean Shore stockholder,a Sun shareholder, on or about [], 2016.2017. This joint proxy statement/prospectus is accompanied by a notice of the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting and a form of proxy card that the Ocean ShoreSun board is soliciting for use at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

Date, Time and Place of the Ocean ShoreSun Special Meeting

The Ocean ShoreSun special meeting will be held at Ocean City Yacht Club, 100 Bay350 Fellowship Road, Ocean City, NJ 08226,Suite 101, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054, at [●] local time, on [●], 2016.2017. On or about [●], 2016, Ocean Shore2017, Sun commenced mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the enclosed form of proxy card to its stockholdersshareholders entitled to vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

Matters to Be Considered

At the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, you, as an Ocean Shore stockholder,a Sun shareholder, will be asked to consider and vote upon the following matters:

 

the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal;

 

the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal; and

 

the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal.

Recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun Board

The Ocean ShoreSun board has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, are advisable and in the best interests of Ocean ShoreSun and its stockholders,shareholders, has unanimously approved the merger agreement and unanimously recommends that the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders vote “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal, “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal and “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions — Ocean Shore’sSun’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun Board” beginning on page [●] for a more detailed discussion of the Ocean ShoreSun board’s recommendation.

Ocean ShoreSun Record Date and Quorum

The Ocean ShoreSun board has fixed the close of business on September 23, 2016,[●], 2017, as the Ocean ShoreSun record date for determining the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

As of the Ocean ShoreSun record date, there were 6,511,006[●] shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock outstanding and entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting held by 528[●] holders of record. Subject to the ten percent voting limitation set forth in Ocean Shore’s certificate of incorporation, eachEach share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock entitles the holder to one vote at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting on each proposal to be considered at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

The presence at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders representing at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock entitled to be voted at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. Abstentions and brokernon-votes, if any, will be treated as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for all matters voted on at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.

Required Vote; Treatment of Abstentions, BrokerNon-Votes and Failure to Vote

Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal:

 

Standard: Approval of the Ocean Shore merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by Ocean Shore stockholders entitled to vote at the Ocean Shore special meeting.
Standard: Approval of the Sun merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by Sun shareholders entitled to vote at the Sun special meeting.

Effect of abstentions and broker non-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the Ocean Shore special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Ocean Shore merger proposal, it will have no effect on the Ocean Shore merger proposal.
Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the Sun special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Sun merger proposal, it will have no effect on the Sun merger proposal.

Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal:

 

Standard: The Ocean Shore merger-related compensation proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast on such proposal at the Ocean Shore special meeting are voted in favor of such proposal.
Standard: The Sun merger-related compensation proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast on such proposal at the Sun special meeting are voted in favor of such proposal.

 

Effect of abstentions and broker non-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card, fail to submit a proxy card or fail to vote in person at the Ocean Shore special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Ocean Shore merger-related compensation proposal, it will have no effect on such proposal.
Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card, fail to submit a proxy card or fail to vote in person at the Sun special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Sun merger-related compensation proposal, it will have no effect on such proposal.

Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal:

 

Standard: The Ocean Shore adjournment proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast on such proposal at the Ocean Shore special meeting are voted in favor of such proposal.
Standard: The Sun adjournment proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast on such proposal at the Sun special meeting are voted in favor of such proposal.

 

Effect of abstentions and broker non-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card, fail to submit a proxy card or fail to vote in person at the Ocean Shore special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Ocean Shore adjournment proposal, it will have no effect on such proposal.
Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card, fail to submit a proxy card or fail to vote in person at the Sun special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Sun adjournment proposal, it will have no effect on such proposal.

Shares Held by Officers, Directors and Certain Stockholders

As of the Ocean ShoreSun record date, the directors and executive officers of Ocean ShoreSun and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 609,013[●] shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock (including restricted stock awards), representing approximately 9.4%[●]% of the shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock outstanding on that date.

Each of Ocean Shore’s directors, in his or her capacity as an Ocean Shore stockholder, OceanFirst has entered into avoting and support agreements with the Brown family, including certain directors of Sun, and separate voting agreementand support agreements with OceanFirst, pursuantWLR, in each case, who have agreed, subject to whichcertain exceptions, to, among other things, vote the shares of Sun common stock owned beneficially or of record by each such directorSun supporting shareholder in favor of the Sun merger proposal. In addition, each Sun supporting shareholder has agreed to vote against any proposal made in favor ofcompetition with the Ocean Shore merger proposal, as well as certain other restrictions with respect to the voting and certain related matters and against alternative transactions.transfer of such Sun supporting shareholder’s shares of Sun common stock. As of the Ocean ShoreSun record date, the Ocean Shore directors that are party to these voting agreementsSun supporting shareholders beneficially owned and were entitled to vote in the aggregate approximately 5.7%39 % of the outstanding shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock. For more information regarding the voting agreements, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement —Sun Voting and Support Agreements” beginning on page [●]. As of the Ocean Shore record date, OceanFirst did not beneficially hold any shares of Ocean Shore common stock.

Voting of Proxies; Incomplete Proxies

Any Ocean Shore stockholderSun shareholder may vote by proxy or in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. If you hold your shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock in your name as a stockholdershareholder of record, to submit a proxy you, as an Ocean Shore stockholder,a Sun shareholder, may use one of the following methods:

 

Through the Internet: by visiting the website indicated on your proxy card and following the instructions;

By telephone: by calling the toll free number indicated on your proxy card and following the instructions; or

 

byBy completing and returning the proxy card in the enclosed envelope. The envelope requires no additional postage if mailed in the United States.

Ocean ShoreSun requests that Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders vote over the Internet, by telephone or by completing and signing the accompanying proxy card and returning it to Ocean ShoreSun as soon as possible in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. When the accompanying proxy card is returned properly executed, the shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock represented by it will be voted at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting in accordance with the instructions contained on the proxy card. If any proxy card is returned without indication as to how to vote, the shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock represented by the proxy card will be voted as recommended by the Ocean ShoreSun board.

Every Ocean Shore stockholder’sSun shareholder’s vote is important. Accordingly, each Ocean Shore stockholderSun shareholder should sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card, or vote via the Internet or by telephone, whether or not the Ocean Shore stockholderSun shareholder plans to attend the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting in person. Sending in your proxy card or voting on the Internet or by telephone will not prevent you from voting your shares personally at the meeting, since you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted.

Shares Held in “Street Name”

If you are an Ocean Shore stockholdera Sun shareholder and your shares are held in “street name” through a bank, broker or other holder of record, you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote the shares. Please follow the voting instructions provided by the bank or broker. Ocean Shore’s stockholdersSun shareholders should check the voting form used by that firm to determine whether you may vote by telephone or the Internet. You may not vote shares held in street name by returning a proxy card directly to Ocean ShoreSun or by voting in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from your broker, bank or other nominee. Furthermore, brokers, banks or other nominees who hold shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock on behalf of their customers will not vote your shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock or give a proxy to Ocean ShoreSun to vote those shares with respect to the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal without specific instructions from you, as brokers, banks and other nominees do not have discretionary voting power on such proposal.

Revocability of Proxies and Changes to an Ocean Shorea Sun Stockholder’s Vote

You have the power to change your vote at any time before your shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock are voted at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting by:

 

attending and voting in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting;

 

giving notice of revocation of the proxy at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting; or

 

delivering to the Corporate Secretary of Ocean ShoreSun at 1001 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City,350 Fellowship Road, Suite 101, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 0822608054 (i) a written notice of revocation or (ii) a duly executed proxy card relating to the same shares, bearing a date later than the proxy card previously executed.

Attendance at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of a proxy.

If you choose to send a completed proxy card bearing a later date than your original proxy card, the new proxy card must be received before the beginning of the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting.meeting in order for such revocation to be valid. If you have instructed a bank, broker or other nominee to vote your shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock, you must follow the directions you receive from your bank, broker or other nominee in order to change or revoke your vote.

Solicitation of Proxies

Ocean ShoreSun will pay for the solicitation of proxies from the Ocean Shore stockholders. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, Regan & Associates, Inc., Ocean Shore’s proxy solicitor, will assist Ocean Shore in soliciting proxies from the Ocean Shore stockholders. Ocean Shore has agreed to pay $9,000, plus expenses, for these services. Ocean ShoreSun shareholders. Sun will, upon request, reimburse brokers, banks and other nominees for their expenses in sending proxy materials to their customers who are beneficial owners and obtaining their voting instructions. Additionally, directors, officers and employees of Ocean ShoreSun may solicit proxies personally and by telephone. Nonetelephone, but none of these persons will receive additional or special compensation for soliciting proxies.

Attending the Ocean ShoreSun Special Meeting

All Ocean Shore stockholders,Sun shareholders, including holders of record and Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders who hold their shares through banks, brokers, nominees or any other holder of record, are invited to attend the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders of record can vote in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. If you are not an Ocean Shore stockholdera Sun shareholder of record, you must obtain a proxy executed in your favor from the record holder of your shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee, to be able to vote in person at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting. If you plan to attend the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, you must hold your shares in your own name or have a letter from the record holder of your shares confirming your ownership. In addition, you must bring a form of personal photo identification with you in order to be admitted. Ocean ShoreSun reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone without proper proof of share ownership and without proper photo identification. The use of cameras, sound recording equipment, communications devices or any similar equipment during the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting is prohibited without Ocean Shore’sSun’s express written consent.

Delivery of Proxy Materials to Ocean ShoreSun Stockholders Sharing an Address

As permitted by the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, as amended (which we refer to as the “Exchange Act”), only one copy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus is being delivered to multiple Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders sharing an address unless Ocean ShoreSun has previously received contrary instructions from one or more such stockholders. This is referred to as “householding.” Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders who hold their shares in “street name” can request further information on householding through their banks, brokers or other holders of record. On written or oral request to Ocean Shore’s proxy solicitor, Regan & Associates, at the following address 505 Eight Avenue,Sun Bancorp, Inc., 350 Fellowship Road, Suite 800,101, Mount Laurel, New York, New York, 10018,Jersey 08054, Attention: Corporate Secretary or by telephone at (800) 737-3246, Ocean Shore691-7701, Sun will promptly deliver a separate copy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the document was delivered.

Assistance

If you need assistance in completing your proxy card, have questions regarding Ocean Shore’sSun’s special meeting or would like additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, please contact Ocean Shore’s proxy solicitor, Regan & Associates, at the following address 505 Eight Avenue,Sun Bancorp, Inc., 350 Fellowship Road, Suite 800,101, Mount Laurel, New York, New York, 10018,Jersey 08054, Attention: Corporate Secretary or by telephone at (800) 737-3246.691-7701.

OCEAN SHORESUN PROPOSALS

Proposal No. 1 Ocean ShoreSun Merger Proposal

Ocean ShoreSun is asking its stockholdersshareholders to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger. Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders should read this joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in its entirety, including the annexes, for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement and the Transactions. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A.

After careful consideration, the Ocean ShoreSun board unanimously approved the merger agreement, having determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, were advisable and in the best interests of Ocean ShoreSun and the Ocean Shore stockholders.Sun shareholders. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions — Ocean Shore’sSun’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun Board” beginning on page [●] for a more detailed discussion of the Ocean ShoreSun board’s recommendation.

The Ocean ShoreSun board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal.

Proposal No. 2 Ocean ShoreSun Merger-Related Compensation Proposal

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and Rule14a-21(c) of the Exchange Act, Ocean ShoreSun is seekingnon-binding, advisory stockholder approval of the compensation of Ocean Shore’sSun’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the first-step merger, as disclosed in “The Transactions — Interests of Ocean ShoreSun Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions — Merger-Related Compensation for Ocean Shore’sQuantification of Payments and Benefits to Sun’s Named Executive Officers” beginning on page [●]. The proposal gives Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders the opportunity to express their views on the merger-related compensation of Ocean Shore’sSun’s named executive officers. Accordingly, Ocean ShoreSun is requesting that stockholdersSun shareholders adopt the following resolution, on anon-binding, advisory basis:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation that may be paid or become payable to Ocean Shore’sSun’s named executive officers in connection with the first-step merger and the agreements or understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable, in each case as disclosed pursuant to Item 402(t) of RegulationS-K in “The Transactions — Interests of Ocean ShoreSun Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions —Merger-Related— Merger-Related Executive Compensation for Ocean Shore’sSun’s Named Executive Officers,” is hereby APPROVED.”

Approval of this proposal is not a condition to completion of the integrated mergers, and the vote with respect to this proposal is advisory only and will not be binding on Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst. If the first-step merger is completed, the merger-related compensation may be paid to Ocean Shore’sSun’s named executive officers to the extent payable in accordance with the terms of the compensation agreements and arrangements even if Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders fail to approve the advisory vote regarding merger-related compensation.

The Ocean ShoreSun board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR,” on an advisory basis, the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal.

Proposal No. 3 Ocean ShoreSun Adjournment Proposal

The Ocean ShoreSun special meeting may be adjourned to another time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting to approve the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal.

If, at the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, the number of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock present or represented by proxy and voting in favor of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal is insufficient to approve the

Ocean Shore Sun merger proposal, Ocean ShoreSun intends to move to adjourn the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting in order to enable the Ocean ShoreSun board to solicit additional proxies for approval of the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal. In that event, Ocean ShoreSun will ask its stockholders to vote upon the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal, but not the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal or the Ocean ShoreSun merger-related compensation proposal.

In this proposal, Ocean ShoreSun is asking its stockholders to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the Ocean ShoreSun board on a discretionary basis to vote in favor of adjourning the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting to another time and place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders who have previously voted.

The Ocean ShoreSun board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun adjournment proposal.

THE OCEANFIRST SPECIAL MEETING

This section contains information for OceanFirst stockholders about the OceanFirst special meeting that OceanFirst has called to allow its stockholders to consider and vote on the OceanFirst share issuance proposal and the OceanFirst adjournment proposal. OceanFirst is mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus to you, as an OceanFirst stockholder, on or about [], 2016.2017. This joint proxy statement/prospectus is accompanied by a notice of the OceanFirst special meeting and a form of proxy card that the OceanFirst board is soliciting for use at the OceanFirst special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the OceanFirst special meeting.

Date, Time and Place of the OceanFirst Special Meeting

The OceanFirst special meeting will be held at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753, at [●] local time, on [●], 2016.2017. On or about [●], 2016,2017, OceanFirst commenced mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the enclosed form of proxy card to its stockholders entitled to vote at the OceanFirst special meeting.

Matters to Be Considered

At the OceanFirst special meeting, you, as an OceanFirst stockholder, will be asked to consider and vote upon the following matters:

 

the OceanFirst share issuance proposal; and

 

the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

Recommendation of the OceanFirst Board

The OceanFirst board has unanimously approved the merger agreement and unanimously recommends that OceanFirst stockholders vote “FOR” the OceanFirst share issuance proposal and “FOR” the OceanFirst adjournment proposal. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions —OceanFirst’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the OceanFirst Board” beginning on page [●] for a more detailed discussion of the OceanFirst board’s recommendation.

OceanFirst Record Date and Quorum

The OceanFirst board has fixed the close of business on September 27, 2016[●], 2017 as the OceanFirst record date for determining the OceanFirst stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the OceanFirst special meeting.

As of the OceanFirst record date, there were 25,850,956[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock outstanding and entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the OceanFirst special meeting held by approximately 1,679[●] holders of record. Subject to the ten percent voting limitation set forth in OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation, each share of OceanFirst common stock entitles the holder to one vote at the OceanFirst special meeting on each proposal to be considered at the OceanFirst special meeting.

The presence at the OceanFirst special meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders representing at least a majority of the outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock entitled to be voted at the OceanFirst special meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the OceanFirst special meeting. Once a share is represented for any purpose at the OceanFirst special meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the OceanFirst special meeting or for any adjournment(s) thereof. Abstentions and brokernon-votes, if any, will be included in determining the number of shares present at the meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

Required Vote; Treatment of Abstentions, BrokerNon-Votes and Failure to Vote

OceanFirst share issuance proposal:

 

  Standard: Approval of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast by the holders of OceanFirst’s voting common stock at the OceanFirst special meeting.

 

  Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the OceanFirst special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the OceanFirst share issuance proposal, it will have no effect on the OceanFirst share issuance proposal.

OceanFirst adjournment proposal:

 

  Standard: The OceanFirst adjournment proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast by the holders of OceanFirst’s voting common stock at the OceanFirst special meeting are voted in favor of the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

 

  Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the OceanFirst special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the OceanFirst adjournment proposal, it will have no effect on the proposal.

Shares Held by Officers, Directors and Certain Stockholders

As of the OceanFirst record date, there were 25,850,956[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock outstanding, held by 1,679[●] holders of record. As of the OceanFirst record date, the directors and executive officers of OceanFirst and their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 1,097,243[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock representing approximately 4.2%[●]% of the shares of OceanFirst common stock outstanding on that date.

As of the OceanFirst record date, Ocean ShoreSun did not beneficially hold any shares of OceanFirst common stock.

Voting of Proxies; Incomplete Proxies

Any OceanFirst stockholder may vote by proxy or in person at the OceanFirst special meeting. If you hold your shares of OceanFirst common stock in your name as a stockholder of record, to submit a proxy, you, as an OceanFirst stockholder, must complete and return the proxy card in the enclosed envelope. The envelope requires no additional postage if mailed in the United States.

OceanFirst requests that OceanFirst stockholders vote by completing and signing the accompanying proxy card and returning it to OceanFirst as soon as possible in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. When the accompanying proxy card is returned properly executed, the shares of OceanFirst common stock represented by it will be voted at the OceanFirst special meeting in accordance with the instructions contained on the proxy card. If any proxy card is returned without indication as to how to vote, the shares of OceanFirst common stock represented by the proxy card will be voted as recommended by the OceanFirst board.

If an OceanFirst stockholder’s shares are held in “street name” by a broker, bank or other nominee, the stockholder should check with the voting form used by that firm for directions on how to provide such firm with voting instructions.

Every OceanFirst stockholder’s vote is important. Accordingly, each OceanFirst stockholder should sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card, whether or not the OceanFirst stockholder plans to attend the OceanFirst special meeting in person. Sending in your proxy card will not prevent you from voting your shares personally at the meeting, since you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted.

Shares Held in “Street Name”

Under NASDAQ rules, banks, brokers and other nominees who hold shares of OceanFirst common stock in “street name” for a beneficial owner of those shares typically have the authority to vote in their discretion on “routine” proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. However, banks, brokers and other nominees are not allowed to exercise their voting discretion with respect to the approval of matters determined to be “non-routine,“non-routine, without specific instructions from the beneficial owner. Brokernon-votes are shares held by a broker, bank or other nominee that are represented at the OceanFirst special meeting, but with respect to which the broker, bank or nominee is not instructed by the beneficial owner of such shares to vote on the particular proposal and the broker, bank or nominee does not have discretionary voting power on such proposal. If your broker, bank or other nominee holds your shares of OceanFirst common stock in “street name,” your broker, bank or other nominee will vote your shares of OceanFirst common stock only if you provide instructions on how to vote by completing the voter instruction form sent to you by your broker, bank or other nominee.

Revocability of Proxies and Changes to an OceanFirst Stockholder’s Vote

You have the power to change your vote at any time before your shares of OceanFirst common stock are voted at the OceanFirst special meeting by:

 

attending and voting in person at the OceanFirst special meeting;

 

giving notice of revocation of the proxy at the OceanFirst special meeting; or

 

delivering to the Corporate Secretary of OceanFirst at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753 (i) a written notice of revocation or (ii) a duly executed proxy card relating to the same shares, bearing a date later than the proxy card previously executed.

Attendance at the OceanFirst special meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of a proxy.

If you choose to send a completed proxy card bearing a later date than your original proxy card, the new proxy card must be received before the beginning of the OceanFirst special meeting. If you have instructed a bank, broker or other nominee to vote your shares of OceanFirst common stock, you must follow the directions you receive from your bank, broker or other nominee in order to change or revoke your vote.

Solicitation of Proxies

OceanFirst will pay for the solicitation of proxies from the OceanFirst stockholders. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, Georgeson LLC, OceanFirst’s proxy solicitor, will assist OceanFirst in soliciting proxies from the OceanFirst stockholders. OceanFirst has agreed to pay $8,000,$[●], plus expenses, for these services. OceanFirst will, upon request, reimburse brokers, banks and other nominees for their expenses in sending proxy materials to their customers who are beneficial owners and obtaining their voting instructions. Additionally, directors, officers and employees of OceanFirst may solicit proxies personally and by telephone. Nonetelephone, but none of these persons will receive additional or special compensation for soliciting proxies.

Attending the OceanFirst Special Meeting

All OceanFirst stockholders, including holders of record and OceanFirst stockholders who hold their shares through banks, brokers, nominees or any other holder of record, are invited to attend the OceanFirst special meeting. OceanFirst stockholders of record can vote in person at the OceanFirst special meeting. If you are not an OceanFirst stockholder of record, you must obtain a proxy executed in your favor from the record holder of your shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee, to be able to vote in person at the OceanFirst special meeting. If you plan to attend the OceanFirst special meeting, you must hold your shares in your own name or

have a letter from the record holder of your shares confirming your ownership. In addition, you must bring a

form of personal photo identification with you in order to be admitted. OceanFirst reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone without proper proof of share ownership and without proper photo identification. The use of cameras, sound recording equipment, communications devices or any similar equipment during the OceanFirst special meeting is prohibited without OceanFirst’s express written consent.

Delivery of Proxy Materials to OceanFirst Stockholders Sharing an Address

As permitted by the Exchange Act, only one copy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus is being delivered to multiple OceanFirst stockholders sharing an address unless OceanFirst has previously received contrary instructions from one or more such stockholders. This is referred to as “householding.” OceanFirst stockholders who hold their shares in “street name” can request further information on householding through their banks, brokers or other holders of record. On written or oral request to Investor Relations at (732)240-4500 or OceanFirst’s proxy solicitor, Georgeson LLC, at (866)296-5716, OceanFirst will deliver promptly a separate copy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the document was delivered.

Assistance

If you need assistance in completing your proxy card, have questions regarding OceanFirst’s special meeting or would like additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, please contact Investor Relations at the following address 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753 or by telephone at (732)240-4500, or OceanFirst’s proxy solicitor, Georgeson LLC, at the following address or phone number: 1290 Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10104, (866)296-5716.

OCEANFIRST PROPOSALS

Proposal No. 1 OceanFirst Share Issuance Proposal

OceanFirst is asking its stockholders to approve the OceanFirst share issuance. OceanFirst stockholders should read this joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in its entirety, including the annexes, for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement, the Transactions and the OceanFirst share issuance. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A.

After careful consideration, the OceanFirst board unanimously approved the merger agreement. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions — OceanFirst’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the OceanFirst Board” beginning on page [●] for a more detailed discussion of the OceanFirst board’s recommendation.

The OceanFirst board unanimously recommends that OceanFirst stockholders vote “FOR” the OceanFirst share issuance proposal.

Proposal No. 2 OceanFirst Adjournment Proposal

The OceanFirst special meeting may be adjourned to another time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to permit, among other things, further solicitation of proxies as necessary to obtain additional votes in favor of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal.

If, at the OceanFirst special meeting, the number of shares of OceanFirst common stock present or represented by proxy and voting in favor of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal is insufficient to approve the OceanFirst share issuance proposal, OceanFirst intends to move to adjourn the OceanFirst special meeting in order to enable the OceanFirst board to solicit additional proxies for approval of the Ocean ShoreSun share issuance proposal. In that event, OceanFirst will ask its stockholders to vote upon the OceanFirst adjournment proposal, but not the OceanFirst share issuance proposal.

In this proposal, OceanFirst is asking its stockholders to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the OceanFirst board on a discretionary basis to vote in favor of adjourning the OceanFirst special meeting to another time and place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from OceanFirst stockholders who have previously voted.

The OceanFirst board unanimously recommends that OceanFirst stockholders vote “FOR” the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

INFORMATION ABOUT OCEANFIRST

OceanFirst is the holding company for OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Bank, founded in 1902, is a community bank with $4.0$5.2 billion in assets and 5051 branches located throughout Central and Southern New Jersey. OceanFirst Bank delivers commercial and residential financing solutions, wealth management, and deposit services throughout the central New Jersey region and is the largest and oldest community-based financial institution headquartered in Ocean County, New Jersey. OceanFirst’s website is www.oceanfirstonline.com.

On May 2, 2016, OceanFirst completed the Cape acquisition. Total consideration paid for the Cape acquisition was $196.4 million. On November 30, 2016, OceanFirst completed the Ocean Shore acquisition. Total consideration paid for the Ocean Shore acquisition was $180.7 million.

OceanFirst common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OCFC.”

OceanFirst’s principal executive office is located at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753 and its telephone number at that location is (732) 240-4500.240¬4500. Additional information about OceanFirst and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●].

INFORMATION ABOUT MERGER SUB

Merger Sub is a New Jersey corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst. Merger Sub was formed by OceanFirst for the sole purpose of consummating the integrated mergers. Merger Sub has not conducted any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated by the merger agreement, including the preparation of applicable regulatory filings in connection with the Transactions.

INFORMATION ABOUT OCEAN SHORESUN BANCORP

Ocean ShoreSun, founded in 1985, is the holding company for Ocean ShoreSun National Bank, a community bank with $2.2 billion in assets. As of June 30, 2017, Sun National Bank has 35 locations primarily throughout New Jersey, 30 of which are branch offices. Sun’s principal business is to serve as a holding company for the Sun National Bank. FoundedThrough Sun NationalBank, Sun provides commercial and consumer banking services. Sun National Bank is in 1887, Ocean Shore Bank operates 11 branch offices throughout Cape Maythe business of attracting customer deposits through its Community Banking Centers and Atlantic Countiesinvesting these funds, together with borrowed funds and cash from operations, in loans, primarily commercial real estate and multifamily residential loans, as well as mortgage-backed and investment securities. Sun is headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Ocean Shore Bank places a strong emphasis on obtaining deposits by offering checking account products and services for consumers, businesses, municipalities and local boards of education. Additionally, Ocean Shore Bank provides savings accounts designed to fit any need. Ocean Shore Bank also provides a full menu of residential, consumer and commercial lending options. The goal at Ocean Shore Bank is to develop a strong relationship with customers by continually offering innovative products and services that will fill all their financial needs. Ocean Shore Bank’sSun’s website is www.ochome.com.www.sunnationalbank.com.

Ocean ShoreSun common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OSHC.“SNBC.

Ocean Shore’sSun’s principal executive offices are located at 1001 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City,350 Fellowship Road, Suite 101, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 0822608054 and its telephone number at that location is (609) 399-0012.(856)691-7700. Additional information about Ocean ShoreSun and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●].

THE TRANSACTIONS

The following discussion contains certain information about the Transactions. The discussion is subject, and qualified in its entirety by reference, to the merger agreement attached asAnnex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by reference. We urge you to read carefully this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the merger agreement attached asAnnex A, for a more complete understanding of the Transactions.

Structure of the Transactions

Each of the OceanFirst board and the Ocean ShoreSun board has unanimously approved the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides that (i) Merger Sub will merge with and into Ocean Shore,Sun, with Ocean ShoreSun continuing as the surviving corporation in the first-step merger and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst, (ii) immediately following the first-step merger, Ocean ShoreSun will merge with and into OceanFirst, with OceanFirst continuing as the surviving corporation in the second-step merger and (iii) immediately following the completion of the integrated mergers, Ocean ShoreSun National Bank will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank being the surviving entity in the bank merger.

At the effective time of the first-step merger is completed, each issued and outstanding share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock, except for certain specified shares of Sun common stock owned by OceanFirstSun or Ocean Shore,OceanFirst, will be converted into the right to receive either (i) the per share cash consideration, which is an amount in cash equal to the sum of $4.35, without interest, and 0.9667(A) $3.78 plus (B) the product of 0.7884 multiplied by the OceanFirst share closing price, or (ii) the stock consideration, which will be a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock together withequal to the exchange ratio, which is the quotient of (A) the cash in lieuconsideration divided by (B) the OceanFirst share closing price. Holders of fractional shares. NoSun common stock will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides that the aggregate amount of cash consideration will not exceed the product of (x) $3.78 and (y) the total number of shares of Sun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time.

OceanFirst will not issue any fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock will be issued in connection with the first-step merger. Sun shareholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a share of OceanFirst common stock upon the completion of the first-step merger and Ocean Shore stockholders will instead be entitled to receive an amount in cash, in lieu thereof.rounded to the nearest cent, determined by multiplying the fraction of a share (rounded to the nearest thousandth when expressed as a decimal form) of OceanFirst common stock to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by the OceanFirst share closing price.

Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders are being asked to approve the merger agreement and the first-step merger. OceanFirst stockholders are being asked to approve the OceanFirst share issuance. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement” beginning on page [●] for additional and more detailed information regarding the legal documents that govern the Transactions, including information about the conditions to the completion of the integrated mergers and the provisions for terminating or amending the merger agreement.

Background of the Transactions

The Ocean ShoreIn connection with their ongoing consideration and evaluation of their respective long-term prospects and strategies, each of the Sun board hasand the OceanFirst board, as well as senior management of both such companies, have considered and regularly reviewed their respective strategic direction and business objectives, including by evaluating potential strategic transactions, as part of their continuous efforts to enhance value for Sun shareholders and OceanFirst stockholders, respectively. These considerations have focused on, among other things, prospects and developments in the regulatory environment, in the economy generally and in financial markets, for financial institutions generally and Sun and OceanFirst, respectively, in particular, as well as conditions and ongoing consolidation in the financial services industry.

From time to time, Sun has had general conversations with other financial institutions regarding the possibility of a potential future strategic transaction, and Sun’s senior management has discussed Ocean Shore’s business strategy,this topic with the Sun board and Sun’s financial advisors, but none of these conversations developed into more formal discussions or negotiations. These conversations have included reviews of the banking market, as well as industry trends and developments in mergers and acquisitions.

On January 18, 2017, Christopher Maher, the chief executive officer of OceanFirst, and Thomas O’Brien, the chief executive officer of Sun, met to discuss the possibility of a strategic transaction between the two companies. Mr. Maher noted that OceanFirst was interested in expanding northward in New Jersey, and that the two companies might be a good strategic fit. Following the meeting, Mr. O’Brien informed the Sun board of his conversation with Mr. Maher. The Sun board authorized Mr. O’Brien to continue engaging in discussions with Mr. Maher regarding a strategic transaction.

Messrs. Maher and O’Brien met again on April 20, 2017 to discuss their respective companies and the merits of a potential combination. On May 11, 2017, Mr. O’Brien informed the Sun board that he would be meeting again with Mr. Maher prior to the OceanFirst board meeting scheduled for May 24, 2017. Messrs. Maher and O’Brien met again on May 18 and May 23, 2017 to continue to discuss their respective companies and the merits of a potential combination.

At a regularly scheduled meeting of the OceanFirst board held on May 24, 2017, OceanFirst senior management reviewed with the OceanFirst board the potential transaction with Sun, and the OceanFirst board authorized Mr. Maher and senior management of OceanFirst to continue discussions with Sun.

On May 30, 2017, the Sun board held a special meeting. At the special meeting, Mr. O’Brien updated the Sun board on his conversations with Mr. Maher and informed the Sun board that OceanFirst was interested in pursuing a transaction with Sun. Mr. O’Brien discussed the potential benefits of such a transaction, and reviewed with the Sun board some of the past strategic initiatives considered by Sun, the significant changes that had taken place over the past several years at Sun as it transitioned from a deeply troubled institution to its current well capitalized condition, and the general performance and prospects in the context of the national and local economic environment, developments in the regulationcompany. Representatives of financial institutions and the competitive landscape. Among other things, these reviews and discussions have included possible strategic alternatives availableWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, outside counsel to Ocean Shore, such as capital management strategies and potential acquisitions or business combinations involving other financial institutions. These reviews and discussions also included a review of the merger and acquisition environment, including multiples and premiums being paid, and an assessment of potential partners for Ocean Shore. In connection with the evaluation of these strategic alternatives, Steven E. Brady, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Shore, has had, from time to time, informal discussions with representatives of other financial institutions and has regularly updated the Ocean Shore board regarding such discussions.

In June 2014, Mr. Brady met with the President and Chief Executive Officer of another financial institutionSun (which we refer to as “Company A”“Wachtell Lipton”), who expressed an interest also attended the meeting and discussed generally the process and legal standards that would apply in a possible business combination with Ocean Shore. In August 2014, at the request of Christopher D. Maher, the then President and Chief Operating Officer of OceanFirst, Mr. Brady met with Mr. Maher, who also expressed an interest in discussing a business combination. These discussions between Ocean Shore and each of Company A and OceanFirstevent that Sun were preliminary in nature, focusing on the banking industry, the New Jersey banking market, their respective companies’ business models and strategies, and the potential operational and cultural fit between Ocean Shore and their respective companies.

No specific terms of a business combination were discussed and no confidential information was exchanged. Mr. Brady updated the Ocean Shore board regarding his discussions with the Chief Executive Officer of Company A and Mr. Maher following those discussions.

At its annual review of strategic alternatives in October 2014, which was attended by representatives of Sandler O’Neill and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (which we refer to as “Kilpatrick Townsend”), legal advisorseek to Ocean Shore, the Ocean Shore board discussed the possibility of a business combination with each of Company A and OceanFirst, as well as another financial institution (which we refer to as “Company B”). The Ocean Shore board also discussed other companies that might have the interest in, and financial capacity for, a business combination with Ocean Shore. However, after considering timing considerations affecting two of the potential partners, the negative economic developments in Atlantic City and Ocean Shore’s business and capital management initiatives, the Ocean Shore board concluded that Ocean Shore’s stockholders would be better served by deferring pursuit of a business combination. However, the Ocean Shore board instructed Mr. Brady to continue his dialogue with both OceanFirst and Company A, as well as with other potential parties that might express interest, either directly or through Sandler O’Neill.

In January 2015, Mr. Maher became the Chief Executive Officer of OceanFirst.

In March 2015, Mr. Brady met with the President and Chief Executive Officer of Company A, who reiterated Company A’s interest in a possible business combination with Ocean Shore. This discussion focused on the rationale for the transaction and operational synergies and integration. No specific terms of a business combination were discussed.

In May 2015, Mr. Brady met with Mr. Maher, who also reiterated OceanFirst’s interest in a possible business combination with Ocean Shore. This discussion also focused on the rationale for the transaction and operational synergies and integration. No specific terms of a business combination were discussed.

At its regular meeting held in May 2015, which was attended by representatives of Sandler O’Neill and Kilpatrick Townsend, the Ocean Shore board discussed the current merger and acquisition market, valuation expectations, and potential partners for a business combination. The Ocean Shore board also continued its prior discussions of strategic alternatives and concluded that pursuit of a business combination likely would achieve a greater value for stockholders than pursuing other stand-alone options, but that the timing of such a transaction should be carefully considered to achieve the best transaction for Ocean Shore’s stockholders. The Ocean Shore board considered OceanFirst and Company A to have the greatest interest in a business combination with Ocean Shore. The Ocean Shore board also identified Company B and a small number of other companies as potentially having an interest in and ability to complete a transaction with Ocean Shore, but viewed them as less likely to pursue a transaction with Ocean Shore because, among other reasons, Ocean Shore was too small relative to those banks, not located in a geographic priority and/or did not possess the right business focus. Following its discussion, the Ocean Shore board authorized Mr. Brady to continue to engage in exploratory discussions with Mr. Maher and the Chief Executive Officer of Company A, and to assess each party’s willingness and ability, from a timing perspective, to evaluateundertake a potential transaction with Ocean Shore. The Ocean ShoreOceanFirst. Following review and discussion among the Sun board also instructedmembers, the Sun board authorized Mr. O’Brien and other members of Sun’s management to continueengage in further discussions with OceanFirst to evaluate other operating and capital management strategies to best position Ocean Shore to achieve the highest possible value in any eventual transaction.

At its regular meeting held on July 21, 2015, the Ocean Shore board retained Sandler O’Neill as its financial advisor to assist the Ocean Shore board in evaluating a potential business combination based on, among other factors, Sandler O’Neill’s reputation, experience in mergers and acquisitions, and familiarity with Ocean Shore and Ocean Shore’s strategic goals and the industry in which it operates. In making its selection of Sandler O’Neill, the Ocean Shore board also considered Sandler O’Neill’s previous disclosures to the Ocean Shore board that Sandler O’Neill maintained investment banking relationships with OceanFirst, Company A and Company B, as well as many of the other parties considered as potential partners for Ocean Shore.

Over the following months, Mr. Brady had additional exploratory discussions with Mr. Maher and the Chief Executive Officer of Company A and reported on those discussions to the Ocean Shore board. Specific terms of a business combination were not discussed, and no confidential information was exchanged. Mr. Brady and Mr. Maher also discussed Mr. Brady’s possible role with the combined company, as well as the possibility of certain executive officers of Ocean Shore continuing with OceanFirst following the proposed transaction in light of their significant experience and knowledge of the Southern New Jersey banking market.

At its annual strategic planning session held in October 2015, the Ocean Shore board evaluated potential business combinations with OceanFirst and Company A. The Ocean Shore board also discussed the merits of a potential mergercombination.

On June 1, 2017, Mr. O’Brien communicated to Mr. Maher the results of equalsthe Sun board meeting of May 30, 2017, including that the Sun board authorized Sun to enter into a confidentiality agreement with another community banking institution whose PresidentOceanFirst. On June 5, 2017, Sun and Chief Executive Officer had recently contacted Mr. Brady, but determined notOceanFirst entered into a confidentiality agreement in order to pursue such a transaction because it was unlikelyenable the parties to provide a significant market premium to Ocean Shore stockholders. The Ocean Shore board also considered whether other companies might have an interest in a business combination with Ocean Shorecommence their respective due diligence investigations and noted that several companies previously thought to be possible partners for a business combination had themselves been acquired, were understood based on conversations with Sandler O’Neill to lack an interest in Ocean Shore’s southern New Jersey markets, lackedconsider and evaluate the financial capacity to offer a competitive price to acquire Ocean Shore, or had regulatory or other issues that precluded them from engaging in acquisitions at that time. The Ocean Shore board determined that pursuitpotential merits of a business combination likely would achieve a greater value for Ocean Shore’s stockholders, and that the best timing for moving forward with exploring such a transaction likely would be in the first quarter of 2016.combination.

In January 2016, after OceanFirst announced that it had entered into an agreement and plan of merger providing for the Cape acquisition, Mr. Maher contacted Mr. Brady to reiterate OceanFirst’s interest in a business combination with Ocean Shore.

At its regular meeting on January 20, 2016, which was also attended byOn June 7, 2017, representatives of Sandler O’Neill, financial advisor to Sun, and representatives of Piper, financial advisor to OceanFirst, met at the offices of Piper to begin to help facilitate the due diligence efforts of the parties. As a representativeresult, the parties commenced due diligence efforts on June 7, 2017, which efforts continued over the next several weeks and included in person management meetings on June 20, 2017. Also during this period, Messrs. Maher and O’Brien, with the assistance of Kilpatrick Townsend,the respective financial advisors of OceanFirst and Sun, discussed the pro forma contributions of each of Sun and OceanFirst to the potential combined company, potential cost savings and merger-related expenses, and each entity’s pro forma ownership of the potential combined company relative to its respective contribution, and an estimated exchange ratio range.

At a regularly scheduled meeting of the OceanFirst board held on June 21, 2017, Mr. BradyMaher updated the Ocean ShoreOceanFirst board about the progress of the potential transaction with Sun, including the status of due diligence, and indicated he would keep the OceanFirst board apprised of the status of the potential transaction. Also on hisJune 21, 2017, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meager & Flom LLP, outside counsel to OceanFirst (which we refer to as

“Skadden”), provided Wachtell Lipton a draft merger agreement and the parties began to negotiate transaction documentation simultaneously with the ongoing due diligence investigations.

On June 22, 2017, the Sun board held a special meeting at which Mr. O’Brien updated the Sun board regarding the discussions with OceanFirst. Among other things, Mr. MaherO’Brien noted that the exchange ratio for the proposed transaction would likely reflect a modest premium to Sun’s current market price in light of the parties’ relative contributions to the combined company and Sun’s current trading price relative to earnings. Mr. O’Brien also reviewed with the Sun board the progress that Sun had made on its turn-around efforts. Mr. O’Brien noted that the overwhelming majority of progress had been accomplished, and the Chief Executive Officerremainder of Company A. Sandler O’Neill disclosedSun’s operational and growth plans would take significant additional time to achieve. After discussion among the Sun board members, the Sun board authorized Mr. O’Brien to continue to work with OceanFirst with respect to the Ocean Shore boardpotential combination.

During the weekend of June 23, 2017, Skadden provided Wachtell Lipton a draft voting and support agreement that its investment banking division had provided financial advisory servicesOceanFirst proposed to OceanFirstrequire WLR SBI Acquisition Co, LLC, Bernard A. Brown, Sidney R. Brown, Jeffrey S. Brown, Ike Brown, Anne E. Koons and certain of their affiliates, which were among the largest shareholders of Sun, to execute in connection with OceanFirst’s acquisitiona proposed transaction. The draft voting and support agreement would require each signatory to, among other things, vote in favor of Cape. A representativethe adoption of Kilpatrick Townsendthe merger agreement. The parties, together with the proposed shareholder parties, began to negotiate the support agreements simultaneously with the merger agreement.

On June 26, 2017, Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Maher discussed the Ocean Shore board’scurrent status of the discussions between the parties regarding the proposed transaction, which included a discussion regarding the merger consideration to be paid in the proposed transaction based on a potential fixed exchange ratio of 0.9275 shares of OceanFirst common stock for each share of Sun common stock, with an opportunity for Sun’s shareholders to elect to receive a portion of the merger consideration in cash. During this discussion, Mr. Maher indicated that OceanFirst would agree to add two persons to the OceanFirst board to be selected from the persons currently serving on the Sun board.

On June 27, 2017, the Sun board held a special meeting to review and consider the proposed transaction with OceanFirst and other matters. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill and Wachtell Lipton participated in the meeting. Prior to the meeting, the directors received copies of a summary of the terms of the merger agreement and related matters from Wachtell Lipton, as well as materials prepared by Sandler O’Neill. At the meeting, members of Sun management updated the Sun board on the status of negotiations with OceanFirst and their due diligence efforts. Representatives of Sandler O’Neill also discussed with the Sun board the proposed financial terms of the proposed transaction, updated the Sun board on market and industry conditions, discussed the absence of interest by other potential transaction parties based on their past contacts with and knowledge of other industry participants, and provided a financial analysis of Sun, OceanFirst and the combined pro forma company. Representatives of Wachtell Lipton reviewed with the Sun board its fiduciary duties in connection with a potential strategic business combination transaction and reviewed the extensive process for soliciting indicationsthe Sun board had conducted to date. Representatives of interest for a business combination.

At its regular meetingWachtell Lipton also reviewed the terms of the draft merger agreement, the draft voting and support agreement, the impact of the proposed transaction on February 17, 2016, which was also attended by representatives of Sandler O’Neillexecutives and a representative of Kilpatrick Townsend, representatives of Sandler O’Neill provided an update on the mergers and acquisitions market, reviewed with the Ocean Shore board OceanFirst’s and Company A’s business, performance and valuation metrics,other employees, and discussed pro forma analysestiming for approvals and other contingencies. Based on this review, and following discussion among the members of combinations with OceanFirst and Company A. The Ocean Shorethe Sun board, continued the discussion from prior board meetings regarding other potential merger partners and its view that no other company with the ability to complete a transaction was likely to be interested in Ocean Shore’s southern New Jersey market area and that communication with a broader group of companies risked premature disclosure of Ocean Shore’s consideration of a business combination, which could disrupt Ocean Shore’s relationships with customers and employees. Following these discussions, the Ocean ShoreSun board authorized Sandler O’Neill to solicit initial indications of interest with respect to a potential transaction from OceanFirst and Company A. The Ocean Shore board also authorized Sandler O’Neilldirected management and Sun’s legal and financial advisors to continue to assess potential interestwork to seek to finalize the terms of Company Bdefinitive documentation with OceanFirst. At the meeting, the Sun board also considered and other market participants in possibly acquiring Ocean Shore.

In early April 2016, OceanFirst and Company A executed nondisclosure agreements and received a confidential information memorandum regarding the potential acquisition of Ocean Shore. In consultationapproved, with the Ocean Shore board, representatives of Sandler O’Neill requested that OceanFirst and Company A submit indication of interest letters regarding a proposed business combination with Ocean Shore by April 26, 2016.

At the regular meetingrecommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun board held on April 20, 2016,compensation committee, the employment andchange-in- control agreements with Mr. O’Brien. In Sun’s annual shareholder meeting proxy statement, dated March 30, 2017, Sun had disclosed that it had anticipated entering into a representative of Sandler O’Neill informed the directors that,change-in-control agreement with Mr. O’Brien in the coursesecond half of Sandler O’Neill’s regular communications with a financial institution2017.

Over the next two days, the parties worked to finalize their due diligence investigations and the definitive transaction documentation.

previously considered as possibly having an interest in a business combination with Ocean Shore, Sandler O’Neill had confirmed that such financial institution did not have an interest in a business combination with Ocean Shore at this time.

On April 26, 2016, Ocean Shore received nonbinding preliminary indication of interest letters from OceanFirst and Company A. OceanFirst’s letter reflected consideration of $21.00 per share of Ocean Shore common stock, consisting of 80% stock consideration and 20% cash consideration, with the exchange ratio for the stock portion of the consideration to be fixed upon execution of the definitive merger agreement. OceanFirst’s proposal indicated a willingness to expandJune 29, 2017, the OceanFirst board to accommodate representation of Ocean Shore stockholders by current Ocean Shore directors, but did not specify the number of directors that would be added to the OceanFirst board. OceanFirst also indicated that it was prepared to commence due diligence with the goal of executing a definitive agreement in June or July of 2016. Company A’s nonbinding preliminary indication of interest letter reflected a range of consideration, from $20.83 to $21.67, consisting of 65% stock consideration and 35% cash consideration, with the exchange ratio for the stock portion of the consideration to be fixed upon execution of the definitive merger agreement. Company A’s proposal indicated that Company A would invite Mr. Brady to join its board of directors. Company A also indicated that it wished to commence due diligence in October and execute a definitive merger agreement in late 2016 or early 2017.

On May 3, 2016, the Ocean Shore board held a special meeting attended by representatives of Sandler O’Neill and Kilpatrick Townsend, to review the nonbinding preliminary indications of interest. After detailed discussion of the terms of each proposal and the factors influencing Company A’s desire to delay the commencement of due diligence until October, the Ocean Shore board instructed Sandler O’Neill to provide access to each party to an electronic data room that contained extensive information with respect to Ocean Shore’s assets and operations. The Ocean Shore board also instructed Sandler O’Neill to request that OceanFirst clarify and improve its offer and to encourage Company A to clarify and improve its offering range and accelerate the timeframes under which it was willing to proceed with due diligence and execution of a definitive agreement. Both parties were asked to submit revised nonbinding indications of interest by May 20, 2016.

On May 11, 2016, Mr. Brady and Mr. Maher met to discuss operational matters with respect to the combination of their respective companies, should a business combination transaction be consummated. Mr. Brady and Mr. Maher also discussed Mr. Brady’s possible role with the combined company, as well as the possibility of certain executive officers of Ocean Shore continuing with OceanFirst following the possible business combination in light of their significant experience and knowledge of the Southern New Jersey banking market. Mr. Brady and Mr. Maher also discussed potential terms for retention and consulting agreements, as applicable, for Mr. Brady and such executive officers of Ocean Shore.

On May 12, 2016, while at an industry conference, Mr. Brady advised a senior officer of Company B that Ocean Shore was considering a business combination. The following day, that executive informed Sandler O’Neill that Company B was not interested in pursuing a business combination with Ocean Shore at this time.

On May 20, 2016, OceanFirst submitted an updated nonbinding indication of interest letter reflecting consideration valued at $21.75 per share, consisting of $4.35 in cash and 0.9576 shares of OceanFirst common stock. OceanFirst’s updated proposal also provided that OceanFirst would invite three of Ocean Shore’s directors to join the OceanFirst board and that OceanFirst would create an advisory board consisting of four of Ocean Shore’s directors. OceanFirst’s willingness to continue discussions and engage in further due diligence was conditioned on Ocean Shore agreeing to negotiate exclusively with OceanFirst for a period of 45 days. Company A advised Sandler O’Neill that it was unwilling to change its timeframes for proceeding as outlined in its April 26th letter and did not submit an updated nonbinding indication of interest letter.

At its regular meeting held on May 25, 2016, which was attended by representatives of Sandler O’Neill and Kilpatrick Townsend, the Ocean Shore board reviewed the terms of the proposed transaction reflected in OceanFirst’s updated nonbinding indication of interest letter. A representative of Sandler O’Neill reviewed his

discussions with the Chief Executive Officer of Company A, who confirmed Company A’s continued interest in a potential transaction but an unwillingness to commence detailed due diligence and negotiations prior to October. Mr. Brady also informed the Ocean Shore board of Company B’s decision not to pursue a business combination with Ocean Shore. After detailed discussion of the transaction terms and structure, financial information regarding OceanFirst and pro forma analyses of the combined company, the Ocean Shore board instructed Sandler O’Neill to inform OceanFirst of Ocean Shore’s willingness to move forward to negotiate a definitive agreement on an exclusive basis, subject to OceanFirst increasing the exchange ratio or agreeing to delay fixing the exchange ratio until execution of the definitive merger agreement.

On May 26, 2016, OceanFirst agreed to increase the exchange ratio to 0.9667, and each of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore executed a non-binding letter of intent, which included the 45-day exclusivity period discussed above.

On June 14, 2016, OceanFirst and its legal advisor, Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (which we refer to as “Skadden”), provided Ocean Shore and Kilpatrick Townsend with an initial draft merger agreement for the proposed transaction. The draft merger agreement provided for a termination fee equal to 4% of the transaction value, payable by Ocean Shore in certain circumstances, including in the event that the Ocean Shore board of directors changed its recommendation to its stockholders to vote in favor of the transaction. The draft merger agreement also included a provision requiring OceanFirst and Ocean Shore to hold a stockholder meeting even if their respective boards of directors had changed their recommendation to vote in favor of the transaction (which we refer to as a “‘force-the-vote’ provision”).

On June 21, 2016, Kilpatrick Townsend provided to Skadden a revised draft of the merger agreement. This draft proposed that the termination fee be mutual and that Ocean Shore have the ability to terminate the merger agreement based on a decline in the price of OceanFirst common stock, in exchange for accepting OceanFirst’s proposed mutual “force-the-vote” provision.

Over the course of the following weeks, the parties and their respective legal and financial advisors continued to conduct reciprocal due diligence, negotiate and finalize the terms of the proposed transaction and exchange drafts of the merger agreement.

On June 29, 2016, Skadden provided an initial draft of a separation and consulting agreement with respect to Mr. Brady pursuant to which Mr. Brady would terminate employment upon completion of the proposed transaction, receive certain payments and benefits under the terms of his existing compensation and benefit arrangements, provide consulting services for a period of time following termination of employment, and agree to various restrictive covenants, including an agreement not to compete with OceanFirst.

On July 5 and July 7, 2016, Kilpatrick Townsend and Skadden exchanged revised drafts of the separation and consulting agreement between OceanFirst and Mr. Brady. On July 8, 2016, Mr. Brady and Mr. Maher spoke and agreed that it would be more productive to finalize the agreement after announcement of the Transactions.

On July 10, 2016, Skadden provided initial drafts of severance and release agreements to be entered into with executive officers of Ocean Shore who are parties to “change in control” agreements. The proposed forms of agreement with Kim Davidson and Janet Bossi, each Executive Vice President of Ocean Shore, provided that each of them would serve as a Senior Vice President of OceanFirst on an at-will basis following consummation of the proposed transaction. No discussions or negotiations regarding the drafts of these agreements occurred prior to execution of the merger agreement.

On July 12, 2016, the Ocean Shore board held a special meeting. Members of Ocean Shore management and representatives of Sandler O’Neill and Kilpatrick Townsend were also in attendance at the meeting. The Ocean Shore board had been provided with a set of meeting materials in advance of the meeting, including a summary of the terms and conditions of the merger agreement prepared by Kilpatrick Townsend. A representative of Kilpatrick Townsend reviewed the merger agreement and various deal terms with the Ocean Shore board.

Representatives of Sandler O’Neill reviewed with the Ocean Shore board its financial analysis of the Transactions and rendered its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing (a copy of which is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex C), to the Ocean Shore board that, as of that date, and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions and limitations set forth in its written opinion, the merger consideration was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Ocean Shore common stock. Following extensive discussions, including consideration of the factors described under “— Ocean Shore’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the Ocean Shore Board,” the Ocean Shore board, having determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby were in the best interest of Ocean Shore and its stockholders, unanimously approved the merger agreement and recommended that the Ocean Shore stockholders approve the adoption of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger.

Also on July 12, 2016, the OceanFirst board met to discussconsider the proposed transaction. Representatives of Piper and Skadden were present at thatattended the meeting. ThePrior to the meeting, the OceanFirst board had been provided with a set of meeting materials in advancereceived copies of the meeting, includingdraft merger agreement and a summary of the terms and conditions of the merger agreement and related matters from Skadden, as well as materials prepared by Skadden. RepresentativesPiper. At the meeting, members of OceanFirst’s management team updated the OceanFirst board on the status of negotiations with Sun and reviewed with the OceanFirst board the results of management’s due diligence investigation of Sun. Skadden reviewed the terms of the draft merger agreement with the OceanFirst board. Piper reviewed with the OceanFirst board itsthe financial aspects of the proposed transaction and Piper’s financial analysis of the Transactionsmerger consideration, and Piper rendered its oralwritten opinion which was subsequently confirmed in writing (a copy of which is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex D), to the OceanFirst board that, as of the date of the opinion and based upon and subject to the factorsprocedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and assumptions set forthqualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken in rendering the opinion, the merger consideration into be paid by OceanFirst pursuant to the first-step merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to OceanFirst. See “Opinion of OceanFirst’s management team reviewed in detail the results of its due diligence investigation of Ocean Shore. A Representative of Skadden reviewed the termsFinancial Advisor.”

Following these discussions, and after consideration of the proposed merger agreement with the OceanFirst board. After extensive discussions, including a consideration of these presentations and the factors described in the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitledmatters set forth under “— OceanFirst’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the OceanFirst Board,” the OceanFirst board unanimously determined that the merger agreement, and the transactions contemplated thereby, were advisable and in the best interests of, OceanFirst and its stockholders, and approved the merger agreement and determinedthe transactions contemplated thereby, including the integrated mergers and the bank merger, and resolved to recommend that the OceanFirst stockholders approve the OceanFirst share issuance.issuance at a stockholders’ meeting duly called and held for such purpose.

FollowingAlso on June 29, 2017, the respectiveSun board meetingsheld another special meeting to review and consider the proposed transaction. Representatives of OceanFirstSandler O’Neill and Ocean Shore, OceanFirstWachtell Lipton attended the meeting. Prior to the meeting, the directors received copies of the draft merger agreement and Ocean Shore executedan updated summary of the terms of the merger agreement and related matters from Wachtell Lipton, as well as materials prepared by Sandler O’Neill. At the directorsmeeting, members of Ocean Shore executedSun’s management team updated the voting agreementsSun board on the progression of negotiations with OceanFirst and early on July 13, 2016, OceanFirst and Ocean Shore issued a joint press release announcingsince the executionlast meeting of the Sun board. Representatives of Wachtell Lipton reviewed the terms of the draft merger agreement.agreement with the Sun board.

Ocean Shore’sAlso at the June 29, 2017 meeting of the Sun board and at the request of Sun, Sandler O’Neill reviewed with the Sun board the financial aspects of the proposed transaction and Sandler O’Neill’s financial analysis of the per share merger consideration and rendered to the Sun board an oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the various assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken in preparing its opinion, the merger consideration to be received by to the holders of Sun common stock in the integrated mergers was fair to such holders from a financial point of view. See “Opinion of Sun’s Financial Advisor.”

Following these discussions, and after consideration of the matters set forth under “— Sun’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun Board,

After careful consideration, at a meeting held on July 12, 2016, the Ocean ShoreSun board unanimously determined that the merger agreement, including the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated thereby, iswere advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of, Ocean ShoreSun and its stockholdersshareholders, and approved the merger agreement.agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the integrated mergers and the bank merger, and resolved to recommend that the merger agreement be adopted by Sun’s shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting duly called and held for such purpose.

Subsequently, during the morning of June 30, 2017, the parties entered into the merger agreement and publicly announced the execution of the merger agreement the same day. Also during the morning of June 30, 2017, OceanFirst entered into separate voting and support agreements with certain significant Sun shareholders. See “The Sun Voting and Support Agreements.”

Sun’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the Sun Board

In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the Transactionsintegrated mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and to recommend that its stockholders vote “FOR” the Ocean ShoreSun shareholders approve the Sun merger proposal, the Ocean ShoreSun board consulted with Ocean ShoreSun management, as well as its independent financial and legal advisors, and considered a number of factors in favor of the Transactions, including the following material factors:

 

its knowledgeeach of Ocean Shore’sSun and OceanFirst’s business, operations, financial condition, asset quality, earnings loan portfolio,and future prospects;

the anticipated economies of scale for the combined company;

the anticipated pro forma impact of the Transactions on the combined company, including the expected impact on financial metrics, including earnings, dividend accretion, profitability ratios, tangible book value dilution (and associated earn-back period) and regulatory capital levels;

the current and prospects, both as an independent organizationprospective environment in which Sun and as a partOceanFirst operate, including national and local economic conditions, the interest rate environment, the competitive and regulatory environments for financial institutions generally, and the likely effect of athese factors on Sun without the Transactions, and on the combined company with OceanFirst;

its understanding of OceanFirst’s business, operations, regulatory and financial condition, asset quality, earnings, capital and prospects, taking into account presentations by senior Ocean Shore management of its due diligence review of OceanFirst and information furnished by Sandler O’Neill;the Transactions;

 

the fact that the implied valuehistorical performance of the merger consideration as of July 11, 2016 of $22.40 for each share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock, basedand the factors influencing its current trading value, as well as strengths and weakness of Sun operating in the future on OceanFirst’s closing stock pricean independent basis;

the historical performance of $18.67 on that date, represented a 31.8% premium over the closing price of Ocean ShoreOceanFirst common stock on July 11, 2016;and the level of future cash dividends anticipated to be received by Sun’s shareholders;

OceanFirst’s record of performance, including its beliefearnings record;

the soundness of OceanFirst’s financial condition and asset quality;

publicly available information regarding OceanFirst’s regulatory status, and OceanFirst’s indications that the Transactions will result in a stronger banking franchise with a diversified revenue stream, strong capital ratios, a well-balanced loan portfolio and an attractive funding base that has the potentialit was unaware of any meaningful obstacle to deliver a higher value to Ocean Shore’s stockholders as compared to continuing to operate as a stand-alone entity;obtaining regulatory approvals;

 

the expanded possibilities, including organic growth and future acquisitions, that would be available to the combined company, given its larger size, asset base, capital market capitalization and footprint;

 

the anticipated pro forma impactsignificant transformation that Sun had achieved since hiring Mr. O’Brien in 2014, and the view that the majority of the Transactions on OceanFirst, including potential synergies,transformation achievable had been accomplished and that further improvements would be less significant and would require an extended time frame to accomplish;

the expected impact on financial metrics such as earnings and tangible common equityimplied value of the merger consideration of $25.18 per share as wellof June 28, 2017, which represented a premium of 2.2% over the closing price of Sun common stock on that date, 169% of Sun’s tangible book value per share as on regulatory capital levels;of March 31, 2017, 89.9 times annualized first quarter 2017 earnings per share, and 61.4 times 2017 estimated Wall Street equity research consensus mean per share earnings;

 

the financial analysesform of consideration and the fact that a significant portion of the merger consideration would be in stock and with a fixed exchange ratio, which would allow Sun’s shareholders to participate in the future performance of the combined company;

the cash component of the transaction offers Sun’s shareholders the opportunity to realize cash for the value of their shares of Sun common stock with immediate certainty of value, subject to proration;

the cash/stock election mechanism of the merger agreement, which offers Sun’s shareholders the opportunity to seek their preferred form of consideration, subject to proration, and with an equalization mechanic intended to ensure that Sun’s shareholders receive comparable value, as of the closing, regardless of the form of consideration ultimately received;

the expected tax treatment of the integrated mergers, taken together, as a “reorganization” for United States federal income tax purposes;

the opinion of Sandler O’Neill, Ocean Shore’s independent financial advisor, and its written opinion, dated as of July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, delivered to the Ocean ShoreSun board to the effect that, as of that date, and subject to and based on the various assumptions, considerations, qualifications and limitations set forth in the opinion, the merger consideration to be received by the holders of Sun common stock in the integrated mergers was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock; and

 

the stock componentterms and conditions of the merger agreement and their comparability to those in other recent merger transactions in the banking industry.

The Sun board also considered the potential risks related to the Transactions, but concluded that the anticipated benefits of the Transactions were likely to substantially outweigh these risks. The potential risks included:

the potential risks associated with integrating Sun’s and OceanFirst’s operations, including integrating their workforces, and the ability to achieve anticipated synergies;

the transaction-related restructuring charges and other merger-related costs;

with most of the merger consideration would give Ocean Shore stockholders the opportunity to participate as stockholdersconsisting of OceanFirst in the future performance of the combined company;

the fact that, assuming OceanFirst continued its dividends at approximately their current level, Ocean Shore stockholders would receive an over 100% increase in annual cash dividends received;

the fact that the integrated mergers are expected to be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes and therefore that the Ocean Shore stockholders will not recognize gain or loss with respect to their receipt of the stock portion of the merger consideration;

the fact that upon completion of the Transactions Ocean Shore stockholders will own approximately 20% of the outstanding shares of the combined company;

the continued representation of the Ocean Shore stockholders in the governance of the combined company through the appointment of three of Ocean Shore’s directors to the OceanFirst board and the remaining four Ocean Shore directors, as well as Mr. Brady, to an advisory board for the two year period following the completion of the Transactions;

the fact that the more active trading market in the OceanFirst common stock, would give Ocean Shore stockholders greater liquiditythe potential for their investment;

the benefits to Ocean Shore and its customers of operating as a larger organization, including enhancements in products and services, higher lending limits, and greater financial resources;

the increasing importance of operational scale and financial resources in maintaining efficiency and remaining competitive over the long term and in being able to capitalize on technological developments that significantly impact industry competitive conditions;

the expected social and economic impactimplied value of the Transactions on the constituencies served by Ocean Shore, including its borrowers, customers, depositors, employees, and communities;

the effects of the Transactions on Ocean Shore employees, including the prospects for continued employment in a larger organization and various benefits agreed to be provided to Ocean Shore employees;

OceanFirst’s commitment to supporting charitable activities within its market area, as evidenced by the operation of the OceanFirst Foundation;

the Ocean Shore board’s understanding of the current and prospective environment in which Ocean Shore and OceanFirst operate, including national and local economic conditions, the interest rate environment, increasing operating costs resulting from regulatory initiatives and compliance mandates, and the competitive effects of the continuing consolidation in the banking industry;

the low probability of securing a more attractive proposal from another institution capable of consummating the transaction in a timely manner;

the ability of OceanFirst to complete the Transactions from a financial and regulatory perspective, as evidenced in part by OceanFirst’s recent completion of the Cape acquisition; and

the Ocean Shore board’s review with its independent legal advisor, Kilpatrick Townsend, of the material terms of the merger agreement, including the board’s ability, under certain circumstances, to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify its recommendation to Ocean Shore’s stockholders and to consider and pursue an unsolicited acquisition proposal that would constitute a superior proposal, subject to the terms of the merger agreement, including under certain circumstances the required payment by Ocean Shore of a termination fee to OceanFirst, which the Ocean Shore board concluded was reasonable in the context of termination fees in comparable transactions and in light of the overall terms of the merger agreement, as well as the nature of the covenants, representations and warranties and termination provisions in the merger agreement.

The Ocean Shore board also considered a number of potential conflicts, risks and uncertainties associated with the Transactions in connection with its deliberation of the proposed transaction, including, without limitation, the following:

with stock consideration based on a fixed exchange ratio, the risk that the value of the consideration to be paid to Ocean Shore stockholders wouldSun shareholders to be adversely affected by a decrease in the trading price of OceanFirst common stock during the pendency of the Transactions;stock;

 

the potential risknature and amount of divertingpayments to be received by Sun’s management attention and resources from the operation of Ocean Shore’s business and towards the completion of the Transactions;

that certain terms of the merger agreement impose restrictions on the conduct of Ocean Shore’s business prior to the completion ofin connection with the Transactions, which are customary for public company merger agreements involving financial institutions, but which, subject to specific exceptions, could delay or prevent Ocean Shore from undertaking business opportunities that may arise or any other action it would otherwise take with respect to the operations of Ocean Shore absent the pending merger;

the potential risks associated with achieving anticipated cost synergies and savings and successfully integrating Ocean Shore’s business, operations and workforce with those of OceanFirst, while also integrating the business, operations and workforce of Cape;

the fact that the interests of certain of Ocean Shore’s directors and executive officers may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Ocean Shore’s other stockholdersincluding as described under the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitledin “— Interests of Ocean Shore’sSun’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions;”

 

the fact that Sandler O’Neill, Ocean Shore’s financial advisorthe merger agreement includes certain provisions that prohibit Sun from soliciting alternative transactions and from taking certain actions in response to unsolicited proposals for alternative transactions;

Sun’s obligation to pay OceanFirst a termination fee of $17.045 million in certain circumstances;

the potential for diversion of management and employee attention from the operation of Sun’s business and towards the completion of the Transactions as well as the potential for employee attrition and the potential effect on Sun’s relationships with customers, service providers and other stakeholders during the pendency of the Transactions;

the potential that Sun shareholders may not receive the form of consideration that they elect to receive as a result of the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement;

the regulatory and other approvals required in connection with the Transactions also maintains an investment banking relationship with OceanFirst, although OceanFirst was independently advised by another investment banking firm in its consideration ofand the Transactions;

possibility that while Ocean Shore expects that the Transactions will be consummated, there can be no assurance that all of the conditions to the obligations of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore to complete the Transactions, as set forth in the merger agreement, will be satisfied, including the risk that the requisitesuch regulatory approvals or waivers, the requisite approval of the OceanFirst stockholders or the requisite approval of the Ocean Shore stockholders mightwill not be obtained and, asreceived in a result, the Transactionstimely manner or may not be consummated;

the risk of potential employee attrition and/or adverse effects on business and customer relationships as a result of the pending merger;

the fact that other potential buyers may be discouraged from pursing a strategic transaction with Ocean Shore because, under the merger agreement, Ocean Shore would be: (i) prohibited from affirmatively soliciting acquisition proposals and, subject to satisfying certain conditions, responding to unsolicited acquisition proposals, in each case, after execution of the merger agreement; and (ii) obligated to pay to OceanFirst the termination fee if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances;impose unacceptable conditions; and

 

the possibility of litigationpotential for legal claims challenging the Transactions, and its belief that any such litigation would be without merit but may result in substantial cost and/or delay in consummation of the Transactions.

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Ocean ShoreSun board is not intended to be exhaustive, but includes the material factors considered by the Ocean ShoreSun board. In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the Ocean ShoreSun board did not quantify or assign any relative weights to the factors considered, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The Ocean ShoreSun board considered all these factors as a whole including discussions with, and questioning of Ocean Shore’s management and Ocean Shore’s independent financial and legal advisors, and overall considered the factors to be favorable to, and to support, its determination.

The Ocean Shore board unanimously recommends that Ocean Shore’s stockholders vote “FOR” the approval of the Ocean Shore merger proposal, “FOR” the Ocean Shore merger-related compensation proposal and “FOR” the Ocean Shore adjournment proposal. Ocean Shore stockholders should be aware that Ocean Shore’s directors and executive officers have interests in the Transactions that are different from, or in addition to, those of other Ocean Shore stockholders. The Ocean Shore board was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement, and in recommending that the Ocean Shore merger proposal be approved by the Ocean Shore stockholders. See “— Interests of Ocean Shore’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions.”

This summary of the reasoning of the Ocean Shore board and other information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed under the heading “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Opinion of Ocean Shore’sSun’s Financial Advisor

By letter dated July 21, 2015, Ocean ShoreJune 29, 2017, Sun retained Sandler O’Neill to act as financial advisor to the Ocean ShoreSun board in connection with Ocean Shore’sSun’s consideration of a possible business combination. Sandler O’Neill is a nationally recognized investment banking firm whose principal business specialty is financial institutions. In the ordinary course of its investment banking business, Sandler O’Neill is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial institutions and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. The Sun board also considered the fact that Sandler O’Neill was also familiar with Ocean Shore, having acted as offering agent for Ocean Shore in connection with its initial public offering in 2004Sun and its public offering in 2009 in connection with its conversion from the mutual holding company form of organization to the stock holding company form of organization, and having provided the Ocean Shore board with periodic updates on the market, strategic alternatives available to Ocean Shore and similar matters for over ten years.business.

Sandler O’Neill acted as Sun’s financial advisor to Ocean Shore in connection with the Transactionsintegrated mergers and participated in certain of the negotiations leading to the execution of the merger agreement. At the July 12, 2016June 29, 2017 meeting at which Ocean Shore’sSun board considered and approved the merger agreement, Sandler O’Neill delivered to the Ocean ShoreSun board its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, to the effect that, as of such date, the merger consideration provided for in the merger was fair to the holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock from a financial point of view. Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion was approved by Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion committee.view.

The full text of Sandler O’Neill’s opinion is attached asAnnex CD to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The Sandler O’Neill opinion outlines the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Sandler O’Neill in rendering its opinion. The description of the opinion set

forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. Holders of Ocean Shore common stockSun shareholders are urged to read the entire opinion carefully in connection with their consideration of the proposed Transactions.Sun merger proposal.

Sandler O’Neill’s opinion speaks only as of the date of the opinion and was necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as they existed on, and the information made available to Sandler O’Neill as of, that date. Events occurring or information available after that date could materially affect its opinion. Sandler O’Neill has not undertaken to update, revise, reaffirm or withdraw its opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date of its opinion. The opinion was directed to the Ocean ShoreSun board in connection with its consideration of the integrated mergers and is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to the holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock fromstock. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion does not constitute a financial pointrecommendation to any Sun shareholder as to how such Sun shareholder should vote at any meeting of view.Sun shareholders called to consider and vote upon the Sun merger proposal. It does not address the underlying business decision of Ocean ShoreSun to engage in the Transactionsintegrated mergers, the form or structure of the integrated mergers, the relative merits of the integrated mergers as compared to any other aspectalternative business strategies that might exist for Sun or the effect of the Transactions and is not a recommendation to any holder of Ocean Shore common stock as to how such stockholder should vote at the special meeting with respect to the Transactions or any other matter.transaction in which Sun might engage. Sandler O’Neill did not express any opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the Transactionsintegrated mergers by Ocean ShoreSun’s officers, directors, or employees, or class of such persons, if any, relative to the considerationcompensation to be received in the integrated mergers by Ocean Shore common stockholders.any other Sun shareholder. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion was approved by Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion committee.

In connection with rendering its opinion, Sandler O’Neill reviewed, and considered, among other things:

 

a draft of the merger agreement;agreement, dated June 29, 2017;

 

certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Ocean ShoreSun that Sandler O’Neill deemed relevant;

 

certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of OceanFirst and its banking subsidiary that Sandler O’Neill deemed relevant;

 

Ocean Shore’s budget for the year ending December 31, 2016 and publicly available consensus analyst earnings per share estimates for Ocean ShoreSun for the years ending December 31, 2016 and2017 through December 31, 2017,2019, as well as an estimated internal projectedlong-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as discussed withprovided by the senior management of Ocean Shore;Sun;

 

publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 20162017, as presented on a core basis, and December 31, 20172018, excluding certain analyst estimates which incorporate a prospective reduction to the federal corporate income tax rate, as well as an estimated internal projectedlong-term earnings per share growth rate and estimated dividends per share for the years thereafter, as discussed with and confirmedprovided by the senior management of OceanFirst;

 

the pro forma financial impact of the Transactionsintegrated mergers on OceanFirst based on certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments (including the estimated realization of Sun’s existing deferred tax asset), cost savings and a core deposit intangible asset, as provided by the senior management of OceanFirst, as well as financial projections for Ocean ShoreSun for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2020,2019, as provided by and discussed with the senior management of OceanFirst;OceanFirst and based upon publicly available analyst earnings per share estimates for Sun for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2019 and an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter;

 

the publicly reported historical price and trading activity for Ocean ShoreSun common stock and OceanFirst common stock, including a comparison of certain stock market information for Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst common stock and certain stock indices as well as publicly available information for certain other similar companies, the securities of which are publicly traded;

common stock and certain stock indices as well as publicly available information for certain other similar companies, the securities of which are publicly traded;

 

a comparison of certain financial information for Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst with similar banks and thrifts for which information is publicly available;

 

the financial terms of certain recent mergers and business combinations in the bank and thrift industry (on a regional and national basis), to the extent publicly available;

 

the current market environment generally and the banking environment in particular; and

 

such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as Sandler O’Neillwe considered relevant.

Sandler O’Neill also discussed with certain members of the senior management of Ocean ShoreSun the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Ocean ShoreSun and held similar discussions with certain members of the senior management of OceanFirst regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of OceanFirst.

In performing its review, and analyses and in rendering its opinion, Sandler O’Neill relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to and reviewed by Sandler O’Neill from public sources, that was provided to Sandler O’Neill by Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, or their respective representatives, or that was otherwise reviewed by Sandler O’Neill and Sandler O’Neill assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering its opinion.opinion without any independent verification or investigation. Sandler O’Neill further relied on the assurances of the respective managements of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst that they arewere not aware of any facts or circumstances that would makehave made any of such information inaccurate or misleading. Sandler O’Neill was not asked to and did not undertake an independent verification of any of such information and Sandler O’Neill did not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof. Sandler O’Neill did not make an independent evaluation or perform an appraisal of the specific assets, the collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, or any of their respective subsidiaries, nor was Sandler O’Neill furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. Sandler O’Neill rendered no opinion or evaluation on the collectability of any assets or the future performance of any loans of Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst. Sandler O’Neill did not make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses of Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, or the combined entitycompany after the Transactions,integrated mergers, and Sandler O’Neill did not review any individual credit files relating to Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst. Sandler O’Neill assumed, with Ocean Shore’sSun’s consent, that the respective allowances for loan losses for both Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst wereare adequate to cover such losses and wouldwill be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity.company.

In preparing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Ocean ShoreSun for the years ending December 31, 2016 and2017 through December 31, 20172019, as well as an estimated internal estimatedlong-term earnings per share growth rate for the years ending December 31, 2018 through 2020,thereafter, as discussed withprovided by the senior management of Ocean Shore. With respect to OceanFirst,Sun. In addition, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 2016 (adjusted for one-time expenses expected to be incurred in connection with the closing of the Cape acquisition)2017, as presented on a core basis, and December 31, 2017,2018, excluding certain analyst estimates which incorporate a prospective reduction to the federal corporate income tax rate, as well as an estimated internal estimatedlong-term earnings per share growth rate and estimated dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2018 through 2020,thereafter, as discussed withprovided by the senior management of OceanFirst. Sandler O’Neill also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments (including the estimated realization of Sun’s existing deferred tax asset), cost savings and a core deposit intangible asset, as provided by the senior management of OceanFirst, as well as financial projections for Ocean ShoreSun for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2020,2019, as provided by and discussed with the senior management of OceanFirst.OceanFirst and based upon publicly available analyst earnings per share estimates for Sun for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2019 and an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter. With respect to the foregoing information, the respective managements of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst confirmed to Sandler O’Neill that such information reflected (or, in the case of the publicly available meanconsensus analyst earnings per share estimates referred to above, were consistent with) the best currently

available projections, estimates and judgments of those respective senior managements of the future financial performance of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst, respectively, and Sandler O’Neill assumed that such performance would be achieved. Sandler O’Neill expressed no opinion as to such projections, estimates or judgments, or the assumptions on which they were based. Sandler O’Neill also assumed that there had been no material change in Ocean Shore’sSun’s or OceanFirst’s assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects since the date of the most recent financial statements made available to Sandler O’Neill. Sandler O’Neill assumed in all respects material to itsSandler O’Neill’s analysis that Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst will remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to itsSandler O’Neill’s analyses.

In arriving at its opinion, Sandler O’Neill also assumed, with Ocean Shore’sSun’s consent, that (i) each of the parties to the merger agreement wouldwill comply in all material respects with all material terms and conditions of the merger agreement and all related agreements, that all of the representations and warranties contained in such agreements wereare true and correct in all material respects, that each of the parties to such agreements wouldwill perform in all material respects all of the covenants and other obligations required to be performed by such party under such agreements and that

the conditions precedent in such agreements wereare not and wouldwill not be waived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases with respect to the Transactions,integrated mergers, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition wouldwill be imposed that would have an adverse effect on Ocean Shore,Sun, OceanFirst or the Transactionsintegrated mergers or any related transaction that would be material to Sandler O’Neill’s analyses, (iii) the Transactionsintegrated mergers and any related transactions wouldwill be consummated in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement without any waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof and in compliance with all applicable laws and other requirements (iv) the Transactions would be consummated without Ocean Shore’s rights under Section 8.1(g) of the merger agreement having been triggered, and (v)(iv) the integrated mergers wouldwill qualify as atax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. Finally, with Ocean Shore’s consent, Sandler O’Neill relied upondid not express any opinion as to any of the advice that Ocean Shore received from its legal, accounting and tax advisors as to all legal, accounting andor tax matters relating to the Transactions and theintegrated mergers or any other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Sandler O’Neill’s analyses and opinion waswere necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Sandler O’Neill as of, the date of its opinion. Events occurring after the date of the opinionthereof could materially affect Sandler O’Neill’s views.opinion. Sandler O’Neill has not undertaken to update, revise, reaffirm or withdraw its opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date of the opinion.thereof. Sandler O’Neill expressed nodid not express any opinion as to the trading values of Ocean ShoreSun common stock or OceanFirst common stock at any time or what the value of OceanFirst common stock wouldwill be once it is actually received by the holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock.

In renderingperforming its opinion,analyses, Sandler O’Neill made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of Sandler O’Neill, Sun and OceanFirst. Any estimates contained in the analyses performed by Sandler O’Neill are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Additionally, estimates of the values of businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which such businesses or securities might actually be sold. Accordingly, these analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty. In addition, Sandler O’Neill’s opinion was among several factors taken into consideration by the Sun board in making its determination to approve the merger agreement and the integrated mergers. Consequently, the analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of the Sun board with respect to the fairness of the merger consideration. The type and amount of consideration payable in the integrated mergers were determined through negotiation between Sun and OceanFirst and the decision of Sun to enter into the merger agreement was solely that of the Sun board.

The following is a varietysummary of the material financial analyses.analyses presented by Sandler O’Neill to the Sun board on June 29, 2017 in connection with its opinion. The summary below is not a complete description of all the financial analyses underlying Sandler O’Neill’sthe opinion or the presentation made by Sandler O’Neill to the Ocean ShoreSun board, but is a summary of allsummarizes the material analyses performed and presented by Sandler O’Neill.in connection with such opinion. The summary includesfinancial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format.In order to fully understand the financial analyses, these tables must be read together with the accompanying text.The tables alone do not constitute a complete

description of the financial analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex analytic process involving subjective judgmentsvarious determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. The process, therefore,Therefore, a fairness opinion is not necessarilyreadily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. Also, no company included in Sandler O’Neill’s comparative analyses described below is identical to Ocean Shore or OceanFirst and no transaction is identical to the Transactions. Accordingly, an analysis of comparable companies or transactions involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies and other factors that could affect the public trading values or merger transaction values, as the case may be, of Ocean Shore and OceanFirst and the companies to which they are being compared. In arriving at its opinion, Sandler O’Neill did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor that it considered. Rather, itconsidered, but rather made qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. Accordingly, Sandler O’Neill did not form an opinionbelieves that its analyses and the summary of its analyses must be considered as to whether any individual analysisa whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or factor (positivefocusing on the information presented below in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or negative) considered in isolation supported or failed to support its opinion; rather, Sandler O’Neill made its determination as to the fairnessfull narrative description of the merger consideration onfinancial analyses, including the basismethodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of allprocess underlying its analyses taken as a whole.

In performing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill also made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions and various other matters, many of which cannot be predicted and are beyond the control of Ocean Shore, OceanFirst and Sandler O’Neill. The analyses performed by Sandler O’Neill are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, both of which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. Sandler O’Neill prepared its analyses solely for purposes of rendering its opinion and provided such analyses to the Ocean Shore board of directors at its July 12, 2016 meeting. Estimates on the values of companies do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or their securities may actually be sold. Such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty and actual values may be materially different. Accordingly, Sandler O’Neill’s analyses do not necessarily reflect the value of Ocean Shore common stock or the prices at which Ocean Shore’s common stock or OceanFirst’s common stock may be sold at any time. The analyses of Sandler O’Neill and its opinion were among a number of

factors taken into consideration by the Ocean Shore board in making its determination to approve the merger agreement and the analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of the Ocean Shore board or management with respect to the fairness of the Transactions.opinion.

Summary of theProposed Merger Consideration and Implied Transaction Metrics

Sandler O’Neill reviewed the financial terms of the proposed Transactions. As described inmerger agreement. In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, at the effective time, each share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time other than(excluding certain shares of Sun common stock owned by Sun or OceanFirst or any of their respective subsidiaries)will be entitled to receive either (i) the cash consideration, which will be an amount in cash equal to the sum of (A) $3.78 plus (B) the product of 0.7884 multiplied by the OceanFirst share closing price or (ii) the stock consideration, which will be a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock equal to the quotient of (A) the cash consideration described in clause (i) divided by (B) the merger agreement, will be converted, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the merger agreement, into theOceanFirst share closing price. The right to receive the mergercash consideration which consistsor the stock consideration will be made at the election of the following without interest, (i) cash in the amounteach holder of $4.35, and (ii) 0.9667 shares of OceanFirst common stock. Using the closing price of OceanFirstSun common stock, on July 11, 2016 of $18.67, Sandler O’Neill calculated an implied per share valuesubject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger considerationagreement. Using OceanFirst’s June 28, 2017 closing stock price of $22.40,$27.15, and based upon 6,412,678 Ocean Shorethe following (as provided by Sun management), (a) 19,060,593 shares of Sun common sharesstock outstanding, as well as(b) 127,808 outstanding Sun restricted stock awards and units, and (c) 556,694 Sun options to purchase 368,627 Ocean Shore common sharesoutstanding with a weighted average strike price of $11.45$22.03, Sandler O’Neill calculated an implied value of the per share merger consideration of $25.18 and an implied aggregate transactionimplied value of $147.7the merger consideration of $484.9 million. Based upon financial information for Ocean Shore as of or for the twelve months ended March 31, 2016 and the closing price of Ocean Shore common stock on July 11, 2016 of $16.99,

Sandler O’Neill calculated the following implied transaction multiples and premiums:metrics:

 

Transaction PriceMerger Consideration / Last Twelve Months (“LTM”) Ended March 31, 2017 Earnings Per Share1

   20.089.9

Transaction PriceMerger Consideration / Book Value2017 Mean Analyst Estimated Earnings Per Share2

   12661.4

Merger Consideration / 2018 Mean Analyst Estimated Earnings Per Share2

46.6

Merger Consideration / March 31, 2017 Book Value per Share3

141

Transaction PriceMerger Consideration / March 31, 2017 Tangible Book Value per Share3

   132169

Merger Consideration / March 31, 2017 Adjusted Tangible Book Value per Share4

159

Tangible Book Premium / Core Deposits(1)5

   5.212.9

Market Premium as of July 11, 2016June 28, 2017

   31.82.2

 

(1)TangibleDue to partial reversal of Sun’s deferred tax valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2016, Sun’s Price / LTM EPS reflects Price / Last Quarter Annualized diluted EPS.
(2)Sun’s 2017E & 2018E estimated earnings per share as per Wall Street research consensus equity research analyst mean estimates as of June 28, 2017.
(3)Sun book premium to core deposits calculatedvalue and tangible book value per share as (dealof March 31, 2017 and based on 19,060,593 shares of Sun common stock outstanding.
(4)Sun’s adjusted tangible book value — tangibleper share assumes the full reversal of Sun’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $73.2 million as of March 31, 2017. Based on 19,060,593 shares of Sun common equity) / (core deposits); corestock outstanding.
(5)Core deposits defined as total deposits less time deposit accounts with balances overdeposits greater than $100,000 foreign deposits and unclassified deposits.as of March 31, 2017.

Stock Trading History

Sandler O’Neill reviewed the historical publicly reported trading prices of Ocean ShoreSun common stock and OceanFirst common stock for the one-year and the three-year periods period ended July 11, 2016.June 28, 2017. Sandler O’Neill then compared the relationship between the movements in the price of Ocean ShoreSun common stock and OceanFirst common stock, respectively, to movements in their respective peer groups (as described on pages [●] and [●])below) as well as certain stock indices.

Ocean Shore’s

Sun’sOne-Year Stock Performance

 

  Beginning Value
July 11, 2015
 Ending Value
July 11, 2016
   Beginning Value
June 28, 2016
 Ending Value
June 28, 2017
 

Ocean Shore

   100 115.3

Ocean Shore Peer Group

   100 104.4

Sun

   100 120.5

Sun Regional Peers

   100 139.7

Sun Over Capitalized Peers

   100 128.1

NASDAQ Bank Index

   100 95.7   100 142.6

S&P 500 Index

   100 102.9   100 119.9

Ocean Shore’s Three-YearOceanFirst’sOne-Year Stock Performance

 

   Beginning Value
July 11, 2013
  Ending Value
July 11, 2016
 

Ocean Shore

   100  117.5

Ocean Shore Peer Group

   100  118.0

NASDAQ Bank Index

   100  120.1

S&P 500 Index

   100  127.6

OceanFirst’s One-Year Stock Performance

   Beginning Value
July 11, 2015
  Ending Value
July 11, 2016
 

OceanFirst

   100  99.9

OceanFirst Peer Group

   100  101.1

NASDAQ Bank Index

   100  95.7

S&P 500 Index

   100  102.9

OceanFirst’s Three-Year Stock Performance

  Beginning Value
July 11, 2013
 Ending Value
July 11, 2016
   Beginning Value
June 28, 2016
 Ending Value
June 28, 2017
 

OceanFirst

   100 113.9   100 153.6

OceanFirst Peer Group

   100 120.8

OceanFirst Peers

   100 136.8

NASDAQ Bank Index

   100 120.1   100 142.6

S&P 500 Index

   100 127.6   100 119.9

Review of Analyst Recommendations and Estimates

Sandler O’Neill reviewed publicly available research analyst estimates for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 and analyst recommendations to outline the current analyst views of OceanFirst. At July 11, 2016, four research analysts had published recommendations for OceanFirst, composed of four “outperform,” “buy” or “overweight” recommendations. The table below sets forth the median and mean of the earnings per share estimates:

   Median   Mean 

2016 earnings per share estimate(1)

  $1.39    $1.32  

2017 earnings per share estimate(1)

  $1.73    $1.73  

(1)Analyst earnings per share estimates may include undisclosed estimates in addition to the four reported and available.

Ocean ShoreSun Comparable Company Analysis

Sandler O’Neill usedUsing publicly available information, to compareSandler O’Neill compared selected financial information for Ocean ShoreSun with a grouptwo groups of financial institutions selected by Sandler O’Neill. The Ocean Shore peerfirst group included publicly traded savingsconsisted of banks and thrifts whose securities are publicly traded on the NYSE or NASDAQ headquartered in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast RegionsNew Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania with assets between $500 million$1.5 billion and $1.75$4.0 billion excluding(excluding targets of announced merger targets and companies with a non-performing assets/total assets ratio of greater than 2.5% at March 31, 2016mergers) (the “Ocean Shore peer group”“Sun Regional Peers”). The Ocean Shore peer group consisted ofSun Regional Peers included the following companies:

 

Clifton Bancorp Inc.

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation

  MalvernPeoples Financial Services Corp.

Financial Institutions

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
Coastway

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

  PathfinderBCB Bancorp, Inc.
Elmira Savings Bank

First of Long Island Corporation

  SI Financial Group,ESSA Bancorp, Inc.
Harleysville Savings

Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation

Chemung Financial Corporation

Arrow Financial Corporation

  WestfieldCodorus Valley Bancorp, Inc.

CNB Financial Inc.Corporation

The analysis compared publicly available financial information for Ocean ShoreSun with the corresponding data for the Ocean Shore peer groupSun Regional Peers as of or for the twelve months ended March 31, 20162017 (unless otherwise indicated)noted), with pricing data as of July 11, 2016.

Sandler O’Neill’s analysis showedJune 28, 2017. The table below sets forth the following information regarding the financial performance and financial condition of Ocean Shoredata for Sun and the Ocean Shore peer group.median, mean, high and low data for the Sun Regional Peers:

 

Financial data as of or for the period ending March 31, 2016

  Balance Sheet  Capital Position  LTM Profitability  Valuation 
Pricing data as of July 11, 2016 City, State  Ticker  Total
Assets
($mm)
  Loans/
Deposits
(%)
  NPAs(1)/
Total
Assets

(%)
  1-4
Fam.
Loans/

Loans
(%)
  TCE/
TA
(%)
  CRE/
Total
RBC
(%)
  ROAA
(%)
  ROATCE
(%)
  Net
Interest
Margin
(%)
  Efficiency
Ratio

(%)
  Price/  LTM
Dividend
Ratio
(%)
  Market
Value
($mm)
 

Company

             Tang.
Book
Value
(%)
  LTM
EPS
(%)
  Current
Dividend
Yield
(%)
   

SI Financial Group, Inc.

  Willimantic, CT    SIFI    1,508    106.6    0.86    35.4    9.32    192.9    0.34    3.9    2.94    78.4    119    32.9    1.2    39.0    165  

Westfield Financial, Inc.

  Westfield, MA    WFD    1,369    89.1    0.63    35.8    10.45    132.4    0.47    4.6    2.56    77.0    100    21.7    1.5    33.3    142  

Clifton Bancorp Inc.

  Clifton, NJ    CSBK    1,253    112.9    0.39    78.7    25.16    44.6    0.46    1.6    2.39    68.1    115    NM    1.6    136.4    358  

Malvern Bancorp, Inc.

  Paoli, PA    MLVF    764    94.8    0.41    41.2    11.09    254.8(2)   0.73    6.1    2.67    72.1    118    19.6    0.0    0.0    100  

Harleysville Savings Financial Corporation

  Harleysville, PA    HARL    759    101.8    1.53    58.0    8.49    150.2(2)   0.65    7.8    2.72    63.4    105    13.9    4.6    63.6    68  

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.

  Oswego, NY    PBHC    665    80.5    1.14    43.1    8.18    86.1(2)   0.49    5.5    3.28    79.1    93    16.7    1.7    18.8    50  

Coastway Bancorp, Inc.

  Warwick, RI    CWAY    573    131.2    1.65    45.5    12.39    72.7(2)   0.36    2.7    3.41    80.2    85    29.3    NA    0.0    60  

Elmira Savings Bank

  Elmira, NY    ESBK    560    103.0    0.95    61.8    6.01    54.4    0.73    9.9    3.10    70.1    162    16.4    4.7    77.3    53  
   High    1,508    131.2    1.65    78.7    25.16    254.8    0.73    9.9    3.41    80.2    162    32.9    4.7    136.4    358  
   Low    560    80.5    0.39    35.4    6.01    44.6    0.34    1.6    2.39    63.4    85    13.9    0.0    0.0    50  
   Mean    931    102.5    0.95    49.9    11.39    123.5    0.53    5.3    2.89    73.5    112    21.5    2.2    46.1    125  
   Median    761    102.4    0.91    44.3    9.88    109.3    0.48    5.0    2.83    74.5    110    19.6    1.6    36.2    84  

Ocean Shore

    1,052    97.3    1.01    77.1    10.39    51.0    0.65    6.6    3.20    65.6    100    15.2    1.4    21.4    109  
   Sun  Sun
Regional
Peers
Median
  Sun
Regional
Peers
Mean
  Sun
Regional
Peers
High
  Sun
Regional
Peers
Low
 

Total assets (in millions)

  $2,256  $2,592  $2,674  $3,948  $1,671 

Loans / Deposits

   92.9  96.9  92.0  113.4  59.6

Non-performing assets¹/ Total assets

   0.28  0.69  0.83  2.32  0.09

Tangible common equity/Tangible assets

   12.84  8.56  8.93  15.52  6.16

Leverage Ratio

   14.46  8.82  9.60  15.63  7.30

Total RBC Ratio

   21.88  13.50  14.37  19.37  10.80

CRE²/ Total RBC Ratio

   223.0  289.6  277.4  537.1  92.4

LTM Core Return on average assets³

   0.26%6   0.90  0.81  1.24  0.31

LTM Core Return on average equity³

   1.77%6   8.85  8.28  11.70  3.64

LTM Net interest margin

   2.95  3.22  3.27  3.85  2.71

LTM Efficiency ratio

   89.1  61.2  64.6  86.2  48.8

Price/Tangible book value

   165  169  181  269  105

Price/Adjusted Tangible book value4

   131  —     —     —     —   

Price/LTM Earnings per share

   88.0x7   18.9  18.9  24.8  14.1

Price/2017 Earnings per share5,8

   60.1  17.4  18.2  28.0  14.1

Price/2018 Earnings per share5,8

   45.6  14.2  17.7  34.4  12.8

Current Dividend Yield

   0.2  2.4  2.2  3.6  0.0

LTM Dividend Ratio

   0.9  44.0  40.6  77.8  0.0

Market value (in millions)

  $470  $429  $435  $848  $172 

 

(1)Nonperforming assets defined as nonaccrual loans and leases, renegotiated loans and leases, and real estate owned.
(2)Represents bank levelCRE defined as totalnon-owner-occupied CRE loans (including CLD loans), as defined in the 2006 FED guidance; reflects most recent regulatory data available as of the date of the Sandler O’Neill opinion.
(3)Core income defined as net income after taxes and before extraordinary items, less net income attributable tonon-controlling interest, gain on the sale of held to maturity and available for sale securities, amortization of intangibles, goodwill and nonrecurring items.
(4)Sun’s adjusted tangible book value per share assumes the full reversal of Sun’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $73.2 million as of March 31, 2016.2017. Based on 19,060,593 shares of Sun common stock outstanding.
(5)Price/ forward earnings multiples per analyst consensus median estimates from CapitalIQ.
(6)Reflects most recent quarter (annualized) core ROAA and core ROAE, respectively.
(7)Due to partial reversal of Sun’s deferred tax valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2016, Sun’s Price / LTM EPS reflects Price / Last Quarter Annualized diluted EPS.
(8)Price / forward earnings multiples per analyst consensus median estimates from SNL Financial for Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation, Arrow Financial Corporation, ESSA Bancorp, Inc., and Chemung Financial Corporation.

Source: SNL Financial

OceanFirst Comparable Company Analysis

Sandler O’Neill used publicly available information to perform a similar analysis for OceanFirst and aThe second group consisted of financial institutions as selected by Sandler O’Neill. The OceanFirst peer group included publicly traded banks and thrifts headquartered inwhose securities are publicly traded on the Mid-Atlantic RegionNYSE or NASDAQ with assets between $3.0$1.2 billion and $6.0$4.5 billion excludingand a tangible commonequity-to-tangible assets ratio greater than 12.0% (excluding targets of announced merger targets (which we refermergers and Cass Information Systems due to as the “OceanFirst peer group”their unique business model) (the “Sun Over Capitalized Peers”). The OceanFirst peer group consisted ofSun Over Capitalized Peers included the following companies:

 

Bancorp, Inc.

State Bank Financial Corporation

  Lakeland

People’s Utah Bancorp Inc.

Beneficial Bancorp, Inc.

Oritani Financial Corp.

  

BankFinancial Corporation

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

First Financial Corporation

Charter Financial Corporation

Blue Hills Bancorp, Inc.

Clifton Bancorp, Inc.

Territorial Bancorp, Inc.

National Bankshares, Inc.

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

Citizens & Northern Corporation

The analysis compared publicly available financial information for Sun with the corresponding data for the Sun Over Capitalized Peers as of or for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 (unless otherwise noted), with pricing data as of June 28, 2017. The table below sets forth the data for Sun and the median, mean, high and low data for the Sun Over Capitalized Peers:

   Sun  Sun
Over Cap.
Peers
Median
  Sun
Over Cap.
Peers
Mean
  Sun
Over Cap.
Peers High
  Sun
Over Cap.
Peers
Low
 

Total assets (in millions)

  $2,256  $1,722  $2,252  $4,203  $1,234 

Loans / Deposits

   92.9  86.6  95.2  132.9  62.3

Non-performing assets¹/ Total assets

   0.28  0.56  0.60  1.12  0.22

Tangible common equity/Tangible assets

   12.84  13.96  14.92  24.00  12.02

Leverage Ratio

   14.46  14.20  15.15  23.91  11.58

Total RBC Ratio

   21.88  20.28  22.50  36.91  15.49

CRE²/ Total RBC Ratio

   223.0  174.1  207.6  549.8  11.8

LTM Core Return on average assets³

   0.26%6   1.13  1.04  1.60  0.35

LTM Core Return on average equity³

   1.77%6   7.92  6.91  11.08  1.53

LTM Net interest margin

   2.95  3.35  3.43  4.68  2.31

LTM Efficiency ratio

   89.1  58.8  60.6  73.8  39.1

Price/Tangible book value

   165  146  154  206  125

Price/Adjusted Tangible book value4

   131  —     —     —     —   

Price/LTM Earnings per share

   88.0x7   19.5  21.6 38.2  13.4

Price/2017 Earnings per share5,8

   60.1  18.9  21.0  36.0  16.3

Price/2018 Earnings per share5,8

   45.6  15.9  19.5  39.7  14.3

Current Dividend Yield

   0.2  2.0  2.1  4.4  0.0

LTM Dividend Ratio

   0.9  44.4  48.8  114.3  0.0

Market value (in millions)

  $470  $440  $500  $1,062  $265 

(1)Nonperforming assets defined as nonaccrual loans and leases, renegotiated loans and leases, and real estate owned
(2)CRE defined as totalnon-owner-occupied CRE loans (including CLD loans), as defined in the 2006 FED guidance; reflects most recent regulatory data available as of the date of the Sandler O’Neill opinion.
(3)Core income defined as net income after taxes and before extraordinary items, less net income attributable tonon-controlling interest, gain on the sale of held to maturity and available for sale securities, amortization of intangibles, goodwill and nonrecurring items
(4)Sun’s adjusted tangible book value per share assumes the full reversal of Sun’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $73.2 million as of March 31, 2017. Based on 19,060,593 shares of Sun common stock outstanding.
(5)Price/ forward earnings multiples per analyst consensus median estimates from CapitalIQ.
(6)Reflects most recent quarter (annualized) core ROAA and core ROAE, respectively.
(7)Due to partial reversal of Sun’s deferred tax valuation allowance in fourth quarter of 2016, Sun’s Price / LTM EPS reflects Price / Last Quarter Annualized diluted EPS.
(8)Price/ forward earnings multiples per analyst consensus median estimates from SNL Financial for Waterstone Financial, Inc., Charter Financial Corporation, National Bankshares, Inc., Citizens & Northern Corporation.

OceanFirst Comparable Company Analysis

Using publicly available information, Sandler O’Neill compared selected financial information for OceanFirst with a group of financial institutions selected by Sandler O’Neill (“OceanFirst Peers”). The OceanFirst Peers consisted of banks and thrifts traded on the NYSE or NASDAQ headquartered in New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania with assets between $3.5 billion and $9.0 billion (excluding targets of announced mergers). The OceanFirst Peers included the following companies:

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

Community Bank System, Inc.

Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

Oritani Financial Corp.

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

TriState Capital Holdings, Inc.

Flushing Financial Corporation

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

Oritani Financial Corp.

Bryn Mawr Bank CorporationPeapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation
ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

  Tompkins

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation

Beneficial Bancorp, Inc.

Financial Institutions, Inc.

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

  TriState Capital Holdings,

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

TrustCo Bank Corp. NY

First of Long Island Corporation

TrustCo Bank Corp NY

Flushing Financial CorporationWSFS Financial Corporation

Kearny Financial Corp.

  

The analysis compared publicly available financial information for OceanFirst with the corresponding data for the OceanFirst peer groupPeers as of or for the twelve months ended March 31, 20162017 (unless otherwise indicated)noted), with pricing data as of July 11, 2016.

Sandler O’Neill’s analysis showedJune 28, 2017. The table below sets forth the following information regarding the financial performance ofdata for OceanFirst and the median, mean, high and low data for the OceanFirst peer group.Peers:

 

Financial Data as of or for the Period Ending March 31, 2016  Balance Sheet  Capital Position  LTM Profitability  Valuation 
Pricing Data as of July 11, 2016                                Price/          
Company  City, State Ticker  Total
Assets
($mm)
  Loans/
Deposits
(%)
  NPAs1/
Total
Assets
(%)
  TCE/
TA
(%)
  Leverage
Ratio
(%)
  Total
RBC
Ratio
(%)
  ROAA
(%)
  ROATCE
(%)
  Net
Interest
Margin
(%)
  Efficiency
Ratio (%)
  Tang.
Book
Value
(%)
  LTM
EPS
(x)
  2016
Est.
EPS
(x)
  2017
Est.
EPS
(x)
  Current
Dividend
Yield
(%)
  LTM
Dividend
Ratio
(%)
  Market
Value
($mm)
 

Flushing Financial Corporation

  Uniondale, NY  FFIC    5,813    109.7    0.62    8.14    8.65    13.07    0.85    10.4    3.02    59.6    128    12.8    14.0    13.0    3.3    40.1    603  

Tompkins Financial Corporation

  Ithaca, NY  TMP    5,765    83.9    0.39    7.66    8.79    13.18    1.08    14.7    3.36    62.3    228    16.6    16.9    15.8    2.7    43.3    988  

WSFS Financial Corporation

  Wilmington, DE  WSFS    5,685    93.9    0.69    9.01    10.23    12.64    1.07    12.1    3.84    57.6    197    17.5    15.1    13.5    0.7    11.5    991  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

  Brooklyn, NY  DCOM    5,517    147.0    0.21    8.87    10.97    13.61    1.72    19.2    2.89    47.5    131    7.6    13.3    12.7    3.2    24.7    650  

Beneficial Bancorp, Inc.

  Philadelphia, PA  BNCL    4,815    89.8    0.30    19.64    20.58    31.14    0.48    2.5    2.85    76.4    109    NM    NM    30.3    NA    0.0    984  

TrustCo Bank Corp NY

  Glenville, NY  TRST    4,763    79.7    0.97    8.87    8.95    19.14    0.89    10.2    3.11    55.6    147    14.8    15.1    14.4    4.0    59.7    621  

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

  Olney, MD  SASR    4,717    104.3    0.82    9.46    10.23    14.02    0.98    10.4    3.44    62.4    163    16.1    15.9    14.9    3.2    50.0    707  

Kearny Financial Corp.

  Fairfield, NJ  KRNY    4,486    102.2    0.73    24.12    24.58    39.51    0.18    0.8    2.29    71.2    115    NM    NM    NM    0.6    75.0    1,216  

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

  Oak Ridge, NJ  LBAI    4,404    97.2    0.82    7.45    8.33    10.87    0.84    11.0    3.46    61.3    149    13.9    11.9    10.5    3.3    41.0    512  

Bancorp, Inc.

  Wilmington, DE  TBBK    4,380    27.9    1.85    7.11    6.98    14.56    0.05    1.0    2.16    96.8    74    NM    NM    9.3    NA    0.0    230  

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

  Englewood Cliffs, NJ  CNOB    4,091    112.8    2.89    8.25    8.66    11.36    1.09    13.3    3.50    41.2    147    11.7    11.4    9.8    1.9    22.1    479  

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

  Bridgehampton, NY  BDGE    3,914    84.4    0.10    6.27    7.11    13.19    0.75    12.0    3.50    55.0    210    19.8    13.6    12.1    3.2    63.9    499  

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

  Woodbridge, NJ  NFBK    3,673    107.4    0.91    15.65    15.92    20.69    0.56    3.3    2.87    64.6    128    35.8    27.3    24.6    2.1    66.7    726  

Oritani Financial Corp.

  Township of
Washington, NJ
  ORIT    3,603    137.0    0.30    14.67    15.23    17.96    1.62    10.6    3.07    42.0    139    12.6    18.4    18.0    4.3    93.0    735  

Financial Institutions, Inc.

  Warsaw, NY  FISI    3,517    71.4    0.13    6.40    7.46    13.39    0.87    13.8    3.25    62.0    174    13.6    14.1    13.2    3.0    41.2    383  

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation

  Bedminster, NJ  PGC    3,466    99.5    0.70    8.09    8.19    11.57    0.62    7.8    2.79    61.7    110    14.7    14.1    13.2    1.0    15.3    314  

TriState Capital Holdings, Inc.

  Pittsburgh, PA  TSC    3,400    105.1    0.69    8.35    8.83    13.36    0.74    9.0    2.33    65.2    142    16.9    14.8    12.2    NA    0.0    397  

First of Long Island Corporation

  Glen Head, NY  FLIC    3,234    90.3    0.15    8.05    7.92    14.21    0.90    10.8    2.95    50.4    162    15.8    14.6    12.9    2.7    42.0    463  

Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation

  Bryn Mawr, PA  BMTC    3,058    101.5    0.50    8.10    8.76    12.13    0.59    8.3    3.78    62.3    207    28.9    13.8    12.5    2.8    79.8    482  
    High    5,813    147.0    2.89    24.12    24.58    39.51    1.72    19.2    3.84    96.8    228    35.8    27.3    30.3    4.3    93.0    1,216  
    Low    3,058    27.9    0.10    6.27    6.98    10.87    0.05    0.8    2.16    41.2    74    7.6    11.4    9.3    0.6    0.0    230  
    Mean    4,332    97.1    0.72    10.22    10.86    16.29    0.84    9.5    3.08    60.8    150    16.8    15.3    14.6    2.6    40.5    630  
    Median    4,380    99.5    0.69    8.25    8.79    13.39    0.85    10.4    3.07    61.7    147    15.3    14.4    13.1    2.9    41.2    603  

OceanFirst(²)

  Toms River, NJ   4,093    99.1    2.01    8.28    11.06    12.45    0.76    8.3    3.27    63.8    144    16.2    13.4    10.8    2.8    45.2    479  
   OceanFirst  OceanFirst
Peer
Group
Median
  OceanFirst
Peer
Group
Mean
  OceanFirst
Peer
Group
High
  OceanFirst
Peer
Group
Low
 

Total assets (in millions)

  $5,196  $4,796  $5,322  $8,945  $3,607 

Loans / Deposits

   91.5  99.3  100.0  132.9  67.2

Non-performing assets¹/ Total assets

   1.11  0.56  0.57  1.85  0.09

Tangible common equity/Tangible assets

   8.43  8.52  9.86  21.02  6.16

Leverage Ratio

   8.78  9.08  10.60  21.92  7.30

Total RBC Ratio

   13.95  13.41  15.79  32.35  11.83

CRE²/ Total RBC Ratio

   211.9  296.9  331.0  906.5  22.4

LTM Core Return on average assets³

   0.98  0.90  0.87  1.28  0.42

LTM Core Return on average equity³

   9.22  8.71  7.91  10.57  1.70

LTM Net interest margin

   3.50  3.11  3.10  3.79  2.20

LTM Efficiency ratio

   60.2  58.1  57.2  71.6  39.1

Price/Tangible book value

   208  187  194  343  132

Price/LTM Earnings per share

   17.5  18.8  20.5  32.1  14.0

Price/2017 Earnings per share4,5

   16.4  17.4  18.9  33.4  14.1

Price/2018 Earnings per share4,5

   14.6  15.7  16.8  28.1  12.2

Current Dividend Yield

   2.2  2.3  2.2  4.1  0.0

LTM Dividend Ratio

   51.4  42.9  44.6  93.0  0.0

Market value (in millions)

  $882  $801  $986  $2,817  $436 

 

(1)Nonperforming assets defined as nonaccrual loans and leases, renegotiated loans and leases, and real estate owned.
(2)Total assets, loans/deposits, Tangible Common Equity/Total Assets, Leverage Ratio, Total RBC and Price/Tangible Book Value presented on a pro forma basis for acquisitions completedCRE defined as totalnon-owner-occupied CRE loans (including CLD loans), as defined in the second quarter2006 FED guidance; most recent regulatory data available used.
(3)Core income defined as net income after taxes and before extraordinary items, less net income attributable tonon-controlling interest, gain on the sale of 2016held to maturity and an estimated $130 million balance sheet deleveraging. Data provided by OceanFirst senior management.available for sale securities, amortization of intangibles, goodwill and nonrecurring items.

Source: SNL Financial

(4)Price/ forward earnings multiples per analyst consensus median estimates from CapitalIQ.
(5)Price/ forward earnings multiples per analyst consensus median estimates from SNL Financial for TrustCo Bank Corp. NY and Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation.

Regional Precedent Transactions Analysis of Selected Merger Transactions

Sandler O’Neill reviewed two groupspublicly available information for a group of recentregional merger and acquisition transactions.transactions (the “Regional Precedent Transactions”). The firstRegional Precedent Transactions group consisted of all bank and thrift transactions announced between January 1, 2014 and July 11, 2016June 28, 2017 with respect totargets headquartered in the Mid Atlantic or Northeast region and with target assets between $1.0 billion and $3.5 billion (excluding the acquisition of First Mariner Bank by RKJS Inc. in February 2014, which the transaction value was publicly available and the target had total assets at announcement between $500 million and $1.5 billion, the target’s one-to-four family loans asfacilitated through a percentage of total loans was greater than 40%, and the target’s last twelve months return on average assets was greater than 0% (which we refer to as the “Nationwide Precedent Transactions”)bankruptcy transaction).

The NationwideRegional Precedent Transactions group was composed ofincluded the following ten transactions:

 

BuyerAcquiror:

  

TargetTarget:

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc.

  

Commerce Bancshares Corp.

Community Bank System Inc.

Merchants Bancshares Inc.

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

Ocean Shore Holding Co.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc.

First Choice Bank

Horizon Bancorp

People’s United Financial Inc.

  La Porte

Suffolk Bancorp Inc.

MainSource Financial Group

Bar Harbor Bankshares

  Cheviot

Lake Sunapee Bank Grp

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

BNC Bancorp

  Southcoast Financial Corp.

Cape Bancorp Inc.

Liberty Bank

Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania

  Naugatuck Valley Financial Corp.

Fox Chase Bancorp Inc.

Camden National Corp.

United Bankshares Inc.

  SBM Financial Inc.

Bank of Georgetown

HomeStreet Inc.

F.N.B. Corp.

  Simplicity

Metro Bancorp Inc.

Independent Bank Corp.

Sterling Bancorp

  Peoples Federal Bancshares Inc.

Hudson Valley Holding Corp.

National Penn Bancshares

WesBanco Inc.

  TF

ESB Financial Corp.

IBERIABANK Corp.

Bank of the Ozarks Inc.

  Teche Holding Company

Intervest Bancshares Corp.

Center Bancorp Inc.

ConnectOne Bancorp Inc.

Using the latest publicly available information prior to the announcement of the relevant transaction, Sandler O’Neill reviewed the following transaction metrics: transaction price to last twelve monthslast-twelve-months earnings per share, transaction price to median analyst estimated earnings per share, transaction price to tangible book value tangible bookper share, core deposit premium, to core deposits and the one dayone-day market premium. Sandler O’Neill compared the indicated transaction metrics for the Transactionsintegrated mergers to the median, mean, high and meanlow metrics of the NationwideRegional Precedent Transactions group.Transactions.

 

            Transaction Information  Seller Information  

 

 
Acquiror  

St

 

Target

 St Annc.
Date
  Deal
Value
($mm)
  Price/
LTM
Earnings
(x)
  TBV
(%)
  Core
Deposit
Premium
(%)
  1-Day
Market
Premium
(%)
  Total
Assets
($mm)
  TCE/
TA
(%)
  LTM/
ROAA
(%)
  NPAs(1)/
Assets
(%)
  1-4 Fam/
Loans
(%)
 
 Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc.   MA First Choice Bank NJ  06/27/16    117.8    57.8    116    2.4    —      1,124.7    4.5    0.18    3.52    40.7  
 Horizon Bancorp   IN La Porte Bancorp Inc IN  03/10/16    94.1    18.6    116    4.9    9.8    543.2    14.4    0.89    NA    49.1  
 MainSource Financial Group   IN Cheviot Financial OH  11/24/15    107.4    60.2    123    5.4    8.7    576.6    15.2    0.30    NA    53.2  
 BNC Bancorp   NC Southcoast Financial Corp. SC  08/14/15    95.5    18.2    189    14.8    48.5    505.6    10.0    1.12    1.64    56.2  
 Liberty Bank   CT Naugatuck Valley Finl CT  06/04/15    77.8    35.5    126    5.3    18.8    507.0    12.1    0.41    1.47    47.3  
 Camden National Corp.   ME SBM Financial Inc. ME  03/30/15    134.9    NM    157    8.7    —      806.2    10.6    0.22    1.61    51.4  
 HomeStreet Inc.   WA Simplicity Bancorp Inc CA  09/29/14    132.9    24.7    98    NM    7.1    879.2    15.2    0.62    1.99    40.1  
 Independent Bank Corp.   MA Peoples Federal Bancshares Inc MA  08/05/14    130.6    60.0    123    7.3    11.9    606.2    17.1    0.35    0.30    64.3  
 
 
National Penn
Bancshares Inc.
 
  
 PA TF Financial Corp. PA  06/04/14    141.6    19.0    148    7.7    35.6    846.0    11.0    0.83    1.20    63.4  
 IBERIABANK Corp.   LA Teche Holding Company LA  01/13/14    157.8    17.1    173    12.5    32.4    856.7    10.0    1.03    0.74    59.9  
     High    157.8    60.2    189    14.8    48.5    1,124.7    17.1    1.12    3.52    64.3  
     Low    77.8    17.1    98    2.4    7.1    505.6    4.5    0.18    0.30    40.1  
     Mean    119.0    34.6    137    7.7    21.6    725.1    12.0    0.60    1.56    52.6  
     Median    124.2    24.7    125    7.3    15.3    706.2    11.5    0.52    1.54    52.3  
  OceanFirst/Ocean Shore(2)    147.7    20.0    132    5.2    31.8    1,052.1    10.4    0.65    1.01    77.1  
   OceanFirst/
Sun
  Median
Regional
Precedent
Transactions
  Mean
Regional
Precedent
Transactions
  High
Regional
Precedent
Transactions
  Low
Regional
Precedent
Transactions
 

Transaction price/LTM earnings per share

   89.9x1   21.4  22.5  54.9  13.7

Transaction price/Median analyst estimated earnings per share

   61.4  19.8  23.2  44.0  17.3

Transaction price/Tangible book value per share

   169  168  163  218  110

Transaction price/Adjusted Tangible book value per share

   134%2   —     —     —     —   

Core deposit premium

   12.9  9.4  9.3  20.5  1.5

One-day market premium

   2.2%3   26.5  27.5  49.1  10.9

 

(1)Nonperforming assets defined as nonaccrual loans and leases, renegotiated loans and leases, and real estate owned.Due to partial reversal of Sun’s deferred tax valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2016, Sun’s Price / LTM EPS reflects Price / Last Quarter Annualized diluted EPS.
(2)Sun’s adjusted tangible book value per share assumes the full reversal of Sun’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $73.2 million as of March 31, 2017. Based on transaction value19,060,593 shares of $22.40. Deal value does not include estimated reduction in shares outstanding associated with Ocean Shore ESOP debt extinguishment.Sun common stock outstanding.
(3)Market premium based on June 28, 2017 closing stock price of $24.65.

Source:SNL Financial
Nationwide Precedent Transactions Analysis

The secondSandler O’Neill reviewed publicly available information for a group of nationwide merger and acquisition transactions (the “Nationwide Precedent Transactions”). The Nationwide Precedent Transactions group consisted

of regional savings bank and thriftnationwide transactions announced between January 1, 20142016 and July 11, 2016,June 28, 2017 with respect to which thedisclosed deal value was publicly availablevalues and the target was headquartered in the Mid-Atlantic Regionassets between $1.5 billion and had total assets at announcement of between $500 million and $2.0 billion (which we refer to as the “Regional Precedent Transactions”).

$3.5 billion. The RegionalNationwide Precedent Transactions group was composed ofincluded the following seven transactions:

 

BuyerAcquiror:

  

TargetTarget:

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc.

  Cape Bancorp, Inc.

Commerce Bancshares Corp.

Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania

Union Bkshs Corp

  Fox Chase

Xenith Bankshares Inc.

Sandy Spring Bancorp Inc.

Beneficial Bancorp Inc.

  Conestoga Bank

WashingtonFirst Bankshares Inc

TowneBank

Paragon Commercial Corp.

South State Corporation

Park Sterling Corporation

PacWest Bancorp

CU Bancorp

Home BancShares Inc.

Stonegate Bank

Simmons First National Corp.

First Texas BHC Inc.

Columbia Banking System Inc.

Pacific Continental Corp.

Simmons First National Corp.

Southwest Bancorp Inc.

Pacific Premier Bancorp

Heritage Oaks Bancorp

Independent Bk Group Inc.

Carlile Bancshares Inc.

First Interstate BancSystem

Cascade Bancorp

Collins Family Trust

Inter National Bank

Community Bank System Inc.

  Oneida Financial Corp.

Merchants Bancshares Inc.

WesBanco

First Midwest Bancorp Inc.

  ESB Financial Corp.

Standard Bancshares Inc.

People’s United Financial Inc.

Suffolk Bancorp

South State Corporation

Southeastern Bank Finl Corp.

Bar Harbor Bankshares

Lake Sunapee Bank Grp

WesBanco Inc.

Your Community Bankshares Inc.

Mechanics Bank

California Repub Bancorp

Old National Bancorp

Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin Inc.

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

Cape Bancorp Inc.

Colonial Financial Services
National Penn Bancshares Inc.TF Financial Corp.

Using the latest publicly available information prior to the announcement of the relevant transaction, Sandler O’Neill reviewed the following transaction metrics: transaction price to last twelve monthslast-twelve-months earnings per share, transaction price to median analyst estimated earnings per share, transaction price to tangible book value tangible bookper share, core deposit premium, to core deposits and the one day1-day market premium. Sandler O’Neill compared the indicated transaction metrics for the Transactionsintegrated mergers to the median, mean, high and meanlow metrics of the RegionalNationwide Precedent Transactions group.Transactions.

 

           Transaction Information  Seller Information  

 

 

Acquiror

 

St

 

Target

 

St

 Annc.
Date
  Deal
Value
($mm)
  Price/
LTM
Earnings
(x)
  TBV
(%)
  Core
Deposit
Premium
(%)
  1-Day
Market
Premium
(%)
  Total
Assets
($mm)
  TCE/
TA
(%)
  LTM
ROAA
(%)
  NPAs(1)/
Assets
(%)
  1-4 Fam/
Loans
(%)
 

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

 NJ Cape Bancorp Inc. NJ  01/05/16    205.7    17.2    139    5.3    19.7    1,563.2    9.4    0.85    1.07    41.8  

Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania

 PA Fox Chase Bancorp Inc. PA  12/08/15    244.3    23.2    134    10.5    10.9    1,098.8    16.0    0.91    1.11    12.8  

Beneficial Bancorp Inc

 PA Conestoga Bank PA  10/22/15    100.1    24.5    160    9.2    —      719.0    8.7    0.59    0.92    23.7  

Community Bank System Inc.

 NY Oneida Financial Corp. NY  02/24/15    142.1    27.4    202    11.6    56.3    798.2    9.0    0.66    0.17    32.8  

WesBanco Inc.

 WV ESB Financial Corp. PA  10/29/14    352.7    19.8    207    18.3    49.1    1,945.4    8.7    0.91    1.04    48.5  

Cape Bancorp Inc.

 NJ Colonial Financial Services NJ  09/10/14    55.8    NM    88    NA    11.3    550.7    11.5    (0.13  4.29    56.2  

National Penn Bancshares Inc.

 PA TF Financial Corp. PA  06/04/14    141.6    19.0    148    7.7    35.6    846.0    11.0    0.83    1.20    63.4  
     High    352.7    27.4    207    18.3    56.3    1,945.4    16.0    0.91    4.29    63.4  
     Low    55.8    17.2    88    5.3    10.9    550.7    8.7    (0.13  0.17    12.8  
     Mean    177.5    21.8    154    10.4    30.5    1,074.5    10.6    0.66    1.40    39.9  
     Median    142.1    21.5    148    9.9    27.6    846.0    9.4    0.83    1.07    41.8  
  OceanFirst/OceanShore(2)    147.7    20.0    132    5.2    31.8    1,052.1    10.4    0.65    1.01    77.1  
   OceanFirst/
Sun
  Median
Nationwide
Precedent
Transactions
  Mean
Nationwide
Precedent
Transactions
  High
Nationwide
Precedent
Transactions
  Low
Nationwide
Precedent
Transactions
 

Transaction price/LTM earnings per share

   89.9x1   22.0  21.5  36.2  3.2

Transaction price/Median analyst estimated earnings per share

   61.4  22.3  23.2  34.1  13.7

Transaction price/Tangible book value per share

   169  196  200  317  103

Transaction price/Adjusted Tangible book value per share

   134%2   —     —     —     —   

Core deposit premium

   12.9  11.9  12.8  25.5  1.0

One-day market premium

   2.2%3   17.8  20.9  50.1  (0.1%) 

 

(1)Nonperforming assets defined as nonaccrual loans and leases, renegotiated loans and leases, and real estate owned.Due to partial reversal of Sun’s deferred tax valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2016, Sun’s Price / LTM EPS reflects Price / Last Quarter Annualized diluted EPS.
(2)Sun’s adjusted tangible book value per share assumes the full reversal of Sun’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $73.2 million as of March 31, 2017. Based on transaction value19,060,593 shares of $22.40. Deal value does not include estimated reduction in shares outstanding associated with Ocean Shore ESOP debt extinguishment.Sun common stock outstanding.

Source:(3)SNL FinancialMarket premium based on June 28, 2017 closing stock price of $24.65.

Net Present Value Analyses

Sandler O’Neill performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of Ocean ShoreSun’s common stock, assuming Ocean Shore performed in accordance with publicly available consensus analyst earnings per share estimates for Ocean ShoreSun for the years ending December 31, 2016 and2017 through December 31, 2017 of $1.13 and $1.14 per share, respectively,2019, as well as an estimated internal estimatedlong-term earnings per share growth rate of 4% annually for the years ending December 31, 2018 through 2020,thereafter, as discussed withprovided by the senior management of Ocean Shore. The analysis also assumed that Ocean Shore’s regular cash dividend remained at $0.24 per share annually through the year ending December 31, 2020.Sun. To approximate the terminal value of Ocean ShoreSun common stock at December 31, 2020,2021, Sandler O’Neill applied price to 2021 earnings multiples ranging from 13.0x14.0x to 18.0x22.0x and multiples of December 31, 2021 tangible book value ranging from 90%125% to 140%200%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 9.0%10.5% to 15.0%13.5%, which were derived from a capital asset pricing model and chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of Ocean Shore’sSun common stock. As illustrated in the following tables, the analysis indicated an imputed range of values per share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock of $9.44$5.95 to $16.31$10.52 when applying multiples of earnings multiples and $10.75$12.28 to $20.85$22.22 when applying multiples of tangible book value.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

 

Discount Rate

  13.0x   14.0x   15.0x   16.0x   17.0x   18.0x 
9.0%  $12.05    $12.91    $13.76    $14.61    $15.46    $16.31  
10.0   11.56     12.38     13.19     14.01     14.82     15.64  
11.0   11.09     11.87     12.66     13.44     14.22     15.00  
12.0   10.65     11.40     12.15     12.89     13.64     14.39  
13.0   10.23     10.94     11.66     12.38     13.10     13.81  
14.0   9.82     10.51     11.20     11.89     12.58     13.26  
15.0   9.44     10.10     10.76     11.42     12.08     12.74  

Discount Rate

  14.0x   15.6x   17.2x   18.8x   20.4x   22.0x 
10.5%  $6.75   $7.50   $8.26   $9.01   $9.77   $10.52 
11.0%   6.61    7.35    8.08    8.82    9.56    10.30 
11.5%   6.47    7.19    7.91    8.64    9.36    10.08 
12.0%   6.33    7.04    7.75    8.46    9.17    9.87 
12.5%   6.20    6.90    7.59    8.28    8.97    9.67 
13.0%   6.07    6.75    7.43    8.11    8.79    9.47 
13.5%   5.95    6.61    7.28    7.94    8.61    9.27 

Tangible Book Value Multiples

 

Discount Rate

  90%   100%   110%   120%   130%   140% 
9.0%  $13.75    $15.17    $16.59    $18.01    $19.43    $20.85  
10.0   13.18     14.54     15.90     17.26     18.62     19.99  
11.0   12.64     13.95     15.25     16.56     17.86     19.16  
12.0   12.13     13.38     14.63     15.88     17.13     18.38  
13.0   11.65     12.85     14.05     15.24     16.44     17.64  
14.0   11.19     12.34     13.49     14.63     15.78     16.93  
15.0   10.75     11.85     12.95     14.06     15.16     16.26  

Discount Rate

  125%   140%   155%   170%   185%   200% 

10.5%

  $13.94   $15.59   $17.25   $18.91   $20.56   $22.22 

11.0%

   13.64    15.27    16.89    18.51    20.13    21.75 

11.5%

   13.36    14.94    16.53    18.12    19.70    21.29 

12.0%

   13.08    14.63    16.18    17.74    19.29    20.84 

12.5%

   12.81    14.33    15.85    17.37    18.89    20.41 

13.0%

   12.54    14.03    15.52    17.01    18.49    19.98 

13.5%

   12.28    13.74    15.20    16.65    18.11    19.57 

Sandler O’Neill also considered and discussed with the Ocean ShoreSun board how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to net income. To illustrate this impact, Sandler O’Neill performed a similar analysis, assuming Ocean Shore’sSun’s net income varied from 20%15% above estimates to 20%15% below estimates. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for Ocean ShoreSun common stock, applying the price to 2021 earnings multiplemultiples range of 13.0x14.0x to 18.0x22.0x referred to above and a discount rate of 13.99%12.76%.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

 

Annual Estimate
Variance

  13.0x   14.0x   15.0x   16.0x   17.0x   18.0x   14.0x   15.6x   17.2x   18.8x   20.4x   22.0x 

(20.0%)

  $8.04    $8.59    $9.14    $9.69    $10.24    $10.79  

(15.0%)

   8.49     9.07     9.66     10.24     10.83     11.41    $5.24   $5.82   $6.40   $6.98   $7.57   $8.15 

(10.0%)

   8.93     9.55     10.17     10.79     11.41     12.03     5.54    6.15    6.77    7.39    8.00    8.62 

(5.0%)

   9.38     10.03     10.69     11.34     12.00     12.65     5.84    6.49    7.14    7.79    8.44    9.09 

0.0%

   9.83     10.52     11.20     11.89     12.58     13.27     6.14    6.82    7.51    8.19    8.88    9.56 

5.0%

   10.28     11.00     11.72     12.44     13.17     13.89     6.44    7.16    7.87    8.59    9.31    10.03 

10.0%

   10.72     11.48     12.24     12.99     13.75     14.51     6.74    7.49    8.24    9.00    9.75    10.51 

15.0%

   11.17     11.96     12.75     13.55     14.34     15.13     7.04    7.82    8.61    9.40    10.19    10.98 

20.0%

   11.62     12.44     13.27     14.10     14.92     15.75  

Sandler O’Neill also performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of Sun’s common stock, assuming the full reversal of the estimated deferred tax valuation allowance at the end of 2019 of approximately $61.0 million. The analysis also assumed publicly available consensus analyst earnings per share estimates for Sun for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2019, as well as an estimated internal long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Sun. To approximate the terminal value of Sun common stock at December 31, 2021, Sandler O’Neill applied multiples of December 31, 2021 tangible book value ranging from 110% to 160%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 10.5% to 13.5%, which were chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of Sun common stock. As illustrated in the following table, the analysis indicated an imputed range of values per share of Sun common stock of $12.76 to $21.01 when applying multiples of tangible book value.

Tangible Book Value Multiples

Discount Rate

  110%   120%   130%   140%   150%   160% 
10.5%  $14.49   $15.79   $17.10   $18.40   $19.70   $21.01 
11.0%   14.18    15.46    16.73    18.01    19.29    20.56 
11.5%   13.88    15.13    16.38    17.63    18.88    20.13 
12.0%   13.59    14.82    16.04    17.26    18.48    19.71 
12.5%   13.31    14.51    15.70    16.90    18.10    19.30 
13.0%   13.03    14.21    15.38    16.55    17.72    18.90 
13.5%   12.76    13.91    15.06    16.21    17.36    18.50 

Sandler O’Neill also performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of OceanFirst common stock, assuming that OceanFirst performed in accordance with publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for the year ending December 31, 2016 (adjusted for one-time expenses expected to be incurred in connection with the closing of the Cape acquisition) and December 31, 2017 of $1.24 and $1.74, respectively, as well as internal estimated earnings growth of 8% annually for the years ending December 31, 2017, as presented on a core basis, and December 31, 2018, through 2020,excluding research estimates that incorporate a prospective reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate, and estimated internal long-term annual earnings per share and dividend growth rates for the years thereafter, as discussed withprovided by the senior management of OceanFirst. The analysis also assumed that OceanFirst’s annual cash dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2016 through 2018 matched consensus mean analyst estimates of $0.52, $0.55 and $0.60, respectively, and that the dividend payout ratio approximated 30% for each of the years ending December 31, 2019 and 2020. To approximate the terminal value of OceanFirst common stock at December 31, 2020,2021, Sandler O’Neill applied price to 2021 earnings multiples ranging from 12.0x15.0x to 17.0x24.0x and multiples of December 31, 20202021 tangible book value ranging from 100%175% to 175%250%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 8.0%9.5% to 14.0%12.5%, which were derived from a capital asset pricing model and chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of OceanFirst common stock. As illustrated in the following tables, the analysis indicated an imputed range of values per share of OceanFirst common stock of $16.10$22.67 to $28.12$39.38 when applying earnings multiples and $12.43$22.35 to $25.88$34.91 when applying multiples of tangible book value.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

 

Discount Rate

  12.0x   13.0x   14.0x   15.0x   16.0x   17.0x 

     8.0%

  $20.53    $22.05    $23.57    $25.08    $26.60    $28.12  

  9.0

   19.70     21.15     22.60     24.05     25.50     26.95  

10.0

   18.90     20.29     21.68     23.07     24.46     25.85  

11.0

   18.15     19.48     20.81     22.14     23.47     24.80  

12.0

   17.43     18.70     19.98     21.26     22.53     23.81  

13.0

   16.75     17.97     19.19     20.42     21.64     22.86  

14.0

   16.10     17.27     18.44     19.62     20.79     21.96  

Discount Rate

  15.0x   16.8x   18.6x   20.4x   22.2x   24.0x 

  9.5%

  $25.63   $28.38   $31.13   $33.88   $36.63   $39.38 

10.0%

   25.10    27.79    30.49    33.18    35.87    38.56 

10.5%

   24.59    27.22    29.86    32.49    35.13    37.76 

11.0%

   24.09    26.67    29.25    31.83    34.41    36.99 

11.5%

   23.60    26.13    28.65    31.18    33.70    36.23 

12.0%

   23.13    25.60    28.07    30.54    33.01    35.49 

12.5%

   22.67    25.09    27.51    29.92    32.34    34.76 

Tangible Book Value Multiples

 

Discount Rate

  100%   115%   130%   145%   160%   175% 

     8.0%

  $15.79    $17.81    $19.82    $21.84    $23.86    $25.88  

  9.0

   15.16     17.09     19.02     20.95     22.88     24.81  

10.0

   14.55     16.40     18.25     20.10     21.95     23.80  

11.0

   13.98     15.75     17.52     19.29     21.07     22.84  

12.0

   13.44     15.13     16.83     18.53     20.23     21.92  

13.0

   12.92     14.55     16.17     17.80     19.43     21.05  

14.0

   12.43     13.99     15.55     17.11     18.67     20.23  

Discount Rate

  175%   190%   205%   220%   235%   250% 

  9.5%

  $25.27   $27.20   $29.12   $31.05   $32.98   $34.91 

10.0%

   24.75    26.64    28.52    30.41    32.30    34.18 

10.5%

   24.25    26.09    27.94    29.79    31.63    33.48 

11.0%

   23.75    25.56    27.37    29.18    30.98    32.79 

11.5%

   23.27    25.04    26.81    28.58    30.35    32.12 

12.0%

   22.81    24.54    26.27    28.00    29.74    31.47 

12.5%

   22.35    24.05    25.74    27.44    29.14    30.83 

Sandler O’Neill also considered and discussed with the Ocean ShoreSun board how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to net income. To illustrate this impact, Sandler O’Neill performed a similar analysis assuming OceanFirst’s net income varied from 20%15% above estimates to 20%15% below estimates. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for OceanFirst common stock, applying the price to 2021 earnings multiplemultiples range of 12.0x15.0x to 17.0x24.0x referred to above and a discount rate of 12.11%10.84%.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

 

Annual Estimate
Variance

  12.0x   13.0x   14.0x   15.0x   16.0x   17.0x   15.0x   16.8x   18.6x   20.4x   22.2x   24.0x 

(20.0%)

  $14.30    $15.32    $16.33    $17.35    $18.37    $19.38  

(15.0%)

   15.06     16.14     17.22     18.30     19.38     20.46    $21.00   $23.21   $25.42   $27.62   $29.83   $32.04 

(10.0%)

   15.83     16.97     18.11     19.26     20.40     21.54     22.08    24.42    26.76    29.10    31.43    33.77 

(5.0%)

   16.59     17.80     19.00     20.21     21.42     22.62     23.17    25.63    28.10    30.57    33.03    35.50 

0.0%

   17.35     18.62     19.89     21.16     22.43     23.70     24.25    26.85    29.44    32.04    34.64    37.23 

5.0%

   18.11     19.45     20.78     22.11     23.45     24.78     25.33    28.06    30.78    33.51    36.24    38.96 

10.0%

   18.88     20.27     21.67     23.07     24.46     25.86     26.41    29.27    32.13    34.98    37.84    40.70 

15.0%

   19.64     21.10     22.56     24.02     25.48     26.94     27.49    30.48    33.47    36.45    39.44    42.43 

20.0%

   20.40     21.92     23.45     24.97     26.50     28.02  

In connection with its analyses, Sandler O’Neill considered and discussed with the OceanFirstSun board how the present value analyses would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions. Sandler O’Neill noted that the net present value analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such methodology are highly dependent upon the numerous assumptions that must be made, and the results thereof are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results.

Pro Forma Merger Analysis

Sandler O’Neill analyzed certain potential pro forma effects of the Transactions, based onintegrated mergers assuming the following assumptions: (i)integrated mergers close during the Transactions close in the fourthfirst quarter of 2016; (ii) each outstanding Ocean Shore share2018 and assuming the aggregate mix of cash and stock consideration in

the integrated mergers is converted into the merger consideration, consisting of 0.9667equal to approximately $72.5 million in cash and 15.1 million shares of OceanFirst common stock and cash of $4.35 per share; (iii) all outstanding Ocean Shore options are converted into OceanFirst options in accordance with the merger agreement; and (iv) OceanFirst’s closing stock price of $18.67 as of July 11, 2016.stock. Sandler O’Neill also utilized the following: (a)(i) publicly available consensus meananalyst earnings per share estimates for Sun for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2019, as well as an estimated internal long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Sun, (ii) publicly available consensus analyst earnings per share estimates for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 2016 (adjusted for one-time expenses expected to be incurred in connection with the closing of the Cape acquisition)2017, as presented on a core basis, and December 31, 2017 of $1.24 and $1.74, respectively,2018, excluding certain analyst estimates which incorporate a prospective reduction to the federal corporate income tax rate, as well as an estimated internal estimatedlong-term earnings per share growth of 8% annually for the years ending December 31, 2018 through 2020, as discussed with the senior management of OceanFirst, (b) publicly available consensus mean analyst estimates of OceanFirst’s annual cashrate and estimated dividends per share for the years ending December 31, 2016 through 2018thereafter, as provided by the senior management of $0.52, $0.55OceanFirst, and $0.60, respectively, and a dividend payout ratio of approximately 30% for each(iii) the pro forma financial impact of the years ending December 31, 2019 and 2020 and (c)integrated mergers on OceanFirst based on certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments (including the estimated realization of Sun’s existing deferred tax asset), cost savings and a core deposit intangible asset, as provided by the senior management of OceanFirst, as well as estimated net incomefinancial projections (in millions) of $6.8, $7.1, $7.9, $8.4, $9.0 and $9.7for Sun for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2017 2018,through December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, as provided by and discussed with the senior management of OceanFirst.OceanFirst and based upon publicly available analyst earnings per share estimates for Sun for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2019 and an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter. The analysis indicated that the Transactions wouldintegrated mergers could be accretive to OceanFirst’s estimated earnings per share (excluding one-time transaction costsfor Sun in 2018 and expenses) for each year in the analysis. The analysis also indicated that the Transactions would be approximately 3.1%years thereafter and dilutive to estimated tangible book value per share for Sun at close, which would be earned back in approximately 3.5 years using the crossover method of analysis. The pro forma analysis also indicated that the Transactions would be over 100% accretive to dividends for an Ocean Shore stockholder.closing.

In connection with this analysis, Sandler O’Neill considered and discussed with the Ocean ShoreSun board how the analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions including the impact of final purchase accounting adjustments determined at the closing of the transaction, and noted that the actual results achieved by the combined company may vary from projected results and the variations may be material.

Sandler O’Neill’s Relationship

Sandler O’Neill actedis acting as theSun’s financial advisor to the Ocean Shore board in connection with the Transactionsintegrated mergers and, upon the closing of the integrated mergers, will receive a transaction fee in connection withfor its services estimated to be approximately $4.5 million based on the Transactions in an amountmarket value of OceanFirst common stock at the time the integrated mergers were announced. Sandler O’Neill’s transaction fee is equal to approximately $1.5 million, all0.92% of whichthe aggregate merger consideration, will vary based on the market value of OceanFirst common stock at the time of closing and is subject to and duecontingent upon the closing of the Transactions.integrated mergers. Sandler O’Neill also received a fee of $200,000 upon$400,000 for rendering its fairness opinion. Ocean Shoreopinion, which opinion fee will be credited in full towards the transaction fee becoming payable to Sandler O’Neill on the day of closing of the integrated mergers. Sun has also agreed to indemnify Sandler O’Neill against certain claims and liabilities arising out of itsSandler O’Neill’s engagement and to reimburse Sandler O’Neill for certain of itsout-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its engagement. In

Sandler O’Neill did not provide any other investment banking services to Sun in the two years preceding the date of its opinion. As Sandler O’Neill previously disclosed to the Sun board, in the two years preceding the date of Sandler O’Neill’s opinion, Sandler O’Neill did not provide anyprovided certain investment banking services to, Ocean Shore forand received investment banking fees from, OceanFirst. Most recently, Sandler O’Neill acted as book-running manager in connection with OceanFirst’s offer and sale of subordinated notes, which it received compensation.transaction closed in September 2016. In addition, Sandler O’Neill acted as financial advisor to OceanFirst in connection with the Cape acquisition, which transaction closed in May 2016. In the ordinary course of Sandler O’Neill’s business as a broker-dealer, Sandler O’Neill may purchase securities from and sell securities to Ocean Shore,Sun, OceanFirst and their respective affiliates. Sandler O’Neill may also actively trade the equity and debt securities of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst or their respective affiliates for its own account and for the accounts of its customers.

As Sandler O’Neill previously advised the Ocean Shore board, Sandler O’Neill maintains a business relationship with OceanFirst and has provided certain investment banking services to OceanFirst and received fees for such services. In the two years preceding the date of its opinion, Sandler O’Neill advised OceanFirst in its acquisition of Cape and on the sale of certain mortgage servicing rights, for which it received fees totaling approximately $1.6 million, and (ii) Sandler O’Neill Mortgage Finance L.P., an affiliate of Sandler O’Neill, acted as introducing broker to OceanFirst in connection with OceanFirst’s sale of certain non-performing assets, for which it received fees of approximately $280,000. Sandler O’Neill also advised the Ocean Shore board that Sandler O’Neill would likely be engaged to serve as an underwriter in a subordinated debt offering that was then under consideration by OceanFirst. OceanFirst subsequently conducted a subordinated debt offering that was completed on September 21, 2016 for which Sandler O’Neill served as book-running manager and received fees totaling $420,000 and reimbursement of expenses totaling $120,000. Sandler O’Neill and its affiliates may provide services to OceanFirst and receive compensation for such services in the future, including during the pendency of the Transactions.

OceanFirst’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the OceanFirst Board

After careful consideration, the OceanFirst board, at a meeting held on July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, unanimously approved the merger agreement. Accordingly, the OceanFirst board unanimously recommends that OceanFirst stockholders vote “FOR” the OceanFirst share issuance proposal.

In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the integrated mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and to recommend that its stockholders approve the OceanFirst share

issuance, the OceanFirst board evaluated the merger agreement and the Transactions in consultation with OceanFirst management, as well as OceanFirst’s legal counsel and financial advisor, and considered a number of factors in favor of the Transactions, including the following material factors, which are not presented in order of priority:

 

the fact that the Transactions are expected to create the preeminent New Jersey based community banking franchise operating throughout Central and Southern New Jersey and the combined company would be able to leverage the synergy created by the Transactions to create one of the most highly valued banking institutions in the Mid-Atlantic region;

the fact that the Transactions are expected to strengthen OceanFirst’s position as the largest bank headquartered in Centralcentral and Southernsouthern New Jersey;

the fact that the Transactions strengthen and expand OceanFirst’s franchise into new, more demographically attractive New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York metro markets;

the fact that the enhanced scale expected to result from the Transactions is expected to enlarge OceanFirst’s commercial banking business to $3.1 billion in total loans;

each of OceanFirst’s and Ocean Shore’sSun’s businesses, operations, financial condition, asset quality, earnings and prospects, including the view of the OceanFirst board that Ocean Shore’sSun’s business and operations complement OceanFirst’s existing operations and lines of business;

 

the fact that the Transactions will enhance OceanFirst’s operating scale and core deposit funding base at attractive pricing;

the current and prospective environment in which OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun operate, including national, regional and local economic conditions, the competitive environment for financial institutions generally and the likely effect of these factors on OceanFirst both with and without the Transactions;

 

its review and discussions with OceanFirst’s management and its legal counsel and financial advisor concerning the due diligence investigation of Ocean ShoreSun and the potential financial impact of the Transactions on the combined company;

 

management’s expectation that OceanFirst will retain its strong capital position upon completion of the Transactions;

 

the financial presentation, dated July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, of Piper to the OceanFirst board and the opinion, dated July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, of Piper to the OceanFirst board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, to OceanFirst of the merger consideration, as more fully described below under the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “— Opinion of OceanFirst’s Financial Advisor;”

 

the terms of the merger agreement, including the expected tax treatment and deal protection and termination fee provisions, which it reviewed with OceanFirst’s outside legal and financial advisors; and

 

the regulatory and other approvals required in connection with the Transactions and the expectation that such regulatory and other approvals will be received in a timely manner and without the imposition of unacceptable conditions.

The OceanFirst board also considered potential risks associated with the Transactions in connection with its deliberations of the Transactions, including (i) the potential risk of diverting management attention and resources from the operation of OceanFirst’s business and towards the completion of the Transactions; (ii) the potential risks associated with achieving anticipated cost synergies and savings and successfully integrating Ocean Shore’sSun’s business, operations and workforce with those of OceanFirst; and (iii) the other risks identified in the sections of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page [●] and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page [●].

The foregoing discussion of the factors considered by the OceanFirst board is not intended to be exhaustive, but, rather, includes the material factors considered by the OceanFirst board. In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the integrated mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The OceanFirst board did not quantify or assign any relative weights to the factors considered, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The OceanFirst board considered all these factors as a whole and overall considered the factors to be favorable to, and to support, its determination. It should be

noted that this explanation of the OceanFirst board’s reasoning and all other information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed under the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page [●].

For the reasons set forth above, the OceanFirst approved the merger agreement. The OceanFirst board unanimously recommends that the OceanFirst stockholders vote “FOR” the OceanFirst share issuance proposal and “FOR” the OceanFirst adjournment proposal.

Opinion of OceanFirst’s Financial Advisor

Pursuant to an engagement letter dated April 8, 2016,June 5, 2017, the OceanFirst board engaged Piper as financial advisor to OceanFirst in connection with OceanFirst’s consideration of a possible business combination involving OceanFirst and Ocean Shore.Sun. Piper is a nationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial experience in transactions similar to the business combinationproposed Transactions and is familiar with OceanFirst and its business. As part of its investment banking business, Piper is routinely engaged in the valuation of financial services companies and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions. The Piper written opinion, dated July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, is sometimes referred to in this section as the “Piper opinion.”

Piper acted as financial advisor to OceanFirst in connection with the proposed Transactions and participated in certain of the negotiations leading to the execution of the merger agreement. At the meeting of the OceanFirst board held on July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, Piper delivered to the OceanFirst board its oral opinion, followed by delivery of its written opinion, that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the various factors, assumptions and limitations set forth in itsthe Piper opinion, the merger consideration to be paid pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to OceanFirst.

The full text of Piper’s written opinion dated July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, which sets forth, among other things, the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken in rendering itsthe Piper opinion, is attached asAnnex DE to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. Piper’s opinion speaks only as of the date of the Piper opinion. You are urged to read the Piper opinion carefully and in its entirety. Piper’s opinion was addressed to, and provided for the information and benefit of, the OceanFirst board (in its capacity as such) in connection with its evaluation of the fairness of the merger consideration to OceanFirst from a financial point of view, and did not address any other aspects or implications of the Transactions.integrated mergers. The Piper opinion does not constitute a recommendation to the OceanFirst boardstockholders or to any other persons in respect of the Transactions,integrated mergers, including as to how any holder of OceanFirst common stock should vote at any stockholders’ meeting held in connection with the Transactionsintegrated mergers or take, or not to take, any action in respect of the Transactions. Piper’sintegrated mergers. The Piper opinion does not address the relative merits of the Transactionsintegrated mergers as compared to any other business or financial strategies that might be available to OceanFirst, nor does it address the underlying business decision of OceanFirst to engage in the Transactions.integrated mergers. The issuance of the Piper opinion was approved by the fairness opinion committee of Piper. The summary of the Piper opinion of Piper set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Piper opinion. Piper has consented to the inclusion of this summary of itsthe Piper opinion in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

In rendering itsthe Piper opinion, Piper reviewed and analyzed, among other things:

 

��the financial terms contained in a draft of the merger agreement dated as of July 11, 2016;
the financial terms contained in a draft of the merger agreement dated as of June 29, 2017;

 

certain financial and other data with respect to OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, which was publicly available or made available to Piper by OceanFirst or Ocean Shore;Sun;

 

certain forward-looking information relating to OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun that was publicly available, as well as thatwhich was furnished to Piper by OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, including internalinternally prepared forecasts prepared or reviewed by OceanFirst of OceanFirst’s and Ocean Shore’s expected operating results of OceanFirst and Sun on a stand-alone basis (as described below on pages 81 and 84);standalone basis;

materials detailing the mergerTransactions prepared by OceanFirst, Ocean ShoreSun, their respective affiliates, and by their respective legal and accounting advisors including the estimated amount and timing of the cost savings and related expenses and purchase accounting adjustments expected to result from the mergerintegrated mergers (which we refer to in this section as the “Synergies”“Synergies and Adjustments”);

 

current and historical reported prices and trading activity of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun and similar information for certain other publicly traded companies deemed by Piper to be comparable to OceanFirst and Ocean Shore;Sun;

the financial performance of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun compared with that of certain other publicly traded companies that Piper deemed relevant;

 

certain financial analyses for OceanFirst on a pro forma combined basis giving effect to the integrated mergersTransaction based on assumptions relating to the Synergies;Synergies and Adjustments;

 

the merger consideration relative to the historical trading price of Ocean ShoreSun and Ocean Shore’sSun’s tangible book value, core deposits (deposits less all jumbo time deposits) and, last twelve months earnings, on a core basis, as of March 31, 2016,2017, projected earnings for the yearyears ending 2016December 31, 2017 and 2017December 31, 2018, and projected earnings for the year ending 2017December 31, 2018 assuming the cost savings to be achieved have been fully phased in as OceanFirst projects;

 

the current market environment generally and the depository banking environment in particular;

 

the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of certain business combination transactions in the depository banking industry that Piper deemed relevant; and

 

such other analyses, examinations and inquiries and considered such other financial, economic and market criteria as Piper deemed necessary in arriving at itsthe Piper opinion.

Piper also held several discussions with certain members of senior management and representatives of both OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun with respect to certain aspects of the Transactions,integrated mergers, and the past and current business operations of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, and certain other matters Piper believed necessary or appropriate to its inquiry.

In arriving at itsthe Piper opinion, Piper relied upon and assumed, without assuming liability or responsibility for independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was furnished, or otherwise made available to, or discussed with or reviewed by Piper. Piper further relied upon the assurances of the management of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun that the financial information provided was prepared on a reasonable basis in accordance with industry practice, and that they are not aware of any information or facts that would make any information provided to Piper materially incomplete or misleading. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Piper assumed that with respect to financial forecasts, estimates and other forward-looking information (including the Synergies)Synergies and Adjustments) reviewed by Piper, that such information was reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, respectively, to which such financial forecasts, estimates and other forward-looking information (including the Synergies)Synergies and Adjustments) relate and Piper assumed that such results would be achieved. Piper expressed no opinion as to any such financial forecasts, estimates or forward-looking information (including the Synergies)Synergies and Adjustments) or the assumptions on which they were based. Piper further assumed that the integrated mergers will qualify as atax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes. Piper also expressed no opinion as to any of the legal, accounting and tax matters relating to the mergerintegrated mergers and any other transactions contemplated in connection therewith.therewith and have relied, with OceanFirst’s consent, on advice of the outside legal counsel and the independent accountants to OceanFirst, and on the assumptions of the management of OceanFirst and Sun, as to all accounting, legal, tax and financial reporting matters with respect to OceanFirst, Sun and the merger agreement.

In arriving at itsthe Piper opinion, Piper assumed that the executed merger agreement willwould be in all material respects identical to the lastJune 29, 2017 draft reviewed by it. Piper relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, that:

 

the representations and warranties of all parties to the merger agreement and all other related documents and instruments that are referred to therein are true and correct;

 

each party to such agreements will fully and timely perform all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by such party;

 

the integrated mergers will be consummated pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement without amendments thereto; and

 

all conditions to the consummation of the integrated mergers will be satisfied without waiver by any party of any conditions or obligations thereunder.

Additionally, Piper assumed that all the necessary regulatory approvals and consents required for the Transactionsintegrated mergers will be obtained in a manner that will not adversely affect OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun or the contemplated benefits of the Transactions.integrated mergers.

For purposes of rendering itsthe Piper opinion, Piper did not perform any appraisals or valuations of any specific assets or liabilities (fixed, contingent, derivative,off-balance sheet, or other) of OceanFirst or Ocean Shore,Sun, and was not furnished or provided with any such appraisals or valuations, and did not evaluate the solvency of OceanFirst or Ocean ShoreSun under any state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. Accordingly, Piper expressed no opinion regarding the liquidation value of OceanFirst, Ocean ShoreSun or any other entity. Piper assumed that there was no material change in the respective assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of OceanFirst or Ocean ShoreSun since the date of the most recent financial data made available to Piper. Piper also assumed in all respects material to its analysis that OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun would remain as a going concern for all periods relevant to its analysis. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Piper did not conduct a review of:

 

any individual credit files of OceanFirst or Ocean Shore,Sun, nor evaluate the adequacy of the loan or lease reserves of OceanFirst or Ocean Shore;Sun;

 

any credit mark that may be taken in connection with the integrated mergers, nor evaluate the adequacy of any contemplated credit mark to be so taken; or

 

the collectability of any asset or the future performance of any loan of OceanFirst or Ocean Shore.Sun.

Piper also assumed, with OceanFirst’s consent, that the respective allowances for loan and lease losses for both OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, and the credit mark, are adequate to cover any losses and will be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined company. Accordingly, Piper expressed no opinion with respect to these matters.

In addition, Piper did not make any independent analysis of any pending or threatened litigation, regulatory action, possible unasserted claims or other contingent liabilities to which OceanFirst or Ocean ShoreSun is a party or may be subject, and at the direction of OceanFirst and with its consent, Piper’s opinion makes no assumption concerning, and therefore does not consider, the possible assertion of claims, outcomes or damages arising out of any such matters. Piper also assumed that neither OceanFirst nor Ocean ShoreSun is party to any material pending transaction, including without limitation any financing, recapitalization, acquisition or merger, divestiture orspin-off, other than the Transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.Transactions.

The Piper opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions and upon the information made available to Piper and facts and circumstances as they exist and are subject to evaluation as of the date of the Piper opinion. It should be understood that events occurring after the date of the Piper opinion could materially affect the assumptions used in preparing the Piper opinion. Further, Piper expressed no opinion as to the price at which shares of the common stock of OceanFirst or Ocean ShoreSun may trade following announcement of the Transactionsintegrated mergers or at any future time.

The Piper opinion addresses solely the fairness, from a financial point of view, to OceanFirst of the merger consideration set forth in the merger agreement and does not address any other terms or agreement relating to the Transactions.integrated mergers. Piper was not requested to opine as to, and the Piper opinion does not address, (i) the basic business decision to proceed with or effect the Transactions;integrated mergers; (ii) the merits of the Transactionsintegrated mergers relative to any alternative transaction or business strategy that may be available to OceanFirst; (iii) any other terms contemplated by the merger agreement; or (iv) the fairness of the Transactionsintegrated mergers to, or any consideration received in connection therewith by, any creditor or other constituency of OceanFirst. Furthermore, Piper expressed no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of compensation to be paid in the Transactionsintegrated mergers to any officer, director or employee of any party to the Transactions,integrated mergers, or any class of such persons, relative to the merger consideration to be paid to any other stockholdershareholder in the Transactionsintegrated mergers or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation, including whether such payments are reasonable in the context of the Transactions.integrated mergers.

In performing its analyses, Piper made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of Piper, OceanFirst and Ocean Shore.Sun. Any estimates contained in the analyses performed by Piper are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Additionally, estimates of the value of businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which such businesses or securities might actually be sold. Accordingly, these analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty. In addition, the Piper opinion was among several factors taken into consideration by the OceanFirst board in making its determination to approve the merger agreement. The type and amount of consideration payable in the Transactionsintegrated mergers were determined solely through negotiation between OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, and the decision to enter into the merger agreement was solely that of the OceanFirst board.

Piper’s opinion was necessarily based upon conditions as they existed and could be evaluated on July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, the date of suchthe Piper opinion, and the information made available to Piper through such date. Developments subsequent to the date of Piper’s opinion may have affected, and may affect, the conclusion reached in Piper’s opinion, and Piper did not and does not have an obligation to update, revise or reaffirm itsthe Piper opinion.

The following is a summary of the material financial analyses performed and presented by Piper to the OceanFirst board on July 12, 2016June 29, 2017 in connection with its fairnessthe Piper opinion. Each analysis was provided to the OceanFirst board of directors.board. The following summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of all the analyses performed and reviewed by Piper underlying the Piper opinion or the presentation made by Piper to the OceanFirst board on July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, but summarizes the material analyses performed and presented in connection with such opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex analytic process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. A fairness opinion is thus not susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at itsthe Piper opinion, Piper did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor that it considered, but rather made qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of each analysis and factor.

The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. Accordingly, Piper believes that its analyses and the summary of its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing on the information presented below in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a potentially misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying its analyses and opinion. Also, no company or transaction used in Piper’s analysis for purposes of comparison is identical to OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun or the Transactions.integrated mergers. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the comparisons is not mathematical; rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments about differences in the companies and transactions to which OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun and the Transactionsintegrated mergers were compared and other factors that could

affect the public trading value or transaction value of the companies and the transactions to which they are being compared. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data that existed on or before July 11, 2016,June 28, 2017, and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.

Summary of Proposal.Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, each share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into the right to receive either: (a) $4.35the cash consideration, which is an amount in cash andequal to the sum of (i) $3.78 plus (ii) 0.7884 multiplied by the OceanFirst closing price or (b) 0.9667the stock consideration, which will be a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock.stock equal to the exchange ratio, which is the quotient of (A) the cash consideration divided by (B) the OceanFirst closing price. The right to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration will be made at the election of each holder of Sun common stock, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. Based on OceanFirst’s closing price on July 11, 2016June 28, 2017 of $18.67,$27.15, the merger consideration was equivalent to a pricehad an implied value of $22.40$25.18 per share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock at that date. Based on this deemed value per share to Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders and based upon 6,412,67819,060,593 shares of common stock outstanding, or 6,296,735 shares net of Ocean Shore’s employee127,808 unvested restricted stock ownership plan related adjustments, as well as allunits, and 556,694 options to purchase shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock outstanding converted into

options to purchase shares of OceanFirst common stock, at an exchange ratio of 1.2084, the aggregate merger consideration was approximately $145.1$484.9 million on July 11, 2016.June 28, 2017.

 

Market Premium as of June 28, 2017

2.2

Transaction Price / Tangible Book Value Per Share

   132.0168.6

Core Deposit Premium(1)1

   4.912.6

Transaction Price / LTMLast Twelve Months Earnings Per Share

20.0

Transaction Price / 2016E Earnings Per Share(2)2

   20.557.5xx 

Transaction Price / 2017E Earnings Per Share(3)3

   19.861.4xx 

Transaction Price / 2017E2018E Earnings Per Share4

47.1x

Transaction Price / 2018E Earnings Per Share with Estimated Cost SynergiesSavings(4)5

   9.214.5x

Market Premium as of 7/11/2016

31.8% 

 

(1)Core deposits are defined as total deposits as of March 31, 20162017 less jumbo deposits.
(2)Ocean Shore estimated 2016Sun last twelve months (“LTM”) earnings provided by and discussed with OceanFirst senior management.based on core earnings excluding deferred tax asset (“DTA”) valuation allowance reversal taken in the fourth quarter of 2016.
(3)Ocean ShoreSun estimated earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017 earnings provided by and discussed with OceanFirst senior management.based on research analyst estimates.
(4)Ocean ShoreSun estimated 2017 earnings withfor the year ended December 31, 2018 based on research analyst estimates.
(5)Sun estimated cost saves provided by and discussed with OceanFirst senior management,earnings for the year ended December 31, 2018 based on research analyst estimates, inclusive of after-taxafter tax cost savings (if cost saves were to be fullyphased-in).

Selected Companies Analysis. Using publicly available information, Piper compared the financial performance, financial condition and market performance of OceanFirst to tentwenty selected publicly traded bank holding companies headquartered in theMid-Atlantic and New England with total assets between $3.25$4.0 billion and $5.0$7.0 billion, a last twelve months return on average assets between 0.25% and 1.75%, nonperforming assets to assets ratio lessgreater than 3.0%0.00%, and excluding merger targets (publicly announced) and mutual holding companies (“MHCs”). The companies included in this group were:

 

Company

  Ticker  State

WSFS Financial Corporation

WSFSDE

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

FCFPA

United Financial Bancorp, Inc.

UBNKCT

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

BRKLMA

Tompkins Financial Corporation

TMPNY

Flushing Financial Corporation

FFICNY

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

DCOMNY

Beneficial Bancorp, Inc.

  BNCL  PA

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

LBAINJ

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

SASRMD

TrustCo Bank Corp NY

  TRST  NY

Sandy SpringKearny Financial Corp.

KRNYNJ

Meridian Bancorp, Inc.

  SASREBSB  MDMA

LakelandCentury Bancorp, Inc.

  LBAICNBKA  NJMA

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

  CNOB  NJ

BridgeWashington Trust Bancorp, Inc.

  BDGEWASH  NYRI

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania

  NFBKUVSP  NJPA

Oritani Financial Corp.

  ORIT  NJ

Financial Institutions,TriState Capital Holdings, Inc.

  FISITSCPA

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

BDGE  NY

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation

PGCNJ

Using publicly available information, Piper compared the financial performance, financial condition and market performance of Ocean ShoreSun to sixteentwenty-three selected publicly traded bank holding companies headquartered in theMid-Atlantic and New England with total assets between $950 million$1.5 billion and $1.25$4.0 billion, a last twelve months return on average assets between 0.25%0.00% and 1.75%, nonperforming assets to assets ratio less than 3.0%1.00%, and excluding merger targets (publicly announced) and MHCs. The companies included in this group were:

 

Company

  Ticker  State

Citizens & NorthernPeapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation

  CZNCPGCNJ

Financial Institutions, Inc.

FISINY

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

NFBKNJ

First of Long Island Corporation

FLICNY

Bar Harbor Bankshares

BHBME

First Connecticut Bancorp, Inc.

FBNKCT

Canandaigua National Corporation

CNNDNY

CNB Financial Corporation

CCNE  PA

Citizens Financial Services,Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.

  CZFSEBTCMA

Blue Hills Bancorp, Inc.

BHBKMA

BSB Bancorp, Inc.

BLMTMA

Western New England Bancorp, Inc.

WNEBMA

Peoples Financial Services Corp.

PFIS  PA

Community Financial CorporationRepublic First Bancorp, Inc.

  TCFCFRBK  MDPA

Revere Bank

  REVB  MD

ACNB CorporationCambridge Bancorp

  ACNBCATCMA

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

BCBPNJ

Old Line Bancshares, Inc.

OLBKMD

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

ESSA  PA

Shore Bancshares, Inc.Chemung Financial Corporation

  SHBIMD

Adirondack Trust Company

ADKTCHMG  NY

AmeriServBankwell Financial Group, Inc.

  ASRVBWFGCT

Codorus Valley Bancorp, Inc.

CVLY  PA

Unity Bancorp,SI Financial Group, Inc.

  UNTYSIFI  NJ

Franklin Financial Services Corporation

FRAFPA

Somerset Trust Holding Company

SOMEPA

QNB Corp.

QNBCPA

Evans Bancorp, Inc.

EVBNNY

First Keystone Corporation

FKYSPA

1st Summit Bancorp of Johnstown, Inc.

FSMKPA

Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc.

MPBPACT

To perform this analysis, Piper used financial information as of and for the period ended March 31, 20162017 (or as of the most recently available quarter). Market price information was as of July 11, 2016.June, 28, 2017. Earnings estimates for the years ending December 31, 20162017 and December 31, 20172018 for OceanFirst, Ocean ShoreSun and other selected companies were taken from Bloomberg Finance L.P. and SNL Financial, a nationally recognized earnings estimate consolidator.consolidators.

Piper’s analysis showed the following concerning the selected public companies for OceanFirst’s market performance:

 

   OCFC  OCFC
Group 25th
Percentile
  OCFC
Group
Median
  OCFC
Group 75th
Percentile
 

Stock Price / Tangible Book Value per Share(1)

   146.6  130.6  146.9  158.1

Core Deposit Premium(1)

   5.1  5.1  6.3  8.2

Stock Price / Last Twelve Months EPS(2)

   14.6  13.4  14.3  15.1

Stock Price / 2016 Est. EPS

   12.5  13.2  13.9  15.3

Stock Price / 2017 Est. EPS

   10.8  12.2  13.0  14.8
   OCFC  OCFC
Group 25th
Percentile
  OCFC
Group
Median
  OCFC
Group 75th
Percentile
 

Stock Price / Tangible Book Value per Share

   207.7  150.0  184.6  220.0

Core Deposit Premium

   11.6  9.3  11.8  14.8

Stock Price / Last Twelve Months EPS1

   17.5x   16.9x   18.6x   21.2x 

Stock Price / 2017E EPS

   16.4x   16.5x   17.3x   18.3x 

Stock Price / 2018E EPS

   14.6x   14.7x   15.6x   16.1x 

 

(1)OceanFirst estimated pro forma for acquisitionOCFC shown on a core basis excluding merger related expenses from the Ocean Shore transaction and the acceleration of Cape Bancorp, Inc.stock award expense from director retirement.
(2)Excludes non-recurring transaction charges associated with Cape Bancorp, Inc. acquisition.

Piper’s analysis showed the following concerning the selected public companies for Ocean Shore’sSun’s market performance:

 

  OSHC OSHC
Group 25th
Percentile
 OSHC
Group
Median
 OSHC
Group 75th
Percentile
   SNBC SNBC
Group 25th
Percentile
 SNBC
Group
Median
 SNBC
Group 75th
Percentile
 

Stock Price / Tangible Book Value per Share

   100.1 101.5 119.3 135.7   165.0 150.0 167.8 194.2

Core Deposit Premium

   0.0 0.2 1.9 4.0   12.2 6.4 8.3 10.1

Stock Price / Last Twelve Months EPS

   15.2 10.3 13.3 16.8

Stock Price / 2016 Est. EPS

   15.0 14.7 15.4 15.7

Stock Price / Last Twelve Months EPS1

   NM  16.6 20.1 21.5

Stock Price / 2017 Est. EPS

   14.9 13.1 14.3 14.9   NM  16.2 17.8 19.1

Stock Price / 2018 Est. EPS

   NM  13.4 15.2 17.1

Note: Price/ earnings is considered not meaningful “NM” when over 30.0x.

(1)SNBC “NM” on a core basis excluding DTA valuation allowance reversal taken in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Comparable Transaction Analysis. Piper reviewed certain publicly available information related to eleventwelve selected acquisitions of banks and bank holding companies as well as thrifts and thrift holding companies with headquarters in theMid-Atlantic and New England announced after January 1, 2013,2014, where deal value was available and the buyer was a bank or bank holding company or a thrift or thrift holding company, the seller was not an MHC and had total assets between $800 million$1.0 billion and $2$6.0 billion, a last twelve months return on average assets between 0.25%0.00% and 1.75%1.00%, and a nonperforming assets to assets ratio less than 3.0%. The transactions included in the group were:

 

Acquiror

  

Acquiree

InvestorsBerkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

  

Commerce Bancshares Corp.

Community Bank of PrincetonSystem, Inc.

Merchants Bancshares, Inc.

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

  

Ocean Shore Holding Co.

People’s United Financial, Inc.

Suffolk Bancorp

Bar Harbor Bankshares

Lake Sunapee Bank Group

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

Cape Bancorp, Inc.

Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania

  

Fox Chase Bancorp, Inc.

United Bankshares, Inc.

  

Bank of Georgetown

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.F.N.B. Corporation

  Community National Bank

Metro Bancorp, Inc.

S&TSterling Bancorp Inc.

  Integrity Bancshares, Inc.

Hudson Valley Holding Corp.

WesBanco, Inc.

  

ESB Financial Corporation

National Penn Bancshares, Inc.

TF Financial Corporation

Center Bancorp, Inc.

  

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

Team Capital Bank

Peoples Financial Services Corp.

Penseco Financial Services Corporation

Transaction multiples for the Transactionsintegrated mergers were derived based on an offer price of $22.40$25.18 per share for Ocean ShoreSun based on OceanFirst’s July 11, 2016June 28, 2017 closing price of $18.67.$27.15. For each precedent transaction, Piper derived and compared, among other things, the implied ratio of price per common share paid for the acquired company to:

 

tangible book value per share of the acquired company based on the latest financial statements of the company available prior to the announcement of the acquisition;

 

tangible equity premium to core deposits (total deposits less jumbo time deposits) based on the latest financial statements of the company available prior to the announcement of the acquisition;

 

the last twelve months earnings per share based on the latest financial statements of the company available prior to the announcement of the acquisition;

 

the current year earnings per share estimate of the acquired company, if available, from SNL Financial, a nationally recognized earnings estimate consolidator;

 

the forward year earnings per share estimate of the acquired company, if available, from SNL Financial, a nationally recognized earnings estimate consolidator; and

 

the stock price of the acquired company as of market close the day before the announcement of the acquisition.

The results of the analysis are set forth in the following table:

 

  OCFC /
OSHC
Merger1
 Comparable
Transactions
25th Percentile
 Comparable
Transactions
Median
 Comparable
Transactions

75th Percentile
   OCFC
/ SNBC
Merger
 Comparable
Transactions
25th
Percentile
 Comparable
Transactions
Median
 Comparable
Transactions

75th
Percentile
 

Market Premium

   2.2 18.7 26.5 33.6

Transaction Price / Tangible Book Value

   132.0 147.3 174.6 199.0   168.6 139.2 175.8 194.2

Core Deposit Premium

   4.9 8.5 9.7 15.0   12.6 5.6 10.3 12.5

Transaction Price / LTM Earnings Per Share

   20.0 17.9 19.8 23.0

Transaction Price / LTM Earnings Per Share1

   57.5x  17.8x  21.4x  22.3x 

Transaction Price / Current Year Earnings Per Share

   20.5 19.1 21.3 24.2   61.4x  19.3x  19.8x  23.3x 

Transaction Price / Forward Year Earnings Per Share

   19.8 17.1 20.0 22.1   47.1x  17.4x  18.1x  22.4x 

Market Premium

   31.8 15.4 22.7 39.0

 

(1)Ocean Shore estimated 2016E and 2017ESun LTM earnings provided by and discussed with OceanFirst senior management.based on core earnings excluding DTA valuation allowance reversal taken in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Piper performed a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate a range of the present values ofafter-tax cash flows that OceanFirst could provide to equity holders through the year ending December 31, 20212022 on a stand-alone basis.basis and on a pro forma basis giving effect to the integrated mergers. In performing this analysis, Piper used publicly available median analyst earnings estimates provided by SNL FinancialBloomberg Finance L.P. for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 20162017 and December 31, 2017,2018, with estimated earnings thereafter through the year ending December 31, 2022 based on estimated earnings growth between 8% and 9%2023 grown by 8.0% annually as provided by OceanFirst senior management. The analysis assumed discount rates ranging from 11.5%11.0% to 13.5%13.0%, which were assumed deviations, both up and down, as selected by Piper based on a discount rate of 12.4%12.1% as determined by Piper. The range of values for the discounted cash flow analysis was determined by adding (1) the present value of projected cash flows available to OceanFirst’s stockholders from 2016the year ending December 31, 2017 to 2021the year ending December 31, 2022 and (2) the present value of the terminal value of OceanFirst’s common stock. In determining cash flows available to OceanFirst stockholders, Piper assumed that OceanFirst would maintain a tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio of 8.0% and would retain sufficient earnings to maintain these levels. Any earnings in excess of what would need to be retained were assumed to be distributed as dividends to OceanFirst stockholders. In calculating the terminal value of OceanFirst, Piper applied terminal multiples ranging from 12.014.0 times to 14.016.0 times 2022the year ending December 31, 2023 estimated earnings. This resulted in a range of values of OceanFirst on a stand-alone basis from $20.57$26.20 to $25.19$31.51 per share and on a pro forma basis from $27.00 to $32.35 per share.

Piper also performed a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate a range of the present values ofafter-tax cash flows that Ocean ShoreSun could provide to equity holders through the year ending December 31, 20212022 on a stand-alone basis. In performing this analysis, Piper used Ocean Shorepublicly available analyst earnings estimates as provided by OceanFirst senior managementBloomberg Finance L.P. for Sun for the yearyears ending December 31, 20162017, December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2019 with estimated earnings thereafter through the year ending December 31, 2022 (as described below on page 84).2023 grown by 8.0% annually as provided by OceanFirst senior management. The analysis assumed discount rates ranging from 11.5%12.0% to 13.5%14.0%, which were assumed deviations, both up and down, as selected by Piper based on a discount rate of 12.4%13.0% as determined by Piper. The range of values for the discounted cash flow analysis was determined by adding (1) the present value of projected cash flows available to Ocean Shore’sSun’s stockholders from 2016the year ending December 31, 2017 to 2021the year ending December 31, 2022 and (2) the present value of the terminal value of Ocean Shore’sSun’s common stock. In determining cash flows available to Ocean ShoreSun stockholders, Piper assumed that Ocean ShoreSun would maintain a tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio of 8.0% and would retain sufficient earnings to maintain these levels. Any earnings in excess of what would need to be retained were assumed to be distributed as dividends to Ocean ShoreSun stockholders. In calculating the terminal value of Ocean Shore,Sun, Piper applied terminal multiples ranging from 12.014.0 times to 14.016.0 times 2022the year ending December 31, 2023 estimated earnings. This analysis resulted in a range of values of Ocean ShoreSun from $17.17$12.11 to $20.12$13.61 per share.

Piper also performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock on a pro forma basis assuming that Ocean ShoreSun performed in accordance with the earningspublicly available research analyst estimates, provided by OceanFirst management (as described below on page 84), inclusive of estimated synergies associated with the Transactions.integrated mergers. Piper utilized the same methodology as

described in the Ocean Shore stand aloneSun stand-alone discounted cash flow analysis. The analysis assumed discount rates ranging from 11.5%12.0% to 13.5%14.0%, which were assumed deviations, both up and down, as selected by Piper based on a discount rate of 12.4%13.0% as determined by Piper. In calculating the terminal value of Ocean Shore,Sun, Piper applied terminal multiples ranging from 12.014.0 times to 14.016.0 times 2022the year ending December 31, 2023 estimated earnings. This analysis resulted in a range of values of Ocean ShoreSun from $27.18$25.45 to $32.76$29.65 per share.

Piper stated that the discounted cash flow present value analysis is a widely used valuation methodology but noted that it relies on numerous assumptions, including asset and earnings growth rates, terminal values and discount rates. The analysis did not purport to be indicative of the actual values or expected values of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst.

Relative Contribution Analysis. Piper analyzed the relative contribution of OceanFirst and Sun to the pro forma market capitalization, balance sheet and income statement items of the combined entity, including pro forma market capitalization, assets, net loans, deposits, tangible common equity, analyst research estimated net income for the year ending December 31, 2018, and analyst research estimated net income for the year ending December 31, 2018 if cost savings, provided by OceanFirst senior management, were to be fullyphased-in. This analysis excluded all purchase accounting adjustments and was based on the closing prices of OceanFirst and Sun common stock on June 28, 2017 of $27.15 and $24.65, respectively. Piper compared the various contribution percentages, including the average and median percentages, to the pro forma equity ownership assuming 85% stock consideration and 100% stock consideration.

   Contribution 
   OceanFirst  Sun 

Market Capitalization

   65.2  34.8

Assets

   70.1  29.9

Net Loans

   70.6  29.4

Deposits

   70.8  29.2

Tangible Common Equity

   59.9  40.1

Estimated 2018 Full Year Net Income

   85.8  14.2

Estimated 2018 Full Year Net Income w/ FullyPhased-In Cost Savings

   64.9  35.1

Average

   70.4  29.6

Median

   70.3  29.7

Pro Forma Equity Ownership (At 85% Stock Consideration)

   68.1  31.9

Pro Forma Equity Ownership (At 100% Stock Consideration)

   64.3  35.7

Financial Impact Analysis. Piper performed pro forma merger analyses that combined projected income statement and balance sheet information of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore.Sun. Assumptions regarding the accounting treatment, acquisition adjustments, related expenses and cost savings were used to calculate the financial impact that the Transactionsintegrated mergers would have on certain projected financial results of OceanFirst. In the course of this analysis, Piper used Ocean Shorepublicly available analyst earnings projections, asestimates provided by OceanFirst’s senior management (as described below on page 84),Bloomberg Finance L.P. for Sun for the years ending December 31, 2016 through2017, December 31, 2022 (including

cost savings)2018, and December 31, 2019 with estimated earnings thereafter grown by 8.0% annually as provided by OceanFirst senior management and for OceanFirst used publicly available analyst earnings estimates provided by research analysts covering OceanFirstBloomberg Finance L.P. for the years ending December 31, 20162017 and December 31, 2017 of $32 million (adjusted for one-time expenses to be incurred in connection with the closing of the Cape acquisition) and $45 million, respectively,2018 with estimated earnings projections for years thereafter based on estimated earnings growth between 8% and 9%grown by 8.0% annually as provided by OceanFirst’sOceanFirst senior management.This analysis indicated that the Transactionsintegrated mergers would be accretive to OceanFirst’s estimated earnings per share in 2017 (excluding transaction expenses) and 2018.the year ending December 31, 2019 (the first year of fullyphased-in cost savings). The analysis also indicated that the Transactionsintegrated mergers would be 3.1%1.3% dilutive to tangible book value per share for OceanFirst with an earnback of 3.7approximately 3.6 years. Additionally, OceanFirst is estimatedassumed to maintain well-capitalized ratios per regulatory guidelines. For all of the above analyses, the actual results achieved by OceanFirst following the Transactionsintegrated mergers may vary from the projected results, and the variations may be material.

Other Analyses. Among other things, Piper reviewed balance sheet composition and other financial data for OceanFirst and Ocean Shore.Sun. With respect to OceanFirst and Ocean Shore’sSun’s public price, Piper reviewed the public price targets of four research analysts covering OceanFirst as provided by Bloomberg Finance L.P., a nationally recognized research price target consolidator, which ranged from $21.00$29.00 to $24.00$34.00 per share. Piper also reviewed the public price target of the soletwo research analyst covering Ocean ShoreSun as provided by Bloomberg Finance L.P., which was $20.00were $27.00 and $28.00 per share. Piper also reviewed the historical trading performances of shares of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore’sSun’s common stock during the52-week period ended July 11, 2016.June 28, 2017. OceanFirst’s common stock traded as low as $16.30$17.57 per share and as high as $20.94$30.70 per share, and the closing price of OceanFirst’s common stock on July 11, 2016June 28, 2017 was $18.67$27.15 per share. Ocean Shore’sSun’s common stock traded as low as $14.73$20.35 per share and as high as $18.00$26.80 per share, and the closing price of Ocean Shore’sSun’s common stock on July 11, 2016June 28, 2017 was $16.99$24.65 per share.

Piper’s Compensation and Other Relationships with OceanFirst.OceanFirst and Piper entered into an engagement letter dated April 8, 2016June 5, 2017 relating to the services to be provided by Piper in connection with the Transactions.integrated mergers. Pursuant to the engagement letter, OceanFirst agreed to pay Piper (a) a fee of $200,000$300,000 upon the delivery to the OceanFirst board of the written Piper opinion, which fee will be credited in full against the transaction fee; and (b) contingent upon closing of the Transactions,integrated mergers, a transaction fee of $1,100,000.$2,500,000. Pursuant to the Piper engagement letter, OceanFirst also agreed to reimburse Piper for reasonableout-of-pocket expenses and disbursements incurred in connection with its retention. OceanFirst has also agreed to indemnify Piper against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws, arising out of its engagement.

The Piper investment banking team that advised OceanFirst in connection with the Transactionsintegrated mergers also advised OceanFirst in connection with OceanFirst’s acquisition of Ocean Shore Holding Co., which closed in November 2016. The Piper investment banking team also advised OceanFirst (while at a prior firm) in connection with OceanFirst’s acquisition ofthe Colonial American Bank,acquisition, which acquisition closed in July 2015. Piper has not provided any other material investment banking or financial advisory services to OceanFirst, Ocean ShoreSun or their respective affiliates during the past two years; however, Piper may do so in the future, for which it would expect to receive compensation. In the ordinary course of Piper’s business as a broker-dealer, Piper may, from time to time, purchase securities from and sell securities to OceanFirst, Ocean ShoreSun or their affiliates.

Certain Unaudited Prospective Financial Information of Ocean Shore

As part of OceanFirst’s due diligence review in connection with the Transactions, OceanFirst’s management provided Piper and Sandler O’Neill, in connection with their respective opinions, certain non-public, preliminary internal financial forecasts of Ocean Shore’s operating results, as projected by OceanFirst on the basis of OceanFirst’s own assumptions regarding the operations of Ocean Shore (which we refer to as the “Ocean Shore projections”). The accompanying prospective financial information was not prepared with a view toward public disclosure or with a view toward complying with the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants with respect to prospective financial information, but, in the view of OceanFirst’s management, was prepared on a reasonable basis, reflects the best currently available estimates and judgments, and presents, to the best of OceanFirst’s management’s knowledge and belief, the expected course of action and the expected future financial performance of Ocean Shore, as projected by OceanFirst on the basis of OceanFirst’s own assumptions regarding the operations of Ocean Shore. However, this information is not fact and should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of actual future results, and readers of this joint proxy statement/prospectus are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the prospective financial information.

Neither OceanFirst’s independent auditors, nor any other independent accountants, have compiled, examined, or performed any procedures with respect to the prospective financial information contained herein, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information or its achievability, and assume no responsibility for, and disclaim any association with, the prospective financial information.

The Ocean Shore projections were prepared solely for internal use and are subjective in many respects. The Ocean Shore projections reflect numerous estimates and assumptions made with respect to business, economic, market, competition, regulatory and financial conditions and matters specific to the business of Ocean Shore, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of OceanFirst and Ocean Shore. The Ocean Shore projections reflect assumptions as to certain business decisions that are subject to change and, in many respects, subjective judgment, and thus are susceptible to multiple interpretations and periodic revisions based on actual experience and business developments. OceanFirst can give no assurance that the Ocean Shore projections and the underlying estimates and assumptions will be realized. In addition, because the Ocean Shore projections cover multiple years, the information by its nature becomes less predictive with each successive year. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth below, and important factors that may affect actual results and cause the Ocean Shore projections not to be realized include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to the business of Ocean Shore, industry performance, general business and economic conditions, customer requirements, competition and adverse changes in applicable laws, regulations or policies. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ are further described in the sections of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information,” “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page [•], page [•] and page [•], respectively. Stockholders are urged to review Ocean Shore’s most recent SEC filings for a description of risk factors with respect to its business.

Furthermore, the Ocean Shore projections do not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the date they were prepared. OceanFirst can give no assurance that, had the Ocean Shore projections been prepared either as of the date of the merger agreement or as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, similar estimates and assumptions would be used. OceanFirst does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, make publicly available any update or other revision to the Ocean Shore projections to reflect circumstances existing since their preparation or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, even in the event that any or all of the underlying assumptions are shown to be in error, or to reflect changes in general economic or industry conditions. The Ocean Shore projections do not give effect to any business or strategic decision or action that has been or will be taken as a result of the merger agreement having been executed, or the effect on Ocean Shore of any business or strategic decisions or actions that would likely have been taken if the merger agreement had not been executed, but which were instead altered, accelerated, postponed or not taken in anticipation of the Transactions. Further, the Ocean Shore projections do not take into account the effect on Ocean Shore of any possible failure of the Transactions to occur. None of OceanFirst, Ocean Shore or their respective affiliates, officers, directors, advisors or other representatives has made, makes or is authorized in the future to make any representation to any OceanFirst stockholder or Ocean Shore stockholder, or any other person, regarding Ocean Shore’s actual performance compared to the information contained in the Ocean Shore projections or that projected results will be achieved. The inclusion of the Ocean Shore projections should not be deemed an admission or representation by OceanFirst or Ocean Shore that it is viewed as material information of Ocean Shore, particularly in light of the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with such forecasts. The summary of the Ocean Shore projections included below is not being included to influence your decision whether to vote for the OceanFirst share issuance proposal or the Ocean Shore merger proposal, as applicable, nor should the Ocean Shore projections be construed as financial guidance, and they should not be relied on as such. The Ocean Shore projections are provided solely because they were made available to other parties in connection with the Transactions.

In light of the foregoing, and considering that the OceanFirst special meeting and the Ocean Shore special meeting will be held several months after the Ocean Shore projections were prepared, as well as the uncertainties inherent in any forecasted information, OceanFirst stockholders and Ocean Shore stockholders are cautioned not to place unwarranted reliance on such information in connection with their consideration of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal and the Ocean Shore merger proposal, as applicable.

The following unaudited prospective financial information with respect to Ocean Shore was provided to Piper and Sandler O’ Neill by senior management of OceanFirst.

   2016   2017   2018   2019   2020   2021 

Ocean Shore Net Income (in Millions)

  $6.8    $7.1    $7.9    $8.4    $9.0    $9.7  

Interests of Ocean Shore’sSun’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions

In considering the recommendation of the Ocean ShoreSun board, of directors that you vote to approve the merger agreement, youSun shareholders should be aware that Ocean Shore’sthe directors and executive officers of Sun have certain interests in the mergerTransactions that aremay be different from, or in addition to, thosethe interests of Ocean Shore’s stockholdersSun shareholders generally. The Ocean ShoreSun board of directors was aware of these interests and considered those interests,them, among other matters, in reachingmaking its decisions to (i) approve and adopt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and (ii) resolve to recommend the approval of the merger agreement to Ocean Shore stockholders. Ocean Shore’s stockholders should take these interests into account in deciding whether torecommendation that Sun shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the Sun merger agreement and whether to vote “FOR” the proposal to approve, by advisory (non-binding) vote, certain compensation arrangements for Ocean Shore’s named executive officers in connection with the merger.proposal. These interests are described in morefurther detail below, and certain of them are quantified in the narrative below and the table below.

Certain Assumptions

Except as otherwise specifically noted, for purposes of quantifying the potential payments and benefits described in this section, the following assumptions, as well as those described in the footnotes to the table under the heading “— Quantification of Payments and Benefits to Ocean Shore’s Named Executive Officers” below, were used:

The relevant price per share of Ocean Shore common stock is $21.71, which is the average closing price per share over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger agreement; and

The effective time of the first-step merger is assumed to occur on December 31, 2016 solely for purposes of the disclosure in this section, and each named executive officer is assumed to experience a qualifying termination of employment (as discussed below) on such date.

Treatment of Ocean ShoreSun Equity Awards

Treatment ofRestricted Stock Options.Awards: At the effective time, each restricted stock award granted by Sun will become fully vested, and each holder of such restricted stock awards will be entitled to receive the merger consideration and will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration with respect to each share of Sun common stock held subject to such awards, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the first-step merger agreement.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards: At the effective time, each Ocean Shorerestricted stock unit award granted by Sun will be cancelled, and each holder of such restricted stock unit awards will be entitled to receive the merger consideration and will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration with respect to each share of Sun common stock held subject to such awards, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement.

Stock Options: At the effective time, each outstanding and unexercised option to purchase Sun common stock will fully vest and be converted into a stockan option exercisable for thatto purchase a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by multiplying (i) the number of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock subject to the Ocean Shoresuch Sun stock option immediately prior to the effective time of the first-step merger by (ii) 1.2084, with anthe exchange ratio; and the exercise price per share (rounded up toof the nearest whole cent)new option will be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A)(a) the per share exercise price for each share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock subject to the Ocean Shore stocksuch Sun option by (B) 1.2084. Each Ocean Shore stock option assumed and converted will continue to be subject(b) the exchange ratio (rounded up to the same terms and conditions (other than vesting conditions)nearest whole cent).

Any Sun equity awards that do not vest as applicable immediately prior toof the effective time would be eligible for accelerated vesting upon the holder’s termination of employment without cause, due to death or disability or, in the case of the first-step merger.

executive officers, resignation for good reason.

Treatment of Restricted Stock Awards. At the effective time of the first-step merger, each Ocean Shore restricted stock award will fully vest and be converted into the right to receive, without interest, the merger consideration payable under the merger agreement.

Quantification of Value of Unvested Equity Awards. For an estimate of the valueamounts that would become payable to be received by each of Ocean Shore’sSun’s named executive officers in respectupon the vesting and settlement of their unvested Ocean Shore equity awards, outstanding as of the date hereof, assuming all such awards vest at the effective time of the first-step merger, see “— Quantification of Payments and Benefits to Ocean Shore’sSun’s Named Executive Officers” below. NoneSun estimates, based on an assumed effective time of Ocean Shore’s August 15, 2017 and a price per share of Sun common stock of $24.72 (the average closing price of shares of Sun common stock on the five business days following the announcement of the Transactions), that the aggregate amount that would become payable to its three executive officers who are not named executive officers in settlement of their unvested equity awards if each experienced a qualifying termination of employment immediately following the effective time would be $582,320, and the aggregate amount that would become payable to its ninenon-employee directors (excluding Chair Anthony Coscia, who does not hold any unvested Ocean Shore stock options or restricted stock.equity awards) in settlement of their unvested equity awards would be $318,146.

Employment Agreement between Steven E. Brady and Ocean ShoreChange in Control Continuity Arrangements

Ocean Shore maintains an employment agreementSun is party to change in control continuity agreements with Steven E. Brady,each of its President and Chief Executive Officer, that provides for the followingexecutive officers, which agreements provide certain severance benefits if, within two years afterupon a change in control Ocean Shoreof Sun (such as the integrated mergers) or its successor terminates Mr. Brady’sa qualifying termination of employment thereafter. If the employment of an executive officer of Sun were terminated by Sun without cause or Mr. Brady voluntarily terminates employment “withby the executive officer for good reason”:reason within two years following the effective time, the executive officer would be entitled to the following:

 

a lump sum cash payment equal to 2.99 times
Prorated Annual Incentive. A cash payment equal to the executive officer’s target annual incentive opportunity, prorated for the portion of the year elapsed as of the termination date, which amount would be payable in a lump sum within thirty days following the date of termination;

Severance Payment. A cash severance payment equal to the product of (a) a severance multiple of either three (for Messrs. O’Brien, Brugger, Katsoulis and Morris and Mss. Estep and Schaubeck) or one (for all other executive officers), multiplied by (b) the sum of the executive officer’s annual base salary plus highest annual incentive earned or payable over a multi-year period preceding the change in control, which amount would be payable in a lump sum within 30 days following the date of termination;

Retirement Benefits Payment. A cash payment in lieu of employer retirement plan contributions that would have been made during the number of years following the date of termination equal to the severance multiple, which amount would be payable in a lump sum within thirty days following the date of termination;

Welfare Benefits Payment. A cash payment equal to 125% of the expected cost of premiums for coverage under Sun’s welfare plans for the number of years following the date of termination equal to the severance multiple, which amount would be payable in a lump sum within thirty days following the date of termination; and

Equity Awards. Vesting of any unvested equity awards. In addition, upon a change in control, Mr. O’Brien would be entitled to automatic vesting of any unvested equity compensation awards, regardless of whether his employment terminates.

None of the averageexecutive officers are eligible for agross-up in respect of his annual compensation (including all taxable income plus any retirement contributions or benefits made or accrued on his behalf) overexcise taxes that might be incurred under Section 4999 of the five calendar years precedingCode. Instead, the change in control;

the benefits he would have received under Ocean Shore’s retirement programs for a period of 36 months (with the amount of such benefits determined by the benefits received by him or accrued on his behalf during the 12 months preceding the change in control); and

continued health, life and disability insurance coverage for a period of 36 months.

The employment agreement with Mr. Brady providescontrol continuity agreements provide that upon Mr. Brady’s termination of employment at or after attaining age 60 for any reason other than cause, Ocean Shore will continue health insurance coverage for Mr. Brady and his spouse through the date that each of them attain age 65 and that, thereafter, Ocean Shore will fund the cost of Medicare supplement coverage for Mr. Brady and his spouse for the remainder of their respective lives.

Under the employment agreement with Mr. Brady, any payments or benefits payable to himthereunder would be reduced to the extent that such payments or benefits would result in the imposition ofnecessary to avoid an excise taxestax under Section 4999 of the Code, unlessexcept that in the case of Mr. BradyO’Brien, such reduction would be better off on an after-tax basis receiving all such payments or benefits.

As described belowapply only to the extent that it would result in “— Agreements with OceanFirst,” it is anticipated that Mr. Brady will enter into a separation and consulting agreement with OceanFirst that will be effective as ofgreaterafter-tax benefit to him. Prior to the effective time, Sun may take certain actions to mitigate the impact of Section 4999 of the first-step merger. The separation and consulting agreement will provide for payments and benefitsCode, including if Sun reasonably determines that will be made in full satisfaction of Mr. Brady’s rights under his employment agreement in connection with his termination thereunder. The separation and consulting agreement will also set forth the terms and conditions of Mr. Brady’s consulting arrangement with OceanFirst and his role as a director of OceanFirst and include non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions. The potential payments payable by OceanFirst under the separation and consulting agreement will only become payable after the effective time will occur after December 31, 2017, accelerating into 2017 the vesting or payment of the first-step merger. See “Quantification of Payments and Benefits to Ocean Shore’s Named Executive Officers” for the anticipated value of the payments andcompensation or benefits that willare scheduled to be made to Mr. Brady as ofpaid either in 2018 or upon the effective time, of the first-step merger.or paying out accrued paid time off or sick leave.

Change in Control Agreements between Other Executive Officers and Ocean Shore

Ocean Shore maintainsThe change in control continuity agreements with all of its executive officers (other than Mr. Brady), that provide for severance benefits insubject the event of a termination of employment by Ocean Shore (or a successor) without cause or a resignation by the executive for “good reason” within one year following the change in control (which we refer to as a “qualifying termination”).

The agreements provide that, in the event of a qualifying termination, eachapplicable executive officer of Ocean Shore would be entitled to the following severance benefits:

a lump sum cash payment equal to three times (for Paul J. Esposito, Ocean Shore’s Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, two times) his or her average taxable income over the five years preceding the year in which the change in control occurs; and

continued health and welfare insurance coverage for a period of 36 months (for Mr. Esposito, 24 months) following the qualifying termination.

Under the change in control agreements, any payments or benefits payableconfidentiality covenant, while all other restrictive covenants applicable to the executive officer will be reduced towould lapse upon the extent that such payments or benefits would resultchange in the loss of deductibility to Ocean Shore under Section 280Gcontrol.

For an estimate of the Code and impositionamounts that would become payable to each of excise taxes on theSun’s named executive officerofficers under Section 4999his or her change in control continuity agreement if a severance-qualifying termination of employment were to occur immediately following consummation of the Code.

Seeintegrated mergers, see “— Quantification of Potential Payments and Benefits to Ocean Shore’sSun’s Named Executive Officers” below forOfficers in Connection with the Transactions.” Sun estimates that the aggregate value of these payments andthe prorated annual incentive, severance payment, retirement benefits for each of Ocean Shore’s Named Executive Officers. For Mr. Esposito, assuming a qualifying termination as of the effective time of the first-step merger, the value of his lump sum cash payment would be $359,133, and the value of continued health and welfare insurance coverage for 24 monthsbenefits payment that would be $38,300.

As described below in “— Agreements with OceanFirst,” it is anticipated that Janet M. Bossi, Ocean Shore’s Executive Vice President, and Kim M. Davidson, Ocean Shore’s Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary, will enter into arrangements with OceanFirst effective as of the effective time of the first-step merger that will provide for certain payments in lieu of the lump sum cash paymentbecome payable to Sun’s three other executive officers under their change in control continuity agreements and set forth their new positions at OceanFirst followingif the effective time of the first-step merger.

Salary Continuation Agreements

Ocean Shore maintains salary continuation agreements withwere August 15, 2017, and each of Ocean Shore’s executive officers, other than Donald F. Morgenweck, Ocean Shore’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Esposito, to provide them with additional compensation at retirement. Under their salary continuation agreements, these executive officers will receive an annual benefit (the normal retirement benefit) payable in monthly installments uponincurred a severance-qualifying termination of employment after having reachedon that date, to be $1,934,534.

Prorated Annual Incentive

Pursuant to the normal retirement age specified interms of the agreement. A reduced benefit is payablemerger agreement, if the executive officer retires prior to the normal retirement age. The early termination benefit equals the normal retirement benefit multiplied by a fraction based on the executive’s years of service. If, following a change in control, the executive officer terminates employment prior to normal retirement age, other than for cause, the executive officer will be entitled to the normal retirement benefit, payable beginning in the month following termination of employment. Mr. Brady has not reached normal retirement age under his supplemental salary continuation agreement and Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson have not reached normal retirement age under their salary continuation agreements and, therefore, the merger will entitle them to an enhanced benefit if they terminate employment following the merger. See “— Quantification of Payments and Benefits to Ocean Shore’s Named Executive Officers” below for the value of the enhanced benefits to which Mr. Brady, Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson will be entitled.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

Ocean Shore maintains a supplemental executive retirement plan in which Mr. Brady is the only participant. This plan provides for a benefit if a change in controleffective time occurs prior to the complete scheduled paymentend of 2017, within five days prior to the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) acquisition loans. Theeffective time, Sun may pay annual incentive awards to eligible employees (including the executive officers) in an amount determined based on the greater of the benefit equals the total number of shares of Ocean Shore common stock that would have been allocated to Mr. Brady under the ESOP had he remained employed through the last scheduled payment on all outstanding ESOP acquisition loans, minus the number of shares allocated to Mr. Bradytarget and actual and forecasted performance as of the change in control. See “— Quantification of Payments and Benefits to

Ocean Shore’s Named Executive Officers” below for the value of the benefit to which Mr. Brady will be entitled under this plan.

Agreements with OceanFirst

It is anticipated that Mr. Brady will enter into a separation and consulting agreement with OceanFirst that will set forth Mr. Brady’s entitlements and continuing obligations in connection with his termination of employment with Ocean Shore and Ocean City Home Bank following the effective time of the first-step merger and his service as a non-employee director of and consultant to OceanFirst. It is also anticipated that Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson will each enter into arrangements with OceanFirst that will set forth their new positions at OceanFirst following the effective time of the first-step merger. All arrangements entered into with OceanFirst will be effective ascompletion of the effective time and prorated based on the portion of the first-step merger.

Separation and Consulting Agreement — Mr. Brady.The separation and consulting agreement will provide for a consulting termyear elapsed as of 18 months and a consulting fee of $4,167 per month. During the consulting period, OceanFirst anticipates that Mr. Brady will provide services and advice regarding the integration of Ocean Shore and OceanFirst, as well as transition planning in his role as Vice Chairman of the Southern Division of OceanFirst. If Mr. Brady’s service is terminated by OceanFirst before the end of the consulting term, he will be entitled to continued payment of the monthly consulting fees for the remainder of the consulting period.time. In addition, the separation and consulting agreement provides Mr. Brady with use of a company-owned vehicle, reimbursement of associated expenses and the payment of annual golf club dues during the consulting period. In no event will the total compensation paid to Mr. Brady by OceanFirst for his services as a director and a consultant to OceanFirst and its affiliates exceed $195,000 in any single twelve (12) month period.

The agreement provides that Mr. Brady will be subject to restrictive covenants in favor of OceanFirst, including an indefinite restriction on the disclosure of confidential information, an agreement not to disparage OceanFirst and non-competition and non-solicitation covenants. The non-competition and non-solicitation covenants apply until 36 months following the termination or the expiration of the consulting period.

Arrangements with Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson.The agreements forMs. Bossi and Ms. Davidson will provide for certain payments in lieu of the lump sum cash payment under their change in control agreements and set forth their new positions at OceanFirst followingif the effective time occurs after March 1, 2018, Sun may pay prorated annual incentive awards in respect of 2018 on the same terms as the prorated annual incentive awards in respect of 2017. Because the values included in this section assume that each of the first-step merger. Followingexecutive officers would experience a termination of employment during 2017 at the effective time of the first-step merger, Ms. Bossi will serve as Senior Vice President — Residential/Commercial Lending of OceanFirst and Ms. Davidson will serve as Senior Vice President — Southern Division Retail of OceanFirst.

Split-Dollar Insurance Agreements

Ocean Shore maintains split dollar life insurance agreements with Mr. Brady, Ms. Bossi, Ms. Davidson and Anthony J. Rizzotte, Ocean Shore’s Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, that provide that the executive officer’s designated beneficiary willeach would receive a portion of the proceeds of certain life insurance policies covering the executive officer if the executive officer dies while employed by Ocean Shore. Under the terms of the agreements, if the executive officer terminates employment and qualifies as an eligible retiree or terminates employment other than for cause following a change in control, the agreement will continue in effect unless mutually terminated; provided, however, that the split dollar life insurance agreements will terminate as of the date that the executive officer has been paid all benefits to which he or she is entitledprorated annual incentive under his or her salary continuation agreement. Mr. Brady and Mr. Rizzotte are eligible retireeschange in control continuity agreement, no value is attributed to the prorated annual incentive payable under the split dollar life insurance agreements; accordingly,merger agreement.

Post-Closing Roles

As noted above, two current members of the merger has no impact onSun board would be appointed to the continuationOceanFirst board and the board of their split dollar life insurance agreements. If Ms. Bossi or Ms. Davidson terminate employment followingdirectors of OceanFirst bank at the effective time of the first-step merger, their split dollar life insurance agreements will remain in effect unless mutually terminated.time.

See “— Quantification of Payments and Benefits to Ocean Shore’s Named Executive Officers” below for the present value of the value of the insurance coverage that would be provided to Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson through the date on which they attain normal retirement age under their split dollar life insurance agreements.

Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

UnderPursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, OceanFirst has agreed, following the effective time of the first-step merger, to indemnifyfrom and hold harmless all present and former directors, officers and employees of Ocean Shore and its subsidiaries against all costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, whether arising before or after the effective time, each of OceanFirst and the first-step merger, arising out of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of Ocean Shore or its subsidiariescombined company would indemnify certain persons, including Sun’s directors and pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the effective time of the first-step merger, including the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, to the same extent such persons are indemnified as of the date of the merger agreement by Ocean Shore pursuant to Ocean Shore’s certificate of incorporation, Ocean Shore’s bylaws or the governing or organizational documents of any subsidiary of Ocean Shore, and has also agreed to advance expenses to such persons to the same extent as such persons are entitled to advancement of expenses as of the date of the merger agreement by Ocean Shore pursuant to Ocean Shore’s certificate of incorporation, Ocean Shore’s bylaws or the governing or organizational documents of any subsidiary of Ocean Shore, except that, if required, such person provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification.

The merger agreement requires the surviving corporation to maintain,executive officers. In addition, for a period of not less than six years after completion of the first-step merger, Ocean Shore’s existing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, or policies with a substantially comparable insurer of at least the same coverage and amounts and containing terms and conditions that are no less advantageous to the insured, with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred at or prior to the completion of the integrated mergers. However, the surviving corporation is not required to spend annually more than the 200% of the annual premium currently paid by Ocean Shore under its current policy, and if such premiums for such insurance would at any time exceed that amount, then the surviving corporation will maintain policies of insurance which, in its good faith determination, provide the maximum coverage available at an annual premium equal to the premium cap. In lieu of the foregoing, Ocean Shore, in consultation with, but only upon the prior written consent of OceanFirst, may (and at the request of OceanFirst, Ocean Shore will use its reasonable best efforts to) obtain at or prior to the effective time, OceanFirst would maintain an insurance policy for the benefit of the first-step merger a six year “tail” policy under Ocean Shore’s existingcertain persons, including Sun’s directors and officers insurance policy providing equivalent coverage to that described in the preceding sentence if suchexecutive officers. For a policy can be obtained for an amount that, in the aggregate, does not exceed 300%more detailed description of the current annual premium paid as of the date of the merger agreement by Ocean Shore for such insurance. For additional informationthese covenants and agreements, see the section entitled “The Merger Agreement —Director— Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance” beginning on page [●] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.Insurance.”

Appointment to the Board of Directors

The merger agreement provides that, at the effective time of the first-step merger, OceanFirst will expand its board of directors from 10 members to 13 members and will appoint Mr. Brady and two other current directors of Ocean Shore to the OceanFirst board.

Advisory Board

At or promptly following the effective time of the first-step merger, OceanFirst will create an advisory board, the purpose of which shall be to advise OceanFirst with respect to the integration of Ocean Shore’s business, as well as to maintain and develop customer and other stakeholder relationships in Ocean Shore’s market area. The advisory board will consist of Mr. Brady and each member of the Ocean Shore board of directors who has not been appointed to the OceanFirst board of directors. As consideration for service on the advisory board, each such member (other than Mr. Brady) will be entitled to receive compensation in the amount of $30,000 per year for a period of two years following the closing of the first-step merger.

Quantification of Potential Payments and Benefits to Ocean Shore’sSun’s Named Executive Officers in Connection with the Transactions

The information set forth in the table below is intended to comply with Item 402(t) of RegulationS-K under the SEC’s Regulation S-K,Securities Act, which requires disclosure of information about certain compensation for each of Sun’s named

executive officer of Ocean Shoreofficers that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger (which we refer to as “merger-related compensation”).

The merger-related compensation described belowTransactions and assumes, among other things, that each of Sun’s named executive officers is based on the existing agreements with Ocean Shore. The table does not include amounts payable under the anticipated new agreements with OceanFirstterminated without cause immediately following the effective time of the first-step merger. For additional details regarding the anticipated new agreements with OceanFirst, see the discussion under the heading “— Agreements with OceanFirst” above.

time. The tableamounts indicated below sets forth the amount of payments and benefits that each of Ocean Shore’s named executive officers would receive in connection with the first-step merger,are estimates based on multiple assumptions that may or may not actually occur or be accurate on the relevant date, including the assumptions described below, and do not reflect certain compensation actions that may occur before the effective time. For purposes of calculating such amounts, we have assumed:

August 15, 2017 as the closing date of the integrated mergers; and

Each named executive officer experiences a severance-qualifying termination of employment immediately following the effective time.

Golden Parachute Compensation 

Name

  Cash
($)(1)
   Equity
($)(2)
   Total
($)(3)
 

Named Executive Officers

      

Thomas M. O’Brien

   4,486,119    2,378,036    6,864,155 

Thomas R. Brugger

   1,526,194    399,637    1,925,831 

Nicos Katsoulis

   2,108,653    1,411,034    3,519,687 

Anthony J. Morris

   1,430,942    363,246    1,794,188 

Patricia M. Schaubeck

   1,429,985    391,446    1,821,431 

(1)The cash amount, which would be payable to each named executive officer in a lump sum within 30 days following the date of termination, consists of the following components:
(a)An amount equal to the named executive officer’s target annual incentive opportunity, prorated for the portion of the year elapsed as of the termination date;
(b)An amount equal to the product of (i) three, multiplied by (ii) the sum of the named executive officer’s annual base salary plus highest annual incentive earned or payable over a multi-year period preceding the effective time;
(c)An amount in lieu of employer retirement plan contributions that would have been made during the three years following the date of termination; and
(d)An amount equal to 125% of the expected cost of premiums for coverage under Sun’s welfare plans for three years following the date of termination

All components of such cash amount are “double-trigger” (i.e., they are contingent upon a qualifying termination of employment). The estimated amount of each component of the cash payment is set forth in the footnotestable below.

Name

  Prorated
Annual
Incentive
($)
   Severance
Payment
($)
   Retirement
Benefits
Payment
($)
   Welfare
Benefits
Payment
($)
 

Named Executive Officers

        

Thomas M. O’Brien

   349,829    4,024,521    31,800    79,969 

Thomas R. Brugger

   70,743    1,350,000    31,800    73,651 

Nicos Katsoulis

   130,603    1,890,000    31,800    56,250 

Anthony J. Morris

   65,301    1,275,000    31,800    58,841 

Patricia M. Schaubeck

   65,301    1,302,084    31,800    30,800 

If the effective time occurs prior to the end of 2017, within five days prior to the effective time, Sun may pay annual incentive awards to eligible employees (including the executive officers) in an amount determined based on the greater of target and actual and forecasted performance as of the completion of the effective time and prorated based on the portion of the year elapsed as of that time. In addition, if the effective time occurs after March 1, 2018, Sun may pay prorated annual incentive awards in respect of 2018 on the same terms as the prorated annual incentive awards in respect of 2017. Because the values included in this table assume that each of the named executive officers would experience a termination of employment during 2017 at the effective time and reflectseach would receive a prorated annual incentive under his or her change in control continuity agreement, no value is attributed to the vestingprorated annual incentive payable under the merger agreement.

(2)As described in more detail in “The Merger Agreement — Treatment of Sun Equity-Based Awards,” (a) each outstanding stock option to purchase Sun common stock would convert at the effective time into an option to purchase a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock and (b) each outstanding Sun restricted stock award or restricted stock unit would vest “single-trigger” at the effective time and would convert into the right to receive the merger consideration with respect to each share of Sun common stock subject thereto. Any unvested stock options that are held by Mr. O’Brien would vest single-trigger at the effective time, while those held by the other named executive officers would vest “double-trigger” upon a qualifying termination of employment thereafter.

The amounts above and in the table below assume a price per share of certainSun common stock of $24.72 (the average closing price of shares of Sun common stock on the five business days following the announcement of the Transactions). Set forth below are the values of each type of unvested Sun equity awardsaward held by the named executive officers as of August 1, 2016 that would vest in accordance with their terms prior tobecome vested at the effective time of the first-step merger. For purposes of calculating such amounts, in addition to the assumptions described in the footnotes to the table below, the following assumptions were used:

The amounts below are determined using a price per share of Ocean Shore common stock of $21.71, which is the average closing price per share over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger agreement;

The effective time of the first-step merger is assumed to occur on December 31, 2016 solely for purposes of the disclosure in this section, and each named executive officer is assumed to experienceor a qualifying termination on such date; and

Except where otherwise indicated, the amounts below have not been reduced to reflect any reduction in benefits that may be applicable under the terms of the employment and change in control agreements to avoid any loss of deductibility under Section 280G of the Code and imposition of excise taxes on the named executive officer under Section 4999 of the Code.

Golden Parachute Compensationthereafter.

 

Name

  Cash
($)(1)
   Equity
($)(2)
   Pension/
NQDC
($)(3)
   Perquisites/
Benefits
($)(4)
   Total
($)
 

Steven E. Brady

   2,236,067     101,980     910,187     0     3,248,234  

Janet M. Bossi

   618,510     80,141     291,630     6,702     966,983  

Kim M. Davidson

   691,637     74,214     195,037     3,449     964,337  

Donald F. Morgenweck

   627,270     64,167     0     0     691,437  

Anthony J. Rizzotte

   851,925     74,214     0     0     926,039  

(1)Cash. The employment agreement between Ocean Shore and Mr. Brady provides the following cash severance payment if within two years after a change in control, Ocean Shore terminates Mr. Brady’s employment without cause or Mr. Brady voluntarily terminates employment “with good reason”: (a) a lump sum cash payment equal to 2.99 times the average of his annual compensation (including all taxable income plus any retirement contributions or benefits made or accrued on his behalf) over the five calendar years preceding the change in control; and (b) the benefits he would have received under Ocean Shore’s retirement programs for a period of 36 months. The change in control agreements with each of the other named executive officers provide for a cash severance payment in the event of termination of employment by Ocean Shore without cause or a resignation by the executive for “good reason” within one year following the change in control of Ocean Shore equal to three times the executive officer’s average taxable income over the five years preceding the year in which the change in control occurs. The cash payments under Mr. Brady’s employment agreement and the change in control agreements with the other named executive officers would be “double-trigger.” The potential payments for consulting services payable by OceanFirst under the separation and consulting agreement with Mr. Brady are not included in the table, and these amounts will only become payable subject to his continued service after the effective time of the first-step merger or in connection with certain terminations thereof. The potential payments under the OceanFirst arrangements with Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson are also not included in the table.
(2)

Equity. As described above, all unvested equity-based awards held by Ocean Shore’s named executive officers will become vested at the effective time of the first-step merger (i.e., “single-trigger” vesting) and will either (a) be settled for the merger consideration, in the case of Ocean Shore restricted stock awards, or (b) be assumed by OceanFirst, in the case of Ocean Shore stock options. Set forth below are the values of each type of equity-based award outstanding as

of the date hereof that would become vested upon the effective time of the first-step merger, based on a price per share of Ocean Shore common stock of $21.71.

Name

  Stock Options
($)
   Restricted Stock
($)
 

Steven E. Brady

   15,140     86,840  

Janet M. Bossi

   15,011     65,130  

Kim M. Davidson

   9,084     65,130  

Donald F. Morgenweck

   7,721     56,466  

Anthony J. Rizzotte

   9,084     65,130  

Name

  Stock
Options
(Single-
Trigger)
($)
   Stock
Options
(Double-
Trigger)
($)
   Restricted
Stock
(Single-
Trigger)
($)
   Restricted
Stock
Units
(Single-
Trigger)
($)
 

Named Executive Officers

        

Thomas M. O’Brien

   229,400    —      1,404,045    744,591 

Thomas R. Brugger

   —      80,553    264,923    54,161 

Nicos Katsoulis

   —      61,720    483,274    866,040 

Anthony J. Morris

   —      42,702    264,924    55,620 

Patricia M. Schaubeck

   —      36,739    262,007    92,700 

 

(3)Pension/NQDCThe total amount in the table reflects the aggregate dollar value of pension and nonqualified deferred compensation benefit enhancements. Set forth below are (a) the benefit enhancementdoes not take into account any reduction to avoid an excise tax under the salary continuation agreements, which is the difference between the present valueSection 4999 of the early retirement benefit payable under the salary continuation agreement with the named executive officer and the present valueCode. None of the changeexecutive officers are eligible for agross-up in control benefitrespect of excise taxes that might be incurred under Section 4999 of the Code. Instead, any payments would be payable ifreduced to the executive officer terminates employment following the completion of the merger, in each case using a discount rate of 6.0%, and (b) the supplemental stock ownership benefit under the supplemental executive retirement plan, calculated as 35,395 shares of Ocean Shore common stock valued at $21.71 per share. The enhanced benefit under the salary continuation agreements is “double-trigger” and the supplemental stock ownership benefit under the supplemental executive retirement plan is “single-trigger.”

Name

  Salary
Continuation
Agreements

($)
   Supplemental
Executive
Retirement
Plan

($)
 

Steven E. Brady

   141,762     768,425  

Janet M. Bossi

   291,630     0  

Kim M. Davidson

   195,037     0  

Donald F. Morgenweck

   0     0  

Anthony J. Rizzotte

   0     0  

(4)Perquisites/Benefits. The amount in the table reflects the benefit enhancement under the split dollar life insurance agreements for Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson, calculated as the present value of the value of the insurance coverage under the split dollar insurance agreements with Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson through the date on which each executive attains normal retirement age under their respective salary continuation agreements. Such benefit is “single-trigger.” As discussed in “— Employment Agreement between Steven E. Brady and Ocean Shore” above, Mr. Brady would be entitled to continuation of coverage under Ocean Shore’s health and welfare plans for 36 months following his termination of employment. Because Mr. Brady will receive continued coverage as a director of OceanFirst, the value of the continuing insurance coverage is not included in the table above. As discussed in “—Change in Control Agreements between Other Executive Officers and Ocean Shore” above, Ms. Bossi, Ms. Davidson, Mr. Morgenweck and Mr. Rizzotte are entitled to continuation of coverage under Ocean Shore’s health and welfare plans for 36 months following termination of employment within 12 months after a change in control. Ms. Bossi and Ms. Davidson will not be entitled to continuing insurance benefits under their change in control agreements because they will be employees of OceanFirst after the merger. Because Mr. Morgenweck’s and Mr. Rizzotte’s change in control agreements require a reduction in benefitsextent necessary to avoid adversean excise tax consequences under Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code, except that in the case of Mr. Morgenweck and Mr. Rizzotte are assumedO’Brien, such reduction would apply only to elect to forego receipt of continued insurance benefitsthe extent that it would result in order to receive a greater cash severance payment. The estimated valueafter-tax benefit to him. Based on the assumptions described above, the payments to the named executive officers of Sun would be reduced by the following amounts: Mr. O’Brien: $693,845; Mr. Brugger: $520,999; Mr. Katsoulis: $570,165; Mr. Morris: $579,119; and Ms. Schaubeck: $512,760. Prior to the effective time, Sun may take certain actions to mitigate the impact of Section 4999 of the continued insurance coverageCode, including if Sun reasonably determines that both Mr. Rizzotte and Mr. Morgenweckthe effective time will occur after December 31, 2017, accelerating into 2017 the vesting or payment of compensation or benefits that are assumedscheduled to have elected to forego is $28,485.be paid either in 2018 or upon the effective time, or paying out accrued paid time off or sick leave.

Public Trading Markets

OceanFirst common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OCFC” and Ocean ShoreSun common stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OSHC.“SNBC.” Upon completion of the first-step merger, Ocean ShoreSun common stock will no longer be listed on the NASDAQ and will bede-registered under the Exchange Act. It is a condition to each party’s obligations to complete the integrated mergers that the OceanFirst common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement be authorized for listing on the NASDAQ (subject to official notice of issuance). Immediately following the completion of the Transactions, shares of OceanFirst common stock will continue to be traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OCFC.”

Dividend Policy

OceanFirst currently pays a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13$0.15 per share, which is expected to continue, although the OceanFirst board may change this dividend policy at any time. Ocean ShoreSun currently pays quarterly cash dividends of $0.06$0.01 per share, which is expected to continue until the effective time, although, subject to certain restrictions in the merger agreement, the Ocean ShoreSun board may change this dividend policy at any time. OceanFirst stockholders will be entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the OceanFirst board out of funds legally available for dividends. The OceanFirst board will consider OceanFirst’s financial condition and

level of net income, future prospects, economic condition, industry practices and other factors, including applicable banking laws and regulations, in determining whether to pay dividends in the future and the amount of such dividends.

OceanFirst’s principal source of income is dividends that are declared and paid by OceanFirst Bank on its capital stock. Therefore, OceanFirst’s ability to pay dividends is dependent upon the receipt of dividends from OceanFirst Bank. Insured depository institutions such as OceanFirst Bank are prohibited from making capital distributions, including the payment of dividends, if, after making such distribution, the institution would become “undercapitalized,” as such term is defined in the applicable law and regulations. In the future, any declaration and payment of cash dividends will be subject to the OceanFirst board’s evaluation of OceanFirst’s operating results, financial condition, future growth plans, general business and economic conditions, and tax and other relevant considerations. The payment of cash dividends by OceanFirst in the future will also be subject to certain other legal and regulatory limitations and ongoing review by the OceanFirst’s banking regulators.

No Dissenters’ Rights

Dissenters’ rights are statutory rights that, if applicable under law, enable stockholders to dissent from an extraordinary transaction, such as a merger, and to demand that the corporation pay the fair value of their shares as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead of receiving the consideration offered to stockholders in connection with the extraordinary transaction. New Jersey law provides that a stockholder is not entitled to demand the fair value of his or her shares of stock in any transaction if, among other things, the stock is listed on a national securities exchange, if cash is to be received or the securities to be received are listed on a national securities exchange. Because Ocean Shore’sSun’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ, the holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock are not entitled to dissenters’ or appraisal rights in the first-step merger.

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Transactions

Completion of the Transactions is subject to receipt of certain approvals, waivers and consents from applicable governmental and regulatory authorities, without certain conditions being imposed by any governmental authority as part of a regulatory approval that would reasonably be expected to result in a materially burdensome regulatory condition. Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts and cooperate to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation and to obtain as promptly as practicable all regulatory approvals necessary or advisable to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. These include, among others, approval (or waiver of such approval) from the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC. OceanFirst and Ocean Shore submittedintends to submit the FRB waiver request on August 26, 2016application and the OCC application on August 18, 2016.as promptly as practicable. As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the FRB waiver request has been granted,application and the OCC application remains outstanding.have not yet been submitted. Although neither Ocean Shore nor OceanFirst knows of anyno reason why the FRB application or the OCC application should not be approved in a timely manner, Ocean Shore and OceanFirst cannot be certain when, or if, the FRB application and the OCC application will be approved.

Federal Reserve Board

OceanFirst Bank is currently a federal savings association, and OceanFirst is currently a savings and loan holding company regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve Board under the Home Owners Loan ActHOLA. Prior to the completion of 1933 (which we referthe Transactions, OceanFirst Bank intends to as “HOLA”). Unless grantedconvert from a waiverfederal savings association into a national banking association, and OceanFirst intends to cease being a savings and loan holding company and become a bank holding company. OceanFirst Bank’s conversion to a national banking association is subject to approval of the OCC, and OceanFirst becoming a bank holding company is subject to approval of the Federal Reserve Board. As a bank holding company, OceanFirst would be regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve Board under the BHCA

The transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including OceanFirst becoming a bank holding company, require prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board under HOLA.the BHCA. In evaluating an application for such approval, the Federal Reserve Board takes into consideration a number of factors, including (i) the competitive impact of the proposal in the relevant geographic markets, (ii) financial, managerial and other supervisory considerations, including financial condition, future prospects, capital positions, managerial resources, and compliance with applicable banking, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering laws, (iii) convenience and needs of the communities to be served and the record of the insured depository institution subsidiaries of the companies under the CRA, (iv) effectiveness of the companies and the depository institutions concerned in combating money laundering activities, (v) availability of information needed to determine and enforce compliance with the BHCA and other applicable federal banking laws and (vi) extent to which the proposal would result in greater or more concentrated risks to the stability of the United States banking or financial system. The Federal Reserve will provide an opportunity for public comment on the application and is authorized to hold a public meeting or other proceeding if it determines such meeting or other proceeding would be appropriate.

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

OceanFirst Bank is an insured depository institution regulated and supervised by the OCC. The merger of Ocean ShoreSun National Bank with and into OceanFirst Bank requires prior approval of the OCC under the Bank Merger Act. In

evaluating an application for such approval, the OCC takes into consideration a number of factors, including (i) the competitive impact of the transaction; (ii) financial and managerial resources of the bank parties to the bank merger or integrated mergers both on a current and pro forma basis; (iii) the convenience and needs of the community to be served and the record of the banks under the CRA, including their CRA ratings; (iv) the banks’ effectiveness in combating money laundering activities; and (v) the extent to which the bank merger or integrated mergers would result in greater or more concentrated risks to the stability of the U.S. banking or financial system. In connection with its review, the OCC provides an opportunity for public comment on the application and is authorized to hold a public meeting or other proceeding if it determines that would be appropriate. In addition, subject to approval from the OCC, prior to the completion of the Transactions, OceanFirst Bank intends to convert from a federal savings association into a national banking association. In evaluating an application for conversion to a national banking association by another financial institution, the OCC will assess, among other things, whether the institution can operate safely and soundly as a national banking association in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Additional Regulatory Approvals and Notices

OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun believe that the Transactions do not raise substantial antitrust or other significant regulatory concerns and that the parties to the Transactions will be able to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals. However, neither OceanFirst nor Ocean ShoreSun can assure you that all of the regulatory approvals described above will be obtained and, if obtained, OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun cannot assure you as to the timing of any such approvals, their ability to obtain the approvals on satisfactory terms or the absence of any litigation challenging such approvals. In addition, there can be no assurance that such approvals will not impose conditions or requirements that, individually or in the aggregate, would or could reasonably be expected to have a materially burdensome regulatory condition.

Neither OceanFirst nor Ocean ShoreSun is aware of any material governmental approvals or actions that are required for completion of the Transactions other than those described above. It is presently contemplated that if any such additional governmental approvals or actions are required, those approvals or actions will be sought. There can be no assurance, however, that any additional approvals or actions will be obtained.

Litigation Related to the Transactions

On July 22, 2016, Robert Strougo, a18, 2017, three purported Ocean Shore stockholder,Sun shareholders filed a putative shareholder class action lawsuitlawsuits against Sun, the members of the Sun board, OceanFirst and Merger Sub in the Superior Court for the State of New Jersey, Cape MayBurlington County, Chancery Division, captioned StrougoBruce Oswald v. Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc., et al., Docket No. CMP C-45-16, against Ocean Shore, theC 000070 17;Robert Rumsey v. Sun Bancorp, Inc., et al., Docket No. C 000071 17; andPaul D. Chetcuti v. Sun Bancorp, Inc., et al., Docket No. C 000072 17. The actions generally allege that members of the Ocean Shore board and OceanFirst on behalf of all Ocean Shore public stockholders. The lawsuit generally alleges that the members of the Ocean ShoreSun board breached their fiduciary duties by approving the merger agreement because the Transactions aretransaction is procedurally flawed and financially inadequate, certain terms in the merger agreement are preclusiveinadequate. Plaintiffs further allege that OceanFirst and unfair, and certain members of the Ocean Shore board are conflicted. Plaintiff further alleges that OceanFirstMerger Sub aided and abetted such alleged breaches. The lawsuit seeksactions seek to enjoin the Transactions, as well as unspecified money damages, costs and attorney’sattorneys’ fees and expenses. Ocean Shore and OceanFirst believe these allegations are without merit and they intend to vigorously defend against all claims asserted.

expense. On September 8, 2016, Robert Garfield, a purported stockholder of OceanFirst,July 31, 2017, the plaintiffs in such class action lawsuits filed a putative class action inmotion to consolidate all three actions, and for the Superior Courtappointment of New Jersey, Ocean County, captioned Garfield v. OceanFirst Financial Corp., et al No. OCN-L-2469-16, against OceanFirst and members of the OceanFirst board on behalf of all public OceanFirst stockholders. The lawsuit generally alleges that the members of the OceanFirst board breached their fiduciary duties by approving the Transactions. The lawsuit further alleges the Transactions are not in the best interests of the OceanFirst stockholders and provide personal benefits to the individual defendants. The lawsuit also alleges that OceanFirst’s registration statement on Form S-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, filed with the SEC on August 25, 2016, omits certain material information. The lawsuit seeks to enjoin the Transactions, as well as unspecified money damages, costs and attorney’s fees and expenses. OceanFirst believes the allegations in the lawsuit are without merit and it intends to vigorously defend against all claims asserted. However, neither OceanFirst nor Ocean Shore can give you any assurance that OceanFirst may not face additional claims related to the Transactions.interim lead counsel.

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

The following description of the merger agreement is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the express terms of the merger agreement, which is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A and is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. We urge you to read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety, as it is the legal document governing the integrated mergers.

Structure of the Transactions

The Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger

Each of the OceanFirst board and the Ocean ShoreSun board has unanimously approved the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides for (i) the merger of Merger Sub with and into Ocean Shore,Sun, with Ocean ShoreSun continuing as the surviving corporation in the first-step merger and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst, (ii) immediately following the completion of the first-step merger, Ocean ShoreSun will merge with and into OceanFirst, with OceanFirst continuing as the surviving corporation in the second-step merger and (iii) immediately following the completion of the integrated mergers, Ocean ShoreSun National Bank will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, a wholly owned bank subsidiary of OceanFirst, with OceanFirst Bank continuing as the surviving bank in the bank merger.

Prior to the completion of the Transactions, Ocean Shore and OceanFirst may, by mutual agreement, change the method or structure of effecting the combination of Ocean Shore and OceanFirst, except that no such change may (i) alter or change the amount and kind of the merger consideration, (ii) adversely affect the tax treatment of Ocean Shore stockholders or OceanFirst stockholders, (iii) adversely affect the tax treatment of Ocean Shore or OceanFirst or (iv) materially impede or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement in a timely manner.

Merger Consideration

Subject toOn the terms and subject to the conditions of the merger agreement, at the effective time, each share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the first-step merger, except for specified shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock owned by Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, will be converted into the right to receive, $4.35at the election of the Sun shareholders, either the cash consideration or the stock consideration, subject to the allocation and proration procedures of the merger agreement, in each case, as described in more detail below.

Cash Consideration

The merger agreement provides that each share of Sun common stock for which a valid cash election has been made will be converted into the right to receive, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement, an amount in cash without interest,equal to the sum of (i) $3.78 plus (ii) the product of 0.7884 multiplied by the OceanFirst share closing price. The merger agreement provides that the aggregate amount of cash consideration will not exceed the product of (x) $3.78 and 0.9667(y) the total number of shares of Sun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time.

Stock Consideration

The merger agreement provides that each share of Sun common stock for which a valid stock election has been made will be converted into the right to receive, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement, a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock.stock equal to the exchange ratio, which is calculated as the quotient of (A) the cash consideration divided by (B) the OceanFirst share closing price. Holders of Sun common stock will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement.

If the outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock or Ocean ShoreSun common stock isare increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities as a result of a reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar change in capitalization, or if there is any extraordinary dividend or distribution, an appropriate and proportionate adjustment will be made to the merger consideration.consideration to give holders of Sun common stock the same economic effect as contemplated by the merger agreement prior to such event.

Fractional Shares

OceanFirst will not issue any fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock in the first-step merger. Instead, any Ocean Shore stockholderSun shareholder who otherwise would have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of OceanFirst common stock will instead be entitled to receive an amount in cash, rounded to the nearest cent, determined by multiplying (i) the fraction of a share (rounded to the nearest thousandth when expressed in decimal form) of OceanFirst common stock to which the holder would otherwise be entitled to receive by (ii) OceanFirst share closing price.

Non-Election Shares

The merger agreement provides that each share of Sun common stock (other than shares for which a valid election of either cash consideration or stock consideration has been effectively made and not revoked, in each case, pursuant to the election procedures of the merger agreement, as described below) will be treated as a“non-election share” and will, at the effective time, be converted into the right to receive such stock consideration or cash consideration as determined in accordance with the proration and allocation provisions of the merger agreement, as described below. That is, if a Sun shareholder does not make a proper election in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, then such election will be deemed to be not in effect and the shares of Sun common stock covered by such invalid election will, for purposes of the merger agreement, be deemednon-election shares unless a proper election is subsequently made within the election period, as described below. None of OceanFirst, Sun or the exchange agent are or will be under any duty to notify any Sun shareholder of any defective election.

Proration and Allocation of Merger Consideration

The total number of shares of Sun common stock to be entitled to receive the cash consideration will be equal to the quotient of (i) the cash component divided by (ii) the per share cash consideration, which is equal to the sum, rounded to the nearestone-tenth of a cent, of (A) $3.78 plus (B) the product, rounded to the nearestone-tenth of a cent, of 0.7884 multiplied by the average closing-saleOceanFirst share closing price per share(we refer to this quotient as the “cash conversion number”). All other shares of Sun common stock (excluding certain shares of Sun common stock owned by Sun or OceanFirst or any of their respective subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive the stock consideration.

Promptly after the effective time, and in no event later than five business days thereafter, OceanFirst will cause the exchange agent to effect the allocation among holders of Sun common stock of right to receive the cash consideration and the stock consideration, as described below:

Oversubscription of Cash Consideration:

Shares of OceanFirst common stock may be issued to Sun shareholders who make cash elections if the aggregate number of shares of Sun common stock with respect to which a cash election has been made exceeds the cash conversion number. If the cash consideration is oversubscribed, then:

All stock election shares and allnon-election shares will be converted into the right to receive the stock consideration; and

A Sun shareholder who made a cash election will have the right to receive (a) the cash consideration for a number of shares of Sun common stock equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the number of shares of Sun common stock for which such holder has made a cash election by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the cash conversion number and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of shares of Sun common stock with respect to which a cash election has been made and (b) the stock consideration for the remaining shares of Sun common stock for which the Sun shareholder made a cash election.

Undersubscription of Cash Consideration:

Cash may be issued to Sun shareholders who make stock elections and/or tonon-election shares if the number of cash election shares is less than the cash conversion number (we refer to the amount by which the number of cash election shares is less than the cash conversion number as the “shortfall number”). If the cash consideration is undersubscribed, then all cash election shares will be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration. Sun shareholders who make a stock election, as well asnon-election shares, will have the right to receive cash and/or shares of OceanFirst common stock based in part on whether the shortfall number is less or greater than the number ofnon-election shares, as described below.

If the shortfall number is less than or equal to the number ofnon-election shares, then (a) all stock election shares will be converted into the right to receive the stock consideration and (b) thenon-election shares will be converted into the right to receive (i) the cash consideration for the number ofnon-election shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the number ofnon-election shares held by such holder by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the shortfall number and the denominator of which is the aggregate number ofnon-election shares and (ii) the stock consideration for the remaining number of such holder’snon-election shares.

If the shortfall number exceeds the number ofnon-election shares, then (a) allnon-election shares will be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration and (b) stock election shares will be converted into the right to receive (i) the cash consideration in respect of that number of stock election shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the number of stock election shares held by such holder by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount by which the shortfall number exceeds the aggregate number ofnon-election shares, and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of shares of Sun common stock with respect to which a stock election has been made and (ii) the stock consideration for the remaining number of such holder’s stock election shares.

Election Procedures; Exchange of Shares

Election Procedures

Each Sun shareholder of record may specify (i) the number of shares of Sun common stock owned by such holder with respect to which such Sun shareholder desires to make a stock election and (ii) the number of shares of Sun common stock owned by such holder with respect to which such Sun shareholder desires to make a cash election. At any time during the election period (as described in more detail below), each Sun shareholder may change or revoke such Sun shareholder’s election by written notice to the exchange agent prior to the election deadline accompanied by a properly completed and signed revised form of election.

Additionally, each Sun shareholder may, at any time during the election period, revoke his, her or its election by written notice received by the exchange agent prior to the election deadline or by withdrawal prior to the election deadline of his, her or its old certificates, or of the guarantee of delivery of such old certificates, previously deposited with the exchange agent. All elections will be automatically deemed revoked upon receipt by the exchange agent of written notification from the parties that the merger agreement has been terminated in accordance with the terms thereof.

Under the merger agreement, OceanFirst has agreed to prepare an election form reasonably acceptable to Sun, including appropriate and customary transmittal materials, so as to permit Sun shareholders of record to exercise their right to make an election. OceanFirst will initially make available and mail the form of election not less than twenty business days prior to the anticipated election deadline to Sun shareholders of record as of the business day prior to such mailing date. Following such mailing date, OceanFirst will use all reasonable efforts to make available as promptly as possible a form of election to any Sun shareholder who requests such form of election prior to the election deadline. The election deadline is expected to be 5:00 p.m. local time (determined as the city in which the principal office of the exchange agent is located) on the NASDAQ (as reporteddate OceanFirst and Sun agree is as near as practicable to two business days before the closing date.

Any election will have been made properly only if the exchange agent receives a duly completed and signed election form (including duly executed transmittal materials included in the form of election) during the election period. In order for an election form to be duly delivered to the exchange agent during the election period, the election form must be accompanied by any old certificates representing all certificated shares to which such form of election relates or by an appropriate customary guarantee of delivery of such old certificates, as set forth in such form of election, from a member of any registered national securities exchange or a commercial bank or trust company in the United States.

Sun and OceanFirst have agreed to cooperate to issue a press release reasonably satisfactory to each of them announcing the date of the election deadline not more than fifteen business days before, and at least five business days prior to, the election deadline.

Subject to the terms of the merger agreement and the form of election, OceanFirst, in the exercise of its reasonable, good faith discretion, has the right to make all determinations, not inconsistent with the terms of the merger agreement, governing (i) the validity of the forms of election and compliance by any holder with the election procedures set forth therein, (ii) the method of issuance and delivery of new certificates representing the whole number of shares of OceanFirst common stock into which shares of Sun common stock are converted in the merger and (iii) the method of payment of cash for shares of Sun common stock converted into the right to receive the cash consideration and cash in lieu of fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock.

The Wall Street JournalLetter of Transmittal)

As promptly as practicable after the effective time, and in no event later than five business days thereafter, the exchange agent will mail or otherwise deliver to each holder of record of shares of Sun common stock immediately prior to the effective time that have been converted at the effective time into the right to receive the merger consideration a letter of transmittal and instructions on how to surrender shares of Sun common stock in exchange for the five full trading days ending onmerger consideration the day precedingholder is entitled to receive under the day on whichmerger agreement.

If a certificate for Sun common stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent will issue the merger consideration upon receipt of (i) an affidavit of that fact by the claimant and (ii) if required by OceanFirst, the posting of a bond in an amount as OceanFirst may determine is reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such certificate.

Following completion of the first-step merger, there will be no further transfers on the stock transfer books of Sun of shares of Sun common stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time. If, after the effective time, old certificates representing shares of Sun common stock are presented for transfer to the exchange agent, they will be cancelled and exchanged for the merger consideration and cash in lieu of fractional shares and dividends or distributions to which the holder presenting such old certificates is completed.entitled.

Governing Documents; DirectorsWithholding

OceanFirst and Officers; the exchange agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the merger consideration any cash in lieu of fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock, cash dividends or distributions payable or any other cash amount payable under the merger agreement to any person the amounts they are required to deduct and withhold under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. If any such amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate governmental authority, these amounts will be treated for all purposes of the merger agreement as having been paid to the stockholders from whom they were withheld.

Dividends and Distributions

No dividends or other distributions declared with respect to OceanFirst common stock will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificates of Sun common stock until the holder surrenders such certificate in accordance

with the terms of the merger agreement. After the surrender of a certificate in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, the record holder of such certificate will be entitled to receive any such dividends or other distributions, without any interest thereon, which previously become payable after the closing date with respect to the stock consideration which the shares of Sun common stock represented by such certificate have been converted into the right to receive under the merger agreement.

Treatment of Sun Equity-Based Awards

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

At the effective time, each restricted stock award in respect of shares of Sun common stock granted under any Sun equity plan that is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will become fully vested and the restrictions thereon will lapse, and each holder of such restricted stock award will be entitled to receive the merger consideration and will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration with respect to each share of Sun common stock held subject to such award, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement.

At the effective time, each restricted stock unit award in respect of shares of Sun common stock granted under any Sun equity plan that is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be cancelled in full, and each holder of such restricted stock unit award will be entitled to receive the merger consideration and will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration with respect to each share of Sun common stock held subject to such award, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement.

Stock Options

Also at the effective time, all outstanding and unexercised options granted under any Sun equity plan to purchase Sun common stock will be converted into options to purchase a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by multiplying (i) the number of shares of Sun common stock subject to such Sun stock option immediately prior to the effective time by (ii) the exchange ratio, at an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the per share exercise price for each share of Sun common stock subject to such Sun stock option by (b) the exchange ratio.

Governance Matters after the Transactions

Upon the consummation of the integrated mergers, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of OceanFirst in effect immediately prior to the effective time will be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the surviving corporationcombined company after completion of the integrated mergers, until thereafter amended in accordance with applicable law and the terms of such documents.

Upon consummationEffective as of the Transactions,effective time, OceanFirst has agreed to (i) increase the size of the OceanFirst board to fourteen members and, in its capacity as the board of directorssole shareholder of OceanFirst Bank, take such actions as may be necessary to thirteenincrease the size of the OceanFirst Bank board to fourteen members and (ii) appoint Steven E. Brady and two other current members of the Ocean ShoreSun board, to be selected by the Leadership Committee of OceanFirst in consultation with the OceanFirst board and the Ocean ShoreSun board, to the OceanFirst board and the board of directors of OceanFirst Bank board, with oneeach such appointee being appointed to each of the three classesa class of boards of OceanFirst and OceanFirst Bank.

In addition, atBank to be selected by OceanFirst in its discretion (provided that such appointees will be allocated among the effective timeclasses as evenly as possible). If, prior to the two year anniversary of the first-step merger,closing date, any such appointee resigns from such directorship, then the Leadership Committee of OceanFirst has agreed to create an advisory board, the purpose of which will be required to advise OceanFirst with respect to the integration of Ocean Shore’s business, as well as to maintain and develop customer and other stakeholder relationships in Ocean Shore’s market area. The advisory board is expected to consist of Steven E. Brady and the fourselect a current membersmember of the Ocean ShoreSun board who are not selectedas a candidate to fill the vacancy created by such resignation and put forth such candidate for appointment toconsideration by the OceanFirst board andin accordance with the board of directors of OceanFirst Bank, as described above. The members of the advisory board will be appointed to the advisory board for a term ending on the second anniversary of the effective time of the first-step merger and, in exchange for performing their duties on the advisory board, will be entitled to receive a fee of thirty thousand dollars per year.bylaws.

Treatment of Ocean Shore Equity-Based Awards

Restricted Stock

At the effective time, each restricted stock award in respect of shares of Ocean Shore common stock granted under an Ocean Shore equity plan will become fully vested and the restrictions thereon will lapse, and each holder of such restricted stock will be entitled to receive the merger consideration.

Stock Options

Also at the effective time, all outstanding and unexercised options to purchase Ocean Shore common stock will fully vest and will convert into options to purchase a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by multiplying (i) the number of shares of Ocean Shore common stock subject to such Ocean Shore stock option immediately prior to the effective time by (ii) 1.2084; and the exercise price per share of the new option will be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the per share exercise price for the shares of Ocean Shore common stock subject to such Ocean Shore option by (b) 1.2084 (rounded up to the nearest whole cent).

Closing and Effective Time

The integrated mergers will be completed only if all conditions to the integrated mergers set forth in the merger agreement (as discussed in this joint proxy statement/prospectus) are either satisfied or waived. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “— Conditions to Complete the Integrated Mergers.”

The first-step merger will become effective as of the date and time specified in the certificate of merger to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey. The second-step merger will become effective as set forth in the certificate of mergermergers to be filed with the Delaware Secretary of State and New Jersey Secretary of State. TheSubject to the immediately following sentence, OceanFirst and Sun have agreed that the closing of the integrated mergers will take place at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the first business day that is both (i) the last business day of a month or, if the closing is anticipated to occur in January, the first business day of the month inof January solely to the extent that the parties are able to, on such date and at or prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, submit and confirm acceptance of the filing of the first-step merger certificate with the New Jersey Secretary of State and the second-step merger certificate with the Delaware Secretary of State and (ii) no earlier than the third business day after the date on which the conditions set forth in the merger agreement have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their nature can only be satisfied at the closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions), unless another date or time is agreed to in writing by OceanFirst and Ocean Shore.Sun. However, OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun have also agreed that the closing will not occur prior to January 1, 2018 unless otherwise agreed to in writing by OceanFirst and Sun. OceanFirst and Sun currently expect to complete the Transactions late in the fourth quarter of 2016 or early in the first quarter of 2017, subject to the requisite approval2018. However, neither OceanFirst nor Sun can assure you of the OceanFirst stockholders, the requisite approval of the Ocean Shore stockholders, the receipt of regulatory approvals or waivers and the fulfillment of other customary closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement, but neither Ocean Shore nor OceanFirst can guarantee when, or if, the Transactions will be completed.

Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates

The conversion of Ocean Shore common stock into the right to receive the merger consideration will occur automatically at the effective time. Promptly following completion of the first-step merger, the exchange agent will exchange certificates representing shares of Ocean Shore common stock for the merger consideration to be received pursuantintegrated mergers is subject to the termsfulfillment of customary closing conditions, including the approval by the OceanFirst stockholders of the OceanFirst share issuance proposal, the approval by the Sun shareholders of the Sun merger agreement.

Letter of Transmittal

As promptly as practicable afterproposal and the effective time, and in no event later than five business days thereafter, the exchange agent will mail to each holder of record of Ocean Shore common stock immediately prior to the effective time a letter of transmittal and instructions on how to surrender shares of Ocean Shore common stock in exchange for the merger consideration the holder is entitled to receive under the merger agreement.

If a certificate for Ocean Shore common stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent will issue the merger consideration upon receipt of (i) an affidavit of that fact by the claimant and (ii) ifall required by OceanFirst, the posting of a bond in an amount as OceanFirst may determine is reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such certificate.

Following completion of the first-step merger, there will be no further transfers on the stock transfer books of Ocean Shore of shares of Ocean Shore common stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time.

Withholding

OceanFirst and the exchange agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the merger consideration any cash in lieu of fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock, cash dividends or distributions payable or any other cash amount payable under the merger agreement to any person the amounts they are required to deduct and withhold under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. If any such amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate governmental authority, these amounts will be treated for all purposes of the merger agreement as having been paid to the stockholders from whom they were withheld.

Dividends and Distributions

No dividends or other distributions declared with respect to OceanFirst common stock will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificates of Ocean Shore common stock until the holder surrenders such certificate in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement. After the surrender of a certificate in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, the record holder of such certificate will be entitled to receive any such dividends or other distributions, without any interest thereon, which previously become payable with respect to the stock consideration which the shares of Ocean Shore common stock represented by such certificate have been converted into the right to receive under the merger agreement.regulatory approvals.

Representations and Warranties

The representations, warranties and covenants described below, and elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, and included in the merger agreement were made by OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun for the benefit of the other party, only for purposes of the merger agreement and as of specific dates. In addition, the representations, warranties and covenants may be subject to limitations, qualifications or exceptions agreed upon by the parties to the merger agreement, including those included in confidential disclosures made for the purposes of, among other things, allocating contractual risk between OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun rather than establishing matters as facts, and may be subject to standards of materiality that differ from those standards relevant to investors. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and

covenants may change after the date of the merger agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in public disclosures by OceanFirst or Ocean Shore.Sun. Therefore, you should not rely on the representations, warranties, covenants or any description thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of OceanFirst, Ocean ShoreSun or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates without considering the foregoing. The representations and warranties and other provisions of the merger agreement should not be read alone, but instead should be read only in conjunction with the information provided elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●]. OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun will provide additional disclosure in their respective public reports to the extent they become aware of the existence of any material facts that are required to be disclosed under federal securities laws and that might otherwise contradict the representations and warranties in the merger agreement and will update such disclosure as required by the federal securities laws.

The merger agreement contains customary representations and warranties of each of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun relating to their respective businesses. The representations and warranties in the merger agreement do not survive the effective time.

The merger agreement contains representations and warranties made by Ocean ShoreSun relating to a number of matters, including the following:

 

corporate matters, including due organization and qualification and subsidiaries;

 

capitalization;

 

authority relative to execution and delivery of the merger agreement and the absence of conflicts with, or violations of, organizational documents or other obligations as a result of the integrated mergers;

 

required governmental, regulatory and third party consents, approvals and filings in connection with the integrated mergers;

 

reports to regulatory authorities;

 

financial statements, internal controls, books and records, and absence of undisclosed liabilities;

 

broker’s fees payable in connection with the integrated mergers;

 

the absence of certain changes or events;

 

legal proceedings;

 

tax matters;

 

absence of action or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to prevent the integrated mergers from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

employee and employee benefits matters;

 

SEC reports;

 

compliance with applicable laws;

 

certain material contracts;

 

absence of agreements with regulatory authorities;

 

derivative instruments and transactions;risk management instruments;

 

environmental matters;

 

investment securities and commodities;

 

real property;

intellectual property;

 

related party transactions;

 

inapplicability of takeover statutes;

absence of action or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to prevent the integrated mergers from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

 

opinion from its financial advisor;

 

the accuracy of information supplied for inclusion in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and other similar documents;

 

loan matters; and

 

insurance matters.

The merger agreement contains representations and warranties made by OceanFirst relating to a number of matters, including the following:

 

corporate matters, including due organization and qualification and subsidiaries;

 

capitalization;

authority relative to execution and delivery of the merger agreement and the absence of conflicts with, or violations of, organizational documents or other obligations as a result of the integrated mergers;

 

required governmental, regulatory and third party consents, approvals and filings in connection with the integrated mergers;

 

reports to regulatory authorities;

 

financial statements, internal controls, books and records, and absence of undisclosed liabilities;

 

broker’s fees payable in connection with the integrated mergers;

 

the absence of certain changes or events;

 

certain legal proceedings;

 

tax matters;

employee and employee benefits matters;

SEC reports;

compliance with applicable laws;

absence of agreements with regulatory authorities;

inapplicability of takeover statutes;

 

absence of action or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to prevent the integrated mergers from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

 

employee and employee benefits matters;

SEC reports;

compliance with applicable laws;

absence of agreements with regulatory authorities;

certain material contracts;

environmental matters;

insurance matters;

loan matters;

inapplicability of takeover statutes;

opinion from its financial advisor; and

 

the accuracy of information supplied for inclusion in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and other similar documents.documents; and

availability of sufficient funds to pay the cash consideration.

Certain representations and warranties of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun are qualified as to “materiality” or “material adverse effect.“Material Adverse Effect.” For purposes of the merger agreement, a “material adverse effect,“Material Adverse Effect,” when used in reference to either Ocean Shore,Sun, OceanFirst or the combined company, means a material adverse effect on (i) the business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of such party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole (provided that in the case of clause (i), a material adverse effectMaterial Adverse Effect will not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes, after the date of the merger agreement, in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (which we refer to as “GAAP”) or applicable regulatory accounting requirements, (b) changes, after the date of the merger agreement, in laws, rules or regulations of general applicability to companies in the industries in which such party and its subsidiaries operate, or interpretations thereof by courts or governmental entities, (c) changes, after the date of the merger agreement, in global, national or regional political conditions (including the outbreak of war or acts of terrorism) or in economic or market (including equity, credit and debt markets, as well as changes in interest rates) conditions affecting the financial services industry generally and not specifically relating to such party or its subsidiaries, or (d) public disclosure of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or actions expressly required by the merger agreement or actions or omissions that are taken with the prior written consent of the other party in contemplation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; except, with respect to subclauses (a), (b) and (c), to the extent that the effects of such changes are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of such party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which such party and its subsidiaries operate) or (ii) the ability of such party to timely consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Covenants and Agreements

Conduct of BusinessesBusiness Prior to the Effective Time

Ocean ShoreSun has agreed that, prior to the effective time (oror earlier termination of the merger agreement),agreement in accordance with its terms, subject to specified exceptions, it will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to, conduct its business in the ordinary course in all material respects, use reasonable best efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization, employees, independent contractors and advantageous business relationships and take no action that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect or delay its ability to obtain any necessary approvals of any governmental entity or regulatory agency required for the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or to perform its covenants and agreements under the merger agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby on a timely basis.

Additionally, prior to the effective time (oror earlier termination of the merger agreement),agreement in accordance with its terms, subject to specified exceptions, Ocean ShoreSun may not, and may not permit any of its subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of OceanFirst, which, consent cannot be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, undertake the following actions:

 

other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than indebtedness of Ocean ShoreSun or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries to Ocean ShoreSun or any of its other subsidiaries), assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any other individual, corporation or other entity;entity (other than any subsidiary of Sun);

 

adjust, split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock;

 

make, declare or pay any dividend, or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations convertible (whether currently convertible or convertible only after the passage of time or the occurrence of certain events) into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock (except (i) regular quarterly cash dividends by Ocean ShoreSun at a rate not in excess of $0.06$0.01 per share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock (except that if OceanFirst increases the rate of its regular quarterly dividends on OceanFirst common stock paid by it during any fiscal quarter after the date the merger agreement relative to that paid by it during the immediately preceding fiscal quarter, Sun will be permitted to increase the rate of dividends on Sun common stock paid by it during the same fiscal quarter by the same proportion (or if not possible in the same quarter, in the next fiscal quarter with an appropriate“catch-up” adjustment to account for the amounts that would have been paid in the prior quarter) subject in all respects to any receipt of regulatory approval required in connection with such dividend increase), (ii) dividends paid by any of the subsidiaries of Ocean ShoreSun to Ocean ShoreSun or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries or (iii) the acceptance of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock as payment for the exercise price of stock options or for withholding taxes incurred in connection with the exercise of stock options or the vesting or settlement of equity compensation awards, in each case, in accordance with past practicethe applicable Sun equity plan and the terms of the applicable award agreements);

except as required under applicable law or the terms of any Sun benefit plan existing as of the date of the merger agreement, grant any stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock units, deferred stock units, shares of restricted sharesstock or other equity or equity-based awards or interests or grant any individual, corporation or other entity any right to acquire any shares of its capital stock;

 

issue, sell or otherwise permit to become outstanding (including by issuing any shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock that are held as “treasury shares” as of the date of the merger agreement) any additional shares of capital stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into, or exercisable for, any shares of its capital stock or any options, warrants, or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of capital stock, except pursuant to the exercise of stock options or the settlement of equity compensation awards outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement in accordance with their terms;

sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of its material properties or assets or any business to any individual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly owned subsidiary of Ocean Shore,Sun, or cancel, release or assign any indebtedness to any such person or any claims held by any such person, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

except for transactions in the ordinary course of business, make any material investment either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers or purchase of any property or assets of any other individual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly owned subsidiary of Ocean Shore;Sun;

 

terminate, materially amend or waive any material provision of, certain material contracts or make any change in any instrument or agreement governing the terms of any of its securities, or any material lease, or contract, other than normal renewals of contracts and leases without material adverse changes of terms with respect to Ocean Shore,Sun, or enter into certain material contracts;contracts other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

subject to certain exceptions, including as required under applicable law or the terms of any Ocean ShoreSun benefit plans existing as of the date of the merger agreement, (i) enter into, adopt or terminate any employee benefit or compensation plan, program, practice, policy, contract or arrangement for the benefit or welfare of any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor or consultantwho is a natural person (or spouse or dependent of such individual), (ii) amend in any material manner (whether in writing or through the interpretation of) any Ocean ShoreSun benefit plan, (iii) increase the compensation or benefits payable to any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor or consultantwho is a natural person (or spouse or dependent of such individual), except (a) for annual base salary or wage increases for employees (other than directors or executive officers) and corresponding increases in incentive opportunities in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, that do not exceed, with respect to any individual, twoseven andone-half percent (2%(7.5%) of such individual’s base salary or wage rate in effect as of the date of the merger agreement, and (b) in connection with promotions that are permitted by the merger agreement to the extent appropriate to align the promoted employee’s compensation with that of similarly situated employees, (iv) pay or award, or commit to pay or award, any bonuses or incentive compensation, (v) grant, or accelerate the vesting of, any equity or equity-based awards or other compensation, (vi) negotiate or enter into any new, or amend any existing, employment, severance, change in control, retention, bonus guarantee, collective bargaining agreement or similar agreement or arrangement, other than in the case of separation agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with respect to individuals whose employment or services are terminated consistent with the merger agreement, (vii) fund any rabbi trust or similar arrangement, (viii) terminate the employment or services of any officer or any employee whose target total annual compensation opportunity is greater than $100,000, other than for cause (as determined in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice), (ix) hire or promote any officer, employee or independent contractor or consultant who is a natural person and has a target total annual compensation opportunity greater than $100,000 or (x) waive, release or limit any restrictive covenantnon-compete,non-solicit,non-interference,non-disparagement or confidentiality obligation of any current or former employee or independent contractor who is a natural person of Ocean ShoreSun or any of its subsidiaries;

 

settle any material claim, suit, action or proceeding, except in the ordinary course of business in an amount and/or for consideration not in excess of $50,000 individually or $100,000 in the aggregate (net of any insurance proceeds or indemnity, contribution or similar payments received by Sun or any of its subsidiaries in respect thereof) and that would not impose any material restriction on the business of Ocean ShoreSun or its subsidiaries or the combined company;

 

take any action, or knowingly fail to take any action, where such action or failure to act could reasonably be expected to prevent the integrated mergers, taken together, from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

amend Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation, Ocean ShoreSun bylaws or comparable governing or organizational document of any of its subsidiaries;

 

merge or consolidate itself or any of its subsidiaries with any other person, or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate or dissolve it or any of its subsidiaries;

 

materially restructure or materially change (i) its investment securities or derivatives portfolio or its interest rate exposure, through purchases, sales or otherwise or (ii) the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported, except, in the case of clause (ii), as may be required by GAAP or by applicable laws, regulations, guidelines or policies imposed by any governmental entity, or purchase any security rated below investment grade;

 

take any action that is intended or expected to result in any of its representations and warranties set forth in the merger agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect, or in any of the conditions to the integrated mergers set forth in the merger agreement not being satisfied or in a violation of any provision of the merger agreement, except as may be required by applicable law;

 

implement or adopt any change in its accounting principles, practices or methods, other than as required by GAAP;GAAP or by applicable laws, regulations, guidelines or policies imposed by any governmental entity;

 

enter into any material new line of business, or change in any material respect its lending, investment, underwriting, originating, acquiring, selling, deposit pricing, risk and asset liability management and other banking and operating securitization and servicing policies or practices (including any change in the maximum ratio or similar limits as a percentage of its capital exposure applicable with respect to its loan portfolio or any segment thereof), except as required by applicable law, regulation or policies imposed by any governmental entity;

 

make any loans or extensions of credit except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

makepractice, provided that (i) any individual unsecured loan or extension of credit (excluding renewals and modifications in the ordinary course of business; provided that Sun will provide OceanFirst with prior notice of any such renewals or modifications) that is not as of the date of the merger agreement approved and committed (a schedule of which approved and committed loans has been made available to OceanFirst) in excess of $500,000$12,500,000 will require the prior written approval of the Chief Credit Officer of OceanFirst or any individual secured loan or extension of credit in excess of $2,000,000, with respect to residential mortgage loans, and $1,000,000 with respect to all other secured loans or extensions of credit, except thatanother officer designated by OceanFirst, which approval will have beenbe deemed to have consentedbeen granted unless OceanFirst has rejected such request in writing within two business days after the loan package is delivered by Sun to the Chief Credit Officer of OceanFirst and (ii) Sun will provide, on abi-weekly basis, OceanFirst with a schedule setting forth any loan or extension of credit in excess of $7,000,000 made by Sun or any of its subsidiaries during such amounts or otherwise not permitted by this restriction if OceanFirst does not object to any such proposed loan or extension of credit within three business days of receipt by OceanFirst of a request by Ocean Shore to exceed such limit along with all financial or other data that OceanFirst may reasonably request in order to evaluate such loan or extension of credit;period;

 

change in any material respect its hedging practices and policies, except as required by law or requested by a regulatory agency;

 

make, or commit to make, any capital expenditures in excess of $100,000$250,000 in the aggregate;

 

make, change or revoke any material tax election, adopt or change any material tax accounting method, file any material amended tax return, settle or compromise any material tax liability, claim or assessment or agree to an extension or waiver of the limitation period to any material tax claim or assessment, grant any power of attorney with respect to material taxes, surrender any right to a claim ofa refund of material taxes, enter into any closing agreement with respect to any material tax or refund or amend any material tax return;

 

make application for the opening, relocation or closing of any, or open, relocate or close any, branch office, loan production office or other significant office or operations facility of it or its subsidiaries;

 

materially reduce the amount of insurance coverage or fail to renew any material existing insurance policy, in each case, with respect to the properties or assets of Ocean ShoreSun or any of its subsidiaries; or

agree to take, make any commitment to take or adopt any resolutions of the Ocean ShoreSun board or similar governing body in support of any of the foregoing.

OceanFirst has agreed that, prior to the effective time (oror earlier termination of the merger agreement),agreement in accordance with its terms, subject to specified exceptions, OceanFirst may not, and may not permit any of its subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of Ocean Shore, which,Sun (such consent cannotnot to be unreasonably withheld, continuedconditioned or delayed,delayed), undertake the following actions:

 

amend OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws in a manner that would adversely affect the economic benefits of the integrated mergers to the Ocean ShoreSun shareholders or adversely affect the Sun shareholders relative to OceanFirst stockholders;

 

adjust, split, combine or reclassify any of OceanFirst’s capital stock;

 

make, declare or pay any extraordinary dividend or make any other distribution on any shares of OceanFirst’s capital stockstock;

incur any indebtedness for borrowed money that would reasonably be expected to prevent OceanFirst or any securitiesits subsidiaries from assuming Sun’s or obligations convertible (whether currently convertibleits subsidiaries’ outstanding indebtedness; provided that this will not limit or convertible only afterrestrict the passageability of time or the occurrence of certain events) into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock (except regular quarterly cash dividends, including any increase in such quarterly cash dividends or dividends paid by any of the subsidiaries of OceanFirst to OceanFirst or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries);subsidiaries to issue any subordinated debt securities;

 

take any action that is intended to result in any of OceanFirst’s representations and warranties set forth in the merger agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect, or in any of the conditions to the integrated mergers set forth in the merger agreement not being satisfied or in a violation of any provision of the merger agreement, except as may be required by applicable law;

make any material investment either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers, or purchase of any property or assets of any other individual, corporation or other entity, in each case, in excess of $5,000,000, other than in any wholly owned subsidiary of OceanFirst, and except for transactions in the ordinary course of business or in a transaction that, together with such other transactions, is not reasonably likely to cause the closing to be materially delayed or the receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals to be prevented or materially delayed;

merge or consolidate itself or any of its subsidiaries with any other person (i) where it or its subsidiary, as applicable, is not the surviving person or (ii) if the merger or consolidation is reasonably likely to cause the closing to be materially delayed or the receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals to be prevented or materially delayed, or restructure or reorganize in any material manner or completely or partially liquidate or dissolve it or any of its subsidiaries;

 

take any action or knowingly fail to take any action where such action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent the integrated mergers, taken together, from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

 

knowingly take any action that is intended to or would reasonably be expectedlikely to adversely affect or materially delay in any material respect the ability of OceanFirst or its subsidiaries to obtain any necessary approvals of any regulatory agency or other governmental entity required for the Transactionstransactions or to perform OceanFirst’sits covenants and agreements under the merger agreement or the bank merger agreement or to consummate the Transactions on a timely basis;transactions contemplated thereby; or

 

agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any resolutions of OceanFirst’sthe OceanFirst board of directors or similar governing body in support of, any of the foregoing.

Regulatory Matters

OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun have agreed to use their respective reasonable best efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect all applications, notices, petitions and filings, to obtain as promptly as

practicable all requisite regulatory approvals and other permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and governmental entities which are necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. OceanFirst and Sun have also agreed to respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to the requests of governmental entities for documents and information. Each of OceanFirst and Sun have agreed in the merger agreement to provide the other with copies of any applications and correspondence (other than any applications filed and correspondence made on behalf of OceanFirst in connection with the contemplated conversion of OceanFirst Bank into a national banking association and the related change of OceanFirst becoming a bank holding company) relating to the regulatory approvals for the Transactions prior to filing such applications, and to provide such other party with a sufficient opportunity to comment, in each case, subject to certain exceptions for competitively sensitive information and proprietary information. However, in no event will OceanFirst or Ocean ShoreSun be required to take any action, or commit to take any action, or agree to any condition or restriction, in connection with obtaining the required permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of governmental entities that would reasonably be expected to result in a materially burdensome regulatory condition. OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun have also agreed to furnish each other with all information reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with any statement, filing, notice or application to any governmental entity in connection with the Transactions, as well as to keep each other apprised of the status of matters related to the completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Employee Benefit Matters

OceanFirst has agreed that, for the period commencing on the effective time and ending on the first anniversary of the effective time, OceanFirst will, or will cause the surviving corporationcombined company to, provide the employeesto each employee of Ocean Shore andSun or its subsidiaries who continuecontinues to be employed by OceanFirst or its subsidiaries immediately following the effective time, while employed by OceanFirst or its subsidiaries after the effective time (and thereafter in the case of compensation or benefits payable following a termination of employment), with (i) a base salaries, wagessalary or base wage rate, as applicable, that is no less favorable than the base salary or base wage rate, as applicable, provided by Sun or any of its subsidiaries to such continuing employee as of immediately prior to the effective time, (ii) short- and employee benefitslong-term incentive compensation opportunities (excluding equity and equity basedequity-based compensation) that, in each case, are substantially comparable in the

aggregate to the base salaries, wagesshort- and long-term incentive compensation opportunities provided by Sun or any of its subsidiaries to such continuing employee as of immediately prior to the effective time and (iii) other compensation and employee benefits provided to similarly situated employees of OceanFirst and its subsidiaries, except that OceanFirst may satisfy this obligation by providing such continuing employees with base salaries, wages and employee benefits(other than severance benefits) that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the base salaries, wagesother compensation and employee benefits provided by Ocean ShoreSun or any of its subsidiaries to such continuing employeesemployee as of immediately prior to the effective time. In addition, OceanFirst has agreed to cause the combined company or one of its subsidiaries to provide to each continuing employee whose employment terminates during the12-month period following the effective time with severance benefits equal to the greater of (A) the severance benefits for which such continuing employee was eligible as of immediately prior to the effective time and (B) the severance benefits for which employees of OceanFirst and its subsidiaries who are similarly situated to such continuing employee would be eligible under the severance plans or policies of OceanFirst or its affiliates, in each case, determined without taking into account any reduction after the effective time in the compensation paid to such continuing employee.

Under the merger agreement, OceanFirst has agreed to, effective as of the effective time, assume and honor all Ocean ShoreSun benefit plans in accordance with their terms. OceanFirst has further acknowledged that a “change in control” within the meaning of the Ocean ShoreSun benefit plans will occur at the effective time of the first-step merger.time.

The merger agreement, requires the surviving corporation to use reasonable best efforts to, with respect to the continuing employees:employees, requires the combined company to:

 

use commercially reasonable efforts to waive allpre-existing conditions, exclusions and waiting periods with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to such employees and their eligible dependents under any benefit plans of the surviving corporation;combined company, except to the extent suchpre-existing conditions, exclusions or waiting periods would apply under the analogous Sun benefit plan;

provide each such employee and their eligible dependents with credit for anyco-payments and deductibles paid prior to the effective time under a benefit plan sponsored by Ocean ShoreSun to the same extent that such credit was given under the analogous Ocean ShoreSun benefit plan prior to the effective time of the first-step merger in satisfying any applicable deductible orout-of-pocket requirements under any new benefit plans of the surviving corporation;combined company; and

 

recognize all service of such employees with Ocean ShoreSun and its subsidiaries, for all purposes in any new benefit plan of the surviving corporationcombined company to the same extent that such service was taken into account under the analogous Ocean ShoreSun benefit plan prior to the effective time, subject to certain limitations.

EffectiveUnless OceanFirst requests otherwise in writing, effective prior to the closing, Ocean ShoreSun will terminate the Ocean Shore ESOP and (unless OceanFirst requests otherwise in writing)Sun 401(k) Plan. In connection with the Ocean Shoretermination of the Sun 401(k) Plan, plan participants would become vested in each case,any accrued but unvested benefits under the Sun 401(k) Plan and would receive any unpaid employer matching contribution in accordance with the termsrespect of the merger agreement.year in which the effective time occurs. As soon as practicable following the effective time, OceanFirst will permit or cause its subsidiaries to permit the continuing employees to (i) roll over their account balances and outstanding loan balances, if any, under the Ocean ShoreSun 401(k) Plan into an “eligible retirement plan” within the meaning of Section 402(c)(8)(B) of the Code maintained by OceanFirst or its subsidiaries. The accountssubsidiaries and (ii) reinvest the proceeds of any holdings in a Sun company stock fund that were liquidated in connection with the effective time into a OceanFirst common stock fund. OceanFirst will take any and all participants and beneficiaries inactions reasonably necessary to permit each continuing employee with an outstanding loan balance under the Ocean Shore ESOPSun 401(k) Plan as of the effective time shall become fully vested asto continue to make scheduled loan payments to the Sun 401(k) Plan after it is terminated pending the distribution and rollover of the effective time. Any cash or unallocated shares of OceanFirst common stock held in the Ocean Shore ESOP’s suspensecontinuing employee’s account after repayment of the Ocean Shore ESOP loan will be allocated as earnings to the accounts of the Ocean Shore ESOP participants who are employed as of the effective time based on their account balances under the Ocean Shore ESOP as of the effective time. Promptly following the receipt of a favorable determination letterbalance from the IRS regarding the qualified status of the Ocean Shore ESOP upon the termination of the Ocean Shore ESOP, the account balances in the Ocean Shore ESOP will either be distributed to participants and beneficiaries or transferred to an eligible tax-qualified retirement plan or individual retirement account as a participant or beneficiary may direct. OceanFirst has agreed to permit the Ocean Shore ESOP participants who become employees of OceanFirst or OceanFirst subsidiaries to roll over their account balances in the Ocean Shore ESOPSun 401(k) Plan to the OceanFirst ESOP.retirement plan, such as to prevent a loan offset with respect to such outstanding loan.

Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance

Under the terms of the merger agreement OceanFirst has agreed to, following the effective time, indemnify and hold harmless all present and former directors, officers and employees of Ocean ShoreSun and its subsidiaries or fiduciaries of Sun or any of its subsidiaries under the Sun benefit plans against all costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, whether arising before or after the effective time, arising

in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to, (i) the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of Ocean ShoreSun or its subsidiaries and pertaining toor (ii) matters, acts or omissions existing or occurring at or prior to the effective time, including matters, acts or omissions occurring in connection with the consideration and approval of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, in each case, to the same extent such persons are indemnified as of the date of the merger agreement by Ocean ShoreSun pursuant to Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation, Ocean Shore’sSun’s bylaws or the governing or organizational documents of any subsidiary of Ocean Shore,Sun, and has also agreed to advance expenses to such persons to the same extent as such persons are entitled to advancement of expenses as of the date of the merger agreement by Ocean ShoreSun pursuant to Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate, Ocean Shore’sSun’s bylaws or the governing or organizational documents of any subsidiary of Ocean Shore, exceptSun, provided that, if required,requested by OceanFirst, such person provides an undertaking (in a reasonable and customary form) to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification.

The merger agreement requires the surviving corporationcombined company to maintain, for a period of six years after completion of the first-step merger, Ocean Shore’seffective time, Sun’s existing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, or policies with a substantially comparable insurer of at least the same coverage and amounts and containing terms and conditions that are no less advantageous to the insured, with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred at or prior to the completion of the integrated mergers.effective time. However, the surviving corporationcombined company is not required to spend annually more than 200%300% of the current annual premium paid as of the date of the merger agreement by Ocean ShoreSun for such insurance (which we refer to as the “premium cap”), and if such premiums for such insurance would at any time exceed that amount,the premium cap, then the surviving corporation

combined company will maintain policies of insurance which, in its good faith determination, provide the maximum coverage available at an annual premium equal to the premium cap. In lieu of the foregoing, Ocean Shore,Sun, in consultation with but only upon the prior written consent of OceanFirst, may (and at the request of OceanFirst, Ocean ShoreSun will use its reasonable best efforts to) obtain at or prior to the effective time a six year “tail” policy under Ocean Shore’sSun’s existing directors and officers insurance policy providing equivalent coverage to that described in the preceding sentence if such a policy can be obtained for an amount that, in the aggregate, does not exceed, 300%on an annual basis, the premium cap. If a “tail policy” is purchased, the combined company is required to maintain in full force and effect and not cancel such policy. The obligations of the current annual premium paidcombined company, OceanFirst and Sun will not be terminated or modified in a manner so as to adversely affect any Sun indemnified party or any other person entitled to the benefit of indemnification without the prior written consent of the dateaffected Sun indemnified party. If the combined company or any of its successors or assigns consolidates with or merges into any other entity and is not the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger, transfers all or substantially all of its assets or deposits to any other entity or engages in any similar transaction, the combined company is required to cause proper provision to be made so that the successors and assigns of the merger agreement by Ocean Shore for such insurance.combined company will expressly assume the foregoing obligations.

Restructuring Efforts

In the absence of additional circumstances specified in the merger agreement and as described in “The Merger Agreement — Termination of the Merger Agreement,” neither OceanFirst nor Ocean ShoreSun is permitted to terminate the merger agreement based on the failure of either such party to obtain the required vote of its stockholders. Instead, each of the parties will in good faith use its reasonable best efforts to negotiate a restructuring of the transactiontransactions provided for in the merger agreement (except that neither party will have any obligation to alter or change any material terms, including the amount or kind of the consideration to be issued to holders of the capital stock of Ocean ShoreSun as provided for in the merger agreement, in a manner adverse to such party or its stockholders)shareholders or adversely affect the tax treatment of the integrated mergers with respect to the Sun shareholders) and/or resubmit the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby (or as restructured) to its respective stockholders for approval.

Certain Additional Covenants

The merger agreement also contains additional covenants, including, among others, covenants relating to the filing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, obtaining required consents, the listing of the shares of OceanFirst common stock to be issued in the first-step merger, access to information of the other company,Sun, the permissibility of representatives of OceanFirst and OceanFirst Bank’s attendance of Ocean ShoreSun board meetings and certain committee meetings following the receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals (subject to certain confidentiality restrictions), exemption from takeover laws, and public announcements with respect to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.agreement, access to information on certain of Sun’s originating lenders, the assumption of Sun’s outstanding indebtedness and restrictions on OceanFirst controlling Sun prior to the effective time.

Stockholder Meetings and Recommendation of the Boards of Directors of Ocean ShoreSun and OceanFirst

EachSun has agreed to hold a meeting of Ocean Shoreits shareholders, and OceanFirst has agreed to hold a meeting of its stockholders, for the purpose of voting uponobtaining the requisite Sun shareholder approval of the merger agreement, in the case of Ocean Shore stockholders,Sun shareholders, and uponthe requisite OceanFirst stockholder approval of the OceanFirst share issuance, in the case of OceanFirst stockholders, in each case, as soon as reasonably practicable after this joint

proxy statement/prospectus is declared effective. Ocean ShoreSun has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain from its stockholdersshareholders the vote required to approve the merger agreement, including by communicating to its stockholdersshareholders its recommendation (and including such recommendation in this joint proxy statement/prospectus) that they approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and OceanFirst has made similar covenants with respect to the OceanFirst share issuance. However, if the OceanFirst board, after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, determines in good faith

that it would be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend the merger agreement,OceanFirst share issuance, then itOceanFirst may (but will not be required to) withhold, withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Sun or submit the merger agreementOceanFirst share issuance to its stockholders without a recommendation (which we refer to as an “OceanFirst adverse recommendation change”) and may communicate the basis for its lack of a recommendation to its stockholders to the extent required by law.law; provided, that the OceanFirst board may not take any such action unless (i) OceanFirst gives Sun at least three business days’ prior written notice of its intention to take such action and a reasonable description of the events or circumstances giving rise to its determination to take such action; (ii) at the end of such notice period, the OceanFirst board takes into account any amendment or modification to the merger agreement proposed by Sun (it being understood that Sun will not have any obligation to propose any adjustments, modifications or amendments to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement), and after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, determines in good faith that it would nevertheless be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend the merger agreement. If the Ocean ShoreSun board, after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, determines in good faith that it would be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend the merger agreement, then it may (but will not be required to) withhold, withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to OceanFirst or submit the merger agreement to its stockholdersshareholders without recommendation (which we refer to as a “Sun adverse recommendation change”) and may communicate the basis for its lack of a recommendation to its stockholdersshareholders to the extent required by law; exceptprovided that the Ocean ShoreSun board may not take any such actions unless (i) if such action is taken in response to an acquisition proposal (as such term is defined below in “The Merger Agreement — Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers”), such acquisition proposal did not result from a breach by Ocean ShoreSun of its obligations relating to thenon-solicitation of acquisition proposals and such acquisition proposal constitutes a superior proposal;proposal (as such term is defined below in “The Merger Agreement — Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers”) and (ii) Ocean ShoreSun gives OceanFirst at least three business days’ prior written notice of its intention to take such action and a reasonable description of the eventevents or circumstances giving rise to its determination to take such action (including, if such action is taken in response to an acquisition proposal, its basis for determining that such acquisition proposal, constitutes a superior proposal (including the latest material terms and conditions of, and the identity of the third-party making, any such acquisition proposal, or any amendment or modification thereof, or describe in reasonable detail such other eventevents or circumstances)); and (iii) at the end of such notice period, the Ocean ShoreSun board takes into account any amendment or modification to the merger agreement proposed by OceanFirst (it being understood that OceanFirst will not have any obligation to propose any adjustments, modifications or amendments to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement), and after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, again determines in good faith that it would nevertheless be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend the merger agreement (and, if such action is taken in response to an acquisition proposal, that such acquisition proposal constitutesis a superior proposal). Any material amendment to any acquisition proposal will require a new determination and notice period.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun has agreed to adjourn or postpone the OceanFirst special meeting or the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, as the case may be, if, as of the time for which such meeting is originally scheduled, there are insufficient shares of OceanFirst common stock or Ocean ShoreSun common stock, as the case may be, represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of such meeting, or if on the date of such meeting, Ocean ShoreSun or OceanFirst, as applicable, has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares necessary to obtain the requisite Ocean Shore stockholderSun shareholder approval or the requisite OceanFirst stockholder approval. However, if (i) OceanFirst submits the OceanFirst share issuance proposalwill not be required to the OceanFirst stockholders without recommendationadjourn or (ii) Ocean Shore submits the merger agreement to the Ocean Shore stockholders without recommendation, then, in each case, an adjournment or postponement of the meeting due to an insufficient quorum or the failure to obtain the requisite Ocean Shore stockholder approval or the requisite OceanFirst stockholder approval, as applicable, is not required by the terms of the merger agreement.

Under the merger agreement, unless the merger agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, OceanFirst has an unqualified obligation to convenepostpone the OceanFirst special meeting andin the case of an OceanFirst adverse recommendation change that it is permitted to submit the OceanFirst share issuance proposal to the OceanFirst stockholders for the purpose of approving the OceanFirst share issuance proposal, and Ocean Shore has an unqualified obligation to convene the Ocean Shore special meeting and to submitmake under the merger agreement, as described in the previous paragraph. Similarly, Sun will not be required to adjourn or postpone the Ocean Shore stockholders forSun special meeting in the purposecase of approvinga Sun adverse recommendation change that it is permitted to make under the Ocean Shore merger proposal.agreement, as described in the previous paragraph. Additionally, OceanFirst and Sun will only be required to adjourn or postpone the OceanFirst special meeting or the Sun special meeting, as applicable, two times.

Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers

Ocean ShoreSun has agreed that it will not, and will cause its subsidiaries and its and their officers, directors, agents, advisors and representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries or proposals with respect to, (ii) engage or participate in any negotiations with any person concerning or (iii) provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to, or have or participate in any discussions with, any person relating to, any acquisition proposal except, for purposes of this clause (iii), to notify such person of the existence of thesenon-solicit provisions of the merger agreement. However, for purposes of the above clause (iii), if Ocean ShoreSun receives an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal prior to the date of receipt of the Ocean Shore special meetingrequisite Sun shareholder approval and such proposal did not result from a breach of Ocean Shore’s Sun’snon-solicitation obligations under the merger agreement, Ocean ShoreSun may, and may permit its subsidiaries and its and its subsidiaries’ officers, directors, agents, advisors and representatives to, furnish or cause to be furnished nonpublic information or data and participate in negotiations or discussions to the extent that the Ocean ShoreSun board concludes in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors) that (1)(A) such acquisition proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal and (2)(B) failure to take such actions would be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law, exceptprovided that, prior to providing any such nonpublic information or data Ocean Shoreor participating in any discussions, in each case, Sun provides such information or data to OceanFirst and enters into a confidentiality agreement with such third-party on terms no less favorable to it than the confidentiality agreement between OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, and which confidentiality agreement does not provide such person with any exclusive right to negotiate with Ocean Shore.Sun.

Ocean ShoreSun has also agreed to, and to cause its officers, directors, agents, advisors and representatives to, immediately cease and terminate any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the date of the merger agreement with any person other than OceanFirst, with respect to any acquisition proposal. In addition, Ocean ShoreSun has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts, subject to applicable law, to (a) enforce any confidentiality, standstill or similar agreement relating to an acquisition proposal and (b) within ten business days after the date of the merger agreement, request and confirm the return or destruction of any confidential information provided to any person other(other than OceanFirst. Ocean Shore has also agreedOceanFirst) pursuant to promptlysuch confidentiality, standstill or similar agreement. Promptly (and in any event within 24 hours) advise OceanFirst following receipt of any acquisition proposal or any inquiry which could reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal, Sun will advise OceanFirst of such acquisition proposal or inquiry and the substance thereof (including the terms and conditions of and the identity of the person making such inquiry or acquisition proposal and copies of any written acquisition proposal and written summaries of any material oral communications relating to an acquisition proposal), and towill keep OceanFirst apprised of any related developments, discussions and negotiations on a current basis, including any amendments to or revisions of the terms of such inquiry or acquisition proposal.

For purposes of the merger agreement, an “acquisition proposal” means, other than the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, any offer, proposal or inquiry relating to, or any third-party indication of interest in, (i)in: (A) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of 25% or more of the consolidated assets of Ocean ShoreSun and its subsidiaries or 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Ocean ShoreSun or its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of Ocean Shore, (ii)Sun; (B) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in such third-party beneficially owning 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Ocean ShoreSun or its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of Ocean Shore,Sun; or (iii)(C) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving Ocean Shore orSun (or any of its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of Ocean Shore. Sun).

For purposes of the merger agreement, a “superior proposal” means any bona fide written offer or proposal made by a third party to consummatefor an acquisition proposal that the Ocean ShoreSun board determines in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors): (1)(A) would, if consummated,

result in the acquisition of substantially all, but not less than substantially all, of the issued and outstanding shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock or all or substantially all of the assets of Ocean Shore; (2)Sun; (B) would result in a transaction that (A)(1) involves consideration to the holders of the shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock that is more favorable, from a financial point of view, than the consideration to be paid to the stockholders

shareholders of Ocean ShoreSun pursuant to the merger agreement, considering, among other things, the nature of the consideration being offered and any material regulatory approvals or other risks associated with the timing of the proposed transaction beyond, or in addition to, those specifically contemplated hereby, and which proposal is not conditioned upon obtaining financing and (B)(2) is, in light of the other terms of such proposal, more favorable to the stockholdersshareholders of Ocean ShoreSun than the integrated mergers and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; and (3)(C) is reasonably likely to be completed on the terms proposed, in each case, taking into account all legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the acquisition proposal.

None of the foregoing obligations or restrictions, or any other provision in the merger agreement, require Sun or the Sun board to not comply with Rule14d-9 and Rule14e-2 under the Exchange Act with respect to an acquisition proposal; provided, that such rules will in no way eliminate or modify the effect that any action pursuant to such rules would otherwise have under the merger agreement.

Conditions to Complete the Integrated Mergers

OceanFirst’s and Ocean Shore’sSun’s respective obligations to complete the integrated mergers are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following customary closing conditions:

 

the approval of the merger agreement by the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders and the approval of the OceanFirst share issuance by the OceanFirst stockholders;

 

the authorization for listing on the NASDAQ, subject to official notice of issuance, of the OceanFirst common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement;

 

the receipt of requisite regulatory approvals or waivers, including from the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC, and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof, without any such requisite regulatory approval including or containing, or resulting in the imposition of, a materially burdensome regulatory condition;

 

the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part, with respect to the OceanFirst common stock to be issued upon the consummation of the first-step merger, and the absence of any stop order (or proceedings for that purpose initiated or threatened and not withdrawn);

 

the absence of any order, injunction, or decree by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the completion of the integrated mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the absence of any statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any governmental entity which prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the integrated mergers;

 

the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party contained in the merger agreement as of the date on which the merger agreement was entered into and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shallwill be so true and correct as of such earlier date) as of the date on which the first-step merger is completed, subject to the materiality standards provided in the merger agreement (and the receipt by each party of an officers’ certificate from the other party to such effect);

 

the performance in all material respects by the other party of all obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement at or prior to the date on which the integrated mergers are completed (and the receipt by each party of an officers’ certificate from the other party to such effect);

 

receipt by such party of an opinion of legal counsel to the effect that on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to in such opinion, the integrated mergers will together be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code; and

together be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code; and

 

receiptdelivery by Sun to OceanFirst of a duly executed certificate stating that Ocean ShoreSun is not, and has not been during the relevant period, a “United States real property holding corporation.”

Neither Ocean ShoreSun nor OceanFirst can be certain when, or if, the conditions to the integrated mergers will be satisfied or waived or that the integrated mergers will be completed.

Termination of the Merger Agreement

The merger agreement can be terminated at any time prior to completion of the first-step mergereffective time in the following circumstances:

 

by mutual written consent, if the OceanFirst board and the Ocean ShoreSun board so determine;

 

by the OceanFirst board or the Ocean ShoreSun board, if (i) any governmental entity denies any requisite regulatory approval in connection with the Transactions and such denial has become final and nonappealable or (ii) any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction has issued a final and nonappealable order permanently prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement,Transactions, unless the failure to obtain a requisite regulatory approval is due to the failure of the terminating party to perform or observe its obligations under the merger agreement;

 

by the OceanFirst board or the Ocean ShoreSun board, if the integrated mergers have not been consummated on or before the termination date, which is the one year anniversary of the date of the merger agreement, unless the failure of the integrated mergers to be consummated by such date is due to the failure of the terminating party to perform or observe its obligations under the merger agreement;

 

by the OceanFirst board or the Ocean ShoreSun board (except that the terminating party cannot then be in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the merger agreement), if the other party breaches any of its obligations or any of its representations and warranties (or any such representation or warranty ceases to be true) set forth in the merger agreement which either individually or in the aggregate with all other breaches by such party would constitute, if occurring or continuing on the closing date, the failure of a closing condition of the terminating party and such breach is not cured within 45forty-five days following written notice to the party committing such breach, or such breach cannot be cured during such period;period (or such fewer days as remain prior to the termination date);

 

by the Ocean ShoreSun board, prior to the time that the OceanFirst share issuance proposal is approved, if the OceanFirst board (i) fails to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the OceanFirst stockholders approve the OceanFirst share issuance, or takes certain adverse actions with respect to such recommendation or (ii) materially breaches certain obligations including with respect to calling a meeting of its stockholders and recommending that they approve the OceanFirst share issuance, in any material respect;issuance; or

 

by the OceanFirst board, prior to the time that the Ocean ShoreSun merger proposal is approved, if the Ocean ShoreSun board (i) fails to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders approve the merger agreement, or takes certain adverse actions with respect to such recommendation, (ii) fails to recommend against acceptance of aany publicly disclosed tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding Ocean ShoreSun common stock that has been publicly disclosed (other than by OceanFirst or an affiliate of OceanFirst), within the ten business days afterday period specified in Rule14e-2(a) under the commencement of such tender or exchange offer,Exchange Act, (iii) recommends or endorses an acquisition proposal or (iv) materially breaches certain obligations including with respect to acquisition proposals or calling a meeting of its stockholdersshareholders and recommending that they approve the merger agreement, in any material respect.agreement.

Additionally, Ocean Shore may terminate the merger agreement if, at any time during the five-day period commencing on the first date on which all requisite regulatory approvals (and waivers, if applicable) necessary for consummation of the integrated mergers have been received (disregarding any waiting period) (which we refer to as the “determination date”) both of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) the OceanFirst market value on the determination date is less than $14.46 and (ii) the number obtained by dividing the OceanFirst market value on the determination date by $18.08 (subject to certain adjustments), is less than the number obtained by dividing (x) the average of the daily closing value of the NASDAQ Bank Index for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the determination date by (y) the closing value of the NASDAQ Bank Index on July 12, 2016 minus 0.15.

If Ocean Shore electsSun or OceanFirst desires to exercise its termination right as described above, itthe terminating party must notify OceanFirstthenon-terminating party in writing of such election no later thanand specify in that notice the last dayprovision or provisions of the five day period commencing on the determination date. During the five day period commencing with OceanFirst’s receipt of any notice duly delivered by or on behalf of Ocean Shore electing to exercise Ocean Shore’s right to terminate the merger agreement as described above, OceanFirst will have the optionpursuant to increase the exchange ratio to a level that would cause either of the requirements described in the preceding paragraph not to be satisfied. If withinwhich such five day period, OceanFirst delivers written notice to Ocean Shore that it intends to proceed with the integrated mergers by paying such additional consideration, and notifies Ocean Shore of the revised exchange ratio, then no termination by Ocean Shore will have occurred, and the merger agreement will remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms (except that the exchange ratio will have been so modified).is effected.

Effect of Termination

If the merger agreement is terminated, it will become void and have no effect, except that (i) each of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun will remain liable for any liabilities or damages arising out of its fraud or knowing, intentional and material breach of any provision of the merger agreement (which, in the case of Sun, will include the loss to the holders of Sun common stock of the economic benefits of the integrated mergers, including the loss of the premium offered to the Sun shareholders) and (ii) designated provisions of the merger agreement will survive the termination, including those relating to payment of termination fees and expenses and the confidential treatment of information.

Termination Fee

In the event that, after the date of the merger agreement and prior to the termination of the merger agreement, (i) a bona fide acquisition proposal has been made known to senior management or the Ocean ShoreSun board or has been made directly to its stockholdersshareholders generally or any person has publicly announced (and not withdrawn) an acquisition proposal with respect to Ocean Shore,Sun, (ii) (A) thereafter the merger agreement is terminated by either OceanFirst or Ocean ShoreSun because the integrated mergers have not been completed prior to the termination date, and without the requisite Ocean Shore stockholderSun shareholder vote having been obtained or (B) thereafter the merger agreement is terminated by OceanFirst based on a knowing and material breach of the merger agreement by Ocean ShoreSun occurring after the date of the acquisition proposal that would constitute the failure of a closing condition and that has not been cured during the permitted time period or by its nature cannot be cured during such period and (iii) within 12 months after the date of such termination, Ocean ShoreSun enters into a definitive agreement or consummates a transaction with respect to an acquisition proposal (whether or not the same acquisition proposal as that referred to above), then Ocean Shore will,Sun has agreed to, on the earlier of the date it enters into such definitive agreement and the date of consummation of such transaction, pay OceanFirst, by wire transfer of same day funds, a $5.72 million$17,045,000 termination fee.fee; provided, that for the purposes of clause (iii), all references in the definition of acquisition proposal to “25%” will instead refer to “50%” and clause (C) of the definition of acquisition proposal will be deemed followed by “as a result of which holders of Sun common stock immediately prior to such transaction cease to own at least 50% of the common stock of the surviving or resulting company (or its ultimate parent) immediately after such transaction.”

In the event that the merger agreement is terminated by OceanFirst based on the Ocean ShoreSun board having (i) failed to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders approve the merger agreement, or withdrawn, modified or qualifiedtakes certain adverse actions with respect to such recommendation, in a manner adverse to OceanFirst, or resolved to do so, or failed to reaffirm such recommendation within two business days after OceanFirst has requested in writing that such action be taken, or(ii) failed to recommend against acceptance of aany publicly disclosed tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding Ocean ShoreSun common stock that has been publicly disclosed (other than by OceanFirst or an affiliate of OceanFirst), within the ten business days afterday period specified in Rule14e-2(a) under the commencement of such tender or exchange offer, (ii)Exchange Act, (iii) recommended or endorsed an acquisition proposal or (iii)(iv) materially breached certain obligations including with respect to the non-solicitation of acquisition proposals or calling a meeting of its stockholdersshareholders and recommending that the Ocean Shore stockholdersthey approve the merger agreement, in any material respect, then Ocean Shore willSun has agreed to pay OceanFirst, by wire transfer of same day funds, a $5.72 million$17,045,000 termination fee on the date of termination.

OceanFirst will If Sun is required to pay Ocean Shore, by wire transfer of same day funds on the date of termination, a $5.72 million termination fee in accordance with the preceding sentence, without limiting the right of any party to recover liabilities or damages and without limiting the rights of OceanFirst to interest on overdue payment of the termination fee, to reimbursement of costs and expenses in relation to filing suit to recover the termination fee and to file suit for cause of fraud or a knowing, intentional and material breach, the maximum aggregate amount of fees payable by Sun will be the termination fee equal to $17,045,000. In no event will Sun be required to pay the termination fee on more than one occasion.

In the event that the merger agreement is terminated by Ocean ShoreSun based on the OceanFirst board having (i) failed to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the OceanFirst stockholdersSun shareholders approve the OceanFirst share issuance,merger agreement, or withdrawn, modified or qualifiedtakes certain adverse actions with respect to such recommendation, in a manner

adverse to Ocean Shore, or resolved to do so, or failed to reaffirm such recommendation within two business days after Ocean Shore requests in writing that such action be taken or (ii) materially breached certain obligations including with respect to acquisition proposals or calling a meeting of its stockholders and recommending that they approve the merger agreement, OceanFirst share issuance,has agreed to pay Sun, by wire transfer of same day funds on the date

of termination, a $17,045,000 termination fee. If OceanFirst is required to pay the termination fee in accordance with the preceding sentence, without limiting the right of any party to recover liabilities or damages and without limiting the rights of Sun to interest on overdue payment of the termination fee, to reimbursement of costs and expenses in relation to filing suit to recover the termination fee and to file suit for cause of fraud or a knowing, intentional and material respect.breach, the maximum aggregate amount of fees payable by OceanFirst will be the termination fee equal to $17,045,000. In no event will OceanFirst be required to pay the termination fee on more than one occasion.

If the $17,045,000 termination fee is paid by OceanFirst or Sun, the parties have agreed that the termination fee will constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty, and, except in the cause of fraud or a knowing, intentional and material breach, will be the sole monetary remedy of OceanFirst or Sun, as applicable, in the event of a termination of the merger agreement as specified in this section of the registration statement.

Expenses and Fees

AllExcept as expressly provided in the merger agreement (including the provisions relating to the entitlement of each of OceanFirst and Sun to a termination fee under certain circumstances), all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by the party incurring such expense, except that the costs and expenses of printing and mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus shall be borne proportionately by OceanFirst and Ocean Shore based on the number of stockholders of such party and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the integrated mergers will be borne equally by OceanFirst and Ocean Shore.Sun.

Amendment, Waiver and Extension of the Merger Agreement

Subject to compliance with applicable law, the merger agreement may be amended by the parties at any time before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with integrated mergers by the stockholders of OceanFirstSun shareholders and the OceanFirst stockholders, of Ocean Shore, exceptprovided that after approval of the merger agreement by the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders or the approval of the issuance of shares of OceanFirst common stock in connection with the first-step merger by the OceanFirst stockholders, there may not be, without further approval of such shareholders or stockholders, as applicable, any amendment of the merger agreement that requires further approval under applicable law. The merger agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented in any matter except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of Sun and OceanFirst.

At any time prior to the completion of the first-step merger, the partieseffective time, Sun and OceanFirst may, to the extent legally permitted, extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party, waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to the merger agreement, and waive compliance with any of the agreements or satisfaction of any conditions contained in the merger agreement, exceptprovided that after approval of the merger agreement by the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders or the approval of the issuance of shares of OceanFirst common stock in connection with the first-step merger by the OceanFirst stockholders, there may not be, without further approval of such shareholders or stockholders, as applicable, any extension or waiver of the merger agreement or any portion thereof that requires further approval under applicable law.

Ocean Shore Voting Agreements

THE SUN VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENTS

The following description of the Sun voting and support agreement is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the express terms of the Sun voting and support agreements, forms of which are attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex B andAnnex C and are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Simultaneously with the execution of the merger agreement, eachmembers of Ocean Shore’sthe Brown family (including certain directors solely in his or her capacity as an Ocean Shore stockholder,of Sun) entered into separate voting and support agreements with OceanFirst. In addition, simultaneously with the execution of the merger agreement, WLR entered into a separate voting and support agreement with OceanFirst (which we referOceanFirst. Neither Sun nor Sun National Bank is a party to collectively asthese agreements. As of the “Ocean ShoreSun record date, the Sun supporting shareholders beneficially owned and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, [●] shares of the Sun common stock (approximately 39% of the outstanding shares of Sun common stock). Under these voting agreements”), pursuant to whichand support agreements, each such directorSun supporting shareholder has agreed among other things, to vote all shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock that such directorSun supporting shareholder owns of record or beneficially, and that such directorSun supporting shareholder subsequently acquires, in favor of the approval of the merger agreement and the approval of the first-step merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Each directorSun supporting shareholder has also agreed to vote against (i) any acquisition proposal made in opposition to or otherwise in competition or inconsistent with the first-step merger or the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) any agreement, amendment of any agreement (including the Ocean ShoreSun articles of incorporation and bylaws) or any other action that is intended or would reasonably be expected to prevent, impede or, in any material respect, interfere with, delay, postpone or discourage the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (iii) any action, agreement, transaction or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or other obligation of Ocean ShoreSun in the merger agreement. As

Each Sun supporting shareholder who executed a voting and support agreement agreed, in such Sun supporting shareholder’s capacity as a Sun shareholder, not to, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate, encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries, proposals or offers with respect to, or the making or completion of, any proposal that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, an acquisition proposal, (ii) provide or cause to be provided any nonpublic information or data relating to Sun in connection with, or have any discussions with, any person relating to or in connection with an actual or proposed acquisition proposal (except to disclose the existence of these restrictions), (iii) engage in any discussions or negotiations concerning an acquisition proposal (provided that such Sun supporting shareholder may refer any such person or entity to these restrictions) or otherwise take any action to encourage or knowingly facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement an acquisition proposal, (iv) approve, recommend, agree to or accept, or propose publicly to approve, recommend, agree to or accept, any acquisition proposal, (v) solicit proxies or become a “participant” in a “solicitation” (as such terms are defined in the Exchange Act) with respect to an acquisition proposal or otherwise encourage or assist any party in taking or planning any action that would reasonably be expected to compete with, restrain or otherwise serve to interfere with or inhibit the timely consummation of the Ocean Shore record date, these stockholders beneficially owned and were entitled to vote,first-step merger in accordance with the aggregate, 371,878 sharesterms of the Ocean Shore common stock, allowing themmerger agreement, (vi) initiate a shareholders’ vote or action by consent of Sun’s shareholders with respect to exercise approximately 5.7%an acquisition proposal, (vii) become a member of a “group” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any voting powersecurities of Sun that takes any action in support of an acquisition proposal, or (viii) approve, endorse or recommend, agree to or accept, or propose to approve, endorse, recommend, agree to or accept, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, investment agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement related to any acquisition proposal. Certain voting and support agreements provide that, with respect to each Sun supporting shareholder that is a director of Sun, the sharescovenants described in this paragraph will not limit the ability of Ocean Shore common stock outstandingsuch Sun director, in such Sun director’s capacity as such, from taking any action to the extent such action is consistent with the director’s obligations under the merger agreement with respect to acquisition proposals or calling a meeting of its shareholders and recommending that they approve the merger agreement.

In addition, under the voting and support agreements, the Sun supporting shareholders have agreed that: (a) effective as of the Ocean Shore record date.

The foregoing descriptioneffective time, certain securities purchase agreements between the applicable Sun supporting shareholders, on the one hand, and Sun, on the other hand, will be terminated and (b) if requested by the Federal Reserve Board, the applicable Sun supporting shareholder will submit customary passivity and anti-association commitments to the Federal Reserve Board in order to obtain the concurrence of the Ocean Shore voting agreements is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to,Federal Reserve Board that no such Sun supporting shareholder will control OceanFirst or OceanFirst Bank for purposes of HOLA or the Ocean Shore voting agreements, a form of which is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex B and is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus.BHCA.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

The integrated mergers will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic805-10,Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets (including identifiable intangible assets) and liabilities (including executory contracts and other commitments) of Ocean ShoreSun as of the effective date of the integrated mergers will be recorded at their respective fair values and added to those of OceanFirst. If the purchase price exceeds the difference between the fair value of assets acquired and the fair value of the liabilities assumed, then such excess will be recorded as goodwill. Financial statements of OceanFirst issued after the completion of the integrated mergers will reflect these fair values and will not be restated retroactively to reflect the historical financial position or results of operations of Ocean ShoreSun before the integrated mergers.

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE INTEGRATED MERGERS

The following is a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the integrated mergers to “U.S. holders” (as defined below) of Ocean ShoreSun common stock and is based upon the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and judicial decisions in effect as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth in this discussion. This discussion does not address any tax consequences arising under the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 nor does it address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction or under any U.S. federal laws other than those pertaining to the income tax.

The following discussion applies only to U.S. holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock who hold such shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). Further, this discussion does not purport to consider all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that might be relevant to U.S. holders in light of their particular circumstances and does not apply to U.S. holders subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (such as, for example, dealers or brokers in securities, commodities or foreign currencies, traders in securities that elect to apply amark-to-market method of accounting, banks and certain other financial institutions, insurance companies, mutual funds,tax-exempt organizations, holders subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code, entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, S corporations or other pass-throughflow-through entities or(and investors in partnerships,therein), regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, former citizens or residents of the United States, holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, holders who hold shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale or conversion transaction or other integrated investment, holders who acquired Ocean ShoreSun common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options, through a tax qualified retirement plan or otherwise as compensation, holders who exercise appraisal rights or holders who actually or constructively own five percent or more of Ocean ShoreSun common stock).

For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of Ocean ShoreSun common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, or entity treated as a corporation, organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) such trust has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (iv) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, regardless of its source.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Ocean ShoreSun common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that holds Ocean ShoreSun common stock, and any partners in such partnership, should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the integrated mergers to their specific circumstances.

It is a condition to the obligation of OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun to complete the integrated mergers that they receive a written opinion from their counsel, dated the closing date of the integrated mergers, to the effect that the integrated mergers will together be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the integrated mergers will together be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the code, with the tax consequences described below. These opinions of counsel will be given in reliance on facts and representations contained in representation letters provided by OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun and on customary assumptions.

These opinions will not be binding on the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or any court. OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun have not sought and will not seek any ruling from the IRS regarding any matters relating to the integrated mergers and, as a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert,

or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the conclusions set forth below. In addition, if any of the representations or assumptions upon which those opinions are based are inconsistent with the actual facts, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the integrated mergers could be adversely affected.

The following discussion assumes that, in accordance with the opinions described above,United States federal income tax consequences of the integrated mergers to U.S. holders of Sun common stock will together be treated as an integrated transactiondepend on whether the U.S. holder receives cash, shares of OceanFirst common stock or a combination thereof in exchange for such U.S. holder’s Sun common stock. At the time that qualifies as a “reorganization” withinU.S. holder makes a cash or stock election pursuant to the meaning of Section 368(a)terms of the Code.merger agreement, the U.S. holder will not know whether, and to what extent, the proration rules of the merger agreement may alter the mix of consideration to be received. As a result, the tax consequences to U.S. holders will not be ascertainable with certainty until the precise amount of cash and shares of OceanFirst common stock that will be received by each U.S. holder in the integrated mergers has been determined.

Exchange of Shares of Sun Common Stock Solely for Shares of OceanFirst Common Stock

U.S. holders who exchange all of Ocean Shoretheir shares of Sun common stock for OceanFirst common stock in the integrated mergers pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement will not recognize any gain or loss, except in respect of cash received in lieu of a fractional share. The U.S. holder’s aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of OceanFirst common stock received in the integrated mergers (including fractional shares deemed received and redeemed, as described below under “— Cash In Lieu of Fractional Shares”) will be equal to the U.S. holder’s aggregate adjusted tax basis in its shares of Sun common stock surrendered for the shares of OceanFirst common stock, and the holding period for the shares of OceanFirst common stock (including fractional shares deemed received and redeemed, as described below) will include the period during which the shares of Sun common stock were held.

Exchange of Shares of Sun Common Stock Solely for Cash

U.S. holders who exchange all of their shares of Sun common stock solely for cash in the integrated mergers pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the aggregate tax basis in the shares of Sun common stock surrendered. Gain or loss must be calculated separately and the holding period must be determined separately for each block of shares of Sun common stock if blocks of Sun common stock were acquired at different times or for different prices. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for a particular block of Sun common stock exceeds one year on the closing date of the integrated mergers. Although the law in this area is unclear, if a U.S. holder actually or constructively owns OceanFirst common stock immediately after the integrated mergers, it is possible that the U.S. federal income tax consequences to that holder may be similar to the U.S. federal income tax consequences described below under “— Potential Treatment of Cash as a Dividend,” except that the amount of consideration, if any, treated as a dividend may not be limited to the amount of that holder’s gain.

Exchange of Shares of Sun Common Stock for a Combination of Cash and Shares of OceanFirst Common Stock

U.S. holders who exchange all of their shares of Sun common stock for a combination of shares of OceanFirst common stock and cash (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of OceanFirst common stock) in the integrated mergers pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement will generally recognize gain (but not loss) in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the amount of such cash received in the integrated mergers and (ii) the U.S. holder’s gain realized (i.e., the excess, if any, of the sum of the amount of such cash consideration and the fair market value, (asas of the effective timeclosing date, of the integrated mergers)shares of the OceanFirst common stock received in the integrated mergers over

the U.S. holder’s adjustedaggregate tax basis in its shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock surrendered) and (ii) the amount of cash consideration received pursuant to the integrated mergers. Any gain or loss realized generally must be calculated separately for each identifiable block of shares surrendered in the exchange and a loss realized on one block of shares may not be used to offset a gain realized on another block of shares.therefor). Any recognized gain will be capital gain unless the U.S. holder’s receipt of cash has the effect of a distribution of a dividend (as described below under “— Potential Treatment of Cash as a Dividend”), in which case the gain will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the U.S. holder’s ratable share of Sun’s accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for United States federal income tax purposes. Capital gain will generally will be long-term capital gain if the U.S. holder’s holding period for its Ocean ShoreSun common stock exceeds one year atas of the effective timeclosing date of the integrated mergers (exceptmergers.

U.S. holders must calculate the amount of gain or loss realized separately for each share of Sun common stock surrendered. U.S. holders of Sun common stock who acquired different blocks of Sun common stock at different times or for different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the manner in which to allocate cash and OceanFirst common stock shares among different blocks of Sun common stock. A loss realized on one block of Sun common stock cannot be used to offset a realized gain treated as a dividend, as discussed below).that is recognized on another block of Sun common stock.

A U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in its shares of OceanFirst common stock received pursuant toin the integrated mergers including(including the basis allocable to any fractional share of OceanFirst common stock for which cash isdeemed received and redeemed, as described below under “— Cash In Lieu of Fractional Shares”) will be equal to the U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the Ocean Shoreshares of Sun common stock surrendered pursuant toin the integrated mergers, decreased by the amount of cash received (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of OceanFirst common stock) and increased by the amount of gain, if any, recognized or any amount treated as a dividend, as described below (but excluding any gain resulting from the deemed receipt and redemption of any fractional shares)share of OceanFirst common stock, as described below under “— Cash In Lieu of Fractional Shares”).

A U.S. holder’s holding period in itsfor shares of OceanFirst common stock received pursuant toin the integrated mergers will include the holding period for its sharesthe block of Ocean ShoreSun common stock surrendered in exchange therefor. U.S. holders who hold shares of Ocean Shore common stock with differing bases or holding periods should consult their tax advisors with regard to identifying the bases or holding periods of the particular shares of OceanFirst common stock received in the integrated mergers.

Potential Treatment of Cash as a Dividend. The receipt of cash byDividend.

If a U.S. holder may havereceives cash in the effectintegrated mergers pursuant to the terms of a distribution of a dividend, in which casethe merger agreement, any gain recognized willmay be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of the U.S. holder’s ratable share of Ocean Shore’sSun’s accumulated “earnings and profits.” In general, the determination of whether such gain recognized will be treated as capital gain or has the effect of a distribution of a dividend depends upon whether and to what extent the exchange reduces the U.S. holder’s deemed percentage of stock ownership of OceanFirst. For purposes of this determination, the U.S. holder generally will be treated as if it first exchanged all of its shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock solely for OceanFirst common stock and then OceanFirst immediately redeemed a portion of the OceanFirst common stock in exchange for the cash the U.S. holder actually received, which redemption we refer to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the “deemed redemption.” Such gain recognized by a U.S. holder pursuant to the deemed redemption will be treated as capital gain if the deemed redemption is (i) “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the U.S. holder (and after the deemed redemption the U.S. holder actually or constructively owns less than 50% of the voting power of the outstanding OceanFirst common stock) or (ii) not “essentially equivalent to a dividend.”

The deemed redemption generally will be “substantially disproportionate” with respect to a U.S. holder if the percentage of the outstanding OceanFirst common stock that the U.S. holder actually and constructively owns immediately after the deemed redemption is less than 80% of the percentage of the outstanding OceanFirst common stock that the U.S. holder is deemed actually and constructively to have owned immediately before the deemed redemption. The deemed redemption will not be considered to be “essentially equivalent to a dividend”

if it results in a “meaningful reduction” in the U.S. holder’s deemed percentage of stock ownership of OceanFirst. The IRS has ruled that a minority stockholder in a publicly held corporation whose relative stock interest is minimal and who exercises no control with respect to corporate affairs is considered to have experienced a “meaningful reduction” if the stockholder has at least a relatively minor reduction in such stockholder’s percentage of stock ownership under the above analysis. In applying the above tests, the U.S.

holder may, under the constructive ownership rules, be deemed to own stock that is owned by other persons or otherwise in addition to the stock the U.S. holder actually owns or owned.

As these rules are complex and dependent upon your specific circumstances, you should consult your tax advisor to determine whether you may be subject to these rules.

Cash In Lieu of Fractional Shares. Shares.

A U.S. holder that receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of OceanFirst common stock generally will be treated as having received such fractional share and then as having received such cash in redemption of the fractional share. Gain or loss generally will be recognized based on the difference between the amount of cash received in lieu of the fractional share and the portion of the U.S. holder’s aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock surrendered which is allocable to the fractional share. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for its Ocean ShoreSun common stock exceeds one year aton the effective timeclosing date of the integrated mergers.

This discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences is for general information purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, tax advice. Determining the actual tax consequences of the integrated mergers to you may be complex and will depend on your specific situation and on factors that are not within our control. You should consult your tax advisors with respect to the application of U.S. federal income tax laws to your particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the U.S. federal estate or gift tax rules or under the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction or under any applicable tax treaty.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF OCEANFIRST

The following is a brief description of the terms of the capital stock of OceanFirst. This summary does not purport to be complete in all respects. This description is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the DGCL, federal law, OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation and OceanFirst’s bylaws. Copies of OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws have been filed with the SEC and are also available upon request from OceanFirst. To find out where copies of these documents can be obtained, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [].

Authorized Capital Stock

OceanFirst’s authorized capital stock consists of 55,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share.

Common Stock

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation currently authorizes the issuance of up to 55,000,000 shares of common stock. As of the OceanFirst record date, there were (i) 25,850,956[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock issued and outstanding, including 154,445[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock issued in respect of outstanding awards of restricted OceanFirst common stock under OceanFirst equity plans (or in the former Cape equity plans or Ocean Shore equity plans that were assumed by OceanFirst in the Cape acquisition and the Ocean Shore acquisition, as applicable (which we refer to as the “Cape equity plans”) and the “Ocean Shore equity plans,” respectively)), (ii) 7,715,816[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock held in treasury and (iii) 2,627,468[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock options to purchase shares of OceanFirst common stock granted under such OceanFirst equity plans, the Cape equity plans or the CapeOcean Shore equity plans.

OceanFirst common stock is currently listed for quotation on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OCFC.”

Preemptive Rights; Redemption Rights; Terms of Conversion; Sinking Fund and Redemption Provision

OceanFirst’s common stock does not have preemptive rights, redemption rights, conversion rights, sinking fund or redemption provisions.

Voting Rights

The holders of OceanFirst common stock have exclusive voting rights in OceanFirst. They elect the OceanFirst board and act on other matters as are required to be presented to them under Delaware law or as are otherwise presented to them by the OceanFirst board. Generally, each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share and will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that stockholders who beneficially own in excess of 10% of the then outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock are not entitled to any vote with respect to the shares held in excess of the 10% limit. A person or entity is deemed to beneficially own shares that are owned by an affiliate as well as persons acting in concert with such person or entity. If OceanFirst issues shares of preferred stock, holders of the preferred stock may also possess voting rights. Certain matters require an 80% stockholder vote, which is calculated after giving effect to the provision in OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation limiting voting rights as described above.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of OceanFirst’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all its debts and liabilities, all of the assets of OceanFirst available for distribution. If preferred stock is issued, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of

the common stock in the event of liquidation or dissolution. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of OceanFirst Bank, OceanFirst, as the holder of 100% of OceanFirst Bank’s capital stock, would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of OceanFirst Bank, including all deposit accounts and accrued interest thereon, and after distribution of the balance in the special liquidation account to eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders, all assets of OceanFirst Bank available for distribution.

Dividend Rights

Holders of OceanFirst common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared by the OceanFirst board out of legally available funds. The ability of the OceanFirst board to declare and pay dividends on OceanFirst common stock is subject to the terms of applicable Delaware law and banking regulations. If OceanFirst issues shares of preferred stock, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock with respect to dividends. For more information regarding OceanFirst’s ability to pay dividends, see the sections of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Transactions — Dividend Policy” beginning on page [●] and “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●]. OceanFirst’s principal source of income is dividends that are declared and paid by OceanFirst Bank on its capital stock. Therefore, OceanFirst’s ability to pay dividends is dependent upon the receipt of dividends from OceanFirst Bank. Insured depository institutions such as OceanFirst Bank are prohibited from making capital distributions, including the payment of dividends, if, after making such distribution, the institution would become “undercapitalized,” as such term is defined in the applicable law and regulations. In the future, any declaration and payment of cash dividends will be subject to the OceanFirst board’s evaluation of OceanFirst’s operating results, financial condition, future growth plans, general business and economic conditions, and tax and other relevant considerations. The payment of cash dividends by OceanFirst in the future will also be subject to certain other legal and regulatory limitations and ongoing review by the OceanFirst’s banking regulators.

Restrictions on Ownership

OceanFirst is currently a savings and loan holding company and therefore HOLA requires any “savings and loan holding company,” ascompany” (as defined in HOLA,HOLA) to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring more than 5% orof OceanFirst common stock. If OceanFirst ceases to be a savings and loan holding company and becomes a bank holding company, the BHCA would require any “bank holding company” (as defined in BHCA) to obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring more than 5% of OceanFirst common stock. Any person other(other than a savings and loan holding company while OceanFirst is a savings and loan holding company or other than a bank holding company if OceanFirst becomes a bank holding company) is required to obtain the approval ofprovide prior notice to the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring 10% or more of OceanFirst common stock under the Change in Bank Control Act.Act of 1978, as amended. Any person (other than an individual) who (a) owns, controls or has the power to vote 25% or more of any class of OceanFirst’s voting securities; (b) has the ability to elect or appoint a majority of the OceanFirst board; or (c) otherwise exerciseshas the ability to exercise a “controlling influence” over OceanFirst, is subject to regulation as a savings and loan holding company under HOLA.HOLA (while OceanFirst is a savings and loan holding company) or as a bank holding company under BHCA (if OceanFirst becomes a bank holding company).

Preferred Stock

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation authorizes the OceanFirst board, without further stockholder action, to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation further authorizes the OceanFirst board, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, to provide for the issuance of the shares of preferred stock in series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. As of the OceanFirst record date, there were no shares of OceanFirst preferred stock outstanding.

Preferred stock may be issued with preferences and designations as the OceanFirst board may from time to time determine. The OceanFirst board may, without stockholder approval, issue shares of preferred stock with voting, dividend, liquidation and conversion rights that could dilute the voting strength of the holders of OceanFirst common stock and may assist management in impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 20162017 presents the pro forma consolidated financial position of OceanFirst giving effect to the Transactions.Transactions, assuming that the Transactions had become effective on June 30, 2017. The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statementsstatement for the periodsperiod ending June 30, 2017 presents the pro forma results of operations of OceanFirst giving effect to the Transactions, assuming that the Transactions became effective on January 1, 2017, and the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statement for the period ending December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2016 presentpresents the pro forma results of operations of OceanFirst giving effect to each of the OceanFirst business combinations (with separate columns to present the pro forma effect of the Transactions, the Ocean Shore acquisition and the Cape acquisition) assuming that each OceanFirst business combination became effective on January 1, 2015.2016. These unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements, after giving effect to the applicable OceanFirst business combination, and the adjustments described in the following footnotes, and are intended to reflect the impact of the applicable OceanFirst business combination on OceanFirst:

 

separate historical audited consolidated financial statements of Ocean ShoreSun as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2016, and the related notes thereto, which are available in Ocean Shore’sSun’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152016 and are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus;

 

separate historical consolidated financial statements of Ocean ShoreSun as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, and the related notes thereto, which are available in Ocean Shore’sSun’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 20162017 and are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus;

 

separate historical audited consolidated financial statements of OceanFirst as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2016, and the related notes thereto, which are available in OceanFirst’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152016 and are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus;

 

separate historical consolidated financial statements of OceanFirst as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, and the related notes thereto, which are available in OceanFirst’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 20162017 and are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus;

separate historical audited consolidated financial statements of Cape as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus from Cape’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015; and

 

(a) separate historical consolidated financial statements of Cape as of and for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2016, and the related notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus from Cape’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2016;2016 and (b) the internal accounting records of Cape for the period beginning on March 31, 2016 and ending on AprilMay 2, 2016, the date on which the Cape acquisition was completed; and

(a) separate historical consolidated financial statements of Ocean Shore as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and the related notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus from Ocean Shore’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016 and (b) the internal accounting records of Ocean Shore for the period beginning on September 30, 2016 and ending on November 30, 2016, the last business day prior todate on which the completion of the Cape acquisition.Ocean Shore acquisition was completed.

The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect the realization of potential cost savings, revenue synergies or any potential restructuring costs. Certain cost savings and revenue synergies may result from the Transactions. However, there can be no assurance that these cost savings or revenue synergies will be achieved. Cost savings, if achieved, could result from, among other things, the reduction of operating expenses, changes in corporate infrastructure and governance, the elimination of duplicative operating systems and the combination of regulatory and financial

reporting requirements under one federally-chartered bank. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what the financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the Transactions been completed at the dates indicated. In addition, the unaudited pro forma combined financial information does not purport to project the future financial position or operating results of the combined company after completion of the Transactions.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AS OF JUNE 30, 20162017

REFLECTING THE TRANSACTIONS

 

  OceanFirst (As
Reported)
 Ocean Shore
(As Reported)
 Adjustments to
Reflect
Acquisition of
Ocean Shore
     OceanFirst
(Pro-forma)
   OceanFirst
(As Reported)
 Sun
(As Reported)
 Adjustments to
Reflect
Acquisition of
Sun
   OceanFirst
(Pro-forma)
 
(in thousands)                          

Assets

             

Cash and due from financial institutions and interest-bearing bank balances

  $66,222   $86,205   $(39,283 (a  $113,144  

Cash and due from banks, interest-earning bank balances and restricted cash

  $107,660  $128,831  $(103,984 (a $132,507 

Securities and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

   547,358   113,506   55   (b   660,919     803,023  299,987   —     1,103,010 

Loans receivable, net

   3,130,046   791,219   7,966   (c   3,929,231  

Mortgage loans held for sale

   5,310    —      —        5,310  

Loans receivable, net and loans held for sale

   3,868,973  1,574,167  (17,447 (b 5,425,693 

Other assets

   190,500   42,744   (1,384 (d   231,860     234,420  126,187  (32 (c 360,575 

Deferred tax asset

   37,052   4,140   (2,191 (e   39,001     29,804  49,442  16,813  (d 96,059 

Core deposit intangible

   3,903   391   7,631   (f   11,925     9,887   —    19,861  (e 29,748 

Goodwill

   67,102   4,630   39,617   (g   111,349     148,433  38,188  102,556  (f 289,177 
  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total assets

  $4,047,493   $1,042,835   $12,411     $5,102,739    $5,202,200  $2,216,802  $17,767   $7,436,769 
  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

             

Deposits

  $3,206,262   $806,701   $975   (h  $4,013,938    $4,176,909  $1,708,253  $(386 (g 5,884,776 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings

   402,776   105,000   7,447   (i   515,223     409,214  168,718  (16,009 (h 561,923 

Other liabilities

   29,197   15,483    —        44,680     28,774  14,771  (771 (i 42,774 
  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total liabilities

   3,638,235   927,184   8,422      4,573,841     4,614,897  1,891,742  (17,166  6,489,473 
  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

             

Common stock

   336   73   (73 (j   336     336  95,669  (95,519 (j 486 

Additional paid-in capital

   308,460   66,650   52,990   (j   428,100     353,296  509,124  (149,281 (j 713,139 

Retained earnings

   230,895   65,243   (65,243 (j   230,895     258,470  (273,997 273,997  (j 258,470 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (5,798 (752 752   (j   (5,798   (5,198 (1,926 1,926  (j (5,198

Less: Unallocated common stock held by

             

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

   (2,903 (2,126 2,126   (j   (2,903   (2,620  —     —     (2,620

Deferred compensation plans trust

   —     (878 878   (j   —       —    (1,258 1,258  (j  —   

Treasury stock

   (121,732 (12,559 12,559   (j   (121,732   (16,981 (2,552 2,552  (j (16,981
  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   409,258   115,651   3,989      528,898     587,303  325,060  34,933   947,296 
  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $4,047,493   $1,042,835   $12,411     $5,102,739    $5,202,200  $2,216,802  $17,767   $7,436,769 
  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

See “Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” below for additional information.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 20162017

REFLECTING THE TRANSACTIONS

 

 OceanFirst
(As
Reported)
 Cape
January 1,
2016 to
May 1,
2016
 Adjustments
to Reflect
OceanFirst’s
Acquisition
of Cape
 OceanFirst
(Pro-forma
with Cape)
 Ocean
Shore (As
Reported)
 Adjustments
to Reflect
OceanFirst’s
Acquisition
of Ocean
Shore
 OceanFirst
(Pro-forma)
   OceanFirst
(As Reported)
   Sun
(As Reported)
 Adjustments
to Reflect
OceanFirst’s
Acquisition
of Sun
   OceanFirst
(Pro-forma)
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)                             

INTEREST INCOME

                

Loans

 $51,556   $18,207   $1,777   (k) $71,540   $16,342   $(917 (k) $86,965    $84,350   $31,897  $934  (k $117,181 

Investment securities and other

 4,658   1,778   (78 (l) 6,358   1,331   (4 (l) 7,685  

Securities and other

   8,543    4,050   —     12,593 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total interest income

 56,214   19,985   1,699    77,898   17,673   (921  94,650     92,893    35,947  934   129,774 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

INTEREST EXPENSE

                

Deposits

 3,042   1,349   (220 (m) 4,171   1,318   (488 (m) 5,001     5,695    3,379  193  (m 9,267 

Borrowed funds

 2,599   3,108    —      5,707   1,708   (931 (n) 6,484     3,541    2,933  190  (n 6,664 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total interest expense

 5,641   4,457   (220  9,878   3,026   (1,419  11,485     9,236    6,312  383   15,931 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net interest income

 50,573   15,528   1,919    68,020   14,647   498    83,165     83,657    29,635  551   113,843 

Provision for loan losses

 1,225   1,216    —      2,441   313    —      2,754     1,865    (831  —     1,034 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 49,348   14,312   1,919    65,579   14,334   498    80,411     81,792    30,466  551   112,809 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

NON-INTEREST INCOME

                

Fees and service charges

 7,703   1,376    —      9,079   888    —      9,967     11,962    4,357   —     16,319 

Net gain on sale of loans available for sale

 349   93    —      442    —      —      442     57    —     —     57 

Net loss on sale of investment securities available for sale

 (12 61    —      49    —      —      49  

Net loss from other real estate operations

 (719 101    —      (618  —      —      (618

Income from Bank Owned Life Insurance

 861   436    —      1,297   311    —      1,608  

Bargain purchase gain

  —      —      —       —      —      —       —    

Other

 77   163    —      240   876    —      1,116     950    2,074   —     3,024 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total non-interest income

 8,259   2,230    —      10,489   2,075    —      12,564     12,969    6,431   —     19,400 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

                

Compensation and employee benefits

 19,898   7,496    —      27,394   6,652    —      34,046     31,466    17,848   —     49,314 

Occupancy and equipment

 5,790   1,615   (26 (o) 7,379   2,423   (23 (o) 9,779     8,809    6,901  (1 (o 15,709 

Other operating expenses

 10,808   4,379    —      15,187   1,954    —      17,141     16,696    7,202   —     23,898 

Amortization of core deposit intangible

 138   62   163   (p) 363   49   681   (p) 1,093     1,037    —    1,806  (p 2,843 

Expense from prepayment of borrowings

 136   749    —      885    —      —      885  

Merger related expense

 8,591   4,237   (12,828 (q)  —      —      —       —    

Branch consolidation expenses

   5,484    —     —     5,484 

Merger related expenses

   4,602    400  (5,002 (q  —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total non-interest expense

 45,361   18,538   (12,691  51,208   11,078   658    62,944     68,094    32,351  (3,197  97,248 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 12,246   (1,996 14,610    24,860   5,331   (160  30,031     26,667    4,546  3,748   34,961 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 4,380   984   4,667   (r) 10,031   1,799   (56 (r) 11,774  

Provision for income taxes

   6,969    1,661  1,312   9,942 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net income

 $7,866   $(2,980 $9,943    14,829   $3,532   $(104  $18,257    $19,698   $2,885  $2,436   $25,019 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net income per common share

                

Basic

 $0.40   $(0.23 $—      $0.53   $0.58    —      $0.54    $0.62   $0.15  $—     $0.53 

Diluted

 $0.39   $(0.23 $—      $0.52   $0.57    —      $0.53     0.59    0.15   —     0.52 

Weighted Average Common Shares

                

Basic

 19,694   12,815   (4,645 (s) 27,864   6,134   (204 (s) 33,794     32,014    19,023  (4,025 (s 47,012 

Diluted

 19,996   13,107   (4,751 (s) 28,352   6,242   (208 (s) 34,386     33,111    19,149  (4,052 (s 48,208 

See “Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” below for additional information.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20152016

REFLECTING THE TRANSACTIONSOCEANFIRST BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

 OceanFirst
(As
Reported)
 Cape (As
Reported)
 Adjustments
to Reflect
OceanFirst’s
Acquisition
of Cape
 OceanFirst
(Pro-forma
with Cape)
 Ocean
Shore (As
Reported)
 Adjustments
to Reflect
OceanFirst’s
Acquisition
of Ocean
Shore
 OceanFirst
(Pro-
forma)
  OceanFirst
(As
Reported)
 Ocean
Shore
(January 1,
2016 to
November 30,
2016)
 Adjustments
to Reflect
OceanFirst’s
Acquisition
of Ocean
Shore
 OceanFirst
(Pro-forma
with
Ocean
Shore)
 Cape
(January 1,
2016 to
May 2,
2016)
 Adjustments
to Reflect
OceanFirst’s
Acquisition
of Cape
 OceanFirst
(Pro-forma
with Cape)
 Sun
(As
Reported)
 Adjustments
to Reflect
OceanFirst’s
Acquisition
of Sun
 OceanFirst
(Pro-forma)
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)                             

INTEREST INCOME

                       

Loans

 $77,694   $46,372   $4,945   (k) $129,011   $32,715   $(1,834 (k) $159,892   $122,962  $29,701  $3,016  (k) $155,679  $18,207   $1,110  (k) $174,996  $62,014  $1,867  (k) $238,877 

Investment securities and other

 8,169   4,703   (225 (l) 12,647   2,435   (8 (l) 15,074  

Securities and other

 10,463  2,511   —     12,974  1,778   (78 (l) 14,674  7,596   —     22,270 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total interest income

 85,863   51,075   4,720    141,658   35,150   (1,842  174,966   133,425  32,212  3,016   168,653  19,985   1,032   189,670  69,610  1,867   261,147 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

INTEREST EXPENSE

                       

Deposits

 4,301   3,675   (565 (m) 7,411   2,537   (975 (m) 8,973   7,517  2,350  (449 (m) 9,418  1,349  (m) (130  10,637  5,958  386  (m) 16,981 

Borrowed funds

 4,733   2,348    —      7,081   4,159   (1,862 (n) 9,378   5,646  3,053   —     8,699  3,108  (n) (75  11,732  4,748  379  (n) 16,859 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total interest expense

 9,034   6,023   (565  14,492   6,696   (2,837  18,351   13,163  5,403  (449  18,117  4,457   (205  22,369  10,706  765   33,840 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net interest income

 76,829   45,052   5,285    127,166   28,454   995    156,615   120,262  26,809  3,465   150,536  15,528   1,237   167,301  58,904  1,102   227,307 

Provision for loan losses

 1,275   2,675    —      3,950   689    —      4,639  

Provision (reversal of provision) for loan losses

 2,623  561   —     3,184  1,216    —     4,400  (1,682  —     2,718 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 75,554   42,377   5,285    123,216   27,765   995    151,976   117,639  26,248  3,465   147,352  14,312   1,237   162,901  60,586  1,102   224,589 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

NON-INTEREST INCOME

                       

Fees and service charges

 14,116   4,099    —      18,215   1,986    —      20,201   17,915  3,177   —     21,092  1,376    —     22,468  9,833   —     32,301 

Net gain on sale of loan servicing

 111    —      —      111    —       111  

Net gain on sale of loans available for sale

 822   68    —      890    —      —      890   986   —     —     986  93    —     1,079  101   —     1,180 

Net loss on sale of investment securities available for sale

  —     150    —      150   3    —      153  

Net loss from other real estate operations

 (149 (297  —      (446  —      —      (446

Income from Bank Owned Life Insurance

 1,501   1,211    —      2,712   629    —      3,341  

Bargain purchase gain

  —     6,479    —    �� 6,479    —      —      6,479  

Net (loss) gain on sale of investment securities
available for sale

 (12 (527  —     (539 61    —     (478 426   —     (52

Other

 25   766    —      791   1,772    —      2,563   1,523  468   —     1,991  700    —     2,691  3,029   —     5,720 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total non-interest income

 16,426   12,476    —      28,902   4,390    —      33,292   20,412  3,118   —     23,530  2,230    —     25,760  13,389   —     39,149 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

        —                    

Compensation and employee benefits

 31,946   19,103    —      51,049   12,864    —      63,913   47,105  20,754   —     67,859  7,496    —     75,355  34,971   —     110,326 

Occupancy and equipment

 9,447   4,000   (78 (o) 13,369   5,001   (46 (o) 18,324   13,436  4,549  76  (o) 18,061  1,615   (26 (o) 19,650  13,774  (1 (o) 33,423 

Other operating expenses

 17,483   13,507    —      30,990   3,927    —      34,917   25,018  4,182   —     29,200  4,379    —     33,579  16,208   —     49,787 

Amortization of core deposit intangible

 21   144   517   (p) 682   96   1,364   (p) 2,142   623  92  1,251  (p) 1,966  62   225  (p) 2,253   —    3,611  (p) 5,864 

Merger related expense

 1,878   2,305    —      4,183    —      —      4,183  

Expense from prepayment of borrowings

 136  6,717   —     6,853  749    —     7,602   —     —     7,602 

Merger related expenses

 16,534  2,768  (5,743 (q) 13,559  4,237   (17,796 (q)  —     —     —      —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total non-interest expense

 60,775   39,059   439    100,273   21,888   1,318    123,479   102,852  39,062  (4,416  137,498  18,538   (17,597  138,439  64,953  3,610   207,002 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 31,205   15,794   4,846    51,845   10,267   (323  61,789  

Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 35,199  (9,696 7,881   33,384  (1,996  18,834   50,222  9,022  (2,508  56,736 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 10,883   3,639   1,696   (r) 16,218   3,399   (113 (r) 19,504   12,153  (4,494 2,758  (r) 10,417  984   6,592  (r) 17,993  (52,395 (878 (r) (35,280
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net income

 $20,322   $12,155   $3,150    $35,627   $6,868   $(210  $42,285  

Net income (loss)

 $23,046  $(5,202 $5,123   $22,967  $(2,980  $12,242   $32,229  $61,417  $(1,630  $92,016 
 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net income per common share

                       

Basic

 $1.22   $0.97    —      $1.45   $1.14    —      $1.39   $1.00  $(0.65 $—     $0.76  $(0.23  $—     $0.98  $3.26  $—     $1.93 

Diluted

 $1.21   $0.96    —      $1.43   $1.12    —      $1.37   0.98  (0.64  —     0.75  (0.23   —     0.96  3.24  $—     1.90 

Weighted Average Common Shares

                       

Basic

 16,600   12,548   (4,549 (s) 24,599   6,015   (200 (s) 30,414   23,093  8,039  (915 (s) 30,217  12,815   (10,092 (s) 32,940  18,843  (3,987 (s) 47,796 

Diluted

 16,811   12,718   (4,610 (s) 24,919   6,124   (204 (s) 30,839   23,526  8,101  (922 (s) 30,705  13,107   (10,322 (s) 33,490  18,933  (4,006 (s) 48,417 

See “Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” below for additional information.

Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements

Note 1. Description of OceanFirst Business Combinations

Business Combination with Ocean ShoreSun

On July 12, 2016,June 30, 2017, OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun publicly announced that they had entered into the merger agreement pursuant to which, (i) Merger Sub will merge with and into Sun, with Sun continuing as the surviving corporation in such merger and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst (which we refer to as the “first-step merger”); (ii) immediately thereafter, Sun, as the surviving corporation in the first-step merger, will merge with and into OceanFirst (which merger, together with the first-step merger, we refer to as the “integrated mergers”), with OceanFirst being the surviving corporation; and (iii) immediately thereafter, Sun National Bank will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank being the surviving bank (which merger, together with the integrated mergers, we refer to as the “Transactions”).

At the time the first-step merger is completed, each issued and outstanding share of Sun common stock, except for certain shares of Sun common stock owned by Sun or OceanFirst, will be converted into the right to receive either (i) the cash consideration, which is an amount in cash equal to the sum of (A) $3.78 plus (B) the product of 0.7884 multiplied by the OceanFirst share closing price, or (ii) the stock consideration, which will be a number of shares of OceanFirst common stock equal to the exchange ratio, which is the quotient of (A) the cash consideration divided by (B) the OceanFirst share closing price. Holders of Sun common stock will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration, subject to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides that the aggregate amount of cash consideration will not exceed the product of (x) $3.78 and (y) the total number of shares of Sun common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time.

Business Combination with Ocean Shore

On November 30, 2016, OceanFirst completed the Ocean Shore acquisition. Pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement governing the Ocean Shore acquisition, (i) a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst merged with and into Ocean Shore, with Ocean Shore surviving; (ii) immediately thereafter, Ocean Shore will mergemerged with and into OceanFirst, with OceanFirst surviving; and (iii) immediately thereafter, Ocean ShoreCity Home Bank will mergemerged with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank surviving.

If The total consideration paid by OceanFirst in the first-step merger is completed, each outstanding share of Ocean Shore common stock, except for certain sharesacquisition was $180.7 million, including cash consideration of Ocean Shore common stock owned by Ocean Shore or OceanFirst, will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration. OceanFirst will not issue any fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock in the first-step merger. Ocean Shore stockholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a share of OceanFirst common stock upon the completion of the first-step merger will instead be entitled to receive an amount in cash, rounded to the nearest cent, determined by multiplying the fraction of a share (rounded to the nearest thousandth when expressed as a decimal form) of OceanFirst common stock to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by the average closing-sale price per share of OceanFirst common stock on the NASDAQ (as reported by TheWall Street Journal) for the five full trading days ending on the day preceding the day on which the first-step merger is completed.$28.4 million.

Business Combination with Cape

On May 2, 2016, OceanFirst completed its acquisition of Cape.the Cape acquisition. Pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement governing the Cape acquisition, (i) a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst merged with and into Cape, with Cape surviving; (ii) immediately thereafter, Cape merged with and into OceanFirst, with OceanFirst surviving; and (iii) immediately thereafter, Cape Bank merged with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank surviving. As reported in OceanFirst’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2016, theThe total consideration paid by OceanFirst in the Cape acquisition was $196.4 million, including cash consideration of $30.5 million.

Note 2. Basis of Presentation

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and certain footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been prepared based upon available information and certain assumptions that OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun believe are reasonable under the circumstances. A

final determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which could not be made at the time that this document was prepared, may differ materially from the preliminary estimates. The final valuation may change the purchase price allocation, which could affect the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and could result in a change to the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

Business Combination with Ocean ShoreSun

With respect to the Transactions, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information assumes that the Transactions will be accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting with OceanFirst treated as

the acquirer. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the identifiable assets and identifiable liabilities of Ocean Shore,Sun, as of the effective date of the Transactions, will be recorded by OceanFirst at their respective estimated fair values and the excess of the merger consideration over the fair value of Ocean Shore’s net identifiable assets will be allocated to goodwill.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of financial condition as of June 30, 20162017 reflects the Transactions as if they had been completedassuming that the Transactions became effective as of June 30, 2016.2017. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of financial condition has been adjusted to reflect the preliminary allocation of the estimated purchase price to identifiable net assets acquired in the Transactions. The estimated purchase price was calculated based upon $18.96$24.86 per share, the volume-weighted average closing trading price of OceanFirst common stock on the NASDAQ for the five trading day period ending on and including August 9, 2016,28, 2017, which was the latest practicable trading date before the date of this document. The final allocation of the purchase price will be determined after the completion of the Transactions. This allocation is dependent upon certain valuations and other studies that have not progressed to a stage where sufficient information is available to make a definitive allocation. The purchase price allocation adjustments and related amortization reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are preliminary and have been made solely for the purpose of preparing these statements. The final allocation of the purchase price will be determined after the Transactions are completed and after completion of a thorough analysis to determine the fair value of Ocean Shore’s tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities as of the date that the Transactions are completed.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statements for the periods ending December 31, 20152016 and June 30, 20162017 reflect the results of operations of OceanFirst giving effect to the Transactions as if they had been consummated at the beginning of the periods presentedbecome effective on January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017, respectively, and combines OceanFirst’s historical results for both such periods with the historical results of Ocean Shore.Sun.

OceanFirst expects to incur costs associated with integrating Ocean Shore.Sun. Unless indicated otherwise, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not reflect nonrecurring transaction costs, the cost of any integration activities or the benefits that may result from synergies that may be derived from any integration activities.

Business CombinationCombinations with Ocean Shore and Cape

The Ocean Shore acquisition, which was consummated on November 30, 2016, and the Cape acquisition, which was consummated on May 2, 2016, waswere accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting with OceanFirst treated as the acquiror.acquiror in each case. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the consideration paid by OceanFirst has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Ocean Shore and Cape based upon their estimated fair values, net of tax. The excess of consideration paid over the fair values of net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statementsstatement of income for the period ending December 31, 2016 reflects the Ocean Shore acquisition and the Cape acquisition as if itsuch transactions had been consummated at the beginning of the periods presentedsuch period and combines OceanFirst’s historical results for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the six months ended June 30, 2016 with historical results for the same period for Ocean Shore and Cape. Such historical financial information of

Cape and Ocean Shore was based upon information that was publicly filed with the SEC for the periods prior to the completion of the Cape acquisition and the Ocean Shore acquisition, respectively, and on internal accounting records for Cape.the periods beginning on the date on which each of the Cape acquisition (with respect to Cape’s historical financial information) and the Ocean Shore acquisition (with respect to Ocean Shore’s historical financial information) was completed and, in each case, on December 31, 2016.

OceanFirst has incurred and expects to continue incurring costs associated with integrating Cape. Unless indicated otherwise, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income do not reflect nonrecurring transaction costs, the cost of any integration activities or the benefits that may result from synergies that may be derived from any integration activities.

Note 3. Purchase Price Allocation

Below is a summary of the purchase price allocation that was used to develop the pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2016.2017.

 

  Ocean Shore
(As Reported)
   Adjustments to
Reflect
Acquisition of
Ocean Shore
 Ocean Shores
(As Adjusted
for Acquisition
Accounting)
   Sun
(As Reported)
   Adjustments to
Reflect
Acquisition of
Sun
 Sun
(As Adjusted
for Acquisition
Accounting)
 
(Dollars in thousands)                    

Fair Value of Assets Acquired

          

Cash, and due from financial institutions and interest-bearing bank balances

  $86,205    $(13,232 $72,973  

Cash, and due from banks, interest-earning bank balances and restricted cash

  $128,831   $(14,787 $114,044 

Securities and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

   113,506     55   113,561     299,987    —    299,987 

Loans receivable, net

   791,219     7,966   799,185  

Loans receivable, net and loans held for sale

   1,574,167    (17,447 1,556,720 

Other assets

   42,744     (1,384 41,360     126,187    (32 126,155 

Deferred tax asset

   4,140     (2,191 1,949     49,442    16,813  66,255 

Core deposit intangible

   391     7,631   8,022     —      19,861  19,861 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total assets acquired

   1,038,205     (1,155 1,037,050     2,178,614    4,408  2,183,022 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Fair Value of Liabilities Acquired

          

Deposits

   806,701    $975   807,676     1,708,253    (386 1,707,867 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings

   105,000     7,447   112,447     168,718    (16,009 152,709 

Other liabilities

   15,483     —     15,483     14,771    (771 14,000 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities acquired

   927,184     8,422   935,606     1,891,742    (17,166 1,874,576 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net assets acquired

   111,021     (9,577 101,444     286,872    21,574  308,446 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Purchase Price

   —       —     145,691     —      —    449,190 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Goodwill

   —       —     $44,247    $—     $—    $140,744 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Note 4. Pro forma Adjustments

 

(a)Adjustment reflects payment of transaction expenses of $13.2$31.5 million (which includes cash payments expected to be made to certain Ocean ShoreSun executive officers pursuant to the terms of the change in control agreements described in the section entitled “The Transactions — Interests of Ocean Shore’sSun’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions — Change in Control Agreements Between Other Executive Officers and Ocean Shore”Transactions” beginning on page [●]) and payment of cash consideration of $26.1$72.5 million to stockholders,Sun shareholders, representing $4.35$3.78 for each share of Ocean ShoreSun common stock held by Ocean Shore stockholders.Sun shareholders.

 

(b)Adjustment reflects the fair value premium on investment securities held to maturity.

(c)Adjustment reflects elimination of Ocean Shore’sSun’s historical allowance for loan losses of $3.2$14.9 million, a fair value premiumdiscount due to interest rates of $14.7$13.1 million, net of deferred fees, and a fair value discount due to credit of $9.9$19.3 million.

 

(d)(c)Adjustment reflects the fair value discount on premises and equipment.

(e)(d)Adjustment reflects the tax impact of pro forma accounting fair value adjustments. Also includes a preliminary estimate of $23.7 million representing part of Sun’s unrecognized net operating loss carryforward for federal taxes which can be utilized by OceanFirst. For more information regarding Sun’s deferred tax asset, see Sun’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, and its Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017.

 

(f)(e)Adjustment reflects the fair value of acquired core deposit intangible of $7.6 million, net of Ocean Shore’s existing core deposit intangible of $0.4 million.intangible. The core deposit intangible is calculated as the present value of the difference between a market participant’s cost of obtaining alternative funds and the cost to maintain the acquired deposit base. Deposit accounts that are evaluated as part of the core deposit intangible include demand deposit, money market and savings accounts.

 

(g)(f)

Adjustment reflects the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, net of Ocean Shore’sSun’s existing goodwill balance. TheFor purposes of these pro forma financial statements, the purchase price is based upon $18.96was calculated using an assumed “OceanFirst share closing price” of $24.86 per share, which was the volume-weighted average of the closing trading

price of OceanFirst’s common stock for the five trading day period ending on and including August 9, 2016, which was28, 2017, the latestmost recent practicable trading date beforeprior to the date of this document.joint proxy statement/prospectus. The purchase price, as so calculated, is a preliminary estimate, and the final purchase price, which will not be finalizeddetermined until the first-step merger is complete andcompleted, will be based in part on the share price of OceanFirst on that date. See “Note 3. Purchase Price Allocation” above for more information regarding the allocation of the estimated OceanFirst purchase price.

 

(h)(g)Adjustment reflects the fair value premiumdiscount on time deposits which was calculated by discounting future contractual payments at a current market interest rate.

 

(i)(h)Adjustment reflects the fair value premiumdiscount on borrowings which was calculated by discounting future contractual payments at a current market interest rate.

 

(i)Adjustment reflects elimination of Sun’s historical allowance for off balance sheet liabilities.

(j)Adjustment reflects elimination of Ocean Shore’sSun’s historical stockholder’s equity and the issuance of shares of OceanFirst common stock by OceanFirst as a component of the merger consideration.

 

(k)In the case of Ocean Shore, interest income on loans was adjusted to reflect the difference between the contractual interest rate earned on loans and estimated premium amortization over the remaining life of the acquired loans based on current market yields for similar loans.    In the case of Cape, interestInterest income on loans was adjusted to reflect the difference between the contractual interest rate earned on loans and estimated discount accretion over the remaining life of the acquired loans based on current market yields for similar loans.

 

(l)Interest income on securities was adjusted to reflect the difference between the contractual interest rate earned on securities and estimated premium amortization over the remaining life of the securities based on current market yields for similar securities.

 

(m)Interest expense on deposits was adjusted to reflect the amortization(amortization)/accretion of the time deposit fair value premiumpremium/discount over the remaining life of the time deposits.

 

(n)Interest expense on borrowings was adjusted to reflect the amortization(amortization)/accretion of the estimated fair value premiumpremium/discount over the remaining life of the borrowings.

 

(o)Occupancy expense was adjusted to reflect the accretionamortization/(accretion) of the fair market value premium/discount on premises and equipment.

 

(p)Adjustment reflects the amortization of core deposit intangible over an estimated ten year useful life and calculated on a sum of the years digits basis.

 

(q)Adjustment to remove the merger related expenses related to the Cape acquisition and the Ocean Shore acquisition.

 

(r)Adjustment reflects the tax impact of the pro forma purchase accounting adjustments.

 

(s)In the case of Ocean Shore and Cape, adjustmentAdjustment reflects the conversion of weighted average shares (basic and diluted) into equivalent shares of OceanFirst common stock based on the respective merger exchange ratios.

COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

If the first-step merger is completed, Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders will be entitledhave the option to elect to receive shares of OceanFirst common stock in the first-step merger in exchange for their shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock. OceanFirst is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, and Ocean ShoreSun is organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey. As a result of the integrated mergers, Ocean Shore stockholdersfirst-step merger, Sun shareholders who receive the stock consideration (either because they elect to receive stock consideration or because of the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement) will become stockholders of OceanFirst.OceanFirst stockholders. Thus, following the integrated mergers, the rights of Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders who become OceanFirst stockholders as a result of the integrated mergers will be governed by the corporate law of the State of Delaware and will also then be governed by OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation and OceanFirst’s bylaws. OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws will be unaltered by the merger.Transactions.

The following is a summary of the material differences between (1) the current rights of Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders under the NJBCA, Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation and Ocean Shore’sSun’s bylaws and (2) the current rights of OceanFirst stockholders under the DGCL, OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation and OceanFirst’s bylaws. OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun believe that this summary describes the material differences between the rights of OceanFirst stockholders as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the rights of Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus; however, it does not purport to be a complete description of those differences. Copies of OceanFirst’s and Ocean Shore’sSun’s governing documents have been filed with the SEC. To find out where copies of these documents can be obtained, see the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [].

 

OCEANFIRST  OCEAN SHORESUN
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation authorizes it to issue up to 55,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of the OceanFirst record date, there were 25,850,956[●] shares of OceanFirst common stock outstanding and no shares of OceanFirst preferred stock outstanding.

 

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation further provides that the number of authorized shares of preferred stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of OceanFirst common stock, without a vote of the holders of the preferred stock, or of any series thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any preferred stock designation.

  

Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation authorizes it to issue up to 25,000,00040,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01$5.00 per share, and up to 5,000,0001,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01$1.00 per share. As of the Ocean ShoreSun record date, there were 6,511,006[●] shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock outstanding, and no shares of Ocean ShoreSun preferred stock outstanding.

 

Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation authorizes the Ocean ShoreSun board to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series. The Ocean ShoreSun board is authorized to divide the preferred stock into series and to determine the designation, number, relative or other special rights, preferences and limitations of any series of preferred stock by amendmentboard resolution or resolutions adopted from time to time.

VOTING
Generally, each holder of OceanFirst common stock is entitled to one vote per share and will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that stockholders who beneficially own in excess of 10% of the then outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock are not entitled to any vote with respect to the shares held in excess of the 10% limit.Under Sun’s certificate of incorporation.incorporation, the holders of the Sun common stock exclusively possess all voting power and each holder of shares of Sun common stock is entitled to vote one vote for each share held by such holder.

OCEANFIRSTSUN
SIZE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OceanFirst’s bylaws currently provide that the number of directors of OceanFirst shall be such number as designated by the OceanFirst board from time to time, except in the absence of such designation the number shall be nine.

 

Under the merger agreement, OceanFirst has agreed to increase the size of the OceanFirst board from tentwelve to thirteenfourteen members and appoint Steven E. Brady and two other current members of the Ocean ShoreSun board to the OceanFirst board.

  

Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation currently provides that except as to the number of directors constituting the first board of directors, the number of directors of Ocean ShoreSun shall be fixedsuch number as shall be provided from time to time exclusively by the board of directors by resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of Ocean Shore’s directors; providedin or in accordance with its bylaws. Sun’s bylaws currently provide that a decrease in the number of directors of the Sun board shall consist of not have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director.fewer than two nor more than twenty-five directors.

 

There are currently seven11 directors on the Ocean ShoreSun board.

OCEANFIRSTOCEAN SHORE
DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, no director shall stand forre-election to the OceanFirst board following his or her 72nd birthday.

 

OceanFirst’s bylaws further provide that each director is required to maintain a residence in the State of New Jersey. No person may serve on the OceanFirst board and at the same time be a director or officer of anotherco-operative bank, credit union, savings bank, savings and loan association, trust company, bank holding company or banking association or any affiliate thereof.

  Under Ocean Shore’sSun’s bylaws, every director of Sun must be a shareholder of Sun and shall own in his or her own right the majoritynumber of shares (if any) required by law in order to qualify as a director. Any director shall immediately cease to be a director when he or she no longer holds such shares.
TERM OF DIRECTORS
Under OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation, the Ocean Shore board must reside withindirectors are divided into three classes, with the Stateterm of New Jersey.office that expire at the third annual meeting of stockholders succeeding the annual meeting of stockholders at which such director was elected.Under Sun’s certificate of incorporation, the Sun directors hold office until the next annual shareholders meeting succeeding the annual shareholders meeting at which such director was elected.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

There is no provision in the OceanFirst organizational documents for the removal of directors by the OceanFirst board.

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that any director, or the entire OceanFirst board, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of OceanFirst entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the voting limitation described above).

  Under Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation, the Ocean ShoreSun board has the power to remove directors for cause and to suspend directors pending a final determination that cause exists for removal. DirectorsAdditionally, under Sun’s certificate of incorporation, any director or the entire board of directors of Sun may not be removed with or without cause.cause, at any time, by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Sun capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

OCEANFIRSTSUN
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock of OceanFirst, special meetings of OceanFirst stockholders may be called only by the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the directors that OceanFirst would have if there were no vacancies on the board of directors.

 

OceanFirst’s bylaws provide that at any special meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the board of directors.

 

The DGCL does not grant stockholders the statutory right to call a special meeting.

  

Under Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, except as otherwise required by the NJBCA,law, special meetings of the stockholders may only be called by the president, the chairman of the board or a majority of the board of directors. Business transacted atshareholders for any special meeting is confined to the purpose or purposes stated inmay be called at any time by the notice of such meeting.Sun board.

 

Notwithstanding the fact that Ocean Shore’sSun’s bylaws do not permit Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders to call a special meeting,Section 14A:5-3 of the NJBCA provides that upon the application of the holder or holders of not less than ten percent of all the shares entitled to vote at a meeting, the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey (the “Superior Court”) may for good cause order a special meeting of the stockholdersshareholders to be called and held at certain time and place, upon such notice and for the transaction of such business as may be designated in such order.

QUORUM
OceanFirst’s bylaws provide that subject to certain exceptions, the presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of record of the shares of capital stock of OceanFirst entitling the holders thereof to cast a majority of the shares entitled to vote shall be necessary to constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders.Ocean Shore’s bylaws provide that unless otherwise required by the NJBCA in the case of a special At any such meeting, the holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of the votes at an annual or special meeting of stockholders shall constitute a quorum at such meeting. The stockholdersshareholders present in person or by proxy atand having voting powers will constitute a duly organized meeting may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstandingquorum for the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum. Less than quorum may adjourn a meetingtransaction of the Ocean Shore stockholders.
business designated in the order of the Superior Court.

OCEANFIRSTOCEAN SHORE
STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock of OceanFirst, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of OceanFirst must be effected at an annual or special meeting of stockholders of OceanFirst and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.  

Under the NJBCA and Ocean Shore’s organizational documents,Sun’s certificate of incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholdersshareholders at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if all of the stockholdersshareholders entitled to vote at such meeting consent to such action in writing.

 

The ability, underIn the NJBCA,case of stockholdersa merger, consolidation, acquisition of all capital shares of Sun or sale of assets, such action may be taken without a meeting only if all shareholders consent in writing, or if all of the shareholders entitled to actvote consent in writing and all other shareholders are provided the advance notification required by Section 14A:5-6(2)(b) of the NJBCA. All other acts by written consent that isare not unanimous isare prohibited by Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation.

NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS
OceanFirst’s bylaws provide that written notice of the place, date, and time of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date on which the meeting is to be held, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, except as otherwise provided by the DGCL or OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation. When a meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, written notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, date and time thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than 30 days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, written notice of the place, date, and time of the adjourned meeting shall be given in conformity with the preceding sentence. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.Ocean Shore’s bylaws provide that written notice of the time, place and purpose or purposes of every meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, it is not necessary to give notice of the adjourned meeting if the time and place to which the meeting is adjourned are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken and at the adjourned meeting only such business is transacted as might have been transacted at the original meeting. However, if after the adjournment the board fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record on the new record date entitled to notice.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
OceanFirst’s bylaws provide that in addition to any other applicable requirements for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered or mailed to and received at the principal executive offices of OceanFirstUnder Sun’s bylaws, in addition to any other applicable requirements for business to be properly brought before an annual or special meeting by a shareholder, the shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be delivered, or mailed to and received at, the principal executive

OCEANFIRST

SUN

not less than 90 days prior to the date of the annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than 100 daysdays’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such notice of the date ofUnder Ocean Shore’s bylaws, in addition to any other applicable requirements for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary. To be timely, a stockholder shall give notice in writing, delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Ocean Shore secretary not less than sixty days nor more than ninety days prior to any such meeting; provided, however, that if less than seventy-one days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or mailed, as prescribed, to the Ocean Shore secretary not later

OCEANFIRST

OCEAN SHORE

the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. A stockholder’s notice to the secretary shall set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on OceanFirst’s books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (iii) the class and number of shares of OceanFirst’s capital stock that are beneficially owned by such stockholder, and (iv) any material interest of such stockholder in such business.  

offices of Sun (i) in the case of nominations of candidates for election as directors or other proposals at an annual meeting, not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the first anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is changed by more than 30 days from theone-year anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be received no later than the close of business on the tenth10th day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure was made and (ii) in the case of nominations of candidates for election as directors at a special meeting at which directors are to stockholdersbe elected, not later than the close of business on the 10th day following earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. Each suchA shareholder’s notice given by a stockholder to the secretary with respect to business proposals to bring before a meeting shall set forth in writing as to: (i) each person such shareholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection, all information required to be disclosed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act; (ii) each matter: (i)matter such shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; (ii)and (iii) the shareholder giving such notice, (x) the name and address, as they appear on the Ocean Shore’sSun’s books, of such shareholder and any beneficial owners, if any, on whose behalf the stockholder proposing such business; (iii) the ownership interests such stockholder has in Ocean Shore, includingproposal or nomination is made, (y) the class and number of shares of the Ocean ShoreSun which are owned beneficially ownedand of record by such stockholder,shareholder of record and by the beneficial owner, if any, hedges, economic incentiveson whose behalf the proposal or nomination is made, and (z) with respect to any proposal other ownership positions in the Ocean Shore’s securities; and (iv)than a nomination of candidates for election as directors, any material interest of the stockholdershareholder of record and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made in such business.

If a nomination or other business is not properly made in accordance with the foregoing provisions, the Chairman of the meeting shall determine and declare to the meeting that the nomination or other proposal, as applicable, was not properly brought before the meeting, and such defective nomination shall be disregarded or such business shall not be transacted, as applicable.

OCEANFIRSTSUN
DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS
Under the DGCL, a stockholder of a Delaware corporation generally has the right to dissent from a merger or consolidation in which the corporation is participating or a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the corporation, subject to specified procedural requirements. The DGCL does not confer appraisal rights, however, if the corporation’s stock is either (a) listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; or (b) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. The DGCL further provides that no appraisal rights shall be available for any shares of stock of the constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger did not require for its approval the vote of the stockholders of the surviving corporation as provided under DGCL Section 251(f).  The NJBCA provides that a stockholdershareholder is not entitled to demand the fair value of his or her shares of stock in any transaction if, among other things, the stock is listed on a national securities exchange, if cash is to be received, or the securities to be received are listed on a national securities exchange. Because Ocean Shore’sSun’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ, the holders of Ocean Shore’sSun’s common stock are not entitled to dissenters’ rightsrights.
EVALUATION OF BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The OceanFirst certificate of incorporation does not mandate that the OceanFirst board consider certain prescribed factors when evaluating a business combination, tender offer or exchange offer (and other similar transactions). However, the OceanFirst certificate of incorporate does permit the OceanFirst board to, when evaluating such transactions, consider all relevant factors, including those factors that the directors of any subsidiary of OceanFirst may consider in evaluating any action that may result in a change or potential change in the control of such subsidiary, and the social and economic effect of acceptance of such offer on OceanFirst’s present and future customers and employees and those of its subsidiaries; on the communities in which OceanFirst and its subsidiaries operate or are located; on the ability of OceanFirst to fulfill its corporate objective as a savings and loan holding company under any circumstances, regardlessapplicable laws and regulations; and on the ability of its subsidiary savings bank to fulfill the objectives of a federally-chartered stock form savings bank under applicable statutes and regulations.Under Sun’s certificate of incorporation, when evaluating a business combination or a tender or exchange offer, in connection with the exercise of its judgement in determining what is in the best interests of Sun and the Sun shareholders, the Sun board is required to consider the following factors (in addition to considering the adequacy of the form of considerationamount to be paid in connection with any such transaction and any other factors which the Sun board deems relevant): (i) the long-term as well as short-term interests of Sun and its shareholders; (ii) the social and economic effects of entering into the transaction on Sun and its subsidiaries, and its present and future employees, depositors, loan and other customers, creditors and other elements of the communities in which Sun and its subsidiaries operate or are located; (iii) the business and financial condition and earnings prospects of the acquiring person or entity, including, but not limited to, debt service and other existing financial obligations, financial obligations to be incurred in connection with the acquisition, and other likely financial obligations of the acquiring person or entity, and the possible effect of such conditions upon Sun and its subsidiaries and the other elements of the communities in which Sun and its subsidiaries operate or are located; and (iv) the competence, experience, and integrity of the acquiring person or entity and its or their management.

OCEANFIRSTSUN
RESPONSE TO ABUSIVE TAKEOVERS
The OceanFirst certificate of incorporation does not specifically address how the OceanFirst board should respond to certain abusive takeovers.Sun’s certificate of incorporation provides that the Sun board (or any committee thereof) is expressly authorized, to the extent permitted by law, to take such action or actions as the Sun board or such committee may determine to be reasonably necessary or desirable to (A) encourage any person to enter into negotiations with the Sun board and management of Sun with respect to any transaction which may result in a change in control of Sun which is proposed or initiated by such person or (B) contest or oppose any such transaction which the Sun board or such committee determines to be unfair, abusive or otherwise undesirable with respect to Sun and its business, assets or properties or the shareholders of Sun, including, without limitation, the adoption of such plans or the issuance of such rights, options, capital stock, notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness or other securities of Sun, which rights, options, capital stock, notes, evidences of indebtedness and other securities (i) may be exchangeable for their shares.or convertible into cash or other securities on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Sun board or such committee and (ii) may provide for the treatment of any holder or class of holders thereof designated by the sun board or any such committee in respect of the terms, conditions, provisions and rights of such securities which is different from, and unequal to, the terms, conditions, provisions and rights applicable to all other holders thereof.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS AND RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
OceanFirst has not opted out of the requirements of Section 203 of the DGCL, which provides that OceanFirst is prohibited from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder (a person or group of affiliates owning at least fifteen percent of the voting power of OceanFirst) for a period of three years after such interested stockholder became an interested stockholder unless (a) before the stockholder became an interested stockholder, the OceanFirst board approved either the business combination or the transaction whichOcean Shore is subject to Section 14A:10A-4 of the NJBCA, which provides that Ocean Shore is prohibited from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder (a person or group of affiliates owning, directly or indirectly, at least ten percent of the voting power of Ocean Shore) for a period of five years following the interested stockholder becoming such unless (a) the business combination is approved by the Ocean Shore board prior to the stock acquisition date or (b) the

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resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, (b) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least eighty-five percent of the voting stock of

Sun is subject toSection 14A:10A-4 andSection 14A:10A-5 of the NJBCA, which provides that Sun is prohibited from engaging in business combinations with interested shareholders, subject to certain exceptions. Pursuant toSection 14A:10A-4 of the NJBCA, Sun is prohibited from engaging in a business combination with an interested shareholder for a period of five years following the interested shareholder becoming such unless (a) the business combination is approved by the Sun board prior to the stock acquisition date or (b) the transaction or series of related transactions which caused the person to become an interested shareholder was approved by the Sun board prior to that shareholder’s stock acquisition date and any subsequent business

OCEANFIRST

SUN

OceanFirst outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned (i) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer, or (c) at or subsequent to the time the stockholder became an interested stockholder the business combination is approved by the OceanFirst board and authorized by the affirmative vote of at leasttwo-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders of OceanFirst.

 

In addition, OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that a business combination with an interested stockholder requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of voting stock of OceanFirst. The super-majority vote is not required for a business combination with an interested stockholder that is approved by a majority of disinterested directors or meets certain consideration value requirements. An interested stockholder is defined as any person who beneficially owns ten percent or more of the voting power of OceanFirst’s voting stock; an affiliate or associate of OceanFirst who, at any time within thetwo-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of OceanFirst; or an assignee of shares of voting stock which were at any time within thetwo-year period immediately prior to the date in question beneficially owned by any interested stockholder.

  

transaction which caused the person to become an interested stockholder wascombination is approved by the Ocean ShoreSun board, prior toprovided that stockholder’s stock acquisition date and any such subsequent business combination is approved by disinterested(i) the Sun board, or a committee thereof, consisting solely of persons who are not employees, officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates or associates of the interested stockholder and (ii) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting stock not beneficially owned by the interested stockholdershareholder at a meeting called for such purpose. Covered business combinations include certain mergers, dispositions of assets, issuances or transfers of shares and recapitalizations.

In addition to the foregoing restrictions, pursuant toSection 14A:10A-5 provides that Ocean Shore of the NJBCA, Sun is prohibited, at any time, from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholdershareholder other than (i) a business combination approved by the Sun board of directors prior to the interested shareholder’s stock acquisition date; (ii) a business combination approved by the affirmative vote of the holders oftwo-thirds of the voting stock not beneficially owned by such interested shareholder at a meeting called for such purpose; (iii) a business combination in which certain consideration requirements are met and the interested shareholder has not become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of stock of Sun after the interested shareholder’s stock acquisition date and prior to the consummation date with respect to the business combination, subject to certain exceptions; or (iv) a business combination approved by (x) the Sun board, or a committee thereof, consisting solely of persons who are not employees, officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates or associates of that interested stockholder prior to the consummation of the business combination and (y) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting stock not beneficially owned by such interested stockholder at a meeting called for such purpose if the transaction or (iii)series of related transactions with the interested stockholder which caused the person to become an interested stockholder was approved by the Sun board prior to the consummation of such transaction or series of related transactions. Under New Jersey law, an interested shareholder is defined as any person who (i) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of Sun’s outstanding voting stock or (ii) is an affiliate or associate of Sun who, at any time within the five-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of Sun.

OCEANFIRST

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Further, Sun’s certificate of incorporation provides that Sun shall not engage in a business combination in whichwith any interested shareholder for a period of five years following that interested shareholder’s stock acquisition date unless the business combination is approved by the board of directors prior to the interested stockholders pay a formula price designedshareholder’s stock acquisition date. In addition, Sun shall not engage in any business combination with any interested shareholder of Sun at any time unless one of the following three conditions are met: (1) the business combination is approved by the Sun board prior to ensure that all other stockholders receiveinterested shareholder’s stock acquisition date and thereafter approved by shareholders in accordance with applicable law; (2) the business combination is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the highest price per share paidvoting stock not beneficially owned by that interested shareholder at a meeting called for such purpose; and (3) certain consideration requirements are met and the interested stockholder fromshareholder has not become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of stock of Sun after the interested shareholder’s stock acquisition date and prior to the consummation date with respect to the business combination, subject to certain exceptions. An interested shareholder is defined as any person who (i) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of Sun’s outstanding voting stock; (ii) is an affiliate or associate of Sun who, at any time within the five-year period prior to the date in question, was the personbeneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of Sun; or (iii) is an assignee of, or has otherwise succeeded to any, shares of voting stock which were at any time within thetwo-year period immediately prior to the date in question beneficially owned by any interested shareholder, if such assignment or succession occurred in a transaction or series of transactions not involving a public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. The foregoing limitations are inapplicable in certain limited circumstances, including with respect to any business combination with an interested shareholder where (a) such shareholder became an interested stockholder and at least the market value per share ofshareholder inadvertently if such shareholder satisfies certain requirements or (b) Sun’s common stock on the datewas not registered pursuant to Section 12 of the announcement of the business combination or theExchange Act on that interested stockholder’sshareholder’s Sun stock acquisition date, less dividends.provided that such interested shareholder has continued to be an interested

OCEANFIRST

 

Ocean Shore’s certificateSUN

shareholder of incorporation also includes similar protections for business combinations with interested stockholders.

Sun since such Sun stock acquisition date.
LIMITATION OF PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that OceanFirst’s directors shall not be liable to OceanFirst or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability: (a) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty; (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (c) under Section 174 of the DGCL; or (d) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.  Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation provides that an officer or director of Ocean ShoreSun shall not have, noto the fullest extent permitted by law, any personal liability to Ocean ShoreSun or its stockholdersshareholders for damages for breach of any duty owed to Ocean ShoreSun or its stockholders,shareholders, except for liability for any breach of duty based upon an act or omission (a) in breach of the director’s or officer’s duty of loyalty to Ocean ShoreSun or its stockholders,shareholders, (b) not in good faith or involving a knowing violation of law or (c) resulting in receipt by such person of an improper personal benefit.

OCEANFIRSTOCEAN SHORE
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS AND INSURANCE
OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that OceanFirst shall indemnify and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any legal proceeding by reason of the fact that such person (a) is or was a director or officer of OceanFirst or (b) is or was serving at the request of OceanFirst as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan; provided, however, that OceanFirst shall not indemnify or agree to indemnify any of the foregoing persons against liability or expenses if he or she has not met the applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation further provides that OceanFirst may maintain insurance to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of OceanFirst, any subsidiary or affiliate of OceanFirst or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not OceanFirst would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.  Ocean Shore’s certificate of incorporation providesSun’s bylaws provide that Ocean ShoreSun shall indemnify to the fullest extent required or permitted bySection 14A:3-5 of the NJBCA anyevery person made or threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person or such person’s testator, intestate, personal representative or spousewho is or was a director or officer of Ocean Shore, is or was a director, officer, trustee, member, partner, incorporator or liquidator of a subsidiary of Ocean Shore, or serves or servedof: (a) Sun; (b) any other enterprise, if serving as such at the request of Ocean Shore as aSun; or (c) the legal representative of any officer or director officer, trustee, member, partner, incorporatordescribed in preceding clause (a) or liquidator(b). In all situations in which indemnification is not mandatory, Sun may, to the fullest extent permitted bySection 14A:3-5 of or in any other capacity for any other enterprises. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except for proceedingsNJBCA, indemnify all persons whom it is empowered to enforceindemnify pursuant thereto; provided, however, that the Sun board’s exercise of indemnification powers is limited by and conditioned upon the Sun board’s determination that such indemnification rights, Ocean Shore shall notwould be obligatedin the best interests of Sun. The Sun board’s determination whether to provide any indemnification or any payment or reimbursementshall be conclusive in the absence of expenses to any director, officer or other person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person (which shall not include counterclaims or crossclaims initiated by others) unless the boardclear and convincing evidence of directors has authorized or consented to such proceeding (or part thereof) in a resolution adopted by the board.bad faith.
INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS
Under DGCL Sections 219 and 220, any stockholder of a Delaware corporation may examine the list of stockholders and any stockholder making a written demand may inspect any other corporate books and records for any purpose reasonably related to the stockholder’s interest as a stockholder.  Under NJBCASection 14A:5-28, upon the written request of any stockholder, Ocean Shoreshareholder, Sun shall mail to such stockholdershareholder its balance sheet as at the end of the preceding fiscal year, and its profit and loss and surplus statement for such fiscal year. Also, any person who shall have been a stockholdershareholder of record

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SUN

of Ocean ShoreSun for at least six months immediately preceding his demand, or any person holding, or so authorized in writing by the holders of, at least five percent of the outstanding shares of any class or series, upon at least five days’ written demand shall have the right for any proper purpose to examine in person or by agent or attorney, during usual business hours, its minutes of the proceedings of its stockholdersshareholders and record of stockholdersshareholders and to make extracts therefrom at the places where the same are kept.
AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, the OceanFirst board may amend, alter or repeal the bylaws at any meeting of the

Ocean Shore’s certificate of incorporation further provides that the Ocean Shore board is expressly

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board, provided notice of the proposed change was given not less than two days prior to the meeting. The stockholders shall also have power to amend, alter or repeal the bylaws at any meeting of stockholders provided notice of the proposed change was given in the notice of the meeting; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provisions of OceanFirst’s bylaws or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of OceanFirst common stock required by law, OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation, any preferred stock designation or the bylaws, the affirmative votes of the holders of at least eighty percent of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of OceanFirst capital stock, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal any provisions of the bylaws.

 

OceanFirst may amend or repeal any provision in the certificate of incorporation in the manner set forth in the DGCL; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent of the voting power of all the outstanding shares of OceanFirst’s capital stock to amend or repeal certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation, including, but not limited to, provisions relating to the ten percent limitation on voting rights, prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, the calling of special meetings, amendment of the bylaws, classification of the board, board vacancies, removal of directors, advance notice requirements for stockholder nominations, stockholder voting requirements for business combinations involving interested stockholders, indemnification of officers and directors, and the provision requiring at least eighty percent of outstanding voting stock approval to amend the aforementioned provisions.

  

Sun’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provides that the Sun board is expressly authorized to make, repeal, alter, amend and rescind Ocean Shore’sSun’s bylaws by a majority vote of two-thirdsmembers of the full board of directors present at a legal meeting held in accordance with the provisions of Ocean Shore’sSun’s bylaws. Notwithstanding any other provision of Ocean Shore’sSun’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws (and notwithstanding the fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law), Ocean Shore’sSun’s bylaws shall not be made, repealed, altered, amended or rescinded by the stockholdersshareholders of Ocean ShoreSun except by the vote of the holders of not less than eighty percent80% of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of Ocean ShoreSun entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the stockholdersshareholders called for that purpose (provided that notice of such proposed adoption, repeal, alteration, amendment or rescission is included in the notice of such meeting), or, as set forth above, by the Ocean ShoreSun board.

 

Ocean Shore’sSun reserves the right to repeal, alter, amend or rescind any provision contained in its certificate of incorporation provides that except as otherwise requiredin the manner prescribed by law, and all rights conferred on shareholders by the NJBCA,certificate of incorporation are granted subject to this reservation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation, including, but not limited to, provisions relating to elimination of directors’ and officers’ liability, preemptive rights, repurchase of shares, meetings of shareholders, cumulative voting, quorum, notice for nominations and proposals, approval of business combinations, evaluation of business combinations, response to abusive takeovers, amendment of bylaws and amendment of certificate of incorporation, may not be repealed, altered, amended or rescinded in any respect unless such action is approved by the

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and the provision requiring at least eighty percent of outstanding voting stock approval to amend the aforementioned provisions.affirmative vote of the holders of a majoritynot less than 80% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Sun entitled to vote shall be required to approvegenerally in the amendmentelection of the certificate of incorporation, except that (a) the affirmative vote of at least eighty percent of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to votedirectors (considered for this purpose as onea single class) cast at a meeting of the shareholders called for that purpose (provided that notice of such proposed adoption, repeal, alteration, amendment or rescission is properly included in the notice of such meeting).
FORUM SELECTION BYLAW

OceanFirst’s bylaws provide that unless OceanFirst consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be, required to amend certain sections of Ocean Shore’s certificate of incorporation, including provisions relating to limitation on voting rights, the classified board, certain duties of directors and Articles related to certain stockholder vote requirements, elimination of director and officer liability, indemnification and the amendment of Ocean Shore’s bylaws, and (b) the Ocean Shore board, without any action by the Ocean Shore stockholders, may amend Ocean Shore’s certificate of incorporation to the fullest extent allowed underpermitted by law, the NJBCA.sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of OceanFirst, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, stockholder, employee or agent of OceanFirst to OceanFirst or the OceanFirst’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against OceanFirst or any director, officer, stockholder, employee or agent of OceanFirst arising out of or relating to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or the OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against OceanFirst or any director, officer, stockholder, employee or agent of OceanFirst governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Delaware.

OceanFirst’s bylaws also provide that OceanFirst is entitled to equitable relief, including injunction and specific performance, to enforce such provisions regarding forum.

Sun’s organizational documents do not contain a forum selection clause.

COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS

OceanFirst common stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OCFC” and Ocean ShoreSun common stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “OSHC.“SNBC.” The following table sets forth the high and low reported sale prices per share of OceanFirst common stock and Ocean ShoreSun common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and the cash dividends declared per share for the periods indicated.

 

  OceanFirst Common Stock   Ocean Shore Common Stock   OceanFirst Common Stock   Sun Common Stock 
  High   Low   Dividend   High   Low   Dividend   High   Low   Dividend   High   Low   Dividend 

2014

            

First Quarter

  $19.47    $16.81    $0.12    $14.51    $13.30    $0.06  

Second Quarter

   18.64     15.34     0.12     15.00     14.05     0.06  

Third Quarter

   17.16     13.94     0.13     14.90     14.05     0.06  

Fourth Quarter

   17.76     15.25     0.13     14.58     13.70     0.06  

2015

                        

First Quarter

   17.51     16.01     0.13     14.85     13.80     0.06     17.51    16.01    0.13    19.62    16.88    —   

Second Quarter

   18.88     16.65     0.13     15.72     14.59     0.06     18.88    16.65    0.13    20.09    18.26    —   

Third Quarter

   19.13     16.51     0.13     16.17     14.54     0.06     19.13    16.51    0.13    21.00    18.93    —   

Fourth Quarter

   21.00     16.74     0.13     17.60     15.74     0.06     21.00    16.74    0.13    22.24    18.90    —   

2016

                        

First Quarter

   19.99     15.98     0.13     18.06     16.53     0.06     19.99    15.98    0.13    21.96    19.52    —   

Second Quarter

   19.65     16.77     0.13     17.99     16.60     0.06     19.65    16.77    0.13    22.27    20.27    —   

Third Quarter

   19.95     18.12     0.13     23.15     16.83     0.06     19.96    17.99    0.13    23.25    20.35    0.01 

Fourth Quarter

   30.49    18.99    0.15    26.80    22.10    0.01 

2017

            

First Quarter

   30.70    27.04    0.15    26.70    23.05    0.01 

Second Quarter

   29.00    25.42    0.15    25.95    23.88    0.01 

Third Quarter

   [●]    [●]    [●]    [●]    [●]    [●] 

On July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the Transactions, the high and low sales prices of shares of OceanFirst common stock as reported on the NASDAQ were $18.88$27.58 and $18.59,$26.84, respectively. On [●], 2016,2017, the lastlatest practicable trading day prior to the printing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the high and low sales prices of shares of OceanFirst common stock as reported on the NASDAQ were $[●] and $[●], respectively.

On July 12, 2016,June 29, 2017, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the Transactions, the high and low sales prices of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock as reported on the NASDAQ were $17.03$25.00 and $16.95,$24.65, respectively. On [●], 2016,2017, the lastlatest practicable trading day prior to printing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the high and low sales prices of shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock as reported on the NASDAQ were $[●] and $[●], respectively.

As of the OceanFirst record date, there were approximately 1,679[●] registered holders of OceanFirst common stock and, as of the Ocean ShoreSun record date, there were approximately 528[●] registered holders of Ocean ShoreSun common stock.

Each of the OceanFirst stockholders and the Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders are advised to obtain current market quotations for OceanFirst common stock and Ocean ShoreSun common stock. The market price of OceanFirst common stock and Ocean ShoreSun common stock will fluctuate between the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the date of completion of the Transactions. No assurance can be given concerning the market price of OceanFirst common stock or Ocean ShoreSun common stock before or after the effective date of the first-step merger. Changes in the market price of OceanFirst common stock prior to the completion of the Transactions will affect the market value of the stock portion of the merger consideration that Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders will be entitled to receive upon completion of the Transactions.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND

MANAGEMENT OF OCEANFIRST

The following table provides information as of September 27, 2016[●], 2017 with respect to the persons known by OceanFirst to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of its outstanding stock. A person is considered to beneficially own any shares of common stock over which he or she has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investment power.

 

Name and Address Of Beneficial Owner  Number of Shares Owned  Percent of Common
Stock Outstanding(1)
 

OceanFirst Bank,

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “OceanFirst ESOP”)

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, New Jersey 08754-2009

1,583,869(2)6.1

EJF Capital LLC

2107 Wilson Boulevard

Suite 410

Arlington, VA 22201

1,519,119(3)5.9

Wellington Management Company, LLP

280 Congress Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02210

   1,350,0952,404,235(4)(2)   5.27.4

BlackRock Inc.

55 East 52nd Street

New York, New York 10055

1,742,346(3)5.4

 

(1)Percentages with respect to each person have been calculated on the basis of 25,839,74432,519,755 shares of OceanFirst common stock, the number of shares of OceanFirst common stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of August 4, 2016.June 27, 2017.
(2)Under the terms of the OceanFirst ESOP, the trustee will vote all shares held in the OceanFirst ESOP in accordance with the instructions of the participants.
(3)Based on SEC Schedule 13G Amendment No. 7 filed on September 27, 2016.February 9, 2017.
(4)(3)Based on SEC Schedule 13G Amendment No. 6 filed on February 11, 2016.January 25, 2017.

The following table provides information as of September 27, 2016,[●], 2017, about the shares of OceanFirst common stock that may be considered to be beneficially owned by (i) each director and each named executive officer of OceanFirst as of such date and (ii) all OceanFirst directors and executive officers as a group. This information has been provided by each of the directors and executive officers at OceanFirst’s request or derived from statements filed with the SEC. Beneficial ownership of securities means the possession directly or indirectly, through any formal or informal arrangement, either individually or in a group, of voting or investment power (which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security). Unless otherwise indicated, to OceanFirst’s knowledge, the beneficial owner has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares. Each director and executive officer maintains a mailing address at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753. None of the below directors or executive officers have pledged any shares of OceanFirst.

 

Name  Number of Shares
Owned (excluding
options)(2)
   Number of Shares
That May Be
Acquired Within 60
Days by Exercising
Options
   Total Number of
Shares Beneficially
Owned
   Percent of Common
Stock Outstanding(3)
 

Directors(1)

        

Joseph J. Burke(4)

   19,038     18,686     37,724     *  

Angelo Catania(4)

   21,017     18,686     39,703     *  

Michael D. Devlin

   195,776     173,419     369,195     1.4

Jack M. Farris(5)

   3,440     —      3,440     *  

John R. Garbarino(5)(6)

   399,622     455,843     855,465     3.3

Christopher D. Maher(7)(8)

   36,061     47,886     83,947     *  

Donald E. McLaughlin(4)(9)

   42,145     18,686     60,831     *  

Diane F. Rhine(4)

   41,397     18,686     60,083     *  

Mark G. Solow(4)

   17,864     4,900     22,764     *  

John E. Walsh(4)

   26,354     18,686     45,040     *  

Named Executive Officers who are not also Directors

        

Michael J. Fitzpatrick(8)(10)

   190,962     152,283     343,245     1.3

Joseph J. Lebel, III(8)(11)

   31,278     76,738     108,016     *  

Joseph R. Iantosca(8)(11)

   39,668     76,076     115,744     *  

Steven J. Tsimbinos(8)(12)

   23,214     42,600     65,814     *  

All directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons)

   1,097,243     1,125,425     2,222,668     8.2
Name  Number of Shares
Owned (excluding
options)(2)
   Number of Shares
That May Be
Acquired Within 60
Days by Exercising
Options
   Total Number of
Shares Beneficially
Owned
   Percent of Common
Stock Outstanding (3)
 

Directors(1)

        

Steven E. Brady(4)(5)

   100,439    70,436    170,875    * 

Joseph J. Burke(6)

   20,208    17,836    38,044    * 

Angelo Catania(6)

   22,391    17,836    40,227    * 

Michael Devlin(4)(7)

   202,064    86,709    288,773    * 

Jack M. Farris(8)

   4,475    —      4,475    * 

Christopher D. Maher(9)(10)

   55,187    51,278    106,465    * 

Dorothy McCrosson(4)

   8,715    8,579    17,294    * 

Donald E. McLaughlin(6)(11)

   40,770    17,836    58,606    * 

Diane F. Rhine(6)

   38,829    17,836    56,665    * 

Mark G. Solow(6)

   18,899    6,300    25,199    * 

John E. Walsh(6)

   27,678    17,836    45,514    * 

Samuel Young(4)(12)

   18,086    16,434    34,520    * 

Named Executive Officers who are not also Directors

        

Michael J. Fitzpatrick(10)(13)

   198,009    156,033    354,042    1.1

Joseph J. Lebel, III(10)(14)(15)

   37,196    52,125    89,321    * 

Joseph R. Iantosca(10)(14)

   47,768    72,375    120,143    * 

Steven J. Tsimbinos(10)(16)

   26,307    55,125    81,432    * 

All directors and Executive Officers as a group (17 persons)

   870,491    664,574    1,535,065    4.6

 

*Less than 1%.
(1)Each director and executive officer maintains a mailing address at 975 Hooper Avenue, Tomstoms River, New Jersey 08753. None of the above directors or executive officers havehas pledged any shares of OceanFirst.
(2)Each person effectively exercises sole (or shared with spouse or other immediate family members) voting power as to shares reported as of September 27, 2016.August 28, 2017.
(3)Percentages with respect to each person or group of persons have been calculated on the basis of 25,850,95633,201,656 shares of OceanFirst common stock, the number of shares of OceanFirst common stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of September 27, 2016,August 28, 2017, plus the number of shares of OceanFirst common stock which such person or group of persons has the right to acquire within 60 days of September 27, 2016August 28, 2017 by the exercise of stock options.
(4)Includes 4,7651,035 unvested restricted shares awarded in March 2017, which vests at a rate of 20% per year commencing on March 1 of the year following the grant.
(5)Includes 3,280 shares as Deferred Compensation, 3,866 shares as a Stock Award, 8,328 shares as a SERP, 14,613 shares in an ESOP, and 7,000 shares held in a 401(k).
(6)Includes 4,431 unvested shares. Eachnon-employee director, other than Messrs. Farris, GarbarinoDevlin, Brady and Devlin,Young and Ms. McCrosson, was awarded 681 restricted shares in February 2012, 713 restricted shares in February 2013, 1,880 restricted shares in March 2014, 1,850 restricted shares in March 2015, and 1,740 restricted shares in March 2016.2016, and 1,035 restricted shares in March 2017. Each such award vests at a rate of 20% per year commencing on March 1 of the year following the grant.
(5)(7)Includes 3,22022,037 shares held by Mr. Devlin’s spouse, 2,868 shares held by Mr. Devlin’s daughters, and 51,311 shares held in an individual retirement account.
(8)Includes 3,537 unvested shares. Messrs.Mr. Farris and Garbarino were awarded 1,850 restricted shares in March 2015, and 1,740 restricted shares in March 2016.2016, and 1,035 restricted shares in March 2017. Each such award vests at a rate of 20% per year commencing on March 1 of the year following the grant.
(6)(9)Includes 105,057 shares held by a trust for which Mr. Garbarino serves as trustee, 14,445 shares owned by Mr. Garbarino’s wife, and 9,584 shares held by Mr. Garbarino and his wife as co-trustees.
(7)Includes 11,01612,799 unvested shares. Mr. Maher was awarded 4,5664,567 restricted shares in June 2013, 5,165 in March 2015, and 5,060 in March 2016.2016, and 4,740 in March 2017. Such awards vest at a rate of 20% per year commencing on March 1 of the year following the grant.

(8)(10)Includes the following shares that have been allocated and are held in trust pursuant to the OceanFirst ESOP as of September 27, 2016:August 28, 2017: Mr. Maher: 1,001;1,394; Mr. Fitzpatrick: 78,294;80,495; Mr. Lebel: 7,189;7,728; Mr. Iantosca: 11,536;12,176; and Mr. Tsimbinos 1,984.2,378. Such persons have sole voting power, but no investment power, except in limited circumstances, as to such shares.
(9)(11)Includes 5,3215,358 shares owned by Mr. McLaughlin’s wife.spouse.
(10)(12)Includes 4,4342,918 shares held as Deferred Compensation.
(13)Includes 4,304 unvested shares. Mr. Fitzpatrick was awarded 1,946 restricted shares in February 2012, 1,529 restricted shares in February 2013, 1,760 restricted shares in March 2014, 1,540 restricted shares in March 2015, and 1,145 restricted shares in March 2016.2016, and 1,455 restricted shares in March 2017. Each such award vests at a rate of 20% per year commencing on March 1 of the year following the grant.
(11)(14)Includes 5,4366,735 unvested shares for each of Mr. Lebel and Mr. Iantosca. Each of Mr. Lebel and Mr. Iantosca was awarded 657 restricted shares in February 2012, 764 restricted shares in February 2013, 761 shares in June 2013, 1,910 restricted shares in March 2014, 2,055 restricted shares in March 2015, and 1,910 restricted shares in March 2016.2016, and 2,905 restricted shares in March 2017. Each such award vests at a rate of 20% per year commencing on March 1 of the year following the grant.
(12)(15)Includes 12,457671 shares held by Mr. Lebel’s spouse.
(16)Includes 11,805 unvested shares. Mr. Tsimbinos was awarded 657 restricted shares in February 2012, 764 restricted shares in February 2013, 1,030 restricted shares in March 2014, 7,575 restricted shares in March 2015, and 5,345 restricted shares in March 2016.2016, and 2,420 restricted shares in March 2017. Each such award vests at a rate of 20% per year commencing on March 1 of the year following the grant.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND

MANAGEMENT OF OCEAN SHORESUN

The following table providessets forth, as of [●], 2017, certain information as to Sun’s common stock beneficially owned by persons beneficially owning in excess of September 23, 2016 about5% of the persons known to Ocean Shoreoutstanding shares of Sun’s common stock. Sun knows of no person, except as listed below, who beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Sun’s common stock as of [●], 2017. For purposes of the table below and the table set forth under the caption “Security Ownership of Sun Management,” in accordance with Rule13d-3 under the Exchange Act, a person is deemed to be the beneficial ownersowner of more than 5% of Ocean Shore’s outstanding common stock. A person may be considered to beneficially own any shares of common stock (a) over which he, shethat person has or it has,shares, directly or indirectly, voting power or investment power, or (b) of which that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days after [●], 2017. As used herein, “voting power” is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and “investment power” includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Except as otherwise indicated, each Sun shareholder shown in the table below has sole or shared voting or investing power.and investment power with respect to the shares of Sun common stock indicated.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Sun Beneficial Owners

Name and Address of

Beneficial Owner

  Number Amount and Nature
of Shares OwnedBeneficial
Ownership
  Percent of Shares of
Common Stock
Outstanding(1)
 

Bay Pond Partners, L.P.WLR SBI AcquisitionCo, LLC

c/o Wellington Management Company LLP1166 Avenue of the Americas

280 Congress Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02210New York, New York 10036

   357,2004,255,848(1)(2)   5.622.29

Chicago Capital Management, LLCBernard A. Brown

Steven R. Gerbel71 West Park Avenue

311 South Wacker Drive

Suite 6025

Chicago, Illinois 60606Vineland, New Jersey 08360

   330,1161,208,053(2)(3)(4)   5.16.32

M3 Funds,FJ Capital Management LLC

M3 Partners, LP1313 Dolley Madison Boulevard, Suite 306

M3F, Inc.

Jason A. Stock

William C. Waller

10 Exchange Place, Suite 510

Salt Lake City, Utah 84111McLean, VA 22101

   433,6091,093,825(3)(5)   6.85.73

RangeleyEJF Capital LLC

Rangeley Capital Partners, LP2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 410

Christopher DeMuth, Jr.

3 Forest Street

New Canaan, Connecticut 06840Arlington, VA 22201

   582,5621,093,820(4)(6)   9.15.73

Ocean Shore Bank Employee Stock Ownership PlanSidney R. Brown

1001 Asbury Avenuec/o NFI Industries, Inc.

Ocean City,1515 Burnt Mill Road

Cherry Hill, New Jersey 0822608003

   553,3341,001,057(5)(7)(8)(9)(10)   8.65.24

 

(1)Based on information containedthe 19,057,297 total outstanding shares of Sun common stock of Sun as of [●], 2017 plus the 47,774 shares of Sun common stock which such person or group of persons has the right to acquire within 60 days after [●], 2017.
(2)Includes 4,255,700 shares of Sun common stock that are held directly by WLR SBI AcquisitionCo, LLC, based in part on a Schedule 13G13D/A filed with the SEC on August 1, 2016.
(2)Basedand dated April 11, 2011 and in part based on information containedprovided by WLR SBI AcquisitionCo, LLC. Sun has not included in Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on August 9, 2016.table 48 shares of Sun common stock reported as held by Wilbur L. Ross, Jr., a former director of Sun, who was previously reported as the managing member of El Vedado, LLC, the general partner of WL Ross Group, L.P., which was the managing member of WLR Recovery Associates IV LLC. WL Ross & Co. LLC is now the general partner of WLR Recovery Associates IV LLC, which in turn is the general partner of WLR Recovery Fund IV, L.P., which is the sole manager of WLR SBI AcquisitionCo, LLC. James B. Lockhart III is Vice Chairman of WL Ross & Co. LLC, but has no beneficial ownership in the 4,255,700 shares of Sun common stock owned by WLR SBI AcquisitionCo, LLC. Mr. Lockhart personally owns 100 shares of Sun common stock, which are not included in the amount shown in the table.
(3)Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 29, 2016. Includes 703 shares beneficially owned by William C. Waller over which he has sole voting and dispositive power.
(4)Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/AForm 5 filed with the SEC on February 1, 2016.17, 2015 and on information from the corporate records of Sun.
(4)Includes 790,772 shares of Sun common stock held indirectly by spouse but for which the individual disclaims beneficial ownership.
(5)Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A (Amendment No. 2) filed with the SEC on February 13, 2017. The Schedule 13G/A was filed by FJ Capital Management LLC for itself and on behalf of the other reporting persons named therein: Financial Opportunity Fund LLC, Financial Opportunity Long/Short Fund LLC, Martin S. Friedman, Bridge Equities III LLC, SunBridge Manager, LLC, SunBridge Holdings, LLC and Realty Investment Company, Inc. FJ Capital Management LLC shares voting power with respect to 1,093,825 shares of Sun common stock and shares dispositive power with respect to 235,139 shares. Financial Opportunity Fund LLC shares voting and dispositive power with respect to 186,965 shares. Financial Opportunity Long/Short Fund LLC shares voting and dispositive power with respect to 5,247 shares. Martin S. Friedman shares voting power with respect to 1,093,825 shares of Sun common stock and shares dispositive power with respect to 235,139 shares. Bridge Equities III LLC shares voting and dispositive power with respect to 858,686 shares. SunBridge Manager, LLC shares voting and dispositive power with respect to 858,686 shares. SunBridge Holdings, LLC shares voting and dispositive power with respect to 858,686 shares. Realty Investment Company, Inc. shares voting and dispositive power with respect to 858,686 shares.

(6)Based on a Schedule 13G/A (Amendment No. 3) filed with the SEC on February 14, 2017. The Schedule 13G/A was filed by EJF Capital LLC for itself and on behalf of the other reporting persons named therein: Emanuel J. Friedman, EJF Financial Services Fund, LP and EJF Financial Services GP, LLC. Each of the reporting persons shares voting and dispositive power of the shares.
(7)Based on Forms 4/A filed with the SEC on February 8, 2016.March 24, 2017 and on information from the corporate records of Sun. Includes shares of Sun common stock held directly as well as by spouse, by children, in trust and other indirect ownership.
(8)Includes 47,774 shares of Sun common stock that can be acquired pursuant to options that are currently exercisable or that will become exercisable within 60 days of [●], 2017.
(9)Includes 1,500 restricted shares that remain subject to vesting, but over which the individual has sole voting power.
(10)Excludes 774,750 shares of Sun common stock held by various companies and partnerships for which the individual disclaims beneficial ownership of shares of Sun common stock held in excess of his proportionate ownership interests in such companies and partnerships.

Security Ownership of Sun Management

The following table providessets forth information as of September 23, 2016 about the shares of Ocean ShoreSun common stock that may be considered to be beneficially owned by each current director of Sun, each named executive officer named thereinof Sun and all directors and executive officers of Ocean ShoreSun as a group. A person may be considered to beneficially own any sharesgroup as of common stock over which he, she or it has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investment power. Unless[●], 2017. Except as otherwise indicated, each ofSun shareholder shown in the named individualstable below has sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to the numbershares of shares shown.common stock indicated.

 

Name(1)

  Common Stock(2)  Options
Exercisable Within
60 Days
   Total   Percent of
Common Stock
Outstanding
 

Directors

       

Steven E. Brady

   145,582(3)   61,456     207,038     3.2

Frederick G. Dalzell, MD

   65,260(4)   13,600     78,860     1.2

John L. Van Duyne, Jr.

   45,558(5)   13,600     59,158     *  

Christopher J. Ford

   40,665    13,600     54,265     *  

Dorothy F. McCrosson

   7,944    7,100     15,044     *  

Robert A. Previti, Ed.D

   45,542(6)   13,600     59,142     *  

Samuel R. Young

   27,053    13,600     40,653     *  

Named Executive Officers Who Are Not Also Directors

       

Janet M. Bossi

   52,886(7)   4,600     57,486     *  

Kim M. Davidson

   54,703(8)   10,455     65,158     1.0

Donald F. Morgenweck

   51,583    10,291     61,874     1.0

Anthony J. Rizzotte

   47,429(9)   2,233     49,662     *  

All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)

   609,013    165,335     774,348     11.7

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership(1)(2)
  Percent of
Class(3)
 

Directors:

   

Jeffrey S. Brown

   638,799   3.31

Sidney R. Brown

   1,001,057(4)   5.19

Anthony R. Coscia

   40,062   * 

F. Clay Creasey, Jr.

   4,783   * 

Peter Galetto, Jr.

   118,186   * 

Eli Kramer

   87,946   * 

James B. Lockhart III

   100(5)   * 

William J. Marino

   35,979   * 

Thomas M. O’Brien

   314,164   1.63

Keith Stock

   21,742   * 

Grace C. Torres

   4,180   * 

Named executive officers who are not directors:

   

Thomas R. Brugger

   28,912   * 

Nicos Katsoulis

   68,346   * 

Anthony J. Morris

   11,966   * 

Patricia M. Schaubeck

   15,814   * 

Total of all directors, named executive officers and other executive officers of Sun as a group (18 persons)

   2,415,965(6)   12.53

 

*Less than 1.0%
(1)Each directorThe figures shown include 223,331 shares of Sun common stock which may be acquired upon the exercise of Sun stock options that are, or will become, exercisable within 60 days after [●], 2017: Jeffrey S. Brown — 3,100; Sidney R. Brown — 47,774; Anthony R. Coscia — 0; F. Clay Creasey, Jr. — 0; Peter Galetto, Jr. — 9,800; Eli Kramer — 14,731; James B. Lockhart III — 0; William J. Marino — 0; Thomas M. O’Brien — 121,201; Keith Stock — 0; Grace C. Torres — 0; Thomas R. Brugger — 5,019; Nicos Katsoulis — 0; Anthony J. Morris — 250; Patricia M. Schaubeck — 0; and executive officer maintains a mailing address at 1001 Asbury Avenue Ocean City, New Jersey 08226. Other than as set forth below, none of the above directors orthree other executive officers have pledged any shares of Ocean Shore.that are not named executive officers — 21,456.
(2)This column includesThe figures shown include the following:following 156,287 restricted shares that remain subject to vesting, but over which the individuals have sole voting power: Jeffrey S. Brown — 1,500; Sidney R. Brown — 1,500; Anthony R. Coscia — 0; F. Clay Creasey, Jr. — 1,500; Peter Galetto, Jr. — 1,500; Eli Kramer — 1,500; James B. Lockhart III — 0; William J. Marino — 1,500; Thomas M. O’Brien — 74,151; Keith Stock — 1,500; Grace C. Torres — 1,500; Thomas R. Brugger — 10,717; Nicos Katsoulis — 24,576; Anthony J. Morris — 10,717; Patricia M. Schaubeck — 10,599; and three other executive officers that are not named executive officers — 13,527.

   Shares Held in
Trust and
Awarded under
Ocean Shore’s
Equity Incentive
Plan
   Shares Held in
Trust Pursuant to
Ocean Shore’s
Deferred
Compensation
Plan
   Shares Held in
Trust and
Allocated Under
Ocean Shore
ESOP and ESOP
SERP
   Shares Held in
Trust and
Credited Under
the Ocean Shore
401(k) Plan
 

Mr. Brady

   6,000     3,393     23,732     34,284  

Dr. Dalzell

   —       7,944     —       —    

Mr. Van Duyne, Jr.

   —       17,535     —       —    

Mr. Ford

   —       4,162     —       —    

Ms. McCrosson

   —       —       —       —    

Dr. Previti

   —       7,703     —       —    

Mr. Young

   —       3,019     —       —    

Ms. Bossi

   4,500     1,202     8,121     21,920  

Ms. Davidson

   4,500     1,323     8,786     23,083  

Mr. Morgenweck

   3,900     1,440     8,845     9,167  

Mr. Rizzotte

   4,500     2,595     12,003     23,604  

(3)Includes 78,173Based on the 19,057,297 total outstanding shares pledgedof Sun common stock as security.of [●], 2017 plus the 223,331 shares of Sun common stock which such person or group of persons has the right to acquire within 60 days after [●], 2017.
(4)Includes 3,429Excludes 774,750 shares of Sun common stock held by various companies and partnerships for which Sidney Brown disclaims beneficial ownership of shares held by Dr. Dalzell’s spousein excess of Sidney Brown’s proportionate ownership interests in such companies and 23,189 shares held by a limited liability company in which Dr. Dalzell has sole voting power. Also, includes 18,904 shares pledged as security.partnerships.
(5)Includes 28,023Does not include 4,255,700 shares pledged as security.of Sun common stock directly held by WLR SBI AcquisitionCo, LLC, which are not beneficially owned by Mr. Lockhart. See note (2) to the table, “Security Ownership of Certain Sun Beneficial Owners,” above.
(6)Includes 8723,929 shares heldbeneficially owned by Dr. Previti’s son. Also, includes 18,904 shares pledged as security.
(7)Includes 16,077 shares pledged as security.
(8)Includes 17,011 shares pledged as security.
(9)Includes 922 shares pledged as security.three executive officers who are not named executive officers.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the OceanFirst common stock to be issued in connection with the first-step merger will be passed upon for OceanFirst by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (New York, New York). Certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the integrated mergers will be passed upon for OceanFirst by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (New York, New York) and for Ocean ShoreSun by Kilpatrick TownsendWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLP (Washington, D.C.).Katz.

EXPERTS

OceanFirst

The consolidated financial statements of OceanFirst as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015,2016, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2016, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Ocean ShoreSun

The consolidated financial statements of Ocean Shore incorporated in this joint proxy statement/prospectusProspectus by reference from Ocean Shore’sthe Sun Bancorp Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, and the effectiveness of Ocean Shore’sSun Bancorp Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

Ocean Shore

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 incorporated in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference from the Ocean Share Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the effectiveness of Ocean Share’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

Cape

The consolidated financial statementsincome statement and statement of cash flows of Cape as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the three years in the periodperiods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and the effectiveness of Cape’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20152013 have been audited by Crowe Horwath LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in the report of Crowe Horwath LLP appearing in Cape’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and incorporated in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference. Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

OceanFirst

OceanFirst held its 20162017 annual meeting of stockholders on June 2, 20162017 and began mailing its proxy statement for such meeting on or about April 26, 2016.28, 2017.

To be considered for inclusion in the OceanFirst sponsored proxy materials for OceanFirst’s 20172018 annual meeting of stockholders, proposals by OceanFirst stockholders must comply with Rule14a-8 under the Exchange Act. In order to comply with Rule14a-8, among other requirements, any such proposal must be received in writing by OceanFirst’s Corporate Secretary at 975 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753 no later than December 27, 2016.2017. If OceanFirst’s 20172018 annual meeting of stockholders is held on a date more than 30 calendar days from June 2, 2017,2018, a stockholder proposal must be received by a reasonable time before OceanFirst begins to print and mail its proxy solicitation material for such meeting. Any stockholder proposals will be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted by the SEC.

OceanFirst stockholders may also make proposals and director nominations that are not intended to be included in OceanFirst’s proxy statement for its 20172018 annual meeting of OceanFirst stockholders, so long as the proposals or nominations comply with OceanFirst’s bylaws. Based on the requirements set forth in OceanFirst’s bylaws, in order to make proposals for business to be brought before OceanFirst’s 20172018 annual meeting of stockholders or nominations for the election of directors at such meeting, any OceanFirst stockholder must deliver notice of such proposal or nomination to OceanFirst’s Corporate Secretary no later 90 days before the date of such meeting; provided that if less than 100 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting is given to OceanFirst stockholders, such notice must be delivered not later than the close of the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of such annual meeting was mailed to stockholders or prior public disclosure of the meeting date was made.

Ocean ShoreSun

Ocean ShoreSun held its 20162017 annual meeting of stockholdersshareholders on May 25, 201611, 2017 and began mailing its proxy statement for such meeting on or about April 19, 2016. Ocean Shore willMarch 30, 2017. Sun does not holdanticipate holding a 20172018 annual meeting of Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders if the first-step merger is completed.completed before the second quarter of 2018. However, if the first-step merger is not completed for any reason, Ocean Shore willwithin the expected time frame, or at all, Sun may hold an annual meeting of its stockholders in 2017.2018.

To be considered for inclusion in the Ocean ShoreSun sponsored proxy materials for Ocean Shore’s 2017Sun’s 2018 annual meeting of stockholders,shareholders, proposals by Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders must comply with Rule14a-8 under the Exchange Act. In order to comply with Rule14a-8, among other requirements, any such proposal must be received in writing by Ocean Shore’sSun’s Corporate Secretary at 1001 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City,350 Fellowship Road, Suite 101, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 0822608054 no later than December 20, 2016.November 30, 2017. If Ocean Shore’s 2017Sun’s 2018 annual meeting of stockholdersshareholders is held on a date more than 30 calendar days from May 25, 2017,11, 2018, a stockholderSun shareholder proposal must be received by a reasonable time before Ocean ShoreSun begins to print and mail its proxy solicitation materials for such meeting. Any stockholderSun shareholder proposals will be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted by the SEC.

Ocean Shore stockholders may also makeUnder Sun’s bylaws, Sun shareholder proposals and directorshareholder nominations for directors that are not intended to be included in the Ocean Shore sponsoredSun’s proxy materials for itsnext year’s annual meeting of Sun shareholders, if any, will only be considered at such annual meeting if a Sun shareholder’s proposal or nomination is in writing and received by Sun at the above address no earlier than 90 days prior nor later than 60 days prior to the first anniversary of Sun’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, if held, so long asSun shareholders, or between February 10, 2018 and March 12, 2018. However, Sun’s bylaws further provide that in the proposals and nominations comply with Ocean Shore’s bylaws. In order to comply with Ocean Shore’s bylaws, among other requirements, any Ocean Shore stockholder proposals or nominations must be delivered to the Secretary of Ocean Shore not less than 60 calendar days prior toevent the date of suchnext year’s annual meeting and notof Sun shareholders is changed by more than 90 calendar30 days prior tofrom such anniversary date, the datedeadline for submission of such meeting. If less than 71 days’proposals will be the close of business on the 10th day following the earlier of the day on which notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the 2017meeting was mailed or public disclosure was made. In addition, shareholder proposals and shareholder nominations for directors must meet other applicable criteria as set forth in Sun’s bylaws in order to be considered at next year’s annual meeting of Ocean Shore stockholders is given to the Ocean Shore stockholders, then, in order to comply with Ocean Shore’s bylaws, among other requirements, any Ocean Shore stockholder proposals or nominations must be delivered to Ocean Shore not later than the close of the tenth day following such notice or public disclosure.Sun shareholders, if any.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

OceanFirst is filing with the SEC this registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to register the issuance of the shares of OceanFirst common stock to be issued in connection with the first-step merger. This joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part of that registration statement and constitutes the prospectus of OceanFirst in addition to being a proxy statement for OceanFirst stockholders and Ocean Shore stockholders.Sun shareholders. The registration statement, including this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the attached annexes and exhibits, contains additional relevant information about OceanFirst, including information about OceanFirst’s common stock.

OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun also file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. You may read and copy this information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at1-800-SEC-0330. You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates, or from commercial document retrieval services.

The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, such as OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of the site is http://www.sec.gov. The reports, proxy statements and other information filed by OceanFirst with the SEC are also available at OceanFirst’s website at www.oceanfirstonline.com under the tab “Investor Relations,” and then under the heading “SEC Filings”. The reports, proxy statements and other information filed by Ocean ShoreSun with the SEC are available at Ocean Shore’sSun’s website at www.ochome.com/home under the tab “Investor Relations,” and then under the heading “SEC Filings”. The web addresses of the SEC, OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun are included as inactive textual references only. Except as specifically incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, information on those web sites is not part of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The SEC allows OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun to incorporate by reference information in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This means that OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, except for any information that is superseded by information that is included directly in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun previously filed with the SEC. They contain important information about the companies and their financial condition.

 

OceanFirst SEC Filings

(SEC FileNo. 001-11713)

  Period or Date Filed

Annual Report on Form10-K

  Year ended December 31, 20152016

Annual ReportReports on Form11-K

  Filed on June 24, 201620, 2017 and June 19, 2017

Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q

  Quarters ended March 31, 20162017 and June 30, 20162017

Current Reports on Form8-K

  Filed on January 27, 2017, February 1, 2017, February 13, 2017, March 7, 2017, April 10, 2017, April 28, 2017, May 4, 2017, June 6, 2016, January2017, June 27, 2017, June 30, 2017, July 3, 2017, July 28, 2017 (with respect to Item 8.01 only) and August 8, 2016, January 22, 2016, February 18, 2016, March 28, 2016, April 22, 2016, April 26, 2016, May 2, 2016, May 18, 2016, May 20, 2016, June 3, 2016, June 21, 2016, June 23, 2016, July 13, 2016, July 14, 2016, July 15, 2016, July 29, 2016, August 1, 2016, August 2, 2016 and September 21, 20162017 (other than those portions of the documents deemed to be furnished and not filed)

Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A

  Filed April 26, 20162017

The description of OceanFirst common stock set forth in its registration statement on Form8-A, as amended, filed on May 8, 1996, including any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating this description.  

Ocean ShoreSun SEC Filings

(SEC FileNo. 0- 53856)000-20957)

  Period or Date Filed

Annual Report on Form10-K

  Year ended December 31, 20152016

Annual Report on Form11-K

  Filed on June 16, 201629, 2017

Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q

  Quarters ended March 31, 20162017 and June 30, 20162017

Current Reports on Form8-K

  Filed on January 26, 2016,31, 2017, March 3, 2017, March 31, 2017, April 26, 2016,20, 2017, April 27, 2017, May 27, 2016,4, 2017, May 15, 2017, May 23, 2017, June 30, 2017, July 13, 2016, July 14, 20163, 2017 and July 26, 201627, 2017 (with respect to item 8.01 only) (other than those portions of the documents deemed to be furnished and not filed)

Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A

  Filed on April 19, 201620, 2017
The description of Ocean Shore common stock set forthSun’s securities as contained in Sun’s Registration Statement on FormS-3 filed by the Ocean Shore’s Form 8-K12G3, asRegistrant on October 29, 2014, and any amendments, reports or other filings filed with the SEC on December 21, 2009, including any amendment or report filed with the SECCommission for the purpose of updating this description.such description  

The historical audited consolidated financial statementsincome statement and statement of Capecash flows of Ocean Shore (SEC FileNo. 001-33934) as of000-53856) for the periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the related notes thereto are also incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus from Ocean Shore’s Annual Report on Form10-Kfor the years in the three-year periodfiscal year ended December 31, 2015. These reports of Ocean Shore are available at http://www.SEC.gov.

The historical audited consolidated income statement and statement of cash flows of Cape (SEC FileNo. 001-33934) for the periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the related notes thereto are also incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus from Cape’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The historical unaudited consolidated financial statements of Cape as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the related notes thereto are also incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus from Cape’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. These reports of Cape are is available at http://www.SEC.gov.

In addition, OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun also incorporate by reference additional documents filed with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this joint proxy statement/

prospectus and, in the case of OceanFirst, the date of the OceanFirst special meeting, and, in the case of Ocean Shore,Sun, the date of the Ocean ShoreSun special meeting, provided that OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun are not incorporating by reference any information furnished to, but not filed with, the SEC.

Except where the context otherwise indicates, OceanFirst has supplied all information contained or incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to OceanFirst, and Ocean ShoreSun has supplied all information contained or incorporated by reference relating to Ocean Shore.Sun.

Documents incorporated by reference are available from OceanFirst and Ocean ShoreSun without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company at the following address and phone number:

 

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, New Jersey 08753

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (732)240-4500

  

Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc.

1001 Asbury Avenue350 Fellowship Road, Suite 101

Ocean City,Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 0822608054

Attention: Investor RelationsCorporate Secretary

Telephone: (609) 399-0012(800)691-7701

OceanFirst stockholders and Ocean Shore stockholdersSun shareholders requesting documents must do so by [●], 2016 to receive them before their respective special meetings. You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request. If you request any incorporated documents from OceanFirst or Ocean Shore,Sun, then OceanFirst and Ocean Shore,Sun, respectively, will mail them to you by first class mail, or another equally prompt means, within one business day after receiving your request.

Neither OceanFirst nor Ocean ShoreSun has authorized anyone to give any information or make any representation about the Transactions or the companies that is different from, or in addition to, that contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or in any of the materials that have been incorporated in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Therefore, if anyone does give you information of this sort, you should not rely on it. If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations of offers to exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this joint proxy statement/prospectus or the solicitation of proxies is unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this joint proxy statement/prospectus does not extend to you. The information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus speaks only as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies.

Annex A

EXECUTION VERSION

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

by and among

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.,

MASTERSMERCURY MERGER SUB CORP.

and

OCEAN SHORE HOLDING CO.SUN BANCORP, INC.

 

 

Dated as of July 12, 2016June 30, 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page 

Article I

THE INTEGRATED MERGERS

1.1

 

The Integrated Mergers; Effective Time

   A-1 

1.2

 

Closing

   A-2 

1.3

 

Effects of the Integrated Mergers

   A-2 

1.4

 

Effects of First-Step Merger on Merger Sub Capital Stock

   A-2 

1.5

 

Conversion of Company Common Stock in the First-Step Merger

   A-2 

1.6

 

Effects of Second-Step Merger on Parent and Company Common Stock

A-3

1.7

Treatment of Company Equity Awards

A-3

1.8

Certificate of Incorporation of Surviving Corporation

   A-4 

1.91.7

 

BylawsTreatment of Surviving Corporation

Company Equity Awards
   A-4 

1.101.8

 

Directors; Officers

A-4

1.11

Tax Consequences

Certificate of Incorporation of Surviving Corporation
   A-5 

1.121.9

 

Bank Merger

Bylaws of Surviving Corporation
   A-5 

1.10

Directors; OfficersA-5
Article II

1.11

Tax ConsequencesA-6

1.12

Bank MergerA-6 

Article II

EXCHANGE OF SHARES

2.1

 

Parent to Make Merger Consideration Available

Proration
   A-5A-6 

2.2

 

Exchange of Shares

Election Procedures
   A-5A-7

2.3

Parent to Make Merger Consideration AvailableA-8

2.4

Exchange of SharesA-9 

Article III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

3.1

 

Corporate Organization

A-7

3.2

Capitalization

A-9

3.3

Authority; No Violation

A-9

3.4

Consents and Approvals

A-10

3.5

Reports

   A-11 

3.63.2

 

Financial Statements

A-11

3.7

Broker’s Fees

Capitalization
   A-12 

3.83.3

 

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

A-12

3.9

Legal Proceedings

Authority; No Violation
   A-13 

3.103.4

 

TaxesConsents and Tax Returns

A-13

3.11

Employees

Approvals
   A-14 

3.123.5

 ReportsA-14

SEC Reports3.6

Financial StatementsA-15

3.7

Broker’s FeesA-16

3.8

Absence of Certain Changes or EventsA-16

3.9

Legal ProceedingsA-16

3.10

Taxes and Tax Returns   A-17 

3.133.11

 

Compliance with Applicable Law

A-17

3.14

Certain Contracts

Employees
   A-18 

3.153.12

 

Agreements with Regulatory Agencies

A-19

3.16

Risk Management Instruments

A-19

3.17

Environmental Matters

A-19

3.18

Investment Securities and Commodities

SEC Reports
   A-20 

3.193.13

 

Real Property

A-20

3.20

Intellectual Property

A-20

3.21

Related Party Transactions

Compliance with Applicable Law
   A-21 

3.223.14

 

Takeover Protections

Certain Contracts
   A-21 

3.233.15

 

Opinion

Agreements with Regulatory Agencies
   A-21A-23 

3.243.16

 

Company Information

Risk Management Instruments
   A-21A-23 

3.253.17

 

Loan Portfolio

Environmental Matters
   A-22A-23

3.18

Investment Securities and CommoditiesA-24

3.19

Real PropertyA-24 

 

A-i


3.263.20

 

Insurance

Intellectual Property
   A-23A-24

3.21

Related Party TransactionsA-25

3.22

Takeover ProtectionsA-25

3.23

ReorganizationA-25

3.24

OpinionA-25

3.25

Company InformationA-25

3.26

Loan PortfolioA-26 

3.27

 InsuranceA-27

3.28

No Other Representations or Warranties

   A-23A-27 

Article IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT

4.1

 

Corporate Organization

A-23

4.2

Capitalization

A-24

4.3

Authority; No Violation

A-25

4.4

Consents and Approvals

A-26

4.5

Reports

A-26

4.6

Financial Statements

A-26

4.7

Broker’s Fees

   A-28 

4.84.2

 

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

Capitalization
   A-28 

4.94.3

 

Legal Proceedings

A-28

4.10

Taxes and Tax Returns

A-28

4.11

Employees

Authority; No Violation
   A-29 

4.124.4

 

SEC Reports

A-29

4.13

Compliance with Applicable Law

Consents and Approvals
   A-30 

4.144.5

 

Agreements with Regulatory Agencies

Reports
   A-30 

4.154.6

 

Certain Contracts

Financial Statements
   A-31 

4.164.7

 

Environmental Matters

A-31

4.17

Insurance

A-31

4.18

Loan Portfolio

Broker’s Fees
   A-32 

4.194.8

 

Takeover Protections

Absence of Certain Changes or Events
   A-32 

4.204.9

 

Opinion

Legal Proceedings
   A-32 

4.214.10

 

Parent Information

Taxes and Tax Returns
   A-32 

4.224.11

 EmployeesA-33

4.12

SEC ReportsA-33

4.13

Compliance with Applicable LawA-34

4.14

Agreements with Regulatory AgenciesA-34

4.15

Takeover ProtectionsA-35

4.16

ReorganizationA-35

4.17

OpinionA-35

4.18

Parent InformationA-35

4.19

FinancingA-35

4.20

No Other Representations or Warranties

   A-32A-35 

Article V

COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

5.1

 

Conduct of Business of the Company Prior to the Effective Time

A-33

5.2

Company Forbearances

A-33

5.3

Parent Forbearances

   A-36 

5.45.2

 

Tax-free Reorganization

Company Forbearances
   A-36 
Article VI

5.3

Parent ForbearancesA-39

5.4

Tax-free ReorganizationA-40 

Article VI

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

6.1

 

Regulatory Matters

A-36

6.2

Access to Information; Confidentiality

A-37

6.3

Shareholders’ Approvals

A-39

6.4

Legal Conditions to Merger

   A-40 

6.56.2

 

Stock Exchange Listing

Access to Information; Confidentiality
   A-41 

6.66.3

 

Employee Matters

A-41

6.7

Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

Shareholders’ Approvals
   A-42 

6.86.4

 

Additional Agreements

A-43

6.9

Advice of Changes

A-43

6.10

Litigation and Claims

Legal Conditions to Merger
   A-44

6.11

Dividends

A-44

6.12

Corporate Governance

A-44

6.13

Acquisition Proposals

A-44

6.14

Board of Directors and Committee Meetings

A-46 

 

A-ii


6.156.5

 Stock Exchange ListingA-44

Public Announcements6.6

Employee MattersA-44

6.7

Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance   A-46 

6.166.8

 

Change of Method

A-46

6.17

Restructuring Efforts

A-46

6.18

Takeover Statutes

A-46

6.19

Exemption from Liability Under Section 16(b)

Additional Agreements
   A-47 

6.9

Advice of ChangesA-47
Article VII

6.10

Litigation and ClaimsA-47

6.11

DividendsA-47

6.12

Corporate GovernanceA-48

6.13

Acquisition ProposalsA-48

6.14

Board of Directors and Committee MeetingsA-49

6.15

Loan ParticipationsA-49

6.16

Public AnnouncementsA-50

6.17

Restructuring EffortsA-50

6.18

Takeover StatutesA-50

6.19

Exemption from Liability Under Section 16(b) of the Exchange ActA-50

6.20

Assumption of Company DebtA-50

6.21

No Control of Other Party’s BusinessA-51 

Article VII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

7.1

 

Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation To Effect the Integrated Mergers

   A-47A-51 

7.2

 

Conditions to Obligations of Parent

   A-48A-51 

7.3

 

Conditions to Obligations of the Company

   A-48A-52 

Article VIII

TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

8.1

 

Termination

   A-49A-53 

8.2

 

Effect of Termination

   A-51A-54 

8.3

 

Amendment

   A-52A-55 

8.4

 

Extension; Waiver

   A-52
Article IXA-55 

Article IX

GENERAL PROVISIONS

9.1

 

Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements

   A-53A-56 

9.2

 

Expenses

   A-53A-56 

9.3

 

Notices

   A-53A-56 

9.4

 

Interpretation

   A-54A-57 

9.5

 

Counterparts

   A-54A-57 

9.6

 

Entire Agreement

   A-54A-58 

9.7

 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

   A-54A-58 

9.8

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

   A-55A-58 

9.9

 

Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries

   A-55A-58 

9.10

 

Specific Performance

   A-55A-59 

9.11

 

Severability

   A-55A-59 

9.12

 

Delivery by Facsimile or Electronic Transmission

   A-56A-59 

Exhibit A – Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company

Exhibit B – Bank Merger Agreement

Bank Merger Agreement

 

A-iii


INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

 

   Page 

Acquisition Proposal

   A-45

Advisory Board

A-44A-49 

affiliate

   A-51A-57 

Agreement

   A-1 

Bank Merger

   A-5A-6 

Bank Merger Agreement

   A-5A-6 

Bank Merger Certificate

   A-5A-6 

BCA

   A-1 

BHC Act

A-11

Cash Consideration

A-2

Cash Election

A-2

Cash Election Number

A-6

Cash Election Shares

   A-2 

Chosen Courts

   A-55A-58 

Closing

   A-2 

Closing Date

   A-2 

Code

   A-1 

Company

   A-1 

Company Adverse Recommendation Change

A-43

Company Bank

   A-5A-6 

Company Benefit Plans

   A-14A-18 

Company Bylaws

   A-8A-11 

Company Certificate

   A-8A-11 

Company Common Stock

   A-2 

Company Contract

   A-18

Company Deferred Stock Unit

A-4A-22 

Company Disclosure Schedule

   A-7A-10 

Company Equity Awards

   A-4A-5 

Company Equity Plan

   A-3

Company ERISA Affiliate

A-14

Company ESOP

A-41A-4 

Company Indemnified Parties

   A-42A-46 

Company Insiders

   A-47A-50 

Company Leased Properties

   A-20A-24 

Company Meeting

   A-39A-42 

Company Owned Properties

   A-20A-24 

Company Qualified Plans

   A-15A-18 

Company Real Property

   A-20A-24 

Company Regulatory Agreement

   A-19A-23 

Company Reports

   A-17A-20 

Company Restricted Stock Award

   A-4 

Company Restricted Stock Unit Award

A-5

Company Stock Option

   A-3A-4 

Company Subsidiary

   A-8A-12 

Confidentiality Agreement

   A-38A-42 

Continuing EmployeesEmployee

   A-41A-44 

Converted Company Option

   A-3A-4 

Delaware Secretary

   A-2 

Derivative Contract

   A-19

Determination Date

A-51A-23 

DGCL

   A-2 

Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan

A-12

DOL

   A-14A-18 

Effective Time

   A-1

Enforceability Exceptions

A-10

Environmental Laws

A-19 

 

A-iv


Election

A-7

Election Deadline

A-8

Election Period

A-8

Enforceability Exceptions

A-13

Environmental Laws

A-23

ERISA

   A-14

ESOP Termination Date

A-41A-18 

Exception Shares

   A-2 

Exchange Act

   A-10A-14 

Exchange Agent

   A-5A-8 

Exchange Fund

   A-5A-8 

Exchange Ratio

   A-2A-3 

FDIC

   A-8A-11 

Federal Reserve Board

   A-8A-11 

FHLB

   A-8

Final Index Price

A-51A-12 

First-Step Merger

   A-1 

First-Step Merger Certificate

   A-1 

Form of Election

A-7

GAAP

   A-8A-11 

Governmental Entity

   A-10A-14 

HOLA

   A-8A-28 

IndexHolder

   A-51

Index Ratio

A-51

Initial Index Price

A-51

Initial Parent Market Value

A-51A-7 

Integrated Mergers

   A-1 

Intellectual Property

   A-20A-24 

IRS

   A-14A-18

Issuer Trusts

A-13 

Joint Proxy Statement

   A-10A-14 

Laws

   A-17A-21 

Liens

   A-9A-13 

Loan Participation

   A-22A-26 

Loans

   A-22A-26 

Material Adverse Effect

   A-8A-11 

Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition

   A-37A-41 

Merger Consideration

   A-2A-5 

Merger Sub

   A-1 

Merger Sub Bylaws

   A-4A-5 

Merger Sub Certificate

   A-4A-28 

Multiemployer Plan

   A-15A-19 

Multiple Employer Plan

   A-15A-19 

NASDAQ

   A-6A-3

National Bank Conversion

A-41 

New Certificates

   A-3 

New Jersey Secretary

   A-1 

New Plans

   A-14A-45

Non-Election Shares

A-3 

OCC

   A-10A-14 

Old Certificate

   A-2A-3 

Parent

   A-1 

Parent Adverse Recommendation Change

A-43

Parent Bank

   A-5A-6 

Parent Benefit Plans

   A-29A-33 

Parent Bylaws

   A-4A-5 

Parent Certificate

   A-4

Parent Common Stock

A-2

Parent Confidential Information

A-38

Parent Contract

A-31

Parent Disclosure Schedule

A-23

Parent Equity Awards

A-24A-5 

 

A-v


Parent ERISA AffiliateCommon Stock

A-3

Parent Disclosure Schedule

A-27

Parent Equity Awards

   A-29 

Parent Market Value

A-51

Parent Meeting

   A-39A-42 

Parent Regulatory Agreement

   A-31A-34 

Parent Reports

   A-29A-33 

Parent Restricted Stock Awards

   A-24A-29

Parent Share Closing Price

A-3 

Parent Share Issuance

   A-25A-29 

Parent Subsidiary

   A-24A-28 

PBGC

   A-14A-18

Per Share Cash Consideration

A-3 

Permitted Encumbrances

   A-20A-24 

person

   A-54A-57 

Premium Cap

   A-43A-46 

Regulatory Agencies

   A-11A-15 

Representatives

   A-44A-48 

Requisite Company Vote

   A-10A-13 

Requisite Parent Vote

   A-25A-29 

Requisite Regulatory Approvals

   A-37

Restrictive Covenant

A-17A-41 

S-4

   A-10A-14 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

   A-12A-16 

SEC

   A-10A-14 

Second-Step Merger

   A-1 

Second-Step Merger Certificates

   A-2 

Securities Act

   A-17A-20

Shortfall Number

A-7

SRO

A-14 

Stock Consideration

   A-2A-3

Stock Election

A-3

Stock Election Shares

A-3

Subordinated Debentures

A-13 

Subsidiary

   A-8A-11 

Superior Proposal

   A-45A-49

Support Agreements

A-1 

Surviving Corporation

   A-1 

Takeover Statutes

   A-21A-25 

Tax

   A-14A-18 

Tax Return

   A-14A-18 

Taxes

   A-14A-18 

Terminated Plan

   A-41A-45 

Termination Date

   A-50A-53 

Termination Fee

   A-51A-55 

Voting AgreementsTrust Preferred Securities

   A-1A-13

WLR

A-13 

 

A-vi


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of July 12, 2016June 30, 2017 (this “Agreement”), is by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), MastersMercury Merger Sub Corp., a New Jersey corporation and a wholly-ownwholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), and Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc., a New Jersey corporation (the “Company”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the BoardsBoard of Directors of Parent and the Board of Directors of the Company have each determined that it is in the best interests of their respective companies and the shareholders of their shareholdersrespective companies for such companies to consummate the strategic business combination transaction provided for herein, pursuant to which (i) Merger Sub will, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, merge with and into the Company (the “First-Step Merger”), so that the Company is the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent and (ii) immediately thereafter, the Company, as the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger, will merge (the “Second-Step Merger, and, together with the First-Step Merger, the “Integrated Mergers”) with and into Parent, with Parent being the surviving corporation (hereinafter sometimes referred to in such capacity as the “Surviving Corporation”);

WHEREAS, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Integrated Mergers shall together be treated as a single integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and this Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of reorganization for purposes of Sections 354, 361 and 368 of the Code and within the meaning of Treasury regulation section1.368-2(g);

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, as a condition and an inducement for Parent to enter into this Agreement, certain shareholders of the Company have simultaneously herewith entered into separate voting and support agreements with Parent (collectively, the “VotingSupport Agreements”) in connection with the First-Step Merger; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to make certain representations, warranties and agreements in connection with the Integrated Mergers and also to prescribe certain conditions to the Integrated Mergers.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, representations, warranties and agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

THE INTEGRATED MERGERS

1.1The Integrated Mergers;Mergers; Effective Time.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in accordance with the New Jersey Business Corporation Act (the “BCA”), at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall merge with and into the Company. The Company shall be the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger, and shall continue its corporate existence under the laws of the State of New Jersey. Upon consummation of the First-Step Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall terminate. On or before the Closing Date, Parent and the Company, respectively, shall cause to be filed a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey (the “New Jersey Secretary”) in accordance with the BCA (the “First-Step Merger Certificate”). The First-Step Merger shall become effective as of the date and time specified in the First-Step Merger Certificate (such date and time, the “Effective Time”).


(b) Immediately following the Effective Time, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and the BCA, the Company, as the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger, shall merge with and into Parent. Parent shall be the Surviving Corporation in the Second-Step Merger, and shall continue its corporate existence under the laws of the State of Delaware. Upon consummation of the Second-Step Merger, the separate corporate existence of the Company shall terminate. On or before the Closing Date, Parent and the Company, respectively, shall cause to be filed a certificate of ownership and merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Secretary”) in accordance with the DGCL and a certificate of merger with the New Jersey Secretary in accordance with the BCA (collectively, the “Second-Step Merger Certificates”). The Second-Step Merger shall become effective as of the date and time specified in the Second-Step Merger Certificates.

1.2Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the Integrated Mergers (the “Closing”) will take place at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, at the offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP, on the first business day that is both (x) the last business day of a month or, if the Closing is anticipated to occur in January, the first business day of the month inof January solely to the extent that the parties are able to, on such date and at or prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City Time, submit and confirm acceptance of the filing of the First-Step Merger Certificate with the New Jersey Secretary and the Second-Step Merger Certificate with the Delaware Secretary and (y) no earlier than the third (3rd) business day after the date on which the conditions set forth inArticle VII hereof have been satisfied or, if permitted by applicable law, waived (other than those conditions that by their nature can only be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof), unless another date, time or place is agreed to in writing by Parent and the Company; provided, further, however, that the Closing shall not occur prior to January 1, 2018 unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Parent and the Company. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to in this Agreement as the “Closing Date.”

1.3Effects of the Integrated Mergers. At and after the Effective Time, the First-Step Merger shall have the effects set forth in the applicable provisionsSection 10-6 of the BCA. At and after the effective time of the Second-Step Merger, the Second-Step Merger shall have the effects set forth in the applicable provisionsSection 259 of the DGCL andSection 10-6 of the BCA.

1.4Effects of First-Step Merger on Merger Sub Capital Stock. At and after the Effective Time, each share of the capital stock of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become one newly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of the capitalcommon stock of the Company.

1.5Conversion of Company Common Stock in the First-Step Merger. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the First-Step Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company or the holder of any of the following securities:

(a) Subject toSection 2.2(e) 2.4(e), each share of the common stock, par value $0.01$5.00 per share, of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for shares of Company Common Stock owned by the Company as treasury stock or otherwise owned by the Company or Parent (in each case, other than shares of Company Common Stock held in any Company Benefit Plans or related trust accounts, managed accounts, mutual funds and the like, or otherwise held in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contractedcontracted) (collectively, the “Exception Shares)), shall be converted, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Agreement, into the right to receive the following, without interest:

(i) $4.35For each share of Company Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive cash (a “Cash Election”) has been effectively made and not revoked or deemed revoked pursuant toSection 2.4 (collectively, the “Cash Election Shares”), an amount in cash equal to the Per Share Cash Consideration (the “Cash Consideration”); and

(ii) 0.9667 (theFor each share of Company Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive Parent Common Stock (aExchange RatioStock Election”) has been effectively made and not revoked or deemed revoked pursuant toSection 2.4 (collectively, the “Stock Election Shares”), a number of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Parent (such common stock, the “Parent Common Stock and such) equal to the Exchange Ratio (such number of shares of Parent Common Stock, the “Stock Consideration); and together

(iii) For each share of Company Common Stock other than shares as to which a Cash Election or a Stock Election has been effectively made and not revoked pursuant toSection 2.4 (collectively, the “Non-Election Shares”), the right to receive such Stock Consideration or Cash Consideration as is determined in accordance withSection 2.3.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meaning:

(i) The “Exchange Ratio” means the quotient, rounded to the nearestone-ten thousandth, of (A) the Per Share Cash Consideration divided by (B) the Parent Share Closing Price.

(ii) The “Parent Share Closing Price” means the volume-weighted average trading price of Parent Common Stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (the “NASDAQ”) (as reported byThe Wall Street Journal) for the five (5) full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the Closing Date.

(iii) The “Per Share Cash Consideration” means the sum, rounded to the nearestone-tenth of a cent, of (A) $3.78 and (B) the product, rounded to the nearestone-tenth of a cent, of 0.7884 times the Parent Share Closing Price.

(iv) The “Merger Consideration” means the Cash Consideration the “and/or Stock Consideration described inMerger ConsiderationSection”). 1.5(a), as applicable.

(b)(c) All of the shares of Company Common Stock converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant to thisArticle I shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist as of the Effective Time, and each certificate (each, an “Old Certificate”,itbeingunderstood that any reference herein to “Old Certificate” shall be deemed to include reference to book-entry account statements relating to the ownership of shares of Company Common Stock) previously representing any such

shares of Company Common Stock shall thereafter represent only the right to receive (i) the Merger Consideration in accordance with, and subject to,Section 1.5(a) and thisArticle II, (ii) cash in lieu of fractional shares which the shares of Company Common Stock represented by such Old Certificate have been converted into the right to receive pursuant to thisSection 1.5 andSection 2.2(e) 2.4(e), without any interest thereon, and (iii) any dividends or distributions which the holder thereof has the right to receive pursuant toSection 2.2(b) 2.4(b). Old Certificates previously representing shares of Company Common Stock shall be exchanged for evidence of shares in book entry form or, at Parent’s option, certificates (collectively, referred to herein as “New Certificates”), representing the Stock Consideration (together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto and cash in lieu of fractional shares issued in consideration therefor) andand/or the Cash Consideration, as applicable, upon the surrender of such Old Certificates in accordance withSection 2.2 2.4, without any interest thereon. If, prior to the Effective Time, the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock or Company Common Stock shall have been increased, decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities, in any such case as a result of a reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar change in capitalization, or there shall be any extraordinary dividend or distribution, an appropriate and proportionate adjustment shall be made to the Merger Consideration to give holders of Company Common Stock the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such event.

(c)(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, at the Effective Time, all shares of Company Common Stock that are owned by the Company or Parent (in each case, other than the Exception

Shares) shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist and neither the Merger Consideration nor any other consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.

1.6Effects of Second-Step Merger on Parent and Company Common Stock. At the effective time of the Second-Step Merger, each share of (a) Parent Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to such time shall remain issued and outstanding and shall not be affected by the Second-Step Merger and (b) capitalcommon stock of the Company, as the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger, issued and outstanding immediately prior to such time shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist and neither the Merger Consideration nor any other consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.

1.7Treatment of Company Equity Awards.

(a) At the Effective Time, each option granted by the Company to purchase shares of Company Common Stock under the Ocean Shore Holding Co. 2005 EquityCompany’s Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, the Company’s 2014 Performance Equity Plan, the Company’s 2010 Stock Based-Incentive Plan or the Company’s 2004 Stock Based-Incentive Plan, as amended and the Ocean Shore Holding Co. 2010 Equity Incentive Planrestated (each, a “Company Equity Plan”), whether vested or unvested, that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time (each, a(aCompany Stock Option”) shall, without any further action on the part of any holder thereof, be assumed and converted into an option to purchase from Parent, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such Company Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time, a number of shares of Parent Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by multiplying (x) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time by (y) 1.2084,the Exchange Ratio, at a per share exercise price (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the per share exercise price for each share of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Stock Option by (ii) 1.2084the Exchange Ratio (each, as so adjusted, a “Converted Company Option”). All rounding described in thisSection 1.7(a) shall be done on an aggregate basis for each Converted Company Option, such that a single rounding of shares and exercise price shall be applied to each Converted Company Option.

(b) The Converted Company Options shall have the same vesting schedule (including any acceleration of vesting as provided in the applicable Company Equity Plan) as the Company Stock Options and otherwise shall have the same terms and conditions as such Company Stock Options;provided, that Parent shall assume and convert the Company Stock Options into Converted Company Options in a manner consistent with the requirements of Sections 409A and 424(a) of the Code, as applicable. After such assumption and conversion, the Converted Company Options shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the planapplicable Company Equity Plan and grant agreements under which the Company Stock Options were originally issued (including any applicable change in control or

other accelerated vesting provisions, and this transaction shall constitute a change in control for all relevant provisions).

(c) At the Effective Time, each restricted stock award in respect of shares of Company Common Stock granted under any Company Equity Plan that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (a “Company Restricted Stock Award and, together with the Company Stock Options, the “Company Equity Awards) shall be or become fully vested and the restrictions thereon shall lapse, and each holder thereof shall be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration in exchange thereforfor each share of Company Common Stock subject thereto as promptly as practicable following the Effective Time (but in accordance withSection 1.5no event later than five (5) business days thereafter). Each share of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Restricted Stock Awards shall be treated as an outstanding share of Company Common Stock for purposes of this Agreement.Article II. The Company or Parent will be entitled to deduct and withhold such amounts as may be required or permitted to be deducted and withheld under the Code and any applicable state or local Tax laws as allowed under the applicable Company Equity Plan.Plan and the applicable grant agreement, which withholding shall be taken first from the cash portion of the Merger Consideration payable in respect of such Company Restricted Stock Award (if any) and then, to the extent necessary, the portion of the Merger Consideration payable in respect of such Company Restricted Stock Award in the form of Parent Common Stock.

(d) At the Effective Time, each restricted stock unit award in respect of shares of Company Common Stock granted under any Company Equity Plan that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (a “Company Restricted Stock Unit Award” and, together with the Company Stock Options and Company Restricted Stock Awards, the “Company Equity Awards”), shall be cancelled in full, and each holder thereof shall be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration in exchange for each share of Company Common Stock subject thereto as promptly as practicable following the Effective Time (but in no event later than five (5) business days thereafter);provided that, to the extent payment of the Merger Consideration at such time would result in accelerated taxation and/or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, such payment shall be made on the earliest date that payment would not trigger such accelerated taxation and/or penalties. Each share of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be treated as an outstanding share of Company Common Stock for purposes of thisArticle II. The Company or Parent will be entitled to deduct and withhold such amounts as may be required or permitted to be deducted and withheld under the Code and any applicable state or local Tax laws as allowed under the applicable Company Equity Plan and grant agreement, which withholding shall be taken first from the cash portion of the Merger Consideration payable in respect of such Company Restricted Stock Unit Award (if any) and then, to the extent necessary, the portion of the Merger Consideration payable in respect of such Company Restricted Stock Unit Award in the form of Parent Common Stock.

(e) At or prior to the Effective Time, the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company and its compensation committee, as applicable, shall adopt any resolutions and take any actions that are reasonably necessary including obtaining any consents, to (i) effectuate the provisions of thisSection 1.7, (ii) ensure that following the Effective Time, there are no obligations with respect to the Company Equity Awards other than as set forth in thisSection 1.7, and (iii) ensure that each deferred stock unit issued in respect of shares of Company Common Stock granted under the Ocean City Home Bank Stock-Based Deferred Compensation Plan (a “Company Deferred Stock Unit”) is equitably converted into the right to receive Parent Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the Ocean City Home Bank Stock-Based Deferred Compensation Plan and the related trust agreement and (iv) solely for purposes of granting new Company Equity Awards, terminate each Company Equity Plan effective as of the Effective Time;provided, that no action taken by the Company shall be required to be irrevocable until immediately prior to the Effective Time. On

(f) At or prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for future issuance a number of shares of Parent Common Stock at least equal to the numberin respect of shares of Parent Common Stock that will be subject toeach Converted Company Options as a result of the actions contemplated byOption issued pursuant to Section 1.7(a). Immediately following the Effective Time, Parent shall file a post-effective amendment to the FormS-4 or a registration statement on FormS-8 (or other applicable form) with respect to the shares of Parent Common Stock subject to each such Converted Company Options, shall distribute a prospectus relating to such Form S-8, if applicable,Option and shall use reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement or registration statements (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long as suchthe Converted Company Options remain outstanding.

1.8Certificate of Incorporation of Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of Merger Sub (the “Merger Sub Certificate”), as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, and attached hereto asExhibit A,shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger until such Certificate of Incorporation is thereafter amended in accordance with its terms and applicable law. At the effective time of the Second-Step Merger, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of Parent (the “Parent Certificate”), as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with its terms and applicable law.

1.9Bylaws of Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the Bylaws of the Company, as the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger, shall be the Bylaws of Merger Sub, (the “Merger Sub Bylaws”), as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Merger Sub Bylaws”), shall be the Bylaws of the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger until thereafter amended in accordance with their terms and applicable law. At the effective time of the Second-Step Merger, the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation shall be the Bylaws of Parent (the “Parent Bylaws”), as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with their terms and applicable law.

1.10Directors; Officers. At and immediately after the Effective Time, the directors and officers of the Company, as the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger, shall consist of the directors and officers of Merger Sub in office immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors and officers of the surviving

corporation in the First-Step Merger until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified. Subject toSection 6.12, the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation in the Second-Step Merger shall be the directors and officers of Parent in office immediately prior to the effective time of the Second-Step Merger.

Merger shall be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.

1.11Tax Consequences. For U.S. federal income Tax purposes, (a) the parties intend that (i) the Integrated Mergers shall together be treated as a single integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) Parent, Merger Sub and the Company shall each be a party to such reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, and (b) this Agreement is intended to be, and is hereby adopted as, a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of Sections 354, 361 and 368 of the Code and within the meaning of Treasury regulationSection 1.368-2(g).

1.12Bank Merger. Immediately following the consummation of the Integrated Mergers, Ocean City HomeSun National Bank, a federal savingsnational bank and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (“Company Bank”), will merge (the “Bank Merger”) with and into OceanFirst Bank, a federal savings bank and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Parent Bank”), pursuant to the agreement and plan of merger attached hereto asExhibit BA, dated as of the date hereof, by and between Company Bank and Parent Bank (the “Bank Merger Agreement”). Parent Bank shall be the surviving bank in the Bank Merger and, following the Bank Merger, the separate corporate existence of Company Bank shall cease. The parties agree that the Bank Merger shall become effective immediately after the effective time of the Second-Step Merger. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall cause Company Bank, and Parent shall cause Parent Bank, to execute such articles of combination and such other documents and certificates as are necessary to make the Bank Merger effective (the “Bank Merger Certificate”) immediately following the effective time of the Second-Step Merger.

ARTICLE II

EXCHANGE OF SHARES

2.1Proration.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, the total number of shares of Company Common Stock to be entitled to receive the Cash Consideration pursuant toSection 1.5(a) shall be equal to the quotient of (i) the Cash Component (as defined below) divided by (ii) the Per Share Cash Consideration (such quotient, the “CashConversion Number”). All other shares of Company Common Stock (excluding the shares of Company Common Stock to be cancelled as provided inSection 1.5(d)) shall be converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration. As used in this Agreement, “Cash Component” means the product of (x) the total number of shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding the shares of Company Common Stock to be cancelled as provided inSection 1.5(d)) and (y) $3.78. The aggregate amount of the Cash Consideration shall in no event exceed the Cash Component.

(b) Promptly (and in any event no later than five (5) business days) after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Exchange Agent to effect the allocation among holders of Company Common Stock of rights to receive the Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration as follows:

(i) If the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock with respect to which Cash Elections shall have been made (the “Cash Election Number”) exceeds the Cash Conversion Number, then all Stock Election Shares and allNon-Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration, and Cash Election Shares of each holder thereof will be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration in respect of that number of Cash Election Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the number of Cash Election Shares held by such holder by (B) a

fraction, the numerator of which is the Cash Conversion Number and the denominator of which is the Cash Election Number (with the Exchange Agent to determine, consistent withSection 2.1(a), whether fractions of Cash Election Shares shall be rounded up or down), with the remaining number of such holder’s Cash Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration; and

(ii) If the Cash Election Number is less than the Cash Conversion Number (the amount by which the Cash Conversion Number exceeds the Cash Election Number being referred to herein as the “ShortfallNumber”), then all Cash Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration and theNon-Election Shares and Stock Election Shares shall be treated in the following manner:

(A) If the Shortfall Number is less than or equal to the number ofNon-Election Shares, then all Stock Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration, and theNon-Election Shares of each holder thereof shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration in respect of that number ofNon-Election Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the number ofNon-Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the Shortfall Number and the denominator of which is the total number ofNon-Election Shares (with the Exchange Agent to determine, consistent withSection 2.1(a), whether fractions ofNon-Election Shares shall be rounded up or down), with the remaining number of such holder’sNon-Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration; or

(B) If the Shortfall Number exceeds the number ofNon-Election Shares, then allNon-Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration, and Stock Election Shares of each holder thereof shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration in respect of that number of Stock Election Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the number of Stock Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount by which the Shortfall Number exceeds the total number ofNon-Election Shares, and the denominator of which is the total number of Stock Election Shares (with the Exchange Agent to determine, consistent withSection 2.1(a), whether fractions of Stock Election Shares shall be rounded up or down), with the remaining number of such holder’s Stock Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration.

2.2Election Procedures.

(a) Each holder of record of shares of Company Common Stock to be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration in accordance with, and subject to,Section 2.1 (a “Holder”) shall have the right, subject to the limitations set forth in thisSection 2.2, to submit an election in accordance with the following procedures.

(b) Each Holder may specify in a request made in accordance with the provisions of thisSection 2.2 (herein called an “Election”) (i) the number of shares of Company Common Stock owned by such Holder with respect to which such Holder desires to make a Stock Election and (ii) the number of shares of Company Common Stock owned by such Holder with respect to which such Holder desires to make a Cash Election.

(c) Parent shall prepare a form reasonably acceptable to the Company, including appropriate and customary transmittal materials in such form as prepared by Parent and reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “Form of Election”), so as to permit Holders to exercise their right to make an Election.

(d) Parent (i) shall initially make available and mail the Form of Election not less than twenty (20) business days prior to the anticipated Election Deadline to Holders of record as of the business day prior to such mailing date, and (ii) following such mailing date, shall use all reasonable efforts to make available as

promptly as possible a Form of Election to any stockholder who requests such Form of Election prior to the Election Deadline. The time period between such mailing date and the Election Deadline is referred to herein as the “Election Period”.

(e) Any Election shall have been made properly only if the Exchange Agent shall have received, during the Election Period, a Form of Election properly completed and signed (including duly executed transmittal materials included in the Form of Election) and accompanied by any Old Certificates representing all certificated shares to which such Form of Election relates or by an appropriate customary guarantee of delivery of such Old Certificates, as set forth in such Form of Election, from a member of any registered national securities exchange or a commercial bank or trust company in the United States. As used herein, unless otherwise agreed in advance by the parties, “Election Deadline” means 5:00 p.m. local time (in the city in which the principal office of the Exchange Agent is located) on the date which the parties shall agree is as near as practicable to two (2) business days preceding the Closing Date. The Company and Parent shall cooperate to issue a press release reasonably satisfactory to each of them announcing the date of the Election Deadline not more than fifteen (15) business days before, and at least five (5) business days prior to, the Election Deadline.

(f) Any Holder may, at any time during the Election Period, change or revoke such Holder’s Election by written notice to the Exchange Agent prior to the Election Deadline accompanied by a properly completed and signed revised Form of Election. If any Election is not properly made with respect to any shares of Company Common Stock (none of Parent, the Company nor the Exchange Agent being under any duty to notify any Holder of any such defect), such Election shall be deemed to be not in effect, and the shares of Company Common Stock covered by such Election shall, for purposes hereof, be deemed to beNon-Election Shares, unless a proper Election is thereafter timely made.

(g) Any Holder may, at any time during the Election Period, revoke his or her Election by written notice received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Election Deadline or by withdrawal prior to the Election Deadline of his or her Old Certificates, or of the guarantee of delivery of such Old Certificates, previously deposited with the Exchange Agent. All Elections shall be automatically deemed revoked upon receipt by the Exchange Agent of written notification from the parties that this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with the terms hereof.

(h) Subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Form of Election, Parent, in the exercise of its reasonable, good faith discretion, shall have the right to make all determinations, not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, governing (i) the validity of the Forms of Election and compliance by any Holder with the Election procedures set forth herein, (ii) the method of issuance and delivery of New Certificates representing the whole number of shares of Parent Common Stock into which shares of Company Common Stock are converted in the Merger and (iii) the method of payment of cash for shares of Company Common Stock converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration and cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock.

2.3Parent to Make Merger Consideration Available. At or prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with a bank or trust company designated by Parent and reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “Exchange Agent”), for the benefit of the holders of Old Certificates, for exchange in accordance with thisArticle II, (a) New Certificates representing the aggregate Stock Consideration to be issued pursuant toSection 1.5 and exchanged pursuant toSection 2.2(a), 2.4(a) and (b) cash in an amount sufficient to pay (i) the aggregate Cash Consideration payable to holders of Company Common Stock and (ii) cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Parent Common Stock (such cash and New Certificates described in the foregoingclauses (a) and(b), together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto, (after giving effect toSection 6.11), being hereinafter referred to as the “Exchange Fund”). The Exchange Agent shall invest any cash included in the Exchange Fund as directed by Parent, provided that no such investment or losses thereon shall affect the amount of the Merger Consideration payable to the holders of Old Certificates.Certificates and any shortfall as a result of investment losses shall be promptly replenished by Parent. Any interest and other income resulting from such investments shall be paid to Parent.

2.2     

2.4Exchange of Shares.

(a) As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, but in no event later than five (5) business days thereafter, Parent shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail or otherwise deliver to each holder of record of one or more Old Certificates representing shares of Company Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time that have been converted at the Effective Time into the right to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant toArticle I, a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Old Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Old Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Old Certificates in exchange for the Merger Consideration which such holder shall have become entitled to receive in accordance with, and subject to,Section 1.5(a) and thisArticle II, and any cash in lieu of fractional shares which the shares of Company Common Stock represented by such Old Certificate or Old Certificates shall have been converted into the right to receive pursuant to this Agreement as well as any dividends or distributions to be paid pursuant toSection 2.2(b) 2.4(b). From and after the Effective Time, upon proper surrender of an Old Certificate or Old Certificates for exchange and cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with such properly completed letter of transmittal duly executed, the holder of such Old

Certificate or Old Certificates shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor, as applicable, (i) a New Certificate representing the Stock Consideration to which such holder of Company Common Stock shall have become entitled to receive in accordance with, and subject to,Section 1.5(a), and (ii) a check representing the amount of (1)(A) the Cash Consideration which such holder has the right to receive in respect of the surrendered Old Certificate or Old Certificates in accordance with, and subject to,Section 1.5(a) and thisArticle II, (2)(B) any cash in lieu of fractional shares which such holder has the right to receive in respect of the surrendered Old Certificate or Old Certificates pursuant toSection 2.2(e) 2.4(e) and (3)(C) any dividends or distributions which the holder thereof has the right to receive pursuant toSection 2.2(b) 2.4(b), and the Old Certificate or Old Certificates so surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. No interest will be paid or accrued on the Cash Consideration, any cash in lieu of fractional shares payable to holders of Old Certificates or any dividends payable underSection 2.2(b) 2.4(b). Until surrendered as contemplated by thisSection 2.2 2.4, each Old Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive, upon surrender, the Merger Consideration and any cash in lieu of fractional shares or in respect of dividends or distributions as contemplated by thisSection 2.2 2.4.

(b) No dividends or other distributions declared with respect to Parent Common Stock shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Old Certificate until the holder thereof shall surrender such Old Certificate in accordance with thisArticle II. After the surrender of an Old Certificate in accordance with thisArticle II, the record holder thereof shall be entitled to receive any such dividends or other distributions, without any interest thereon, which theretofore had become payable after the Closing Date with respect to the Stock Consideration which the shares of Company Common Stock represented by such Old Certificate have been converted into the right to receive (after giving effect toSection 6.11).receive.

(c) If any New Certificate representing shares of Parent Common Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the Old Certificate or Old Certificates surrendered in exchange therefor is or are registered, it shall be a condition of the issuance thereof that the Old Certificate or Old Certificates so surrendered shall be properly endorsed (or accompanied by an appropriate instrument of transfer) and otherwise in proper form for transfer, and that the person requesting such exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent in advance any transfer or other similar Taxes required by reason of the issuance of a New Certificate representing shares of Parent Common Stock in any name other than that of the registered holder of the Old Certificate or Old Certificates surrendered, or required for any other reason, or shall establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such Tax has been paid or is not payable.

(d) After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of the Company of the shares of Company Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Old Certificates representing such shares are presented for transfer to the Exchange Agent, they shall be cancelled and exchanged for the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional shares and dividends or distributions that the holder presenting such Old Certificates is entitled to, as provided in thisArticle II.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no New Certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of Old Certificates, no dividend or distribution with respect to Parent Common Stock shall be payable on or with respect to any fractional share, and such fractional share interests shall not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a shareholder of Parent. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share, Parent shall pay to each former shareholder of the Company who otherwise would be entitled to receive such fractional share an amount in cash (rounded to the nearest cent) determined by multiplying (i) the average of the closing-sale prices of Parent Common Stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) (as reported byThe Wall Street Journal) for the five (5) full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding theShare Closing DatePrice by (ii) the fraction of a share (rounded to the nearest thousandth when expressed in decimal form) of Parent Common Stock which such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant toSection 1.5.

(f) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the shareholders of the Company for one (1) year after the Effective Time shall be paid to the Surviving Corporation. Any former

shareholders of the Company who have not theretofore complied with thisArticle II shall thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation for payment of the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of any fractional shares and any unpaid dividends and distributions on the Parent Common Stock deliverable in respect of each former share of Company Common Stock such shareholder holds as determined pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, without any interest thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of Parent, the Company, the Surviving Corporation, the Exchange Agent or any other person shall be liable to any former holder of shares of Company Common Stock for any amount delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.

(g) Each of Parent and Merger Sub shall be entitled to deduct and withhold, or cause the Exchange Agent to deduct and withhold, from the Merger Consideration, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock, cash dividends or distributions payable pursuant to thisSection 2.2 2.4 or any other amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Company Common Stock such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Parent, Merger Sub or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, and paid over to the appropriate governmental authority, the withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of Company Common Stock in respect of which the deduction and withholding was made by Parent, Merger Sub or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be.

(h) In the event any Old Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such Old Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if requested by Parent, the posting by such person of a bond in such amount as Parent may determine is reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Old Certificate, the Exchange Agent or Parent, as applicable, will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Old Certificate the Merger Consideration and any cash in lieu of fractional shares deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except (i)(a) as disclosed in the disclosure schedule delivered by the Company to Parent concurrently herewith (the “Company Disclosure Schedule”);provided, that (a)(i) no such item is required to be set forth as an exception to a representation or warranty if its absence would not result in the related representation or warranty being deemed untrue or incorrect, (b)(ii) the mere inclusion of an item in the Company Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by the Company that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect and (c)(iii) any disclosures made with respect to a section ofArticle III shall be deemed to

qualify (1)(A) any other section ofArticle III specifically referenced or cross-referenced and (2)(B) other sections ofArticle III to the extent it is reasonably apparent on its face (notwithstanding the absence of a specific cross-reference) from a reading of the disclosure that such disclosure applies to such other sections or (ii)(b) as disclosed in any Company Reports publicly filed by the Company sinceafter December 31, 2014,2016, and prior to the date hereof (but disregarding risk factor disclosures contained under the heading “Risk Factors,” or disclosures of risks set forth in any “forward-looking statements” disclaimer or any other statements that are similarlynon-specific or cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature), the Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

3.1Corporate Organization.

(a) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey and is a savings and loanbank holding company duly registered with the Board of

Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) under the Home Owners LoanBank Holding Company Act of 1933,1956, as amended (“(the “HOLABHC Act”). The Company has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. The Company is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. As used in this Agreement, the term “Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to Parent, the Company or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, a material adverse effect on (i) the business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of such party and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole (provided,however, that, with respect to thisclause (i)(i), Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include the impact of (A) changes, after the date hereof, in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or applicable regulatory accounting requirements, (B) changes, after the date hereof, in laws, rules or regulations of general applicability to companies in the industries in which such party and its Subsidiaries operate, or interpretations thereof by courts or Governmental Entities, (C) changes, after the date hereof, in global, national or regional political conditions (including the outbreak of war or acts of terrorism) or in economic or market (including equity, credit and debt markets, as well as changes in interest rates) conditions affecting the financial services industry generally and not specifically relating to such party or its Subsidiaries, (D) public disclosure of the transactions contemplated hereby or actions expressly required by this Agreement or actions or omissions that are taken with the prior written consent of the other party in contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby; except, with respect tosubclauses (A),(B) and(C), to the extent that the effects of such changes are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of such party and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which such party and its Subsidiaries operate) or (ii) the ability of such party to timely consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. As used in this Agreement, the word “Subsidiary,” when used with respect to any person, means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, bank or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or person of which (i)(x) such first person directly or indirectly owns or controls at least a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions or (ii)(y) such first person is or directly or indirectly has the power to appoint a general partner, manager or managing member or others performing similar functions. True, correct and complete copies of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Company Certificate”) and the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Company Bylaws”), as in effect as of the date of this Agreement, have previously been made available by the Company to Parent.

(b) Company Bank is a federal savingsnational bank duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States. The deposits of Company Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) through the Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by law, all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due and no proceedings for the termination of such insurance are pending or threatened. Company Bank is a member in good

standing of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (the “FHLB”) and owns the requisite amount of stock therein.

(c) Without duplication of the representations made by the Company in each of the foregoing sentences of thisSection 3.1(b), each Subsidiary of the Company (each, a “Company Subsidiary”), (i) is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (ii) is duly qualified to do business and, where such concept is recognized under applicable law, is in good standing in all jurisdictions (whether federal, state, local or foreign) where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified and in which the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and (iii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted. There are no restrictions on the ability of any Subsidiary of the Company to pay dividends or distributions except, in the case of a Subsidiary that is a regulated entity, for restrictions on dividends or distributions generally applicable to all such regulated entities.Section 3.1(b) 3.1(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all Subsidiaries of the Company as of the date hereof.

3.2Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 25,000,00040,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock and 5,000,0001,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01$1.00 par value, of which no shares of preferred stock are issued or outstanding. As of the date of this Agreement, there are (i) 6,412,67819,060,593 shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding, which number includes 25,620 shares of Company Common Stock granted in respect of outstanding Company Restricted Stock Awards and 58,993 shares of Company Common Stock held by the Company in trust for issuance pursuant to outstanding Company Deferred Stock Units (which shares satisfy in full the Company’s obligation with respect to the Company Deferred Stock Units), (ii) 894,91273,222 shares of Company Common Stock held in treasury, (iii) 368,627556,694 shares of Company Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the outstanding Company Stock Options, (iv) 212,970 shares of Company Common Stock outstanding in respect of Company Restricted Stock Awards (which shares of Company Common Stock are included in the number of shares of Company Common Stock issued and (iv)outstanding in clause (i) of thisSection 3.2(a)), (v) 181,228 shares of Company Common Stock subject to outstanding Company Restricted Stock Unit Awards (including, for purposes of thisSection 3.2, 53,420 shares of Company Common Stock subject to deferred stock unit awards in respect of shares of Company Common Stock held by directors of the Company pursuant to the Company’s Directors Deferred Fee Plan (the “Directors Deferred Fee Plan”) and (vi) no other shares of capital stock or other equity securities of the Company issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of any“gross-up” or similar preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness that have the right to vote on any matters on which shareholders of the Company may vote. ThereExcept for the Trust Preferred Securities (as defined below) and the Subordinated Debentures (as defined below), there are no trust preferred or subordinated debt securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries issued or outstanding. Other than the Company Stock Options, the Company Restricted Stock Awards and the Company DeferredRestricted Stock Units,Unit Awards, in each case, issued either prior to the date of this Agreement or, to the extent expressly permitted by this Agreement, on or after the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, puts, calls, rights, exchangeable or convertible securities or other commitments or agreements obligating the Company to issue, transfer, sell, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any such securities. There are no voting trusts, shareholder agreements,“gross-up” agreements, proxies or other agreements in effect pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may have any liabilities or obligations with respect to the voting or transfer of Company Common Stock or other equity interests of the Company, other than the VotingSupport Agreements.

(b)Section 3.2(a)3.2(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all the Company Equity Awards and Company Deferred Stock Units issued and outstanding under any Company Equity Plan as of the date hereof, specifying, on aholder-by-holder basis, (A)(i) the name of each holder, (B)(ii) the number of shares subject to each such award, (C)Company Equity Award, (iii) the grant date of each such award, (D)Company Equity Award, (iv) the vesting schedule for each such award, (E)Company Equity Award, (v) the exercise price for each such awardCompany Equity Award that is a Company Stock Option and (F)(vi) the expiration date for each such awardCompany Equity Award that is a Company

Stock Option. Other than the Company Equity Awards, and Company Deferred Stock Units, no equity-based awards (including any cash awards where the amount of payment is determined in whole or in part based on the price of any capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) are outstanding.

(b)(c) The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity ownership interests of each of the Company Subsidiaries, free and clear of any liens, pledges, charges, encumbrances and security interests whatsoever (“Liens”), and all of such shares or equity ownership interests are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable (except, with respect to bank Subsidiaries,the Company Bank, as provided under 12 U.S.C. § 55 or any comparable provision of applicable federal or state law) and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. No Company Subsidiary has or is bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary.

(d)Section 3.2(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete schedule, as of the date hereof, of the outstanding capital securities (the “Trust Preferred Securities”) of each of Sun Capital Trust V, Sun Capital Trust VI, Sun Capital Trust VII, Sun Statutory Trust VII and Sun Capital Trust VIII (collectively, the “Issuer Trusts”) and the junior subordinated debentures (the “Subordinated Debentures”) issued by the Company to each Issuer Trust, which schedule is in the same form as the table labeled “Table 25: Summary of Capital Securities and Junior Subordinated Debentures” that is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

(e) The Voting Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2010, between WLR SBI Acquisition Co, LLC (“WLR”) and each party listed on Schedule A attached thereto has not been amended or supplemented. The Shareholders Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2010, among certain shareholder parties listed on Schedule A attached thereto has not been amended or supplemented.

3.3Authority; No Violation.

(a) The Company has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Integrated Mergers have been duly, validly and validlyunanimously approved by the Board of Directors of the Company by a vote of at least two-thirds of the entire Board of Directors of the Company. The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that the Integrated Mergers, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, are advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, has adopted this Agreement and has directed that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby be submitted to the

Company’s shareholders for approval at a meeting of such shareholders and has adopted a resolution to the foregoing effect. Except for the approval of this Agreement by the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast by the holders of the shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote at the Company Meeting (the “Requisite Company Vote”), no other corporate proceedings or approvals on the part of the Company are necessary to approve this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent) constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, moratorium, reorganization or similar laws relating to or affecting insured depository institutions or their parent companies or the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies (the “Enforceability Exceptions”)).

(b) NeitherSubject to the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, nor the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by the Company with anyeach of the terms orand provisions hereof, nor the execution and delivery of the Bank Merger Agreement by the Company Bank, nor the consummation by the Company Bank of

the transactions contemplated by the Bank Merger Agreement, nor compliance by the Company Bank with each of the terms and provisions of the Bank Merger Agreement will (i) violate any provision of the Company Certificate or the Company Bylaws or any governing or organizational document of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries or (ii) assuming that the consents, approvals and approvalsfilings referred to inSection 3.4 are duly obtained and/or made, (x) violate any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets or (y) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any contract, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or by which they or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound, except (in the case ofclause (y)(ii) above) for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, cancellations, accelerations or defaultscreations which, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

(c) The Board of Directors of Company Bank has adopted the Bank Merger Agreement. The Company, as the sole shareholder of Company Bank, has approved the Bank Merger Agreement, and the Bank Merger Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Company Bank.

3.4Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the NASDAQ and the approval of the listing on the NASDAQ of the shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement, (b) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act or the HOLA (as defined below), as applicable, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (c) the filing of any required applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (d) the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) of (i) any filings that are necessary under applicable requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including the filing of a joint proxy statement in definitive form relating to the meetings of the Company’s shareholders and Parent’s shareholders to be held in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Joint Proxy Statement”), and (ii) the registration statement on FormS-4 in which the Joint Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus, to be filed with the SEC by Parent in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “S-4”) and declaration of effectiveness of theS-4, (e) the filing of the First-Step Merger Certificate with the New Jersey Secretary pursuant to the BCA, (f) the filing of the Second-Step Merger Certificates with the Delaware Secretary and the New Jersey Secretary in accordance with the DGCL and the BCA, respectively, (g) the filing of the Bank Merger Certificate and (h) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of various states in connection with the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality or any self-regulatory organizationSRO (each, a “Governmental Entity”) or any third party are necessary in connection with (A) the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, or (B) the

consummation by the Company of the Integrated Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (including(C) the execution and delivery by the Company Bank of the Bank Merger).Merger Agreement or (D) the consummation by the Company Bank of the Bank Merger. As used in this agreement “SRO means (i) any “self-regulatory organization” as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act and (ii) any other United States or foreign securities exchange, futures exchange, commodities exchange or contract market.

3.5Reports. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file since January 1, 20132014 with (a) any state regulatory authority, (b) the SEC, (c) the Federal Reserve Board, (d) the FDIC, (e) the OCC, (f) any foreign regulatory authority and (g) any self-regulatory organizationSRO ((a) – (g), collectively

Regulatory Agencies”), including without limitation, any report, registration or statement required to be filed pursuant to the laws, rules or regulations of the United States, any state, any foreign entity or any Regulatory Agency, and have paid in full all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith, except where the failure to file such report, registration or statement or to pay such fees and assessments, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Except as set forth inSection 3.5 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and for normal examinations conducted by a Regulatory Agency in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (i) no Regulatory Agency has initiated or has pending any proceeding or, to the knowledge of the Company, investigation into the business or operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2013,2014, except where such proceedings or investigation would not reasonably be expected to be, either individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) there is no unresolved violation, criticism, or exception by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations or inspections of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (iii) to the knowledge of the Company there hashave been no formal or informal inquiries by, or disagreements or disputes with, any Regulatory Agency with respect to the business, operations, policies or procedures of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2013,2014, in each case, which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The Company and its Subsidiaries have fully resolved in all material respects all “matters requiring attention,” “matters requiring immediate attention” or similar items as identified by any such Regulatory Agency.

3.6Financial Statements.

(a) The financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the Company Reports (including the related notes, where applicable) (i) have been prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated results of operations, cash flows, changes in shareholders’ equity and consolidated financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods or as of the respective dates therein set forth (subject in the case of unaudited statements toyear-end audit adjustments normal in nature and amount), (iii) complied, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto and (iv) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto. The books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries have been, since January 1, 2014, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions.requirements. Deloitte & Touche LLP has not resigned (or informed the Company that it intends to resign) or been dismissed as independent public accountants of the Company as a result of or in connection with any disagreements with the Company on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure.

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liability of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due), except for those liabilities that are reflected or reserved against on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company included in its Quarterly Report on FormForm 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 20162017 (including any notes thereto) and for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since March 31, 2016,2017, or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

(c) The records, systems, controls, data and information of the Company and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of the Company or its Subsidiaries or their accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom), except for anynon-exclusive ownership andnon-direct control that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The Company (x) has implemented and maintains disclosure controls and

procedures (as defined in Rule13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its Subsidiaries, is made known to the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of the Company by others within those entities as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and to make the certifications required by the Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), and (y) has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to the Company’s outside auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule13a-15(f) of under the Exchange Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. These disclosures were made in writing by management to the Company’s auditors and audit committee and a true, correct and complete copy has previously been made available to Parent. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no reason to believe that the Company’s outside auditors and its chief executive officer and chief financial officer will not be able to give the certifications and attestations required pursuant to the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, without qualification, when next due.

(d) Since January 1, 2013,2014, (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, auditor, accountant or representative of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or, to the knowledge of the Company, oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods (including with respect to loan loss reserves, write-downs, charge-offs and accruals) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices and (ii) no attorney representing the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a material violation of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Company or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents to the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee thereof or, to the knowledge of the Company, to any director or officer of the Company.

3.7Broker’sBrokers Fees. With the exception of the engagement of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P., neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary nor any of their respective officers or directors has employed any broker, finder or financial advisor or incurred any liability for any broker’s fees, commissions or finder’s fees in connection with the Integrated Mergers or related transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company has disclosed to Parent as of the date hereof the aggregate fees provided for in connection with the engagement by the Company of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P., related to the Integrated Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereunder.

3.8Absence of Certain Changes or Events.

(a) Since December 31, 2015,2016, no event or events have occurred that have had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

(b) Since December 31, 2015,2016, except with respect to (i) matters set forth inSection 3.8(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule and (ii) the transactions contemplated hereby, the Company and its Subsidiaries have carried on their respective businesses in all material respects in the ordinary course.

3.9Legal Proceedings.

(a) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations of any material nature against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the

knowledge of the Company, any of their current or former directors or executive officers in their capacities as such (i) that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or (ii) challenging the validity or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) There is no injunction, order, judgment, decree or regulatory restriction imposed upon the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or that, upon consummation of the Integrated Mergers, would apply to the Surviving Corporation or any of its affiliates), that would reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

3.10Taxes and Tax Returns.

(a) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has duly and timely filed or caused to be filed (giving effect to all applicable extensions) all material Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them, and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects.

(b) All material Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries that are due have been fully and timely paid or adequate reserves therefor have been made on the financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the Company Reports (including the related notes, where applicable). Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid to the relevant Governmental Entity on a timely basis all material Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any person.

(c) No material claim has been made in writing by any Governmental Entity in a jurisdiction where the Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns that the Company or such subsidiary is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.

(d) There are no material Liens for Taxes on any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.

(e) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice of assessment or proposed assessment in connection with any material amount of Taxes, and there are no threatened in writing or pending disputes, claims, audits, examinations, investigations, or other proceedings regarding any material Tax of the Company and its Subsidiaries or the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries which have not been paid, settled or withdrawn or for which adequate reserves have not been established.

(f) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable year (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any (i) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in Treasury regulations promulgated under Section 1502 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local, or non- U.S. Tax law), (ii) installment sale or open transaction made on or prior to the Closing Date or (iii)(ii) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date.

(g) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or is bound by any Tax sharing, allocation or indemnification agreement or arrangement (other than (i) such an agreement or arrangement exclusively between or among the Company and its Subsidiaries)Subsidiaries or (ii) commercial agreements not primarily related to tax). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than a group of which the Company was the common parent) or (ii) has any material liability for the Taxes of any person (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) arising from the application of Treasury regulationSection 1.1502-6, or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law, as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise.

(h) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has distributed stock to another Person, or has had its stock distributed by another Person during thetwo-year period ending on the date hereof that was intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 of the Code.

(i)     Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action, or knows of any fact or circumstance, that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Integrated Mergers, taken together, from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

(j) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in any “reportable“listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.6011-4(b)(1)(2).

(k)     Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has undergone an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382(g) of the Code within the past five years.

(l)(j) As used in this Agreement, the term “Tax” or “Taxes” means all U.S. federal, state and local, and foreign taxes, fees assessments or other charges of a similar nature (whether imposed directly or through withholding), including any interest, additions to tax or penalties related thereto.

(m)(k) As used in this Agreement, the term “Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof, supplied or required to be supplied to a Governmental Entity.

3.11Employees.

(a)Section 3.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule listssets forth a true, correct and complete list of all Company Benefit Plans. For purposes of this Agreement, “Company Benefit Plans” mean all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)), whether or not subject to ERISA, whether funded or unfunded, and all pension, benefit, retirement, bonus, stock option, stock purchase, employee stock ownership, restricted stock, stock-based, performance award, phantom equity, incentive, deferred compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, supplemental retirement, severance, retention, employment, consulting, termination, change in control, salary continuation, accrued leave, sick leave, vacation, paid time off, health, medical, disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, insurance, welfare, fringe benefit and other similar plans, programs, policies, practices or arrangements or other contracts or agreements (and any amendments thereto) to or with respect to which the Company or any Subsidiary, or any trade or business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not incorporated, all of which together with the Company would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA (a “Company ERISA Affiliate”), is a party or has or would reasonably be expected to have any current or future obligation or that are sponsored, maintained, contributed to or required to be contributed to by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any Company ERISA Affiliate for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer, director consultant or independent contractor who is a natural person (or any spouse or dependent of such individual) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any Company ERISA Affiliate.Subsidiaries.

(b) The Company has heretofore made available to Parent true, correct and complete copies of the following documents with respect to each of the Company Benefit Plans, to the extent applicable, (i) all plans and trust agreements, (ii) all summary plan descriptions, amendments modifications or material supplements to any Company Benefit Plan, (iii) where any Company Benefit Plan has not been reduced to writing, a written summary of all the material plan terms, (iii)(iv) the most recent summary plan description and summary of material modifications, (v) the annual report (Form 5500), if any, filed with the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) for the last three (3) plan years and summary annual reports, with schedules and financial statements attached, (iv)(v) the most recently received IRS determination letter, if any, relating to any Company Benefit Plan, (v)(vi) the most recently prepared actuarial report for each Company Benefit Plan (if applicable) for each of the last three (3) years and (vi)(vii) copies of material notices, letters or other correspondence with the IRS, U.S. Department of Labor (the “DOL”) or Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (the “PBGC”). on or after January 1, 2013.

(c) Each Company Benefit Plan has been established, operated and administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms and the requirements of all applicable laws, including ERISA and the Code. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action to take corrective action or made a filing under any voluntary correction program of the IRS, the DOL or any other Governmental Entity on or after January 1, 2013 with respect to any Company Benefit Plan, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any knowledge of any plan defect that would qualify for correction under any such program.

(d)Section 3.11(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule identifiessets forth a true, correct and complete list of each Company Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code (the “Company Qualified Plans”). The IRS has issued a favorable determination letter with respect to each Company Qualified Plan and the related trust, which letter has not been revoked (nor has revocation been threatened), and, to the

knowledge of the Company, there are no existing circumstances and no events have occurred that couldwould reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any Company Qualified Plan or the exempt status of the related trust or increase the costs relating thereto. No trust funding any Company Benefit Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Section 501(c)(9) of the Code.

(e) Each Company Benefit Plan that is subject to Section 409A of the Code has been administered and documented in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, except where anynon-compliance has not and cannotwould not reasonably be expected to result in material liability to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any employee or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

(f) With respect to eachNo Company Benefit Plan is, and none of the Company, its Subsidiaries nor any Company ERISA Affiliate (as defined below) has at any time during the last six years sponsored, maintained, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any plan that is, subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or Sections 412, 430 or 4971 of the Code: (i) no such plan is in “at-risk” status forCode. For purposes of Section 430 ofthis Agreement, the Code, (ii)term “Company ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with the present value of accrued benefits under such Company Benefit Plan, based upon the actuarial assumptions used for funding purposes in the most recent actuarial report prepared by such Company Benefit Plan’s actuary with respect to such Company Benefit Plan, did not, as of its latest valuation date, exceed the then current fair market value of the assets of such Company Benefit Plan allocable to such accrued benefits, (iii) no reportable eventwould be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4043(c)4001 of ERISA for which the 30-day notice requirement has not been waived has occurred, (iv) all premiums to the PBGC have been timely paid in full, (v) no liability (other than for premiums to the PBGC) under Title IV of ERISA has been or is expected to be incurred by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (vi) the PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any such Company Benefit Plan.ERISA.

(g) None of the Company, its Subsidiaries nor any Company ERISA Affiliate has, at any time during the last six years, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any plan that is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA (a “Multiemployer Plan”) or a plan that has two or more contributing sponsors at least two of whom are not under common control, within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA (a “MultipleEmployer Plan”), and none of the Company and its Subsidiaries nor any Company ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability to a Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal (as those terms are defined in Part 1 of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA) from a Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan.

(h) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries sponsors, has sponsored or has any obligation with respect to any employee benefit plan that provides for any post-employment or post-retirement health or medical or life insurance benefits for retired, former or current employees or beneficiaries or dependents thereof, except as required by Section 4980B of the Code.Code or under Company Benefit Plans set forth onSection 3.11(h) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.

(i) All material contributions required to be made to any Company Benefit Plan by applicable lawLaw or by any plan document or other contractual undertaking, and all material premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Company Benefit Plan, in each case, for any period through the date hereof, have been timely made or paid in full or, to the extent not required to be made or paid on or before the date hereof, have been fully reflected on the books and records of the Company.Company to the extent required by GAAP.

(j) There are no pending or threatened claims (other than claims for benefits in the ordinary course), lawsuits or arbitrations that have been asserted or instituted, and, to the Company’s knowledge, no set of circumstances exists that maywould reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim, lawsuit or arbitration, against the Company Benefit Plans, any fiduciaries thereof with respect to their duties to the Company Benefit Plans or the assets of any of the trusts under any of the Company Benefit Plans, in each case, that couldwould reasonably be expected to result in any material liability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the PBGC, the IRS, the DOL, any Multiemployer Plan, a Multiple Employer Plan, any participant in any Company Benefit Plan, or any other party.

(k) None of the Company and its Subsidiaries nor any Company ERISA Affiliate nor any other person, including any fiduciary, has engaged in any “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA), which couldwould reasonably be expected to subject any of the Company Benefit Plans or their related trusts, the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any Company ERISA Affiliate or any person that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has an obligation to indemnify, to any material taxTax or penalty imposed under Section 4975 of the Code or Section 502 of ERISA.

(l) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or in conjunction with any other event) result in, cause the vesting, exercisability, delivery or funding of, or increase in the amount or value of, any payment, compensation (including stock or stock-based), right or other benefit to any employee, officer, director or independent contractor consultant or other service providerwho is a natural person of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or result in any limitation on the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to amend, merge, terminate or receive a reversion of assets from, any Company Benefit Plan or related trust. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no amount paid or payable (whether in cash, in property, or in the form of benefits) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (either solely as a result thereof or as a result of such transactions in conjunction with any other event) will (i) be an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries maintainsCode or contributes to a rabbi trust or similar funding vehicle,(ii) require prior approval in accordance with FDIC regulation 12 C.F.R. Part 359, Golden Parachute and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not cause or require the Company or any of its affiliates to establish or make any contribution to a rabbi trust or similar funding vehicle.Indemnification Payments.

(m) No Company Benefit Plan provides for thegross-up or reimbursement of Taxes under Section 409A or 4999 of the Code or otherwise. The Company has made available to Parent true, correct and complete copies of Section 280G calculations (whether or not final) with respect to any disqualified individual in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

(n)     Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries remain subject to any compensation-related limitations or restrictions imposed by or related to Section 111 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, as amended.

(o)(n) There are no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened material labor grievances or material unfair labor practice claims or charges against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any strikes or other material labor disputes against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries are party to or bound by any collective bargaining or similar agreement with any labor organization, or work rules or practices agreed to with any labor organization or employee association applicable to employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, there are no organizing efforts by any union or other group seeking to represent any employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and no employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are represented by any labor organization.

(p)(o) To the knowledge of the Company, no current or former employee or independent contractor who is a natural person of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is in violation in any material respect of any term of any restrictive covenant obligation, including anynon-compete,non-solicit,non-interference,non-disparagement or

confidentiality obligation, (“Restrictive Covenant”) or any employment or consulting contract, common law nondisclosure obligation, fiduciary duty, or other obligation: (i) to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) to a former employer or engager of any such individual relating (A) to the right of any such individual to work for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (B) to the knowledge or use of trade secrets or proprietary information.

(q)     To the knowledge of the Company, no employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with annual compensation in excess of $100,000 intends to terminate his or her employment relationship.

3.12SEC Reports. The Company has previously made available to Parent anAn accurate and complete copy of each communication mailed by the Company to its shareholders since December 31, 2013. No such communication or any final registration statement, prospectus, report, schedule and definitive proxy statement filed with or furnished to the SEC since December 31, 2013 by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, (theas the case may be, since December 31, 2014 (collectively, theCompany Reports”), is publicly available. No such Company Report, as of the date thereof (and, in the case of registration statements and proxy statements, on the dates of effectiveness and the dates of the relevant meetings, respectively), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except that information publicly filed or furnished as of a later date (but before the date of this Agreement) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date. Since December 31, 2013,2014, as of their respective dates, all the Company Reports filed under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act complied in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto. None of the Company Subsidiaries is required to file periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. NoAs of the date of this Agreement, no executive officer of the Company has failed in any respect to make the certifications required of him or her under Section 302 or 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. ThereAs of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding comments from or unresolved issues raised by the SEC with respect to any of the Company Reports.

3.13Compliance with Applicable Law.

(a) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries hold, and have at all times since December 31, 2013,2014 held, all licenses, franchises, permits and authorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses and ownership of their respective properties, rights and assets under and pursuant to each (and have paid in full all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith), except where neither the cost of failure to hold nor the cost of obtaining and holding such license, franchise, permit or authorization (nor the failure to pay any fees or assessments) would, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, and to the knowledge of the Company no suspension or cancellation of any such necessary license, franchise, permit or authorization is threatened. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have at all times since December 31, 2014 complied in all material respects with, and are not in material default or violation under, any applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, statute, order, decree, rule, regulation, policy, permit, authorization or authorizationcommon law or agency requirement (“Laws”) of any Governmental Entity relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including without limitation all Laws related to data protection or privacy, the USA PatriotPATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, the Fair Housing Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, any regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Interagency Policy Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products, the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X, and any other Law relating to bank secrecy, discriminatory lending, financing or leasing practices, money laundering prevention, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act, and all agency requirements relating to the origination, sale and servicing of mortgage and consumer loans. Company Bank has a Community Reinvestment Act rating of “satisfactory” or better. Without limitation, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, employee, agent or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, (a) used any funds of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for unlawful contributions, unlawful gifts, unlawful entertainment or other expenses relating to political activity, (b) made any

unlawful payment to foreign or domestic governmental officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from funds of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (c) violated any provision that would result in the violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any similar Law, (d) established or maintained any unlawful fund of monies or other assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (e) made any fraudulent entry on the books or records of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (f) made any unlawful bribe, unlawful rebate, unlawful payoff, unlawful influence payment, unlawful kickback or other unlawful payment to any person, private or public, regardless of form, whether in money, property or services, to obtain favorable treatment in securing business to obtain special concessions for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, to pay for favorable treatment for business secured or to pay for special concessions already obtained for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or is currently subject to any United States sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Treasury Department.

(b) Prosperis Financial Solutions LLC is not required to be registered with the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or the Securities Investor Protection Corp., in each case, as (i) a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act or (ii) an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

3.14Certain Contracts.

(a) Except as set forth inSection 3.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule and excluding any Company Benefit Plan, as of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral) (i) with respect to the employment of any directors, officers, employees, independent contractors or consultants, (ii) which, upon the execution or delivery of this Agreement, shareholder adoption of this Agreement or the consummation of the

transactions contemplated by this Agreement will (either alone or upon the occurrence of any additional acts or events) result in any payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise) becoming due from Parent, the Company, the Surviving Corporation, or any of their respective Subsidiaries to any officer or employee thereof, (iii) which is a “material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of RegulationS-K under the Securities Act), (iv) which contains anon-compete or client or customernon-solicit requirement or any other provision that materially restricts the conduct of any line of business by the Company or any of its affiliatesSubsidiaries or upon consummation of the Integrated Mergers will materially restrict the ability of the Surviving Corporation or any of its affiliatesSubsidiaries to engage in any line of business that is material to the Company (or, following the consummation of the Integrated Mergers, the Surviving Corporation), taken as a whole, (v) with or to a labor union or guild (including any collective bargaining agreement), (vi) any of the benefits of which contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding (including any stock option plan, stock appreciation rights plan, restricted stock plan or stock purchase plan) will be increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shareholder adoption of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (vii) that relates to the incurrence of indebtedness by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than deposit liabilities, trade payables, federal funds purchased, advances and loans from the FHLB and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) in the principal amount of $500,000 or more including any sale and leaseback transactions, capitalized leases and other similar financing transactions and including any Contract relating to the Trust Preferred Securities or Subordinated Debentures, (viii) that grants any right of first refusal, right of first offer or similar right with respect to any material assets, rights or properties of the Company or its Subsidiaries, (ix) that is a consulting agreement or data processing, software programming or licensing contract involving the payment of more than $100,000$500,000 per annum (other than any such contracts which are terminable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on sixty (60) days or less notice without any required payment or other conditions, other than the condition of notice), (x) any partnership or (x)joint venture Contract, (xi) any Contract entered into within the last three (3) years relating to the acquisition or disposition of any branch or business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise), (xii) which is a Securities Purchase Agreement, (xiii) any Contract relating to the offering by or on behalf of Prosperis Financial Solutions LLC ofnon-deposit investment products, including any Contract to which INVEST Financial Corporation or any of its affiliates is a party (but excluding any Contract entered into in the ordinary course of business with the customers of suchnon-deposit investment products) or (xiv) which involves aggregate payments or receipts by or to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $100,000$500,000 in any twelve-month period, other than those terminable on sixty (60) days or less notice without payment by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of any material penalty. Each contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding of the type described in thisSection 3.14(a), whether or not set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, is referred to herein as a “Company Contract,” and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or has received written, or to the knowledge of the Company, oral notice of, any material violation of the aboveany Company Contract by any of the other parties thereto.thereto, which would reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(b) The Company has made available to Parent a true, correct and complete copy of each written Company Contract and each written amendment to any Company Contract. The Company is not a party to any oral Company Contract and there are no oral amendments to any written Company Contract.

(c) Each Company Contract is valid and binding on the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and is in full force and effect, except as, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has in all

material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it under each Company Contract. To the Company’s knowledge, each third-party counterparty to each Company Contract has in all material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it under such Company Contract, and no event or condition exists which constitutes or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a material default on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any such Company Contract.

3.15Agreements with Regulatory Agencies. NeitherExcept as set forth onSection 3.15 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to anycease-and-desist or other order or enforcement action issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has been ordered to pay any civil money penalty by, or has been, since January 1, 2013,2014, a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or, since January 1, 2013,2014, has adopted any policies, procedures or board resolutions at the request or suggestion of any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that currently restricts in any material respect the conduct of its business or that in any material manner relates to its capital adequacy, its ability to pay dividends, its credit or risk management policies, its management or its business (each, whether or not set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, a “Company Regulatory Agreement”), nor has the Company or any of its Subsidiaries been advised in writing, or to the knowledge of the Company, orally, since January 1, 2013,2014, by any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering or requesting any such Company Regulatory Agreement. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with each Company Regulatory Agreement, if any, to which it is a party or is subject.Agreement. The Company and its Subsidiaries have not received any notice from any Governmental Entity indicating that the Company or its Subsidiaries is not in compliance in any material respect with any Company Regulatory Agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or is subject.Agreement.

3.16Risk Management Instruments. All interest rate swaps, caps, floors, option agreements, futures and forward contracts and other similar derivative transactions and risk management arrangements (each, a “Derivative Contract”), whether entered into for the account of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or for the account of a customer of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, were entered into in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations and policies of any Regulatory Agency and with counterparties believed to be financially responsible at the time and are legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries enforceable in accordance with their terms (except as may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions), and are in full force and effect. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material respects all of their material obligations under each Derivative Contract to the extent that such obligations to perform have accrued, and, to the Company’s knowledge, there are no material breaches, violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder. Each such Derivative Contract has been reflected in the books and records of the Company and such Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. Each Derivative Contract is evidenced by customary and appropriate documentation (including an ISDA master agreement and long-form confirmation).

3.17Environmental Matters. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, and, to the knowledge of the Company, have complied, with all Laws relating to: (a) the protection or restoration of the environment, health and safety as it relates to hazardous substance exposure or natural resource damages, (b) the handling, use, presence, disposal, release or threatened release of, or exposure to, any hazardous substance or (c) noise, odor, wetlands, indoor air, pollution, contamination or any injury to persons or property from exposure to any hazardous substance (collectively, “Environmental Laws”). There are no legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims or actions, or to the knowledge of the Company any private environmental investigations or remediation activities or governmental investigations of any nature seeking to impose, or that could reasonably be expected to result in the imposition, on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any liability or obligation arising under any Environmental Law, pending or threatened against the Company, which liability or obligation would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. To the knowledge of the Company, there is no reasonable basis for any such proceeding, claim, action or governmental investigation that would impose any liability or obligation that would reasonably be expected to have, either

individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The Company is not subject to any agreement, order, judgment, decree, letter agreement or memorandum of understanding by or with any court, governmental authority, regulatory agency or third party imposing any liability or obligation with respect to the foregoingany Environmental Law that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

3.18Investment Securities and Commodities.

(a) EachExcept as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has good title to all securities and commodities owned by it (except those sold under repurchase agreements)agreements or held in fiduciary or agency capacity), free and clear of any Lien, except (i) as specifically disclosed in the financial statements included in the Company Reports and (ii) to the extent such securities or commodities are pledged in the ordinary course of business to secure obligations of the Company or its Subsidiaries. Such securities and commodities are valued on the books of the Company in accordance with GAAP.

(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses employ investment, securities, commodities, risk management and other policies, practices and procedures that the Company believes are prudent and reasonable in the context of suchtheir businesses. Prior to the date of this Agreement, the Company has made available to Parent the terms of such policies, practices and procedures.

3.19Real Property. TheExcept as would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, the Company and each Company Subsidiary (a) has good and marketable title to all the real property reflected in the latest audited balance sheet included in the Company Reports as being owned by the Company or any such Company Subsidiary or acquired after the date thereof (except properties sold or otherwise disposed of since the date thereof in the ordinary course of business) (the “Company Owned Properties”), free and clear of all material Liens, except statutory Liens securing payments not yet due, Liens for real property Taxes not yet due and payable, easements, rights of way, and other similar encumbrances that do not materially affect the value or use of the properties or assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise materially impair business operations at such properties and such imperfections or irregularities of title or Liens as do not materially affect the value or use of the properties or assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise materially impair business operations at such properties (collectively, “Permitted Encumbrances”), and (b) is the lessee of all leasehold estates reflected in the latest audited financial statements included in such Company Reports or acquired after the date thereof (except for leases that have expired by their terms since the date thereof) (the “Company Leased Properties” and, collectively with the Company Owned Properties, the “Company Real Property”), free and clear of all Liens of any nature whatsoever, except for Permitted Encumbrances, and is in possession of the properties purported to be leased thereunder, and each such lease is valid without material default thereunder by the lessee or, to the Company’s knowledge, the lessor. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened condemnation proceedings against the Company Real Property.

3.20Intellectual Property. TheExcept as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, to the knowledge of the Company: (a) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use (in each case, free and clear of any material Liens), all Intellectual Property necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company: (a)Company (b) (i) the use of any Intellectual Property by the Company and its Subsidiaries does not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the rights of any person and is in accordance with any applicable license pursuant to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary acquired the right to use any Intellectual Property, and (ii) no person has asserted to the Company that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated the Intellectual Property rights of such person, (b)(c) no person is challenging, infringing on or otherwise violating any right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by and/or licensed to the Company or its Subsidiaries, and (c)(d) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any notice of any pending claim with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, and the Company and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable actions to avoid the abandonment, cancellation or unenforceability of all material Intellectual Property owned or licensed, respectively, by the Company and its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement, “Intellectual Property” means trademarks, service marks, brand names, internet domain names,

logos, symbols, certification marks, trade dress and other indications of origin, the goodwill associated

with the foregoing and registrations in any jurisdiction of, and applications in any jurisdiction to register, the foregoing, including any extension, modification or renewal of any such registration or application; inventions, discoveries and ideas, whether patentable or not, in any jurisdiction; patents, applications for patents (including divisions, continuations, continuations in part and renewal applications), all improvements thereto, and any renewals, extensions or reissues thereof, in any jurisdiction; nonpublic information, trade secrets andknow-how, including processes, technologies, protocols, formulae, prototypes and confidential information and rights in any jurisdiction to limit the use or disclosure thereof by any person; writings and other works, whether copyrightable or not and whether in published or unpublished works, in any jurisdiction; and registrations or applications for registration of copyrights in any jurisdiction, and any renewals or extensions thereof; and any similar intellectual property or proprietary rights.thereof.

3.21Related Party Transactions. Except as set forth inSection 3.21 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no transactions or series of related transactions, agreements, arrangements or understandings, nor are there any currently proposed transactions or series of related transactions, between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any current or former director or “executive officer” (as defined in RuleRule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any person who beneficially owns (as defined in Rules13d-3 and13d-5 of the Exchange Act) 5% or more of the outstanding Company Common Stock (or any of such person’s immediate family members or affiliates), on the other hand, except those of a type available to employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries generally.

3.22Takeover Protections.

(a) No “moratorium,” “fair price,” “business combination,” “control share acquisition,” “interested stockholder”,stockholder,” “affiliate transactions”, or similar provision of any state anti-takeover, including the New Jersey Shareholders’ Protection Act (any such laws, “Takeover Statutes”) is applicable to this Agreement, the Integrated Mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the BCA or federal law.BCA.

(b) Article VIXIII of the Company Certificate is not applicable to this Agreement, the Integrated Mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and neither Parent nor Merger Sub will be deemed to be an “Interested Stockholder”“interested shareholder” (as defined in the Company Certificate) as result of Parent entering into the VotingSupport Agreements or otherwise. ThePrior to the date of the Support Agreements, the Board of Directors of the Company has taken or caused to be takentook all action necessary to ensure that (i) neither Parent nor Merger Sub will be prohibited from engaging in a “Business Combination” (as defined in the Company Certificate) with the Company or any of its affiliates under the provisions of the Company Certificate and (ii) the eighty percent (80%) voting standard set forth in Article XIII.B.2. of the Company Certificate does not apply to the transactions contemplated hereby (including the First-Step Merger and the Second-Step Merger), including by adopting the resolutions described in Article XIII.B.1. of the Company Certificate.

3.23Reorganization. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action, or knows of any fact or circumstance, that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Integrated Mergers, taken together, from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

3.24Opinion. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Company has received an opinion (which, if initially rendered verbally, has been or will be confirmed by a written opinion, dated the same date) of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions and limitations set forth therein, the Merger Consideration pursuant to this Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to the holders of Company Common Stock. Such opinion has not been amended or rescinded as of the date of this Agreement.

3.24   3.25Company Information. The information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries which is provided by the Company or its representatives specifically for inclusion in the Joint Proxy Statement and theS-4, or in any other document filed with any other Regulatory Agency in connection herewith, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading. The portions of the Joint Proxy Statement (except for such

relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries and other portions thereof that relate only to Parent or anywithin the reasonable control of Company and its Subsidiaries)Subsidiaries will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

3.25   3.26Loan Portfolio.

(a) As of the date hereof, except as set forth inSection 3.25(a) 3.26(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any written or oral (i) loan, loan agreement, note or borrowing arrangement (including leases, credit enhancements, commitments, guarantees and interest-bearing assets) (collectively, “Loans”) in which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is a creditor which as of March 31, 2016,2017, had an outstanding balance of $100,000 or more and under the terms of which the obligor was, as of March 31, 2016,2017, over 90 days or more delinquent in payment of principal or interest, or (ii) Loans with any director, executive officer or 5% or greaterprincipal shareholder of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or to the knowledge of the Company, any affiliate of any of the foregoing.(as such terms are defined in 12 C.F.R Part 215). Set forth inSection 3.25(a) 3.26(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule is a true, correct and complete list of (A) all of the Loans of the Company and its Subsidiaries that, as of March 31, 2016,2017, were classified by the Company as “Other Loans Specially Mentioned,” “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” “Loss,” “Classified,” “Criticized,” “Credit Risk Assets,” “Concerned Loans,” “Watch List” or words of similar import, together with the principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on each such Loan and the identity of the borrower thereunder, together with the aggregate principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on such Loans, in each case, by category of Loan (e.g., commercial, consumer, etc.), together with the aggregate principal amount of such Loans by category and (B) each asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that, as of March 31, 2016,2017, is classified as “Other Real Estate Owned” and the book value thereof.

(b) Set forth inSection 3.25(b) 3.26(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule is a true, correct and complete list, as of March 31, 2016,2017, of each Loan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is structured as a participation interest in a Loan originated by another person (each, a “Loan Participation”), including with respect to each such Loan Participation, the originating lender of the related Loan, the outstanding principal balance of the related Loan, the amount of the outstanding principal balance represented by the Loan Participation and the identity of the borrower of the related Loan.

(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, each Loan of the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) is evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be, (ii) to the extent carried on the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries as secured Loans, has been secured by valid charges, mortgages, pledges, security interests, restrictions, claims, liens or encumbrances, as applicable, which have been perfected and (iii) is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named therein, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

(d) Each outstanding Loan of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including Loans held for resale to investors) was solicited and originated, and is and has been administered and, where applicable, serviced, and the relevant Loan files are being maintained, in all material respects in accordance with the relevant notes or other credit or security documents, the written underwriting standards of the Company and its Subsidiaries (and, in the case of Loans held for resale to investors, the underwriting standards, if any, of the applicable investors) and with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and rules.

(e) None of the agreements pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has sold Loans or pools of Loans or participations in Loans or pools of Loans contains any obligation to repurchase such Loans or interests therein solely on account of a payment default by the obligor on any such Loan.Loan (other than first payment defaults).

(f) There are no outstanding Loans made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any “executive officer” or other “insider” (as each such term is defined in Regulation O promulgated by the Federal

Reserve Board) of the Company or its Subsidiaries, other than Loans that are subject to and that were made and continue to be in compliance with Regulation O or that are exempt therefrom.

(g) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is now nor has it ever been since December 31, 2013,2014, subject to any material fine, suspension, settlement or other contract or other administrative

agreement or sanction by, or any reduction in any loan purchase commitment from, any Governmental Entity or Regulatory Agency relating to the origination, sale or servicing of mortgage or consumer Loans.

3.26   3.27Insurance. The Company and its Subsidiaries are insured with reputable insurers against such risks and in such amounts as the management of the Company reasonably has determined to be prudent and consistent with industry practice, and the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with their insurance policies, each of which is listed inSection 3.26 3.27 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and are not in default under any of the terms thereof, each such policy is outstanding and in full force and effect and, except for policies insuring against potential liabilities of officers, directors and employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Company or the relevant Subsidiary thereof is the sole beneficiary of such policies, and all premiums and other payments due under any such policy have been paid, and all claims thereunder have been filed in due and timely fashion.

3.27   3.28No Other Representations or Warranties.

(a) Except for the representations and warranties made by the Company in thisArticle III, neither the Company nor any other person makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Company, its Subsidiaries, or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects, and the Company hereby disclaims any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, neither the Company nor any other person makes or has made any representation or warranty to Parent or any of its affiliates or representatives with respect to (i) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospective information relating to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses or (ii) except for the representations and warranties made by the Company in thisArticle III, any oral or written information presented to Parent or any of its affiliates or representatives in the course of their due diligence investigation of the Company, the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) The Company acknowledges and agrees that neither Parent nor any other person has made or is making any express or implied representation or warranty other than those contained inArticle IV.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT

Except (i)(a) as disclosed in the disclosure schedule delivered by Parent to the Company concurrently herewith (the “Parent Disclosure Schedule”);provided, that (a)(i) no such item is required to be set forth as an exception to a representation or warranty if its absence would not result in the related representation or warranty being deemed untrue or incorrect, (b)(ii) the mere inclusion of an item in the Parent Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by Parent that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect and (c)(iii) any disclosures made with respect to a section ofArticle IV shall be deemed to qualify (1)(A) any other section ofArticle IV specifically referenced or cross-referenced and (2)(B) other sections of Article IV to the extent it is reasonably apparent on its face (notwithstanding the absence of a specific cross-reference) from a reading of the disclosure that such disclosure applies to such other sections or (ii)(b) as disclosed in any Parent Reports publicly filed by Parent sinceafter December 31, 2014,2016, and prior to the date hereof (but disregarding risk factor disclosures contained under the heading “Risk Factors,” or disclosures of risks set forth in any “forward-looking statements” disclaimer or any other statements that are similarlynon-specific or cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature), Parent hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

4.1Corporate Organization.

(a) Parent is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is a savings and loan holding company duly registered with the Federal Reserve

Board under the HOLA.Home Owners Loan Act of 1933, as amended (the “HOLA”), except, if Parent elects to effect the National Bank Conversion (as defined below) prior to the Closing, then, as of the Closing, Parent will be a bank holding company duly registered with the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act. Parent has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Parent is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. True, correct and complete copies of the Certificate of Incorporation of Merger Sub (the “Merger Sub Certificate”), the Merger Sub Bylaws, the Parent Certificate and the Parent Bylaws, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement, have previously been made available by Parent to the Company.

(b) Parent Bank is a federal savings bank duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States, except if Parent elects to effect the National Bank Conversion prior to the Closing, then, as of the Closing, Parent Bank will be a national bank duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States. The deposits of Parent Bank are insured by the FDIC through the Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by law, all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due and no proceedings for the termination of such insurance are pending or threatened.

(c) Without duplication of each of the foregoing sentences of thisSection 4.1(b) and the representations and warranties set forth inSection 4.1(c) 4.1(b) orSection 4.1(d), each Subsidiary of Parent (a “Parent Subsidiary”) (i) is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (ii) is duly qualified to do business and, where such concept is recognized under applicable law, is in good standing in all jurisdictions (whether federal, state, local or foreign) where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified and in which the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent and (iii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted. There are no restrictions on the ability of any Subsidiary of Parent to pay dividends or distributions except, in the case of a Subsidiary that is a regulated entity, for restrictions on dividends or distributions generally applicable to all such regulated entities.Section 4.1(b) 4.1(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all Subsidiaries of Parent as of the date hereof.

(c)(d) Merger Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey and is a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent. Merger Sub has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. True, correct and complete copies of the Merger Sub Certificate and Merger Sub Bylaws, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement, have previously been made available by Parent to the Company.

4.2Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of Parent consists of 55,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value, of which no shares of preferred stock are issued or outstanding. As of the dateclose of this Agreement,business on June 27, 2017, there arewere (i) 25,748,89832,519,755 shares of Parent Common Stock issued and outstanding, which number includes 157,579(ii) 1,047,017 shares of Parent Common Stock grantedheld in treasury, (iii) 169,818 shares

of Parent Common Stock reserved for issuance in respect of outstanding awards of restricted Parent Common Stock (“Parent RestrictedStock Awards”) granted under Parent’s 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, (ii) 7,817,874 shares of Parent Common Stock held in treasury, (iii) 2,902,017 shares(iv) 2,655,563 of Parent Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options granted under Parent’s 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, Parent’s 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, the Cape Bancorp, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Colonial Financial Services, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, the Ocean Shore Holding Co. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan or the Ocean Shore Holding Co. 2010 Incentive Plan, the Cape Bancorp, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, the Colonial Financial Services, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, the Ocean Shore Holding Co. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan or the Ocean Shore Holding Co. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, as applicable (such stock options, together with the Parent Restricted Stock Awards, the “Parent Equity Awards”), and (iv)(v) no other shares of capital stock or other voting securities of Parent issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness that have the right to vote on any matters on

which shareholders of Parent may vote. As of the date of this Agreement, no trust preferred or subordinated debt securities of Parent are issued or outstanding. Other than the Parent Equity Awards issued prior to the date of this Agreement, as of the date of this Agreement there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, puts, calls, rights, exchangeable or convertible securities or other commitments or agreements obligating Parent to issue, transfer, sell, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any such securities. There are no voting trusts, shareholder agreements, proxies or other agreements in effect pursuant to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has a contractual obligation with respect to the voting or transfer of the Parent Common Stock or other equity interests of Parent.

(b) Parent owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity ownership interests of each of the Parent Subsidiaries, free and clear of any Liens, and all of such shares or equity ownership interests are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable (except, with respect to bank Subsidiaries, as provided under 12 U.S.C. § 55 or any comparable provision of applicable federal or state law) and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. No Parent Subsidiary has or is bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary.

4.3Authority; No Violation.

(a) Each of Parent and Merger Sub has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the Integrated Mergers and the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock in connection with the First-Step Merger (such issuance, the “Parent Share Issuance”), have been duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of Parent, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the First-Step Merger have been duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of Merger Sub. The Board of Directors of Parent has directed that the Parent Share Issuance be submitted to Parent’s shareholders for approval at a meeting of such shareholders and has adopted a resolution to the foregoing effect. Except for the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the shares of Parent Common Stock at the Parent Meeting to approve the Parent Share Issuance (the “Requisite Parent Vote”), no other corporate proceedings or approvals on the part of Parent are necessary to approve this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and Merger Sub and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company) constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Parent and Merger Sub, enforceable against Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions). The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the First-Step Merger have been validly authorized (subject to the attainment ofobtaining the Requisite Parent Vote), and, when issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no current or past shareholder of Parent will have any preemptive right or similar rights in respect thereof.

(b) NeitherSubject to receipt of the Requisite Parent Vote, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent or Merger Sub, nor the consummation by Parent or Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by Parent or Merger Sub with anyeach of the terms orand provisions hereof, nor the execution and delivery of the Bank Merger Agreement by Parent Bank, nor the consummation by Parent Bank of the transactions contemplated by the Bank Merger Agreement, nor compliance by Parent Bank with each of the terms and provisions of the Bank Merger Agreement will (i) violate any provision of the Parent Certificate, the Parent Bylaws, the Merger Sub Certificate or the Merger Sub Bylaws or (ii) assuming that the consents, approvals and approvalsfilings referred to inSection 4.4 are duly obtained and/or made, (x) violate any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction applicable to Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets or (y) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any contract, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a

party, or by which they or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound, except (in the case ofclause(y) (ii) above) for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, cancellations, accelerations or defaultscreations which either individually or in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.

(c) The Board of Directors of Parent Bank has adopted the Bank Merger Agreement. Parent, as the sole shareholder of Parent Bank, has approved the Bank Merger Agreement, and the Bank Merger Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent Bank.

4.4Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the NASDAQ and the approval of the listing on the NASDAQ of the shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement, (b) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act or the HOLA, as applicable, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (c) the filing of any required applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the OCC and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (d) the filing with the SEC of (i) any filings under applicable requirements of the Exchange Act, including the filing of the Joint Proxy Statement and (ii) theS-4 and declaration of effectiveness of theS-4, (e) the filing of the First-Step Merger Certificate with the New Jersey Secretary pursuant to the BCA, (f) the filing of the Second-Step Merger Certificates with the Delaware Secretary and the New Jersey Secretary in accordance with the DGCL and the BCA, respectively, (g) the filing of the Bank Merger Certificate and (h) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of various states in connection with the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Entity or any third party are necessary in connection with (A) the execution and delivery by Parent of this Agreement, or (B) the consummation by Parent of the Integrated Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (including(C) the execution and delivery by Parent Bank of the Bank Merger).Merger Agreement or (D) the consummation by Parent Bank of the Bank Merger.

4.5Reports. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file since January 1, 20132014 with any Regulatory Agencies, including without limitation, any report, registration or statement required to be filed pursuant to the laws, rules or regulations of the United States, any state, any foreign entity or any Regulatory Agency, and have paid in full all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith, except where the failure to file such report, registration or statement or to pay such fees and assessments, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Except for normal examinations conducted by a Regulatory Agency in the ordinary course of business of Parent and its Subsidiaries, (i) no Regulatory Agency has initiated or has pending any proceeding or, to the knowledge of Parent, investigation into the business or operations of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2013, 2014,

except where such proceedings or investigation would not reasonably be expected to be, either individually or in the aggregate, material to Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) there is no unresolved violation, criticism, or exception by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations or inspections of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and (iii) to the knowledge of Parent there hashave been no formal or informal inquiries by, or disagreements or disputes with, any Regulatory Agency with respect to the business, operations, policies or procedures of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2013,2014, in each case, which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Parent and its Subsidiaries have fully resolved in all “matters requiring attention,”material respects all “matters requiring immediate attention” or similar items as identified by any such Regulatory Agency, except for such failures to so resolve such matters or similar items that would not impede or materially delay the ability of Parent to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.Agency.

4.6Financial Statements.

(a) The financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the Parent Reports (including the related notes, where applicable) (i) have been prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of Parent and its Subsidiaries, (ii) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated results of operations, cash flows, changes in shareholders’ equity and consolidated financial position of Parent and its Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods or as of the respective dates

therein set forth (subject in the case of unaudited statements toyear-end audit adjustments normal in nature and amount), (iii) complied, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto and (iv) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto. The books and records of Parent and its Subsidiaries have been, since January 1, 2014, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions.requirements. KPMG LLP has not resigned (or informed Parent that it intends to resign) or been dismissed as independent public accountants of Parent as a result of or in connection with any disagreements with Parent on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure.

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liability of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due), except for those liabilities that are reflected or reserved against on the consolidated balance sheet of Parent included in its Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 20162017 (including any notes thereto) and for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since March 31, 2016,2017, or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

(c) The records, systems, controls, data and information of Parent and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of Parent or its Subsidiaries or accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom), except for anynon-exclusive ownership andnon-direct control that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Parent (x) has implemented and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in RuleRule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) to ensure that material information relating to Parent, including its Subsidiaries, is made known to the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of Parent by others within those entities as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and to make the certifications required by the Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and (y) has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to Parent’s outside auditors and the audit committee of Parent’s Board of Directors (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect Parent’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information, and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Parent’s internal controls over financial reporting. These disclosures were made in writing by management to Parent’s auditors and audit

committee and a true, correct and complete copy has previously been made available to the Company. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no reason to believe that Parent’s outside auditors and its chief executive officer and chief financial officer will not be able to give the certifications and attestations required pursuant to the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, without qualification, when next due.

(d) Since January 1, 2013,2014, (i) neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of Parent, any director, officer, auditor, accountant or representative of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or, to the knowledge of Parent, oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods (including with respect to loan loss reserves, write-downs, charge-offs and accruals) of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices and (ii) no attorney representing Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a material violation of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by Parent or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents to the Board of Directors of Parent or any committee thereof or to the knowledge of Parent to any director or officer of Parent.

4.7Broker’sBrokers Fees. With the exception of the engagement of Piper Jaffray & Co., neither Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary nor any of their respective officers or directors has employed any broker, finder or financial advisor or incurred any liability for any broker’s fees, commissions or finder’s fees in connection with the Integrated Mergers or related transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.8Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 2015,2016, no event or events have occurred that have had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.

4.9Legal Proceedings.

(a) Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to Parent’s knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations (i) of any material nature against Parent or its Subsidiaries or any of their current or former directors or executive officers or (ii) challenging the validity or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) There is no injunction, order, judgment, decree or regulatory restriction imposed upon Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (or that, upon consummation of the Integrated Mergers, would apply to Parent or any of its affiliates) that would reasonably be expected to be material to Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

4.10Taxes and Tax Returns.

(a) Each of Parent and its Subsidiaries has duly and timely filed or caused to be filed (giving effect to(taking into account all applicable extensions) all material Tax Returns in all jurisdictions in which Tax Returns are required to be filed by any of them,it, and all such Tax Returns are true, correct, and complete in all material respects.

(b) All material Taxes of Parent and its Subsidiaries that are due have been fully and timely paid or adequate reserves therefor have been made on the financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the Parent Reports (including the related notes, where applicable).Subsidiaries. Each of Parent and its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid to the relevant Governmental Entity on a timely basis all material Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any person.

(c)employee, creditor, shareholder, independent contractor or other third party. No claimdeficiency with respect to a material amount of Taxes has been made in writing by any Governmental Entity in a jurisdiction whereproposed, asserted or assessed against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, does not file Tax Returns that Parent or such subsidiary is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.

(d)     There are no material Liens for Taxes on any of the assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.

(e)     Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice of assessment or proposed assessment in connection with any material amount of Taxes, and there are no pending or threatened in writing or pending(in writing) disputes, claims, audits, examinations investigations, or other proceedings regarding any material TaxTaxes of Parent and its Subsidiaries or the assets of Parent and its Subsidiaries which have not been paid, settled or withdrawn or for which adequate reserves have not been established.

(f)     Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action, or knows of any fact or circumstance, that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Integrated Mergers, taken together, from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

4.11Employees.

(a)     Each Parent Benefit Plan has been established, operated and administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms and the requirements of all applicable laws, including ERISA and the Code. For purposes of this Agreement, “Parent Benefit Plans” mean all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, whether or not subject to ERISA, whether funded or unfunded, and all pension, benefit, retirement, bonus, stock option, stock purchase, restricted stock, stock-based, performance award, phantom equity, incentive, deferred compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, supplemental retirement, severance, retention, employment, consulting, termination, change in control, salary continuation, accrued leave, sick leave, vacation, paid time off, health, medical, disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, insurance, welfare, fringe benefit and other similar plans, programs, policies, practices or arrangements or other contracts or agreements (and any amendments thereto) to or with respect to which Parent or any Subsidiary or any trade or business of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not incorporated, all of which together with Parent would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA (a “Parent ERISA Affiliate”), is a party or has any current or future obligation or that are sponsored, maintained, contributed to or required to be contributed to by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any Parent ERISA Affiliate for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer, director, consultant or independent contractor (or any spouse or dependent of such individual) of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any Parent ERISA Affiliate.

(b) With respect to each Parent Benefit Plan (as defined below) that is subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or Sections 412, 430 or 4971 of the Code: (i) no such plan is in “at-risk”“at-risk” status for purposes of Section 430 of the Code, (ii) the present value of accrued benefits under such Parent Benefit Plan, based upon the actuarial assumptions used for funding purposes in the most recent actuarial report prepared by such Parent Benefit Plan’s actuary with respect to such Parent Benefit Plan, did not, as of its latest valuation date, exceed the then current fair market value of the assets of such Parent Benefit Plan allocable to such accrued benefits, (iii) no reportable event within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA for which the30-day notice requirement has not been waived has occurred, (iv) all premiums to the PBGC have been timely paid in full, (v) no liability (other than for premiums to the PBGC) under Title IV of ERISA has been or is expected to be incurred by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, and (vi) the PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any such Parent Benefit Plan.

(c)     There are no pending For purposes of this Agreement, “Parent Benefit Plans” mean all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), whether or threatened claims (other than claims for benefitsnot subject to ERISA, whether funded or unfunded, and all pension, benefit, retirement, bonus, stock option, stock purchase, employee stock ownership, restricted stock, stock-based, performance award, phantom equity, incentive, deferred compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, supplemental retirement, severance, retention, employment, consulting, termination, change in the ordinary course), lawsuitscontrol, salary continuation, accrued leave, sick leave, vacation, paid time off, health, medical, disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, insurance, welfare, fringe benefit and other similar plans, programs, policies, practices or arbitrations that have been assertedarrangements or instituted, and,other contracts or agreements (and any amendments thereto) to Parent’s knowledge, no set of circumstances exists that mayor with respect to which Parent or any Subsidiary, is a party or has or would reasonably be expected to give risehave any current or future obligation or that are sponsored, maintained, contributed to or required to be contributed to by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor who is a natural person (or any spouse or dependent of such individual) of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.

(b) None of Parent, its Subsidiaries nor any Parent ERISA Affiliate (as defined below) has, at any time during the last six years, sponsored, maintained, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any plan that is a Multiemployer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan, and none of Parent and its Subsidiaries nor any Parent ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability to a claimMultiemployer Plan or lawsuit, againstMultiple Employer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal (as those terms are defined in Part 1 of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA) from a Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Parent Benefit Plans,ERISA Affiliate” means any fiduciaries thereoftrade or business, whether or not incorporated that together with respect to their duties toParent would be deemed a “single employer” within the Parent Benefit Plansmeaning of Section 4001 of ERISA.

(c) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or in conjunction with any other event) result in, cause the assetsvesting, exercisability, delivery or funding of, or increase in the amount or value of, any payment, compensation (including stock or stock-based), right or other benefit to any employee, officer, director or independent contractor who is a natural person of the trusts underParent or any of the Parent Benefit Plans that could reasonably be expected toits Subsidiaries, or result in any material liabilitylimitation on the right of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to the PBGC, the IRS, the DOL, any Multiemployer Plan,amend, merge, terminate or receive a Multiple Employer Plan, any participant inreversion of assets from any Parent Benefit Plan or any other party.

(d)     There are no pending or, to Parent’s knowledge, threatened material labor grievances or material unfair labor practice claims or charges against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or any strikes or other material labor disputes against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries are party to or bound by any collective bargaining or similar agreement with any labor organization, or work rules or practices agreed to with any labor organization or employee association applicable to employees of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of Parent, there are no organizing efforts by any union or other group seeking to represent any employees of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and no employees of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries are represented by any labor organization.related trust.

4.12SEC Reports. Parent has previously made available to the Company anAn accurate and complete copy of each communication mailed by Parent to its shareholders since December 31, 2013. No such communication or any final registration statement, prospectus, report, schedule and definitive proxy statement filed with or furnished to the SEC since December 31, 2013 by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, (theas the case may be, since December 31, 2014 (collectively, theParent Reports”) is publicly available. No such Parent Report as of the date thereof (and, in the case of registration statements and proxy statements, on the dates of effectiveness and the dates of the relevant meetings, respectively), contained any

untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except that information publicly filed or furnished as of a later date (but before the date of this Agreement) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date. Since December 31, 2013,2014, as of their respective dates, all Parent Reports filed under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act complied in

all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto. NoAs of the date of this Agreement, no executive officer of Parent has failed in any respect to make the certifications required of him or her under Section 302 or 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. ThereAs of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding comments from or unresolved issues raised by the SEC with respect to any of the Parent Reports.

4.13Compliance with Applicable Law. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries hold, and have at all times since December 31, 2013,2014 held, all licenses, franchises, permits and authorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses and ownership of their respective properties, rights and assets under and pursuant to each (and have paid in full all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith), except where neither the cost of failure to hold nor the cost of obtaining and holding such license, franchise, permit or authorization (nor the failure to pay any fees or assessments) would, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, and to the knowledge of Parent no suspension or cancellation of any such necessary license, franchise, permit or authorization is threatened. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have at all times since December 31, 2014 complied in all material respects with, and are not in material default or violation under, any, applicable Laws, including without limitation all Laws related to data protection or privacy, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, the Fair Housing Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, any regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Interagency Policy Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products, the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X, and any other Law relating to bank secrecy, discriminatory lending, financing or leasing practices, money laundering prevention, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act and all agency requirements relating to the origination, sale and servicing of mortgage and consumer loans. Each of the Subsidiaries of Parent that is an insured depository institution has a Community Reinvestment Act rating of “satisfactory” or better. Without limitation, none of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of Parent, any director, officer, employee, agent or other person acting on behalf of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, (a) used any funds of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries for unlawful contributions, unlawful gifts, unlawful entertainment or other expenses relating to political activity, (b) made any unlawful payment to foreign domestic governmental officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from funds of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, (c) violated any provision that would result in the violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any similar Law, (d) established or maintained any unlawful fund of monies or other assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, (e) made any fraudulent entry on the books or records of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or (f) made any unlawful bribe, unlawful rebate, unlawful payoff, unlawful influence payment, unlawful kickback or other unlawful payment to any person, private or public, regardless of form, whether in money, property or services, to obtain favorable treatment in securing business to obtain special concessions for Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, to pay for favorable treatment for business secured or to pay for special concessions already obtained for Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or is currently subject to any United States sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Treasury Department.

4.14Agreements with Regulatory Agencies. Except as set forth inonSection 4.14 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to anycease-and-desist or other order or enforcement action issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has been ordered to pay any civil money penalty by, or has been, since January 1, 2013,2014, a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or, since January 1, 2013,2014, has adopted any policies, procedures or board

resolutions at the request or suggestion of any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that currently restricts in any material respect the conduct of its business or that in any material manner relates to its capital adequacy, its ability to pay dividends, its credit or risk management policies, its management or its business (each, whether or not set forth in the Parent Disclosure Schedule, a “Parent Regulatory Agreement”), nor has

Parent or any of its Subsidiaries been advised in writing or, to the knowledge of Parent, orally, since January 1, 2013,2014, by any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering or requesting any such Parent Regulatory Agreement.

4.15Certain Contracts.

(a)     Each contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral) which is a “material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act) to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is bound as of the date hereof has been filed as an exhibit to the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Parent, or a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K subsequent thereto (each, a “Parent Contract”) and neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or has received notice of, any material violation of the above by any of the other parties thereto.

(b)     Each Parent Contract is valid and binding on Parent or one of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect, except as, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries has in all material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it under each Parent Contract. To Parent’s knowledge, each third-party counterparty to each Parent Contract has in all material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it under such Parent Contract, and no event or condition exists which constitutes or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a material default on the part of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries under any such Parent Contract.

4.16   Environmental Matters. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, Parent and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, and have complied, with all Environmental Laws. There are no legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims or actions, or to the knowledge of Parent any private environmental investigations or remediation activities or governmental investigations of any nature seeking to impose, or that could reasonably be expected to result in the imposition, on Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of any liability or obligation arising under any Environmental Law, pending or threatened against Parent, which liability or obligation would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. To the knowledge of Parent, there is no reasonable basis for any such proceeding, claim, action or governmental investigation that would impose any liability or obligation that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Parent is not subject to any agreement, order, judgment, decree, letter agreement or memorandum of understanding by or with any court, governmental authority, regulatory agency or third party imposing any liability or obligation with respect to the foregoing that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.

4.17   Insurance. Parent and its Subsidiaries are insured with reputable insurers against such risks and in such amounts as the management of Parent reasonably has determined to be prudent and consistent with industry practice, and Parent and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with their insurance policies, are not in default under any of the terms thereof, each such policy is outstanding and in full force and effect and, except for policies insuring against potential liabilities of officers, directors and employees of Parent and its Subsidiaries, Parent or the relevant Subsidiary thereof is the sole beneficiary of such policies, and all premiums and other payments due under any such policy have been paid, and all claims thereunder have been filed in due and timely fashion.

4.18   Loan Portfolio.

(a)     Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, each Loan of Parent and its Subsidiaries (i) is evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be, (ii) to the extent carried on the books and records of Parent and its Subsidiaries as secured Loans, has been secured by valid charges, mortgages, pledges, security interests, restrictions, claims, liens or encumbrances, as applicable, which have been perfected and (iii) is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named therein, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

(b)     Each outstanding Loan of Parent and its Subsidiaries (including Loans held for resale to investors) was solicited and originated, and is and has been administered and, where applicable, serviced, and the relevant Loan files are being maintained, in all material respects in accordance with the relevant notes or other credit or security documents, the written underwriting standards of Parent and its Subsidiaries (and, in the case of Loans held for resale to investors, the underwriting standards, if any, of the applicable investors) and with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and rules.

(c)     There are no outstanding Loans made by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to any “executive officer” or other “insider” (as each such term is defined in Regulation O promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board) of Parent or its Subsidiaries, other than Loans that are subject to and that were made and continue to be in compliance with Regulation O or that are exempt therefrom.

(d)     Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is now nor has it ever been since December 31, 2013, subject to any fine, suspension, settlement or other contract or other administrative agreement or sanction by, or any reduction in any loan purchase commitment from, any Governmental Entity or Regulatory Agency relating to the origination, sale or servicing of mortgage or consumer Loans.

4.19   Takeover Protections. No Takeover Statute is applicable to this Agreement, the Integrated Mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the DGCL.

4.20   4.16Reorganization. Parent has not taken any action, and is not aware of any fact or circumstance, that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Integrated Mergers, taken together, from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

4.17Opinion. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of Parent has received an opinion (which, if initially rendered verbally, has been or will be confirmed by a written opinion, dated the same date) of Piper Jaffray & Co. to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions and limitations set forth therein, the Merger Consideration is fair from a financial point of view to Parent. Such opinion has not been amended or rescinded as of the date of this Agreement.

4.21   4.18Parent Information. The information relating to Parent and its Subsidiaries to be contained in the Joint Proxy Statement and theS-4 and the information relating to Parent and its Subsidiaries that is specifically provided by Parent or its representatives for inclusion in any other document filed with any other Regulatory Agency in connection herewith will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading. The portions of the Joint Proxy Statement (except for suchrelating to Parent and its Subsidiaries and other portions thereof that relate only towithin the Company or anyreasonable control of Parent and its Subsidiaries)Subsidiaries, will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. The S-4 (except for such portions thereof

4.19Financing. Parent has, or will have available to it at the Closing, all funds necessary to satisfy the payment of the aggregate Cash Consideration that, relate onlysubject to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Actterms and the rules and regulations thereunder.conditions set forth herein, becomes payable by Parent hereunder.

4.22   4.20No Other Representations or Warranties.

(a) Except for the representations and warranties made by Parent in thisArticle IV, neither Parent nor any other person makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to Parent, its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or

prospects, and Parent hereby disclaims any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, neither Parent nor any other person makes or has made any representation or warranty to the Company or any of its affiliates or representatives with respect to (i) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospective information relating to Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses or (ii) except for the representations and warranties made by Parent in thisArticle IV, any oral or written information presented to the Company or any of its affiliates or representatives in the course of their due diligence investigation of Parent, the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Parent acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company nor any other person has made or is making any express or implied representation or warranty other than those contained inArticle III.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

5.1Conduct of Business of the Company Prior to the Effective Time. During the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement (including as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule), required by law or as consented to in writing by Parent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, conduct its business in the ordinary course in all material respects, use reasonable best efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization, employees, independent contractors and advantageous business relationships and take no action that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect or delay the ability to obtain any necessary approvals of any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity required for the transactions contemplated hereby or for the Company to perform the Company’sits covenants and agreements under this Agreementhereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on a timely basis.

5.2Company Forbearances. During the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as required by law,Law, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of Parent which(such consent shall not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed:delayed):

(a) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than indebtedness of the Company or any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries to the Company or any of its other Subsidiaries), assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any other individual, corporation or other entity;entity (other than any Subsidiary of the Company);

(b)

(i) adjust, split, combine or reclassify any capital stock;

(ii) make, declare or pay any dividend, or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations convertible (whether currently convertible or convertible only after the passage of time or the occurrence of certain events) into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock (except (A) regular quarterly cash dividends by the Company at a rate not in excess of $0.06$0.01 per share of Company Common Stock (except that if Parent increases the rate of its regular quarterly dividends on Parent Common Stock paid by it during any fiscal quarter after the date hereof relative to that paid by it during the immediately preceding fiscal quarter, the Company shall be permitted to increase the rate of dividends on Company Common Stock paid by it during the same fiscal quarter by the same proportion (or if not possible in the same quarter, in the next fiscal quarter with an appropriate “catch-up” adjustment to account for the amounts that would have been paid in the prior quarter) subject in all respects to any receipt of regulatory approval required in connection with such dividend increase), (B) dividends paid by any of the Subsidiaries of the Company to the Company or any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or (C) the acceptance of shares of Company Common Stock as payment for the exercise price of the Company Stock Options or for withholding taxesTaxes incurred in connection with the exercise of the Company Stock Options or the vesting or settlement of the Company Equity Awards, in each case, in accordance with past practicethe applicable Company Equity Plan and the terms of the applicable award agreements);

(iii) except as required under applicable law or the terms of any Company Benefit Plan existing as of the date hereof, grant any stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares,

restricted stock units, deferred stock units, shares of restricted sharesstock or other equity or equity-based awards or interests or grant any individual, corporation or other entity any right to acquire any shares of its capital stock; or

(iv) issue, sell or otherwise permit to become outstanding (including by issuing any shares of Company Common Stock that are held as “treasury shares” as of the date of this Agreement) any additional shares of capital stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into, or exercisable for, any shares of its capital stock or any options, warrants, or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of capital stock, except pursuant to the exercise of stock options or the settlement of equity compensation awards outstanding as of the date hereof in accordance with their terms;

(c) sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of its material properties or assets or any business to any individual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company, or cancel, release or assign any indebtedness to any such person or any claims held by any such person, in each case, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(d) except for transactions in the ordinary course of business, make any material investment either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers or purchase of any property or assets of any other individual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company;

(e) terminate, materially amend, or waive any material provision of, any Company Contract, or make any change in any instrument or agreement governing the terms of any of its securities, or any material lease, or contract, other than normal renewals of contracts and leases without material adverse changes of terms with respect to the Company, or enter into any contract that would constitute a Company Contract if it were in effect on the date of this Agreement;Agreement other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(f) except as required under applicable law or the terms of any Company Benefit Plan existing as of the date hereof, (i) enter into, adopt or terminate any employee benefit or compensation plan, program, practice, policy, contract or arrangement for the benefit or welfare of any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor or consultantwho is a natural person (or any spouse or dependent of such individual), (ii) amend in any material manner (whether in writing or through the interpretation of) any Company Benefit Plan, (iii) increase the compensation or benefits payable to any current or former employee, officer, director, or independent contractor or consultantwho is a natural person (or any spouse or dependent of such individual), except (x) for annual base salary or wage increases for employees (other than directors or executive officers) and corresponding increases in incentive opportunities in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, that do not exceed, with respect to any individual, twoseven and one-half percent (2%(7.5%) of such individual’s base salary or wage rate in effect as of the date hereof and (y) in connection with promotions that are permitted by thisSection 5.2(f) to the extent appropriate to align the promoted employee’s compensation with that of similarly situated employees, (iv) pay or award, or commit to pay or award, any bonuses or incentive compensation, (v) grant, or accelerate the vesting of, any equity or equity-based awards or other compensation, (vi) negotiate or enter into any new, or amend any existing, employment, severance, change in control, retention, bonus guarantee, collective bargaining agreement or similar agreement or arrangement, other than in the case of separation agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with respect to individuals whose employment or services are terminated consistent with thisSection 5.2(f), (vii) fund any rabbi trust or similar arrangement, (viii) terminate the employment or services of any officer or any employee whose target total annual compensation opportunity is greater than $100,000, other than for cause (as determined in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice), (ix) hire or promote any officer, employee or independent contractor or consultantwho is a natural person who has a target total annual compensation opportunity greater than $100,000 or (x) waive, release or limit any Restrictive Covenantnon-compete, non-solicit, non-interference, non-disparagement or confidentiality obligation of any current or former employee or independent contractor who is a natural person of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(g) settle any material claim, suit, action or proceeding, except in the ordinary course of business in an amount andand/or for consideration not in excess of $50,000 individually or $100,000 in the aggregate (net of any insurance proceeds or indemnity, contribution or similar payments received by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in respect thereof) and that would not impose any material restriction on the business of it or its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Corporation;

(h) take any action, or knowingly fail to take any action, where such action or failure to act could reasonably be expected to prevent the Integrated Mergers, taken together, from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

(i) amend the Company Certificate, Company Bylaws or comparable governing or organizational document of any of its Subsidiaries;

(j) merge or consolidate itself or any of its Subsidiaries with any other person, or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate or dissolve it or any of its Subsidiaries;

(k) materially restructure or materially change (i) its investment securities or derivatives portfolio or its interest rate exposure, through purchases, sales or otherwise or (ii) the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported, except, in the case of clause (ii), as may be required by GAAP or by applicable Laws, regulations, guidelines or policies imposed by any Governmental Entity, or purchase any security rated below investment grade;

(l) take any action that is intended or expected to result in any of its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect, or in any of the conditions to the Integrated Mergers set forth inArticle VII not being satisfied or in a violation of any provision of this Agreement, except, in every case, as may be required by applicable law;Law;

(m) implement or adopt any change in its accounting principles, practices or methods, other than as may be required by GAAP;GAAP or by applicable Laws, regulations, guidelines or policies imposed by any Governmental Entity;

(n) (i) enter into any material new line of business, or change in any material respect its lending, investment, underwriting, originating, acquiring, selling, deposit pricing, risk and asset liability management and other banking and operating securitization and servicing policies or practices (including any change in the maximum ratio or similar limits as a percentage of its capital exposure applicable with respect to its loan portfolio or any segment thereof), except as required by applicable law, regulation or policies imposed by any Governmental Entity;Entity or (ii) make any loans or extensions of credit except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or (iii) makepractice,provided that (A) any individual unsecured loan or extension of credit (excluding renewals and modifications in the ordinary course of business;provided that Company shall provide Parent with prior notice of any renewals or modifications that are excluded from the requirements of thisSection 5.2(n)(A) pursuant to this paranthetical) that is not as of the date of this Agreement approved and committed (a schedule of which approved and committed loans and extensions of credit has been made available to Parent) in excess of $500,000$12,500,000 shall require the prior written approval of the Chief Credit Officer of Parent or any individual secured loan or extension of credit in excess of $2,000,000, with respect to residential mortgage loans, and $1,000,000 with respect to all other secured loans or extensions of credit, provided thatanother officer designated by Parent, which approval shall have beenbe deemed to have consentedbeen granted unless Parent has rejected such request in writing within two (2) business days after the loan package is delivered by the Company to the Chief Credit Officer of Parent and (B) the Company shall provide, on a bi-weekly basis, Parent with a schedule setting forth any loan or extension of credit in excess of such amounts or otherwise not permitted by this section if Parent does not object to any such proposed loan or extension of credit within three business days of receipt by Parent of a request$7,000,000 made by the Company to exceedor any of its Subsidiaries during such limit along with all financial or other data that Parent may reasonably request in order to evaluate such loan or extension of credit;period;

(o) change in any material respect its hedging practices and policies, except as required by lawLaw or requested by a Regulatory Agency;

(p) make, or commit to make, any capital expenditures in excess of $100,000$250,000 in the aggregate;

(q) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, adopt or change any material Tax accounting method, file any material amended Tax Return, settle or compromise any material Tax Liability, claim or assessment or agree to an extension or waiver of the limitation period to any material Tax claim or assessment, grant any power of attorney with respect to material Taxes, surrender any right to claim a refund of material Taxes, enter into any closing agreement with respect to any material Tax or refund or amend any material Tax Return;

(r) make application for the opening, relocation or closing of any, or open, relocate or close any, branch office, loan production office or other significant office or operations facility of it or its Subsidiaries;

(s) materially reduce the amount of insurance coverage or fail to renew any material existing insurance policy, in each case, with respect to the properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or

(t) agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any resolutions of its Board of Directors or similar governing body in support of, any of the actions prohibited by thisSection 5.2.

5.3Parent Forbearances. During the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, except as set forth in the Parent Disclosure Schedule, as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as required by law,Law, Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of the Company which(such consent shall not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed:delayed):

(a) amend the Parent Certificate or Parent Bylaws in a manner that would adversely affect the economic benefits of the Integrated Mergers to the holders of Company Common Stock or adversely affect the holders of Company Common Stock relative to other holders of Parent Common Stock;

(b)     (i) adjust, split, combine or reclassify any capital stock of Parent or (ii) make, declare or pay any extraordinary dividend or make any other distribution on any shares of its capital stock of Parent;

(c) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money that would reasonably be expected to prevent Parent or any securitiesits Subsidiaries from assuming the Company’s or obligations convertible (whether currently convertibleits Subsidiaries’ outstanding indebtedness; provided that this clause (c) shall not limit or convertible only afterrestrict the passageability of time or the occurrence of certain events) into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock (except regular quarterly cash dividends, including any increase in such quarterly cash dividends or dividends paid by any of the Subsidiaries of Parent to Parent or any of its wholly owned Subsidiaries);Subsidiaries to issue any subordinated debt securities;

(c)(d) take any action that is intended to result in any of its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect, or in any of the conditions to the Integrated Mergers set forth inArticle VII not being satisfied or in a violation of any provision of this Agreement, except, in every case, as may be required by applicable law;

(d)(e) make any material investment either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers, or purchase of any property or assets of any other individual, corporation or other entity, in each case, in excess of $5,000,000, other than in any wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent, and except for transactions in the ordinary course of business or in a transaction that, together with such other transactions, is not reasonably likely to cause the Closing to be materially delayed or the receipt of the Requisite Regulatory Approvals to be prevented or materially delayed;

(f) merge or consolidate itself or any of its Subsidiaries with any other person (i) where it or its Subsidiary, as applicable, is not the surviving person or (ii) if the merger or consolidation is reasonably likely to cause the Closing to be materially delayed or the receipt of the Requisite Regulatory Approvals to be prevented or materially delayed, or restructure or reorganize in any material manner or completely or partially liquidate or dissolve it or any of its Subsidiaries;

(g) take any action, or knowingly fail to take any action, where such action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent the Integrated Mergers, taken together, from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

(e)(h) knowingly take any action that is intended to or would reasonably be expectedlikely to adversely affect or materially delay in any material respect the ability of Parent or its Subsidiaries to obtain any necessary approvals of any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity required for the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Bank Merger Agreement or to perform Parent’sits covenants and agreements under this Agreement or the Bank Merger Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on a timely basis;or thereby; or

(f)(i) agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any resolutions of its Board of Directors or similar governing body in support of, any of the actions prohibited by thisSection 5.3.

5.4Tax-free Reorganization. Officers of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause their appropriate officers to execute and deliver to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and to Kilpatrick TownsendWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLP,Katz, respectively, certificates containing appropriate representations and covenants, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to such counsel, at such time or times as may be reasonably requested by such counsel, including the effective date of the Joint Proxy Statement and the Closing Date, in connection with such counsel’s deliveries of opinions with respect to the Tax treatment of the Integrated Mergers.

ARTICLE VI

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

6.1Regulatory Matters.

(a) Parent and the Company shall promptly prepare and file with the SEC, no later than 30thirty (30) business days after of the date of this Agreement, the Joint Proxy Statement and Parent shall promptly prepare and file with the SEC the S-4, in which the Joint Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus. Each of Parent and the Company shall cooperate in respect of the form and content of any other communication with shareholders of the Company. Each of Parent and the Company shall use their reasonable best efforts to have the S-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and to keep the S-4 effective for so long as necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and Parent and the

Company shall thereafter mail or deliver the Joint Proxy Statement to their respective shareholders. Parent shall also use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary state securities law or “Blue Sky” permits and approvals required to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as practicable, and the Company shall furnish all information concerning the Company and the holders of Company Common Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action.

(b) The parties hereto shall cooperate with each other and use their respective reasonable best efforts to promptly (and in the case of the regulatory applications to the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC within 30thirty (30) business days ofafter the date of this Agreement) prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect all applications, notices, petitions and filings, to obtain as promptly as practicable all Requisite Regulatory Approvals and other permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Governmental Entities which are necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including without limitation, the Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger), and to comply with the terms and conditions of all such permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all such third parties and Governmental Entities. The parties hereto shall respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to the requests of Governmental Entities for documents and information. Parent shall have the right and, except in connection with the National Bank Conversion, the Company shall have the right to review in advance and, to the extent practicable, each will

consult with the other on, in each case subject to applicable laws relating to the exchange of information (and subject to necessary redactions relating to confidential or sensitive information), all the information relating to the Company or Parent, as the case may be, and any of their respective Subsidiaries, which appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third party or any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In exercising the foregoing right, each of the parties hereto shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable. TheEach party will provide the other with copies of any applications and all correspondence (other than any applications filed and correspondence made by or on behalf of Parent in connection with the National Bank Conversion) relating thereto prior to filing and with sufficient opportunity to comment, other than any portions of material filed in connection therewith that contain competitively sensitive business or other proprietary information filed under a claim of confidentiality (except any competitively sensitive business or other proprietary information (but not any confidential supervisory information) of the Company that is necessary for Parent to prepare and file any applications, notices and filings required in order to obtain the Requisite Regulatory Approvals;provided, that Parent shall request confidential treatment of any such information regarding the Company, permit the Company, at the Company’s sole cost and expense, to control the defense of any challenge to such confidential treatment request and will not release any such information publicly pursuant to Freedom of Information Act requests or similar rules without the Company’s consent). Except with respect to the National Bank Conversion, the parties hereto agree that they will consult with each other with respect to the obtaining of all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Governmental Entities necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each party will keep the other apprised of the status of matters relating to completion of the transactions contemplated herein. Except with respect to the National Bank Conversion, each party hereto shall consult with the other in advance of any formal meeting or conference with any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Entity, give the other party and/or its counsel the opportunity to attend and participate in such meetings and conferences. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, nothing contained herein shall be deemed to require Parent or the Company to take any action, or commit to take any action, or agree to any condition or restriction, in connection with obtaining the foregoing permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of Governmental Entities that would that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effectmaterial adverse effect (measured on a scale relative to the Company) on any of Parent, the Company or the Surviving Corporation, after giving effect to the Integrated Mergers (a “Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition”).

(c) Parent and the Company shall, upon request, furnish each other with all information concerning themselves, their Subsidiaries, directors, officers and shareholders and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the Joint Proxy Statement, the S-4 or any other statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of Parent, the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries to any Governmental Entity in connection with the Integrated Mergers, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(d) Parent and the Company shall promptly advise each other upon receiving any communication from any Governmental Entity whose consent or approval is required for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that causes such party to believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that any Requisite Regulatory Approval will not be obtained or that the receipt of any such approval will be materially delayed. As used in this Agreement, the “Requisite Regulatory Approvals” shall mean all regulatory authorizations, consents, orders or approvals from (x) the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC and (y) any other approvals set forth inSections 3.4 and4.4 which are necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger or those(which may include, at Parent’s election, conversion of the failureParent Bank from a federal savings bank to a national bank and registration of which to be obtained would reasonably be expected to have, individually or inParent as a bank holding company (collectively, the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Surviving Corporation.National Bank Conversion”)).

6.2Access to Information; Confidentiality.

(a) Upon reasonable notice and subject to applicable laws, each of Parent and the Company, for the purposes of enabling each of themParent to verify the representations and warranties of the otherCompany and to prepare for the Integrated

Integrated Mergers and the other matters contemplated by this Agreement, shall, and shall cause each of their respectiveits Subsidiaries to, afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel, advisors and other representatives of the other party,Parent, access, during normal business hours during the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, to all of the itsCompany’s properties, books, contracts, commitments, personnel, information technology systems and records (excluding Parent’s tax returns and related work papers), and eachrecords. The Company shall cooperate with the other partyParent in preparing to execute after the Effective Time conversion or consolidation of systems and business operations generally, and, during suchthe period eachfrom the date of Parentthis Agreement through the Effective Time, during normal business hours and in a manner so as not to unreasonably interfere with normal business operations of the Company, the Company shall, and shall cause its respective Subsidiaries to, make available to the other partyParent (i) a copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed or received by itthe Company during such period pursuant to the requirements of federal securities laws or federal or state banking laws (other than reports or documents which itthe Company is not permitted to disclose under applicable law), and (ii) all other information concerning itsthe Company’s business, properties and personnel as the other partyParent may reasonably request. Neither Parent norshall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any material interference with Company’s regular business operations during any such access. Neither the Company nor any of their respectiveits Subsidiaries shall be required to provide access to or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of Parent’s or the Company’s as the case may be, customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of the institution in possession or control of such information (after giving due consideration to the existence of any common interest, joint defense or similar agreement between the parties) or contravene any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree, fiduciary duty or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The parties heretoCompany will use commercially reasonable efforts to make appropriate substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.

(b) Parent shall hold all information furnished by or on behalf of the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries or representatives pursuant toSection 6.2(a) in confidence to the extent required by, and in accordance with, the provisions of the confidentialitymutual nondisclosure agreement, dated AprilJune 5, 2016,2017, between Parent and the Company (the “Confidentiality Agreement”).

(c)      Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Parent, the Company agrees (i) not to, and to cause its Subsidiaries and representatives not to, use any Parent Confidential Information for any purpose other than verifying the representations and warranties of Parent and preparing for the Integrated Mergers and the other matters contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) that, except as otherwise permitted by thisSection 6.2(c), to hold all Parent Confidential Information in confidence and not to disclose or reveal in any manner whatsoever any Parent Confidential Information to any person other than the Company’s representatives who are actively and directly participating in the Integrated Mergers or otherwise need to know the Parent Confidential Information for the purpose of verifying the representations and warranties of Parent and who have been advised by the Company of, and have agreed to be bound by, the terms and conditions of thisSection 6.2(c). The Company shall make reasonable, necessary and appropriate efforts to safeguard the Parent Confidential Information from disclosure to any person other than as permitted by thisSection 6.2(c) and the Company shall be responsible for any breach of the terms of thisSection 6.2(c) by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its representatives. In the event that the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its representatives are requested pursuant to, or required by, applicable law or regulation or by legal process to disclose any Parent Confidential Information, the Company, any such Subsidiary or any such representatives may disclose such Parent Confidential Information as so compelled provided that the Company shall promptly notify Parent in writing of such request(s) or requirement(s) to enable Parent to seek an appropriate protective order, waive compliance with the provisions of thisSection 6.2(c) or take other appropriate action to the extent not prohibited by such applicable law, regulation or legal process. The Company shall use reasonable commercial efforts, at Parent’s sole expense, to assist Parent, Parent’s Subsidiaries and Parent’s representatives in obtaining such a protective order. If, in the absence of a protective order or the receipt of a waiver hereunder, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its representatives are nonetheless, in the reasonable opinion of the Company’s counsel, legally compelled to disclose the Parent Confidential Information to any tribunal or else stand liable for contempt or suffer other censure or significant penalty, the Company or such representative, after notice to Parent, may disclose to such tribunal only such Parent Confidential Information that such counsel advises is legally required to be disclosed. As used in thisSection 6.2(c), “Parent Confidential Information” means all information furnished by or on behalf of Parent or any of Parent’s Subsidiaries or representatives pursuant to

Section 6.2(a) and shall include all information concerning Parent, its business strategies and operations obtained or ascertained by the Company or any of its representatives as a result of any visit to any facility occupied by Parent, or furnished to the Company or its representatives by the Parent or its representatives, whether prepared by Parent, its representatives or otherwise and whether obtained or furnished before or after the date hereof and regardless of the manner in which it is furnished, together with all reports, analyses, compilations, memoranda, notes, studies or other documents or records or electronic media prepared by the Company or its representatives that contain or otherwise reflect or are generated from such information, but does not include information which (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Company or its representatives, (ii) was available to the Company or its representatives on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to the Company by Parent or its representatives, or (iii) becomes available to the Company or its representatives on a non-confidential basis from a person other than Parent or its representatives who is not otherwise known to the Company upon due inquiry to be bound not to disclose such information pursuant to a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation.

(d) No investigation by either of the parties or their respective representatives shall affect or be deemed to modify or waive the representations and warranties of the other set forth herein. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give either party, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of the other party prior to the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, each party shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its and its Subsidiaries’ respective operations.

6.3Shareholders’ Approvals.

(a) Each of Parent and the Company shall call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the “Parent Meeting” and the “Company Meeting,” respectively) to be held as soon as reasonably practicable after the S-4 is declared effective for the purpose of obtaining the Requisite Company Vote and the Requisite Parent Vote required in connection with this Agreement, the First-Step Merger and the Parent Share Issuance and, if so desired and mutually agreed, upon other matters of the type customarily brought before a special meeting of shareholders to approve a merger agreement or otherwise approve the transactions contemplated hereby, and each shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such meetings to occur as promptly as reasonably practicable and on the same date.

(b) Subject toSection 6.3(c) andSection 6.3(d), as applicable, theThe Board of Directors of each of Parent (except in the case of a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change that the Board of Directors of Parent is permitted to make underSection 6.3(c)) and the Company (except in the case of a Company Adverse Recommendation Change that the Board of Directors of the Company is permitted to make underSection 6.3(d)) shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain from the shareholders of Parent and the Company, as the case may be, the Requisite Parent Vote, in the case of Parent, and the Requisite Company Vote, in the case of the Company, including by communicating to its respective shareholders its recommendation (and including such recommendation in the Joint Proxy Statement) that such

shareholders approve (i) this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, in the case of the Company, and (ii) the Parent Share Issuance, in the case of Parent.

(c) Subject toSection 8.1 andSection 8.2, if the Board of Directors of Parent, after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, determines in good faith that it would be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend approval of the Parent Share Issuance, then in submitting the Parent Share Issuance to its shareholders, the Board of Directors of Parent may (but shall not be required to) withhold, withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to the Company or submit the Parent Share Issuance to Parent’s shareholders without a recommendation (each, a “Parent Adverse Recommendation Change”) (although the resolutions approving this Agreement as of the date hereof may not be rescinded or amended), in which event the Board of Directors of Parent may communicate the basis for its lack of a recommendation to Parent’s shareholders in the Joint Proxy Statement or an appropriate amendment or supplement thereto to the extent required by law.law;provided, that the Board of Directors of Parent may not take any actions under thisSection 6.3(c) unless (i) Parent gives the Company at least three (3) business days’ prior written notice of its intention to take such action and a reasonable description of the events or circumstances giving rise to its determination to take such action and (ii) at the end of such notice period, the Board of Directors of Parent takes into account any amendment or modification to this Agreement proposed by the Company (it being understood that the Company shall not have any obligation to propose any adjustments, modifications or amendments to the terms and conditions of this Agreement), and after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, determines in good faith that it would nevertheless be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend this Agreement.

(d) Subject toSection 8.1 andSection 8.2, if the Board of Directors of the Company, after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, determines

in good faith that it would be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend this Agreement, then in submitting this Agreement to its shareholders, the Board of Directors of the Company may (but shall not be required to) withhold, withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Parent or submit this Agreement to the Company’s shareholders without recommendation (each, a “Company Adverse Recommendation Change”) (although the resolutions approving this Agreement as of the date hereof may not be rescinded or amended), in which event the Board of Directors may communicate the basis for its lack of a recommendation to the Company’s shareholders in the Joint Proxy Statement or an appropriate amendment or supplement thereto to the extent required by law;provided, that the Board of Directors of the Company may not take any actions under thisSection 6.3(d) unless (i) if such action is taken in response to an Acquisition Proposal, such Acquisition Proposal did not result from a breach by the Company ofSection 6.13 and such Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal;Proposal and (ii) the Company gives Parent at least three (3) business days’ prior written notice of its intention to take such action and a reasonable description of the eventevents or circumstances giving rise to its determination to take such action (including, if such action is taken in response to an Acquisition Proposal, its basis for determining that such Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal (including the latest material terms and conditions of, and the identity of the third party making, any such Acquisition Proposal, or any amendment or modification thereof, or describe in reasonable detail such other eventevents or circumstances)); and (iii) at the end of such notice period, the Board of Directors of the Company takes into account any amendment or modification to this Agreement proposed by Parent (itbeingunderstood that Parent shall not have any obligation to propose any adjustments, modifications or amendments to the terms and conditions of this Agreement), and after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, again determines in good faith that it would nevertheless be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend this Agreement (and, if such action is taken in response to an Acquisition Proposal, that such Acquisition Proposal constitutesis a Superior Proposal). Any material amendment to any Acquisition Proposal will be deemed to be a new Acquisition Proposal for purposes of thisSection 6.3(d) and will require a new determination and notice period as referred to in thisSection 6.3(d).

(e) Parent or the Company shall adjourn or postpone the Parent Meeting or the Company Meeting, as the case may be, if, as of the time for which such meeting is originally scheduled there are insufficient shares of Parent Common Stock or Company Common Stock, as the case may be, represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of such meeting, or if on the date of such meeting Parent or the Company, as applicable, has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares necessary to obtain the Requisite Parent Vote or the Requisite Company Vote (itbeingunderstoodexcept that (i) if Parent pursuant toSection 6.3(c), submits the Parent Share Issuance to Parent’s shareholders without recommendation, or if (ii) the Company, pursuant toSection 6.3(d), submits this Agreement to Company’s shareholders without recommendation, an adjournment or postponement of the Parent Meeting or the Company Meeting, as applicable, due to an insufficient quorum or the failure to obtain the Requisite Parent Vote or the Requisite Company Vote, as applicable, shall not be required by thisto adjourn or postpone the Parent Meeting in the case of a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change that is permitted underSection 6.3(e)6.3(c)) and (ii) the Company shall not be required to adjourn or postpone the Company Meeting in the case of a Company Adverse Recommendation Change that is permitted underSection 6.3(d). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, each of the Parent Meeting and the Company Meeting shall be convened and this Agreement shall be submitted to the shareholders of each of Parent and the Company at the Parent Meeting and the Company Meeting, respectively, for the purpose of voting on the adoption of this Agreement and the Parent Share Issuance, as applicable, and the other matters contemplated hereby, and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to relieve either Parent or the Company of such obligation. Parent, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, shall only be required to adjourn or postpone the Parent Meeting or the Company Meeting, as applicable, two (2) times pursuant to the first sentence of thisSection 6.3(e).

6.4Legal Conditions to Merger. Subject in all respects toSection 6.1 of this Agreement, each of Parent and the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, use their reasonable best efforts, in each case as promptly as reasonably practicable, (a) to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to comply promptly with all legal requirements that may be imposed on such party or its Subsidiaries with respect to the Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger and, subject to the conditions set forth inArticle VII hereof, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (b) to obtain (and to cooperate with the other party to obtain) any material consent, authorization, order or approval of, or any exemption by, any Governmental Entity and any other third party that

is required to be obtained by the Company or Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the Integrated Mergers, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

6.5Stock Exchange Listing. Parent shall cause the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the First-Step Merger to be approved for listing on the NASDAQ, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the Effective Time.

6.6Employee Matters.

(a) During the period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the first anniversary thereof, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, provide the employeesto each employee of the Company andor its Subsidiaries who continuecontinues to be employed by Parent or its Subsidiaries (including for the avoidanceSubsidiaries of doubt, the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries)Corporation) immediately following the Effective Time (the(aContinuing EmployeesEmployee”), while employed by Parent or its Subsidiaries after the Effective Time (and thereafter in the case of compensation or benefits payable following a termination of employment), with (i) a base salaries, wagessalary or base wage rate, as applicable, that is no less favorable than the base salary or base wage rate, as applicable, provided by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to such Continuing Employee as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) short- and long-term incentive compensation opportunities (excluding equity and equity-based compensation) that, in each case, are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the short- and long-term incentive compensation opportunities provided by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to such Continuing Employee as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (iii) other compensation and employee benefits (excluding equity and equity based compensation)(other than severance benefits) that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the base salaries, wages and employee benefits provided to similarly situated employees of Parent and its Subsidiaries;provided that Parent may satisfy its obligation under thisSection 6.6(a) by providing or causing the Surviving Corporation to provide such Continuing Employees with base salaries, wages and employee benefits that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the base salaries, wagesother compensation and employee benefits provided by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to such Continuing EmployeesEmployee as of immediately prior to the Effective Time. Without limiting the immediately preceding sentence, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries to, provide to each Continuing Employee whose employment terminates during the12-month period following the Effective Time with severance benefits equal to the greater of (A) the severance

benefits for which such Continuing Employee was eligible as of immediately prior to the Effective Time and (B) the severance benefits for which employees of Parent and its Subsidiaries who are similarly situated to such Continuing Employee would be eligible under the severance plans or policies of Parent or its Affiliates, in each case, determined without taking into account any reduction after the Effective Time in the compensation paid to such Continuing Employee.

(b) With respect to any employee benefit plans of Parent or its Subsidiaries in which any Continuing Employees become eligible to participate on or after the Effective Time (the “New Plans”), Parent shall or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to use reasonable best efforts to: (i) use commercially reasonable efforts to waive all pre-existing conditions, exclusions and waiting periods with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to such employees and their eligible dependents under any New Plans, except to the extent such pre-existing conditions, exclusions or waiting periods would apply under the analogous Company Benefit Plan, (ii) provide each such employee and their eligible dependents with credit for any co-payments and deductibles paid prior to the Effective Time under a Company Benefit Plan (to the same extent that such credit was given under the analogous Company Benefit Plan prior to the Effective Time) in satisfying any applicable deductible or out-of-pocket requirements under any New Plans and (iii) recognize all service of such employees with the Company and its Subsidiaries for all purposes in any New Plan to the same extent that such service was taken into account under the analogous Company Benefit Plan prior to the Effective Time;provided that the foregoing service recognition shall not apply (A) to the extent it would result in duplication of benefits for the same period of services, (B) for purposes of any defined benefit pension plan or benefit plan that provides retiree welfare benefits, or (C) to any benefit plan that is a frozen plan or provides grandfathered benefits.

(c) Effective as of, and contingent upon the occurrence of, the Effective Time, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, assume and honor all Company Benefit Plans in accordance with their terms, including terms related to the amendment or termination thereof. Parent hereby acknowledges that a “change in control” (or similar phrase) within the meaning of the applicable Company Benefit Plans will occur at the Effective Time.

(d) Unless Parent requests otherwise in writing, effective prior to the Closing, the Company shall terminate the Ocean City HomeSun National Bank Savings and Investment401(k) Plan (the “Terminated Plan”). Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall provide Parent with resolutions adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors terminating the Terminated Plan, which shall provide for vesting of any accrued but unvested benefits under the Terminated Plan and the payment of any then unpaid employer matching contributions in respect of the year in which the Closing occurs, the form and substance of which shall be subject to the prior written approvalreview of Parent, which will notwhose comments shall be unreasonably withheld.considered by the Company in good faith. As soon as practicable following the Effective Time, with respect to the Terminated Plan, Parent shall permit or cause its Subsidiaries (including Parent Bank) to permit the Continuing Employees to (i) roll over their account balances and outstanding loan balances, if any, thereunder into ana Tax-qualified “eligible retirement plan” within the meaning of Section 402(c)(8)(B) of the Code maintained by Parent or its Subsidiaries (including Parent Bank).

(d)     The Board (the “Parent Retirement Plan”) and (ii) reinvest the proceeds of Directors of theany holdings in a Company Bank shall, effective no later than immediately prior toCommon Stock fund that were liquidated in connection with the Effective Time (the “ESOP Termination Date”) and contingent upon the consummation of the Integrated Mergers, adopt such necessary resolutions and Company Bank shall, effective no later than the ESOP Termination Date and contingent upon the consummation of the Integrated Mergers, enter into such necessary amendments to the Ocean City Home Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “Company ESOP”), in each

case, to (i) provide for the conversion into the right to receive the Merger Consideration of all shares of Company Common Stock held in the Company ESOP trust in accordance withSection 2.2 of this Agreement, (ii) direct the Company ESOP trustee to deliver a sufficient amount of cash and unallocated shares of Parent Common Stock held infund. Parent shall take any and all actions reasonably necessary to permit each Continuing Employee with an outstanding loan balance under the Company ESOP’s suspense account to the CompanyTerminated Plan as required to repay in full any outstanding Company ESOP loan atof the Effective Time and (iii) provide that no new participants shall be admittedto continue to make scheduled loan payments to the Company ESOP on orTerminated Plan after it is terminated pending the ESOP Termination Date. The formdistribution and substancerollover of such resolutions and any necessary amendments shall be subjectthe Continuing Employee’s account balance from the Terminated Plan to the review and prior written approval of Parent which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company shall deliver to Parent an executed copy of such resolutions and any necessary amendments promptly following their adoption by the Board of Directors of Company Bank and shall fully comply with such resolutions and any necessary amendments. The accounts of all participants and beneficiariesRetirement Plan, as provided in the Company ESOPpreceding sentence, such as of the ESOP Termination Date shall become fully vested as of the ESOP Termination Date. Any cash or unallocated shares of Parent Common Stock held in the Company ESOP’s suspense account after repayment of the Company ESOPto prevent a loan shall be allocated as earningsoffset with respect to the accounts of the Company ESOP participants who are employed as of the ESOP Termination Date based on their account balances under the Company ESOP as of the ESOP Termination Date. Promptly following the date of this Agreement, the Company shall file or cause to be filed all necessary documents with the IRS for a determination letter for termination of the Company ESOP and shall deliver to Parent an as-filed copy of such determination letter promptly following the filling thereof by the Company with the IRS. Promptly following the receipt of a favorable determination letter from the IRS regarding the qualified status of the Company ESOP upon its termination, the account balances in the Company ESOP shall either be distributed to participants and beneficiaries or transferred to an eligible tax-qualified retirement plan or individual retirement account as a participant or beneficiary may direct. Parent agrees to permit the Company ESOP participants who become employees of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to roll over their account balances in the Company ESOP to the OceanFirst Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan.outstanding loan.

(e) Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon any employee, officer, director or independent contractor or consultant of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates any right to continue in the employ or service of the Surviving Corporation, the Company, Parent or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof, or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Surviving Corporation, the Company, Parent or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof to discharge or terminate the services of any employee, officer, director or consultantindependent contractor of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to (i) establish, amend, or modify any Company Benefit Plan, New Plan or any other benefit or employment plan, program, agreement or arrangement or (ii) alter or limit the ability of the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates to amend, modify or terminate any particular Company Benefit Plan, New Plan or any other benefit or employment plan, program, agreement or arrangement after the Effective Time. Without limiting the generality of the third sentence ofSection 9.9, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any person, including without limitation any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor or consultant (or any spouse or dependent of such individual) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

(f)     Effective as of, and contingent upon the occurrence of, the Effective Time, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation, to assume and honor all Company Benefit Plans in accordance with their terms, including terms related to the amendment or termination thereof. Parent hereby acknowledges that a “change in control” (or similar phrase) within the meaning of the Company Benefit Plans will occur at the Effective Time.

6.7Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance.

(a) From and after the Effective Time, each of Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, each present and former director, officer or employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries or fiduciaries of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under the Company Benefit Plans (in each case, when acting in such capacity) (collectively, the “Company Indemnified Parties”)

against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, whether arising before or after the Effective Time, arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to, (i) the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and pertaining toor (ii) matters, acts or omissions existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, including matters, acts or omissions occurring in connection with the consideration and approval of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case, to the same extent as such persons are indemnified as of the date of this Agreement by the Company pursuant to the Company Certificate, the Company Bylaws or the governing or organizational documents of any Subsidiary of the Company;Company, and Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall also advance expenses as incurred by such Company Indemnified Party to the same extent as such persons are entitled to advancement of expenses as of the date of this Agreement by the Company pursuant to the Company Certificate, the Company Bylaws, or the governing or organizational documents of any Subsidiary of the Company;provided, that, if required,requested by Parent, the Company Indemnified Party to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking (in a reasonable and customary form) to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such Company Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification.

(b) For a period of six (6) years after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall cause to be maintained in effect the current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance maintained by the Company or its Subsidiaries or fiduciaries of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under the Company Benefit Plans (provided, that the Surviving Corporation may substitute therefor policies with a substantially comparable insurer of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are no less advantageous to the insured) with respect to claims arising from facts or events which occurred at or before the Effective Time;Time (including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement);provided,however, that the Surviving Corporation shall not be obligated to expend, on an annual basis, an amount in excess of 200%300% of the current annual premium paid as of the date hereof by the Company for such insurance (the “Premium Cap”), and if such premiums for such insurance would at any time exceed the Premium Cap, then the Surviving Corporation shall cause to be maintained policies of insurance which, in the Surviving Corporation’s good faith determination, provide the maximum coverage available at an annual premium equal to the Premium Cap. In lieu of the foregoing, the Company, in consultation with but only upon the prior written consent of Parent, may (and at the request of Parent, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to) obtain at or prior to the Effective Time a six-year “tail” policy under the Company’s existing directors and officers insurance policy providing equivalent coverage to that described in the preceding sentence if and to the extent that the same may be obtained for an amount that, in the aggregate, does not exceed, 300% ofon an annual basis, the current annual premium paidPremium Cap. If a “tail policy” is purchased as ofprovided above, the date hereof by the Company forSurviving Corporation shall maintain in full force and effect and not cancel such insurance.policy.

(c) The provisions of thisSection 6.7 shall survive the Effective Time and are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Company Indemnified Party and his or her heirs and representatives. If the Surviving Corporation or any of its successors or assigns will consolidate with or merge into any other entity and not be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger, transfer all or substantially all of its assets or deposits to any other entity or engage in any similar transaction, then in each case, the Surviving Corporation will cause proper provision to be made so that the successors and assigns of the Surviving Corporation will expressly assume the obligations set forth in thisSection 6.7.

(d) The obligations of the Surviving Corporation, Parent and the Company under this Section 6.7 shall not be terminated or modified in a manner so as to adversely affect any Company Indemnified Party or any other person entitled to the benefit of this Section 6.7 without the prior written consent of the affected Company Indemnified Party.

6.8Additional Agreements. In case at any time after the Effective Time any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement (including without limitation, any merger between a Subsidiary of Parent, on the one hand, and a Subsidiary of the Company, on the other hand) or to vest the Surviving Corporation with full title to all properties, assets, rights, approvals, immunities and franchises of any of the parties to the Integrated Mergers, the proper officers and directors of each party to this Agreement and their respective Subsidiaries shall take all such necessary action as may be reasonably requested by Parent.

6.9Advice of Changes. Parent and the Company shall each promptly (but in no event more than 24 hours) advise the other party of any change or event (i)(a) that has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on it or (ii)(b) which it believes would or would be reasonably likely to cause or constitute a material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained herein or that reasonably could be expected to give rise, individually or in the aggregate, to the failure of any condition set forth inArticle VII;provided, that

any failure to give notice in accordance with the foregoing with respect to any breach shall not be deemed to constitute a violation of thisSection 6.9 or the failure of any condition set forth inSectionsSection 7.2 or7.3 to be satisfied, or otherwise constitute a breach of this Agreement by the party failing to give such notice or give rise to any right of termination under Article VIII, in each case unless the underlying breach would independently result in a failure of any of the conditions set forth inSectionsSection 7.2 or7.3 to be satisfied. The delivery and content of any such notice shall not limit or otherwise affect any right or remedy under this Agreement (including underArticle VII) of the party receiving such notice.

6.10Litigation and Claims. Each of the Company and Parent shall promptly notify the other party in writing of any action, arbitration, audit, hearing, investigation, litigation, suit, dispute, proceeding, subpoena or summons issued, commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Entity or arbitrator pending or, to the knowledge of either such party, threatened against the Company, Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries that (a) questions or would reasonably be expected to question the validity of this Agreement, the Bank Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any actions taken or to be taken by Parent, the Company or their respective Subsidiaries with respect hereto or thereto or (b) seeks to enjoin, restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. The Company shall give Parent the opportunity to participate at Parent’s own expense in the defense or settlement of any shareholder litigation against the Company and/or its directors, officers or affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the Company shall not agree to any such settlement without Parent’s prior written consent.consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

6.11Dividends. After the date of this Agreement, each of Parent and the Company shall coordinate with the other the declaration of any dividends in respect of Parent Common Stock and Company Common Stock and the record dates and payment dates relating thereto, it being the intention of the parties hereto that holders of Company Common Stock shall not receive two dividends, or fail to receive one dividend, in any quarter with respect to their shares of Company Common Stock and any shares of Parent Common Stock any such holder receives in exchange therefor in the First-Step Merger.

6.12Corporate Governance.

(a) Effective as of the Effective Time, Parent shall and shall cause Parent Bank to, (i)(a) increase the size of the Board of Directors of Parent to fourteen (14) members and, in its capacity as the sole shareholder of Parent Bank, take such actions as may be necessary to increase the size of the Board of Directors of Parent Bank to thirteen (13)fourteen (14) members and (ii)(b) appoint Steven E. Brady and two (2) other current members of the Board of Directors of the Company, to be selected by the Leadership Committee of Parent in consultation with the Board of Directors of Parent and the Board of Directors of the Company, to the Boards of Directors of Parent and Parent Bank, with oneBank;provided, that (i) if, prior to the two year anniversary of the Closing. any such appointee beingresigns from such directorship, then the Leadership Committee of Parent shall select a current member of the Board of Directors of the Company as a candidate to fill the vacancy created by such resignation and shall put forth such candidate for consideration by the Board of Directors of Parent in accordance with Section 2 of Article II of the Parent Bylaws and (ii) Parent shall, in its capacity as the sole shareholder of Parent Bank, take such actions as may be necessary to appoint such individual to the Board of Directors of Parent Bank. Each such appointee shall be appointed to each of the three classesa class of the Boards of Directors of Parent and Parent Bank.

(b)     Effective as of the Effective Time,Bank to be selected by Parent shall create an advisory board (the “Advisory Board”) the purpose of whichin its discretion (provided that such appointees shall be allocated among the classes as evenly as possible) and each individual who is selected to advise Parentfill a vacancy in accordance with respectthe proviso set forth in this Section 6.12 shall be appointed to the integration of the Company’s business, as well as to maintain and develop customer and other stakeholder relationships in the Company’s market area. The Advisory Board shall consist of Steven E. Brady and the four (4) current membersclass of the Board of Directors of the Company who are not selected for appointment to the Board of Directors of Parent and Parent Bank in accordance withSection 6.12(a). The members of the Advisory Board shall be appointed to the Advisory Board for a term ending on the second anniversary of the Effective Time. As consideration for serving as a member of the Advisory Board and performing the duties required bywhich such membership, each member of the Advisory Board shall be entitled to receive the compensation set forth inSection 6.12(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule.vacancy exists.

6.13Acquisition Proposals.

(a) The Company agrees that it will not, and will cause its Subsidiaries and its and their officers, directors, agents, advisors and representatives (collectively, “Representatives”) not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries or proposals with respect to, (ii) engage or participate in any negotiations with any person concerning or (iii) provide any confidential or nonpublic

information or data to, or have or participate in any discussions with, any person relating to any Acquisition Proposal, except, for purposes of this clause (iii), to notify such person of the existence of the provisions of thisSection 6.13(a);provided, that, for purposes of this clause (iii), prior to the date of receipt of the Requisite Company Meeting,Vote, in the event the Company receives an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal that did not result from a breach of thisSection 6.13(a), it may, and may permit its Subsidiaries and its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives to, furnish or cause to be furnished nonpublic information or data and participate in such negotiations or discussions to the extent that its Board of Directors concludes in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors) that (1)(A) such Acquisition Proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a Superior Proposal and (2)(B) failure to take such actions would be reasonably likely to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law;provided,further, that, prior to providing any nonpublic information or data or participating in any discussions, in each case, permitted pursuant to the foregoing proviso, the Company shall have provided such information or data to Parent and shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement with such third party on terms no less favorable to it than the Confidentiality Agreement, which confidentiality agreement shall not provide such person with any exclusive right to negotiate with the Company. The Company will, and will cause its Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the date of this Agreement with any person other than Parent with respect to any Acquisition Proposal and will use its reasonable best efforts, subject to applicable law, to (x) enforce any confidentiality, standstill or similar agreement relating to an Acquisition Proposal and (y) within ten (10) business days after the date hereof, request and confirm the return or destruction of any confidential information provided to any person (other than Parent) pursuant to such agreement. The Company will promptlyPromptly (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) advise Parent following receipt of any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry which could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal, the Company shall advise Parent of such Acquisition Proposal or inquiry and the substance thereof (including the terms and conditions of and the identity of the person making such inquiry or Acquisition Proposal, copies of any written Acquisition Proposal and written summaries of any material oral communications relating to an Acquisition Proposal), and will keep Parent apprised of any related developments, discussions and negotiations on a current basis, including any amendments to or revisions of the terms of such inquiry or Acquisition Proposal.

(b) As used in this Agreement,

(i) “Acquisition Proposal” shall mean, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any offer, proposal or inquiry relating to, or any third party indication of interest in, (i)in; (A) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of 25% or more of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries or 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of the Company, (ii)Company; (B) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in such third party beneficially owning 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of the Company,Company; or (iii)(C) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving the Company or(or any of its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of the Company;Company); and

(ii) “Superior Proposal” shall mean any bona fide written offer or proposal made by a third party to consummatefor an Acquisition Proposal that the Company’s Board of Directors determines in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors) (1)(A) would, if consummated, result in the acquisition of substantially all, but not less than substantially all, of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; (2)(B) would result in a transaction that (A)(1) involves consideration to the holders of the shares of Company Common Stock that is more favorable, from a financial point of view, than the consideration to be paid to the shareholders of the Company pursuant to this Agreement, considering, among other things, the nature of the consideration being offered and any material regulatory approvals or other risks associated with the timing of the proposed transaction beyond, or in addition to, those specifically contemplated hereby, and which proposal is not conditioned upon obtaining financing and (B)(2) is, in light of the other terms of such proposal, more favorable to the shareholders of the Company than the Integrated Mergers and

the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and (3)(C) is reasonably likely to be completed on the terms proposed, in each case, taking into account all legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the Acquisition Proposal.

(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Company or its Board of Directors from complying with Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange Act with respect to an Acquisition Proposal;provided, that such Rules will in no way eliminate or modify the effect that any action pursuant to such Rules would otherwise have under this Agreement.

6.14Board of Directors and Committee Meetings. Following the receipt of the Requisite Regulatory Approvals, the Company shall permit representatives of Parent and Parent Bank to attend any meeting of its Board of Directors or the executive and loan committees thereof as an observer, subject to the Confidentiality Agreement;provided,,that the Company shall not be required to permit such representatives to remain present during any confidential discussions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or any Acquisition Proposal or during any other matter (a) that the Board of Directors of the Company has reasonably determined to be confidential with respect to the participation of Parent or Parent Bank or (b) that the Company would not be required to disclose underSection 6.2 of this Agreement.

6.15Loan Participations. Upon reasonable notice, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Parent with access to the originating lenders of the Loan Participations for the purpose of enabling Parent to conduct reasonable due diligence on such Loan Participations;provided that Parent shall not contact or communicate with Loan Participants in any manner relating to the Company or the Company’s business without the Company’s prior approval and the Company shall have the right to participate in any such contact or communication.

6.16Public Announcements. The Company and Parent shall each use their reasonable best efforts to develop a joint communications plan, to ensure that all press releases and other public statements with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby shall be consistent with such joint communications plan and, except in respect of (i) any announcement required by applicable law or regulation, (ii) communications that are substantially similar to communications previously approved pursuant to thisSection 6.16 or (iii) communications (x) permitted bySection 6.3 orSection 6.13(c) or (y) required by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with or rules of any securities exchange, to consult with each other before issuing any press release or, to the extent practical, otherwise making any public statement with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

6.16   Change of Method. The Company and Parent shall be empowered, upon their mutual agreement, at any time prior to the Effective Time, to change the method or structure of effecting the combination of the Company and Parent (including the provisions ofArticle I), if and to the extent they both deem such change to be necessary, appropriate or desirable;provided,however, that no such change shall (i) alter or change the amount or kind of the Merger Consideration provided for in this Agreement, (ii) adversely affect the Tax treatment of the Company’s shareholders or Parent’s shareholders pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) adversely affect the Tax treatment of the Company or Parent pursuant to this Agreement or (iv) materially impede or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in a timely manner. The Parties agree to reflect any such change in an appropriate amendment to this Agreement executed by both parties in accordance withSection 8.3.

6.17Restructuring Efforts. If either the Company or Parent shall have failed to obtain the Requisite Company Vote or the Requisite Parent Vote at the duly convened Company Meeting or Parent Meeting, as applicable, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, each of the parties shall in good faith use its reasonable best efforts to negotiate a restructuring of the transaction provided for herein (it(it beingunderstood that neither party shall have any obligation to alter or change any material terms, including the amount or kind of the consideration to be issued to holders of the capital stock of the Company as provided for in this Agreement, in a manner adverse to such party or its shareholders or adversely affect the Tax treatment of the Integrated Mergers with respect to the Company’s shareholders) and/or resubmit this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (or as restructured pursuant to thisSection 6.17) to its respective shareholders for approval.

6.18Takeover Statutes. None of the Company, Parent or their respective Boards of Directors shall take any action that would cause any Takeover Statute to become applicable to this Agreement, the Integrated Mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby, and each shall take all necessary steps to exempt (or ensure the continued exemption of) the Integrated Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby from any applicable Takeover Statute now or hereafter in effect. If any Takeover Statute may become, or may purport to be, applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, each of Parent and the Company and the

members of their respective Boards of Directors will grant such approvals and take such actions as are necessary so that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of any Takeover Statute on any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, if necessary, challenging the validity or applicability of any such Takeover Statute.

6.19Exemption from Liability Under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. The Company and Parent agree that, in order to most effectively compensate and retain the Company Insiders (as defined below), both prior to and after the Effective Time, it is desirable that the Company Insiders not be subject to a risk of liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law in connection with the conversion of shares of Company Common Stock and the Company Equity Awards in the First-Step Merger, and for that compensatory and retentive purpose agree to the provisions of thisSection 6.19. Assuming the Company delivers to Parent in a reasonably timely fashion prior to the Effective Time accurate information regarding those officers and directors of the Company subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act (the “Company Insiders”), theThe Board of Directors of Parent and of the Company, or a committee of non-employee directors thereof (as such term is defined for purposes of Rule 16b-3(d) under the Exchange Act), shall, reasonably promptly thereafter, and in any event prior to the Effective Time, take all such steps as may be required to cause (in the case of the Company) any dispositions of Company Common Stock or the Company Equity Awards by the officers and directors of the Company subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act (the “Company Insiders”), and (in the case of Parent) any acquisitions of Parent Common Stock by any Company Insiders who, immediately following the Integrated Mergers, will be officers or directors of the Surviving Corporation subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, in each case pursuant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, to be exempt from liability pursuant toRule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

6.20Assumption of Company Debt. Parent agrees to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, by or on behalf of Parent, the Surviving Corporation or Parent Bank (as the case may be), at or prior to the Effective Time or at or prior to the effective time for the Bank Merger for any debt of Company Bank, one or more supplemental indentures, guarantees, and/or other instruments required for the due assumption of the

Company’s or the Company Bank’s outstanding indebtedness, in each case, to the extent (i) such indebtedness is specifically disclosed in the financial statements included in the Company Reports or otherwise is set forth inSection 6.20 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and (ii) such assumption is required by the terms of such indebtedness.

6.21No Control of Other Party’s Business. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Parent, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of Company or its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Company, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of Parent or its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, each of Parent and Company shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its and its Subsidiaries’ respective operations.

ARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

7.1Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation To Effect the Integrated Mergers. The respective obligations of the parties to effect the Integrated Mergers shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a)Shareholder Approval. The Requisite Parent Vote and the Requisite Company Vote shall have been obtained.

(b)NASDAQ Listing. The shares of Parent Common Stock that shall be issuable pursuant to this Agreement shall have been authorized for listing on the NASDAQ, subject to official notice of issuance.

(c)Requisite Regulatory Approvals. All Requisite Regulatory Approvals shall have been obtained and shall remain in full force and effect and all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof shall have expired, and no such Requisite Regulatory Approval shall include or contain, or shall have resulted in the imposition of, any Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition.

(d)S-4. The S-4 shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the S-4 shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC and not withdrawn.

(e)No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. (i) No order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Integrated Mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be in effect. Noeffect and (ii) no statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Entity which prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Integrated Mergers.

7.2Conditions to Obligations of Parent. The obligation of Parent to effect the Integrated Mergers is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Parent at or prior to the Effective Time, of the following conditions:

(a)Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company set forth inSections 3.2(a),3.7,3.8(a) and3.22(b) (in each case after giving effect to the lead in toArticle III) shall be true and correct (other than, in the case ofSection 3.2(a), such failures to be true and correct as are de minimis) in each case as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be so true and correct as of such earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, and the representations and warranties of the Company set forth inSections 3.1(a),3.1(b),3.2(b)3.2(c),3.3(a),3.3(b)(i) and3.3(a)3.3(c) (in each case,

after giving effect to the lead in toArticle III) shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be so true and correct as of such earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date. All other representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement (read without giving effect to any qualification as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect set forth in such representations or warranties but, in each case, after giving effect to the lead in toArticle III) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be so true and correct as of such earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date;provided,however, that for purposes of this sentence, such representations and warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct unless the failure or failures of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, either individually or in the aggregate, and without giving effect to any qualification as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect set forth in such representations or warranties, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or the Surviving Corporation. Parent shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed on behalf of the Company by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company to the foregoing effect.

(b)Performance of Obligations of the Company. The Company shall have performed in all material respects the obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date, and Parent shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed on behalf of the Company by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company to such effect.

(c)Tax Opinion. Parent shall have received the written opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to in such opinion, that are consistent with the state of facts existing in the Effective Time, the Integrated Mergers shall together be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In rendering such opinion, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP may rely upon the certificates, representations and covenants referred to inSection 5.4.

(d)FIRPTA Certificate. The Company shall have delivered to Parent a duly executed certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance as prescribed by Treasury regulations promulgated under Section 1445 of the Code, stating that the Company is not, and has not been, during the relevant period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code, a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897(c) of the Code.

7.3Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The obligation of the Company to effect the Integrated Mergers is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a)Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of Parent set forth inSections 4.2(a),4.7 and4.8 (in each case, after giving effect to the lead in toArticle IV) shall be true and correct

(other (other than, in the case ofSection 4.2(a), such failures to be true and correct as are de minimis) in each case as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be so true and correct as of such earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, and the representations and warranties of Parent set forth inSections 4.1(a),4.1(b),4.2(b)4.3(a),4.3(b)(i) and4.3(a)4.3(c) (in each case, after giving effect to the lead in toArticle IV) shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be so true and correct as of such earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date. All other representations and warranties of Parent set forth in this Agreement (read without giving effect to any qualification as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect set forth in such representations or

warranties but, in each case, after giving effect to the lead in toArticle IV) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be so true and correct as of such earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date,provided,however, that for purposes of this sentence, such representations and warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct unless the failure or failures of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, either individually or in the aggregate, and without giving effect to any qualification as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect set forth in such representations or warranties, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. The Company shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed on behalf of Parent by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Parent to the foregoing effect.

(b)Performance of Obligations of Parent. Parent shall have performed in all material respects the obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date, and the Company shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed on behalf of Parent by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Parent to such effect.

(c)Tax Opinion. The Company shall have received the written opinion of Kilpatrick TownsendWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLP,Katz, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to in such opinion, that are consistent with the state of facts existing in the Effective Time, the Integrated Mergers shall together be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In rendering such opinion, Kilpatrick TownsendWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLPKatz may rely upon the certificates, representations and covenants referred to inSection 5.4.

ARTICLE VIII

TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

8.1Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote or the Requisite Parent Vote:

(a) by mutual consent of Parent and the Company in a written instrument, if the Board of Directors of each so determines by a vote of a majority of the members of its entire Board;

(b) by either the Board of Directors of Parent or the Board of Directors of the Company, if (i) any Governmental Entity that must grant a Requisite Regulatory Approval has denied approval of the Integrated Mergers or the other transactions contemplated herebyBank Merger and such denial has become final and nonappealable, or (ii) any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued a final nonappealable order permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation ofIntegrated Mergers or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,Bank Merger, unless, in either case, the failure to obtain a Requisite Regulatory Approval shall be due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate this Agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth herein;

(c) by either the Board of Directors of Parent or the Board of Directors of the Company, if the Integrated Mergers shall not have been consummated on or before the one (1) year anniversary of the date of this Agreement (the “Termination Date”), unless the failure of the Integrated Mergers to be so consummated by such date shall be due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate this Agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth herein;

(d) by either the Board of Directors of Parent or the Board of Directors of the Company (provided, that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein), if there shall have been a breach of any of the covenants or agreements or any of

the representations or warranties (or any such representation or warranty shall cease to be true) set forth in this Agreement on the part of the Company, in the case of a termination by Parent, or Parent, in the case of a termination by the Company, which breach or failure to be true, either individually or in the aggregate with all other breaches by such party (or failures of such representations or warranties to be true), would constitute, if occurring or continuing on the Closing Date, the failure of a condition set forth inSection 7.2, in the case of a termination by Parent, orSection 7.3, in the case of a termination by the Company, and which is not cured within 45forty-five (45) days following written notice to the Company, in the case of a termination by Parent, or Parent, in the case of a termination by the Company, or by its nature or timing cannot be cured during such period (or such fewer days as remain prior to the Termination Date);

(e) by the Board of Directors of the Company, prior to the time the Requisite Parent Vote is obtained, if the Board of Directors of Parent shall have (i) failed to recommend in the Joint Proxy Statement that the shareholders of Parent approve the Parent Share Issuance, or withdrawn, modified or qualified such recommendation in a manner adverse to the Company, or resolved to do so, or failed to reaffirm such recommendation within two (2) business days after the Company requests in writing that such action be taken, or (ii) materially breached its obligations underSection 6.3 in any material respect;; or

(f) by the Board of Directors of Parent, prior to the time the Requisite Company Vote is obtained, if the Board of Directors of the Company shall have (i) failed to recommend in the Joint Proxy Statement that the shareholders of the Company adopt this Agreement, or withdrawn, modified or qualified such recommendation in a manner adverse to Parent, or resolved to do so, or failed to reaffirm such recommendation within two (2) business days after Parent requests in writing that such action be taken, or(ii) failed to recommend against acceptance of aany publicly disclosed tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding Company Common Stock that has been publicly disclosed (other than by Parent or an affiliate of Parent), within the ten (10) business days afterday period specified in Rule 14e-2(a) under the commencement of such tender or exchange offer,Exchange Act, in any such case whether or not permitted by the terms hereof, (ii)(iii) recommended or endorsed an Acquisition Proposal or (iii)(iv) materially breached its obligations underSections 6.3 or6.13 in any material respect; or.

(g)     by the Company, if its Board of Directors so determines within a five (5) day period commencing on the Determination Date, if both of the following conditions are satisfied, such termination to be effective on the tenth (10th) day following the Determination Date: (i) the Parent Market Value on the Determination Date is less than $14.46 and (ii) the number obtained by dividing the Parent Market Value on the Determination Date by the Initial Parent Market Value is less than the number obtained by dividing (x) the Final Index Price by (y) the Initial Index Price minus 0.15. If the Company elects to exercise its termination right pursuant to thisSection 8.1(g), it shall promptly (and in any event no later than the last day of the five (5) day period commencing on the Determination Date) notify Parent in writing of such election. The right of the Companyparty desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to clause (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of thisSection 8.1(g)8.1 is subjectshall give written notice of such termination to the following two sentences. During the five (5) day period commencing with Parent’s receipt of any notice duly delivered by or on behalf of the Company electing to exercise the Company’s right to terminate this Agreement under thisSection 8.1(g), Parent shall have the option to increase the Exchange Ratio to equal the lesser of (x) a quotient, the numerator of which is equal to the product of the Initial Parent Market Value, the Exchange Ratio (as then in effect), and the Index Ratio minus 0.15 and the denominator of which is equal to the Parent Market Value on the Determination Date; or (y) the quotient determined by dividing the Initial Parent Market Value by the Parent Market Value on

the Determination Date, and multiplying such quotient by the product of the Exchange Ratio (as then in effect) and 0.80. If within such five (5) day period, Parent delivers written notice to the Company that it intends to proceed with the Integrated Mergers by paying such additional consideration as contemplated by the preceding sentence, and notifies the Company of the revised Exchange Ratio, then no termination by the Company shall be permitted by, or shall have occurred pursuant to, thisSection 8.1(g), and this Agreement shall remain in full force and effectother party in accordance with its terms (except thatSection 9.3, specifying the Exchange Ratio shall have been so modified). If Parent declaresprovision or effects a stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction between the date of this Agreement and the Determination Date, the prices for the Parent Common Stock shall be appropriately adjusted for the purposes of applying thisSection 8.1(g). For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 (i)     the “Determination Date” means the first date onprovisions hereof pursuant to which all Requisite Regulatory Approvals (and waivers, if applicable) necessary for consummation of the Integrated Mergers have been received (disregarding any waiting period);

(ii)     the “Final Index Price” means the average of the daily closing value of the Index, for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Determination Date;

 (iii)    the “Index” means the NASDAQ Bank Index or, if such Indextermination is not available, such substitute or similar Index as substantially replicates the NASDAQ Bank Index;

 (iv)     the “Index Ratio” means the Final Index Price divided by the Initial Index Price;

  (v)     the “Initial Index Price” means the closing value of the Index on the date of this Agreement;

 (vi)     the “Initial Parent Market Value” means $18.08, adjusted as indicated in the penultimate sentence ofSection 8.1(g); and

(vii)     the “Parent Market Value” means, as of any specified date, the average of the daily closing sales prices of a share of Parent Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding such specified date.effected.

8.2Effect of Termination.

(a) In the event of termination of this Agreement by either Parent or the Company as provided inSection 8.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, and none of Parent, the Company, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of the officers or directors of any of them shall have any liability of any nature whatsoever hereunder, or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, except that (i) Section 6.2(b) and thisSection 8.2 andArticle IX shall survive any termination of this Agreement, and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, neither Parent nor the Company shall be relieved or released from any liabilities or damages arising out of its fraud or knowing, intentional and material breach of any provision of this Agreement.Agreement (which, in the case of the Company, shall include the loss to the holders of Company Common Stock of the economic benefits of the Integrated Mergers, including the loss of the premium offered to the shareholders of the Company).

(b) In the event that after the date of this Agreement and prior to the termination of this Agreement, (i) a bona fide Acquisition Proposal shall have been made known to senior management or the Board of Directors of the Company or has been made directly to its shareholders generally or any person shall have publicly announced (and not withdrawn) an Acquisition Proposal with respect to the Company, (ii) (A) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by either Parent or the Company pursuant toSection 8.1(c) without the Requisite Company Vote having been obtained or (B) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by Parent pursuant toSection 8.1(d), as a result of a knowing and material breach by the Company occurring after the date of the Acquisition Proposal, and (iii) on or prior to the date that is twelve (12) months after the date of such termination, the Company enters into a definitive agreement or consummates a transaction with respect to an Acquisition Proposal (whether or not the same Acquisition Proposal as that referred to above), then the Company shall, on

the earlier of the date it enters into such definitive agreement and the date of consummation of such transaction, pay Parent, by wire transfer of same day funds, a fee equal to $5,720,000.00$17,045,000 (the “Termination Fee”).;provided, that for purposes of clause (iii) of thisSection 8.2(b), all references in the definition of Acquisition Proposal to “25%” shall instead refer to “50%” and clause (C) of the definition of Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed followed by “as a result of which holders of Company Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction cease to own at least 50% of the common stock of the surviving or resulting company (or its ultimate parent) immediately after such transaction.”

(c) In the event that this Agreement is terminated by Parent pursuant toSection 8.1(f), then the Company shall, on the date of termination, pay Parent, by wire transfer of same day funds, a fee equal to the Termination Fee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, but without limiting the right of any party to recover liabilities or damages and without limiting the rights of Parent underSection 8.2(e), the maximum aggregate amount of fees payable by the Company under thisSection 8.2 shall be a fee equal to the Termination Fee. In no event shall the Company be required to pay the Termination Fee on more than one occasion.

(d) In the event that this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant toSection 8.1(e), then Parent shall, on the date of termination, pay the Company, by wire transfer of same day funds, a fee equal to the Termination Fee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, but without limiting the right of any party to recover liabilities or damages and without limiting the rights of the Company underSection 8.2(e), the maximum aggregate amount of fees payable by Parent under thisSection 8.2 shall be a fee equal to the Termination Fee. In no event shall Parent be required to pay the Termination Fee on more than one occasion.

(e) Each of Parent and the Company acknowledges that the agreements contained in thisSection 8.2 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that, without these agreements, neither Parent nor the other partyCompany would not enter into this Agreement. In the event that the Termination Fee becomes payable and is paid by the Company or Parent, as applicable, pursuant to thisSection 8.2, the Termination Fee shall, subject to Section 8.2(a)(ii), constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty and shall be the sole monetary remedy of the party receiving such payment (with Parent and its Subsidiaries, and the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, being deemed to be one party for such purposes)itbeingunderstood that this sentence shall not limit the ability of any party hereto to enforce such party’s rights underSection 9.10 prior to the valid termination of this Agreement underSection 8.1;Agreement; accordingly, if Parent or the Company, as applicable, fails promptly to pay the amount due pursuant to thisSection 8.2, and, in order to obtain such payment, Parent or the other partyCompany, as applicable, commences a suit which results in a judgment against the non-paying party for the Termination Fee, such non-paying partyParent or the Company, as applicable, shall pay the costs and expenses of Parent or the other partyCompany (including attorneys’ fees and expenses), as applicable, in connection with such suit. In addition, if Parent or the Company, as applicable, fails to pay the amounts payable pursuant to thisSection 8.2, then such partyParent or the Company, as applicable, shall pay interest on such overdue amounts at a rate per annum equal to the “prime rate” (as announced by JPMorgan Chase & Co. or any successor thereto) in effect on the date on which such payment was required to be made for the period commencing as of the date that such overdue amount was originally required to be paid. The amounts payable by Parent or the Company, as applicable, pursuant to thisSection 8.2 constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty, and, except in the cause of fraud or a knowing, intentional and material breach, shall be the sole monetary remedy of Parent or the Company, as applicable, in the event of a termination of this Agreement specified in such section.

8.3Amendment. Subject to compliance with applicable law, this Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, at any time before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the Integrated Mergers by the shareholders of Parent and the shareholders of the Company;provided,however, that after adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company or the approval of the Parent Share Issuance by the shareholders of Parent, there may not be, without further approval of such shareholders, any amendment of this Agreement that requires further approval under applicable law. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented in any matter except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

8.4Extension;Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties hereto, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, may, to the extent legally permitted, extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and waive compliance with any of the agreements or satisfaction of any conditions contained herein;provided,however,

that, after adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company or the approval of the Parent Share Issuance by the shareholders of Parent, there may not be, without further approval of such shareholders, any extension or waiver of this Agreement or any portion thereof that requires further approval under applicable law. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such party, but such extension or waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance with an obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure to comply with an obligation, covenant, agreement or condition.

ARTICLE IX

GENERAL PROVISIONS

9.1Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. None of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement (other than the Confidentiality Agreement, which shall survive in accordance with its terms) shall survive the Effective Time, except forSection 6.7 and for those other covenants and agreements contained herein and therein which by their terms apply in whole or in part after the Effective Time.

9.2Expenses. Except as expressly provided herein (includingSection 8.2), all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expense;provided,however, that the costs and expenses of printing and mailing the Joint Proxy Statement shall be borne proportionately by Parent and the Company based on the number of shareholders of such party and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the Integrated Mergers shall be borne equally by Parent and the Company.

9.3Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied or emailed (with confirmation), mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or delivered by an express courier (with confirmation) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

if to the Company, to:

Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc.

1001 Asbury Avenue350 Fellowship Rd., Suite 101

Ocean City,Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, 0822608054

Attention:         Steven E. Brady

Facsimile:         (609) 399-3614

Email:               sbrady@ochome.com

Attention:Thomas M. O’Brien
Facsimile:Patricia M. Schaubeck
Email:TOBrien@sunnb.com and PSchaubeck@sunnb.com

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Kilpatrick TownsendWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLPKatz

607 14th Street, NW, Suite 90051 W 52nd St.

Washington, D.C. 20015New York, NY 10019

Attention:         Aaron M. Kaslow

Facsimile:         (202) 204-5600

Email:               Akaslow@kilpatricktownsend.com

Attention:Nicholas G. Demmo
Edward D. Herlihy
Facsimile:(212) 403-2000
Email:EDHerlihy@wlrk.com and NGDemmo@wlrk.com

and

if to Parent, to:

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, New Jersey 08753

Attention:         Christopher D. Maher

Facsimile:         (732) 349-5070

Email:               cmaher@oceanfirst.com

Attention:Christopher D. Maher
Facsimile:(732) 349-5070
Email:cmaher@oceanfirst.com

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Four Times Square

New York, New York 10036

Attention:         David C. Ingles

Facsimile:         (917) 777-2697

Email:               David.Ingles@skadden.com

Attention:David C. Ingles
Facsimile:(917) 777-2697
Email:David.Ingles@skadden.com

9.4Interpretation. The parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting this Agreement. In the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to an Article or Section of or Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents, defined term index and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” References to “business day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks in New York, New York or New Jersey are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.be closed. References to “the date hereof” shall mean the date of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the “knowledge of the Company” means the actual knowledge (after due inquiry) of any of the officers of the Company listed on Section 9.4 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and the “knowledge ofParent” means the actual knowledge (after due inquiry) of any of the officers of Parent.Parent listed on Section 9.4 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule. As used herein, (i)(a) the term “person” means any individual, corporation (including not-for-profit), general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization, Governmental Entity or other entity of any kind or nature, (ii)(b) an “affiliate” of a specified person is any person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person, (iii)(c) unless the context otherwise requires, the term “party” means a party to this agreement irrespective of whether such term is followed by the word “hereto” or the words “to this Agreement” and (iv)(d) the term “made available” means any document or other information that was (a) provided in writing by one party or its representatives to the other party and its representatives prior to the date hereof, (b)(i) included in the virtual data room of a party at least two (2) business days prior to the date hereof or (c)(ii) filed by a party with the SEC and publicly available on EDGAR at least two (2) business days prior to the date hereof. The Company Disclosure Schedule and the Parent Disclosure Schedule, as well as all other schedules and all exhibitsthe exhibit hereto, shall be deemed part of this Agreement and included in any reference to this Agreement. All references to “dollars” or “$” in this Agreement are to United States dollars. No disclosure shall be required to be made pursuant to this Agreement that would involve the disclosure of confidential supervisory information of a Governmental Entity by any party hereto to the extent prohibited by applicable law, and, to the extent legally permissible, appropriate substitute disclosures or actions shall be made or taken under circumstances in which the limitations of this sentence apply.

9.5Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed (including in any manner permitted bySection 9.12 of this Agreement) in counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart.

9.6Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents and the instruments referred to herein) together with the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

9.7Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

(a) This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law (except that the matters relating to the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors of the Company shall be subject to the laws of the State of New Jersey).

(b) Each party agrees that it will bring any action or proceeding in respect of any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby exclusively in any federal or state

court sitting in the State of Delaware (the “Chosen Courts”), and, solely in connection with claims arising under this Agreement or the transactions that are the subject of this Agreement, (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or proceeding in the Chosen Courts, (iii) waives any objection that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any party and (iv) agrees that service of process upon such party in any such action or proceeding will be effective if notice is given in accordance withSection 9.3.

9.8Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, AT THE TIME OF INSTITUTION OF THE APPLICABLE LITIGATION, ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATIONSUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (I)(A) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION,ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (II)(B) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (III)(C) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV)(D) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THISSECTION 9.8.

9.9Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party. Any purported assignment in contravention hereof shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as otherwise specifically provided inSection 6.7, which is intended to benefit each Company Indemnified Party and his or her heirs and representatives, this Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein) is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder, including the right to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein. The representations and warranties in this Agreement are the product of negotiations among the parties hereto and are for the sole benefit of the parties. Any inaccuracies in such representations and warranties are subject to waiver by the parties hereto in accordance herewith without notice or liability to any other person. In some instances, the representations and warranties in this Agreement may represent an allocation among the parties hereto of risks associated with particular matters regardless of the knowledge of any of the parties hereto. Consequently, persons other than the parties may not rely upon the representations and warranties in this Agreement as characterizations of actual facts or circumstances as of the date of this Agreement or as of any other date.

9.10Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and, accordingly, that the parties shall be entitled to seek specific performance of the terms of this Agreement, including an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof (including the parties’ obligation to consummate the Integrated Mergers), in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Each of the parties hereby further waives (a) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

9.11Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other

provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction such that the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

9.12Delivery by Facsimile or Electronic Transmission. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments or waivers hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of a facsimile machine or e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file to deliver a signature to this Agreement or any amendment hereto or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile machine or e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file as a defense to the formation of a contract and each party hereto forever waives any such defense.

[Signature Page Follows]

Four Times Square

New York, New York 10036

Attention:David C. Ingles
Facsimile:(917) 777-2697
Email:David.Ingles@skadden.com

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub9.4Interpretation. The parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting this Agreement. In the Company have causedevent that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be executedto an Article or Section of or Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents, defined term index and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by their respective officers thereunto dulythe words “without limitation.” References to “business day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized asor obligated by law or executive order to be closed. References to “the date hereof” shall mean the date of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the “knowledge of the date first above written.

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.

By:

/s/ Christopher Maher

Name: Christopher Maher

Title:   President & CEO

MASTERS MERGER SUB CORP.

By:

/s/ Christopher Maher

Name: Christopher Maher

Title:   President & CEO

OCEAN SHORE HOLDING CO.

By:

/s/ Steven E. Brady

Name: Steven E. Brady

Title:   President & CEO

[Signature Page to AgreementCompany” means the actual knowledge (after due inquiry) of any of the officers of the Company listed on Section 9.4 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and Planthe “knowledge of Merger]


Annex B

EXECUTION VERSION

VOTING AGREEMENT

This VOTING AGREEMENT, dated as of July 12, 2016 (this “Agreement”), is by and between OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Parent) means the actual knowledge (after due inquiry) of any of the officers of Parent listed on Section 9.4 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule. As used herein, (a) the term “person” means any individual, corporation (including not-for-profit), general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization, Governmental Entity or other entity of any kind or nature, (b) an “affiliate” of a specified person is any person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person, (c) unless the context otherwise requires, the term “party” means a party to this agreement irrespective of whether such term is followed by the word “hereto” or the words “to this Agreement” and (d) the term “made available” means any document or other information that was (i) included in the virtual data room of a party at least two (2) business days prior to the date hereof or (ii) filed by a party with the SEC and publicly available on EDGAR at least two (2) business days prior to the date hereof. The Company Disclosure Schedule and the undersigned shareholder (the “Shareholder”) of Ocean Shore Holding Co., a New Jersey corporation (the “Company”). Capitalized terms used hereinParent Disclosure Schedule, as well as all other schedules and not definedthe exhibit hereto, shall have the meanings specified in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

WHEREAS, concurrently with the executionbe deemed part of this Agreement the Company, Parent and Masters Merger Sub Corp., a New Jersey corporation (“Merger Subincluded in any reference to this Agreement. All references to “dollars” or “$), in this Agreement are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”)to United States dollars. No disclosure shall be required to be made pursuant to this Agreement that would involve the disclosure of confidential supervisory information of a Governmental Entity by any party hereto to the extent prohibited by applicable law, and, to the extent legally permissible, appropriate substitute disclosures or actions shall be made or taken under circumstances in which amongthe limitations of this sentence apply.

9.5Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed (including in any manner permitted bySection 9.12 of this Agreement) in counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other transactions, (i) Merger Sub will merge withparties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart.

9.6Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents and into the Company on the terms and conditions set forth therein,instruments referred to herein) together with the Company surviving such merger (the “First-Step Merger”)Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the parties and (ii) immediately thereafter,supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Company will mergeparties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

9.7Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

(a) This Agreement shall be governed and into Parent, with Parent being the surviving corporation (collectivelyconstrued in accordance with the First-Step Merger, the “Integrated Mergers”) and, in connection therewith, the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share,laws of the Company (“Company Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will, without any further action on the partState of the holder thereof, be automatically converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration as set forth in the Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein;

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Shareholder is the record and beneficial owner of, has the sole right to dispose of and, subject to Article III, Section 3.04 of the Company Certificate, has the sole right to vote, the number of shares of Company Common Stock set forth below the Shareholder’s signature on the signature page hereto (such Company Common Stock, together with any other capital stock of the Company acquired by the Shareholder after the execution of this Agreement, whether acquired directly or indirectly, upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise, and any other securities issued by the Company that are entitled to vote on the approval the Merger Agreement held or acquired by the Shareholder (whether acquired heretofore or hereafter), being collectively referred to herein as the “Shares”);

WHEREAS, obtaining the Requisite Company Vote is a condition to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and

WHEREAS, as an inducement to Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement and incur the obligations set forth therein, Parent has required that the Shareholder enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section  1.     Agreement to Vote; Restrictions on Voting and Dispositions.

  (a)    Agreement to Vote Company Common Stock. The Shareholder hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that from the date hereof until the Expiration Time (as defined below), at any meeting (whether annual or special and each adjourned or postponed meeting) of the Company’s shareholders, however called, the Shareholder will (x) appear at such meeting or, subject to Article III, Section 3.04 of the Company Certificate, otherwise cause all of the Shareholder’s Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of establishing a quorum and (y) subject to Article III, Section 3.04 of the Company Certificate, vote or cause to be voted all of such Shares, (1) in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement, the First-Step Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (2) against any Acquisition Proposal,Delaware, without regard to any recommendationapplicable conflicts of law (except that the matters relating to the shareholdersfiduciary duties of the Company by the Board of Directors of the Company

concerning such Acquisition Proposal, and without regard shall be subject to the termslaws of such Acquisition Proposal,the State of New Jersey).

(b) Each party agrees that it will bring any action or other proposal madeproceeding in oppositionrespect of any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement or that is otherwise in competition or inconsistent with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (3) againsthereby exclusively in any agreement, amendment of any agreement (including the Company Certificate and the Company Bylaws),federal or any other action that is intended or would reasonably be expected to prevent, impede, or interfere with, delay, postpone, or discourage the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (4) against any action, agreement, transaction or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or other obligation of the Companystate court sitting in the Merger Agreement.

  (b)      Restrictions on Transfers. The Shareholder hereby agrees that, from the date hereof until the earlierState of the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote or the Expiration Time, the Shareholder shall not,Delaware (the “Chosen Courts”), and, shall not enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding to, directly or indirectly, sell, offer to sell, give, pledge, grant a security interest in, encumber, assign, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise transfer or dispose of (each, a “Transfer”) any Shares (i) other thansolely in connection with bona fide estate planning purposesclaims arising under this Agreement or the transactions that are the subject of this Agreement, (i) irrevocably submits to histhe exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or her affiliatesproceeding in the Chosen Courts, (iii) waives any objection that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or immediate family members;provideddo not have jurisdiction over any party and (iv) agrees that as a condition toservice of process upon such Transfer,party in any such affiliateaction or immediate family member, as applicable,proceeding will be effective if notice is given in accordance withSection 9.3.

9.8Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (D) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THISSECTION 9.8.

9.9Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be required to execute an agreement that is identical in form and substance to this Agreement;provided,further, that the Shareholder shall remain jointly and severally liable for the breachesassigned by any of his or her affiliates or immediate family members of the terms of such identical agreement, (ii) except in connection with (A) the exercise of outstanding stock options in order to pay the exercise price of such stock options or satisfy any withholding taxes triggeredparties hereto (whether by such exercise or (B) the withholding or sale of the minimum number of shares necessary to satisfy withholding taxes triggered by the vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards; or (iii) by will or operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party. Any purported assignment in which case this Agreement shall bind the transferee. Any Transfer in violation of this Section 1(b)contravention hereof shall be null and void. The Shareholder further agreesSubject to authorizethe preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and request the Company to notify the Company’s transfer agent that there is a stop transfer order with respect to all of the Shares ownedbe enforceable by the Shareholder.

  (c)      parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as otherwise specifically provided inTransfer of Voting RightsSection 6.7. The Shareholder hereby agrees that the Shareholder shall not deposit any Shares in a voting trust, grant any proxy or power of attorney or enter into any voting agreement or similar agreement, arrangement or understanding in contravention of the obligations of the Shareholder under this Agreement with respect, which is intended to any of the Shares.

  (d)      Acquired Shares. Any Shares or other voting securities of thebenefit each Company with respect to which beneficial ownership is acquired by the Shareholder or any ofIndemnified Party and his or her affiliates, including, without limitation, by purchase, as a result of a stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, combination, reclassification, exchange or change of such Shares or upon exercise or conversion of any securities of the Company, if any, after the date hereof shall automatically become subject to the terms of this Agreement.

  (e)     No Inconsistent Agreements. The Shareholder hereby agrees that he or she shall not enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person prior to the termination ofheirs and representatives, this Agreement directly or indirectly,(including the documents and instruments referred to vote, grant a proxy or power of attorney or give instructions with respectherein) is not intended to, the voting of the Shareholder’s Shares in any manner which is inconsistent with this Agreement.

Section  2.      Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Shareholder.

  (a)      Representations and Warranties. The Shareholder represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

     (i)    Capacity; Consents. The Shareholder is an individual and has all requisite capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform his or her obligations under this Agreement. No filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or approval of, a Governmental Entity is necessary on the part of the Shareholder for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Shareholder or the consummation by the Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby.

     (ii)    Due Execution. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Shareholder.

     (iii)    Binding Agreement. Assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent, this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the Shareholder, enforceable against the Shareholder in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions.

     (iv)    Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Shareholder does not, and the performance by the Shareholder of his or her obligations hereunder and the consummation by the Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under,confer upon any agreement, instrument, contract or other obligation or any order, arbitration award, judgment or decree to which the Shareholder is a party or by which the Shareholder or his or her property or assets is bound, or any statute, rule or regulation to which the Shareholder or his or her property or assets is subject. Except as contemplated by this Agreement, neither the Shareholder nor any of his or her affiliates (1) has entered into any voting agreement or voting trust with respect to any Shares or entered into any other contract relating to the voting, transfer or disposition of the Shares or (2) has appointed or granted a proxy or power of attorney with respect to any Shares.

     (v)    Ownership of Shares. Except for restrictions in favor of Parent pursuant to this Agreement or voting restrictions contained in Article III, Section 3.04 of the Company Certificate, the Shareholder owns, beneficially and of record, all of the Shareholder’s Shares free and clear of any proxy or voting restriction, and has sole voting power and sole power of disposition with respect to such Shares with no restrictions on the Shareholder’s rights of voting or disposition pertaining thereto, and no person other than the Shareholder hasparties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder, including the right to directrely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein. The representations and warranties in this Agreement are the product of negotiations among the parties hereto and are for the sole benefit of the parties. Any inaccuracies in such representations and warranties are subject to waiver by the parties hereto in accordance herewith without notice or approveliability to any other person. In some instances, the voting or dispositionrepresentations and warranties in this Agreement may represent an allocation among the parties hereto of risks associated with particular matters regardless of the knowledge of any of the Shareholder’s Shares. Asparties hereto. Consequently, persons other than the parties may not rely upon the representations and warranties in this Agreement as characterizations of actual facts or circumstances as of the date hereof, the number of the Shareholder’s Shares is set forth below the Shareholder’s signature on the signature page hereto.

     (vi)    Legal Actions. There is no action, suit, investigation, complaint or other proceeding pending against the Shareholder or, to the knowledge of the Shareholder, any other person or, to the knowledge of the Shareholder, threatened against the Shareholder or any other person that restricts or prohibits (or, if successful, would restrict or prohibit) the exercise by Parent of its rights under this Agreement or the performance byas of any party of its obligations under this Agreement.other date.

  (b)      

9.10CovenantsSpecific Performance. From the date hereof until the Expiration Time:

     (i)     The Shareholder agrees not to take any actionparties hereto agree that irreparable damage would make any representation or warranty of the Shareholder contained herein untrue or incorrect or have the effect of preventing, impeding, delaying, interfering with or adversely affecting the performance by the Shareholder of his or her obligations under this Agreement.

     (ii)    The Shareholder hereby agrees to promptly notify Parent of the number of shares of Company Common Stock acquired by the Shareholder,occur if any afterprovision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the date hereof. Any such sharesterms hereof and, accordingly, that the parties shall be subjectentitled to seek specific performance of the terms of this Agreement, as though owned by the Shareholder on the date hereof and shall be deemed “Shares” for all purposes hereof.

     (iii)   The Shareholder hereby authorizes Parent and the Companyincluding an injunction or injunctions to publish and disclose in any announcement or disclosure required by applicable law and any proxy statement or prospectus filed in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement the Shareholder’s identity and ownership of the Shares and the nature of the Shareholder’s obligation under this Agreement.

Section  3.     Further Assurances. From time to time, at the request of Parent and without further consideration, the Shareholder shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be necessary to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section  4.      Termination. Other than this Section 4 and Section 5, which shall survive any terminationprevent breaches of this Agreement this Agreement will terminate uponor to enforce specifically the earlierperformance of the terms and provisions hereof (including the parties’ obligation to consummate the Integrated Mergers), in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Each of the parties hereby further waives (a) the Effective Timeany defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) the dateany requirement under any law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

9.11Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms (the “Expiration Time”);provided that no such termination shall relieve any party hereto from any liability for any breachprovision of this Agreement occurring priorshall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such termination.invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction such that the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

Section  5.      9.12Miscellaneous.

  (a)       ExpensesDelivery by Facsimile or Electronic Transmission. All expenses incurredThis Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments or waivers hereto or thereto, to the transactions contemplatedextent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of a facsimile machine or e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file to deliver a signature to this Agreement shall be paid byor any amendment hereto or the party incurring such expenses.

  (b)    Notices. Any notice required to be given hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing, and sent by email or facsimile transmission (providedfact that any notice received bysignature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile transmissionmachine or otherwise ate-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file as a defense to the addressee’s location onformation of a contract and each party hereto forever waives any business day after 5:00 p.m. (addressee’s local time) shall be deemed to have been received at 9:00 a.m. (addressee’s local time) on the next business day), by reliable overnight delivery service (with proof of service), hand delivery or certified or registered mail (return receipt requested and first-class postage prepaid), addressed as follows:such defense.

    (i)       If to Parent, to:

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, New Jersey 08753

Attention: Christopher D. Maher

Facsimile: (732) 349-5070

Email: cmaher@oceanfirst.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

[

Four Times Square

New York, New York 10036

Attention:David C. Ingles
Facsimile:(917) 777-2697
Email:David.Ingles@skadden.com

9.4Interpretation. The parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting this Agreement. In the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to an Article or Section of or Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents, defined term index and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” References to “business day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed. References to “the date hereof” shall mean the date of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the “knowledge of the Company” means the actual knowledge (after due inquiry) of any of the officers of the Company listed on Section 9.4 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and the “knowledge ofParent” means the actual knowledge (after due inquiry) of any of the officers of Parent listed on Section 9.4 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule. As used herein, (a) the term “person” means any individual, corporation (including not-for-profit), general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization, Governmental Entity or other entity of any kind or nature, (b) an “affiliate” of a specified person is any person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person, (c) unless the context otherwise requires, the term “party” means a party to this agreement irrespective of whether such term is followed by the word “hereto” or the words “to this Agreement” and (d) the term “made available” means any document or other information that was (i) included in the virtual data room of a party at least two (2) business days prior to the date hereof or (ii) filed by a party with the SEC and publicly available on EDGAR at least two (2) business days prior to the date hereof. The Company Disclosure Schedule and the Parent Disclosure Schedule, as well as all other schedules and the exhibit hereto, shall be deemed part of this Agreement and included in any reference to this Agreement. All references to “dollars” or “$” in this Agreement are to United States dollars. No disclosure shall be required to be made pursuant to this Agreement that would involve the disclosure of confidential supervisory information of a Governmental Entity by any party hereto to the extent prohibited by applicable law, and, to the extent legally permissible, appropriate substitute disclosures or actions shall be made or taken under circumstances in which the limitations of this sentence apply.

9.5Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed (including in any manner permitted bySection 9.12 of this Agreement) in counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart.

9.6Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents and the instruments referred to herein) together with the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

9.7Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

(a) This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law (except that the matters relating to the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors of the Company shall be subject to the laws of the State of New Jersey).

(b) Each party agrees that it will bring any action or proceeding in respect of any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby exclusively in any federal or state court sitting in the State of Delaware (the “Chosen Courts”), and, solely in connection with claims arising under this Agreement or the transactions that are the subject of this Agreement, (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or proceeding in the Chosen Courts, (iii) waives any objection that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any party and (iv) agrees that service of process upon such party in any such action or proceeding will be effective if notice is given in accordance withSection 9.3.

9.8Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (D) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THISSECTION 9.8.

9.9Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party. Any purported assignment in contravention hereof shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as otherwise specifically provided inSection 6.7, which is intended to benefit each Company Indemnified Party and his or her heirs and representatives, this Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein) is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder, including the right to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein. The representations and warranties in this Agreement are the product of negotiations among the parties hereto and are for the sole benefit of the parties. Any inaccuracies in such representations and warranties are subject to waiver by the parties hereto in accordance herewith without notice or liability to any other person. In some instances, the representations and warranties in this Agreement may represent an allocation among the parties hereto of risks associated with particular matters regardless of the knowledge of any of the parties hereto. Consequently, persons other than the parties may not rely upon the representations and warranties in this Agreement as characterizations of actual facts or circumstances as of the date of this Agreement or as of any other date.

9.10Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and, accordingly, that the parties shall be entitled to seek specific performance of the terms of this Agreement, including an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof (including the parties’ obligation to consummate the Integrated Mergers), in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Each of the parties hereby further waives (a) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

9.11Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction such that the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

9.12Delivery by Facsimile or Electronic Transmission. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments or waivers hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of a facsimile machine or e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file to deliver a signature to this Agreement or any amendment hereto or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile machine or e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file as a defense to the formation of a contract and each party hereto forever waives any such defense.

[Signature Page Follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above written.

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.

By:

/s/ CHRISTOPHER D. MAHER

Name:  Christopher D. Maher

Title:    Chairman, President & CEO

MERCURY MERGER SUB CORP.

By:

/s/ STEVEN J TSIMBINOS

Name:  Steven J Tsimbinos

Title:    Executive Vice President,

             Treasurer & Secretary

SUN BANCORP, INC.

By:

/s/ THOMAS M. O’BRIEN

Name:  Thomas M. O’Brien

Title:    Chief Executive Officer &

             President

Annex B

FORM OF

BROWN VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT

This VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT, dated as of June 30, 2017 (this “Agreement”), is by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and each of the undersigned shareholders (collectively, the “Shareholders” and each, a “Shareholder”) of the Company (as defined below). Capitalized terms used herein and not defined shall have the meanings specified in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Sun Bancorp, Inc., a New Jersey corporation (the “Company”), Parent and Mercury Merger Sub Corp., a New Jersey corporation and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, (i) Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “First-Step Merger”), with the Company surviving as a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent, (ii) immediately thereafter, the Company, as the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger, will merge with and into Parent (the “Second-Step Merger” and, together with the First-Step Merger, the “Integrated Mergers”), with Parent being the surviving corporation in the Second-Step Merger and (iii) at the Effective Time the shares of common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of the Company (“Company Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than certain shares of Company Common Stock held by the Company or Parent) will, without any further action on the part of the holder thereof, be automatically converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration as set forth in the Merger Agreement;

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, each Shareholder is the record and beneficial owner of, has the sole right to dispose of, and has the sole right to vote the number of shares of Company Common Stock set forth below such Shareholder’s signature on the signature page hereto (such Company Common Stock, together with any other capital stock of the Company acquired by any Shareholder after the execution of this Agreement, whether acquired directly or indirectly, upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise, and any other securities issued by the Company that are entitled to vote on the approval the Merger Agreement held or acquired by any Shareholder (whether acquired heretofore or hereafter), being collectively referred to herein as the “Shares”;provided, however, that shares of Company Common Stock held by The Brown Foundation shall not be considered Shares or beneficially owned by any Shareholder and shall not be subject to the terms of this Agreement);

WHEREAS, receiving the Requisite Company Vote is a condition to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and

WHEREAS, as an inducement to Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement and incur the obligations therein, Parent has required that the Shareholders enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1.     Agreement to Vote; Restrictions on Voting and Transfers.

  (a)    Agreement to Vote the Shares. Each Shareholder hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that from the date hereof until the Expiration Time, at any meeting (whether annual or special and each adjourned or postponed meeting) of the Company’s shareholders, however called, each Shareholder will (i) appear at such meeting or otherwise cause all of such Shareholder’s Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of calculating a quorum and (ii) vote or cause to be voted all of such Shares, (A) in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement, the First-Step Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (B) against any Acquisition Proposal, without regard to any recommendation to the shareholders of


the Company by the Board of Directors of the Company concerning such Acquisition Proposal, and without regard to the terms of such Acquisition Proposal, or other proposal made in opposition to or that is otherwise in competition or inconsistent with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (C) against any agreement, amendment of any agreement or organizational document (including the Company Certificate and the Company Bylaws), or any other action that is intended or would reasonably be expected to prevent, impede, or interfere with, delay, postpone or discourage the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (D) against any action, agreement, transaction or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or other obligation of the Company in the Merger Agreement.

  (b)      Restrictions on Transfers. Each Shareholder hereby agrees that, from the date hereof until the earlier of the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote or the Expiration Time, such Shareholder shall not, directly or indirectly, sell, offer to sell, give, pledge, grant a security interest in, encumber, assign, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Shares, or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding to take any of the foregoing actions (each, a “Transfer”) other than a Transfer for bona fide estate planning purposes to such Shareholder’s affiliates (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or immediate family members (together, “Transferees”);provided that as a condition to such Transfer, such Transferee shall be required to execute a joinder to this Agreement;provided,further, that such Shareholder shall remain jointly and severally liable for the breaches by any of such Transferee of the terms hereof. Any Transfer in violation of this Section shall be null and void. Each Shareholder further agrees to authorize and request the Company to notify the Company’s transfer agent that there is a stop transfer order with respect to all of the Shares owned by such Shareholder and that this Agreement places limits on the Transfer of such Shareholder’s Shares.

  (c)      Transfer of Voting Rights. Each Shareholder hereby agrees that such Shareholder shall not deposit any Shares in a voting trust, grant any proxy or power of attorney or enter into any voting agreement or similar agreement or arrangement in contravention of the obligations of such Shareholder under this Agreement with respect to any of the Shares owned by such Shareholder.

  (d)      Acquired Shares. Any Shares or other voting securities of the Company with respect to which beneficial ownership is acquired by any Shareholder or any of their respective controlled affiliates (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include other family members other than such Shareholder’s spouse and children sharing the same household), including, without limitation, by purchase, as a result of a stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, combination, reclassification, exchange or change of such Shares or upon exercise or conversion of any securities of the Company, if any, after the execution hereof (in each case, a “Share Acquisition”) shall automatically become subject to the terms of this Agreement and shall become “Shares” for all purposes hereof. If any controlled affiliate (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include other family members other than such Shareholder’s spouse and children sharing the same household) of any Shareholder acquires Shares by way of a Share Acquisition, such controlling Shareholder will cause such controlled affiliate to comply with the terms of this Agreement applicable to a “Shareholder” of the Company.

  (e)      No Inconsistent Agreements. Each Shareholder hereby agrees that such Shareholder shall not enter into any agreement, contract or understanding with any person prior to the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, directly or indirectly, to vote, grant a proxy or power of attorney or give instructions with respect to the voting of such Shareholder’s Shares in any manner which is inconsistent with this Agreement.

Section  2.      Non-Solicit. Each Shareholder shall not, and shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause their respective controlled affiliates (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include other family members other than such Shareholder’s spouse and children sharing the same household) and each of their respective officers, directors, members, partners, employees and other Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (a) solicit, initiate, encourage (including by providing information or assistance) or knowingly facilitate any inquiries, proposals or offers with respect to, or the making or completion of, any proposal that

constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal, (b) provide or cause to be provided anynon-public information or data relating to the Company in connection with, or have any discussions with, any person relating to or in connection with an actual or proposed Acquisition Proposal (except to disclose the existence of the provisions of this Section), (c) engage in any discussions or negotiations concerning an Acquisition Proposal (provided that each Shareholder may refer any such person to the provisions of this Section) or otherwise take any action to encourage or knowingly facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement an Acquisition Proposal, (d) approve, recommend, agree to or accept, or propose publicly to approve, recommend, agree to or accept, any Acquisition Proposal, (e) solicit proxies or become a “participant” in a “solicitation” (as such terms are defined in the Exchange Act) with respect to an Acquisition Proposal or otherwise encourage or assist any person in taking or planning any action that would reasonably be expected to compete with, restrain or otherwise serve to interfere with or inhibit the timely consummation of the Integrated Mergers in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, (f) initiate a shareholders’ vote or action by consent of the Company’s shareholders with respect to an Acquisition Proposal, (g) become a member of a “group” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any voting securities of the Company that takes, or intends to take, any action in support of an Acquisition Proposal or (h) approve, endorse or recommend, agree to or accept, or propose to approve, endorse, recommend, agree to or accept, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, investment agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement related to any Acquisition Proposal.

Section 3.      Representations, Warranties and Support Covenants of the Shareholders.

  (a)      Representations and Warranties. Each Shareholder represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

     (i)    Power and Authority; Consents. For any Shareholder that is not an individual, such Shareholder is duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. For each Shareholder that is an individual, such Shareholder has the capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement. No filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity is necessary on the part of such Shareholder for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Shareholder or the consummation by such Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby.

     (ii)    Due Authorization. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Shareholder and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Shareholder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Shareholder.

     (iii)    Binding Agreement. Assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent, this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of such Shareholder, enforceable against such Shareholder in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies).

     (iv)    Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Shareholder does not, and the performance by such Shareholder of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by such Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under, any agreement, instrument, contract or other obligation or any order, arbitration award, judgment or decree to which such Shareholder is a party or by which such Shareholder or its property or assets is bound, or any statute, rule or regulation to which such Shareholder or its property or assets is subject or, in the case of any Shareholder that is not an individual, any charter, bylaw, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other organizational document of such Shareholder. Except for this Agreement and the Securities Purchase Agreement, no Shareholder is, and no controlled affiliate (which, for the avoidance of doubt,

shall not include other family members other than such Shareholder’s spouse and children sharing the same household) of any Shareholder is, a party to any voting agreement, voting trust or any other contract with respect to the voting, transfer or ownership of any Shares. No Shareholder has appointed or granted a proxy or power of attorney to any person with respect to any Shares.

     (v)    Ownership of Shares. Except for restrictions in favor of Parent pursuant to this Agreement and transfer restrictions of general applicability as may be provided under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the “blue sky” laws of the various States of the United States, each Shareholder owns, beneficially and of record, all of the Shares free and clear of any proxy, voting restriction, adverse claim, security interest, or other lien, and has sole voting power and sole power of disposition with respect to such Shares with no restrictions on any Shareholder’s rights of voting or disposition pertaining thereto, and no person other than the Shareholders have any right to direct or approve the voting or disposition of any of such Shareholder’s Shares. As of the date hereof, the number of the Shares beneficially owned by such Shareholder is set forth below such Shareholder’s signature on the signature page hereto. Each Shareholder has possession of an outstanding certificate or outstanding certificates representing all of such Shareholder’s Shares (other than Shares held in book-entry form) and such certificate or certificates does or do not contain any legend or restriction inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

     (vi) Legal Actions. There is no action, suit, investigation, complaint or other proceeding pending against any Shareholder or, to the knowledge of such Shareholder, any other person or, to the knowledge of such Shareholder, threatened against such Shareholder or any other person that restricts or prohibits (or, if successful, would restrict or prohibit) the exercise by Parent of its rights under this Agreement or the performance by any party of its obligations under this Agreement.

     (vii)    Securities Purchase Agreement. No Shareholder has any outstanding claims against the Company, and no Shareholder is aware of any claims that any Shareholder may have against the Company, in each case, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2010, as amended on July 30, 2010 (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), between the Company and the Shareholders, or any other contract to which any Shareholder is a party.

     (viii)    Reliance. Such Shareholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon such Shareholder’s execution and delivery of this Agreement and the representations and warranties of such Shareholder contained herein.

  (b)      Support Covenants. From the date hereof until the Expiration Time:

     (i)     Each Shareholder agrees not to take any action that would make any representation or warranty of such Shareholder contained herein untrue or incorrect or have the effect of preventing, impeding, or, in any material respect, delaying, interfering with or adversely affecting the performance by such Shareholder of its obligations under this Agreement.

     (ii)     Each Shareholder hereby agrees to promptly notify Parent of the number of Shares, if any, acquired in any Share Acquisition by such Shareholder after the execution hereof.

     (iii)     Each Shareholder hereby authorizes Parent and the Company to publish and disclose in any announcement or disclosure required by applicable Law and any periodic report or proxy statement filed in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement such Shareholder’s identity and ownership of the Shares and the nature of such Shareholder’s obligation under this Agreement.

Section 4.      Termination of Securities Purchase Agreement. Each Shareholder agrees that, effective as of the Effective Time, the Securities Purchase Agreement will automatically be terminated without any liability or obligation being imposed on Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (including the Subsidiaries of the

Surviving Corporation). From the date hereof through the date on which the Securities Purchase Agreement is terminated, without the prior written consent of Parent, no Shareholder shall exercise any of its rights under Section 4.6 of the Securities Purchase Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, effective as of the Effective Time, each Shareholder for itself and on behalf of its respective controlled affiliates (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include other family members other than such Shareholder’s spouse and children sharing the same household) and each of its and their respective successors and assigns hereby irrevocably, knowingly and voluntarily releases, discharges and forever waives and relinquishes all claims, demands, liabilities, defenses, affirmative defenses, setoffs, counterclaims, actions and causes of action of whatever kind or nature, whether known or unknown, which any such person has, may have or might have or may assert now or in the future, against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and their respective successors (including Parent), assigns, officers and directors, arising out of, based upon or resulting from the Securities Purchase Agreement, whether known or unknown, and which occurred, existed, was taken, permitted or begun prior to the Effective Time. Each such releasing party shall, and shall cause each of its controlled affiliates (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include other family members other than such Shareholder’s spouse and children sharing the same household) to, refrain from, directly or indirectly, asserting any claim or demand or commencing, instituting or maintaining, or causing to be commenced, instituted or maintained any legal or arbitral proceeding of any kind against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and their respective successors (including Parent), assigns, officers and directors based upon any matter released pursuant to this Section 4.

Section  5.      Intentionally Omitted.

Section  6.     Further Assurances. From time to time, at the request of Parent and without further consideration, each Shareholder shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be necessary to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 7.     Termination. This Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (a) the Effective Time and (b) the date of termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms (the “Expiration Time”);provided that this Section 7 and Section 8 shall survive the Expiration Time indefinitely;provided,further that no such termination or expiration shall relieve any party hereto from any liability for any breach of this Agreement occurring prior to such termination.

Section  8.      Miscellaneous.

  (a)       Expenses. All expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses.

  (b)       Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied or emailed (with confirmation), mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or delivered by an express courier (with confirmation) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

    (i)       If to Parent, to:

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, New Jersey 08753

Attention: Christopher D. Maher

Facsimile: (732)349-5070

Email: cmaher@oceanfirst.com

    (ii)       with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Four Times Square

New York, New York 10036

Attention: David C. Ingles

Facsimile:(917) 777-2697

Email: David.Ingles@skadden.com

    (ii)(iii)       If to theany Shareholder, to the address of thesuch Shareholder set forth below thesuch Shareholder’s signature on the signature pages hereto.

  (c)    Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended, changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

  (d)    Successors and Assigns. No party hereto may assignNeither this Agreement nor any of itsthe rights, interests or delegateobligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of its obligations under this Agreementthe parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other partyparties hereto, except Parent may, without the consent of the Shareholder,any other party hereto, assign any of Parent’sits rights and delegate any of Parent’sits obligations under this Agreement to any affiliate of Parent. Any purported assignment in contravention hereof shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shallwill be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and assigns, including without limitation any corporate successor by merger or otherwise. Notwithstanding any Transfer of shares of Company Common Stock consistent with this Agreement, the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations of transferor under this Agreement.permitted assigns.

  (e)    Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing expressed or referredThis Agreement is not intended to, in this Agreement will be construed to giveand does not, confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder, including the right to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein. For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no Shareholder shall be required pursuant to this Agreement to cause any person who is a party to (or whose actions are otherwise subject to) a separate voting and their respective successors and permitted assigns,support agreement with Parent to take or refrain from taking action, or otherwise be liable for the actions or omissions of any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement.such other person.

  (f)    No Partnership, Agency, or Joint Venture. This Agreement is intended to create, and creates, a contractual relationship and is not intended to create, and does not create, any agency, partnership, “group” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), joint venture or any like relationship between the parties hereto.

  (g)    Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodiesconstitutes the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, relatingboth written and oral, among the parties with respect to suchthe subject matter.matter hereof.

  (h)    Severability. IfWhenever possible, each provision or portion of any termprovision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision or otherportion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced byunenforceable in any rule orrespect under any applicable law or public policy, allrule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other termsprovision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remainbe reformed, construed and enforced in full force and effect so long assuch jurisdiction such that the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party hereto. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties heretounenforceable provision or portion thereof shall negotiate in good faithbe interpreted to modify this Agreementbe only so broad as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.is enforceable.

  (i)    Specific Performance; Remedies Cumulative. The parties hereto acknowledgeagree that money damages areirreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed by any Shareholder in accordance with the terms hereof and, accordingly, that Parent shall be entitled to seek an adequate remedy forinjunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement that any breachor to enforce specifically the performance of this Agreement would cause irreparable harm to the non-breaching partyterms and that any party,provisions hereof, in addition to any other rights and remediesremedy to which the partiesParent may have hereunder orbe entitled at law or in equity, may,equity. Each Shareholder hereby further waives (a) any defense in its sole discretion, apply to a court of competent jurisdictionany action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any law to post security or injunctiona bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

  (j)    No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any right, power or such other relief as such court may deem just and proper in order to enforce this Agreement or prevent any violation hereof and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, each party waives any objection to the imposition of such relief. All rights, powers and remediesremedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in equity, shall be cumulativeor to insist upon compliance by any other party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and not alternative, and the exerciseany custom or beginningpractice of the parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such party of its right to exercise of any such or other right, power or remedy or to demand such compliance.

  (k)    Governing Law. This Agreement and all disputes or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law principles.

  (l)    Submission to Jurisdiction. Each party agrees that it will bring any action or proceeding in respect of any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby exclusively in any federal or state court sitting in the State of Delaware (the “Chosen Courts”), and, solely in connection with claims arising under this Agreement or the transactions that are the subject of this Agreement, (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or proceeding in the Chosen Courts, (iii) waives any objection that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any party and (iv) agrees that service of process upon such party in any such action or proceeding will be effective if notice is given in accordance withSection 8(b).

  (m)    Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO INTENTIONALLY, KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW AT THE TIME OF INSTITUTION OF THE APPLICABLE LITIGATION, ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (II) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (III) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (IV) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THISSECTION 8(m).

  (n)    Drafting and Representation. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

  (o)    Name, Captions, Gender. Section headings of this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms.

  (p)    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile or other electronic means and in any number of counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart.

[Signature Pages Follow]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date and year first written above.

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.

By:

Name:

Title:

SHAREHOLDER:

By:

Name:

Title:

Number of shares of Company Common

Stock:

Address:

Annex C

FORM OF

WLR VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT

This VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT, dated as of June 30, 2017 (this “Agreement”), is by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), the undersigned shareholder (the “Shareholder”) of the Company (as defined below) and WL Ross & Co. LLC (“WLR LLC” and, together with the Shareholder, the “WLR Parties”). Capitalized terms used herein and not defined shall have the meanings specified in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Sun Bancorp, Inc., a New Jersey corporation (the “Company”), Parent and Mercury Merger Sub Corp., a New Jersey corporation and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, (i) Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “First-Step Merger”), with the Company surviving as a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent, (ii) immediately thereafter, the Company, as the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger, will merge with and into Parent (the “Second-Step Merger” and, together with the First-Step Merger, the “Integrated Mergers”), with Parent being the surviving corporation in the Second-Step Merger and (iii) at the Effective Time the shares of common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of the Company (“Company Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than certain shares of Company Common Stock held by the Company or Parent) will, without any further action on the part of the holder thereof, be automatically converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration as set forth in the Merger Agreement;

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Shareholder is the record and beneficial owner of, has the sole right to dispose of, and has the sole right to vote the number of shares of Company Common Stock set forth below the Shareholder’s signature on the signature page hereto (such Company Common Stock, together with any other capital stock of the Company acquired by any WLR Party after the execution of this Agreement, whether acquired directly or indirectly, upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise, and any other securities issued by the Company that are entitled to vote on the approval the Merger Agreement held or acquired by any WLR Party (whether acquired heretofore or hereafter), being collectively referred to herein as the “Shares”);

WHEREAS, receiving the Requisite Company Vote is a condition to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and

WHEREAS, as an inducement to Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement and incur the obligations therein, Parent has required that the WLR Parties enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section  1.     Agreement to Vote; Restrictions on Voting and Transfers.

  (a)    Agreement to Vote the Shares. The Shareholder hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that from the date hereof until the Expiration Time, at any meeting (whether annual or special and each adjourned or postponed meeting) of the Company’s shareholders, however called, the Shareholder will (i) appear at such meeting or otherwise cause all of the Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of calculating a quorum and (ii) vote or cause to be voted all of the Shares, (A) in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement, the First-Step Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (B) against any Acquisition Proposal, without regard to any recommendation to the shareholders of the Company by the Board of Directors of the Company concerning such Acquisition Proposal, and without regard to the terms of such Acquisition Proposal, or other proposal made in opposition to or that is otherwise in competition or inconsistent


with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (C) against any agreement, amendment of any agreement or organizational document (including the Company Certificate and the Company Bylaws), or any other action that is intended or would reasonably be expected to prevent, impede, or interfere with, delay, postpone or discourage the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (D) against any action, agreement, transaction or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or other obligation of the Company in the Merger Agreement; provided, that the foregoing applies solely to the Shareholder in its capacity as a shareholder and, to the extent the Shareholder or any of its officers serves as a member of the board of directors or as an officer of the Company, nothing in this Agreement shall limit or affect any actions or omissions taken by the Shareholder or any of its officers solely in the Shareholder’s or such officer’s capacity as a director or officer of the Company and not in violation of the Merger Agreement.

  (b)      Restrictions on Transfers. The Shareholder hereby agrees that, from the date hereof until the earlier of the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote or the Expiration Time, the Shareholder shall not, directly or indirectly, sell, offer to sell, give, pledge, grant a security interest in, encumber, assign, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Shares, or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding to take any of the foregoing actions (each, a “Transfer”) other than any Transfer to its affiliates (as defined in the Merger Agreement);provided that as a condition to such Transfer to an affiliate of a WLR Party, such affiliate shall execute a joinder to this Agreement;provided,further, that the Shareholder shall remain jointly and severally liable for the breaches by any of its affiliates of the terms hereof. Any Transfer in violation of this Section shall be null and void. The Shareholder further agrees to authorize and request the Company to notify the Company’s transfer agent that there is a stop transfer order with respect to all of the Shares and that this Agreement places limits on the voting and Transfer of the Shares.

  (c)      Transfer of Voting Rights. The Shareholder hereby agrees that the Shareholder shall not deposit any Shares in a voting trust, grant any proxy or power of attorney or enter into any voting agreement or similar agreement or arrangement in contravention of the obligations of the Shareholder under this Agreement with respect to any of the Shares owned by the Shareholder.

  (d)      Acquired Shares. Any Shares or other voting securities of the Company with respect to which beneficial ownership is acquired by any WLR Party, including, without limitation, by purchase, as a result of a stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, combination, reclassification, exchange or change of such Shares or upon exercise or conversion of any securities of the Company, if any, after the execution hereof (in each case, a “Share Acquisition”) shall automatically become subject to the terms of this Agreement and shall become “Shares” for all purposes hereof.

  (e)      No Inconsistent Agreements. Each WLR Party hereby agrees that it shall not enter into any agreement, contract or understanding with any person prior to the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, directly or indirectly, to vote, grant a proxy or power of attorney or give instructions with respect to the voting of the Shares in any manner which is inconsistent with this Agreement.

Section  2.      Non-Solicit. Each WLR Party shall not, and shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause their respective controlled affiliates and each of their respective officers, directors, members, partners, employees and other Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (a) solicit, initiate, encourage (including by providing information or assistance) or knowingly facilitate any inquiries, proposals or offers with respect to, or the making or completion of, any proposal that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal, (b) provide or cause to be provided anynon-public information or data relating to the Company in connection with, or have any discussions with, any person relating to or in connection with an actual or proposed Acquisition Proposal (except to disclose the existence of the provisions of this Section), (c) engage in any discussions or negotiations concerning an Acquisition Proposal (provided that each WLR Party may refer any such person to the provisions of this Section) or otherwise take any action to encourage or knowingly facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement an Acquisition Proposal, (d) approve, recommend, agree to

or accept, or propose publicly to approve, recommend, agree to or accept, any Acquisition Proposal, (e) solicit proxies or become a “participant” in a “solicitation” (as such terms are defined in the Exchange Act) with respect to an Acquisition Proposal or otherwise encourage or assist any person in taking or planning any action that would reasonably be expected to compete with, restrain or otherwise serve to interfere with or inhibit the timely consummation of the Integrated Mergers in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, (f) initiate a shareholders’ vote or action by consent of the Company’s shareholders with respect to an Acquisition Proposal, (g) become a member of a “group” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any voting securities of the Company that takes, or intends to take, any action in support of an Acquisition Proposal or (h) approve, endorse or recommend, agree to or accept, or propose to approve, endorse, recommend, agree to or accept, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, investment agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement related to any Acquisition Proposal. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit James B. Lockhart III, in his capacity as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, from taking any action in such capacity to the extent such action is consistent with his obligations under Sections 6.3 and 6.13 of the Merger Agreement.

Section  3.     Representations, Warranties and Support Covenants of the WLR Parties.

  (a)      Representations and Warranties. Each WLR Party represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

     (i)    Power and Authority; Consents. Such WLR Party is duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. No filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity is necessary on the part of such WLR Party for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such WLR Party or the consummation by such WLR Party of the transactions contemplated hereby.

     (ii)    Due Authorization. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such WLR Party and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such WLR Party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such WLR Party.

     (iii)    Binding Agreement. Assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent, this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of such WLR Party, enforceable against such WLR Party in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies).

     (iv)    Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such WLR Party does not, and the performance by such WLR Party of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by such WLR Party of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under, any agreement, instrument, contract or other obligation or any order, arbitration award, judgment or decree to which such WLR Party is a party or by which such WLR Party or its property or assets is bound, or any statute, rule or regulation to which such WLR Party or its property or assets is subject or any charter, bylaw, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other organizational document of such WLR Party. Except for this Agreement and the Securities Purchase Agreement, no WLR Party is, and no controlled affiliate of any WLR Party is, a party to any voting agreement, voting trust or any other contract with respect to the voting, transfer or ownership of any Shares. The Shareholder has not appointed or granted a proxy or power of attorney to any person with respect to any Shares.

     (v)    Ownership of Shares. Except for restrictions in favor of Parent pursuant to this Agreement and transfer restrictions of general applicability as may be provided under the Securities Act of 1933,

as amended, and the “blue sky” laws of the various States of the United States, the Shareholder owns, beneficially and of record, all of the Shares free and clear of any proxy, voting restriction, adverse claim, security interest, or other lien, and has sole voting power and sole power of disposition with respect to the Shares with no restrictions on the Shareholder’s rights of voting or disposition pertaining thereto, and no person other than the Shareholder has any right to direct or approve the voting or disposition of any of the Shares. As of the date hereof, the number of the Shares is set forth below the Shareholder’s signature on the signature page hereto. The Shareholder has possession of an outstanding certificate or outstanding certificates representing all of the Shares (other than Shares held in book-entry form) and such certificate or certificates does or do not contain any legend or restriction inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

     (vi)    Legal Actions. There is no action, suit, investigation, complaint or other proceeding pending against any WLR Party or, to the knowledge of such WLR Party, any other person or, to the knowledge of such WLR Party, threatened against such WLR Party or any other person that restricts or prohibits (or, if successful, would restrict or prohibit) the exercise by Parent of its rights under this Agreement or the performance by any party of its obligations under this Agreement.

     (vii)    Securities Purchase Agreement. No WLR Party has any outstanding claims (including any “gross up” rights) against the Company, and no WLR Party is aware of any claims that any WLR Party may have against the Company, in each case, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2010 (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), between the Company and the Shareholder, or any other contract to which any WLR Party is a party.

     (viii)    Reliance. Such WLR Party understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon such WLR Party’s execution and delivery of this Agreement and the representations and warranties of such WLR Party contained herein.

  (b)      Support Covenants. From the date hereof until the Expiration Time:

     (i)     Each WLR Party agrees not to take any action that would make any representation or warranty of such WLR Party contained herein untrue or incorrect or have the effect of preventing, impeding, or, in any material respect, delaying, interfering with or adversely affecting the performance by such WLR Party of its obligations under this Agreement.

     (ii)     Each WLR Party hereby agrees to promptly notify Parent of the number of Shares, if any, acquired in any Share Acquisition by such WLR Party after the execution hereof.

     (iii)     Each WLR Party hereby authorizes Parent and the Company to publish and disclose in any announcement or disclosure required by applicable Law and any periodic report or proxy statement filed in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement such WLR Party’s identity and ownership of the Shares and the nature of such WLR Party’s obligation under this Agreement.

Section  4.     Termination of Securities Purchase Agreement. The Shareholder agrees that, effective as of the Effective Time, the Securities Purchase Agreement will automatically be terminated without any liability or obligation being imposed on Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (including the Subsidiaries of the Surviving Corporation). From the date hereof through the date on which the Securities Purchase Agreement is terminated, without the prior written consent of Parent, the Shareholder shall not, precludeand WLR LLC shall cause the simultaneousShareholder not to, exercise any of its rights under Section 4.6 of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

Section  5.     Certain Covenants. Each WLR Party shall, if requested by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), submit customary passivity and anti-association commitments to the Federal Reserve Board in order to obtain the concurrence of the Federal Reserve Board staff

that no WLR Party and no affiliate of any WLR Party will control Parent or later exerciseParent Bank for purposes of the Home Owners Loan Act of 1933, as amended, or, if applicable, the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.

Section  6.     Further Assurances. From time to time, at the request of Parent and without further consideration, each WLR Party shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be necessary to consummate and make effective the voting and support commitments contemplated by this Agreement and the obligations set forth in Section 5.

Section  7.     Termination. This Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (a) the Effective Time and (b) the date of termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms (the “Expiration Time”);providedthat (i) Section 5 shall survive the Expiration Time in accordance with its terms; (ii) Section 6 shall survive the Expiration Time to the extent that Section 5 applies; and (iii) this Section 7 and Section 8 shall survive the Expiration Time indefinitely;provided,further that no such termination or expiration shall relieve any party hereto from any liability for any breach of this Agreement occurring prior to such termination.

Section  8.     Miscellaneous.

  (a)       Expenses. All expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses.

  (b)    Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied or emailed (with confirmation), mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or delivered by an express courier (with confirmation) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

    (i)       If to Parent, to:

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, New Jersey 08753

Attention: Christopher D. Maher

Facsimile: (732)349-5070

Email: cmaher@oceanfirst.com

    (ii)       with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Four Times Square

New York, New York 10036

Attention: David Ingles

Facsimile:(917) 777-2697

Email: David.Ingles@skadden.com

    (iii)       If to any WLR Party, to the address of such WLR Party set forth below such WLR Party’s signature on the signature pages hereto.

  (c)    Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended, changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

  (d)    Successors and Assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise)

without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, except Parent may, without the consent of any other suchparty hereto, assign any of its rights powersand delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement to any affiliate of Parent. Any purported assignment in contravention hereof shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

  (e)    Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder, including the right to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein.

  (f)    No Partnership, Agency, or Joint Venture. This Agreement is intended to create, and creates, a contractual relationship and is not intended to create, and does not create, any agency, partnership, joint venture or any like relationship between the parties hereto.

  (g)    Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

  (h)    Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction such that the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

  (i)    Specific Performance; Remedies Cumulative. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed by such party.any WLR Party in accordance with the terms hereof and, accordingly, that Parent shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof, in addition to any other remedy to which Parent may be entitled at law or in equity. Each WLR Party hereby further waives (a) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

  (j)    No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to demand such compliance.

  (k)    Governing Law. This Agreement and all disputes or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law principles.

  (l)    Submission to Jurisdiction. The parties hereto agreeEach party agrees that it will bring any suit, action or proceeding brought by either party to enforcein respect of any provision of, or based on any matterclaim arising out of or in connection with,related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be broughtexclusively in any federal or state court locatedsitting in the State of Delaware. Each of the parties hereto submits to the jurisdiction of any such court in any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of, orDelaware (the “Chosen Courts”), and, solely in connection with claims arising under this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and herebythat are the subject of this Agreement, (i) irrevocably waives the benefit of jurisdiction derived from present or future domicile or otherwise in such action or proceeding. Each party hereto irrevocably waives,submits to the fullest extent permitted by law,exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the

venue ofin any such suit, action or proceeding in the Chosen Courts, (iii) waives any objection that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any party and (iv) agrees that service of process upon such party in any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding broughtwill be effective if notice is given in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.accordance withSection 8(b).

  (m)    Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY THATWHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY KNOWINGLY, INTENTIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW AT THE TIME OF INSTITUTION OF THE APPLICABLE LITIGATION, ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (A)THAT: (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B)(II) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (III) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (C)(IV) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.SECTION 8(m).

  (n)    Drafting and Representation. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. NoIn the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted for or against any party because that party or its legal representative drafted the provision.Agreement.

  (o)    Name, Captions, Gender. Section headings of this Agreement are for reference purposes only and are to be given no effectshall not affect in any way the constructionmeaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms.

(p)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile or other electronic means and in any number of counterparts, eachall of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which togetherconsidered one and the same agreement and shall constitute one instrument. Each counterpart may consist of a number of copies eachbecome effective when counterparts have been signed by less than all, but together signed by all,each of the parties hereto.and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart.

[Signature Pages Follow]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date and year first written above.

 

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

[Signature Page to Voting Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date and year first written above.

[SHAREHOLDER]SHAREHOLDER:

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

Number of shares of Company Common

Stock:

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Voting Agreement]


Annex CD

July 12, 2016

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June 29, 2017

Board of Directors

Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc.

1001 Asbury Avenue350 Fellowship Road, Suite 101

Ocean City,Mount Laurel, NJ 0822608054

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc. (“Company”), OceanFirst Financial Corp. (“Parent”) and MastersMercury Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which (i) Merger Sub will, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement, merge with and into Company with Company being the surviving corporation, and (ii) immediately thereafter, Company will merge with and into Parent with Parent being the surviving corporation (collectively, the “Merger”). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, at the Effective Time of the Merger, each share of Company common stock, par value $0.01$5.00 per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (“Company Common Stock”), except for certain shares specified in the Agreement, shall be converted into the right to receive the following, without interest,interest: (a) $4.35for each share of Company Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive cash has been effectively made and not revoked (a “Cash Election”), an amount in cash andequal to the Per Share Cash Consideration (the “Cash Consideration”); (b) 0.9667for each share of Company Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive shares of Parent common stock, par value $0.01 per share, (collectively,of Parent (“Parent Common Stock”) has been effectively made and not revoked (a “Stock Election”), a number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio (such number of shares of Parent Common Stock, the “Stock Consideration”); and (c) for each share of Company Common Stock other than shares as to which a Cash Election or Stock Election has been effectively made and not revoked, the right to receive such Stock Consideration or Cash Consideration as is determined pursuant to the Agreement. The Agreement provides, generally, that shareholder elections may be adjusted as necessary such that the total number of shares of Company Common Stock entitled to receive the Cash Consideration is equal to the quotient of (i) the Cash Componentdivided by (ii) the Per Share Cash Consideration. As defined more fully in the Agreement and subject to certain adjustments as specified in the Agreement, the “Per Share Cash Consideration” shall be an amount equal to the sum, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a cent, of (A) $3.78, and (B) the product, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a cent, of 0.7884 times the Parent Share Closing Price, the “Exchange Ratio” shall be an amount equal to the quotient, rounded to the nearest one-ten thousandth, of (A) the Per Share Cash Considerationdivided by (B) the Parent Share Closing Price, and the “Cash Component” shall be an amount equal to the product of (A) the total number of shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for certain shares specified in the Agreement, and (B) $3.78. The Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration are collectively referred to herein as the “Merger Consideration”).Consideration.” Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreement. The other terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Agreement. You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to the holders of Company Common Stock.

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Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill,” “we” or “our”), as part of its investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial institutions and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed and considered, among other things: (i) a draft of the Agreement;Agreement, dated June 29, 2017; (ii) certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Company that we deemed relevant; (iii) certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Parent and its banking subsidiary that we deemed relevant; (iv) the Company’s budget for the year ending December 31, 2016 and publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Company for the years ending December 31, 2016 and2017 through December 31, 2017,2019, as well as an estimated internal projectedlong-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as discussed withprovided by the senior management of Company; (v) publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Parent for the years ending December 31, 20162017, as presented on a core basis, and December 31, 20172018, excluding certain analyst estimates which incorporate a prospective reduction to the federal corporate income tax rate, as well as an estimated internal projectedlong-term earnings per share growth rate and estimated dividends per share for the years thereafter, as discussed with and confirmedprovided by the senior management of Parent; (vi) the pro forma financial impact of the Merger on Parent based on certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments (including the estimated realization of Company’s existing deferred tax asset), cost savings and a core deposit intangible asset, as provided by the senior management of Parent, as well as financial projections for Company for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2020,2019, as provided by and discussed with the senior management of Parent;Parent and based upon publicly available analyst earnings per share estimates for Company for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2019 and an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter; (vii) the publicly reported historical price and trading activity for Company and Parent common stock, including a comparison of certain stock market information for Company and Parent common stock and certain stock indices as well as publicly available information for certain other similar companies, the securities of which are publicly traded; (viii) a comparison of certain financial information for Company and Parent with similar banks and thrifts for which information is publicly available; (ix) the financial terms of certain recent mergers and business combinations in the bank and thrift industry (on a regional and national basis), to the extent publicly available; (x) the current market environment generally and the banking environment in particular; and (xi) such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as we considered relevant. We also discussed with certain members of the senior management of Company the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Company and held similar discussions with certain members of the senior management of Parent regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Parent.

In performing our review, we have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to and reviewed by us from public sources, that was provided to us by


Company or Parent, or their respective representatives, or that was otherwise reviewed by us and we have assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion without any independent verification or investigation. We have further relied on the assurances of the respective managements of Company and Parent that they are not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make any of such information inaccurate or misleading. We have not been asked to and have not undertaken an independent verification of any of such information and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof. We did not make an independent evaluation or perform an appraisal of the specific assets, the collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Company or Parent, or any of their respective subsidiaries, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. We render no opinion or evaluation on the collectability of any assets or the future performance of any loans of Company or Parent. We did not make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses of Company or Parent, or the combined entity after the Merger, and we have not reviewed any individual credit files relating to Company or Parent. We have assumed, with your consent, that the respective allowances for loan losses for

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both Company and Parent are adequate to cover such losses and will be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity.

In preparing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Company for the years ending December 31, 2016 and2017 through December 31, 20172019, as well as an estimated internal projectedlong-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as discussed withprovided by the senior management of Company, as well asCompany. In addition, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Parent for the years ending December 31, 20162017, as presented on a core basis, and December 31, 20172018, excluding certain analyst estimates which incorporate a prospective reduction to the federal corporate income tax rate, as well as an estimated internal projectedlong-term earnings per share growth rate and estimated dividends per share for the years thereafter, as discussed with and confirmedprovided by the senior management of Parent. Sandler O’Neill also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments (including the estimated realization of Company’s existing deferred tax asset), cost savings and a core deposit intangible asset, as provided by the senior management of Parent, as well as financial projections for Company for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2020,2019, as provided by and discussed with the senior management of Parent.Parent and based upon publicly available analyst earnings per share estimates for Company for the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2019 and an estimated long-term earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter. With respect to the foregoing information, the respective managements of Company and Parent confirmed to us that such information reflected (or, in the case of the publicly available meanconsensus analyst earnings per share estimates referred to above, were consistent with) the best currently available projections, estimates and judgments of those respective senior managements of the future financial performance of Company and Parent, respectively, and we assumed that such performance would be achieved. We express no opinion as to such projections, estimates or judgments, or the assumptions on which they are based. We have also assumed that there has been no material change in Company’s or Parent’s assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects since the date of the most recent financial statements made available to us. We have assumed in all respects material to our analysis that Company and Parent will remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to our analyses.

In arriving at our opinion, we have assumed, with your consent, that (i) each of the parties to the Agreement will comply in all material respects with all material terms and conditions of the Agreement and all related agreements, that all of the representations and warranties contained in such agreements are true and correct in all material respects, that each of the parties to such agreements will perform in all material respects all of the covenants and other obligations required to be performed by such party under such agreements and that the conditions precedent in such agreements are not and will not be waived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases with respect to the Merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have an adverse effect on Company, Parent or the Merger or any related transaction that would be material to our analysis, (iii) the Merger and any related transactions will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement without any waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof and in compliance with all applicable laws and other requirements, (iv) the Merger will be consummated without Company’s rights under Section 8.1(g) of the Agreement having been triggered, and (v) the Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. Finally, with your consent, we have relied uponWe express no opinion as to any of the advice that Company has received from its legal, accounting and tax advisors as to all legal, accounting andor tax matters relating to the Merger and theor any other transactions contemplated by the Agreement.

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Our analyses and opinion are necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. Events occurring after the date hereof could materially affect this opinion. We have not undertaken to update, revise, reaffirm or withdraw this opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date hereof. We express no opinion as to the trading values

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of Company Common Stock or Parent common stockCommon Stock at any time or what the value of Parent common stockCommon Stock will be once it is actually received by the holders of Company Common Stock.

We have acted as Company’s financial advisor in connection with the Merger and will receive a fee for our services, which fee is contingent upon consummation of the Merger. We will also receive a fee for rendering this opinion.opinion, which opinion fee will be credited in full towards the transaction fee which will become payable to us on the day of closing of the Merger. The Company has also agreed to indemnify us against certain claims and liabilities arising out of our engagement and to reimburse us for certain of our out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with our engagement. Sandler O’Neill has not provided any other investment banking services to Company during the two years preceding the date hereof. As we have previously advised you, in the two years preceding the date of this opinion, (i) we have provided certain investment banking services to, Parent and received investment banking fees for such services, and (ii)from, Parent. Most recently, Sandler O’Neill Mortgage Finance L.P., an affiliateacted as book-running manager in connection with Parent’s offer and sale of subordinated notes, which transaction closed in September 2016. In addition, Sandler O’Neill has acted as introducing brokerfinancial advisor to Parent and has received fees for such services, and we and our affiliates may provide to Parent, and receive compensation for, such services in the future, including during the pendencyconnection with Parent’s acquisition of the Merger.Cape Bancorp, Inc., which transaction closed in May 2016. In the ordinary course of our business as a broker-dealer, we may purchase securities from and sell securities to Company, Parent and their respective affiliates. We may also actively trade the equity and debt securities of Company and Parent or their respective affiliates for our own account and for the accounts of our customers.

This letter is directed to the Board of Directors of Company in connection with its consideration of the Agreement and Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Company as to how any such shareholder should vote at any meeting of shareholders called to consider and vote upon the Merger. Our opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to the holders of Company Common Stock and does not address the underlying business decision of Company to engage in the Merger, the form or structure of the Merger and/or other transactions contemplated in the Agreement, the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any other alternative transactions or business strategies that might exist for Company, or the effect of any other transaction in which Company might engage. We also do not express any opinion as to the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in or as a result of the Merger, and/or other transactions contemplated by the Agreement, if any, by any Company or Parent officer, director or employee, or any class of such persons, if any, relative to the amount of compensation to be received by any other shareholder. This opinion has been approved by Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion committee. This opinion shall not be reproduced without Sandler O’Neill’s prior written consent;provided,however, Sandler O’Neill will provide its consent for the opinion to be included in regulatory filings to be completed in connection with the Merger.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration is fair to the holders of Company Common Stock from a financial point of view.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.

 

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Annex DE

 

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265 Franklin Street, Suite 710 Boston, MA 02110345 Park Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10154

Tel: 617 654-0700 | Fax: 617 654-0710212284-9400

Piper Jaffray & CoCo. Since 18951895. Member SIPC and NYSENYSE.

July 12, 2016June 29, 2017

Board of Directors

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

975 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, NJ 08753

Members of the Board:

You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to OceanFirst Financial Corp. (the “Company”) of the Merger Consideration (as defined below) proposed to be paid by the Company for the outstanding shares of common stock of Ocean Shore Holding Co. (the “Target”), par value $0.01, (the “Target Common Stock”) pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) proposed to be entered into by and among the Company, MastersMercury Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and the Target.Sun Bancorp, Inc. (the “Target”). The Agreement provides for, among other things, (i) the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Target, with the Target surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “First-Step Merger”) and (ii) immediately thereafter, the merger (collectively with the First-Step Merger, the “Merger”) of the Target with and into the Company, with the Company surviving.surviving (collectively with the First-Step Merger, the “Transaction”). Upon the effective time of the First-Step Merger, each share of the common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of the Target (“Target Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First-Step Merger (other than certain shares of Target Common Stock held by the Company or Target) will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the shareholder thereof, either (a) cash (the “Cash Consideration”) in an amount equal to the sum of (i) 0.7884 multiplied by the volume-weighted average trading price of the Company common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Company Common Stock”), on The Nasdaq Global Select Market for the five (5) full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the day on which the First-Step Merger occurs (the “Company Share Closing Price”) and (ii) $3.78 or (b) a number of validly-issued, fully-paid and nonassesable shares of Company Common Stock equal to the amount of the Cash Consideration divided by the Company Share Closing Price (such number of shares of Company Common Stock, the “Stock Consideration” and, together with the Cash Consideration, the “Merger Consideration”);provided that the maximum amount of cash that the Company will pay as the Merger Consideration, other than cash in lieu of fractional shares, shall be equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Target Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First-Step Merger except for certainand (y) $3.78; and the maximum number of shares of Company Common Stock that the Company will issue as Merger Consideration shall be equal to the number of shares of Target Common Stock as specified inissued and outstanding immediately prior to the Agreement, shall be converted into the right to receive (a) $4.35 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”), and (b) 0.9667 shares of Company common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Stock Consideration” and together with the Cash Consideration, the “Merger Consideration”). Cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional shares. The terms and conditionseffective time of the First-Step Merger arc more fully set forth in the Agreement. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this letter have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.multiplied by 0.7884.

Piper Jaffray & Co., as part of its investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial institutions and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. In arriving at our opinion, we have: (i) reviewed and analyzed the financial terms of a draft of the Agreement dated July 11, 2016;June 29, 2017; (ii) reviewed and analyzed certain financial and other data with respect to the Company and the Target that was publicly available or made available to us by the Company and by the Target; (iii) reviewed and analyzed certain forward-looking information relating to the Company and the Target that was publicly available, as well as such information that was furnished to us by the Company and the Target, including forecasts prepared or reviewed by the Company of the Company’s and Target’s expected operating results on a stand-alone basis; (iv) reviewed and analyzed materials detailing the MergerTransaction prepared by the Company, the Target and their respective affiliates and by their respective legal and accounting advisors, including the estimated amount and timing of the cost savings and related expenses and purchase accounting adjustments expected to result from the MergerTransaction (the “Synergies”); (v) conducted discussions with members of senior management and representatives of the Company and the Target concerning the matters described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, as well as their respective businesses and prospects before and after giving effect to the MergerTransaction and the Synergies; (vi) reviewed the


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June 29, 2017

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current and historical reported prices and trading activity of Company common stock and Target Common Stock and similar information for certain other publicly traded companies deemed by us to be comparable to the Company and the Target; (vii) compared the financial performance of the Company and the Target with that of certain other publicly traded companies that we deemed relevant; (viii) performed certain financial analyses for the Company and the Target on a pro forma combined basis giving effect to the MergerTransaction reflecting certain assumptions relating to the Synergies; (ix) analyzed the Merger Consideration relative to the Target’s tangible book value, core deposits (deposits less all jumbo time deposits), last twelve months earnings, on a core basis, as of March 31, 2016,2017, projected earnings for the yearfull years ending 2016December 31, 2017 and 2017December 31, 2018, and projected earnings for the full year ending 2017December 31, 2018 assuming the cost savings to be achieved have been fully phased in


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July 12, 2016

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as you project;the Company projects; (x) considered the current market environment generally and the depository banking environment in particular; and (xi) reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of certain business combination transactions in the depository banking industry that we deemed relevant. In addition, we have conducted such other analyses, examinations and inquiries and considered such other financial, economic and market criteria as we have deemed necessary in arriving at our opinion.

In arriving at our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed, without assuming liability or responsibility for independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was furnished, or otherwise made available, to us or discussed with or reviewed by us. We have further relied upon the assurances of the management of the Company and the Target that the financial information provided has been prepared on a reasonable basis in accordance with industry practice, and that they are not aware of any information or facts that would make any information provided to us incomplete or misleading. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, for the purpose of this opinion, we have assumed that with respect to financial forecasts, estimates and other forward-looking information (including the Synergies) reviewed by us, that such information has been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of the Company and the Target as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of the Company and the Target, respectively, to which such financial forecasts, estimates and other forward-looking information (including the Synergies) relate and we have assumed that such results would be achieved. We express no opinion as to any such financial forecasts, estimates or forward-looking information (including the Synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based. We have further assumed that the MergerTransaction will qualify as atax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes. We express no opinion as to any of the legal, accounting and tax matters relating to the MergerTransaction and any other transactions contemplated in connection therewith and have relied, with your consent, on advice of the outside legal counsel and the independent accountants to the Company, and on the assumptions of the management of the Company and the Target, as to all accounting, legal, tax and financial reporting matters with respect to the Company, the Target and the Agreement.

In arriving at our opinion, we have assumed that the executed Agreement will be in all material respects identical to the last draft reviewed by us. We have relied upon and assumed, with your consent, without independent verification, that (i) the representations and warranties of all parties to the Agreement and all other related documents and instruments that are referred to therein are true and correct, (ii) each party to such agreements will fully and timely perform all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by such party, (iii) the MergerTransaction will be consummated pursuant to the terms of the Agreement without amendments thereto and (iv) all conditions to the consummation of the MergerTransaction will be satisfied without waiver by any party of any conditions or obligations thereunder. Additionally, we have assumed that all the necessary regulatory approvals and consents required for the MergerTransaction will be obtained in a manner that will not adversely affect the Company, the Target or the contemplated benefits of the Merger.Transaction.


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June 29, 2017

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In arriving at our opinion, we have not performed any appraisals or valuations of any specific assets or liabilities (fixed, contingent, derivative,off-balance sheet, or other) of the Company or the Target, and have not been furnished or provided with any such appraisals or valuations, nor have we evaluated the solvency of the Company or the Target under any state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. Accordingly, we express no opinion regarding the liquidation value of the Company, the Target or any other entity. We have assumed that there has been no material change in the respective assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of the Company or the Target since the date of the most recent financial data of the Company and of the Target made available to us. We have also assumed in all respects material to our analysis that the Company and the Target would remain as a going concern for all periods relevant to our analysis. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, we have not: (i) conducted a review of any individual credit files of the Company or the Target, nor have we evaluated the adequacy of the loan or lease reserves of the Company or the


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Target, (ii) conducted a review of any credit mark that may be taken in connection with the Merger,Transaction, nor have we evaluated the adequacy of any contemplated credit mark to be so taken, or (iii) conducted a review of the collectability of any asset or the future performance of any loan of the Company or the Target. We have assumed, with your consent, that the respective allowances for loan and lease losses for the Company and the Target, and the credit mark are adequate to cover such losses and will be adequate on a pro forma basis for the Company. Accordingly, we express no opinion with respect to the foregoing. Again, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, we have undertaken no independent analysis of any pending or threatened litigation, regulatory action, possible unasserted claims or other contingent liabilities, to which the Company or the Target, or their respective affiliates, is a party or may be subject, and at the direction of the Company and with your consent, our opinion makes no assumption concerning, and therefore does not consider, the possible assertion of claims, outcomes or damages arising out of any such matters. We have also assumed that neither the Company nor the Target is party to any material pending transaction, including without limitation any financing, recapitalization, acquisition or merger, divestiture orspin-off, other than the Merger andtransactions contemplated by the Agreement, including the merger of the principal banking subsidiaries of the Company and Target contemplated by the Agreement.

No company or transaction used in any analysis for purposes of comparison is identical to the Company, the Target or the Merger.Transaction. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the comparisons is not solely mathematical; rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments about differences in the companies and transactions to which the Company, the Target and the MergerTransaction were compared and other factors that could affect the public trading value or transaction value of the companies.

This opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions and upon the information available to us and facts and circumstances as they exist and are subject to evaluation on the date hereof. Events occurring after the date hereof could materially affect the assumptions used in preparing this opinion. We are not expressing any opinion herein as to the price at which shares of the Company’s common stock or the Target Common Stock may trade following announcement of the MergerTransaction or at any future time. We have not undertaken to reaffirm or revise this opinion or otherwise comment upon any events occurring after the date hereof and do not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm this opinion.

We have been engaged by the Company to act as its financial advisor in connection with the MergerTransaction and we will receive a transaction fee from the Company for providing our services, a significant portion of which is contingent upon the consummation of the Merger.Transaction. We will also receive a fee for rendering this opinion, which opinion fee will be credited in full towards the transaction fee becoming payable to us upon closing of the Merger.Transaction. Our opinion fee is not contingent upon the consummation of the MergerTransaction or the conclusions reached in our opinion. The Company has also agreed to indemnify us against certain liabilities and reimburse us for certain expenses in connection with our services. The Piper Jaffray investment banking reamteam that advised the


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Company in connection with the Transaction also advised the Company in connection with the Merger also advised the Company (while at a prior firm)Company’s acquisition of Ocean Shore Holding Co., which acquisition closed in November of 2016 and in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Colonial American Bank (while at a prior firm), which acquisition closed in July 2015. In addition, in the ordinary course of our business, we and our affiliates may actively trade securities of the Company and the Target for our own account or the account of our customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities. We may also, in the future, provide investment banking and financial advisory services to the Company or entities that are affiliated with the Company, for which we would expect to receive compensation.

Consistent with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, Piper Jaffray has adopted policies and procedures to establish and maintain the independence of its Research Department and personnel. As a result, Piper Jaffray’s research analysts may hold opinions, make statements or recommendations, and/or publish research reports with respect to the Company and the MergerTransaction and other participants in the MergerTransaction that differ from the views of Piper Jaffray’s investment banking personnel.


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July 12, 2016

Page D-4 of D-4

This opinion is provided to the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with its consideration of the MergerTransaction and is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of the Company as to how such stockholder should act or vote with respect to the MergerTransaction or any other matter. Except with respect to the use of this opinion in connection with the proxy statement relating to the MergerTransaction in accordance with our engagement letter with the Company, this opinion shall not be disclosed, referred to, published or otherwise used (in whole or in part), nor shall any public references to us be made, without our prior written approval. This opinion has been approved for issuance by the Piper Jaffray Opinion Committee.

This opinion addresses solely the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the Company of the proposed Merger Consideration set forth into be paid by the Company pursuant to the Agreement and does not address any other terms or agreement relating to the MergerTransaction or any other terms of the Agreement. We were not requested to opine as to, and this opinion does not address: (i) the basic business decision to proceed with or effect the Merger;Transaction; (ii) the merits of the MergerTransaction relative to any alternative transaction or business strategy that may be available to the Company; (iii) any other terms contemplated by the Agreement; or (iv) the fairness of the MergerTransaction to or any consideration received in connection therewith by, any creditor or other constituency of the Company. Furthermore, we express no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of compensation to be paid in the MergerTransaction to any officer, director or employee of any party to the Merger,Transaction, or any class of such persons, relative to the Merger Consideration to be paid to any other shareholder in the MergerTransaction or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation, including whether such payments arcare reasonable in the context of the Merger.Transaction.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing and based upon such other factors as we consider relevant, it is our opinion that the Merger Consideration to be paid by the Company pursuant to the Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company as of the date hereof.

Sincerely,

/s/ Piper Jaffray & Co.

PIPER JAFFRAY & CO.


PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation contains a provision which, subject to certain exceptions described below, eliminates the liability of a director or an officer to OceanFirst or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of duty as a director or officer.

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that OceanFirst shall indemnify, to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, all directors, officers, employees, agents of OceanFirst, and any person who, at OceanFirst’s request, is or was serving as director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expense, liability and loss and expenses in any proceeding arising out of their status or activities in any of the foregoing capacities except when the party’s activities do not meet the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to OceanFirst’s directors, officers and controlling persons under the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, OceanFirst has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

Description   
  2.1  Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 12, 2016,June 30, 2017, by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp., MastersMercury Merger Sub Corp. and Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc. (attached asAnnex A to the joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus)registration statement)†
  3.1  Certificate of Incorporation of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of OceanFirst’s registration statement on FormS-1, FileNo. 033-80123, effective May 13, 1996, as amended)
  3.2  Bylaws of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of OceanFirst’s Current Report on Form8-K, filed on January 23, 2015)
  3.3Amendment to Bylaws of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of OceanFirst’s Current Report on Form8-K, filed on June 30, 2017)
  4.1  Form of Common Stock Certificate of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.0 of OceanFirst’s registration statement on FormS-1, FileNo. 033-80123, effective May 13, 1996, as amended)
  5.1  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP†LLP*
  8.1  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP regarding certain tax matters†matters*
  8.2  Opinion of Kilpatrick TownsendWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLPKatz regarding certain tax matters†matters*
10.1  Form of Voting and Support Agreement by and between OceanFirst Financial Corp. and Bernard Brown and Sidney Brown, along with certain directorsother members of Ocean Shore Holding Co.the Brown family and certain of their affiliates (attached asAnnex B to thisthe joint proxy statement/prospectus)prospectus contained in this registration statement)
10.2Voting and Support Agreement by and between OceanFirst Financial Corp. and WLR SBI AcquisitionCo, LLC and its ultimate controlling affiliate, WL Ross & Co, LLC (attached asAnnex C to the joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this registration statement)


Description
21  Subsidiaries of OceanFirst Financial Corp.*
23.1  Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)*
23.2  Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1)*
23.3  Consent of Kilpatrick TownsendWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLPKatz (included in Exhibit 8.2)*
23.4  Consent of KPMG LLP (with respect to OceanFirst Financial Corp.)
23.5  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (with respect to Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc.)
23.6Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (with respect to Ocean Shore Holding Co.)
23.7  Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP (with respect to Cape Bancorp, Inc.)


Description
24.1  Power of Attorney (included on the signature page ofto this joint proxy statement/prospectus)*registration statement)
99.1  Consent of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
99.2  Consent of Piper Jaffray & Co.
99.3  ConsentForm of Steven E. Brady (as a proposed directorproxy card of OceanFirst Financial Corp.)Sun Bancorp, Inc.*
99.4  Form of proxy card of Ocean Shore Holding Co.†
99.5Form of proxy card of OceanFirst Financial Corp.*

 

*Filed HerewithTo be filed by amendment.
*Filed PreviouslySchedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of RegulationS-K. OceanFirst Financial Corp. agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted attachment to the Securities and Exchange Commission on a confidential basis upon request.

Item 22. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

1.To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement (notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement); and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

 

2.That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initialbona fide offering thereof.

 

3.To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

4.That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d)15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initialbona fide offering thereof.


5.That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the registrant undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

 

6.That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (5) above, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment has become effective, and that for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initialbona fide offering thereof.


7.To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

 

8.To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in this registration statement when it became effective.

 

9.Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement on FormS-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Toms River, State of New Jersey, on October 6, 2016.August 29, 2017.

 

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.

By:

 

 /s/ Christopher D. Maher

 Name: Christopher D. Maher
 Title: President, and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

The undersigned directors of OceanFirst Financial Corp. hereby severally constitute and appoint Christopher D. Maher and Steven J. Tsimbinos, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, severally, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated and on the date of this registration statement.

 

Signatures

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ *Christopher D. Maher

Christopher D. Maher

  

President, and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive OfficerOfficer) and Director)Director (Chairman of the Board)

 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ *Michael J. Fitzpatrick

Michael J. Fitzpatrick

  

Executive Vice President and Chief

Financial Officer (Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer)

 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ *Angela K. Ho

John R. GarbarinoAngela K. Ho

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Senior Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer
 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ *Steven E. Brady

Joseph J. BurkeSteven E. Brady

  

Director

 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ *Joseph J. Burke

Angelo CataniaJoseph J. Burke

  

Director

 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ *Angelo Catania

Michael DevlinAngelo Catania

  

Director

 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ *Michael Devlin

Jack M. FarrisMichael Devlin

  

Director

 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ *Jack M. Farris

Donald E. McLaughlinJack M. Farris

  

Director

 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ *Dorothy F. McCrosson

DianeDorothy F. RhineMcCrosson

DirectorAugust 29, 2017


Signatures

  

DirectorTitle

 October 6, 2016

Date

/s/ *Donald E. McLaughlin

Mark G. SolowDonald E. McLaughlin

  

Director

 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ *Diane F. Rhine

John E. WalshDiane F. Rhine

  

Director

 October 6, 2016August 29, 2017

/s/ Christopher D. MaherMark G. Solow

Christopher D. MaherMark G. Solow

  DirectorAugust 29, 2017

Attorney-in-Fact/s/ John E. Walsh

John E. Walsh

  October 6, 2016DirectorAugust 29, 2017

/s/ Samuel R. Young

Samuel R. Young

DirectorAugust 29, 2017


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Description   
  2.1  Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 12, 2016,June 30, 2017, by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp., MastersMercury Merger Sub Corp. and Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc. (attached asAnnex A to the joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus)registration statement)†
  3.1  Certificate of Incorporation of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of OceanFirst’s registration statement on FormS-1, FileNo. 033-80123, effective May 13, 1996, as amended)
  3.2  Bylaws of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of OceanFirst’s Current Report on Form8-K, filed on January 23, 2015)
  3.3Amendment to Bylaws of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of OceanFirst’s Current Report on Form8-K, filed on June 30, 2017)
  4.1  Form of Common Stock Certificate of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.0 of OceanFirst’s registration statement on FormS-1, FileNo. 033-80123, effective May 13, 1996, as amended)
  5.1  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP†LLP*
  8.1  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP regarding certain tax matters†matters*
  8.2  Opinion of Kilpatrick TownsendWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLPKatz regarding certain tax matters†matters*
10.1  Form of Voting and Support Agreement by and between OceanFirst Financial Corp. and Bernard Brown and Sidney Brown, along with certain directorsother members of Ocean Shore Holding Co.the Brown family and certain of their affiliates (attached asAnnex B to thisthe joint proxy statement/prospectus)prospectus contained in this registration statement)
10.2Voting and Support Agreement by and between OceanFirst Financial Corp. and WLR SBI AcquisitionCo, LLC and its ultimate controlling affiliate, WL Ross & Co, LLC (attached asAnnex C to the joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this registration statement)
21  Subsidiaries of OceanFirst Financial Corp.*
23.1  Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)*
23.2  Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1)*
23.3  Consent of Kilpatrick TownsendWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Stockton LLPKatz (included in Exhibit 8.2)*
23.4  Consent of KPMG LLP (with respect to OceanFirst Financial Corp.)
23.5  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (with respect to Ocean Shore Holding Co.Sun Bancorp, Inc.)
23.6Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (with respect to Ocean Shore Holding Co.)
23.7  Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP (with respect to Cape Bancorp, Inc.)
24.1  Power of Attorney*Attorney (included on the signaure page to this registration statement)
99.1  Consent of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
99.2  Consent of Piper Jaffray & Co.
99.3  ConsentForm of Steven E. Brady (as a proposed directorproxy card of OceanFirst Financial Corp.)Sun Bancorp, Inc.*
99.4  Form of proxy card of Ocean Shore Holding Co.†
99.5Form of proxy card of OceanFirst Financial Corp.*

 

*Filed HerewithTo be filed by amendment.
*Filed PreviouslySchedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of RegulationS-K. OceanFirst Financial Corp. agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted attachment to the Securities and Exchange Commission on a confidential basis upon request.