SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 22, 1997 UNITED CAROLINA BANCSHARES CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) NORTH CAROLINA 05583 56-0954530 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 127 West Webster Street, Whiteville, North Carolina 28472 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (910) 642-5131 Page 1 of 2 INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT Item 5. Other Events In separate annual meetings of their respective shareholders held on April 22, 1997, shareholders of United Carolina Bancshares Corporation ("UCB") and Southern National Corporation ("SNC") approved the pending merger of UCB with and into SNC. The merger, which is subject to bank regulatory approval, is expected to be completed by July 1, 1997. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Date: April 23, 1997 UNITED CAROLINA BANCSHARES CORPORATION by s/Howard V. Hudson,Jr. Howard V. Hudson, Jr. General Counsel and Secretary Page 2 of 2