FLORENCE, S.C., Jan. 24, 2018 -- First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC Pink:  FSRL) ("First Reliance") today announced that it completed the acquisition of Greenville, South Carolina-based Independence Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQB:  IEBS) ("Independence") effective January 23, 2018.  Independence's bank subsidiary, Independence National Bank, was merged with First Reliance's bank subsidiary, First Reliance Bank, with First Reliance Bank continuing as the surviving bank.  The full conversion of the Independence National Bank systems is expected to be completed by March 5, 2018.

The acquisition of Independence National Bank expands First Reliance's presence in the dynamic Greenville, South Carolina market and is an integral part of the bank's broader strategy to expand its footprint in top-tier markets throughout North and South Carolina.  The acquisition gives the existing First Reliance team in Greenville additional resources to expand its presence in the market, and provides further momentum in executing the bank's targeted expansion strategy.  First Reliance ...