UNITED STATES 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: January 8, 2001 THE SOUTH FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. --------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) South Carolina 0-15083 57-0824914 -------------- ----------- --------------- (State of other juris- (Commission (IRS Employer diction of incorporation) File Number) Identification Number) 102 South Main Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29601 ------------------------------------------------- ----- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (864) 255-7900 The Exhibit Index appears on page 3 hereof. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits. 99.1 Press Release dated January 8 2001 Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure See press release of January 8, 2001 attached. 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. CAROLINA FIRST CORPORATION January 9, 2001 By: /s/ William S. Hummers III -------------------------- William S. Hummers III Executive Vice President Exhibit Index EXHIBIT 99.1 Press Release