As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 18, 2019December 23, 2021

RegistrationNo. 333-233872333-                

 

 

 

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 6021 22-3412577

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

110 WEST FRONT STREET, RED BANK, NEW JERSEY 07701

(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

110 West Front Street

Red Bank, New Jersey 07701

(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.

110 West Front Street

Red Bank, New Jersey 07701

Phone: (732)240-4500

 

William D. MossLloyd B. Harrison, III

Two RiverPartners Bancorp

766 Shrewsbury Avenue

Tinton Falls, NJ 077242245 Northwood Drive
Salisbury, Maryland 21801

Phone: (732)(410) 389-8722548-1100

David C. Ingles, Esq.Sven Mickisch

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

4 Times SquareOne Manhattan West

New York, New York 1003610001

Phone: (212)735-3000

 

Edward C. HoganJacob A. Lutz, III

Wesley R. KelsoSeth A. Winter

Stevens & Lee, P.C.Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP

111 North Sixth Street1001 Haxall Point

Reading, PA 19601Richmond, Virginia 23219

Phone: (610)(804) 478-2242697-1200

 

 

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 Transactionsmergers 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 of 1933, 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 of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act of 1933 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, a smaller reporting company or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   Accelerated filer 
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 Rule14d-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

8,094,149 shares(1)N/A$174,009,871.40(2)$16,130.72(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 Coastal Merger Sub Corp. (“merger sub”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst, with and into Partners Bancorp (“Partners”), pursuant to the terms set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 4, 2021, by and among OceanFirst, merger sub and Partners, which is attached to the enclosed proxy statement/prospectus as Annex A. This number represents the product of (i) 0.4512, the exchange ratio in the first-step merger, and (ii) 17,939,162, which is the number of shares of Partners common stock outstanding as of December 22, 2021.

(2)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee required by Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and computed pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, based upon the market value of shares of Partners common stock in accordance with Rules 457(c) and 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933 as follows: the product of (i) $9.70, the average of the high and low prices per share of Partners common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on December 22, 2021, and (ii) 17,939,162, the estimated maximum number of shares of Partners common stock that may be exchanged for shares of OceanFirst common stock in the first-step merger.

(3)

Determined in accordance with Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at a rate equal to $92.70 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 shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

 

PRELIMINARY — SUBJECT TO COMPLETION — DATED OCTOBER 18, 2019DECEMBER 23, 2021

 

Prospectus Proxy Statement

 

LOGOLOGO

 

 

LOGOLOGO

MERGER PROPOSED — YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Dear Two River Shareholders:Partners Stockholders:

On August 9, 2019,November 4, 2021, OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation (which we refer to as “OceanFirst”), Hammerhead Merger Sub Corp., a New Jersey corporation and wholly-owned subsidiarythe parent company of OceanFirst Bank, National Association (which we refer to as “Merger Sub”), and Two River Bancorp, a New Jersey corporation (which we refer to as “Two River”“OceanFirst Bank”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (which we refer to as the “merger agreement”) that provides for the combinationwith Partners Bancorp, a Maryland corporation (which we refer to as “Partners”), and Coastal Merger Sub Corp., a Maryland corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst and Two River. Under(which we refer to as “merger sub”). Pursuant to the terms ofand subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement, (i) Merger Submerger sub will merge with and into Two RiverPartners (which we refer to as the “first-step merger”), with Two River continuingPartners as the surviving corporation in the first-step merger and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst, (ii)and immediately following the completioneffective time of the first-step merger, Two RiverPartners will merge with and into OceanFirst, with OceanFirst as the surviving corporation (which, together with the first-step merger, we refer to as the “integrated mergers”). Immediately following the consummation of the integrated mergers, The Bank of Delmarva, a Delaware chartered member bank (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, and (iii) immediately following the completion of the integrated mergers, Two River Community Bank, a New Jersey charterednon-member bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Two River (which we refer to as “Two River“Delmarva Bank”), will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, National Association, a national banking association and a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst (which we refer to as “OceanFirst Bank”), with OceanFirst Bank beingas the surviving bank (which we refer to as the “Delmarva Bank merger”), and immediately following the effective time of the Delmarva Bank merger, Virginia Partners Bank, a Virginia chartered member bank (which we refer to as “Virginia Partners Bank”), will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank as the surviving bank (which, together with the Delmarva Bank merger, we refer to as the “bank merger”mergers” and the bank mergers, together with the integrated mergers, which we refer to as the “Transactions”“mergers”).

At the effective time of the first-step merger, each share of Partners common stock, par value $0.01 per share (which we refer to as the “effective time”“Partners common stock”), eachthat is issued and outstanding shareimmediately prior to the effective time of the common stock, no par value, of Two River (which we refer to as “Two River common stock”),first-step merger, except for shares of Two RiverPartners common stock owned by Two RiverPartners as treasury shares, any subsidiary of Two River,or by OceanFirst or any subsidiary of Partners or OceanFirst (other than any such shares held in employee benefit plans or related trust account, managed accounts, mutual funds, or otherwise held in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of debt previously contracted) (which we refer to as the “exception shares”), will be converted into the right to receive $5.375 in cash, without interest (which we refer to as the “cash consideration”), and 0.6663either (a) 0.4512 shares (such number being referred to as the “exchange ratio” and such shares being referred to as “stock consideration” and together with the cash consideration, the “merger“stock consideration”) of the common stock, of OceanFirst, par value $0.01 per share, of OceanFirst (which we refer to as “OceanFirst common stock”), or (b) $10.00 in cash (which we refer to as the “cash consideration” and together with the stock consideration, we refer to as the “merger consideration”), in each case, at the election of the holder of Partners common stock, subject to (x) a maximum of forty percent (40%) of the shares of Partners common stock being convertible into cash in lieuand (y) the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. No fractional shares, if any.

Althoughany, of OceanFirst common stock will be issued in connection with the numberfirst-step merger, and any holder of Partners common stock that would be entitled to fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock that holdersshall receive cash in lieu of Two River common stock will be entitled to receive assuch fractional shares.

Although the exchange ratio in respect of the stock portion ofconsideration and the mergercash consideration isare fixed, the market value of such shares (and, therefore, the value of the stock portionconsideration (and, therefore, the aggregate value of the merger consideration) will fluctuate with the market price of OceanFirst common stock and will not be known at the time Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders vote on the first-step merger. However, as described in more detail elsewhere in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, under the terms of the merger agreement, if the average of the daily closing prices of OceanFirst common stock over a specified period of time prior to the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals for the Transactions (disregarding any applicable waiting period) decreases below certain specified thresholds, Two River would have a right to terminate the merger agreement, unless OceanFirst elects to increase the exchange ratio, which would result in additional shares of OceanFirst common stock being issued. Based on the $23.14$23.21 closing price of OceanFirst common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (which we refer to as the “Nasdaq”) on August 8, 2019,November 3, 2021, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the Transactions,mergers, the per share value of the mergerstock consideration was equal to $20.79.$10.47. Based on the $[●] closing price of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq on [●], 2019,2022 the latest practicable trading day before the printing of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, the per share value of the mergerstock consideration was equal to $[●]. Based on the exchange ratio and the number of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock outstanding as of [●], 2019, the


maximum number of shares of OceanFirst common stock estimated to be issuable at the effective time is [●].We urge you to obtain current market quotations for OceanFirst (trading symbol “OCFC”) and Two RiverPartners (trading symbol “TRCB”“PTRS”).

Two RiverPartners will hold a special meeting of its shareholdersstockholders in connection with the Transactions.mergers. At the Partners special meeting, Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders will be asked to vote to approve the merger agreement, and the transactions contemplated thereby, and related matters as described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. Under New JerseyMaryland law, approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of at least a majoritytwo-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

The special meeting is scheduled towill be completely virtual and held online via live webcast at [●] Eastern Time, on [●], 2019 at [●], at [●] local time.2022. No physical meeting will be held.

The Two River board of directors of Partners unanimously recommends that Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders vote “FOR” the approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, and “FOR” the other proposals to be considered at the special meeting.

The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus describes the special meeting, the Transactions,mergers, the documents related to the Transactionsmergers and other related matters. Please carefully read the entire accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, including “Risk Factors,” beginning on page [], for a discussion of the risks relating to the Transactions. mergers. You also can obtain information about OceanFirst from documents that it has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

LOGOLOGO

Christopher D. Maher

President and Chief Executive Officer

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

  

William D. Moss
Chairman of the Board,Lloyd B. Harrison

President and Chief Executive Officer

Two RiverPartners Bancorp

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 the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal 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 Two River,Partners, and they are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

The date of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus is [●], 20192022 and it is first being mailed or otherwise delivered to the shareholders of Two RiverPartners stockholders on or about [●], 2019.2022.


LOGOLOGO

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS

To Two River Shareholders:Partners Stockholders:

A virtual special meeting of the shareholdersstockholders of Two RiverPartners Bancorp, or Two River,Partners, is scheduled to be held online via live webcast at [●] local time,Eastern Time, on [●], 2019, at [●]2022 to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 

 1.

A proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 9, 2019,November 4, 2021, by and among OceanFirst, Merger Submerger sub and Two River,Partners, and the transactions contemplated by that agreement, pursuant to which Merger Submerger sub will merge with and into Two River,Partners, as more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus (we refer to proposal 1 as the “merger proposal”);

 

 2.

A proposal to approve, on an advisory(non-binding) basis, the compensation that certain executive officers of Two RiverPartners may receive in connection with the Transactionsmergers pursuant to existing agreements or arrangements with Two RiverPartners (we refer to proposal 2 as the “compensation proposal”); and

 

 3.

A proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the merger proposal (we refer to proposal 3 as the “adjournment proposal”).

We have fixed the close of business on [●], 20192022 as the record date for the special meeting. Only Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders of record as of thethis record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting, or any adjournment of the special meeting. Under New JerseyMaryland law, approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majoritytwo-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. Approval of the compensation proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. The adjournment proposal will be approved if the majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting vote in favor of such proposal.

Our board of directors has unanimously approved the Agreement and Plan of Merger, has determined that such agreement and the transactions contemplated by such agreement, including the first-step merger, are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Two RiverPartners and its shareholders,stockholders, and unanimously recommends that shareholdersstockholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, “FOR” the compensation proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

Your vote is very important.important. We cannot complete the first-step merger unless the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders approve the merger proposal.

Our priority remains the safety of our stockholders, employees and community. In response to the public health concerns regarding the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the special meeting will be a virtual meeting held on the Internet. There will be no physical location for the special meeting. Partners stockholders will be able to attend the special meeting online, and, with a control number, vote shares electronically and submit questions during the special meeting by visiting [●] at the meeting date and time. The password for the special meeting is [●], which is also included on your proxy card. If you plan to attend the special meeting online, please see the instructions on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus under the heading “The Partners Special Meeting.”

Regardless of whether you plan to attend the virtual special meeting, please vote as soon as possible. If you hold shares of Two RiverPartners common stock in your name as a shareholderstockholder of record of Two River,Partners, please complete, sign, date and return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope. You may also vote by telephone or through the Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card. If you hold your shares of Two RiverPartners common stock in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished by the record holder.


The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus provides a detailed description of the special meeting, the Transactions,mergers, the documents related to the Transactionsmergers and other related matters. We urge you to read the proxy statement/prospectus, including any documents incorporated in the proxy statement/prospectus by reference, and its annexes carefully and in their entirety.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Betsy J. Eicher, CPA

Corporate Secretary

LOGO

William D. Moss

Chairman of the Board,

President and Chief Executive Officer

Two RiverPartners Bancorp


REFERENCES TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners 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 proxy statement/prospectus. You can obtain any of the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by OceanFirst and/or Two RiverPartners 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 proxy statement/prospectus, at no cost by contacting the applicable company at the following address:

 

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

110 West Front Street

Red Bank, New Jersey 07701

(732)240-4500

 

Two RiverPartners Bancorp

766 Shrewsbury Avenue2245 Northwood Drive

Tinton Falls, NJ 07724Salisbury, Maryland 21801

(732)(410) 389-8722548-1100

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 the special meeting. This means that Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders requesting documents must do so by [], 2019,2022 in order to receive them before the 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 [●], 2019,2022 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 Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders nor the issuance by OceanFirst of shares of OceanFirst common stock in connection with the Transactionsfirst-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 Two River(i) Partners has been provided by Two RiverPartners and information contained in this document regarding(ii) OceanFirst has been provided by OceanFirst.

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


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

   1 

SUMMARY

   89 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF OCEANFIRST

   17 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF TWO RIVER

19

RISK FACTORS

   2119 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   2825 

THE TWO RIVERPARTNERS SPECIAL MEETING

   2926 

Date, Time and Place of the Special Meeting

   2926 

Matters to Be Considered

   2926 

Recommendation of the Two RiverPartners Board

   29

Record Date and Quorum

2926 

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

   3027 

Shares Held by Officers and Directors

   3027 

Voting of Proxies; Incomplete Proxies

   3128 

Shares Held in “Street Name”

   3128 

Revocability of Proxies and Changes to a Two River Shareholder’sPartners Stockholder’s Vote

   3129 

Solicitation of Proxies

   3229 

Attending and Participating in the Special Meeting

29

Registration for the Special Meeting

30

Questions

30

Technical Support

30

Assistance

31

PARTNERS PROPOSALS

   32 

AssistanceProposal No. 1 – The Merger Proposal

   32 

TWO RIVER PROPOSALS

33

Proposal No. 1 — The Merger Proposal

33

Proposal No. 2 The Compensation Proposal

   3332 

Proposal No. 3 The Adjournment Proposal

   33 

INFORMATION ABOUT OCEANFIRST

   3534 

INFORMATION ABOUT MERGER SUB

   3635 

INFORMATION ABOUT TWO RIVER BANCORPPARTNERS

36

THE MERGERS

   37 

THE TRANSACTIONSStructure of the Mergers

   38

Structure of the Transactions

3837 

Background of the TransactionsMergers

   3837 

Two River’sPartners’ Reasons for the Transactions;Mergers; Recommendation of the Two RiverPartners Board

   42 

Opinion of Two River’sPartners’ Financial Advisor

   45 

OceanFirst’s Reasons for the TransactionsMergers

   57

Interests of Two River’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transactions

58

Trading Markets

64

Dividend Policy

6456 

 

i


Interests of Partners’ Directors and Executive Officers in the Mergers

57

Trading Markets

65

Dividend Policy

65

No Dissenters’ Rights

   6465 

Regulatory Approvals Required for the TransactionsMergers

   65 

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

   67 

Structure of the TransactionsMergers

   67 

Merger Consideration

   67 

Fractional Shares

   67 

Governing DocumentsDocuments; Directors and Officers

   67 

Governance Matters

68

Treatment of Partners Equity-Based Awards

   68 

Closing and Effective Time

   68 

Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates

   6968 

Representations and Warranties

   6970 

Covenants and Agreements

   7273 

Two River ShareholderPartners Stockholder Meeting and Recommendation of the Two RiverPartners Board

   79 

Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers

   80 

Conditions to Complete the Integrated Mergers

   8182 

Termination of the Merger Agreement

   8283 

Effect of Termination

   84 

Termination Fee

   84 

Expenses and Fees

   85 

Amendment, Waiver and Extension of the Merger Agreement

   85 

Two RiverPartners Voting and Support Agreements

   85 

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

   86 

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

   87 

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF OCEANFIRST

   90 

Authorized Capital Stock

   90 

Common Stock

   90 

Preferred Stock

   91 

Depositary Shares

98

COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

   93100 

COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS

   106111 

ii


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OF TWO RIVERPARTNERS

   107112 

LEGAL MATTERS

   109113 

EXPERTS

   109113 

DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

   110

Two River

110114 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

   111115 

ii


ANNEXES

 

A.

  Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 9, 2019,as of November 4, 2021, by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp., HammerheadCoastal Merger Sub Corp. and Two RiverPartners Bancorp  A-1    

B.

  Form of Voting and Support Agreement with Certain Two River Shareholdersby and among OceanFirst Financial Corp. and directors and officers of Partners Bancorp  B-1    

C.

  Opinion of BoenningPiper Sandler & Scattergood, Inc.Co., dated as of November 3, 2021, to the Board of Directors of Partners Bancorp  C-1    

 

iii


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are some questions that you, as a holder of Two River common stock (which we refer to as a “Two River shareholder”),Partners stockholder, may have about the Transactionsmergers or the special meeting and brief answers to those questions. We urge you to read carefully all of this 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 Transactionsmergers or the special meeting. For details about where you can find additional important information, please see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [].

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this proxy statement/prospectus to (i) “OceanFirst” refer to OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, and references to “Two River”(ii) “OceanFirst Bank” refer to Two RiverOceanFirst Bank, National Association, (iii) “merger sub” refer to Coastal Merger Sub Corp., a Maryland corporation, (iv) “Partners” refer to Partners Bancorp, a New JerseyMaryland corporation, and its subsidiaries.subsidiaries, (v) “Delmarva Bank” refer to The Bank of Delmarva, a Delaware chartered member bank, and (vi) “Virginia Partners Bank” refer to Virginia Partners Bank, a Virginia chartered member bank.

Q: What are the Transactions?mergers?

A: On November 4, 2021, OceanFirst, Hammerhead Merger Sub Corp., a New Jersey corporation and wholly-owned subsidiarythe parent company of OceanFirst (which we refer to as “Merger Sub”), and Two RiverBank, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger on August 9, 2019 (which we refer to as the “merger agreement”), with Partners, the parent company of Delmarva Bank and Virginia Partners Bank, and merger sub, which, among other things, provides for the strategic acquisition by OceanFirst of Two River by OceanFirst.Partners.

UnderPursuant to the terms ofand subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement:

 

Merger Subsub will merge with and into Two River, with Two River continuing as the surviving corporation in such merger and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirstPartners (which we refer to as the “first-step merger”).

Immediately following the completion of the first-step merger, Two River,, with Partners as the surviving corporation in the first-step merger 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 being the surviving corporation (which we refer to as the “surviving corporation”).a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst;

 

Immediately following the completioneffective time of the first-step merger, Partners will merge with and into OceanFirst, with OceanFirst as the surviving corporation (which, together with the first-step merger, we refer to as the “integrated mergers”);

Immediately following the consummation of the integrated mergers, Two River CommunityDelmarva Bank a New Jersey charterednon-member bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Two River (which we refer to as “Two River Bank”), will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, National Association, a national banking association and wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst (which we refer to as “OceanFirst Bank”), with OceanFirst Bank beingas the surviving bank (which we refer to as the “bank“Delmarva Bank merger”); and

Immediately following the effective time of the Delmarva Bank merger, Virginia Partners Bank will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank as the surviving bank (which we refer to as the “Virginia Partners Bank merger” and the Virginia Partners Bank merger, together with the Delmarva Bank merger, we refer to as the “bank mergers” and the bank mergers, together with the integrated mergers, which we refer to as the “Transactions”“mergers”).

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

The integrated mergers cannot be completed unless, among other things, the holders of theshares of common stock, no par value $0.01 per share, of Two RiverPartners (which we refer to as the “Two River“Partners common stock” and the holders of which we refer to as “Partners stockholders”) approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by thatthe merger agreement, including the first-step merger, by an affirmative vote of at least a majoritytwo-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting of Partners stockholders (which we refer to as the “special meeting”) by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

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

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

A: We are delivering this document to you because it is a proxy statement being used by the Two RiverPartners board of directors (which we refer to as the “Two River“Partners board”) to solicit proxies from the shareholders of Two RiverPartners stockholders in connection with approval of the merger agreement, and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the first-step merger, and related matters.matters as described in this proxy statement/prospectus.

In order to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,by the merger agreement, including the first-step merger, Two RiverPartners has called a special meeting of the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders (which we refer to as the “special meeting”). This document also serves as a notice of the special meeting and describes the proposals to be presented at the special meeting.

In addition, thisThis document is also a prospectus of OceanFirst that is being delivered to Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders because OceanFirst is offering portions of shares of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of OceanFirst (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst common stock”) to Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders as a portion of the consideration in the first-step merger.

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

Q: In addition to the approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by thatthe merger agreement, including the first-step merger, what else are Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders being asked to vote on at the special meeting?

A: In addition to the proposal to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,by the merger agreement, including the first-step merger (which we refer to as the “merger proposal”), Two RiverPartners is soliciting proxies from its shareholdersstockholders with respect to (i) a proposal to approve, on an advisory(non-binding) basis, the compensation that certain executive officers of Two RiverPartners may receive in connection with the first-step merger pursuant to agreements or arrangements with Two RiverPartners (which we refer to as the “compensation proposal”) and (ii) a proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the merger proposal (which we refer to as the “adjournment proposal”). Completion of the integrated mergers is not conditioned upon approval of the compensation proposal or the adjournment proposal.

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

A: If the first-step merger is completed, each outstanding share of Two RiverPartners common stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the first-step merger (which we refer to as the “effective time”), except for shares of Two RiverPartners common stock heldowned by Two RiverPartners as treasury shares, or held by Two River, any subsidiary of Two River, OceanFirst or any subsidiary of Partners or OceanFirst (other than any such shares held in employee benefit plans or related trust accounts,account, managed accounts, mutual funds, or otherwise held in anya fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debt previously contracted) (which we refer to as the “exception shares”), will be converted into the right to receive $5.375either:

(i)

0.4512 shares of OceanFirst common stock (such number being referred to as the “exchange ratio” and such shares being referred to as “stock consideration); or

(ii)

$10.00 in cash, without interest (which we refer to as the “cash consideration”), and 0.6663 shares (such number being referred to as the “exchange ratio” and such shares being referred to as “stock consideration” and together with the cash (which we refer to as the “cash consideration” and together with the stock consideration, the “merger consideration”).

Holders of Partners common stock will have the right to elect to receive the cash consideration or the stock consideration, subject to a maximum of forty percent (40%) of the shares of Partners common stock being convertible into cash. No fractional shares, if any, of OceanFirst common stock togetherwill be issued in connection with cash in lieu of fractional shares. OceanFirst will not issue any fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock in the first-step merger. Two River shareholdersAny Partners stockholders 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) 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 volume-weighted average trading price (which we refer to as “VWAP”) per share of OceanFirst common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (which we refer to as the “Nasdaq”) (as reported by Bloomberg L.P.The Wall Street Journal) for the five full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the closing of the Transactions.mergers.

Q: Will the Partners stockholders receive the form of consideration they elect?

A: If a Partners stockholder elects to receive the cash consideration in respect of any shares of Partners common stock held by such Partners stockholder, then such Partners stockholder may not receive the form of consideration that such Partners stockholder elects in the first-step merger for all the shares of Partners common for which a cash election was made. The allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement will result, regardless of the elections made, in no greater than forty percent (40%) of the shares of Partners common stock being convertible into cash. Pursuant to the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement, if the number of shares of Partners 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. The allocation of the consideration payable to the Partners stockholders in the first-step merger will not be known until the results of the merger consideration elections made by the Partners stockholders are tallied, which will not occur until near or after the closing of the mergers. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement—Merger Consideration” beginning on page [●].

Q: How will Partners stockholders 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 Partners common stock as of the business day immediately preceding the date on which the election forms are mailed. The mailing will occur at least twenty (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 Partners agree is as near as practicable to two (2) business days before the closing date. OceanFirst will also make an election form available to each Partners stockholder who, following the date on which the election forms are initially mailed but prior to the election deadline, requests such election form. Each Partners stockholder should complete and return the election form, along with any Partners 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 Partners stockholders under separate cover and is not being provided with this document.

If you own shares of Partners 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 Partners stockholder does not make a valid election to receive either the cash consideration or the stock consideration?

A: If a Partners stockholder does not return a properly completed election form by the election deadline specified in the election form, such shares of Partners common stock for which no election was properly made will be (i) considered “non-election” shares and (ii) converted into the right to receive the cash consideration, subject to (x) a maximum of forty percent (40%) of the shares of Partners common stock being convertible into cash and (y) the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement.

Q: How will the first-step merger affect Two RiverPartners equity awards?

A: The Two RiverPartners equity awards will be affected as follows:

Stock OptionsOptions: : At the effective time, of the first-step merger (which we refer to as the “effective time”), each outstanding and unexercised option to purchase shares of Two RiverPartners common stock granted under the Two River Bancorp 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (which we refer to as the “Two RiverPartners equity plan”),plan, whether vested or unvested (which we refer to as “stock options”), will be canceled, extinguished and exchanged into the right to receive an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the product of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock issuable upon exercise of such stock option and (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) the cash consideration and (B) the product of the exchange ratio and the VWAP of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq for the five full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the closing of the integrated mergers,$10.00 over (ii) theper-share per share exercise price of such stock option.

Restricted StockStock:: Upon approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the Two River shareholders at the special meeting, pursuant to the terms of the Two River equity plan, each restricted stock granted by Two River in respect of shares of Two River common stock that is granted under the Two River equity plan and is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (which we refer to as shares of “restricted stock”) will become fully vested and the restrictions thereon will lapse. At the effective time, each holder of a vested share of restricted stock of Partners granted under Partners’ equity plans or otherwise will be entitledcanceled, extinguished and exchanged into the right to receive an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the per share merger consideration in exchange forproduct of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Partners common stock subject to such sharerestricted stock multiplied by (b) $10.00. In addition, with respect to shares of restricted stock.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Effective asstock of October 15, 2019, Two River will terminatePartners that vested on an accelerated basis during 2021 in connection with the Two River Bancorp Employee Stock Purchase Plan (which we refermerger agreement, the holders of such shares have agreed to as the “ESPP”), pursuantsubmit a cash election with respect to which eligible employees could purchase Two River common stock through payroll deductions.these shares.

Q: Will the value of the merger consideration change between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the time that the first-step merger is completed?completed (which we refer to as the “closing date”)?

A: Yes. BecauseAlthough the exchange ratio isin respect of the stock consideration and the cash consideration are fixed, the value of the stock portionconsideration (and, therefore, the aggregate value of the merger considerationconsideration) will fluctuate between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the closing date becauseeffective time with fluctuations in the market value forprice of OceanFirst common stock and will fluctuate. The cash consideration is fixed.not be known at the time Partners stockholders vote on the first-step merger.

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

A: The Two RiverPartners board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the merger proposal, “FOR” the compensation proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

Q: When and where is the special meeting?

A: TheA virtual special meeting of Partners stockholders is scheduled to be held online via live webcast at [●] Eastern Time, on [●], 2019, at [●] local time.2022. No physical meeting will be held.

Q: What do I need to do now?

A: After you have carefully read this entire proxy statement/prospectus and have decided how you wish to vote your shares of Two RiverPartners common stock, please vote your shares of Partners common stock promptly so that your shares of Partners common stock are represented and voted at the special meeting. If you hold your shares of Two RiverPartners common stock in your name as a shareholderstockholder of record, you must complete, sign, date and mail your proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid return envelope as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may vote by telephone or through the Internet. Information and applicable deadlines for voting shares of Partners common stock by telephone or through the Internet are set forth in the enclosed proxy card instructions. If you hold your shares of Partners common stock in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, you must direct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote in accordance with the instructions you have received from your bank, broker or other nominee. “Street name” shareholdersPartners stockholders who wish to vote in person at the special meeting will need to obtain a legal proxy from the institution or record holder that holds their shares.

Q: What constitutes a quorum for the special meeting?

A: The presence at the special meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders of shares of Two River common stockPartners stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes at the special meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the special meeting.

Virtual attendance at the special meeting constitutes “in person” attendance for purposes of establishing a quorum. Once a share of Partners common stock is represented for any purpose at the special meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the special meeting or any adjournment of the special meeting.

Abstentions, if any, will be included in determining the number of shares of Partners common stock present at the meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. Brokernon-votes, if any, will not be included in determining the number of shares of Partners common stock present at the meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum because it is expected that all proposals to be voted on at the special meeting will be“non-routine” matters (i.e., matters with respect to which banks, brokers or other nominees do not have discretion to vote shares of Two RiverPartners common stock, as discussed in more detail below under the question “What is a brokernon-vote?”).

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

A: The merger proposal:

 

  

StandardStandard:: Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majoritytwo-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

 

  

Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votesnon-votes:: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote with respect to the merger proposal, it will have nothe same effect on theas a vote with respect to“AGAINST” the merger proposal.

The compensation proposal:

 

  

StandardStandard:: Approval of the compensation proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

 

  

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

The adjournment proposal:

 

  

StandardStandard:: The adjournment proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting vote in favor of such proposal.

 

  

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

Q: Why is my vote important?

A: If you do not vote, or fail to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote, it will be more difficult for Two RiverPartners to obtain (i) the necessary quorum to hold the special meeting.meeting and (ii) the vote to approve the merger proposal. If you are a Two River shareholder,Partners stockholder, your failure to submit a proxy or vote in person, or failure to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote, or your abstention with respect to the merger proposal, will not be countedhave the same effect as a vote cast and will have no“AGAINST” the merger proposal. Approval of the merger proposal requires the

effect on the approval of such proposal, even though such approval is a condition to the completion of the integrated mergers. The merger proposal must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majoritytwo-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. The Two RiverPartners board unanimously recommends that shareholdersPartners stockholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, “FOR” the compensation proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

Q: What is a brokernon-vote?

A: A brokernon-vote occurs when a bank, broker or other nominee is not permitted to vote without instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares and the beneficial owner fails to provide the bank, broker or other nominee with such instructions. Banks, brokers and other nominees may use their discretion to vote “uninstructed” shares (i.e., shares of record held by banks, brokers or other nominees, but with respect to which the beneficial owner of such shares has not provided instructions on how to vote on a particular proposal) with respect to matters that are considered to be “routine,” but not with respect to“non-routine” matters.

All of the proposals currently scheduled for consideration at the special meeting are“non-routine” matters. If your bank, broker or other nominee holds your shares of Two RiverPartners common stock in “street name,” such entity will vote your shares of Two RiverPartners common stock only if you provide instructions on how to vote by complying with the voter instruction form sent to you by your bank, broker or other nominee with this proxy statement/prospectus.

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

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

Q: Can I attend the special meeting and vote my shares of Two RiverPartners common stock in person?

A: Yes. All Two River shareholders,Partners stockholders, including shareholdersstockholders of record and shareholdersstockholders who hold their shares “in streetin “street name” through banks, brokers or other nominees, are invited to attend the special meeting. HoldersPartners stockholders of record of Two River common stock can vote in person at the special meeting. If you are not a Two River shareholderPartners stockholder of record, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the record holder of your shares of Two RiverPartners common stock, such as a broker, bank or other nominee, to be able to vote in person at the special meeting. The use of cameras, sound recording equipment, communications devices or any similar equipment during the special meeting is prohibited.

Q: Can I change my vote?

A: Yes. If you are a holder of record of Two RiverPartners common stock, you may change your vote or revoke any proxy at any time before it is voted at the special meeting by any of the following methods: (i) signing and returning a proxy with a later date, (ii) delivering a written revocation notice to Two River’sPartners’ corporate secretary or (iii) voting by telephone or through the Internet prior to midnight on [●], 2019.2022. Attendance at the virtual special meeting by itself(by itself) will not automatically revoke your proxy. A revocation or later-dated proxy received by Two RiverPartners after the vote will not affect the vote. Two River’sPartners’ corporate secretary’s mailing address is: Betsy J. Eicher, Corporate Secretary, Two RiverPartners Bancorp, 766 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07724.2245 Northwood Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21801.

If you hold your shares of Two RiverPartners common stock in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, you must contact your bank, broker or other nominee to change your vote or revoke your proxy.

Q: What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the integrated mergers to Two River shareholders?Partners stockholders?

A: The parties expect the integrated mergers will be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifiesto qualify 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”), and the

obligation of each of OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners to complete the integrated mergers is conditioned upon the receipt of an opinion of its counsel to that effect. Neither OceanFirst nor Two RiverPartners currently intends to waive these conditions. Assuming that the integrated mergers are treated as an integrated transaction that qualifiesqualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, Two River shareholders will generally 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 Partners stockholder will vary depending on whether such Partners stockholder receives cash, shares of OceanFirst common stock or a combination thereof in exchange for such Partners stockholder’s shares of Partners common stock pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences described above may not apply to all holders of Two River common stock.Partners stockholders. You should read the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” beginning on page [●] for a more detailed discussion of the U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to 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 Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders entitled to dissenters’ rights?

A: No. Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders are not entitled to exercise dissenters’ rights in connection with the Transactions.first-step merger. For further information, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled The TransactionsMergers — No Dissenters’ RightsRights” beginning on page [●].

Q: If I am a Two River shareholder,Partners stockholder, should I send in my Two RiverPartners stock certificates now?

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

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

A: Promptly following the completion of the first-step merger, an exchange agent will send you instructions for exchanging Two River common stock held in book-entry form for the merger consideration. Seethis proxy statement/prospectus entitledThe Merger Agreement — Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates” beginning on page [●].

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

A: You are not required to take any special additional actions if your shares of Partners common stock are held in book-entry form. Promptly following the completion of the first-step merger, an exchange agent will send you instructions for exchanging Partners common stock held in book-entry form for the applicable merger consideration.

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

A: If the first-step merger is not completed, Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders will not receive any consideration for their shares of Partners common stock in connection with the first-step merger. Instead, Two RiverPartners will remain an independent company and itsPartners common stock will continue to be listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “TRCB.”“PTRS”. In addition, if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, Two RiverPartners may be required to pay OceanFirst a termination fee. For a more detailed discussion of the circumstances under which the termination fee will be required to be paid, please see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Termination Fee” beginning on page [●].

Q: What happens if I sell my shares of Two RiverPartners common stock after the record date but before the special meeting?

A: The record date of the special meeting is earlier than both the date of the special meeting and the date that the first-step merger is expected to be completed. If you sell or otherwise transfer your shares of Partners common stock after the record date for the

special meeting but before the date of the special meeting, you will retain your right to vote at the special meeting, but you will not have the right to receive the merger consideration to be

received by shareholders of Two RiverPartners stockholders in the first-step merger. In order to receive the merger consideration, a Two River shareholderPartners stockholder must hold his, her or its shares of Partners common stock through completion of the first-step merger and comply with the transmittal procedures discussed elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.

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

A: If you are unable to locate your original Two RiverPartners stock certificate(s) prior to closing, you should contact Computershare, Two River’sPartners’ transfer agent, Computershare, at (781)(800) 575-4223.368-5948.

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

A: Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement/prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold shares of Two RiverPartners 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.shares of Partners common stock. If you are a holder of record of Two RiverPartners common stock and your shares of Partners common stock are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. 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 proxy statement/prospectus to ensure that you vote every share of Two RiverPartners common stock that you own.

Q: When do you expect to complete the Transactions?mergers?

A: OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners currently expect to complete the Transactionsmergers in the first quarterhalf of 2020.2022. However, neither OceanFirst nor Two RiverPartners can assure you of when, or if, the Transactionsmergers will be completed. The completion of the Transactionsmergers is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of the requisite vote of the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders in respect of the merger proposal and the receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals.

Q: Whom should I call with questions?

A: Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders who (i) have questions concerning the Transactionsmerger agreement, the mergers or this proxy statement/prospectus, (ii) would like additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or (iii) need help voting their shares of Two RiverPartners common stock, should contact Two River’sPartners’ proxy solicitor, Regan & Associates, Inc. at (800)737-3426.(212) 587-3005..

SUMMARY

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

In the First-Step Merger, Two River ShareholdersPartners Stockholders will be Entitled to Receive the Merger Consideration (page [])

OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners are proposing a strategic merger. If the first-step merger is completed, each outstanding share of Two RiverPartners common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time, except for theany exception shares (which will be canceled and retired for no consideration in accordance with the merger agreement), will be converted into the right to receive, $5.375 in cash, without interest, and 0.6663 sharesat the election of OceanFirst common stock. OceanFirst will not issue any fractionalPartners stockholders, either (i) 0.4512 shares of OceanFirst common stock or (ii) $10.00 in cash, without interest, in each case, subject to (x) a maximum of forty percent (40%) of the first-step merger. Two River shareholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractionshares of a sharePartners common stock being convertible into cash and (y) the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. No fractional shares, if any, of OceanFirst common stock upon the completion ofwill be issued in connection with 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 VWAP per share of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq (as reported by Bloomberg L.P.) for the five full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the closing date of the Transactions.merger.

OceanFirst common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “OCFC” and Two RiverPartners common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “TRCB.”“PTRS”. The following table shows the closing prices of OceanFirst common stock and Two RiverPartners common stock, as reported on the Nasdaq, on August 8, 2019,November 3, 2021, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the Transactions,mergers, and on [●], 2019,2022 the latest practicable trading day before the printing of this proxy statement/prospectus. This table also shows the implied value of the mergerstock consideration payable for each share of Two RiverPartners common stock, which was calculated by multiplying the closing priceexchange ratio by the value of a share of OceanFirst common stock on those dates by the exchange ratio of 0.6663 and then adding the cash consideration of $5.375.applicable date.

 

   OceanFirst
Common Stock
   Two River
Common Stock
   Implied Value of
Merger Consideration
 

August 8, 2019

  $23.14   $13.53   $20.79 

[●], 2019

  $[●]   $[●]   $[●] 
   OceanFirst
Common
Stock
   Partners
Common
Stock
   Implied Value of
the Stock
Consideration
 

November 3, 2021

  $23.21   $8.64   $10.47 

[●], 2022

  $[●]   $[●]   $[●] 

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

The Two RiverPartners Board Unanimously Recommends that Two River ShareholdersPartners Stockholders Vote “FOR” the Merger Proposal, “FOR” the Compensation Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal Presented at the Special Meeting (page [])

The Two RiverPartners board has (i) determined that the merger agreement and the transactionsmergers contemplated by the merger agreement, including the first-step merger, are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Two RiverPartners and its shareholders and has unanimouslyPartners’ stockholders, (ii) approved the merger agreement. The Two River boardagreement and (iii) unanimously recommendsrecommended that Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, “FOR” the compensation proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal presented at the special meeting. For the factors considered by the Two RiverPartners board in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, see the section of this proxy statement/



prospectus entitled “The TransactionsMergers Two River’sPartners’ Reasons for the Transactions;Mergers; Recommendation of the Two RiverPartners Board” beginning on page [●].

Each of Two River’sPartners’ directors, and executive officers, solely in his or her capacity as a Two River shareholder,Partners stockholder, has entered into a separate voting and support agreement with OceanFirst (which we refer to as the “support agreements”), pursuant to which, among other things, each such director and executive officerPartners stockholder has agreed to vote in favor of the merger proposal and certain related matters and against alternative transactions.merger proposals. A form of these support agreements is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex B. For more information regarding the support agreements, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Two RiverPartners Voting and Support Agreements” beginning on page [●].

Opinion of Two River’sPartners’ Financial Advisor (page [] andAnnex C)C)

On August 8, 2019, BoenningNovember 3, 2021, Piper Sandler & Scattergood, Inc.Co. (which we refer to as “Boenning”“Piper Sandler”) rendered its written opinion to the Two RiverPartners board to the effect 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 forth in the opinion, the merger consideration in the integrated mergers was fair, from a financial point of view, to Two Riverholders of Partners’ common shareholders.stock. The full text of the BoenningPiper Sandler 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 C. Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety. Boenning’sPiper Sandler’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 BoenningPiper Sandler as of the date of, Boenning’sPiper Sandler’s opinion. The BoenningPiper Sandler written opinion is addressed to the Two RiverPartners board, is directed only to the fairness of the merger consideration to Two River’s shareholdersholders of Partners’ common stock from a financial point of view, and does not constitute a recommendation as to how any Two River shareholderPartners stockholder should vote with respect to the merger proposal or any other proposals presented at the special meeting.

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

Holders of Two RiverPartners equity awards will be entitled to receive the following:

Stock Options: At the effective time, holders ofeach Partners’ stock optionsoption granted will be entitledcanceled, extinguished and exchanged into the right to receive in exchange for such cancelled stock options an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the product of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock issuable upon exercise of such stock option and (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) the cash consideration and (B) the product of the exchange ratio and the VWAP of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq for the five full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the closing of the integrated mergers,$10.00 over (ii) theper-share per share exercise price of such stock option. Payment will be made as promptly as practicable after the effective time through payroll of OceanFirst or any of its subsidiaries, for holders of stock options who are current or former employees of Two River or any of its subsidiaries, and pursuant to an exchange agent process, as discussed in more detail below under “The Merger Agreement — Treatment of Two River Equity-Based Awards,” for holders of stock options who are Two River directors.

Restricted Stock: Upon approval ofAt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the Two River shareholders at the special meeting,effective time, each share of restricted stock of Partners granted under Partners’ equity plans or otherwise will become fully vestedbe canceled, extinguished and exchanged into the restrictions thereon will lapse. Atright to receive an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the effective time, each holderproduct of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Partners common stock subject to such vestedrestricted stock multiplied by (b) $10.00. In addition, with respect to shares of restricted stock will be entitledof Partners that vested on an accelerated basis during 2021 in connection with the merger agreement, the holders of such shares have agreed to receive the per share merger consideration in exchange for such vested shares of restricted stock as promptly as practicable after the effective time.submit a cash election with respect to these shares.

The Special Meeting is Scheduled to be Held on [], 2019 (page [])



TheA virtual special meeting of the stockholders of Partners is scheduled to be held online via live webcast at [●] Eastern Time, on [●], 2019, at [●] local time, at [●].2022. No physical meeting will be held. At the special meeting, Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders will be asked to approve the merger proposal, the compensation proposal and the adjournment proposal.

Only holders of record of Two RiverPartners common stock at the close of business on [●], 20192022 (which we refer to as the “record date”), will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. Each share of Two RiverPartners common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal to be considered at the special meeting. As of the record date, there were [●] shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

As of the close of business on the record date, Two River’sPartners’ directors and executive officers and their affiliates were entitled to vote an aggregate of [●] shares of Two RiverPartners common stock at the special meeting, which represents approximately [●]% of the issued and outstanding shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. In addition, as described in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management of Two RiverPartners” as of the close of business on the record date, Two River’sPartners’ directors and executive officers and their affiliates beneficially owned an aggregate of [●] shares of Two RiverPartners common stock, representing approximately [●]% of the issued and outstanding shares of Two RiverPartners common stock.

Under the New Jersey BusinessMaryland General Corporation ActLaw (which we refer to as the “NJBCA”“MGCL”), approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of at least a majoritytwo-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote with respect to the merger proposal, it will have nothe same effect on theas a vote with respect to“AGAINST” the merger proposal.

The compensation proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy or fail to vote in person at the special meeting, or if you fail to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote with respect to the compensation proposal, it will have no effect on the vote with respect to the compensation proposal.

The adjournment proposal will be approved if the majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting vote 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 special meeting, or if you fail to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote with respect to the adjournment proposal, it will have no effect on the vote with respect to the adjournment proposal.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations (page [])

The parties expect the integrated mergers will be treated as an integrated transaction that qualifiesto qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and the obligation of each of OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners to complete the integrated mergers is conditioned upon the receipt of an opinion of its counsel to that effect. Neither OceanFirst nor Two RiverPartners currently intends to waive these conditions. Assuming that the integrated mergers are treated as an integrated transaction that qualifiesqualify as a reorganization, Two River shareholders will generally 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 Partners stockholder will vary depending on whether such Partners stockholder receives cash, shares of OceanFirst common stock or a combination thereof in exchange for such Partners stockholders’ shares of Partners common stock pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences described above may not apply to all holders of Two River common stock.Partners stockholders. You should read the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “U.S. Federal Income TaxConsiderations” beginning on page [●] for a more detailed discussion of the U.S. federal income tax



considerations relating to 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.

Two River’sPartners’ Directors and Executive Officers Have Interests in the TransactionsMergers that May Differ from Your Interests (page [])

In considering the recommendation of the Two River board to approve the merger proposal, Two River shareholders should be aware thatPartners’ directors and executive officers and directors of Two River may have employment and other compensation agreements or participate in plans that give them interests in the Transactionsmergers that aremay be different from, or in addition to, theirthe interests as Two River shareholders. The Two River board was aware of these circumstances at the time it approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by that agreement. These interests include:Partners stockholders generally, including in summary:

 

The option awards that Two River has made to certain of its executive officers and directors: At the effective time, each vestedoutstanding and unvestedunexercised stock option granted by Partners to certain of its directors and executive officers under the Partners equity plans, whether vested or unvested, will be canceled, extinguished and automatically exchanged into the right to receive an amount ofa cash payment (without interest) equal to the product of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock issuable upon exercise of such stock option and (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) the cash consideration and (B) the product of the exchange ratio and the VWAP of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq for the five full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the closing of the integrated mergers,$10.00 over (ii) theper-share exercise price of such stock option;option, less applicable tax withholdings.

 

The awards of restricted stock that Two River has made to certain of itsCertain executive officers and directors: Upon approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the Two River shareholders at the special meeting, each share of restricted stock will become fully vested and the restrictions thereon will lapse. At the effective time, each holder of a vested share of restricted stockPartners have entered into agreements with OceanFirst Bank that will be entitled to receive the per share merger consideration in exchange for such share;

The amendment to the employment agreement entered into with Two River Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, William D. Moss, to which OceanFirst Bank joined, which provides for Mr. Moss to be employed by OceanFirst for a one year period commencingeffective at the effective time and subjectwill supersede such executive officers’ current employment agreements with Partners or its subsidiaries and affiliates (as applicable). These employment agreements provide, respectively, that: (i) Lloyd Harrison’s employment with Partners and its subsidiaries and affiliates will terminate at the effective time and Mr. Harrison will serve as a consultant to Mr. Moss signing a release on or after the closing date, certain cash severanceOceanFirst andnon-compete payments; its subsidiaries; (ii) John Breda will be employed as Regional President of OceanFirst Bank; (iii) Adam Sothen will be employed as Divisional Controller of OceanFirst Bank; and (iv) Betsy J. Eicher will be employed as Divisional Controller of OceanFirst Bank.

 

The amendmentsMessrs. Harrison, Breda and Sothen and Ms. Eicher, as executive officers of Partners, will or may receive payments and benefits in connection with the integrated mergers pursuant to the change in control agreements that each has entered into with Two River executive officers A. Richard Abrahamian, Alan B. Turner and Anthony A. Mero, to which OceanFirst Bank joined, which provide for, subject to each of Mr. Abrahamian, Mr. Turnerthat will replace their respective current employment agreements with Partners and Mr. Mero, respectively signing a release on or afterthat will be effective at the closing date, certain cash severance andnon-compete payments;effective time.

 

The amendments to various agreementsIn connection with Two River’sVirginia Partners Bank’s Northern Virginia operations, certain individuals who currently serve in executive roles with Virginia Partners Bank (but do not serve as executive officers includingof Partners) have been granted incentive awards by the compensation committee of the Partners board comprised of shares of restricted stock and of cash. In addition, the compensation committee of the Partners board recommended, and the Partners board has approved, an award comprised of shares of restricted stock and of cash to Michael W. Clarke, a deferred compensation agreement entered intodirector of Partners and Virginia Partners Bank, for his service to Partners with Mr. Moss, and supplemental executive retirement agreements entered into with Messrs. Moss, Abrahamian, Turner and Mero, as well as amendmentsregard to Two River’s supplemental executive life insurance plans;the Northern Virginia operations of Virginia Partners Bank.

 

Indemnification ofOceanFirst has agreed to (i) indemnify each present and former officer, director or employee of Two RiverPartners and its subsidiaries, (ii) following the closing and payment forsubject to certain limitations, to advance expenses as incurred by such indemnified parties, and (iii) maintain directors’ and officers’ insurance by OceanFirst;for Partners, subject to certain exceptions, for six years following the mergers.

 

OceanFirst’s agreementOceanFirst has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause a member of Two River’s board to be appointed to the OceanFirst Foundation Board promptly following the effective time; and

The appointment ofappoint one member of the Two RiverPartners board to the OceanFirst board and the board of directors of OceanFirst Bank (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst Bank board”).Bank.



For a detailed discussionThe Partners board was aware of these interests seeand considered them, among other matters, in approving the merger agreement and the mergers and in determining to recommend to Partners stockholders that they vote to approve the merger proposal. These interests are described in more detail under the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The TransactionsMergers — Interests of Two RiversPartners’ Directors and Executive Officers in the TransactionsMergers” beginning on page [●].

Two River ShareholdersPartners Stockholders Are NOT Entitled to Assert Dissenters’ Rights (page [])

Under the NJBCA,MGCL, the holders of Two RiverPartners common stock will not have any dissenters’ rights with respect to the Transactions.mergers. For further information, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled The TransactionsMergers — No Dissenters’ Rights” beginning on page [●].

Completion of the Transactions;Mergers; Conditions thatThat Must beBe Fulfilled for theFor The Integrated Mergers toTo Occur (page [])

Currently, Two RiverPartners and OceanFirst expect to complete the integrated mergers in the first quarterhalf of 2020.2022. As more fully described in this 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:

 

the approval of the merger agreement by the requisite vote of Two River shareholders;the Partners stockholders;

 

the authorization for listing on the Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance, of the shares of OceanFirst common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement;

 

the receipt of requiredrequisite regulatory approvals or waivers, including the approval (or waiver of such approval requirement) offrom the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (which we refer to as the “FRB”) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (which we refer to as the “OCC”) and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods in respect of such approvals;thereof;

 

the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part;part with respect to the shares of 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) suspending the effectiveness of the S-4 registration statement;

 

(i) the absence of any order, injunction, or decree or other legal restraint or prohibition by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction preventing the completion of the integrated mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) no statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any governmental entity that prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the integrated mergers and (iii) no order or injunction is being sought by any governmental entity that would, if entered or enforced, prohibit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

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 shall 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 accuracyreceipt by each party of an officers’ certificate from the representations and warranties of OceanFirst and Two River in the merger agreement;other party to such effect); and

 

receipt by each of OceanFirst and Two Riversuch party of an opinion from itsof 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 to certain tax matters.an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

In addition, OceanFirst’s obligation to complete the integrated mergers is subject to the satisfaction or, where legally permissible, waiver of the following conditions:

 

the absence of a materially burdensome regulatory condition and no governmental entity indicating in writing (or informing both OceanFirst and Partners) that it will impose any materially burdensome regulatory condition; and

the performance in all respects by Two River of certain covenants and agreements related to its shareholder rights plan and the performance in all material respects by Two River of all other obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement.

In addition, Two River’sPartners’ obligation to complete the integrated mergers is subject to the satisfaction or, where legally permissible, waiver of the following condition:

 

the performance in all material respects by OceanFirst of itsall obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement.agreement at or prior to the closing (and the receipt by Partners of an officers’ certificate from the OceanFirst to such effect).



Neither Two RiverPartners 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 the effective timecompletion of the first-step merger under the following circumstances:

 

by mutual written consent, if the OceanFirst board and the Two RiverPartners board so determine;

 

by the OceanFirst board or the Two RiverPartners board if any (i) any governmental entity that must grant a requisite regulatory approval denies any requisite regulatory approval in connection with the Transactionsmergers and such denial has become final and nonappealable,non-appealable, (ii) any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction has issued a final and nonappealablenon-appealable order permanently enjoining, prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, or (iii) an application for a requisite regulatory approval has been withdrawn at the request of the applicable governmental entity unless (A) the approval of such governmental entityand is no longer necessary under applicable lawnot permitted to consummate the Transactions or (B) the party whose application was withdrawn intends to file, and such filing is made no later than the thirtieth day following the date of withdrawal, a new application, filing, certificate or notice with a governmental entity to obtain the necessary requisite regulatory approval,be resubmitted for 120 days, unless, in any such case of clause (i), (ii) or (iii), the failure to obtain a requisite regulatory approval isor the issuance of such order shall be due to the failure of the terminating party seeking to terminate the merger agreement to perform or observe its obligations under the merger agreement;covenants and agreements of such party;

 

by the OceanFirst board or the Two RiverPartners board if the closing has not occurred on or before May 31, 2020 (which we refer to as the “termination date”), which is May 31, 2020,November 4, 2022, unless the failure of the closing to occur 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 Two RiverPartners 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 breach or breaches (or failure or failures 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 closing condition of the terminating party and such breach or failure is not or cannot be cured within 45 days following written notice to thenon-terminating party, or such fewer days as remain prior to the termination date;

 

by the OceanFirst board, prior to the time that the merger proposal is approved by the requisite vote of the Two River shareholders,Partners stockholders, if the Two RiverPartners board (i) fails to recommend approval of the merger proposal or fails to include such recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus or withdraws, modifies or qualifies such recommendation in a manner adverse to OceanFirst or resolves to do so or fails to reaffirm such recommendation within two business days after OceanFirst requests in writing that such action be taken, (ii) fails to recommend against acceptance of a publicly disclosed tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding Two RiverPartners common stock (other than by OceanFirst or an affiliate of OceanFirst) within the ten business day period specified in Rule14e-2(a) undercommencing on the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which we refer to as the “Exchange Act”),date such tender offer or exchange offer is first publicly disclosed, (iii) recommends or endorses an acquisition proposal, or (iv) breaches certain obligations with respect to acquisition proposals or the calling and the holding a meeting of its shareholdersstockholders and recommending that Two River shareholdersthe Partners stockholders approve the merger agreement, in each case, in any material respect;

 

by Two River,Partners, following the special meeting (including any adjournments or postponements thereof) if Two RiverPartners (i) receives an acquisition proposal prior to such meeting, (ii) does not breach any of its obligations with respect to acquisition proposals or calling and holding a meeting of its stockholders and recommending that the Partners stockholders approve the merger agreement and (iii) fails to obtain the required vote of its stockholders at the special meeting; and



and holding a meeting of its shareholders and recommending that the Two River shareholders approve the merger agreement and (iii) fails to obtain the required vote of its shareholders at the special meeting; and

by OceanFirst, if the required vote of the Partners stockholders at the special meeting shall not have been obtained at the special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a vote on the adoption of the merger agreement was taken.

by Two River if both (1) the average closing price of OceanFirst common stock on the determination date (as defined in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement —Termination of the Merger Agreement”) is less than $19.36 and (2) OceanFirst common stock underperforms an index of financial institutions by more than 15% calculated pursuant to a prescribed formula set forth in the merger agreement and described in more detail in the section of this 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 involving alternative acquisition proposals with respect to Two River,Partners, changes in the recommendation of the Two RiverPartners board or compliance by Two RiverPartners with its obligation under the merger agreement with respect to the calling and holding of the special meeting and recommending that its shareholdersstockholders approve the merger agreement, Two RiverPartners may be required to pay to OceanFirst a termination fee equal to $7,313,482$7,400,000 (which we refer to as the “termination fee”). The termination fee could discourage other companies from seeking to acquire or merge with Two River.Partners or any of its subsidiaries.

Regulatory Approvals Required for the TransactionsMergers (page [])

Subject to the terms of the merger agreement, both Two RiverOceanFirst and OceanFirstPartners have agreed to cooperate with each other and use their commerciallyrespective reasonable best efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation and to obtain as promptly as practicable all regulatory approvals or waivers necessary or advisable to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, which includes anagreement. These include, among others, approval or(or waiver of such approval) from among others, the FRB and the OCC. OceanFirst submittedintends to submit applications to the FRB (which we refer to as the “FRB application”) and the OCC (which we refer to as the “OCC application”) on September 27, 2019.as promptly as practicable. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, action on both the FRB application and the OCC application is pending.have not yet been submitted. FRB and OCC approval (if granted) for the Transactions:mergers: (i) would reflect only their view that the Transactionsmergers do not contravene applicable competitive standards imposed by law and are consistent with regulatory policies relating to safety and soundness; (ii) would not be an opinion that the Transactionsmergers are financially favorable to the shareholdersstockholders of either OceanFirst or Partners or that the FRB or OCC has considered the adequacy of the terms of the Transactions;mergers; and (iii) would not be an endorsement of, or recommendation for, the Transactionsmergers. Although neither Two River nor OceanFirst knows of any reason why it cannot obtain these regulatory approvals or waivers in a timely manner, Two RiverPartners and OceanFirst cannot be certain when, or if, theyFRB and OCC approval, and any other required regulatory approvals, for the mergers (if granted) will be obtained.

The Rights of Two River ShareholdersPartners Stockholders Will Change as a Result of the TransactionsMergers (page [])

OceanFirst is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and Two RiverPartners is incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey.Maryland. Accordingly, Delaware law governs the rights of OceanFirst stockholders and the New JerseyMaryland law governs the rights of Two River shareholders.Partners stockholders. As a result of the first-step merger, Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders who receive the stock consideration will become stockholders of OceanFirst. Thus, following the completion of the first-step merger, the rights of Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders 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 laws of the State of New JerseyMaryland and Two River’s certificatePartners’ articles of incorporation and bylaws.

See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Comparison of Stockholders’ Rights” on page [●] 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 JerseyMaryland and each of the OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners governing documents.



Information About the Companies (page [])

OceanFirst

OceanFirst is incorporated under Delaware law and serves as the holding company for OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Bank, founded in 1902, is a $8.0$11.8 billion regional bank operating throughout New Jersey and in the

major metropolitan markets of Philadelphia, and metropolitan New York, City.Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Boston. OceanFirst Bank delivers commercial and residential financing, solutions,treasury management, trust and asset management, and deposit services and is one of the largest and oldest community-based financial institutions headquartered in New Jersey.

OceanFirst common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “OCFC.”“OCFC”.

OceanFirst’s principal executive office is located at 110 West Front Street, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701 and its telephone number at that location is (732)240-4500. OceanFirst’s website is www.oceanfirst.com. Additional information about OceanFirst and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●].

Merger Sub

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

Two RiverPartners

Two RiverPartners is thea Maryland corporation and multi-bank holding company for Two RiverThe Bank of Delmarva (which we refer to as “Delmarva Bank”), a Delaware chartered state member bank, which is headquartered in Tinton Falls,Seaford, Delaware, and Virginia Partners Bank (which we refer to as “Virginia Partners Bank”), a Virginia chartered state member bank, which is headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Partners was incorporated on January 6, 1988 under the general corporation law of Maryland for the purpose of becoming a bank holding company for Delmarva Bank. Partners acquired Virginia Partners Bank on November 15, 2019.

Delmarva Bank currently operates 15 full service banking offices, located in Delmar, Salisbury and Ocean City, Maryland and Laurel, Dagsboro, and Rehoboth, Delaware, and Cherry Hill, Evesham and Moorestown, New Jersey. Two RiverDelmarva Bank’s branches in Cherry Hill, Evesham, and Moorestown, New Jersey are operated under the name “Liberty Bell Bank, a Division of The Bank of Delmarva.” Delmarva Bank’s main office is located at 910 Norman Eskridge Highway, Seaford, Delaware 19973.

Virginia Partners Bank has three full service banking offices in Fredericksburg, Virginia and one full service branch and commercial banking office in Reston, Virginia. In Maryland, Virginia Partners Bank trades under the name “Maryland Partners Bank (a division of Virginia Partners Bank),” and operates 14 branches along with twoa full service branch and commercial banking office in La Plata, Maryland and a loan production offices throughout Monmouth, Union, Essex, and Ocean Counties, New Jersey.office in Annapolis, Maryland. Virginia Partners Bank’s main office is located at 410 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401.

Two RiverPartners common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “TRCB.“PTRS.

Two River’sPartners principal executive offices are located at 766 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 077242245 Northwood Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21801 and its telephone number at that location is (732)(410) 389-8722.548-1100. Two River’sPartners’ website is http:https://investor.tworiverbank.com/www.partnersbancorp.com/.

Litigation Related to Additional information about Partners and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. See the Transactions (page [])

On October 4, 2019, a purported Two River shareholder filed a putative shareholder class action lawsuit against Two River, certain memberssection of the Two River board, OceanFirst and Merger Sub in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, Chancery Division, captioned Paul Parshall v. Two River Bancorp, et al., Docket No. C-124-19. The action generally alleges that the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by OceanFirst with the SEC on September 20, 2019, which included a preliminarythis proxy statement/prospectus omitted certain material information with respect to the Transactions and that members of the Two River board breached their fiduciary duties by approving the merger agreement because the Transactions are financially inadequate. Plaintiffs further allege that OceanFirst and Merger Sub aided and abetted such alleged breaches. The action seeks to enjoin the Transactions (or, if the Transactions are consummated, rescission or rescissory damages), as well as unspecified money damages, costs and attorneys’ fees and expense. OceanFirst and Two River believe the claims in the lawsuit are without merit and intend to defend such claims vigorously.



Pending Acquisition of Country Bank Holding Company, Inc. (page [])

On August 9, 2019, OceanFirst, Midtown Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst (which we refer to as “CYHC Merger Sub”), and Country Bank Holding Company, Inc. (which we refer to as “CYHC”) entered into an agreement and plan of merger (which we refer to as the “CYHC merger agreement”) pursuant to which,entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the CYHC merger agreement, (i) CYHC Merger Sub will merge with and into CYHC, with CYHC surviving (which we refer to as the “CYHC first-step merger”); (ii) immediately thereafter, CYHC will merge with and into OceanFirst, with OceanFirst surviving; and (iii) immediately thereafter, Country Bank, a New York state charterednon-member bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CYHC, will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank surviving (which we collectively refer to as the “CYHC Transactions”)page [●]. Under the terms and subject to the conditions of the CYHC merger agreement, at the effective time of the CYHC first-step merger, CYHC shareholders will be entitled to receive 2,000 shares of OceanFirst common stock for each share of common stock of CYHC that they hold (other than dissenting shares), which equated to an aggregate transaction value of approximately $102.2 million based on the $23.14 closing price of the OceanFirst common stock on Nasdaq as of August 8, 2019.

The CYHC Transactions were approved by the OceanFirst board and CYHC board of directors (which we refer to as the “CYHC board”) and are expected to close in the first quarter of 2020. Completion of the CYHC Transactions is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and receipt of the requisite approval of CYHC’s shareholders. The completion of the Transactions is not conditioned upon the completion of the CYHC Transactions. As it relates to the merger agreement, OceanFirst did not make any representations, warranties, covenants or agreements relating to the CYHC merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. In addition, the merger agreement provides that none of the execution, delivery or performance by OceanFirst of the CYHC merger agreement nor the completion of the transactions contemplated thereby, nor the failure of the CYHC Transactions to be completed will constitute a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of OceanFirst or Merger Sub under the merger agreement. Similarly, the CYHC merger agreement provides that none of the execution, delivery or performance by OceanFirst of the merger agreement nor the completion of the transactions contemplated thereby, nor the failure of the Transactions to be completed, will constitute a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of OceanFirst or CYHC Merger Sub under the CYHC merger agreement.

At June 30, 2019, CYHC had $783.4 million in assets, $592.4 million in loans, $649.7 million in deposits and $67.5 million in shareholders’ equity.

Risk Factors (page [])

You should consider all the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus in deciding how to vote for the proposals presented in this 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, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016, 2015 and 2014.2016. 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 thesix-month nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 20192021 and JuneSeptember 30, 2018.2020. 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, 20182020 and in OceanFirst’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the three- andsix-month nine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019,2021, each of which is incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

  As of and for the Six
Months Ended
  As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
  June 30,
2019
  June 30,
2018
  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014 
(dollars in thousands,
except per share amounts)
                     

Selected Financial Condition Data (1):

       

Total assets

 $8,029,057  $7,736,903  $7,516,154  $5,416,006  $5,166,917  $2,593,068  $2,356,714 

Loans receivable, net

  5,943,930   5,553,035   5,579,222   3,965,773   3,803,443   1,970,703   1,688,846 

Deposits

  6,187,487   5,819,406   5,814,569   4,342,798   4,187,750   1,916,678   1,720,135 

Stockholders’ equity

  1,137,295   1,012,568   1,039,358   601,941   571,903   238,446   218,259 

Selected Operating Data:

       

Net interest income

  129,225   117,157   240,502   169,218   120,262   76,829   72,348 

Provision for loan losses

  976   2,077   3,490   4,445   2,623   1,275   2,630 

Other income

  19,391   17,794   34,827   27,072   20,412   16,426   18,577 

Operating expenses

  98,186   107,722   186,337   126,520   102,852   60,775   57,764 

Net income

  40,153   21,129   71,932   42,470   23,046   20,322   19,920 

Diluted earnings per share

  0.79   0.45   1.51   1.28   0.98   1.21   1.19 

Selected Financial Ratios:

       

Stockholders’ equity per common share at end of period

  22.24   20.97   21.68   18.47   17.80   13.79   12.91 

Tangible stockholders’ equity per common share(2)

  14.57   13.56   14.26   13.58   12.94   13.67   12.91 

Cash dividend per share

  0.34   0.30   0.62   0.60   0.54   0.52   0.49 

Stockholders’ equity to total assets

  14.16  13.09  13.83  11.11  11.07  9.19  9.26

Tangible stockholders’ equity to total tangible assets(2)

  9.76   8.87   9.55   8.42   8.30   9.12   9.26 

Return on average assets(3)(4)

  1.02   0.59   0.98   0.80   0.62   0.82   0.86 

Return on average stockholders’ equity (3)(4)

  7.26   4.54   7.31   7.20   6.08   8.92   9.18 

Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity(2)(3)(4)

  11.13   6.91   11.16   9.82   7.13   8.96   9.18 

Net interest rate spread(6)

  3.52   3.61   3.53   3.41   3.38   3.18   3.23 

Net interest margin(7)

  3.72   3.73   3.68   3.50   3.47   3.28   3.31 

Operating expenses to average assets (3)(4)

  2.49   3.02   2.53   2.39   2.76   2.47   2.50 

Efficiency ratio(4)(5)

  66.07   79.82   67.68   64.46   73.11   65.17   63.53 

Loan to deposit ratio

  96.06   95.42   95.95   91.32   90.82   102.82   98.18 

Asset Quality:

       

Non-performing loans(9)

 $17,796  $18,106  $17,415  $20,865  $13,566  $18,274  $18,307 


 As of and for the Six
Months Ended
 As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
 June 30,
2019
 June 30,
2018
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 
(dollars in thousands,
except per share amounts)
                As of and for the Nine
Months Ended
 As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
 Sept. 30,
2021
 Sept. 30,
2020
 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 

Selected Financial Condition Data(1):

       

Total assets

 $11,829,688  $11,651,297  $11,448,313  $8,246,145  $7,516,154  $5,416,006  $5,166,917 

Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan credit losses

  8,139,961   7,943,390   7,704,857   6,207,680   5,579,222   3,965,773   3,803,443 

Deposits

  9,774,097   9,283,288   9,427,616   6,328,777   5,814,569   4,342,798   4,187,750 

Stockholders’ equity

  1,513,249   1,461,714   1,484,130   1,153,119   1,039,358   601,941   571,903 

Selected Operating Data:

       

Net interest income

  224,752   235,100   312,951   255,971   240,502   169,218   120,262 

Credit loss (benefit) expense

  (10,259  55,332   59,404   1,636   3,490   4,445   2,623 

Other income

  42,521   33,306   73,926   42,165   34,827   27,072   20,412 

Operating expenses

  162,026   175,515   246,431   189,142   186,337   126,520   102,852 

Net income

  87,419   30,245   63,309   88,574   71,932   42,470   23,046 

Net income available to common stockholders

  84,407   29,152   61,212   88,574   71,932   42,470   23,046 

Diluted earnings per share

  1.41   0.49   1.02   1.75   1.51   1.28   0.98 

Selected Financial Ratios:

       

Stockholders’ equity per common share at end of period

  25.47   24.21   24.57   22.88   21.68   18.47   17.80 

Tangible common equity per common share(2)

  15.78   14.58   14.98   15.13   14.26   13.58   12.94 

Cash dividend per share

  0.51   0.51   0.68   0.68   0.62   0.60   0.54 

Stockholders’ equity to total assets

  12.79  12.55  12.96  13.98  13.83  11.11  11.07

Tangible stockholders’ equity to total tangible assets(2)

  8.78   8.41   8.79   9.71   9.55   8.42   8.30 

Return on average assets(3)(4)

  0.98   0.35   0.55   1.10   0.98   0.80   0.62 

Return on average stockholders’ equity(3)(4)

  7.49   2.68   4.20   7.84   7.31   7.20   6.08 

Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity(2)(3)(4)

  11.46   4.22   6.59   11.96   11.16   9.82   7.13 

Net interest rate spread(3)(6)

  2.77   3.02   2.96   3.40   3.57   3.44   3.38 

Net interest margin(3)(7)

  2.91   3.23   3.16   3.62   3.71   3.53   3.47 

Operating expenses to average assets(3)(4)

  1.87   2.13   2.20   2.35   2.53   2.39   2.76 

Efficiency ratio(3)(4)(5)

  60.62   65.39   63.70   63.44   67.68   64.46   73.11 

Loan to deposit ratio

  83.71   86.19   82.27   98.20   96.12   91.56   90.92 

Asset Quality:

       

Non-performing loans held-for-investment(9)

 $23,344  $29,895  $36,410  $17,849  $17,415  $20,865  $13,566 

Non-performing loans held-for-sale

  —     67,489   —     —     —     —     —   

Non-performing assets(9)

 18,661  25,960  18,796  29,051  23,369  27,101  22,971   23,450   97,490   36,516   18,113   18,796   29,051   23,369 

Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans receivable(8)(9)(10)

 0.27 0.30 0.30 0.40 0.40 0.84 0.95

Allowance for loan losses as a percent of totalnon-performing loans(9)

 90.67  92.18  95.19  75.35  111.92  91.51  89.13 

Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans receivable(9)

 0.30  0.33  0.31  0.52  0.35  0.91  1.06 

Allowance for loan credit losses as a percent of total loans receivable(8)(10)

  0.61  0.70  0.78  0.27  0.30  0.40  0.40

Allowance for loan credit losses as a percent of total non-performing loans(9)(10)

  214.84   188.49   166.81   94.41   95.19   75.35   111.92 

Non-performing loans held-for-investment as a percent of total loans receivable(8)(9)

  0.29   0.37   0.47   0.29   0.31   0.52   0.35 

Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets(9)

 0.23  0.34  0.25  0.54  0.45  1.05  0.97   0.20   0.84   0.32   0.22   0.25   0.54   0.45 

 

(1)

With the exception of quarter end of period ratios, all ratios are based on average daily balances.

(2)

Tangible stockholders’ equity and tangible assets exclude intangible assets relatingrelated to goodwill and core deposit intangible. Tangible common equity excludes goodwill, core deposit intangible and preferred equity.

(3)

Ratios are annualized.

(4)

Performance ratios include the net favorable impact of merger related expenses, branch consolidation expenses and net gain on equity investments of $2.3 million, or $1.7 million, net of tax expense, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Performance ratios include the net adverse impact of merger-relatedmerger related expenses, branch consolidation expenses, net loss on equity investments, Two River and Country Bank opening credit loss expense under the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advance prepayment fees of $26.0 million, or $19.9 million, net of tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Performance ratios for 2020 includes net gain on equity investments, gain on sale of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans, FHLB advance prepayment fees, merger related expenses, branch consolidation expenses, and Two River and Country Bank opening credit loss expense under the CECL model of $14.3 million with an after tax cost of $11.0 million. Performance ratios for 2019 include merger related expenses, branch consolidation expenses, non-recurring professional fees, compensation expense due to the retirement of an executive officer, and the reduction in income tax expense from the revaluation of $14.3state deferred tax assets as a result of a change in the New Jersey tax code of $20.6 million or $11.4 million, netwith an after tax cost of tax benefit, for the six months ended June 30, 2019.$16.3 million. Performance ratios include the net adverse impact of merger related and branch consolidation expenses of $26.7 million, or $21.3 million, net of tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2018. Performance ratios for the year ended December 31, 2018 include merger related expenses, branch consolidation expenses, and an income tax benefit related to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (which we refer to as the “Tax(“Tax Reform”) of $28.2 million with an after tax cost of $22.2 million. Performance ratios for the year ended December 31, 2017 include merger related expenses, branch consolidation expenses, and additional income tax expense related to Tax Reform of $18.1 million with an after tax cost of $13.5 million. Performance ratios for the year ended December 31, 2016 include merger related expenses and the Federal Home Loan BankFHLB advance prepayment feefees totaling $16.7 million with an after tax cost of $11.9 million. 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.

(5)

Efficiency ratio represents the ratio of operating expenses to the aggregate of other income and net interest income.

(6)

The net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

(7)

The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

(8)

Total loans receivable includesexcludes loans receivable and loansheld-for-sale.

(9)

Non-performing assets consist ofnon-performing loansheld-for-investment and real estate acquired through foreclosure.Non-performing loansheld-for-investment 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)

The loans acquired from Two River, Country Bank, Capital Bank of New Jersey, Sun Bancorp, Inc., Ocean Shore Holding Co., Cape Bancorp, Inc., and Colonial American Bank were recorded at fair value. The net unamortized credit markand purchased credit deteriorated marks on these loans, not reflected in the allowance for loan losses, was $36.0$21.3 million, $37.7$31.6 million, $28.0 million, $30.3 million, $31.6 million, $17.5 million, and $26.0 million and $2.2 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2019, June2021, September 30, 2018,2020, December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. There were no loans acquired and therefore no corresponding credit marks at December 31, 2014.



SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF TWO RIVER

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data for Two River as of and for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014. This information has been derived in part from and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Two River. The following table also presents selected historical consolidated financial data for Two River as of and for each of thesix-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018. This information has been derived in part from and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Two River. You should read this information in conjunction with the historical financial statements of Two River and the related notes, including those contained in Two River’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and in Two River’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q for the three- andsix-month periods ended June 30, 2019, each of which is incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.

  As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
  As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
 2019  2018  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014 
 (in thousands, except per share data) 

Income Statement

       

Interest income

 $24,548  $21,374  $44,492  $38,240  $34,624  $32,103  $30,386 

Interest expense

  5,773   3,604   8,366   5,707   5,164   3,863   3,452 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income

  18,775   17,770   36,126   32,533   29,460   28,240   26,934 

Provision for loan losses

  525   625   775   1,530   515   490   621 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

  18,250   17,145   35,351   31,003   28,945   27,750   26,313 

Non-interest income

  2,389   2,806   5,531   5,459   5,489   3,537   2,932 

Non-interest expenses

  12,649   12,778   25,686   23,942   21,475   21,355   19,667 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

  7,990   7,173   15,196   12,520   12,959   9,932   9,578 

Income tax expense

  2,159   1,847   3,990   6,018   4,328   3,585   3,561 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

  5,831   5,326   11,206   6,502   8,631   6,347   6,017 

Preferred stock dividend

  —     —     —     —     —     (57  (117
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 $5,831  $5,326  $11,206  $6,502  $8,631  $6,290  $5,900 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Per Share Data (1)

       

Weighted average shares outstanding:

       

Basic

  8,594   8,480   8,508   8,388   8,321   8,304   8,329 

Diluted

  8,715   8,695   8,702   8,658   8,530   8,507   8,519 

Earnings per common share:

       

Basic

 $0.68  $0.63  $1.32  $0.78  $1.04  $0.76  $0.71 

Diluted

  0.67   0.61   1.29   0.75   1.01   0.74   0.69 

Cash dividends per common share

  0.125   0.09   0.20   0.17   0.14   0.12   0.10 

Balance Sheet

       

Loans, net of unearned discounts and fees

 $953,080  $921,301  $921,301  $850,874  $753,092  $693,150  $627,614 

Goodwill and other intangibles

  18,109   18,109   18,109   18,109   18,109   18,118   18,166 

Total assets

  1,153,797   1,096,419   1,096,419   1,039,798   940,211   863,696   781,196 

Total deposits

  972,592   917,354   917,354   861,557   776,567   708,436   642,390 

Total shareholders’ equity

  121,416   116,498   116,498   106,571   100,716   93,002   93,932 

Performance Ratios

       

Return on average assets

  1.04  1.02  1.04  0.66  0.96  0.76  0.78

Return on average equity

  9.89  9.87  10.07  6.22  8.94  6.59  6.21

Net interest margin

  3.57  3.61  3.58  3.53  3.53  3.68  3.79

Efficiency ratio(2)

  59.77   62.10   61.66  63.02  61.45  67.20  65.85


  As of and for the Six
Months Ended June 30,
  As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 
 2019  2018  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014 
 (in thousands, except per share data) 

Capital Ratios

       

Tier 1 capital to average assets

  9.17  8.95  9.10  8.85  8.94  8.97  9.95

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

  10.24  9.82  10.14  9.68  10.33  10.13  11.36

Total capital to risk weighted assets

  12.39  12.04  12.34  11.93  12.76  12.65  12.57

Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

  10.24  9.82  10.14  9.68  10.33  10.13  N/A 

Asset Quality Ratios

       

Non-performing loans to total loans(3)

  0.14  0.22  0.15  0.24  0.21  0.46  0.99

Non-performing assets to total assets(4)

  0.37  0.18  0.18  0.20  0.19  0.42  1.00

Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries (annualized) to average loans

  (0.05%)   (0.02%)   (0.01%)   (0.05%)   0.05  0.02  (0.07%) 

Allowance for loan losses to total loans atperiod-end

  1.23  1.26  1.24  1.25  1.27  1.26  1.29

Allowance for loan losses tonon-performing loans atperiod-end

  868.05   580.36   820.00  515.36  617.89  274.17  129.37

(1)

Restated for 5% stock dividend in 2017.

(2)

Efficiency ratio is totalnon-interest expense divided by net interest income andnon-interest income.

(3)

Non-performing loans includenon-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days and still accruing.

(4)

Non-performing assets includenon-accrual loans, loans past due 90 days and still accruing and other real estate owned.



RISK FACTORS

In addition to general investment risks and the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this 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 proxy statement/prospectus. You should also consider the other information in this proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [].

Because the market price ofvalue for OceanFirst common stock may fluctuate, Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders cannot be certain of the precise value of the mergerstock consideration they will be entitled to receive.

At the effective time of the first-step merger, each share of Partners common stock that is completed, each issued and outstanding shareimmediately prior to the effective time of Two River common stock, except forthe first-step merger, other than exception shares (as defined in the merger agreement), will be converted into the right to receive $5.375 in cash, without interest, and 0.6663either (a) 0.4512 shares of OceanFirst common stock together withor (b) $10.00 in cash, in lieueach case, at the election of the holder of Partners common stock, subject to (x) a maximum of forty percent (40%) of the shares of Partners common stock being convertible into cash and (y) the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. No fractional shares. shares of OceanFirst common stock, if any, will be issued in connection with the first-step merger.

There will be a lapse of time between each of (i) the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, (ii) the date of the special meeting, (iii) the election deadline by which Partners stockholders may elect to receive the stock consideration or the cash consideration in exchange for each share of Partners common stock held by such Partners stockholder and (iv) the date on which Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders entitled to receive the merger consideration actually receive the merger consideration. The marketAlthough the exchange ratio in respect of the stock consideration is fixed, the value of OceanFirst commonthe stock mayconsideration (and, therefore, the aggregate value of the merger consideration) will fluctuate during these periods as a result of a variety of factors, which may include 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 Two River.Partners. Consequently, at the time Two River shareholders must decide whether to approve the merger proposal, they will not know the actual market value of the sharesprice of OceanFirst common stock they may receive whenwill not be known at the time Partners stockholders vote on the first-step merger is completed.merger. Although the value of the cash portion of the merger consideration is fixed at $5.375$10.00 per share of Two RiverPartners common stock, the value of the portion of the mergerstock consideration that is represented by shares of OceanFirst common stock will depend on the market value of shares of OceanFirst common stock on the date the merger consideration is received and thereafter. This value will not be known at the time of the special meeting and may be more or less than the current price ofmarket value for OceanFirst common stock or the price ofmarket value for OceanFirst common stock at the time of the special meeting.

The market price ofvalue for OceanFirst common stock after the first-step merger is completed may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the market price of Two Rivervalue for Partners common stock or OceanFirst common stock.

Upon completion of the first-step merger, Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders who receive any portion of the stock consideration will become OceanFirst stockholders. OceanFirst’s business differs in important respects from that of Two River,Partners, and, accordingly, the results of operations of the combined company and the market price offor OceanFirst common stock after the completion of the Transactionsmergers may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the independent results of operations of each of OceanFirst and Two River.Partners. For a discussion of the business of OceanFirst and of some important factors to consider in connection with that business, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●].

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.mergers.

Before the Transactionsmergers can be completed, OceanFirst and OceanFirst Bank must obtain approvals or waivers from, among others, the FRB and the OCC. Other approvals, 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 proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The TransactionsMergers Regulatory Approvals Required for the Completion of the TransactionsMergers” beginning on page [●]. An adverse development in either party’s regulatory standing or these

factors could result in an inability to obtain approval or a delay in their receipt. These regulators may impose conditions on the completion of the Transactionsmergers or require changes to the terms of the Transactions.mergers. Such conditions or changes could have the effect of delaying or preventing completion of the Transactionsmergers or imposing additional costs on or limiting the revenues of the combined company following the completion of the Transactions,mergers, any of which might have an adverse effect on the combined company following the completion of the Transactions.mergers. 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, in connection with obtaining the permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of regulators that, individually or in the aggregate, would have, or would reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect (measured(i) on a scale relative to Two River) on any of OceanFirst, Two River or the surviving corporation and its subsidiaries (measured as a whole, after giving effect to the integrated mergersmergers) or (ii) in the case of any actions, conditions, or restrictions caused by or arising solely out of the business or operations of Partners or its subsidiaries or OceanFirst’s acquisition of the Partners and its subsidiaries, on the surviving corporation and its subsidiaries (measured as though the surviving corporation were the size of Partners, on a pre-closing basis) (which we refer to as a “materially burdensome regulatory condition”). In addition, OceanFirst and OceanFirst Bank are pursuing the CYHC Transactions, which are also subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals, including from the FRB and the OCC. The completion of the Transactions is not conditioned upon the completion of the CYHC Transactions, but pursuing the CYHC Transactions at the same time as the Transactions may impact the timing of, any regulatory conditions imposed on, and other aspects of the Transactions. For more information, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The TransactionsMergers Regulatory Approvals Required for the TransactionsMergers” 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 Transactionsmergers may not be realized.

OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners have operated and, until the completion of the Transactions,mergers, will continue to operate, independently. The success of the Transactions,mergers, including anticipated benefits and cost savings, will depend, in part, on OceanFirst’s ability to successfully combine and integrate the businesses of OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners in a manner that permits growth opportunities and does not materially disrupt the 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.mergers. 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 itsOceanFirst common stock. If OceanFirst experiences difficulties with the integration process, the anticipated benefits of the Transactionsmergers 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 Two RiverPartners to lose customers or cause customers to remove their accounts from OceanFirst and/or Two RiverPartners and move their business to competing financial institutions. Integration efforts between the two companies will also divert management attention and resources. These integration matters could have an adverse effect on each of Two RiverPartners and OceanFirst during this transition period and for an undetermined period after completion of the Transactionsmergers on the combined company. Furthermore, integration related to the Transactions could be more difficult due to the potential concurrent or overlapping integration of the CYHC Transactions, which risks are described in more detail below in “—OceanFirst has also entered into an agreement to acquire CYHC, which may make it difficult to complete the Transactions on a timely basis. In addition, the actual cost savings realized as a result of the Transactionsmergers could be less than anticipated.

Certain of Two River’sPartners’ directors and executive officers may have interests in the Transactionsmergers that may differ from the interests of the Two River shareholders.Partners stockholders.

The Two River shareholders should be aware that Two River’sPartners’ directors and executive officers may have interests in the Transactions and have arrangementsmergers that aremay be different from, or in addition to, thosethe interests of Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders generally. The Two River board was aware of these interests and considered these interests, among other matters, when making its decision to approve the merger agreement, and in recommending that Two River shareholders vote in favor of the merger proposal and certain related matters.

The material interests considered by the Two RiverPartners board were as follows:

 

The option awards that Two River has made to certain of its executive officers and directors: At the effective time, each outstanding and unexercised stock option granted by Partners to certain of its directors and executive officers under the Partners equity plans, whether vested or unvested, will be canceled, extinguished and automatically exchanged into the right to receive an amount ofa cash payment (without interest) equal to the product of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock issuable upon exercise of such stock option and (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) the cash consideration and (B) the product of the exchange ratio and the VWAP of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq for the five full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the closing of the integrated mergers,$10.00 over (ii) theper-share exercise price of such stock option;option, less applicable tax withholdings.

 

TheCertain executive officers of Partners have entered into agreements with OceanFirst Bank that will be effective at the effective time and will supersede such executive officers’ current employment agreements with Partners or its subsidiaries and affiliates (as applicable). These employment agreements provide, respectively, that: (i) Lloyd Harrison’s employment with Partners and its subsidiaries and affiliates will terminate at the effective time and Mr. Harrison will serve as a consultant to OceanFirst and its subsidiaries; (ii) John Breda will be employed as Regional President of OceanFirst Bank; (iii) Adam Sothen will be employed as Divisional Controller of OceanFirst Bank; and (iv) Betsy J. Eicher will be employed as Divisional Controller of OceanFirst Bank.

Messrs. Harrison, Breda and Sothen and Ms. Eicher, as executive officers of Partners, will or may receive payments and benefits in connection with the integrated mergers pursuant to agreements that each has entered into with OceanFirst Bank that will replace their respective current employment agreements with Partners and that will be effective at the effective time.

In connection with Virginia Partners Bank’s Northern Virginia operations, certain individuals who currently serve in executive roles with Virginia Partners Bank (but do not serve as executive officers of Partners) have been granted incentive awards by the compensation committee of the Partners board comprised of shares of restricted stock that Two Riverand of cash. In addition, the compensation committee of the Partners board recommended, and the Partners board has madeapproved, an award comprised of shares of restricted stock and of cash to certainMichael W. Clarke, a director of its executive officersPartners and directors: Upon approvalVirginia Partners Bank, for his service to Partners with regard to the Northern Virginia operations of Virginia Partners Bank.

The Partners board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the Two River shareholders at the special meeting, each restricted stock award will become fully vestedmergers and the restrictions thereon will lapse. At the effective time, each holder of such vested restricted stock award will be entitledin determining to receive the per share merger consideration in exchange for such vested restricted stock;

The amendmentsrecommend to certain employment and change in control agreements entered into with Two River’s executive officers, Messrs. Moss, Abrahamian, Turner and Mero,Partners stockholders that they vote to which OceanFirst Bank joined (which we refer to as the “amendment agreements”), which become irrevocable upon the effective time and expire ifapprove the merger agreement is terminated prior to the effective time. The amendment agreements provide for certain cash severance andnon-compete payments to each respective individual, subject to each of Messrs. Moss, Abrahamian, Turner and Mero, respectively, signing a release on or after the closing date; and

The amendments to a deferred compensation agreement entered into with William D. Moss, the amendments to supplemental executive retirement agreements entered into with each of Two River’s executive officers, and amendments to Two River’s supplemental executive life insurance plans.

For aproposal. These interests are described in more detailed description of these interests, seedetail under the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The TransactionsMergers Interests of Two River’sPartners’ Directors and Executive Officers in the TransactionsMergers” beginning on page [●].

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

The merger agreement is subject to a number of customary closing conditions that must be satisfied or, where legally permissible, waived in order to complete the integrated mergers, including the receipt of the requisite approval of the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders and the requisite regulatory approvals. These conditions to the closing of the integrated mergers may not be satisfied or waived in a timely manner or at all, and, accordingly, the integrated mergers may be delayed or may not be completed. In addition, OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners may elect to terminate the merger agreement in certain other circumstances and, in certain circumstances, Two RiverPartners may be required to pay OceanFirst athe termination fee of $7,313,482.$7,400,000.

Termination of the merger agreement, or failure to complete the Transactions,mergers, could negatively impact Two RiverPartners or OceanFirst.

If the merger agreement is terminated, there may be various consequences. For example, Two River’sPartners’ or OceanFirst’s businesses may have beenbe impacted adversely by the failure to pursue other opportunities due to management’s focus on the Transactions,mergers, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the Transactions.mergers. Additionally, if the merger agreement is terminated, the market price of the Two Rivervalue for Partners common stock or the OceanFirst common stock could decline to the extent that the current market pricesvalue reflect a market assumption that the Transactionsmergers will be completed. If the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, Two RiverPartners may be required to pay to OceanFirst athe termination fee of $7,313,482.$7,400,000.

Furthermore, each of OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners has incurred and will incur substantial expenses in connection with the completion of the Transactions,mergers, as well as the costs and expenses of filing, printing and mailing this proxy statement/prospectus and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the Transactions.mergers. If the Transactionsmergers are not completed, OceanFirst and Two River would have incurredPartners will incur these expenses without realizing the expected benefits of the Transactions.mergers.

In addition, if the Transactionsmergers are not completed, Two RiverPartners may experience negative reactions from the financial markets and from its shareholders,stockholders, customers and employees. Also, Two RiverPartners may not be able to successfully resume independent operations, or enter into an agreement with another party with respect to a business combination transaction involving a sale of Two River.Partners. If it is able to enter into another agreement with respect to a business combination transaction involving a sale of Two River,Partners, it may be at a lower price. If the Transactionsmergers are not completed, Two RiverPartners cannot assure its shareholdersPartners stockholders that the risks described above will not materialize and will not materially affect the business and financial results of Two RiverPartners or the price at which shares of Two Rivermarket value for Partners common stock trade.stock.

Two RiverPartners and OceanFirst will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the Transactionsmergers are pending.

Uncertainty about the effect of the Transactionsmergers on employees and customers may have an adverse effect on Two RiverPartners or OceanFirst. These uncertainties may impair Two River’sPartners’ or OceanFirst’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the Transactionsmergers are completed, and could cause customers and others that deal with Two RiverPartners or OceanFirst to seek to change existing business relationships with Two RiverPartners or OceanFirst. Retention of certain employees by Two RiverPartners or OceanFirst may be challenging while the Transactionsmergers 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 Two RiverPartners or OceanFirst, Two River’sPartners’ business or OceanFirst’s business could be harmed. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, Two RiverPartners has agreed to operate its business in the ordinary course prior to closing, and each of Two RiverPartners and OceanFirst has agreed to certain restrictive covenants. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Covenants and Agreements” beginning on page [●] for a description of the restrictive covenants applicable to Two RiverPartners and OceanFirst.

The merger agreement limits Two River’sPartners’ ability to pursue acquisition proposals and requires Two RiverPartners to pay OceanFirst a termination fee of $7,313,482$7,400,000 under certain circumstances, including certain circumstances relating to competing acquisition proposals for Two River.Partners.

The merger agreement prohibits Two RiverPartners from, directly or indirectly, initiating, soliciting, knowingly encouraging or knowingly facilitating third-partyany inquiries or proposals with respect to any acquisition proposals.proposal. For more information, see the section of this 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, Two RiverPartners has an unqualified obligation to submit the merger proposal to a vote by Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders even if Two RiverPartners receives a proposal that the Two RiverPartners board believes is superior to

the Transactions.mergers. For more information, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Two River ShareholderPartners Stockholder Meeting and Recommendation of the Two RiverPartners Board” beginning on page [●]. The merger agreement also provides that Two RiverPartners must pay OceanFirst a termination fee in the amount of $7,313,482$7,400,000 in the event that the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, including Two River’sPartners’ failure to abide by certain obligations not to solicit acquisition proposals or Two River’sPartners’ failure to recommend that Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders approve the merger proposal. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — 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 Two RiverPartners from considering or proposing such an acquisition. Each director and executive officer of Two River,Partners, solely in his or her capacity as a Two River shareholder,Partners stockholder, has entered into a separate support agreement with OceanFirst, pursuant to which each such director and executive officer has agreed to vote in favor of the merger proposal and certain

related matters and against alternative transactionsmergers and has agreed to abide by certain restrictions with respect to the transfer of such shareholder’sPartners stockholder’s shares of Two RiverPartners common stock prior to the earliest of approval of the merger proposal by the Two River shareholders,Partners stockholders, the effective time or the date of termination of the merger agreement in accordance with its terms. As of the record date, the Two RiverPartners directors and executive officers that are party to these support agreements were entitled to vote in the aggregate approximately [●]% of the outstanding shares of Two RiverPartners common stock. For more information see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Two RiverPartners Voting and Support Agreements” beginning on page [●].

The shares of OceanFirst common stock to be received by Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders as a result of the first-step merger will have different rights from the shares of Two RiverPartners common stock.

The rights of Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders are currently governed by the NJBCA, Two River’s certificateMGCL, Partners’ articles of incorporation and Two River’sPartners’ bylaws. Upon completion of the first-step merger, Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders who elect to receive the stock consideration will become OceanFirst stockholders and their rights as 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 Two RiverPartners common stock are different from the rights associated with OceanFirst common stock. See the section of this 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 Two RiverPartners common stock will have a reduced ownership and voting interest after the first-step merger and will exercise less influence over management.

Holders of Two River common stockPartners stockholders currently have the right to vote in the election of directors of the Two RiverPartners board and on other matters affecting Two River.Partners. Upon the completion of the first-step merger, each share of OceanFirst common stock that a Two River shareholderPartners stockholder is entitled to receive in the first-step merger will represent a smaller percentage ownership of OceanFirst than the percentage ownership of Two RiverPartners represented by the shares of Two RiverPartners common stock held by the shareholderPartners stockholder prior to the effective time. It is currently expected that the former Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders as a group will be entitled to receive shares of OceanFirst common stock in the first-step merger constituting approximately [●]% of the outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock immediately after the first-step merger (taking into account the shares of OceanFirst common stock that OceanFirst expects to issue in the Transactions and the shares of OceanFirst common stock that OceanFirst expects to issue in the CYHC Transactions). If the CYHC Transactions are not consummated or such consummation does not occur concurrently with the completion of the Transactions, then, at the effective time, the former Two River shareholders as a group will be entitled to receive shares of OceanFirst common stock in the first-step merger constituting approximately [●]% of the outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock immediately after the first-step merger (taking into account the shares of OceanFirst common stock that OceanFirst expects to issue in the Transactions).merger. As a result of such share issuances, the shares of OceanFirst common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will represent, immediately after the effective time, and after giving effect to the shares of OceanFirst common stock expected to be issued in the first-step merger and in the CYHC Transactions, approximately [●]% of the outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock immediately after the first-step merger. Because of this reduced ownership percentage, Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders will have less influence on the management and policies of OceanFirst than they now have on the management and policies of Two River.Partners.

Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders do not have dissenters’ or appraisal rights in the first-step merger.

Dissenters’ rights are statutory rights that, if applicable under law, enable shareholdersstockholders to dissent from certain transactions,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 shareholder is not entitled to demand the fair

value of his, her or its shares of stock in any transaction if (i) a class or series of shares are listed on a national securities exchange or are held by not less than 1,000 shareholders or (ii) the shareholder is to receive (x) cash, (y) shares as consideration that will be listed on a national securities exchange or be held by not less than 1,000 shareholders or (z) cash and such securities. Because the Two River common stock is listed on the Nasdaq, the holders of Two River common stockPartners stockholders are not entitled to exercise dissenters’ or appraisal rights in connection with the first-step merger. For further information, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Mergers — No Dissenters’ Rights” beginning on page [●].

Litigation relatingagainst OceanFirst or Partners or their respective boards of directors could prevent or delay the completion of the mergers or result in the payment of damages following the completion of the mergers.

While OceanFirst and Partners believe that any claims that may be asserted by purported stockholder plaintiffs related to the Transactionsmergers would be without merit, the results of any such potential legal proceedings are difficult to predict and could require OceanFirstdelay or Two Riverprevent the mergers from becoming effective in a timely manner. The existence of litigation related to incur significant costs and suffer management distraction, as well as delay and/or enjoin the Transactions.

On October 4, 2019, a purported Two River shareholder filed a putative shareholder class action lawsuit against Two River, certain membersmergers could affect the likelihood of obtaining the required approval of the Two Rivermerger proposal. Moreover, any litigation could be time consuming and expensive, could divert OceanFirst management or Partners management’s attention away from their regular business and, if any lawsuit is adversely resolved against OceanFirst, Partners or their respective board of directors, it could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of OceanFirst, and Merger SubPartners or the surviving corporation in the Superior Courtmergers.

One of New Jersey, Monmouth County, Chancery Division, captioned Paul Parshall v. Two River Bancorp, et al., Docket No. C-124-19. The action generally alleges that the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by OceanFirst with the SEC on September 20, 2019, which included a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, omitted certain material information with respectconditions to the Transactions and that membersconsummation of the Two River board breached their fiduciary dutiesintegrated mergers is the absence of any order, injunction, decree, legal restraint or prohibition by approvingany court or agency of competent jurisdiction preventing the consummation of any of the integrated mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, because the Transactions are financially inadequate. Plaintiffs further allege that OceanFirst and Merger Sub aided and abetted such alleged breaches. The action seeks to enjoin the Transactions (or, if the Transactions are consummated, rescission or rescissory damages), as well as unspecified money damages, costs and attorneys’ fees and expense. OceanFirst and Two River believe the claimsdescribed in more detail in the section “The Merger Agreement — Conditions to Complete the Integrated Mergers” beginning on page [●]. Consequently, if a settlement or other resolution is not reached in any lawsuit are without meritthat is filed and intend to defend such claims vigorously.

A negative outcome in this suit coulda claimant secures injunctive or other relief prohibiting, delaying or otherwise adversely affect Two River and OceanFirst. Such action may also create additional uncertainty relating to the Transactions, and responding to the demands made in such action and defending such action may be costly and distracting to management of Two River and OceanFirst. Neither Two River nor OceanFirst is currently able to predict the outcome of the suit with any certainty. Additional suits arising out of or relating to the Transactions may be filed in the future, and neither OceanFirst nor Two River can provide any assurance as to whether additional claims againstaffecting OceanFirst or Two River relatedPartners’ ability to complete the Transactions will be broughtintegrated mergers, then such injunctive or if so brought, as toother relief may prevent the outcome of any such claim. If additional similar complaints are filed, absent newmergers from becoming effective in a timely manner or different allegations that are material, Two River and OceanFirst may not announce or publicly disclose such additional filings.at all.

The fairness opinion received by the Two RiverPartners board from its financial advisor prior to execution of the merger agreement does not reflect changes in circumstances subsequent to the date of the fairness opinion.

Boenning, Two River’sPiper Sandler, Partners’ financial advisor in connection with the Transactions,mergers, delivered to the Two RiverPartners board its fairness opinion, on August 8, 2019.dated as of November 3, 2021, to the effect that, as of such date and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations set forth in the opinion, the merger consideration in the integrated mergers was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of Partners’ common stock. The opinion speaks only as of the date of such opinion. The opinion does not reflect changes that may occur or may have occurred after the date of the opinion, including changes to the operations and prospects of OceanFirst or Two River,Partners, changes in general market and economic conditions or regulatory or other factors. Any such changes may materially alter or affect the relative values of OceanFirst and Two River.Partners.

Estimates as to the future value of the combined company are inherently uncertain. You should not rely on such estimates without considering all of the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

Any estimates as to the future value of the combined company, including estimates regarding the earnings per share of the combined company, are inherently uncertain. The future value of the combined company will depend upon, among other factors, the combined company’s ability to achieve projected revenue and earnings expectations and to realize the anticipated synergies, all of which are subject to the risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties described in these risk factors. Accordingly, you should not rely upon any estimates as to the future value of the combined company, whether made before or after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus by OceanFirst’s and Two River’sPartners’ respective management teams or others, without considering all of the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

OceanFirst has also entered into an agreement to acquire CYHC, which may make it difficult to complete the Transactions on a timely basis.

On August 9, 2019, OceanFirst also announced the proposed acquisition of CYHC in the CYHC Transactions. The CYHC Transactions are subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals, as well as receipt of the requisite approval of the shareholders of CYHC. Efforts to complete the CYHC Transactions and planning the potential concurrent integration of Two River and CYHC, while also pursuing regulatory approvals for both transactions, is time consuming and could divert management attention and resources away from the Transactions. It is possible that because of the complexities involved in acquiring two financial institutions simultaneously, OceanFirst could experience delays in receiving regulatory approval. This could result in the time it takes to complete the Transactions taking longer than anticipated, which could be costly to OceanFirst and Two River, disrupt OceanFirst’s and Two River’s ongoing businesses relationships with their respective clients, customers, depositors and employees or result in a failure to complete or achieve the anticipated benefits of the Transactions. Pursuing the CYHC Transactions at the same time as the Transactions may also impact any regulatory conditions imposed on the Transactions.

OceanFirst’s bylaws designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by OceanFirst stockholders, which could limit OceanFirst stockholders’ ability to bring certain actions or proceedings in a forum of their choosing.

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 will be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the 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 OceanFirst 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 DGCL or 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; provided, however, that, in the event the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction over any such action or proceeding, the sole and exclusive forum for such action or proceeding will be another court of the State of Delaware, or if no court of the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware, in each such case, unless the Court of Chancery (or such other state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, as applicable) has dismissed a prior action by the same plaintiff asserting the same claims because such court lacked personal jurisdiction over an indispensable party named as a defendant therein.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the forum selection bylaw discussed above will apply to derivative actions or proceedings brought on behalf of OceanFirst and arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, although OceanFirst stockholders cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. There is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such provision in connection with any such derivative action or proceeding arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, and it is possible that a court could find the forum selection bylaw to be inapplicable or unenforceable in such a case.

This forum selection bylaw could limit the ability of OceanFirst stockholders to bring certain actions or proceedings involving disputes with OceanFirst or OceanFirst’s directors, officers and other employees in a forum of such OceanFirst stockholders’ choosing. If a court were to find the forum selection bylaw inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, OceanFirst may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect OceanFirst’s business and financial condition.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This proxy statement/prospectus contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (which we refer to as the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act.Act of 1934 (which we refer to as the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements may include: management plans relating to either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions;mergers; the expected timing of the completion of either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactions;mergers; the ability to complete either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactions;mergers; the ability to obtain any required regulatory, stockholder 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 either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactions;mergers; 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,” “could,” “target,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project” and other similar words and 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 Two RiverPartners assumes any duty or undertaking to update or supplement any forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements are by their nature, to different degrees, uncertain and subject to assumptions, actual results or future events or circumstances could differ, possibly materially, from those that OceanFirst or Two RiverPartners 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 the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page [●] and under Item 1A “Risk Factors” in OceanFirst’s Annual Report on Form10-K, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in Two River’sPartners’ Annual Report on Form10-K and those disclosed in OceanFirst’s and Two River’sPartners’ other periodic reports filed with the SEC, as well as the possibility that expected benefits of either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactionsmergers may not materialize in the timeframe expected or at all, or may be more costly to achieve; that either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactionsmergers may not be timely completed, if at all; that prior to the completion of either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactionsmergers or thereafter, OceanFirst’s Two River’s and CYHC’sPartners’ 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 related to either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactions;mergers; that, with respect to either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactions,mergers, required regulatory, stockholder 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’ stockholders, customers, employees and other constituents to the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactions;mergers, and diversion of management time as result of matters related to either the Transactions or the CYHC Transactions or both such transactions.mergers. For any forward-looking statements made in this proxy statement/prospectus or in any documents, OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners and 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 TWO RIVERPARTNERS SPECIAL MEETING

This section contains information for Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders about the special meeting that Two RiverPartners has called to allow its shareholdersstockholders to consider and vote on the merger proposal, the compensation proposal and the adjournment proposal. Two RiverPartners is mailing this proxy statement/prospectus to you, as a Two River shareholder,Partners stockholder, on or about [], 2019.2022. This proxy statement/prospectus is accompanied by a notice of the special meeting and a form of proxy card that the Two RiverPartners board is soliciting for use at the special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. References to “you” and “your” in this section are to Partners stockholders.

Date, Time and Place of the Special Meeting

TheA virtual special meeting of the stockholders of Partners is scheduled to be held at [●],online via live webcast at [●] local time,Eastern Time, on [●], 2019.2022. No physical meeting will be held. On or about [●], 2019, Two River2022, Partners will commence mailing this proxy statement/prospectus and the enclosed form of proxy card to its shareholdersstockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting.

Our priority remains the safety of our stockholders, employees and community. In response to the public health concerns regarding the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the special meeting will be a virtual meeting held on the Internet. There will be no physical location for the special meeting. Stockholders will be able to attend the special meeting online, and, with a control number, vote shares electronically and submit questions during the special meeting by visiting [●] at the meeting date and time.

Matters to Be Considered

At the special meeting, you, as a Two River shareholder,Partners stockholder, will be asked to consider and vote upon the following matters:

 

the merger proposal;

 

the compensation proposal; and

 

the adjournment proposal.

Recommendation of the Two RiverPartners Board

The Two RiverPartners board has determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Two RiverPartners and its shareholders,stockholders, has unanimously approved the merger agreement and the first-step merger and unanimously recommends that the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, “FOR” the compensation proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled The TransactionsMergers Two River’s Partners’ Reasons for the Transactions;Mergers; Recommendation of the Two River BoardPartners Board” beginning on page [●] for a more detailed discussion of the Two RiverPartners board’s recommendation.

Record Date and Quorum

The Two RiverPartners board has fixed the close of business on [●], 20192022 as the record date for determining its shareholdersstockholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting.

As of the record date, there were [●] shares of Two RiverPartners common stock outstanding and entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting held by [●] holders of record. Each share of Two RiverPartners common stock entitles the holder to one vote at the special meeting on each proposal to be considered at the special meeting.

The presence at the special meeting of the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to cast a majority of the votes at a meeting of shareholdersstockholders will constitute a quorum at the meeting for the transaction of business at

the special meeting. Abstentions, 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. Virtual attendance at the special meeting constitutes “in person” attendance for purposes of establishing a quorum. Once a share is represented for any purpose at the special meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the special meeting or any adjournment of the special meeting.

Brokernon-votes, if any, will not be included in determining the number of shares present at the meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum because it is expected that all proposals to be voted on at the special meeting will be“non-routine” matters (i.e., matters with respect to which banks, brokers and other nominees do not have discretion to vote shares of Two RiverPartners common stock).

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

The merger proposalproposal::

 

  

Standard: Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majoritytwo-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

 

  

Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy, fail to submit a proxy, fail to vote by telephone or the internet, or fail to vote in person at the special meeting, or fail to instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote with respect to the merger proposal, it will have nothe same effect on theas a vote with respect to“AGAINST” the merger proposal.

The compensation proposal:

 

  

Standard: Approval of the compensation proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

 

  

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

The adjournment proposal:

 

  

Standard: The adjournment proposal will be approved if a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting vote in favor of such proposal.

 

  

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

Shares Held by Officers and Directors

As of the close of business on the record date, Two River’sPartners’ directors and executive officers and their affiliates were entitled to vote an aggregate of [●] shares of Two RiverPartners common stock at the special meeting, which represents approximately [●]% of the issued and outstanding shares of Two RiverPartners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. In addition, as described in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management of Two River,Partners,” as of the close of business on the record date, Two River’sPartners’ directors and executive officers and their affiliates beneficially owned an aggregate of [●] shares of Two RiverPartners common stock.

Each director and executive officer of Two River,Partners, solely in his or her capacity as a Two River shareholder,Partners stockholder, has entered into a support agreement with OceanFirst, pursuant to which each such shareholderstockholder has agreed to vote in favor of the merger proposal and certain related matters and against alternative transactions. As of the record date, the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders that are party to the support agreements were entitled to vote in the aggregate approximately [●]% of the outstanding shares of Two RiverPartners common stock. For more information regarding the support agreements, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Two RiverPartners Voting and Support Agreement” beginning on page [●].

As of the record date, OceanFirst beneficially held [●]no shares of Two RiverPartners common stock.

Voting of Proxies; Incomplete Proxies

Any Two River shareholderPartners stockholder may vote by proxy or in person at the special meeting. If you hold your shares of Two RiverPartners common stock in your name as a shareholderstockholder of record, to submit a proxy you, as a Two River shareholder,Partners stockholder, 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 following the instructions on your proxy card.

 

Complete and return the proxy card in the enclosed envelope. The envelope requires no additional postage if mailed in the United States.

Two RiverPartners requests that its shareholdersstockholders vote by telephone or over the Internet prior to midnight on [●], 20192022 or by completing and signing the accompanying proxy card and returning it to Two RiverPartners as soon as possible in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. When the accompanying proxy card is returned properly executed, the shares of Two RiverPartners common stock represented by it will be voted at the special meeting in accordance with the instructions contained on the proxy card. If any proxy card is returned signed but without indication as to how to vote, the shares of Two RiverPartners common stock represented by the proxy card will be voted as recommended by the Two RiverPartners board.

Every Two River shareholder’sPartners stockholder’s vote is important. Accordingly, each shareholderstockholder should sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card, or, prior to midnight[●] Eastern Time on [●], 2019,2022, vote by telephone or via the Internet, whether or not the shareholderstockholder plans to attend the special meeting in person. Sending in your proxy card or voting by telephone or on the Internet will not prevent you from voting your shares personally at the virtual special meeting, since you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted.

Shares Held in “Street Name”

If you are a Two River shareholderPartners stockholder and your shares are held in “street name” through a bank, broker or other nominee, 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, broker or other nominee. ShareholdersStockholders 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 Two RiverPartners or by voting in person at the 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 Two RiverPartners common stock on behalf of their customers will not vote your shares of Two RiverPartners common stock or give a proxy to Two RiverPartners to vote those shares with respect to any of the proposals (including the merger proposal) being considered at the special meeting without specific instructions from you because brokers, banks and other nominees do not have discretionary voting power on such proposals. A brokernon-vote occurs when the broker holder of record is unable to vote on a proposal because the proposal isnon-routine and the beneficial owner does not provide any instructions. All of the proposals currently scheduled for consideration at the special meeting are“non-routine” matters.

Revocability of Proxies and Changes to a Two River Shareholder’sPartners Stockholder’s Vote

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

 

voting again by telephone or through the Internet prior to midnight on [●], 2019,2022, or completing a new proxy card with a later date — your latest vote will be counted; or

 

filing with the Secretary of Two RiverPartners written notice of such revocation.

Attendance at the 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 special meeting.

If you have instructed a bank, broker or other nominee to vote your shares of Two RiverPartners 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

Two RiverPartners will pay for the solicitation of proxies from the Two River shareholders.Partners stockholders. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, Regan & Associates, Inc., Two River’sPartners’ proxy solicitor, will assist Two RiverPartners in soliciting proxies from its shareholders. Two Riverstockholders. Partners has agreed to pay $10,000$20,000 plus out of pocket expenses for these services. Two RiverPartners will, upon request, reimburse banks, brokers 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 Two RiverPartners may solicit proxies personally and by telephone. None of these persons will receive additional or special compensation for soliciting proxies.

Attending and Participating in the Special Meeting

The special meeting will be a completely virtual meeting of stockholders, which will be conducted exclusively online by webcast. You are entitled to attend the special meeting only if you were a Partners stockholder as of the close of business on [●], 2022, the record date, or if you hold a valid proxy for the special meeting. No physical meeting will be held.

All Two River shareholders,Partners stockholders, including holders of record and shareholdersstockholders who hold their shares through banks, brokers or other nominees, are invited to attend the special meeting. Two River shareholders of record can vote in person at the special meeting. If you are not a Two River shareholderPartners 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 special meeting. If you plan

You will be able to attend the special meeting online by webcast and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting [●]. You also will be able to vote your shares online by attending the special meeting by webcast.

To attend the special meeting and be able to submit questions and to vote, you will need to review the information, including the control number, included on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompany your proxy materials. The password for the meeting is [●], which is also included on your proxy card. If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you must register in advance using the instructions provided in accompanying proxy materials. If you do not have your control number, you may attend the special meeting as a guest (non-stockholder), but you will not have the ability to vote your shares or submit questions during the special meeting.

The special meeting will begin promptly at [●] Eastern Time, on [●], 2022. We encourage you to access the meeting 10-15 minutes prior to the start time to leave ample time for the check in.

Registration for the Special Meeting

Registered Stockholders. If you are a registered stockholder (i.e., you hold your shares through our transfer agent, Computershare), you do not need to register to attend the special meeting online by webcast. However, you will need your control number located on your proxy card. Please follow the instructions on your proxy card and accompanying proxy materials that you received.

Other Stockholders. If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank, broker or other nominee, then that organization is considered the stockholder of record and the shares are considered held in “street name.” If you hold your shares in your ownstreet name or have a letter fromand you wish to attend the record holderspecial meeting online, you must register in advance to attend the meeting online and to vote during the meeting.

To register to attend the special meeting online by webcast you must submit proof of your proxy power (i.e., legal proxy or broker’s proxy card) reflecting your holdings of shares confirmingof Partners common stock, along with your ownershipname and granting youemail address to Computershare. Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and directed to Computershare by one of the following methods:

Mail: Send a copy of your legal proxy, along with your name and email address, to

Computershare

Attention: Partners Bancorp Legal Proxy

P.O. Box 43001

Providence, RI 02940-3001

Email: Forward the email from your bank, broker or other nominee, or attach an image of your legal proxy, to legalproxy@computershare.com, and include your name and email address. Requests for registration must include the subject line “Legal Proxy.”

Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than [●], Eastern Time, on [●]. You will receive a confirmation email from Computershare of your registration and a control number that you can use to vote those shares. The use of cameras, sound recording equipment, communications devicesduring the special meeting.

Questions

Stockholders may submit questions either before or any similar equipment during the special meeting by logging into the webcast using their control number and following the instructions to submit a question. Questions pertinent to the special meeting proposals will be answered during the meeting after voting is prohibited.completed, subject to time constraints. A Partners’ representative will facilitate the process by posing questions to our management team. Questions or comments that relate to proposals that are not properly before the special meeting, relate to matters that are not proper subject for action by stockholders, are irrelevant to Partners’ business, relate to material non-public information of Partners, relate to personal concerns or grievances, are derogatory to individuals or that are otherwise in bad taste, are in substance repetitious of a question or comment made by another stockholder, or are not otherwise suitable for the conduct of the special meeting as determined in the sole discretion of Partners, will not be answered. Questions relevant to special meeting matters that Partners does not have time to answer during the special meeting will be posted to Partners’ website following the special meeting.

Technical Support

Support will be available to assist with any technical difficulties you may have in accessing the virtual special meeting. If you encounter any difficulties, you can utilize the link available on the log-in webpage for the special meeting at [●] or you may call ([●]) [●]-[●] beginning at [●] Eastern Time on [●], 2022.

If there are any technical issues in convening or hosting the special meeting, we will promptly post information to Partners’ website, www.partnersbancorp.com, under the heading “Special Meeting and Proxy Statement/Prospectus,” including information on when the special meeting will be reconvened.

Assistance

If you need assistance in completing your proxy card, have questions regarding the special meeting or would like additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus, please contact Two River’sPartners’ proxy solicitor, Regan & Associates, Inc., at the following address: 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 800, New York, NYNew York 10018, or by telephone at (800)(212) 737-3426.587-3005.

TWO RIVERPARTNERS PROPOSALS

Proposal No. 1 — The Merger Proposal

Two RiverPartners is asking its shareholdersstockholders to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger. Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders should read this proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in its entirety, including the annexes, for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement and the first-step merger.merger and the terms and conditions thereof. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A.A.

After careful consideration, the Two RiverPartners board unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, having determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, were advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Two RiverPartners and its shareholders.stockholders. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The TransactionsMergers Two River’s Partners’ Reasons for the Transactions;Mergers; Recommendation of the Two RiverPartners Board” beginning on page [●] for a more detailed discussion of the Two RiverPartners board’s recommendation.

Required Vote. Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Partners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. If you mark “ABSTAIN” for the merger proposal on your proxy card, fail either to submit a proxy card or vote by telephone or the internet, or fail to vote in person at the special meeting, it will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the merger proposal.

The Two RiverPartners board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the merger proposal.

Proposal No. 2 — The Compensation Proposal

Pursuant to Rule14a-21(c)In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, and as required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, Two RiverPartners is providing its shareholdersstockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on an advisory,non-binding basis, the merger-related compensation that will or may become payable to its named executive officers as described in “The TransactionsMergers — Interests of Two RiversPartners’ Directors and Executive Officers in the TransactionsMergers — Quantification of Payments to Two RiversPartners’ Named Executive Officers” beginning on page [●].

ShareholdersPartners stockholders are being asked to approve the following resolution on an advisory(non-binding) basis:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation that may be paid or become payable to Two River’sPartners’ named executive officers in connection with the first-step merger, and the agreement 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 section of the proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Interests of Two RiversPartners’ Directors and Executive Officers in the TransactionsMergers” is hereby APPROVED.”

Approval of this separate advisory(non-binding) proposal is not a condition to completion of the Transactions.mergers. The vote is an advisory vote and will not be binding on Two RiverPartners or the surviving corporation in the Transactions.mergers. If the integrated mergers are completed, the merger-related compensation may be paid to Two River’sPartners’ named executive officers to the extent payable in accordance with the terms of their compensation agreements and arrangements and the outcome of this advisory(non-binding) vote will not affect Two River’sPartners’ or OceanFirst’s obligations to make these payments even if Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders do not approve, by advisory(non-binding) vote, this proposal.

The vote on the merger-related named executive officer compensation is separate from the vote to approve the merger agreement. You may vote “against” the merger-related named executive officer compensation and “for” approval of the merger agreement and vice versa. You also may abstain from this proposal and vote on the merger agreement proposal and vice versa.

Required Vote. Approval of the compensation proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Partners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. If you mark “ABSTAIN” for the merger proposal on your proxy card, fail either to submit a proxy card or vote by telephone or the internet, or fail to vote in person at the special meeting, it will have no effect on the vote with respect to the compensation proposal.

The Two RiverPartners board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the compensation proposal.

Proposal No. 3 — The Adjournment Proposal

The 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 special meeting to approve the merger proposal.

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

In this proposal, Two RiverPartners is asking its shareholdersstockholders to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the Two RiverPartners board on a discretionary basis to vote in favor of adjourning the special meeting to another time and place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders who have previously voted. If the date of the adjournment is not announced at the special meeting or a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a new notice of the adjourned meeting will be given to each Partners stockholder of record entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, unless the meeting has been adjourned for less than a total of 120 days, in which case no notice of the adjourned meeting is required to be given to stockholders.

Required Vote. Approval of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by the holders of shares of Partners common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. If you mark “ABSTAIN” for the merger proposal on your proxy card, fail either to submit a proxy card or vote by telephone or the internet, or fail to vote in person at the special meeting, it will have no effect on the vote with respect to the adjournment proposal.

The Two RiverPartners board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

Other Matters to Come Before the Special Meeting

As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the Partners board is not aware of any matters that will be presented for consideration at the special meeting other than described in this proxy statement/prospectus. If, however, the Partners board properly brings any other matters before the special meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote the shares represented thereby in accordance with the recommendation of the Partners board on any such matter (unless the Partners stockholder checks the box on the proxy card to withhold discretionary voting authority).

INFORMATION ABOUT OCEANFIRST

OceanFirst is incorporated under Delaware law and serves as the holding company for OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “OCFC.” OceanFirst Bank, founded in 1902, is a $8.0$11.8 billion regional bank operating throughout New Jersey and in the major metropolitan markets of Philadelphia, and metropolitan New York, City.Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Boston. OceanFirst Bank delivers commercial and residential financing, solutions,treasury management, trust and asset management, and deposit services, and is one of the largest and oldest community-based financial institutions headquartered in New Jersey.

On May 2, 2016, OceanFirst completed the Cape Bancorp, Inc. acquisition. Total consideration paid for the Cape Bancorp, Inc. acquisition was $196.4 million. On November 30, 2016, OceanFirst completed the Ocean Shore Holding Co. acquisition. Total consideration paid for the Ocean Shore Holding Co. acquisition was $180.7 million. On January 31, 2018, OceanFirst completed the Sun Bancorp, Inc. acquisition. Total consideration paid for the Sun Bancorp, Inc. acquisition was $474.9$ 474.9 million. On January 31, 2019, OceanFirst completed the Capital Bank of New Jersey acquisition. Total consideration paid for the Capital Bank of New Jersey acquisition was $76.96 million. On January 1, 2020, OceanFirst completed the Two River Bancorp acquisition. Total consideration paid for the Two River Bancorp acquisition was $197.0 million. On January 2, 2020, OceanFirst completed the Country Bank Holding Company, Inc. acquisition. Total consideration paid for the Country Bank Holding Company, Inc. acquisition was $112.8 million.

On August 9, 2019, OceanFirst, CYHC Merger Sub and CYHC entered into the CYHC merger agreement pursuant to which OceanFirst will acquire CYHC. The CYHC Transactions were approved by the OceanFirst board and CYHC board and are expected to close in the first quarter of 2020. Completion of the CYHC Transactions is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and receipt of the requisite approval of CYHC’s shareholders. Under the terms and subject to the conditions of the CYHC merger agreement, at the effective time of the CYHC first-step merger, CYHC shareholders will be entitled to receive 2,000 shares of OceanFirst common stock for each share of common stock of CYHC that they hold (other than dissenting shares), which equates to an aggregate transaction value of approximately $102.2 million based on the $23.14 closing price of the OceanFirst common stock on Nasdaq as of August 8, 2019. At June 30, 2019, CYHC had $783.4 million in assets, $592.4 million in loans, $649.7 million in deposits and $67.5 million in shareholders’ equity.

OceanFirst Bank’sOceanFirst’s principal executive office is located at 110 West Front Street, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701 and its telephone number at that location is (732)240-4500. OceanFirst’s website is www.oceanfirst.com. Additional information about OceanFirst Bank and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●].

INFORMATION ABOUT MERGER SUB

Merger Subsub is a New JerseyMaryland corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst. Merger Subsub was formed by OceanFirst for the sole purpose of consummating the first-step merger.

INFORMATION ABOUT TWO RIVER BANCORPPARTNERS

Two RiverPartners is thea Maryland corporation and multi-bank holding company for Two RiverDelmarva Bank, a New JerseyDelaware chartered state charterednon-membermember bank, which is headquartered in Tinton Falls,Seaford, Delaware, and Virginia Partners Bank, a Virginia chartered state member bank, which is headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Partners was incorporated on January 6, 1988 under the general corporation law of Maryland for the purpose of becoming a bank holding company for Delmarva Bank. Partners acquired Virginia Partners Bank on November 15, 2019.

Delmarva Bank currently operates 15 full service banking offices, located in Delmar, Salisbury and Ocean City, Maryland and Laurel, Dagsboro, and Rehoboth, Delaware, and Cherry Hill, Evesham and Moorestown, New Jersey. Two RiverDelmarva Bank’s branches in Cherry Hill, Evesham, and Moorestown, New Jersey are operated under the name “Liberty Bell Bank, a Division of The Bank of Delmarva.” Delmarva Bank’s main office is located at 910 Norman Eskridge Highway, Seaford, Delaware 19973.

Virginia Partners Bank has three full service banking offices in Fredericksburg, Virginia and one full service branch and commercial banking office in Reston, Virginia. In Maryland, Virginia Partners Bank trades under the name “Maryland Partners Bank (a division of Virginia Partners Bank),” and operates 14 branches along with twoa full service branch and commercial banking office in La Plata, Maryland and a loan production offices throughout Monmouth, Union, Essex, and Ocean Counties, New Jersey.office in Annapolis, Maryland. Virginia Partners Bank’s main office is located at 410 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401.

Two RiverPartners common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TRCB.“PTRS.

Two River’sPartners principal executive offices are located at 766 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 077242245 Northwood Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21801 and its telephone number at that location is (732)(410) 389-8722.548-1100. Two River’sPartners’ website is http:https://investor.tworiverbank.com/www.partnersbancorp.com/. Additional information about Partners and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●].

THE TRANSACTIONSMERGERS

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

Structure of the TransactionsMergers

Each of the OceanFirst board and the Two RiverPartners board has unanimously approved the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides that (i) Merger Submerger sub will merge with and into Two River,Partners, with Two River continuingPartners as the surviving corporation in the first-step merger and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanFirst, (ii) immediately following the effective time of the first-step merger, Two RiverPartners will merge with and into OceanFirst, with OceanFirst continuing as the surviving corporation, in the second-step merger and (iii) immediately following the completionconsummation of the integrated mergers, Two RiverDelmarva Bank will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank beingas the surviving bank, inand (iv) immediately following the bank merger.effective time of the Delmarva Bank merger, Virginia Partners Bank will merge with and into OceanFirst Bank, with OceanFirst Bank as the surviving bank.

At the effective time of the first-step merger, each outstanding share of Partners common stock that is issued and outstanding shareimmediately prior to the effective time of Two River common stock,the first-step merger, except for the exception shares, will be converted into the right to receive 0.6663either (a) 0.4512 shares of OceanFirst common stock together withor (b) $10.00 in cash, in lieueach case, at the election of the holder of Partners common stock, subject to (x) a maximum of forty percent (40%) of the shares of Partners common stock being convertible into cash and (y) the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement. No fractional shares, and cash in the amount of $5.375. No fractional sharesif any, of OceanFirst common stock will be issued in connection with the first-step merger, and Two River shareholders will instead be entitled to receive cash in lieu thereof.merger.

Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders are being asked to approve the merger agreement and transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement” beginning on page [●] for additional and more detailed information regarding the legal documents that govern the Transactions,mergers, including information about the conditions to the completion of the Transactionsmergers and the provisions for terminating or amending the merger agreement.

Background of the TransactionsMergers

Profitable and sustainable growth has always been Two River’s primary goal. In order to achieve that goal, Two River’s strategic plan has focused on the following:

aligning resources to support strategy and productivity;

increasing fee and othernon-interest income, primarily through mortgage banking and SBA lending;

continued improvement in net interest income through controlled balance sheet growth; and

growth in earnings per share.

As part of itsthe ongoing considerationoversight and management of Two River’stheir respective companies, each of the OceanFirst and Partners boards and executive management teams regularly review and assess their respective companies’ long-term strategic goals and opportunities and their respective companies’ performance and prospects in light of competitive and strategies, the Two River board has regularly considered various strategic alternatives, including opportunities for organic growth and potential acquisitions and merger transactions. The Two River board has considered strategic options potentially available to Two River,other relevant developments, all with the goal of enhancing stockholder value. For each company, these reviews have included periodic discussions regarding potential transactions that could further their strategic objectives and focusing on valuethe potential benefits and risks of any such transactions, and at certain points in the past, have resulted in completed strategic transactions.

The Partners board has regularly reviewed and discussed Partners’ business strategy, performance and prospects in the context of the national and local economic environment, developments in the competitive landscape, and also in the context of the share exchange transaction that resulted in the combination of Virginia Partners Bank and Delmar Bancorp (which survived and was renamed Partners Bancorp) in 2019. Among other things, these reviews and discussions have included possible strategic transactions available to Partners, such as potential acquisitions of, and business combinations with, other financial institutions. Certain of these reviews and discussions included analyses of the mergers and acquisitions environment, including multiples and premiums being paid, and an assessment of potential partners for Two River shareholders,Partners. In connection with the evaluation of these strategic alternatives, members of the Partners executive management team and certain directors of Partners, including Lloyd B. Harrison, III, Chief Executive Officer of Partners, Director Michael W. Clarke, and Director Kenneth R. Lehman, have had informal discussions with representatives of other financial institutions.

During Spring 2021, the Partners board and Partners’ executive management engaged in a series of discussions during executive sessions of regularly scheduled meetings of the Partners board regarding Partners’ corporate strategy, including the then-planned transition of executive leadership from Mr. Harrison to Mr. John W. Breda, President and Chief Operating Officer of Partners, Partners’ strategy as well as Two River’s interest in serving its customersan independent financial institution, and providing for its employees.potential strategic transactions.

From time to time, Two River has considered the acquisitionIn March and April 2021, Mr. Clarke had a series of conversations with representatives of a smaller financial institution, as the opportunities arose, but for various reasons those acquisitions did not materialize. Two River has instead relied on an organic growth strategy involving the opening oflow-cost loan production officesbank (which we refer to as “LPOs”“Bank 1”) that expressed interest in desirable markets,combining with Partners through a strategic transaction. After Mr. Clarke updated the Partners board and onceexecutive management team, Partners and Bank 1 executed mutual nondisclosure agreements. During April 2021, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Jeffrey F. Turner, Chairman of the Partners board, and Mr. Clarke met with the chairman and the chief executive officer of Bank 1 to discuss each company, their respective businesses, strategies and financial performance, and the potential benefits of a certain levelstrategic combination. Partners and Bank 1 continued preliminary financial, operational and social analyses related to a potential strategic combination into early May 2021, at which time Bank 1 and Partners mutually agreed to cease discussions regarding a potential transaction and to terminate the nondisclosure agreements.

During late May and early June 2021, Mr. Harrison engaged in a series of business is achieved, evaluating whetherdiscussions with Chairman Turner, Mr. George P. Snead, Vice Chairman of the Partners board, Mr. Lehman and Mr. Clarke regarding Partners, its current operations and strategy, and its strategic alternatives. Following these discussions, Mr. Harrison discussed these topics with a representative of Piper Sandler and, with the support of Chairman Turner, Vice Chairman Snead, Mr. Lehman and Mr. Clarke, requested that Piper Sandler begin to replace those LPOsundertake an analysis of strategic alternatives available to Partners, including conducting a “market check” with full-service branches at appropriate locations within those markets. Through this strategy, Two River has grownrespect to 14 branches alonga potential strategic merger or a sale of the company.

During June 2021, representatives of Piper Sandler began preparing a confidential information package for possible distribution to potential counterparties. In early June, conversations between Bank 1 and Partners resumed and representatives of each company agreed to reinstate the original nondisclosure agreement between the parties, after which representatives of Piper Sandler met, on behalf of Partners, with two LPOs throughout Monmouth, Union, Essexrepresentatives of an investment banking firm representing Bank 1 to discuss a potential strategic transaction. Also in June 2021, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Breda, Chairman Turner, Vice Chairman Snead, Mr. Lehman, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Adam Sothen, Chief Financial Officer of Partners, and Ocean Counties in New Jersey.

Ms. Betsy J. Eicher, Chief Accounting Officer of Partners, met multiple times to discuss the review of strategic alternatives, and Messrs. Harrison, Breda, Snead and Turner held individual meetings with Partners directors regarding these discussions.

The Two RiverOn July 28, 2021, representatives of Piper Sandler made a presentation to the Partners board believes that Two River needsregarding strategic alternatives potentially available to continue to grow to reach the scale necessary to operate efficiently and absorb increased costs of operating Two River in order to become more profitable. Like many community banks, Two River has incurred increasing costs in complying with new banking laws, regulations and policies, in addition to changes in technology that affect the way customers conduct banking business,Partners, as well as the difficulty of operating in a sustained low interest rate environment. A future economic downturn would make Two River’s continued growth more difficultproposed “market check” process to achieve.

In the spring of 2019, several banks expressedidentify potential merger or acquisition partners. The Partners board authorized Piper Sandler to Boenning their interest in Two River as a possible merger partner. Then, after being approached by several interested parties at a banking conference in early May 2019, Boenning discussed the topic with Two River’s Chairman and CEO, William Moss. Mr. Moss determined that, without something more substantial to bring to the Two River board, the topic was not worth disrupting normal business, and requested that Boenning discuss the matter furtherproceed with the approaching parties“market check” process and, report back to Mr. Moss as to the parties’ interest.

During the remainderbetween July 28, 2021 and late August 2021, representatives of May and beginning of June 2019, BoenningPiper Sandler discussed with six banks, including OceanFirst, the possibility of a business combination transaction with Two River. All such banks had previously expressed interest in Two River. In such discussions, several of the banks reiterated their interest in Two River. Two of the banks advised Boenning they did not wish to participate in any further discussions. Boenning entered into separate confidentiality agreements with, and sent a package of primarily public information to, each of the four remaining interested parties, including OceanFirst. Each of these confidentiality agreements contained a “standstill provision” pursuant to which each of these parties agreed that, during the period ending upon the earlier of (A) Two River’s execution of a definitive merger agreement with such party or (B) the 18 month anniversary of the date of such confidentiality agreement, except in connection with evaluation, negotiation and/or implementation of a transaction with such party supported by Two River, such party and its affiliates would not make, effect, initiate, cause or participate in: (i) any acquisition of beneficial ownership of any securities of Two River; (ii) any acquisition of any assets of Two River; (iii) any tender offer, exchange offer, merger, business combination, recapitalization, restructuring, liquidation, dissolution or extraordinarypotential strategic transaction involving Two River, or involving any securities or assetsPartners with 31 potential counterparties, 14 of Two River; or (iv) any solicitationwhich executed nondisclosure agreements and 3 of proxies or consents with respect to any securities of Two River; and would not form, join or participate in a group with respect to the beneficial ownership of any securities of Two River, or act, alone or in concert with others, to seek to control or influence the management, board of directors or policies of Two River.

At a meeting of the OceanFirst board held on May 29, 2019, Mr. Maher informed the OceanFirst board of an opportunity to pursue a strategic acquisition of Two River.

In early June 2019, each of the four bankswhich, including Bank 1, submitted a preliminarynon-binding indicationindications of interest (each of which we refer to as an “IOI”), three by the end of August, 2021.

On July 30, 2021, OceanFirst was approached by representatives of Piper Sandler and received a teaser presentation regarding Partners’ business. On August 18, 2021, OceanFirst executed a mutual nondisclosure agreement with Partners and received a confidential information package from representatives of Piper Sandler. OceanFirst reviewed the confidential information package and engaged in writinginternal discussions over the following week, and, one verbal. OceanFirston or about August 26, 2021, OceanFirst’s management began preparing an IOI to communicate to Partners its interest in acquiring Partners.

On September 2, 2021, at a special meeting of the Partners board, representatives of Piper Sandler presented the results of the “market check” process to the Partners board. Representatives of Piper Sandler also presented to the Partners board (a) an analysis of Partners’ stand-alone business operations and financial projections, and (b) an

analysis of market trends and dynamics in financial institutions mergers and acquisitions. On or around August 27, 2021, Bank 1 submitted itsan IOI on June 13, 2019 with respect to a proposed indicative price of $20.00reverse merger transaction, which would have paid Partners stockholders per share consideration of Two River commonapproximately $9.25 (based on then-current market prices) comprised of shares of Bank 1 stock based on closing priceand cash of the OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq on June 12, 2019, representing 80% stock consideration and 20% cash consideration$1.43 per share. On or around August 27, 2021, another financial institution (which we refer to as the “June 13 IOI”“Bank 2”). Bidder 2 submitted anall-stock IOI having a value range of $20.00 - $21.00to acquire Partners, which would have paid Partners stockholder per share consideration of Two Riverapproximately $10.14 comprised only of shares of Bank 2 (based on then-current market prices).

On or around August 27, 2021, OceanFirst submitted an initial IOI to acquire Partners. OceanFirst’s initial IOI contemplated, among other things, an indicative purchase price of $10.00 per Partners common stock in the form of an election for Partners stockholders to receive either (i) 0.4737 shares of OceanFirst common stock or (ii) $10.00 in cash for each share of Partners common stock, subject to proration and allocation so that seventy percent (70%) of the shares of Partners common stock would receive stock consideration and thirty percent (30%) of the shares of Partners common stock would receive cash consideration. After discussion of the IOI with representatives of Piper Sandler, Partners requested that OceanFirst revise the IOI to provide that the form of consideration for each share of Partners common stock to be one hundred percent (100%) OceanFirst common stock with an option for Partners stockholders to elect to receive cash for up to forty percent (40%) of the outstanding shares of Partners common stock. Bidder 3

On or around September 2, 2021, OceanFirst submitted anall-stocka revised IOI having ato acquire Partners, which contemplated, among other things, an indicative purchase price of $10.00 per Partners common stock in the form of an election for Partners stockholders to receive either (i) 0.4737 shares of OceanFirst common stock or (ii) $10.00 in cash for each share of Partners common stock, subject to no more than forty percent (40%) of Partners common stock being entitled to receive the cash consideration. OceanFirst’s IOI also proposed an exclusivity period of 45 days during which the parties would conduct customary due diligence, engage in discussions about the value of $20.50 per sharecombining their companies and negotiate transaction documents. Representatives of Two RiverPiper Sandler discussed each received IOI in detail with the Partners board and, after significant deliberation, the Partners board instructed Piper Sandler to request that OceanFirst increase the percentage of merger consideration that would be paid to Partners’ stockholders in shares of OceanFirst common stock. Bidder 4 submittedstock, with the intent that an increase in the percentage of stock would increase in merger consideration payable to Partners stockholders.

On September 7, 2021, at a verbal IOI having a value range of $18.00 -$20.00 per share of Two River common stock. Eachspecial meeting of the written IOIs contained a proposal regarding future directorship for Two River’s directorsPartners board, Christopher D. Maher, President and a commitment to honor all existing employment and change in control agreements. The June 13 IOI requested a commitment from Mr. Moss to serve as the President of the Two Rivers Bank DivisionChief Executive Officer of OceanFirst, Bank throughmet via video conference with the Partners board to discuss OceanFirst, its operations and until systems integration would be completed in orderstrategy, its corporate culture, and how OceanFirst proposes to ensurecapitalize on a smooth transitionpotential acquisition of Partners. On September 8, 2021, the Partners board convened a special meeting to discuss the strategic alternatives available to Partners and integration, but did not include proposals regarding future employment for anythe three IOIs that had been received, and at such meeting representatives of Two River’s other officers. The other IOIs also did not contain a proposal regardingTroutman Pepper discussed with the future employment for Two River’s officers.Partners board each director’s fiduciary duties and the applicable standard of director conduct under Maryland law.

The Two RiverOn September 13, 2021, the Partners board held a special meeting on June 17, 2019. Mr. Moss, together with Boenning’s representatives, informedto discuss the Two River board concerningIOIs that had been received, the activity described above. Boenning also reviewed

financial characteristics of a strategic transaction with the Two Riverinterested potential counterparties, and the other strategic alternatives available to Partners. The Partners board Boenning’s expertisediscussed strategic alternatives related to, among other things, organic growth by Partners on a stand-alone basis, one or more acquisitions of smaller or similarly-sized financial institutions, or a sale of Partners which could follow the process initiated by Piper Sandler at Partners’ request. During this meeting, the Partners board discussed OceanFirst’s attributes as a potential acquiror of Partners, including the strategic fit between the companies, the growth and financial advisor to banking institutions with respect to mergers and acquisitions. Boenning then supplied to the Two River board summary profilesperformance potential of the four potential buyers, and maps showing a comparison of each potential buyer’s branch network as compared to Two River’s branch network. Boenning reviewed the terms of each of the IOIscombined financial institution, and the characteristicsbenefit of each potential buyer’s common stock. It alsoshareholders having the option to elect to receive a significant portion of their merger consideration in cash as provided an overview of merger and acquisition trends, comparable transactions, other potentially interested parties,in OceanFirst’s IOI. After considering the risks of each transaction and potential process and timing.

After Boenning’s presentation and further discussion,strategic alternatives available to Partners, the Two RiverPartners board concludedunanimously determined that a sale couldit would be in the best interests of Two River shareholdersPartners and Two River’s other constituents. Basedits stockholders to execute the OceanFirst IOI in the form received on such meetingSeptember 2, 2021. Partners and review,OceanFirst exchanged the Two River board determinedexecuted IOI on the evening of September 13, 2021. Pursuant to engage Boenning as Two River’s exclusive financial advisor and Stevens & Lee as its legal counsel to handle any such transaction. The Two River board also directed Boenning to go back to each of the bidders and request a higher price, and Boenning did so. On June 19, 2019, Two River signed an engagement letter with Boenning.

On June 24, 2019,this IOI, OceanFirst and Bidders 2 and 3 each submitted revised IOIs. Bidder 4 submitted an initial written IOI withPartners agreed to a proposed price rangelimited period of $18.00exclusivity through October 28, 2021 to $19.00 per share of Two River common stock. OceanFirst’s revised IOI (which we refer to as the “June 24 IOI”) proposed an indicative price of $21.50 per share of Two River common stock based on the closing price of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq on June 21, 2019, representing 80% stock consideration and 20% cash consideration. Bidder 2’s revised IOI proposednegotiate a price of $20.75 per share of Two River common stock. Bidder 3’s revised IOI proposed a price of $21.00 per share of Two River common stock. Each of the written IOIs contained a proposal regarding future directorship for Two River’s directors and the same commitment to honor all existing employment and change in control agreements. The June 24 IOI contained a proposal regarding future directorship for Two River’s directors and the same commitment to honor all existing employment and change in control agreements and proposals regarding future employment for Two River’s officers as contained in the June 13 IOI. The other IOIs also did not contain a proposal regarding the future employment for Two River’s officers.

Also on July 24, 2019, at a meeting of the OceanFirst board, the OceanFirst board discussed considerations regarding the concurrent pursuit and announcement of two strategic acquisitions.

The Two River board met on June 26, 2019, and after a thorough evaluation of the four IOIs, the Two River board chose to invite only OceanFirst to do additional due diligence. Because of the potential upside associated with the fixed exchange ratio proposed in OceanFirst’s June 24 IOI, and the fact that Two River could terminate merger discussions if the OceanFirst stock price fell to an undesirable level, the Two River board determined to request that the exchange ratio be fixed at 0.7107 of a share of OceanFirst stock and $4.30 in cash for each share of Two River stock (rather than an indicative price of $21.50 per share).

At a meeting of the OceanFirst board held on June 26, 2019, representatives of Piper Jaffray & Co., financial advisor to OceanFirst (which we refer to as “Piper Jaffray”) reviewed with the OceanFirst board the Transactions and the CYHC Transactions, including the impact analysis for each transaction individually and combined. The OceanFirst board then discussed proposed terms of, benefits of and risks associated with, each of the transactions.

On June 27, 2019, OceanFirst submitted a revised IOI that contemplated a fixed exchange ratio of 0.7107 of a share of OceanFirst stock and $4.30 in cash for each share of Two River common stock, resulting in an implied per share transaction value of $21.50 based on closing price of the OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq on June 21, 2019 (which we refer to as the “June 27 IOI”). Two River executed the June 27 IOI on June 28, 2019. The June 27 IOI contained a25-day exclusivity period (until July 23, 2019) to conduct further mutual due diligence and continue confidential discussions. The June 27 IOI contained the same proposal regarding future directorship for Two River’s directors as contained in the June 24 IOI and the same proposals regarding future employment for Two River’s officers as contained in the June 13 IOI. The June 27 IOI contained a commitment to honor all existing employment, change in control agreements, SERPs and deferred compensation agreements.transaction.

On July 15, 2019,Beginning on September 14, 2021, the parties’executive management teams held anall-dayof Partners and OceanFirst began due diligence meeting.and reverse due diligence reviews in connection with the proposed merger. During September 2021 and October 2021, the management teams of Partners and OceanFirst engaged in multiple meetings to discuss key diligence topics including but not limited to financial performance, employee matters, the loan portfolios and asset quality, key markets, and integration matters. Also during September and October 2021, OceanFirst reviewed detailed information regarding Partners, including but not limited to Partners’ loan and securities portfolios, credit quality, and employee benefits, which information was made available via a virtual data room. On July 18, 2019,September 22, 2021, Raymond James, OceanFirst’s financial advisor, made a presentation to OceanFirst’s board regarding the potential transaction with Partners based on the due diligence reviews to date.

During September and October 2021, Partners’ executive management team, with assistance of representatives of Piper Sandler and Troutman Pepper, analyzed the impact of a potential strategic transaction on a team of commercial bankers that was recently hired by Partners, and on Mr. Clarke who had made and continued to make extraordinary contributions to this recently-hired team on behalf of Partners’ leadership. During September and October 2021, with significant assistance of Partners’ legal and financial advisors, Partners designed and discussed with OceanFirst confirmed in writing its finala program of cash and best offer, having a valuestock bonuses to reward these individuals’ contributions and encourage these individuals to remain with the combined company, and recognize extensive discussions that occurred during the first nine months of $22.32 per share (which we refer2021 regarding equity awards between Partners and these individuals to as the “July 18 IOI”). The increase over the initial offer of $21.50 per share was dueincentivize performance with respect to the fixed exchange ratioNorthern Virginia operations of Virginia Partners Bank.

On October 13, 2021, representatives of Skadden, OceanFirst’s legal counsel, provided representatives of Troutman Pepper, Partners’ legal counsel, a draft merger agreement.

On October 15, 2021, members of the respective OceanFirst and Partners management teams convened an in-person meeting in Baltimore, Maryland to discuss the increased market price of OceanFirst’s common stock on the Nasdaq since the June 24 IOI. The letter also extended the exclusivity period until August 12, 2019,proposed transaction, information about each company and, Two River executed the July 18 IOI on July 19, 2019. The July 18 IOI did not address employment matters related to Two River’s officers or future directorships for Two River’s directors, but generally confirmed the terms and conditions contained in the June 24 IOI.case of Partners, each of Virginia Partners Bank and The Bank of Delmarva, and strategic planning considerations.

On or about July 23, 2019, Piper informed BoenningOctober 18, 2021, Mr. Maher and Mr. Harrison met telephonically to discuss the progress of due diligence and reverse due diligence, and discussed the favorable review to-date of Partners’ credit quality. Mr. Maher and Mr. Harrison discussed the transaction’s timeline as well as potential employment arrangements for certain key officers of Partners that OceanFirst was in negotiations with CYHC regardingviewed as important to the CYHC Transactions, and Piper sent Boenning a summary pro forma analysis of the Transactions and the CYHC Transactions on a combined basis. Boenning informed Two River, forwarded such pro forma analysis and other financial information to Two River and discussed such analysis and information with Two River management.transaction’s success.

On July 25, 2019,October 20, 2021, OceanFirst’s senior management discussed the potential transaction in detail during its management offsite.

On October 20, 2021, representatives of Troutman Pepper provided representatives of Skadden the legal counsel for OceanFirst, provided Stevens & Lee with a draftan updated version of the merger agreement. OverFrom the next two weeks, the parties, along with their respective legal counsel, negotiated the termsperiod beginning October 24, 2021 through November 4, 2021, representatives of the Transactions, the merger agreementSkadden and certain ancillary agreements, andTroutman Pepper exchanged several additional drafts of the merger agreement and such ancillary agreements. The terms negotiated by the partiesrelated transaction documents.

On October 25, 2021, Mr. Maher and their respective advisors included, but were not limitedMr. Harrison met telephonically to executory period covenants, termination provisionsdiscuss matters related to OceanFirst’s due diligence review and termination fees, the treatmentpost-merger employment of Two River’s outstanding stock purchase rights, support agreements with Two Rivers directors and officers and post-closing employee matters.

At the market close on August 1, 2019, OceanFirst’s common stock was trading at $23.90 per share. At the thenkey executives of Partners. During this meeting, Mr. Maher proposed exchange ratio, Two River shareholders would have received merger consideration valued at approximately $21.29 per share of Two River common stock. However, by the market close on August 5, 2019, OceanFirst’s common stock had dropped to a price of $22.87 per share. At the then proposed exchange ratio, Two River shareholders would have received merger consideration valued at approximately $20.55 per Two River share.

Two River’s management and representatives from Boenning expressed concern to OceanFirst and Piper Jaffray over the drop in OceanFirst’s stock price, and requested that OceanFirst consider increasingreduce the exchange ratio for the stock consideration from 0.7107. OceanFirst responded by offering0.4737 to change the mixa preliminary range of stock0.44 to 0.45, largely due to OceanFirst’s due diligence review and cash offered from 80% stock and 20% cash to 75% stock and 25% cash. Based onupdated cost projections. Mr. Harrison communicated OceanFirst’s closing share price on August 5, 2019, this changerequested reduction to the mixexchange ratio to Mr. Breda, Mr. Turner and Mr. Snead, while Mr. Maher communicated the same to Mr. Lehman.

On October 26, 2021, members of Partners’ executive management team and the Partners board participated in multiple meetings and discussions with representatives of Piper Sandler and Troutman Pepper regarding the requested revision to the exchange ratio. Following these meetings, representatives of Piper Sandler prepared updated financial models to compare the value of the merger consideration, represented potential value to Two River shareholdersbased on both the original and revised exchange ratios, and in light of $20.61 per share of Two River common stock. On August 6, 2019, after consultation withrecent increases in the Two River board’s two vice chairmen and lead independent directors, Two River’s management agreed to submit this change, which had the effect of changing the consideration to be received by Two River shareholders to 0.6663 sharesprice of OceanFirst common stock and $5.375 in cash for each share of Two River common stock, to the Two River board.stock.

On August 8, 2019,October 27, 2021, at a specialregularly scheduled meeting of the Two RiverPartners board, was convenedthe Partners board reviewed in detail the updated financial analysis prepared by Piper Sandler. During this meeting, the Partners board discussed the updated exchange ratio proposed by OceanFirst and, Two River’safter deliberation and advice from Partners’ financial and legal and financial advisors, participated in the meeting. A copyinstructed representatives of Piper Sandler to request an exchange ratio of 0.4512. Also at this meeting of the merger agreement that had been negotiated to date, as well as certain ancillary documents, had been sent to the membersPartners board, representatives of the Two River board in advanceTroutman Pepper presented a detailed summary of the meeting. Representatives of Stevens & Lee reviewed in detail the terms of the merger agreement and related transaction documents, including the bank planvoting and support agreements, and an update on the negotiations of select key transaction terms with OceanFirst and its legal counsel. Representatives of Troutman Pepper also discussed with the Partners board the fiduciary duties that each Partners director owes to Partners stockholders in the context of the proposed mergers. Partners’ senior management team and representatives of Troutman Pepper discussed with the Partners board the results of the due diligence and reverse due diligence reviews performed by OceanFirst and Partners, respectively, with respect to the proposed mergers.

In the morning of October 27, 2021, the OceanFirst board convened a special meeting to discuss the proposed mergers and review the terms of the proposed merger agreement and the first-step merger with Partners. Members of the OceanFirst senior management team were in attendance and representatives of Raymond James also participated in the meeting. At this meeting, representatives from Raymond James reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed transactions, and the members of the OceanFirst senior management team also presented a due diligence memorandum and a transaction risk assessment document. Thereafter, the OceanFirst board temporarily adjourned the Company meeting to discuss the proposed mergers.

Also on October 27, 2021, in light of continuing discussions regarding the exchange ratio, and OceanFirst’s agreement to increase the exchange ratio to 0.4512, OceanFirst and Partners agreed to extend the exclusivity period under the letter of intent from October 28, 2021 to November 5, 2021.

From October 27, 2021 to November 3, 2021, OceanFirst and Partners, with the assistance of their respective legal and financial advisors, continued to negotiate the outstanding terms of the merger agreement and related transaction documents, including the voting and support agreements. During this period the parties exchanged several additional drafts of the merger agreement and related transaction documents, including the voting and support agreements and the disclosure schedules.

The OceanFirst board reconvened its special meeting to be entered into with OceanFirst bydiscuss the directorsproposed mergers on November 3, 2021. Representatives of Raymond James reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed transactions, including the financial impact of the updated exchange ratio of 0.4512 and executive officers of Two River, as well as the amendmentsrendered to the employment, change in control, deferred compensation, retirement planOceanFirst board an opinion to the effect that, as of the date and life insurance agreements between Two Riversubject to the procedures followed, assumptions made and its senior management in connection withmatters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the Transactions, which arereview undertaken by Raymond James, the proposed mergers were fair, from a financial point of view, to OceanFirst stockholders. After an extensive discussion regarding the proposed mergers and the proposed merger agreement, including a consideration of factors described in more detail in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Mergers  Interests of Two River’s Directors OceanFirst’s Reasons for the Mergers,” the OceanFirst board determined that the merger agreement the mergers and Executive Officersthe other transactions contemplated thereby were in the Transactions” beginning on page [●]. Representativesbest interest of Stevens & Lee also discussedOceanFirst and its stockholders, and the OceanFirst board approved and adopted the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated thereby.

In the morning of November 3, 2021, the Partners board convened a special meeting to discuss the proposed resolutions thatmergers and review the Two River board would approve,terms of the proposed merger agreement and summarized the directors’ fiduciary duties, specificallyfirst-step merger with OceanFirst. Members of the Partners senior management team were in attendance and representatives of Piper Sandler and Troutman Pepper also participated in the contextmeeting. The Partners board were provided with copies of the merger agreement, the plan of merger, the merger agreements for the bank mergers, the voting and support agreements, summary materials regarding certain aspects of the mergers prepared by Troutman Pepper, and amendments to the employment agreements of Mr. Harrison and Mr. Breda. At this meeting, representatives of Piper Sandler reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed transaction and rendered to the Partners board an opinion (which was initially rendered verbally and then confirmed in a change of control.

Boenning made a presentation,written opinion, dated November 3, 2021, a copy of which had been sent in advanceis attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex C) to the directors, in which it summarized the backgroundeffect that, as of that date and terms of the Transactions, and the pricing metrics for the Transactions, and compared thosesubject to

against comparable merger transactions. Boenning also presented several valuation methodologies utilized in its fairness opinion analysis, including comparing Two River to comparable public companies,the procedures followed, assumptions made and an analysis ofmatters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the estimated net present value per share of Two River’s common stock. Boenning also reviewed the pro forma company’s footprint, metrics about Two River, Two River’s historical financial information and stock performance, and certain pro forma combined company loan and deposit information. Boenning’s presentation included an overview of OceanFirst and its historical financial results, including the results for OceanFirst’s trailing twelve months. Boenning also reviewed OceanFirst’s historical stock price performance, and did a comparison of OceanFirst to comparable public companies. Boenning then presented a pro forma analysis of the Transactions on a stand-alone basis, and then a summary pro forma analysis preparedreview undertaken by Piper ofSandler as set forth in such opinion, the Transactions and the CYHC Transactions on a combined basis. Boenning concluded by presenting its fairness opinion regarding the fairness of the proposed merger consideration to be received by Two River shareholderswas fair, from a financial point of view, and delivered its written opinion, dated August 8, 2019, and subject to the limitations and qualifications set forth in the opinion, that the merger consideration was fair to the holders of Two RiverPartners common stock from a financial pointstock. Representatives of view.

Following these presentations and review and discussion amongTroutman Pepper discussed the membersterms of the Two Rivermerger agreement, the merger agreements for the bank mergers, the voting and support agreements and related transaction documents with the Partners board, includingand updated the Partners board with respect to negotiations on the terms of the merger and the board’s compliance with fiduciary duties and the standard of director conduct under Maryland law. Members of Partners’ senior management team reviewed with the Partners board the results of the due diligence investigation of OceanFirst and the strategic benefits of the proposed acquisition by Ocean First.

After considering the proposed terms of the merger agreement and the mergers and the related transaction documents, and taking into consideration the matters discussed during that meeting and prior meetings of the Partners board, including the factors described under “—the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Mergers — Two River’sPartners’ Reasons for the Transactions;Mergers and Recommendation of the Two River Board”Partners Board, the Two RiverPartners board determined that the merger agreement, including the mergers and the other transactions contemplated thereby, was in the best interests of Partners and its stockholders, and the Partners board approved and adopted the merger agreement and the mergers and the other transactions contemplated thereby. Following this approval, Mr. Clarke briefly recused himself from the Partners board meeting, and the other members of the Partners board in attendance approved the program of cash and stock bonuses to reward the contributions of certain individuals, including Mr. Clarke, related to a newly-hired team of commercial bankers.

Following the meetings of the OceanFirst and Partners boards on November 3, 2021, OceanFirst and Partners and their respective legal advisors finalized the merger agreement and, on the morning of November 4, 2021, OceanFirst and Partners executed the merger agreement and OceanFirst and each director of Partners executed a voting and support agreement. Also on the morning of November 4, 2021, OceanFirst and Partners issued a joint press release announcing execution of the merger agreement.

Partners’ Reasons for the Mergers; Recommendation of the Partners Board

After careful consideration, at a meeting held on November 3, 2021, the Partners board determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the first-step merger, of Two River Bank and OceanFirst Bank, were advisable andis in the best interests of Two RiverPartners and its shareholders,stockholders. Accordingly, the Partners board approved and adopted the merger agreement and unanimously recommends that the Partners stockholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal.

In reaching its decision to approve and adopt the merger agreement and recommend that the Partners stockholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, the Partners board consulted with the senior management of Partners, as well as Partners’ financial and legal advisors, and considered a number of factors, including, without limitation, the following factors which are not presented in order of priority:

Partners’ belief that the mergers will accelerate achievement of its financial performance goals for its stockholders;

Partners’ financial condition, earnings, business, operations, asset quality and prospects for enhancing stockholder value, both as an independent organization and as part of a combined company with OceanFirst;

OceanFirst’s financial condition, earnings, business, operations, asset quality and prospects for enhancing stockholder value, taking into account the results of Partners’ due diligence investigation of OceanFirst;

the expanded possibilities, including organic growth and future acquisitions, that would be available to the combined company due to its larger size, asset base, capital, market capitalization and geographic footprint as compared to Partners as an independent organization;

Partners’ and its financial advisors’ expectations and analyses of cost synergies, earnings accretion, tangible book value dilution and internal rate of return, among other metrics;

the complementary branch networks of OceanFirst and Partners;

the belief that the mergers will, on a post-merger basis, accelerate OceanFirst’s expansion in the attractive banking markets of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area;

Partners’ understanding of the current and prospective environment in which OceanFirst and Partners operate, including national, regional and local economic conditions, the competitive environment for financial institutions generally and the directors unanimously votedlikely effect of these factors on Partners both with and without the mergers;

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

the strong capital positions maintained by OceanFirst and Partners prior to the mergers and the anticipated strong capital position for the combined company following the mergers;

the market for alternative merger or acquisition transactions in the financial services industry and the likelihood and timing of other material strategic transactions;

the regulatory and other approvals required in connection with the mergers and the expectation that the approvals will be received in a timely manner and without the imposition of unacceptable conditions;

OceanFirst’s past record of timely receiving regulatory approvals for acquisition transactions, integrating acquisitions and realizing benefits of acquisitions;

the expected receipt by Partners stockholders, after the effective time of the merger and to the extent that any such stockholder received the stock consideration, of dividends declared and paid by OceanFirst on shares of OceanFirst common stock consistent with historical levels and trends;

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

the financial and other terms of the transaction, including the fixed exchange ratio with respect to the stock consideration, the availability of the cash consideration for electing stockholders, deal protection and termination fee provisions, which the Partners board reviewed with Partners’ outside financial and legal advisors;

the value of the merger consideration relative to the market value, book value and earnings of Partners;

Partners’ understanding that the merger will constitute a “reorganization” under Section 368(a) of the Code and that, as a result, the Partners stockholders will not recognize gain or loss with respect to their receipt of the stock consideration; and

the opinion of Piper Sandler delivered to the Partners board on November 3, 2021 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 was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Partners common stock.

The Partners board also considered a number of potential risks and uncertainties associated with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and recommended that Two River shareholders approveincluding the first-step merger, agreement.

At this Two River board meeting, the Two River board also approved all of the amendments to the employment, change in control and employee benefit type agreements described above, and also redeemed all of Two River’s outstanding stock purchase rights issued under the Two River Bancorp Shareholder Rights Plan dated July 20, 2011.

On August 8, 2019, the OceanFirst board met to discuss and consider the Transactions. Representatives of Piper Jaffray and Skadden were present at that meeting. After discussions,connection with its deliberations including, a consideration of the factors described in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “— OceanFirst’s Reasons for the Transactions,” the OceanFirst board unanimously adopted the merger agreement.

Prior to the opening of the market, on August 9, 2019, Two River and OceanFirst signed the definitive merger agreement and publicly announced the Transactions.

Two River’s Reasons for the Transactions; Recommendation of the Two River Board

In reaching the conclusion that the integrated mergers are advisable to, fair to and in the best interests of Two River, the Two River shareholders and the other constituents of Two River, and in approving the merger agreement, the Two River board consulted with Two River’s senior management, legal counsel and financial advisor, and considered a number of factors including, among others,without limitation, the following which are not presented in order of priority:

 

the business strategy and strategic plan of Two River, its prospects forrisk that the future and projected financial results;

the consideration offered by OceanFirst, which, asvalue of the close of business on August 7, 2019, the date immediately priorstock consideration to the date the Two River board approvedbe paid to Partners stockholders in accordance with the merger agreement represented 174.6%could be adversely affected by a decrease in the trading price of Two River’s tangible book value per fully diluted share; 15.4x Two River’s core trailing twelve month earnings; and a 9.2% core deposit premium;

that OceanFirst expectscommon stock before the Transactions to result in earnings per share accretion for OceanFirst stockholders in 2020;effective time;

OceanFirst’s planned acquisition of CYHC, parent company of Country Bank, headquartered in New York, New York, and the opportunity it provides for the combined Two River-OceanFirst franchise to build upon OceanFirst’s lending initiatives and retail branch footprint in metropolitan New York;

that, as of the close of business on August 7, 2019, the acquisitions of Two River and CYHC, on a combined basis, were estimated to be more accretive to OceanFirst’s 2020 estimated earnings than OceanFirst’s acquisition of Two River alone, and the tangible book value earn back period for such combined acquisitions was estimated to be less than 4.0 years (as compared to 4.6 years in the case of the Transactions alone);

that, after the completion of the first-step merger, Two River shareholders who continue to hold the OceanFirst common stock they become entitled to receive as a portion of the merger consideration will receive annual cash dividends from OceanFirst estimated to equal at least $0.45 per share of Two River common stock, on a pro forma basis based on the exchange ratio and OceanFirst’s current dividend policy, compared to Two River’s current annual dividends to its shareholders of $0.28 per share, a 60.7% increase;

the understanding of the Two River board of the strategic options available to Two River, the Two River board’s assessment of those options with respect to the prospects and estimated results of the execution by Two River of its business plan as an independent entity under various scenarios and the determination that none of those options or the execution of the business plan was more likely to create greater present value for Two River’s shareholders than the value to be paid by OceanFirst in the first-step merger;

the 25% cash component of the merger consideration provides for less fluctuation in the value of the merger consideration between the date of the merger agreement and the closing date as compared to anall-stock transaction;

the process conducted by Two River’s management and the Two River board, in consultation with Boenning, to identify potential strategic acquisition partners;

based on the written indications of interest submitted by certain potential business combination partners and discussions that Two River’s financial advisor had with those and other potential business combination partners, the Two River board’s belief that the terms of the Transactions were more attractive as a whole than the proposed terms of transactions indicated by other potential acquirers;

based on the written indications of interest submitted by potential business combination partners and other factors, the Two River board’s belief that the Transactions offered more benefits to Two River’s employees than a transaction with the other potential acquirers in terms of job retention, location, position availability and severance;

the challenges facing Two River’s management to grow Two River’s franchise and enhance shareholder value given current market conditions, including economic conditions and prospects, increased operating costs resulting from regulatory and compliance mandates, continued pressure on net interest margin from the current interest rate environment and competition;

expansion of the boards of directors of OceanFirst and OceanFirst Bank to include a Two River director, and the agreement by OceanFirst to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause another Two River director to be added to the OceanFirst Foundation Board promptly after the effective time;

the strong capital position of the combined company and the larger scale and more diverse revenue of the combined company;

the relative value of the OceanFirst common stock compared to OceanFirst’s peers;

the geographic fit and increased customer convenience of the expanded branch network of OceanFirst;

OceanFirst’s business, operations, financial condition, asset quality, earnings and prospects, taking into account the results of Two River’s due diligence review of OceanFirst;

the historical stock market performance for OceanFirst common stock;

the greater market capitalization and increased trading liquidity of the OceanFirst common stock;

the ability to leverage OceanFirst’s significant integration expertise gained from its successful integrations of five acquisitions since 2015;

the enhanced legal lending limit and an expanded set of products and services that could benefit Two River’s customers;

the benefits to the communities served by Two River that will be provided by the OceanFirst Foundation, which provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst footprint;

the terms of the merger agreement, including the representations, warranties and covenants of the parties, the merger consideration, the benefits to Two River’s employees and the absence of significant contingencies in the merger agreement;

the financial analysis presented by Boenning to the Two River board, and the opinion delivered to the Two River board by Boenning to the effect that, as of the date of the opinion, and subject to and based on the qualifications and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the merger consideration to be received by the holders of common stock of Two River in the first-step merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to such shareholders; and

the long-term and short-term interests of Two River and its shareholders, the interests of the employees and customers of Two River, and societal considerations, including those of the communities in which Two River maintains offices.

The Two River board also considered a number of potential risks and uncertainties associated with the Transactions in connection with its deliberation of the Transactions, including, without limitation, the following:

the risk that pursuing the CYHC Transactions at the same time as the Transactions could delay and/or complicate the completion of the Transactions, and the uncertain effect of the CYHC Transactions on the benefits expected to be realized by Two River shareholders and other constituents from the integrated mergers;

the potential risk of diverting management attention and resources from the operation of Two River’sPartners’ business and towards thetoward completion of the Transactions;mergers;

 

the restrictions onfact that the merger agreement restricts the conduct of Two River’sPartners’ business beforeprior to the completion of the integrated mergers, which are customary for merger agreements involving financial institutions, buteffective time which, subject to specificcertain exceptions, could delay or prevent Two RiverPartners from undertaking business opportunities that may arise or anytaking certain other actionactions that it would otherwise take with respect to the operations of Two Riveroperate Partners’ business absent the Transactions;

the possibility that OceanFirst may be unable to successfully integrate Two River into OceanFirst’s existing franchise;pending mergers;

 

the potential risks associated with achieving the anticipated cost synergies and cost savings and successfully integrating Two River’sPartners’ business, operations and workforce with those of OceanFirst;

 

the merger-related costs;fact that the interests of Partners’ directors and executive officers may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Partners’ other stockholders;

that the interests of certain of Two River’s directors and executive officers may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Two River’s other shareholders as described under the heading “— Interests of Two River’s Executive Officers and Directors in the Transactions;

 

the risk that, while Partners expects the mergers to be consummated, there can be no assurance that all conditions to the parties’ obligationsconditions to complete the integrated mergers may notwill be satisfied, including the risk that the requisite regulatory approvals or the requisite Two River shareholder approval mightby Partners stockholders may not be obtained and, as a result, the integrated mergers may not be consummated;

the risk that necessary regulatory approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner or without the imposition of unacceptable conditions;

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

 

the risk that any potential rightseffects of the COVID-19 pandemic on OceanFirst and benefits to Two River employees fromPartners and the merger agreement ormarkets in which the Transactions may not be realized;companies operate, and how those effects could impact the success of the mergers and the combined company;

 

that: (1) Two River would becertain anticipated merger-related costs;

the fact that Partners is prohibited from soliciting or pursuing an alternative acquisition proposalsproposal after execution of the merger agreement;agreement, except in certain limited circumstances, that each director of Partners has agreed to vote his or her shares in favor of the merger proposal and (2) Two Riveragainst any alternative acquisition proposal, and that Partners would be obligated to pay to OceanFirst a termination fee if the merger agreement is terminatedof $7,400,000 under certain circumstances, which may discourage other parties potentially interested in a strategic transaction with Two RiverPartners from pursuing such a transaction;

the challenges in absorbing the effect of any failure to complete the mergers, including potential payment of the termination fee, potential existence of a tail period for the termination fee, and market reactions;

the possibility of litigation challenging the mergers, and the Partners board’s belief that any such litigation would be without merit; and

 

  

the other risks of the type and nature described under the headingsection of this proxy statement/prospectus entitledRisk Factors.Factors beginning on page [●].

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Two RiverPartners board is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather includes the material factors considered by the Two RiverPartners board. In reaching its decision to approve and adopt the merger agreement, approve the first-step mergermergers and the other transactions contemplated byrecommend that Partners stockholders approve the merger agreement,proposal, the Two RiverPartners 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 Two RiverPartners board considered all these factors as a whole, including discussions with and questioning of Two River’sPartners’ senior management and Two River’s independent financial and legal advisors, and overall considered the factors to be favorable to, and to support, its determination.

Two River shareholders should be aware that Two River’s directorsdetermination to approve and executive officers may have interests in the Transactions that are different from, or in addition to, those of other Two River shareholders. The Two River board was aware of and considered these interests, among other matters, in evaluating and negotiatingadopt the merger agreement, approve the mergers and in recommendingrecommend that Partners stockholders approve the merger proposal be approved by the Two River shareholders. See “— Interests of Two River’s Executive Officers and Directors in the Transactions.”proposal.

This summaryexplanation of the Partners board’s reasoning of the Two River 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.Statements.”

For the reasons set forth above, the Partners board approved and adopted the merger agreement, approved the mergers, and unanimously recommends that the Partners stockholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, “FOR” the compensation proposal, and “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

Partners stockholders should be aware that directors and executive officers of Partners may have interests in the mergers that are different from, or in addition to, those of other Partners stockholders. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Mergers — Interests of Partners’ Directors and Executive Officers in the Mergers beginning on page [●]

Opinion of Two River’sPartners’ Financial Advisor

Two River engaged BoenningPartners retained Piper Sandler to renderact as financial advisory and investment banking servicesadvisor to Two River, including deliveryPartners’ board of an opiniondirectors in connection with Partners’ consideration of a possible business combination. Partners selected Piper Sandler to the Two River boardact as to the fairness, from aits financial point of view, to the holders of Two River common stock of the merger consideration. Two River selected Boenningadvisor because BoenningPiper Sandler is a nationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial experiencewhich specializes in transactions similar tofinancial institutions. In the Transactions. As partordinary course of its investment banking business, BoenningPiper Sandler is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial services businessesinstitutions and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions.

As partPiper Sandler acted as financial advisor to Partners’ board of its engagement, representatives of Boenning attendeddirectors in connection with the meetingproposed merger and participated in certain of the Two River board held on August 8, 2019negotiations leading to the execution of the merger agreement. At the November 3, 2021 meeting at which Partners’ board of directors considered the Two Rivermerger and the agreement and plan of merger, Piper Sandler delivered to the board evaluated the Transactions. At this meeting, Boenning reviewed the financial aspects of the Transactions and rendered andirectors its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing on November 3, 2021, to the effect that, as of such date, and subjectthe merger consideration was fair to the holders of Partners’ common stock from a financial point of view. The full text of Piper Sandler’s opinion is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus. The opinion outlines the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Boenning as set forthPiper Sandler in such opinion, the merger consideration to be received in the first-step merger by the holders of Two River common stock was fair, from a financial point of view, to such shareholders.rendering its opinion. The Two River board unanimously adopted the merger agreement at this meeting.

The following description of the Boenning fairness opinion set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. Holders of Partners common stock are urged to read the entire opinion which is attached asAnnex C to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference, and describes the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Boenningcarefully in preparing the opinion.

Boenning’s opinion speaks only asconnection with their consideration of the date of the opinion. Theproposed merger.

Piper Sandler’s opinion was for the information of, and was directed to the Two River board (in its capacity as such)of directors of Partners in connection with its consideration of the financial termsintegrated mergers and the merger agreement and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of Partners as to how any such stockholder should vote at any meeting of stockholders called to consider and vote upon the approval of the Transactions. Themerger proposal. Piper Sandler’s opinion addressedwas directed only the fairness to the holders of Two River common stock,fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to be received in the first-step merger by such shareholders. Itholders of Partners common stock and did not address the underlying business decision of Two RiverPartners to engage in the Transactionsintegrated mergers, the form or enter intostructure of the integrated mergers or any other transactions contemplated in the merger agreement, the relative merits of the integrated mergers as compared to any other alternative transactions or constitute a recommendationbusiness strategies that might exist for Partners or the effect of any other transaction in which Partners might engage. Piper Sandler also did not express any opinion as to the Two River boardfairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in connection with the Transactions, and it does not constitute a recommendation tointegrated mergers by any holderofficer, director or employee of Two River common stock as to how to vote in connection with the TransactionsPartners or OceanFirst, or any class of such persons, if any, relative to the compensation to be received in the merger by any other matter.

Boenning’sstockholder. Piper Sandler’s opinion was reviewed and approved by Boenning’s Fairness Opinion Committee in conformity with its policies and procedures established under the requirements of Rule 5150 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.Piper Sandler’s fairness opinion committee.

In connection with rendering theits opinion, described above, BoenningPiper Sandler reviewed analyzed and relied upon material bearing upon the financial and operating condition of Two River and OceanFirst and bearing upon the Transactions, including,considered, among other things:

the historical financial performances, current financial positions and general prospects of Two River and OceanFirst and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts of earning and balance sheet growth through 2021, in which (i) earnings were taken from street estimates for 2019 and 2020 and to which Boenning applied an assumed growth rate of 8.0% (which was confirmed with the management of Two River and financial advisor for OceanFirst) to derive 2021 estimated earnings and (ii) Boenning used 2019 year-end total asset estimates that were confirmed by Two River and OceanFirst’s financial advisor and assumed a 5% annual total asset growth rate for each company thereafter (See “—Pro Forma Financial Impact Analysis”);

 

a draft of the merger agreement, dated August 7, 2019 (the most recent draft then made available to Boenning);October 29, 2021;

 

the stock market performancecertain publicly available financial statements and trading historyother historical financial information of Two RiverPartners that Piper Sandler deemed relevant;

certain publicly available financial statements and OceanFirst;other historical financial information of OceanFirst that Piper Sandler deemed relevant;

 

certain internal financial projections for Partners for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the senior management of Partners;

publicly available consolidated financialmedian analyst net income and operating data of Two River anddividends per share estimates for OceanFirst as of and for the period ended on July 30, 2019;quarter ending December 31, 2021 and publicly available median analyst net income estimates for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, as well as estimated long-term annual earnings per share and balance sheet growth rates for the years ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 and estimated dividends per share for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the senior management of OceanFirst;

 

the pro forma financial impact of the Transactionsmerger on Two River,OceanFirst based on certain assumptions relatingrelated to transaction expenses, cost savings, and purchase accounting adjustments, cost savingsas provided by the senior managements of OceanFirst, as well as estimated net income for the Partners for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the Partners and other synergies determined and providedapproved for use in Piper Sandler’s analysis by the senior management of Two River and OceanFirst, and relied upon by Boenning at the direction of such management and with the consent of Two River;OceanFirst;

 

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

a comparison of certain financial terms of the Transactions as comparedand market information for Partners and OceanFirst with similar financial institutions for which information is publicly available;

the nature and financial terms of certain other merger transactions andrecent business combinations in the bank and thrift industry (on nationwide basis), to the extent publicly available;

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

 

in-personsuch other information, financial studies, analyses, and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as Piper Sandler considered relevant.

Piper Sandler also discussed with certain members of the senior management of Partners and its representatives the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Partners and held similar discussions with certain members of Two River’s and OceanFirst’sthe senior management with respect to their respective operations, historical financial statements and future prospects;

Boenning also performed such other financial analyses, studies and investigations as it considered appropriate and took into account its assessment of general economic, market and financial conditionsOceanFirst and its experience in other transactions, as well as its experience in securities valuationrepresentatives regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and knowledgeprospects of the banking industry generally.OceanFirst.

In conductingperforming its review, and arriving at its opinion, BoenningPiper Sandler relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to and representations made or givenreviewed by Two River and OceanFirst, and their respective officers, directors, auditors, counsel and other agents, and on publicly available filings, releases and other information issued by Two River and OceanFirst including financial statements, financial projections and stock price data, as well as certain informationPiper Sandler from recognized independentpublic sources, and did not independently verify the accuracy or completeness of any such information or assume any responsibility or liability for such verification, accuracy or completeness. Boenning relied upon the pro forma

financial impact of the Transactions on OceanFirst, based on assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and other synergies determined and provided by senior management of Two River and OceanFirst. Boenning assumed, at the direction of Two River, that all forecasts and projections provided to Boenning were reasonably prepared and reflected the best currently available estimates and good faith judgments of the management of Two River and OceanFirst as to their most likely future financial performance. Accordingly, with the consent of Two River, in rendering its opinion, Boenning relied on Two River and OceanFirst management as to the reasonableness and achievability of such information. It is understood that the portion of the foregoing financial information of Two River and OceanFirst that was provided to BoenningPiper Sandler by Partners or OceanFirst or their respective representatives, or that was not prepared with the expectationotherwise reviewed by Piper Sandler, and Piper Sandler assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of public disclosure, that all of the foregoing financial information was based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain, including,rendering its opinion without limitation, factors related to general economic and competitive conditions and that, accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in all of such information. Boenning assumed, based on discussions with the management of Two River, and with the consent of the Two River board, that all such information was reasonably prepared and reflect the best currently available estimates and judgment of the management of Two River and OceanFirst as to their most likely future performance. Boenning relied on all such information withoutany independent verification or analysisinvestigation. Piper Sandler relied on the assurances of the respective managements of Partners and OceanFirst that they were not aware of any facts or circumstances that would have made any of such information inaccurate or misleading. Piper Sandler was not asked to and did not inundertake an independent verification of any respectof such information and Piper Sandler did not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof.

Boenning is Piper Sandler did not make an expert inindependent evaluation or perform an appraisal of the specific assets, the collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Partners or OceanFirst, nor was Piper Sandler furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. Piper Sandler rendered no opinion or evaluation on the collectability of any assets or the future performance of any loans of Partners or OceanFirst. Piper Sandler did not make an independent verificationevaluation of the adequacy of allowances for loan and lease losses and Boenning assumed, without independent verification that the allowancesallowance for loan losses indicated onof Partners or OceanFirst, or of the balance sheets of Two Rivercombined entity after the integrated mergers, and OceanFirst are adequate to cover such losses. In rendering its opinion, BoenningPiper Sandler did not review any individual loanscredit files relating to Partners or credit files.OceanFirst. Piper Sandler assumed, with Partners’ consent, that the respective allowances for loan losses for both Partners and OceanFirst were adequate to cover such losses and would be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity.

Boenning

In preparing its analyses, Piper Sandler used certain internal financial projections for Partners for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the senior management of Partners. In addition, Piper Sandler used publicly available median analyst net income and dividends per share estimates for OceanFirst for the quarter ending December 31, 2021 and publicly available median analyst net income estimates for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, as well as estimated long-term annual earnings per share and balance sheet growth rates for the years ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 and estimated dividends per share for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the senior management of OceanFirst. Piper Sandler also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to the pro forma financial impact of the merger on OceanFirst based on certain assumptions related to transaction expenses, cost savings, and purchase accounting adjustments, as provided by the senior managements of OceanFirst as well as estimated net income for the Partners for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the Partners and approved for use in Piper Sandler’s analysis by the senior management of OceanFirst. With respect to the foregoing information, the respective senior managements of Partners and OceanFirst confirmed to Piper Sandler that such information reflected (or, in the case of the publicly available analyst estimates referred to above, were consistent with) the best currently available projections, estimates and judgments of those respective managements as to the future financial performance of Partners and OceanFirst, respectively, and the other matters covered thereby, and Piper Sandler assumed that the future financial performance reflected in such information would be achieved. Piper Sandler expressed no opinion as to such information, or the assumptions on which such information was based. Piper Sandler also assumed that there had been no material change in the respective assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of Partners or OceanFirst since the date of the most recent financial statements made available to Piper Sandler. Piper Sandler assumed in all respectsrespect’s material to its analyses:analyses that Partners and OceanFirst would remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to its analyses.

Piper Sandler also assumed, with Partners’ consent, that (i) each of the parties to the merger agreement would 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 of all parties contained in the merger agreement and all relatedsuch agreements and documents were true and correct in all material respects, that each party underof the parties to such agreements and documents would perform in all material respects all of the covenants and other obligations required to be performed by such party under thesuch agreements and documents, and that the conditions precedent in thesuch agreements were not and documents would not be waived;

that the merger agreement (the final terms of which Boenning has assumed would not differ in any respect material to Boenning’s analyses from the draft version reviewed by it and referred to above) represented the entire agreement between the parties, that it would not be modified or amended, and that its terms would not be superseded or supplemented by other agreements or documents, with no adjustments to the merger consideration and with no other consideration or payments in respect of Two River common stock;

thatwaived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, forconsents and releases with respect to the consummation of the Transactions,mergers, no conditionsdelay, limitation, restriction or condition would be imposed that would materially affect Two River,have an adverse effect on Partners, OceanFirst, the combined entity or the contemplated benefits of the Transactions, including the cost savings and related expenses expected to result from the Transactions; and

that the integrated mergers would be treated as atax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes.

Boenning assumed thator any related transactions, and (iii) the Transactionsintegrated mergers and any related transactions would be consummated in a manner that compliedaccordance with the applicable provisionsterms of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act,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 applicable federal and state statutes, rules and regulations. Boenning was further advised by representatives of Two River that Two Riverrequirements. Finally, with Partners’ consent, Piper Sandler relied upon the advice that Partners received from its legal, accounting and tax advisors (other than Boenning) or other appropriate sources as to all legal, accounting and tax regulatorymatters relating to the integrated mergers and accounting matters. Boenning did not provide advice with respectthe other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Piper Sandler expressed no opinion as to any such matters.

Boenning’s opinion addressed only the fairness to the holders of Two River common stock, from a financial point of view, as of the date of the opinion, of the merger consideration to be received in the first-step merger by

such shareholders. Boenning’sPiper Sandler’s opinion was necessarily based uponon financial, economic, regulatory, market and other conditions as they existed and could be evaluatedin effect on, the date of such opinion and the information made available to Boenning through suchPiper Sandler as of, the date and, accordingly, it speaks to no other period. Boenning didthereof. Events occurring after the date thereof could materially affect Piper Sandler’s opinion. Piper Sandler has not and does not have an obligationundertaken to update, revise, reaffirm or reaffirmwithdraw its opinion. Boenning’s opinion did not address, and Boenningor otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date thereof. Piper Sandler expressed no viewopinion as to the trading value of Partners common stock or opinion with respect to:

the relative merits of the Transactions and the other business strategies that the Two River board considered or may have considered;

the underlying business decision of the Two River board to proceed with the Transactions;

the prices at which Two River’s securities or OceanFirst’s securities may tradeOceanFirst common stock at any time;time or

any advice or a recommendation provided what the value of OceanFirst common stock would be once the shares are actually received by any other advisor to Two River.the holders of Partners common stock.

In rendering its opinion, Boenning was awarePiper Sandler performed a variety of another possible acquisition (which we refer to in this section asfinancial analyses. The summary below is not a complete description of all the “Other Transaction”) involving OceanFirst. Boenning was not engaged to review the Other Transaction, conducted no due diligence on the Other Transactionanalyses underlying Piper Sandler’s opinion or the company subjectpresentation made by Piper Sandler to the Other Transaction, and did not factor the impactPartners’ board of the Other Transaction into its opinion. Boenning notes that the Transactions are not conditioned upon the occurrence of the Other Transaction. Additionally, Boenning assumed that the Transactions are, in all respects, lawful under applicable law.

In performing its analyses, Boenning made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of Boenning, Two River and OceanFirst. Any estimates contained in the analyses performed by Boenning 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 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 Boenning opinion was among several factors taken into consideration by the Two River board in making its determination to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. Consequently, the analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of the Two River board with respect to the fairness of the merger consideration. The type and amount of consideration payable in the first-step merger were determined through negotiation between Two River and OceanFirst, and the decision for Two River to enter into the merger agreement was solely that of the Two River board.

The followingdirectors, but is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by Boenning to the Two River board in connection with its opinion. The summary is not a complete description of the financial analyses underlying the opinion or the presentation made by Boenning to the Two River board, but summarizes the material analyses performed and presented in connection with such opinion.by

Piper Sandler. The financial analyses summarized below includesummary includes 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 various determinationssubjective judgments as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. Therefore, a fairness opinionThe process, therefore, is not readilynecessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, Boenning 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. Accordingly, BoenningPiper Sandler believes that its analyses and the summary of its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of itsthe factors and analyses and factors or focusing on the information presented below in tabular format,to be considered without considering all factors and analyses, andor attempting to ascribe relative weights to some or all such factors or the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading oran incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying its analyses and opinion.

For purposes of the financial Also, no company included in Piper Sandler’s comparative analyses described below Boenning utilized an implied per share transaction value for the Transactions of $20.52 per outstanding share of Two River common stock, based on the consideration of $5.375 in cash and a fixed exchange ratio of 0.6663 shares of OceanFirst common stock, as well as OceanFirst’s

closing price of $22.73 on August 7, 2019. Boenning also utilized an implied aggregate transaction value for the Transactions of $180.4 million based on (i) the implied per share transaction value of $20.52 per share of Two River common stock, (ii) the “in the money” value of Two River’s outstanding stock options based on the excess of the implied per share transaction value of $20.52 over the weighted average strike price of $6.64, (iii) the “in the money” value of Two River’s outstanding stock options based on the difference between their weighted average strike price of $6.64 and the implied per share transaction value of $20.52, (iv) 8,690,610 shares of Two River common stock outstanding, and (v) 150,610 Two River stock options outstanding. The aggregate implied value of the consideration payable to the holders of Two River common stock was $178.3 million while the aggregate amount of cash payable to the holders of Two River stock options was $2.1 million.

In addition to the financial analyses described below, Boenning reviewed with the Two River board for informational purposes, among other things, the following implied transaction multiples based on the implied transaction value for the Transactions of $20.52 per outstanding share of Two River common stock:

148.6% of Two River’s book value

174.6% of Two River’s tangible book value

15.4x Two River’s LTM June 30, 2019 net income

9.2% core deposit premium defined as the premium paid to tangible book value divided by Two River’s core deposits

50.3% premium to Two River’s August 7, 2019 closing price of $13.65

Two River Selected Companies Analysis. Using publicly available information, Boenning compared the financial performance, financial condition and market performance of Two River to 28 exchange-traded banks and bank holding companies with total assets between $800 million and $1.4 billion with a median of $1.1 billion (which we refer to as the “Two River selected companies”). The Two River selected companies excludes companies that are in the process of being acquired. The selected companies are headquartered in theMid-Atlantic.

The Two River selected companies were as follows:

Financials as of: 6/30/2019

    Operating Information  Market Information 
   Ticker  

Name

 State  Assets
($MM)
  TCE /
Tang.
Assets
(%)
  LTM
Core
ROAA
(%)
  LTM
Core
ROAE
(%)
  LTM
Core
ROATCE
(%)
  LTM
Effic.
Ratio
(%)
  NPAs /
Assets
(%)
  8/7/19
Price
($)
  Market
Cap
($MM)
  Dividend
Yield
(%)
  Average
Daily
Volume
($000s)
  Price /
Tang.
Book
(%)
  Price /
LTM
Earnings
(x)
  Price /
2019
Earnings
(x)
 
1   BPRN  Bank of Princeton  NJ   1,361.2   13.1   0.87   6.05   6.11   57.8   0.76   27.40   184.8   0.44   248.3   104.8   17.9   17.2 
2   CBFV  CB Financial Services, Inc.  PA   1,305.2   8.5   0.95   8.84   12.18   68.1   0.66   24.72   134.3   3.88   263.9   125.4   12.5   11.3 
3   FCCY  1st Constitution Bancorp  NJ   1,304.3   10.8   1.21   11.28   NA   59.7   0.72   17.43   150.8   1.72   178.4   127.5   10.8   10.6 
4   MLVF  Malvern Bancorp, Inc.  PA   1,265.9   11.0   0.83   7.18   7.18   55.3   1.56   20.34   156.1   0.00   240.2   113.1   15.8   16.8 
5   FRAF  Franklin Financial Services Corporation  PA   1,252.1   9.2   1.23   12.66   13.72   65.1   1.36   35.61   154.5   3.37   287.2   135.8   10.5   NA 
6   NWFL  Norwood Financial Corp.  PA   1,222.5   9.9   1.14   11.07   12.24   58.8   0.25   31.36   196.2   3.06   200.2   164.6   14.4   NA 
7   QNBC  QNB Corp.  PA   1,212.0   9.6   0.96   10.15   10.15   64.2   0.80   36.85   129.0   3.58   33.3   111.4   10.7   NA 
8   OCBI  Orange County Bancorp, Inc.  NY   1,209.1   9.0   0.90   10.83   NA   70.4   1.19   27.40   122.6   2.92   25.0   113.6   12.2   NA 
9   FNCB  FNCB Bancorp, Inc.  PA   1,198.8   10.8   0.74   8.86   8.86   69.7   1.31   7.47   150.7   2.68   246.4   116.0   9.3   NA 
10   PBIP  Prudential Bancorp, Inc.  PA   1,191.3   10.8   0.87   7.71   NA   59.5   1.20   16.90   150.2   1.18   147.8   117.2   16.4   NA 
11   ASRV  AmeriServ Financial, Inc.  PA   1,190.6   7.6   0.70   8.33   9.50   82.4   0.14   4.12   71.6   2.43   70.2   80.0   9.2   NA 
12   ADKT  Adirondack Trust Company*  NY   1,168.0   9.1   1.15   11.18   13.63   69.2   0.18   1,706.00   131.1   3.02   3.4   130.4   9.8   NA 
13   LYBC  Lyons Bancorp, Inc.  NY   1,139.0   8.0   1.02   13.16   NA   65.8   0.44   41.00   130.2   2.93   10.2   143.3   12.7   NA 
14   ENBP  ENB Financial Corp  PA   1,131.6   9.9   0.97   10.28   10.28   70.7   0.31   19.76   112.4   3.14   22.7   105.3   10.8   NA 
15   RIVE  Riverview Financial Corporation  PA   1,120.2   8.0   0.75   7.50   10.00   76.4   0.44   10.68   97.9   3.75   35.8   111.5   16.4   NA 
16   MRBK  Meridian Corporation  PA   1,055.9   10.4   1.02   9.22   9.67   78.7   0.64   17.50   112.1   NA   76.0   102.4   12.4   11.7 
17   EMPK  Empire Bancorp, Inc.  NY   1,037.0   8.8   0.45   5.54   NA   81.4   0.40   12.82   98.6   NA   56.3   124.5   27.3   NA 
18   PBHC  Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.  NY   1,012.9   9.2   0.34   4.75   NA   82.2   1.14   13.61   62.1   1.76   35.9   97.1   19.2   NA 
19   FKYS  First Keystone Corporation  PA   1,003.8   10.8   0.97   9.18   NA   NA   1.39   22.65   130.8   4.77   19.3   128.0   13.4   NA 
20   CMRB  First Commerce Bank  NJ   1,000.0   13.8   1.00   7.31   7.32   56.5   2.56   5.90   133.0   NA   24.0   96.2   13.7   NA 
21   FDBC  Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc.  PA   997.0   10.2   1.31   13.32   NA   61.8   0.60   63.81   241.3   1.63   274.6   238.4   21.1   NA 
22   STND  Standard AVB Financial Corp.  PA   990.2   11.8   0.89   6.45   NA   63.4   0.30   27.56   128.3   3.21   157.6   115.8   15.6   NA 
23   FBIP  FNB Bancorp, Inc.*  PA   940.3   8.6   1.02   13.48   13.48   62.6   0.43   169.00   125.1   2.13   2.4   143.4   12.4   NA 
24   SOBS  Solvay Bank Corporation*  NY   937.0   9.1   0.95   10.78   10.78   62.9   0.33   39.06   86.0   3.58   7.3   96.9   9.9   NA 
25   BKJ  Bancorp of New Jersey, Inc.  NJ   924.7   10.0   0.65   6.56   6.56   69.7   1.42   13.65   99.6   0.00   62.2   107.6   17.3   NA 
26   EMCF  Emclaire Financial Corp  PA   909.0   6.7   (0.12  (1.26  NA   65.0   3.41   33.25   89.7   3.49   70.3   151.1   16.4   NA 
27   KISB  Kish Bancorp, Inc.  PA   905.5   6.7   0.74   10.70   11.10   77.1   0.26   31.77   82.3   3.15   16.6   136.8   12.5   NA 
28   SVBI  Severn Bancorp, Inc.  MD   862.1   11.8   1.07   9.66   9.77   68.7   1.95   8.00   102.2   1.50   115.8   102.5   10.8   NA 

*

As of 3/31/2019

To perform this analysis, Boenning used profitability data and other financial information as of, or for the most recent available completed fiscal quarter (which we refer to as “MRQ”), or latest 12 months (which we refer to as “LTM”), and market price information as of August 7, 2019. Boenning also used 2019 EPS estimates taken from consensus “street estimates” for the Two River selected companies. Certain financial data prepared by Boenning, as referenced in the tables presented below, may not correspond to the data presented in Two River’s historical financial statements as a result of the different periods, assumptions and methods used by Boenning to compute the financial data so presented.

Boenning’s analysis showed the following concerning the financial condition and performance of Two River and the Two River selected companies for the MRQ:

   Two
River
   Two River Selected Companies 
   Low  Average   Median   High 

Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets (%)

   9.1    6.7   9.8    9.7    13.8 

Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) / Assets (%)

   0.80    0.14   0.93    0.69    3.41 

LTM Core Return on Average Assets (%)(1)

   1.05    (0.12  0.88    0.95    1.31 

LTM Core Return on Average Equity (%)(1)

   10.05    (1.26  8.96    9.20    13.48 

LTM Efficiency Ratio (%)

   60.8    55.3   67.5    65.8    82.4 

(1)

Core income excludes extraordinary items, nonrecurring revenues/expenses, gain/loss on sale of securities and amortization of intangibles.

In addition, Boenning’s analysis showed the following concerning the market performance of Two River and the Two River selected companies:

   Two
River
   Two River Selected Companies 
   Low   Average   Median   High 

Dividend Yield (%)

   2.05    0.0    2.53    2.93    4.77 

Stock Price / Tangible Book Value per Share (x)

   114.4    80.0    122.9    115.9    238.4 

Stock Price / LTM Core EPS (x)

   10.1    9.2    14.0    12.6    27.3 

Stock Price / 2019 EPS (x)(1)

   10.2    10.6    13.5    11.7    17.2 

(1)

Expressed as a multiple of analyst consensus estimates.

None of the Two River selected companies used as a comparison in the above analyses is identical to Two River.Partners or OceanFirst and no transaction is identical to the merger. Accordingly, an analysis of these results is not mathematical. Rather, itcomparable companies or transactions involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies involved.and other factors that could affect the public trading values or transaction values, as the case may be, of Partners and OceanFirst and the companies to which they were compared. In arriving at its opinion, Piper Sandler did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor that it considered. Rather, Piper Sandler made qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. Piper Sandler did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor (positive or negative) considered in isolation supported or failed to support its opinion, rather, Piper Sandler made its determination as to the fairness of the merger consideration to the holders of Partners common stock from a financial point of view on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all its analyses taken as a whole.

In addition, Boenning’s analysis compared pricing multiplesperforming its analyses, Piper Sandler 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 Partners, OceanFirst, and Piper Sandler. The analyses performed by Piper Sandler 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. Piper Sandler prepared its analyses solely for purposes of rendering its opinion and provided such analyses to Partners’ board of directors at its November 3, 2021 meeting. Estimates on the Transactionsvalues 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, Piper Sandler’s analyses do not necessarily reflect the value of Partners common stock or OceanFirst common stock or the prices at which Partners or OceanFirst common stock may be sold at any time. The analyses of Piper Sandler and its opinion were among a number of factors taken into consideration by Partners’ board of directors in making its determination to approve the merger agreement and the analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of Partners’ board of directors with respect to the implied pricing multiplesfairness of the Two River selected companies. To account for an equity control premium, Boenning applied a 24.9% premiummerger consideration.

Summary of Proposed Merger Consideration and Implied Transaction Metrics

Piper Sandler reviewed the financial terms of the proposed merger. Pursuant to the Two River selected companiesterms of the merger agreement, at the effective time of the first-step merger each share of Partners common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the transaction, except for certain shares as set forth in the merger agreement, shall be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder thereof and subject to adjustment and proration, either (i) $10.00 in cash, or (ii) 0.4512 shares of OceanFirst common stock. Piper Sandler calculated an aggregate implied transaction value of approximately $184.9 million and an implied purchase price per share of $10.30 consisting of the implied value of 17,883,472 shares of Partners common stock and based on the medianone-dayclosing price of OceanFirst common stock on November 1, 2021 as well as 194,233 options outstanding at an average exercise price premiumof $6.14 as of October 25, 2021 and assuming a consideration mix consisting of 80% stock and 20% cash consideration. Based upon financial information for all bankPartners as of or for the last twelve months (which we refer to as “LTM”) ended September 30, 2021 and thrift merger transactions with target assets less than $2 billion since Januarythe closing price of Partners’ common stock on November 1, 2018.

   OceanFirst /
Two River
   Two River Selected Companies 
   10th Percentile   Median   90th Percentile 

Price to Tangible Book Value (%)

   174.6    121.3    144.7    192.1 

Price to LTM Core Earnings (x)

   15.4    12.4    15.7    22.7 

Price to 2019 Earning (x)

   15.5    13.0    14.7    21.2 

Core Deposit Premium (%)

   9.2    (0.2   1.6    7.6 

Price to Assets (%)

   15.4    11.3    14.1    17.4 

Price to Deposits (%)

   18.4    13.1    16.5    23.5 

None of2021, Piper Sandler calculated the Two River selected companies used as a comparison in the above selected companies’ analysis is identical to Two River or OceanFirst. Accordingly, an analysis of these results is not mathematical. Rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies involved.

Select Transactions Analysis

Boenning reviewed publicly available information related to four sets of selected U.S. bank transactions:following implied transaction metrics:

 

1.

14 selected national bank and thrift transactions (which we refer toTransaction Price / Tangible Book Value Per Share

145

Transaction Price / LTM Earnings Per Share

22.6x

Transaction Price / Estimated 2021 Earnings¹

21.9x

Tangible Book Premium / Core Deposits (CDs > $100K)2

5.0

Tangible Book Premium / Core Deposits (CDs > $250K)³

4.3

Market Premium as the “National group”), announced since Januaryof November 1, 2019, with target assets between $500 million and $1.8 billion with a median of $784 million;2021

16.6

 

 2.1

12 selected bank and thrift transactions where the target is headquartered in theMid-Atlantic (which we refer toBased on estimated net income as the “Regional group”) announced since January 1, 2017 with target assets between $500 million and $1.8 billion with a median of $739 million;provided by Partners management

 3.2

14 selected bank and thrift transactions where the target is headquartered in New Jersey (which we referCore deposits equal to as the “New Jersey group”), announced since January 1, 2017 with target assets between $104 million and $4.1 billion with a median of $315 million; andtotal deposits less CD’s greater than $100,000

 4.3

21 selected national bank and thrift transactions (which we referCore deposits equal to as the “Performance group”), announced since August 1, 2017 with target assets between $500 million and $1.8 billion with a median of $961 million and tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio between 7% and 11% and anon-performing assets (NPAs) / assets between 0.6% and 1.2%.total deposits less CD’s greater than $250,000

All four setsStock Trading History

Piper Sandler reviewed the publicly available historical reported trading price of transactions exclude investor recapitalization transactionsPartners common stock and transactions without disclosed deal values.OceanFirst common stock for the one-year and three-year periods ended November 1, 2021. Piper Sandler then compared the relationship between the movements in the price of Partners common stock and OceanFirst common stock, respectively, to movements in their respective peer groups (as described below) as well as certain stock indices.

National groupPartners’ One-Year Stock Performance

 

   Beginning Value
11/1/20
  Ending Value
11/1/2021
 

Partners

   100  175.9

Partners Peer Group

   100  152.2

S&P 500 Index

   100  141.1

NASDAQ Bank Index

   100  177.2

Partners’ Three-Year Stock Performance

 

  Date       Target Financial Highlights     Pricing Multiples 
  

Announce

 

Completion

 

Buyer Name

 

Target Name

 

Target
Headquarters

 Assets
($MM)
  Tang.
Equity /
Tang.
Assets
(%)
  LTM
ROAA
(%)
  LTM
ROAE
(%)
  NPAs /
Assets
(%)
  Deal
Value
($MM)
  Book
Value
(%)
  Tang.
Book
Value
(%)
  LTM
Earnings
(x)
  Core
Deposit
Premium
(%)
 

1.

 7/25/2019  Associated Banc-Corp First Staunton Bancshares, Inc. Staunton, IL  539.8   11.59   1.28   10.88   0.40   76.3   121.9   126.9   16.7   4.1 

2.

 7/25/2019  Wintrust Financial Corporation SBC, Incorporated Countryside, IL  594.0   10.99   1.87   17.19   1.08   90.5   175.9   180.4   12.3   9.5 

3.

 7/24/2019  Investors Bancorp, Inc. Gold Coast Bancorp, Inc. Islandia, NY  562.6   8.00   0.43   5.26   NA   63.6   138.5   141.3   27.3   5.2 

4.

 7/15/2019  Carolina Financial Corporation Carolina Trust BancShares, Inc. Lincolnton, NC  621.3   9.62   0.54   5.31   1.01   100.1   147.3   169.7   28.1   NA 

5.

 6/7/2019  Columbia Financial, Inc. (MHC) Stewardship Financial Corporation Midland Park, NJ  961.1   8.56   0.83   10.08   0.77   137.2   166.7   166.8   17.3   8.2 

6.

 6/5/2019  S&T Bancorp, Inc. DNB Financial Corporation Downingtown, PA  1166.7   8.61   0.94   9.76   0.96   206.1   177.9   207.9   19.2   14.7 

7.

 5/16/2019  Heritage Commerce Corp Presidio Bank San Francisco, CA  906.1   10.22   1.49   14.86   0.41   197.6   202.8   213.4   15.3   14.2 

8.

 4/30/2019  Hancock Whitney Corporation MidSouth Bancorp, Inc. Lafayette, LA  1743.4   10.44   -1.50   -11.01   1.82   217.0   119.4   159.1   NM   5.8 

9.

 4/24/2019  BancFirst Corporation Pegasus Bank Dallas, TX  624.2   7.56   1.16   17.37   0.00   122.0   258.6   258.6   17.1   13.9 

10.

 4/24/2019  First Citizens BancShares, Inc. Entegra Financial Corp. Franklin, NC  1636.4   8.41   0.86   8.98   0.91   213.4   128.2   160.1   15.2   8.0 

11.

 4/3/2019 7/31/2019 Glacier Bancorp, Inc. Heritage Bancorp Reno, NV  840.5   13.05   2.37   19.75   0.75   240.8   239.6   239.6   12.9   20.8 

12.

 1/22/2019 7/12/2019 Community Bank System, Inc. Kinderhook Bank Corp. Kinderhook, NY  636.2   7.67   0.68   7.99   NA   93.2   171.2   192.9   23.4   9.1 

13.

 1/16/2019 5/10/2019 Heartland Financial USA, Inc. Blue Valley Ban Corp. Overland Park, KS  728.4   6.88   0.34   5.04   NA   93.9   187.3   187.3   34.6   8.1 

14.

 1/7/2019 7/27/2019 First Financial Corporation HopFed Bancorp, Inc. Hopkinsville, KY  904.9   9.66   0.43   4.41   0.98   133.3   152.5   152.5   31.8   8.5 
   Beginning Value
11/1/2018
  Ending Value
11/1/2021
 

Partners

   100  111.8

Partners Peer Group

   100  106.0

S&P 500 Index

   100  167.4

NASDAQ Bank Index

   100  138.2

Regional groupOceanFirst’s One-Year Stock Performance

 

   Beginning Value
11/1/2020
  Ending Value
11/1/2021
 

OceanFirst

   100  153.6

OceanFirst Peer Group

   100  172.4

S&P 500 Index

   100  141.1

NASDAQ Bank Index

   100  177.2

  Date       Target Financial Highlights     Pricing Multiples 
  

Announce

 

Completion

 

Buyer Name

 

Target Name

 

Target
Headquarters

 Assets
($MM)
  Tang.
Equity /
Tang.
Assets
(%)
  LTM
ROAA
(%)
  LTM
ROAE
(%)
  NPAs /
Assets
(%)
  Deal
Value
($MM)
  Book
Value
(%)
  Tang.
Book
Value
(%)
  LTM
Earnings
(x)
  Core
Deposit
Premium
(%)
 

1.

 7/24/2019  Investors Bancorp, Inc. Gold Coast Bancorp, Inc. Islandia, NY  562.6   8.00   0.43   5.26   NA   63.6   138.5   141.3   27.3   5.2 

2.

 6/7/2019  Columbia Financial, Inc. (MHC) Stewardship Financial Corporation Midland Park, NJ  961.1   8.56   0.83   10.08   0.77   137.2   166.7   166.8   17.3   8.2 

3.

 6/5/2019  S&T Bancorp, Inc. DNB Financial Corporation Downingtown, PA  1166.7   8.61   0.94   9.76   0.96   206.1   177.9   207.9   19.2   14.7 

4.

 1/22/2019 7/12/2019 Community Bank System, Inc. Kinderhook Bank Corp. Kinderhook, NY  636.2   7.67   0.68   7.99   NA   93.2   171.2   192.9   23.4   9.1 

5.

 10/23/2018 5/1/2019 Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. Hamilton Bancorp, Inc. Towson, MD  525.3   8.87   -1.07   -9.38   2.14   58.4   104.8   127.5   NM   4.3 

6.

 7/12/2018 1/2/2019 ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. Greater Hudson Bank Bardonia, NY  519.6   10.13   -0.59   -5.13   1.09   76.3   145.0   145.0   NM   6.8 

7.

 4/23/2018 10/15/2018 RBB Bancorp First American International Corp. Brooklyn, NY  889.6   9.23   0.95   10.62   0.30   116.8   177.2   179.5   15.6   12.1 

8.

 1/16/2018 7/31/2018 Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. First Priority Financial Corp. Malvern, PA  612.0   7.81   0.52   6.11   0.37   90.7   182.4   205.4   32.6   11.2 

9.

 11/1/2017 4/2/2018 Kearny Financial Corp. Clifton Bancorp Inc. Clifton, NJ  1554.5   18.39   0.43   2.08   0.36   401.8   138.3   140.5   NM   18.8 

10.

 9/27/2017 4/13/2018 Old Line Bancshares, Inc. Bay Bancorp, Inc. Columbia, MD  645.9   10.36   0.57   5.34   2.17   127.6   182.5   191.5   39.3   12.6 

11.

 8/15/2017 3/1/2018 Howard Bancorp, Inc. 1st Mariner Bank Baltimore, MD  975.2   8.77   -0.25   -2.39   2.07   163.3   164.2   116.0   NM   14.3 

12.

 1/31/2017 12/15/2017 Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation Royal Bancshares of Pennsylvania, Inc. Bala Cynwyd, PA  832.5   6.28   1.36   15.92   1.36   125.9   241.0   243.8   13.5   14.5 

New Jersey groupOceanFirst’s Three-Year Stock Performance

 

   Beginning Value
11/1/2018
  Ending Value
11/1/2021
 

OceanFirst

   100  91.3

OceanFirst Peer Group

   100  114.0

S&P 500 Index

   100  167.4

NASDAQ Bank Index

   100  138.2

Comparable Company Analyses

Piper Sandler used publicly available information to compare selected financial information for Partners with a group of financial institutions selected by Piper Sandler. The Partners peer group included banks and thrifts whose securities are publicly traded on a major exchange (NYSE, NYSEAM, NASDAQ), headquartered in the Mid-Atlantic region, excluding Puerto Rico and including Virginia, with total assets between $1.0 billion and $2.0 billion with last twelve months return on average assets greater than 0.0%, but excluded targets of announced merger transactions (which we refer to as the “Partners Peer Group”). The Partners Peer Group consisted of the following companies:

 

  Date       Target Financial Highlights     Pricing Multiples 
  

Announce

 

Completion

 

Buyer Name

 

Target Name

 

Target
Headquarters

 Assets
($MM)
  Tang.
Equity /
Tang.
Assets
(%)
  LTM
ROAA
(%)
  LTM
ROAE
(%)
  NPAs /
Assets
(%)
  Deal Value
($MM)
  Book
Value
(%)
  Tang.
Book
Value
(%)
  LTM
Earnings
(x)
  Core
Deposit
Premium
(%)
 

1.

 6/26/2019  Valley National Bancorp Oritani Financial Corp. Township of Washington, NJ  4074.7   13.02   1.28   9.62   0.27   744.0   138.4   140.2   13.7   10.2 

2.

 6/24/2019  1st Constitution Bancorp Shore Community Bank Toms River, NJ  273.9   11.62   1.45   13.20   0.62   53.1   161.1   166.8   13.2   10.7 

3.

 6/7/2019  Columbia Financial, Inc. (MHC) Stewardship Financial Corporation Midland Park, NJ  961.1   8.56   0.83   10.08   0.77   137.2   166.7   166.8   17.3   8.2 

4.

 3/19/2019  First Bank Grand Bank, National Association Hamilton Square, NJ  196.9   11.04   0.49   4.56   4.15   22.1   99.3   101.7   27.8   0.3 

5.

 10/25/2018 1/31/2019 OceanFirst Financial Corp. Capital Bank of New Jersey Vineland, NJ  495.3   9.31   1.20   13.23   0.06   77.5   168.1   168.1   13.3   7.8 

6.

 8/23/2018 1/4/2019 Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. Highlands Bancorp, Inc. Vernon, NJ  487.9   5.98   0.55   8.60   0.74   56.7   177.5   194.8   22.5   8.3 

7.

 6/20/2018 12/21/2018 SB One Bancorp Enterprise Bank N.J. Kenilworth, NJ  243.7   12.45   0.81   6.25   1.07   49.8   148.3   164.0   24.4   16.8 

8.

 11/6/2017 4/11/2018 1st Constitution Bancorp New Jersey Community Bank Freehold, NJ  103.6   8.94   -1.21   -12.58   3.62   7.6   82.4   82.6   NM   -1.9 

9.

 11/1/2017 4/2/2018 Kearny Financial Corp. Clifton Bancorp Inc. Clifton, NJ  1554.5   18.39   0.43   2.08   0.36   401.8   138.3   140.5   NM   18.8 

10.

 10/18/2017 4/30/2018 First Bank Delanco Bancorp, Inc. Delanco, NJ  127.1   10.76   0.15   1.44   3.96   13.5   97.9   98.8   NM   -0.2 

11.

 7/21/2017 3/1/2018 Delmar Bancorp Liberty Bell Bank Marlton, NJ  147.8   6.69   0.11   1.69   2.48   16.8   169.4   169.9   NM   6.8 

12.

 6/30/2017 1/31/2018 OceanFirst Financial Corp. Sun Bancorp, Inc. Mount Laurel, NJ  2255.8   12.84   2.82   22.15   0.28   488.9   149.2   171.8   7.8   12.7 

13.

 6/7/2017 4/17/2018 BCB Bancorp, Inc. IA Bancorp, Inc. Edison, NJ  235.2   8.07   -0.40   -4.79   3.06   12.4   102.3   102.3   NM   0.2 

14.

 4/11/2017 1/4/2018 Sussex Bancorp Community Bank of Bergen County, NJ Maywood, NJ  355.9   8.28   0.49   5.84   2.32   46.9   158.2   159.1   27.9   6.1 

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.

National Bankshares, Inc.

Emclaire Financial Corp

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.

Old Point Financial Corporation

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.

First National Corporation

PCSB Financial Corporation

First United Corporation

Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc.

FNCB Bancorp, Inc.

Prudential Bancorp, Inc.

Franklin Financial Services Corporation

Severn Bancorp, Inc.

MainStreet Bancshares, Inc.

The Bank of Princeton

Malvern Bancorp, Inc.

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

Meridian Corporation

Virginia National Bankshares Corporation

The analysis compared publicly available financial information for Partners with corresponding data for the Partners Peer Group as of or for the year ended September 30, 2021 (unless otherwise noted) with pricing data as of November 1, 2021. The table below sets forth the data for Partners and the median, mean, low and high data for the Partners Peer Group.

Performance groupPartners Comparable Company Analysis

 

  Partners  Partners
Peer Group
Median
  Partners
Peer Group
Mean
  Partners
Peer Group
Low
  Partners
Peer Group
High
 

Total assets ($mm)

  1,638   1,651   1,517   1,085   1,991 

Loans / Deposits² (%)

  77.4   82.0   81.1   55.7   111.4 

Non-performing assets / Total assets³ (%)

  0.49   0.50   0.75   0.00   4.37 

Tangible common equity/Tangible assets4 (%)

  7.79   9.56   10.19   6.56   22.40 

Leverage Ratio5 (%)

  7.90/8.81¹   10.19   10.48   7.59   17.07 

Tier 1 Ratio6, 7 (%)

  11.55/11.66¹   14.35   14.18   10.16   19.06 

Total RBC Ratio7, 8 (%)

  12.81/12.36¹   15.56   15.50   10.97   19.86 

LTM Return on average assets (%)

  0.50   0.99   1.04   0.21   2.18 

LTM Return on average equity (%)

  5.7   9.4   10.3   1.8   27.2 

LTM Net interest margin9 (%)

  3.06   3.14   3.24   2.02   4.49 

LTM Efficiency ratio (%)

  72.3   63.5   62.9   47.3   82.1 

Price/Tangible book value (%)

  124   106   111   53   193 

Price/LTM Earnings per share (x)

  20.2   11.2   11.8   5.0   20.8 

Current Dividend Yield (%)

  1.2   2.3   2.3   0.0   5.4 

Market value ($mm)

  157   171   166   67   275 

 

  Date        Target Financial Highlights     Pricing Multiples 
  Announce  Completion  

Buyer Name

 

Target Name

 

Target

Headquarters

 Assets
($MM)
  Tang.
Equity /
Tang.
Assets
(%)
  LTM
ROAA
(%)
  LTM
ROAE
(%)
  NPAs /
Assets
(%)
  Deal
Value
($MM)
  Book
Value
(%)
  Tang.
Book
Value
(%)
  LTM
Earnings
(x)
  Core
Deposit
Premium
(%)
 
1.  7/25/2019   Wintrust Financial Corporation SBC, Incorporated Countryside, IL  594.0   10.99   1.87   17.19   1.08   90.5   175.9   180.4   12.3   9.5 
2.  7/15/2019   Carolina Financial Corporation Carolina Trust BancShares, Inc. Lincolnton, NC  621.3   9.62   0.54   5.31   1.01   100.1   147.3   169.7   28.1   NA 
3.  6/7/2019   Columbia Financial, Inc. (MHC) Stewardship Financial Corporation Midland Park, NJ  961.1   8.56   0.83   10.08   0.77   137.2   166.7   166.8   17.3   8.2 
4.  6/5/2019   S&T Bancorp, Inc. DNB Financial Corporation Downingtown, PA  1166.7   8.61   0.94   9.76   0.96   206.1   177.9   207.9   19.2   14.7 
5.  4/24/2019   First Citizens BancShares, Inc. Entegra Financial Corp. Franklin, NC  1636.4   8.41   0.86   8.98   0.91   213.4   128.2   160.1   15.2   8.0 
6.  1/7/2019   7/27/2019  First Financial Corporation HopFed Bancorp, Inc. Hopkinsville, KY  904.9   9.66   0.43   4.41   0.98   133.3   152.5   152.5   31.8   8.5 
7.  12/11/2018   5/17/2019  Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. SI Financial Group, Inc. Willimantic, CT  1607.1   9.65   0.41   3.82   1.17   182.5   106.1   118.8   27.3   2.6 
8.  11/13/2018   4/12/2019  Simmons First National Corporation Reliance Bancshares, Inc. Frontenac, MO  1492.9   8.58   0.01   0.08   0.71   172.2   188.3   188.3   NM   8.8 
9.  10/29/2018   3/26/2019  Horizon Bancorp, Inc. Salin Bancshares, Inc. Indianapolis, IN  893.1   10.09   0.55   5.11   0.64   135.5   161.6   161.9   44.0   7.4 
10.  10/10/2018   First Merchants Corporation MBT Financial Corp. Monroe, MI  1321.9   9.10   0.96   9.81   0.91   290.9   240.1   241.7   23.3   NA 
11.  8/22/2018   5/1/2019  MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. ATBancorp Dubuque, IA  1369.1   10.40   1.69   20.71   1.15   171.7   150.4   155.8   6.3   6.8 
12.  7/12/2018   1/2/2019  ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. Greater Hudson Bank Bardonia, NY  519.6   10.13   -0.59   -5.13   1.09   76.3   145.0   145.0   NM   6.8 
13.  4/30/2018   10/1/2018  Allegiance Bancshares, Inc. Post Oak Bancshares, Inc. Houston, TX  1431.0   11.00   1.23   11.01   0.65   350.4   215.3   223.7   20.8   18.8 
14.  4/25/2018   8/16/2018  First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. Northwest Bancorporation, Inc. Spokane, WA  826.8   8.55   0.70   7.04   0.64   155.6   186.8   223.3   28.8   13.9 
15.  4/24/2018   8/1/2018  National Commerce Corporation Landmark Bancshares, Inc. Marietta, GA  595.4   10.79   1.36   11.85   1.11   115.4   197.4   222.3   16.0   17.7 
16.  2/12/2018   6/1/2018  Mechanics Bank Learner Financial Corporation Walnut Creek, CA  691.9   9.92   0.56   5.60   0.79   124.9   170.1   170.1   37.6   9.3 
17.  1/9/2018   8/1/2018  Meta Financial Group, Inc. Crestmark Bancorp Inc. Troy, MI  1113.3   8.80   2.15   21.29   0.68   321.2   356.4   404.0   17.0   27.1 
18.  12/12/2017   5/18/2018  Heartland Financial USA, Inc. First Bank Lubbock Bancshares, Inc. Lubbock, TX  929.2   10.39   2.35   23.29   0.84   185.6   235.5   239.6   15.1   17.9 
19.  12/11/2017   7/6/2018  TriCo Bancshares FNB Bancorp South San Francisco, CA  1274.6   9.16   1.03   11.20   1.12   317.5   249.3   273.1   24.2   21.2 
20.  10/19/2017   3/23/2018  IBERIABANK Corporation Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust Co. Coral Gables, FL  1578.6   9.10   0.33   3.82   1.09   228.3   159.0   159.0   42.3   9.1 
21.  9/21/2017   7/2/2018  Susser Bank Holdings , LLC BancAffiliated, Inc. Arlington, TX  620.1   10.09   1.19   13.10   0.83   90.9   193.7   193.7   15.7   29.2 
1)

Partners operates as a bank holding company with two distinct subsidiary banks. Consolidated capital ratios are not available therefore each bank’s capital ratios are presented

2)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for FRAF, ASRV

3)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for VABK, PWOD, PCSB, ESSA, FRAF, FUNC, BPRN, MNSB, ASRV, OPOF, ESQ, NECB, EMCF)

4)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for UNTY

5)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for PWOD, PCSB, FRAF, FNCB, MNSB, NKSH, FXNC, ASRV, OPOF, PBHC, SVBI, ESQ, NECB

6)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for VABK, PWOD, PCSB, ESSA, FRAF, FNCB, MNSB, NKSH, FXNC, ASRV, OPOF, PBHC, ESQ, NECB

7)

Financial data as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 was not released at the holding company or bank level due to regulatory relief for UNTY, SVBI

8)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for PWOD, PCSB, ESSA, FRAF, FNCB, MNSB, NKSH, FXNC, OPOF, PBHC, ESQ, NECB

9)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for NECB

For eachNote: Financial data as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021, excluding Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc., Malvern Bancorp,Inc., Severn Bancorp, Inc., and Prudential Bancorp, Inc. which presents data as of June 30, 2021

Piper Sandler used publicly available information to perform a similar analysis for OceanFirst by comparing selected transaction, Boenning derivedfinancial information for OceanFirst with a group of financial institutions selected by Piper Sandler. The OceanFirst peer group included banks and thrifts whose securities are publicly traded on a major exchange (NYSE, NYSEAM, NASDAQ), headquartered in the Mid-Atlantic region, excluding Puerto Rico, with total assets between $7.5 billion and $15.0 billion, but excluded targets of announced merger transactions (the “OceanFirst Peer Group”). The OceanFirst Peer Group consisted of the following implied transaction statistics, in each case based on the transaction consideration value paidcompanies:

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

NBT Bancorp Inc.

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

Flushing Financial Corporation

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

Tompkins Financial Corporation

The analysis compared publicly available financial information for OceanFirst with corresponding data for the acquired companyOceanFirst Peer Group as of or for the year ended September 30, 2021 (unless otherwise noted) with pricing data as of November 1, 2021. The table below sets forth the data for OceanFirst and using financialthe median, mean, low and high data based onfor the acquired company’s thenOceanFirst Peer Group.

OceanFirst Comparable Company Analysis

   OceanFirst  OceanFirst
Peer Group
Median
   OceanFirst
Peer Group
Mean
   OceanFirst
Peer Group
Low
   OceanFirst
Peer Group
High
 

Total assets ($mm)

   11,830   10,532    10,664    7,950    14,389 

Loans / Deposits² (%)

   83.8   85.9    85.3    69.3    102.8 

Non-performing assets / Total assets³ (%)

   0.28   0.43    0.64    0.19    1.47 

Tangible common equity/Tangible assets4 (%)

   8.29   8.92    8.89    7.54    10.64 

Leverage Ratio5 (%)

   9.12¹   9.35    9.46    8.37    11.60 

Tier 1 Ratio6 (%)

   12.19¹   12.44    12.61    10.89    15.33 

Total RBC Ratio7 (%)

   12.83¹   14.87    14.63    11.55    16.59 

LTM Return on average assets (%)

   1.04   1.26    1.28    0.69    1.93 

LTM Return on average equity (%)

   8.0   11.8    11.7    7.1    16.5 

LTM Net interest margin (%)

   2.91   3.15    3.18    2.94    3.60 

LTM Efficiency ratio (%)

   62.3   54.2    52.8    38.5    65.1 

Price/Tangible book value (%)

   146   163    165    116    198 

Price/LTM Earnings per share (x)

   11.8   11.3    12.2    9.5    23.6 

Price/2021E EPS

   12.6   11.2    11.1    8.7    13.8 

Price/2022E EPS

   11.6   13.2    12.9    10.0    16.8 

Current Dividend Yield (%)

   3.1   3.0    3.2    1.5    5.8 

Market value ($mm)

   1,366   1,501    1,501    749    2,269 

1)

Bank level data shown

2)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for TMP

3)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for PFS, DCOM, NBTB, EGBN, TMP

4)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for EGBN, STBA, FFIC

5)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for NWBI, PFS

6)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for NWBI, PFS, TMP

7)

Bank Level data shown as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021 for NWBI, PFS

Note: Financial data as of or for the period ended September 30, 2021

Analysis of Precedent Transactions

Piper Sandler reviewed a national group of merger and acquisition transactions. The nationwide group consisted of bank and thrift transactions announced between January 1, 2021 and November 1, 2021 where the target’s total assets were between $1.0 billion and $2.0 billion at announcement and LTM ROAA between 0.0% and 1.25%, excluding transactions with non-disclosed deal values and transactions with private investors, private equity buyers or Credit Union buyers (which we refer to as the “Nationwide Precedent Transactions”).

The Nationwide Precedent Transactions group was composed of the following transactions:

Acquiror

Target

German American Bancorp Inc.

Citizens Union Bancorp

TriCo Bancshares

Valley Republic Bancorp

CVB Financial Corp.

Suncrest Bank 1st Constitution Bancorp

Lakeland Bancorp

Westchester Bank Holding Corp.

Valley National Bancorp

Bank of Commerce Holdings

Columbia Banking System Inc.

County Bancorp Inc.

Nicolet Bankshares Inc.

Landmark Community Bank

Simmons First National Corp.

Select Bancorp Inc.

First Bancorp

Pioneer Bancshares Inc.

FirstSun Capital Bancorp

Mackinac Financial Corp

Nicolet Bankshares Inc.

Premier Financial Bancorp Inc.

Peoples Bancorp Inc.

Pacific Mercantile Bancorp

Banc of California Inc.

Kentucky Bancshares Inc.

Stock Yards Bancorp Inc.

Cummins-American Corp.

First Busey Corp.

Using the latest publicly available financial statementsinformation prior to the announcement of the respective transaction:

Pricerelevant transaction, Piper Sandler reviewed the following transaction metrics: transaction price to last-twelve-months earnings per share, of common stocktransaction price to tangible book value per share, of common stock ofcore deposit premium, and 1-day market premium. Piper Sandler compared the acquired company;

Price per share of common stock to LTM core earnings (excludes extraordinary items, nonrecurring revenues/expenses, gain/loss on sale of securities and amortization of intangibles);

Core deposit premium;

Price per share of common stock to total assets per share of common stock;

Price per share of common stock to total deposits per share of common stock;

Market premium from one day prior to announcement; and

Market premium from 30 days prior to announcement.

The aboveindicated transaction statisticsmetrics for the selected transactions were compared withtransaction to the corresponding transaction statistics for themedian, mean, low and high metrics of Nationwide Precedent Transactions based on the implied aggregate transaction value for the Transactions of $180.4 million and using preliminary historical financial information for Two River as of or for the 12 months ended June 30, 2019 provided by Two River’s management.

The results of the analysis are set forth in the following tables:

National groupgroup.

 

   OceanFirst /
Two
River
Transactions
   10th Percentile   Median   90th Percentile 

Deal Value to Tangible Book Value (%)

   174.6    144.7    175.1    231.7 

Deal Value to LTM Core Earnings (x)

   15.4    13.4    17.3    31.1 

Core Deposit Premium (%)

   9.2    5.3    8.5    14.6 

Deal Value to Assets (%)

   15.4    12.6    14.7    21.1 

Deal Value to Deposits (%)

   18.4    15.1    17.6    23.8 

1 Day Market Premium (%)

   50.3    13.3    29.9    74.7 

30 Day Market Premium (%)

   40.5    17.0    30.5    70.7 

Regional group

   Nationwide Precedent Transactions 
   OceanFirst/
    Partners    
  Median  Mean  Low  High 

Transaction Price / LTM Earnings Per Share (x)

   22.6   15.6   16.5   10.9   29.2 

Transaction Price / Tangible Book Value Per Share (%)

   145   156   153   112   185 

Tangible Book Value Premium to Core Deposits (%)

   5.0¹ / 4.3²   6.9¹   7.0¹   1.3¹   11.0¹ 

1-Day Market Premium (%)

   16.6   14.1   27.9   6.0   69.4 

 

   OceanFirst /
Two
River
Transactions
   10th Percentile   Median   90th Percentile 

Deal Value to Tangible Book Value (%)

   174.6    128.8    173.2    207.7 

Deal Value to LTM Core Earnings (x)

   15.4    14.9    21.3    34.6 

Core Deposit Premium (%)

   9.2    5.4    11.6    14.7 

Deal Value to Assets (%)

   15.4    11.5    14.8    19.6 

Deal Value to Deposits (%)

   18.4    14.7    18.2    23.6 

1 Day Market Premium (%)

   50.3    7.4    21.8    74.4 

30 Day Market Premium (%)

   40.5    7.2    25.2    69.9 
1)

Core deposits defined as total deposits less time deposits greater than $100,000

2)

Core deposits defined as total deposits less time deposits greater than $250,000

New Jersey groupNet Present Value Analyses

   OceanFirst /
Two
River
Transactions
   10th Percentile   Median   90th Percentile 

Deal Value to Tangible Book Value (%)

   174.6    99.7    161.5    171.2 

Deal Value to LTM Core Earnings (x)

   15.4    12.1    17.3    27.9 

Core Deposit Premium (%)

   9.2    0.0    8.0    15.5 

Deal Value to Assets (%)

   15.4    8.4    13.7    21.3 

Deal Value to Deposits (%)

   18.4    9.3    16.0    27.7 

1 Day Market Premium (%)

   50.3    1.7    18.8    72.3 

30 Day Market Premium (%)

   40.5    2.8    19.9    74.0 

Performance group

   OceanFirst /
Two
River
Transactions
   10th Percentile   Median   90th Percentile 

Deal Value to Tangible Book Value (%)

   174.6    152.5    180.4    241.7 

Deal Value to LTM Core Earnings (x)

   15.4    14.5    20.8    38.6 

Core Deposit Premium (%)

   9.2    6.8    9.3    22.4 

Deal Value to Assets (%)

   15.4    12.5    15.2    24.5 

Deal Value to Deposits (%)

   18.4    16.0    20.4    28.2 

1 Day Market Premium (%)

   50.3    9.7    21.5    73.8 

30 Day Market Premium (%)

   40.5    10.8    29.0    74.4 

No company or transaction used as a comparison in the above selected transactions analysis is identical to Two River, OceanFirst or the Transactions. Accordingly,Piper Sandler performed an analysis of these results is not mathematical. Rather, it involves complex considerations and judgment concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies involved.

Pro Forma Financial Impact Analysis

Boenning performed a pro forma financial impact analysis that combined projected income statement and balance sheet information of Two River and OceanFirst. The analysis assumed 2019 year-end total assets of $1.2 billion for Two River and $8.3 billion for OceanFirst, based on estimates confirmed by Two River and OceanFirst’s financial advisor. Boenning then assumed a 5% annual total asset growth rate for OceanFirst and Two River. Boenning relied on street estimates of earnings for both OceanFirst ($93.4 million for 2019 and $109.5 million for 2020) and Two River ($11.6 million for 2019 and $12.3 million for 2020), and then applied an assumed growth rate of 8.0% for both companies (confirmed by management of Two River and the financial advisor for OceanFirst) to derive estimated 2021 earnings for each company. Boenning also assumed cost savings of 54.1% of Two River’s non-interest expenses, and transaction expenses of $18.2 million, as provided to Boenning by OceanFirst and Two River management. Boenning analyzed the estimated financial impact of the Transactions on certain projected financial and operating results. This analysis indicated that the Transactions could be (i) accretive to OceanFirst’s 2020 and 2021 estimated EPS by 3.8% and 6.3%, respectively, (ii) dilutive to OceanFirst’s book value per share at closing by 1.0%, and (iii) dilutive to OceanFirst’s estimated tangible book value per share at closing by 5.3%. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that, pro forma for the Transactions, OceanFirst’s tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, leverage ratio, common equity Tier 1 ratio, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and Total risk-based capital ratio at closing would be above those required to be deemed “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines. For all of the above analysis, the actual results achieved by OceanFirst following the Transactions may vary from the projected results, and the variations may be material.

Present Value Analysis

Boenning performed a present value analysis to estimate a range for the implied equity value of Two River. In this analysis, the future cash flows are derived from Two River’s financial budget and management estimates and discounted back. Cash flows include projected cash dividends as well as an assumed value of one share at the end of year five using both earnings and tangible book value multiples. The Two River cash flows utilized were as follows: $1.34 per share for 2019, $1.42 per share for 2020 and an estimated growth rate of 8.0%, confirmed with Two River management, for 2020. Boenning also assumed a dividend payout ratio of 20.78%, approximating Two River’s current dividend payment ratio. The discount rate for Two River was determined using the Capital Asset Pricing Model, which produced discount rates ranging from 12.11% to 13.52%, and theBuild-Up Method, which also produced discount rates ranging from 12.11% to 13.52%, and which take into account certain factors such as the current risk free rate, the beta of bank stocks compared to the broader market and the Duff & Phelps risk premiums for small, illiquid stocks and for commercial bank stocks. Boenning also considered comparable

company returns on tangible common equity as a third discount rate. Based on the three approaches utilized, Boenning determined that a discount rate of 12.0% was appropriate.

The ranges of values were derived by adding (i) the present value of the estimated earnings and cash dividends that Two River could generate over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023, derived as discussed above, applying the assumed 8% growth rate for 2022 and 2023 and (ii) the present value of Two River’s implied terminal value at the end of such period. The terminal values derived, before discounting to present value, were $23.22 (assuming a terminal price/earnings multiple of 13.0x) and $22.51 (assuming a terminal price to tangible book value multiple of 1.25x). In calculating the net present value of Two River usinga share of Partners common stock assuming Partners performed in accordance with certain internal financial projections for Partners for the earnings multiple,years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the rangesenior management of Partners. To approximate the terminal value of a share of Partners common stock at November 1, 2021, Piper Sandler applied price to 2025 earnings ratios usedmultiples ranging from 8.0x to determine possible future stock prices was 12.0x15.5x and multiples of 2025 tangible book value ranging from 90% to 14.0x LTM earnings, with a midpoint140%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 11% to 15%, which were chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of 13.0x. Themid-point multiple approximates median multiplesreturn of holders or prospective buyers of Partners common stock. As illustrated in the peer group analysis. This present valuefollowing tables, the analysis resulted in aindicated an imputed range of implied values per share of Two RiverPartners common stock of $11.63$5.02 to $10.95 when applying multiples of earnings and $5.25 to $9.29 when applying multiples of tangible book value.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

Discount Rate

      8.0x            9.5x            11.0x           12.5x           14.0x           15.5x     

11.0%

  $5.81   $6.84   $7.87   $8.89   $9.92   $10.95 

12.0%

  $5.60   $6.59   $7.58   $8.57   $9.56   $10.55 

13.0%

  $5.40   $6.35   $7.30   $8.25   $9.21   $10.16 

14.0%

  $5.20   $6.12   $7.04   $7.96   $8.87   $9.79 

15.0%

  $5.02   $5.90   $6.79   $7.67   $8.56   $9.44 

Tangible Book Value Per Share Multiples

Discount Rate

      90%           100%           110%           120%           130%           140%     

11.0%

  $6.09   $6.73   $7.37   $8.01   $8.65   $9.29 

12.0%

  $5.86   $6.48   $7.10   $7.71   $8.33   $8.94 

13.0%

  $5.65   $6.24   $6.84   $7.43   $8.02   $8.62 

14.0%

  $5.45   $6.02   $6.59   $7.16   $7.73   $8.30 

15.0%

  $5.25   $5.80   $6.36   $6.91   $7.46   $8.01 

Piper Sandler also considered and discussed with the Partners’ board of directors how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to earnings. To illustrate this impact, Piper Sandler performed a similar analysis, assuming Partners’ earnings varied from 10% above projections to 10% below projections. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for Partners’ common stock, applying the price to $17.45 per share with2025 earnings multiples range of 8.0x to 15.5x referred to above and a midpointdiscount rate of $14.31 per share. In calculating12.84%.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

Annual Estimate Variance

       8.0x             9.5x            11.0x           12.5x           14.0x           15.5x     

(10.0%)

  $4.92   $5.78   $6.64   $7.50   $8.37   $9.23 

(5.0%)

  $5.17   $6.08   $6.99   $7.90   $8.82   $9.73 

0.0%

  $5.43   $6.39   $7.34   $8.30   $9.26   $10.22 

5.0%

  $5.68   $6.69   $7.70   $8.70   $9.71   $10.72 

10.0%

  $5.94   $6.99   $8.05   $9.10   $10.16   $11.21 

Piper Sandler also performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of Two River usingOceanFirst’s common stock, assuming OceanFirst performed in accordance with publicly available median analyst net income and dividends per share estimates for OceanFirst for the quarter ending December 31, 2021 and publicly available median analyst net income estimates for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, as well as estimated long-term annual earnings per share and balance sheet growth rates for the years ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 and estimated dividends per share for OceanFirst for the years ending December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the senior management of OceanFirst. To approximate the terminal value of a share of OceanFirst common stock at November 1, 2021, Piper Sandler applied price to 2025 earnings multiples ranging from 11.0x to 16.0x and multiples of 2025 tangible book value multiple, the rangeranging from 140% to 190%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 10.0% to 14.0%, which were chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of price to tangible book value ratios used to determine possible future stock prices was 1.15x to 1.35xreturn of tangible book value, with a midpointholders or prospective buyers of 1.25x. Themid-point multiple approximates median multiplesOceanFirst common stock. As illustrated in the peer group analysis. This present valuefollowing tables, the analysis resulted in aindicated an imputed range of implied values per share of Two RiverOceanFirst common stock of $12.59$17.44 to $28.27 when applying multiples of earnings and $20.21 to $30.91 when applying multiples of tangible book value.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

Discount Rate

      11.0x            12.0x            13.0x           14.0x           15.0x           16.0x     

10.0%

  $20.14   $21.77   $23.39   $25.02   $26.64   $28.27 

11.0%

  $19.42   $20.98   $22.55   $24.11   $25.68   $27.24 

12.0%

  $18.73   $20.23   $21.74   $23.24   $24.75   $26.26 

13.0%

  $18.07   $19.52   $20.97   $22.42   $23.87   $25.32 

14.0%

  $17.44   $18.83   $20.23   $21.63   $23.02   $24.42 

Tangible Book Value Per Share Multiples

Discount Rate

      140%           150%           160%           170%           180%           190%     

10.0%

  $23.37   $24.88   $26.39   $27.89   $29.40   $30.91 

11.0%

  $22.52   $23.98   $25.43   $26.88   $28.33   $29.78 

12.0%

  $21.72   $23.11   $24.51   $25.91   $27.30   $28.70 

13.0%

  $20.95   $22.29   $23.64   $24.98   $26.32   $27.67 

14.0%

  $20.21   $21.51   $22.80   $24.09   $25.39   $26.68 

Piper Sandler also considered and discussed with Partners’ board of directors how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to earnings. To illustrate this impact, Piper Sandler performed a similar analysis assuming OceanFirst’s earnings varied from 10% above estimates to 10.0% below estimates. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for OceanFirst common stock, applying the price to $15.29 per share with2025 earnings multiples range of 11.0x to 16.0x referred to above and a midpointdiscount rate of $13.91 per share.11.55%.

TheEarnings Per Share Multiples

Annual Estimate Variance

      11.0x            12.0x            13.0x           14.0x           15.0x           16.0x     

(10.0%)

  $17.35   $18.73   $20.11   $21.49   $22.86   $24.24 

(5.0%)

  $18.19   $19.65   $21.10   $22.56   $24.01   $25.47 

0.0%

  $19.04   $20.57   $22.10   $23.63   $25.16   $26.69 

5.0%

  $19.88   $21.49   $23.09   $24.70   $26.31   $27.92 

10.0%

  $20.72   $22.40   $24.09   $25.77   $27.46   $29.14 

Piper Sandler noted that the net present value analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such methodology are highly dependent onupon the numerous assumptions that must be made, including asset and earnings growth rates, terminal values, dividend payout rates and discount rates. The analysis didthe results thereof are not purport to benecessarily indicative of the actual values or expected values of Two River or thefuture results.

Pro Forma Transaction Analysis

Piper Sandler analyzed certain potential pro forma effects of the merger on OceanFirst assuming the transaction closes on March 31, 2022. Piper Sandler also utilized certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, cost savings and purchase accounting adjustments, as provided by the senior management of OceanFirst, as well as estimated net income for Partners for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by Partners and approved for use in Piper Sandler’s analysis by the senior management of OceanFirst. The analysis indicated that the transaction could be accretive to OceanFirst’s estimated earnings per share (excluding one-time transaction costs and expenses) in the years ending 2022 through 2025 and dilutive to OceanFirst’s estimated tangible book value per share at close and dilutive at December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, December 31, 2024 and accretive at December 31, 2025.

In connection with this analysis, Piper Sandler considered and discussed with the Partners’ board of directors 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.company may vary from projected results and the variations may be material.

MiscellaneousPiper Sandler’s Relationship

Boenning actedPiper Sandler is acting as Partners’ financial advisor to Two River in connection with the Transactionstransaction and did not act aswill receive a fee for such services in an advisoramount equal to or agent of any other person. As discussed above, Boenning did not factor the impactapproximately 1.35% of the Other Transaction intoaggregate purchase price, which advisory fee is contingent upon the closing of the integrated mergers. At the time of announcement of the transaction, Piper Sandler’s fee was approximately $2.5 million. Piper Sandler also received a $250,000 fee from Partners upon rendering its opinion. As partopinion, which opinion fee will be credited in full towards the advisory fee which will become payable to Piper Sandler upon closing of the transaction. Partners has also agreed to indemnify Piper Sandler against certain claims and liabilities arising out of Piper Sandler’s engagement and to reimburse Piper Sandler for certain of its investment banking business, Boenning is regularly engaged in the valuation of bank and bank holding company securitiesout-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for variousPiper Sandler’s engagement.

Piper Sandler did not provide any other purposes. As specialistsinvestment banking services to Partners in the two years preceding the date of Piper Sandler’s opinion. In the two years preceding the date of Piper Sandler’s opinion, Piper Sandler and its affiliate, Piper Sandler Loan Strategies, LLC (which we refer to as “PSLS”), provided certain investment banking services to OceanFirst. In summary, (i) Piper Sandler acted as book manager in connection with OceanFirst’s offer and sale of equity and debt securities, which transactions occurred in May 2020 and for which Piper Sandler received approximately $2.3 million in fees and expense reimbursement, and (ii) PSLS acted as introducing broker to OceanFirst’s wholly-owned banking subsidiary, OceanFirst Bank, in connection with OceanFirst Bank’s sale of banking companies, Boenning has experiencecertain loans and/or assets, for which PSLS received approximately $490,000 in and knowledge of, the valuation of banking enterprises.fees in December 2020. In the ordinary course of its and theirPiper Sandler’s business as a broker-dealer, businesses, and further to certain existing sales and trading relationships between each of Two River and OceanFirst and certain Boenning affiliates, Boenning and its affiliatesPiper Sandler may from time to time purchase securities from and sell securities to Two River andPartners, OceanFirst and as a market maker in securities, Boenningtheir respective affiliates. Piper Sandler may also actively trade the equity and its affiliates may from time to time have a long or short position in, and buy or sell, debt or equity securities of Two River orPartners, OceanFirst for its and their own accountsrespective affiliates for Piper Sandler’s account and for the accounts of its and their respective customers and clients. Boenning employees and employees of Boenning affiliates may also from time to time maintain individual positions in Two River common stock and/or OceanFirst common stock.

Pursuant to the Boenning engagement agreement, Two River agreed to pay Boenning anon-refundable cash fee equal to 1.20% of the implied transaction value, $10,000 of which became payable upon retention of Boenning and $20,000 of which became payable upon Boenning providing descriptive information to potential buyers, 20% of which became payable concurrently with the rendering of Boenning’s opinion, and the balance of which is contingent upon the consummation of the Transactions. Boenning’s fee for rendering the fairness opinion was not contingent upon Boenning reaching any particular conclusion. Two River also agreed to reimburse Boenning for reasonableout-of-pocket expenses and disbursements incurred in connection with its engagement and to indemnify Boenning against certain liabilities relating to or arising out of Boenning’s engagement or Boenning’s role in connection therewith.

Boenning has not had any material investment banking relationship with OceanFirst during the past two years in which compensation was received or was intended to be received as a result of the relationship between

Boenning, on the one hand, and OceanFirst, on the other hand. Boenning has advised Two River on a potential acquisition which was not consummated and for which it received a fee of $25,000 but has not had any other material investment banking relationship with Two River during the past two years in which compensation was received or was intended to be received as a result of the relationship between Boenning, on the one hand, and Two River, on the other hand. Boenning may provide investment banking services to OceanFirst in the future, although there is no agreement to do so.Piper Sandler’s customers.

OceanFirst’s Reasons for the TransactionsMergers

After careful consideration, the OceanFirst board, at a meeting held on August 8, 2019,November 3, 2021, unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the integrated mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the OceanFirst board evaluated the merger agreement and the Transactionsmergers 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,mergers, including the following material factors, which are not presented in order of priority:

 

the fact that the Transactionsmergers are expected to strengthenexpand OceanFirst’s branch presence in New Jersey;footprint into Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the Washington D.C. metro area;

 

there is potential for significant efficiencies to be accelerated as a result of the Transactionsmergers through infrastructure optimization and branch consolidation;

 

each of OceanFirst’s and Two River’sPartners’ businesses, operations, financial condition, asset quality, earnings and prospects, including the view of the OceanFirst board that Two River’sPartners’ business and operations provide a complementary addition to OceanFirst’s existing operations and lines of business;

 

the fact that Two River’sPartners’ expertise in serving small and medium sized businesses aligns with OceanFirst’s commitment to growing its commercial banking platform, and provides an opportunity to leverage OceanFirst’s broader product offering across Two River’sPartners’ client base;

the common business philosophies and similarity in customer profiles;

 

the fact that the Transactionsmergers are expected to result in earnings per share accretion for OceanFirst stockholders in 2020;2022;

the fact that the cost-savings for the Transactionsmergers are estimated to be 54%40% of Two River’sPartners’ non-interest expense base and that these cost savings are expected to be 75%50% phased-in in 20202022 and 100% phased-in thereafter;

 

the current and prospective environment in which OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners 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;mergers;

 

the ability of OceanFirst to leverage its significant integration experience, having successfully integrated and met financial targets for fiveseven whole bank acquisitions since 2015;

 

its review and discussions with OceanFirst’s management and its outside legal counsel and financial advisoradvisors concerning the due diligence investigation of Two RiverPartners and the potential financial impact of the Transactionsmergers on the combined company;

 

the terms of the merger agreement, including the 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 Transactionsmergers 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 Transactionsmergers in connection with its deliberations of the Transactions, includingmergers, 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;mergers; (ii) the potential risks associated with achieving anticipated cost synergies and savings and successfully integrating Two River’sPartners’ business, operations and workforce with those of OceanFirst; (iii) the risk that pursuing the Transactions at the same time as the CYHC Transactions could delay and/or complicate the completion of each and could preclude OceanFirst’s exploration of other expansion opportunities during the pendency of these two transactions; (iv) the right of Two River to terminate the merger agreement if the average of the closing prices of OceanFirst common stock over a specified period of time preceding the determination date falls below certain specified thresholds, as described in more detail in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Termination of the Merger Agreement” and (v)(iii) the other risks identified in the sections of this 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 and the 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 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 proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page [●].

Interests of Two River’sPartners’ Directors and Executive Officers in the TransactionsMergers

When Two River shareholders areIn considering the recommendationrecommendations of the Two RiverPartners board, in connection with the merger proposal, theyPartners stockholders should be aware that thePartners’ directors and executive officers of Two River have interests in the mergers that aremay be different from, or in addition to, or different from, the interests of Two River shareholdersthe Partners stockholders generally. These interests are described below. The Two RiverPartners board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.agreement, including the mergers, and in determining to recommend that Partners stockholders vote to approve the integrated merger proposal.

The following discussion describes any interests inamounts shown below are estimates based on multiple assumptions that may or may not actually occur or be accurate on the Transactions of each person who has served as a director or an executive officer of Two River since January 1, 2018. Except as described below, to the knowledge of Two River, the directorsrelevant date, and executive officers of Two River do not have any substantial interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in the Transactions apart from their interests as shareholders of Two River. The amounts presented in the following discussion do not reflect certain compensation actions that may be taken or that may occur before completion of the impact of applicable withholding or other taxes.mergers.

Treatment of Two River Equity Awards

Treatment of Stock Options

Certain members of the Two RiverPartners board and Two River’sPartners’ executive officers hold outstanding options to purchase shares of Two RiverPartners common stock granted under the Two RiverPartners equity plan.plans. The merger agreement provides that, at the effective time, each outstanding and unexercised stock option granted under the Two RiverPartners equity plan,plans, whether vested or unvested, will be canceled, extinguished and automatically exchanged into the right to receive a cash payment (without interest) equal to the product of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock issuable upon exercise of such stock option and (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) $5.375 and (B) the product of the exchange ratio and the VWAP of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq for the five full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the closing date of the integrated mergers$10.00 over (ii) theper-share exercise price of such stock option.option, less applicable tax withholdings. The cash payments will be made as soon as practicable after the effective time.

The following table reflects the number of stock options held by each executive officer and director of Two RiverPartners as of August 9, 2019,December 10, 2021 (which is the latest practicable date that the merger agreement was executed, without regard to any subsequent

exercise of stock options pursuant to the terms of the awards, prior to the effective time.this proxy statement/ prospectus). The estimated value of the stock options is based on (i) the sum of (A) $5.375 and (B) average closing price per share of OceanFirst common stock over the first five trading days following the first public announcement of the Transactions beginning on August 12, 2019 multiplied by 0.6663, the exchange ratio, for a per share merger consideration of $19.63,$10.00, net of the applicableper-share exercise price for the stock options, multiplied by (ii) the total number of shares subject to each stock option award.

 

   Two River
Stock
Options
(#)
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
($)
   Aggregate Stock
Option Value
($)
 

Executive Officers

      

William D. Moss

   —      —      —   

A. Richard Abrahamian

   3,255    5.23    46,872 

Alan B. Turner

   —      —      —   

Anthony A. Mero

   7,350    8.69    80,409 

Directors

      

James M. Bollerman

   5,408    4.94    79,444 

Charles F. Butrico, Jr.

   —      —      —   

Robert E. Gregory

   5,408    4.94    79,444 

Robert B. Grossman, MD

   3,244    4.94    47,654 

William F. LaMorte

   5,408    4.94    79,444 

Joseph F.X. O’Sullivan

   —      —      —   

John J. Perri, Jr., CPA

   5,408    4.94    79,444 

Andrew A. Vitale, CPA

   —      —      —   

Robin Zager

   5,408    4.94    79,444 

All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (13 persons)

   40,889    5.64    572,037 
   Partners Stock
Options (#)
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price ($)
   Aggregate Stock
Option Value ($)
 

Executive Officers

      

Lloyd B. Harrison, III

   —      —      —   

John W. Breda

   —      —      —   

J. Adam Sothen

   25,768   $7.72   $58,751 

Elizabeth J. Eicher

   —      —      —   

Directors

      

Mona D. Albertine

   4,638   $5.83   $19,340 

Michael W. Clarke

   —      —      —   

Mark L. Granger

   —      —      —   

Kenneth R. Lehman

   —      —      —   

Steven R. Mote

   —      —      —   

George P. Snead

   4,638   $5.83   $19,340 

James A. Tamburro

   1,028   $4.14   $6,024 

Jeffrey F. Turner

   —      —      —   

Robert C. Wheatley

   —      —      —   

Treatment of Restricted Stock

Certain membersNone of the Two River board and Two River’s executive officers have received awardsand directors of shares ofPartners hold unvested restricted stock under the Two River equity plan. Award holders may not transfer unvested shares of restricted stock, but may vote and receive dividends on all shares of restricted stock, whether vested or unvested. Pursuant to the termsshares. For a discussion of the Two River equity plan, subjectacceleration of Mr. Clarke’s restricted shares, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Bonus Payments related to approvalNorthern Virginia Expansion by Virginia Partners Bank” beginning on page [●].

Employment and Consulting Agreements

The executive officers of the merger proposal at the special meeting, each unvested share of restricted stock will fully vest and the restrictions on the restricted stock will lapse and, as of the effective time, each holder of such sharesPartners have entered into agreements with OceanFirst Bank that will be entitled to receive the merger consideration in exchange for the cancellation of such shares.

The following table sets forth the number of shares of restricted stock held by each executive officer and director of Two River as of August 9, 2019, the date the merger agreement was executed, and that is expected to remain unvested until the special meeting. The estimated value of the restricted stock is based on (i) the sum of (A) $5.375 and (B) average closing price per share of OceanFirst common stock over the first five trading days following the first public announcement of the Transactions beginning on August 12, 2019 multiplied by 0.6663, the exchange ratio, for a per share merger consideration of $19.63, multiplied by (ii) the total number of shares subject to each restricted stock award.

   Unvested Two River
Restricted Stock
Awards
(#)
   Aggregate Restricted
Stock
Award Value
($)
 

Executive Officers

    

William D. Moss

   12,229    240,055 

A. Richard Abrahamian

   7,696    151,072 

Alan B. Turner

   7,666    150,484 

Anthony A. Mero

   5,812    114,090 

Directors

    

James M. Bollerman

   2,001    39,280 

Charles F. Butrico, Jr.

   2,001    39,280 

Robert E. Gregory

   2,001    39,280 

Robert B. Grossman, MD

   2,001    39,280 

William F. LaMorte

   2,001    39,280 

Joseph F.X. O’Sullivan

   2,001    39,280 

John J. Perri, Jr., CPA

   2,001    39,280 

Andrew A. Vitale, CPA

   2,001    39,280 

Robin Zager

   2,001    39,280 

All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (13 persons)

   51,412    1,009,221 

Employment and Change in Control Arrangements

Payments under Employment Agreement Amendment between William D. Moss and Two River

Two River and Two River Bank previously entered into an employment agreement with William D. Moss, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of each of Two River and Two River Bank. In connection with the execution of the merger agreement, Mr. Moss entered into an amendment to his existing employment agreement with Two River and Two River Bank. OceanFirst Bank executed a joinder to the amendment agreeing to be bound by its terms effective as of the effective time. Pursuant to his employment agreement, as amended:

Mr. Moss will be employed by OceanFirst for the period commencing at the effective time and ending onwill supersede such executive officers’ current employment agreements with Partners or its subsidiaries and affiliates (as applicable), and pursuant to which certain payments are expected to be made to the first anniversaryexecutive officers of Partners. The termination, change in control and severance provisions of each executive officer’s agreement with OceanFirst Bank are substantively consistent, with certain limited exceptions including as set forth below, with such officer’s current employment agreement with Partners. Pursuant to their respective agreements with OceanFirst Bank:

Pursuant to that certain consulting agreement, dated November 4, 2021, that will be effective at the effective time.time, Mr. MossHarrison’s employment with Partners and its subsidiaries and affiliates will receive an annual base salary no less than his base salary as in effect immediately prior toterminate at the effective time and continuationMr. Harrison will serve as a consultant to OceanFirst and its subsidiaries for a period of certain employee benefits. Subject30 days following the closing date of the integrated mergers. Mr. Harrison will receive as compensation for such consulting services a payment equal to one month of his base

salary at the rate in effect as of immediately prior to the “closing date” (as such term is defined in the consulting agreement).

Pursuant to such agreement, subject to Mr. Moss’sHarrison signing (and not revoking) a release on or after the closing date, and consistent with the benefits provided by his current employment agreement with Partners and its subsidiaries and affiliates, in connection with Mr. MossHarrison’s termination of employment on the closing date of the integrated mergers, Mr. Harrison will receive his annual base salary as of the closing date for 12 months following the closing date. In addition, Mr. Harrison will receive a change in control benefit payable in 36 monthly installments in the aggregate amount equal to the sum of (i) three times his base salary as of the closing date, (ii) one times the average annual cash bonus compensation awarded to him during the preceding 24-month period, and (iii) the cost for 36 months of health, disability and term life insurance coverage equivalent to the premiums for health, disability and term life insurance coverage provided to him as of the closing date. OceanFirst Bank will transfer to Mr. Harrison the automobile currently provided by Partners to Mr. Harrison for nominal consideration.

The consulting agreement contains customary restrictive covenants, including confidentiality, cooperation, nondisclosure, prohibitions against competition with OceanFirst Bank and its predecessors and affiliates (“bank entities”) and solicitation of bank entities’ customers and employees, through the one year anniversary of the closing date of the integrated mergers.

Pursuant to that certain employment agreement, dated November 4, 2021, that will be effective at the effective time of the first-step merger, Mr. Breda will be employed as Regional President of OceanFirst Bank as of the effective time for an initial term of one year, with automatic renewals for additional one-year terms thereafter subject to written notice by either party not to renew at least 60 days prior to the expiration of any term. Mr. Breda will receive as compensation for such employment an annual base salary of $342,733, subject to increase (but not decrease) in the discretion of the OceanFirst Bank board of directors (based on the recommendation of the compensation committee). Mr. Breda will also be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus based on the achievement of performance goals established by the OceanFirst Bank board of directors, a $1.0 million life insurance policy, a vehicle allowance of $750 per month, and other vacation and leave, health, disability and other insurance policies as OceanFirst Bank may determine appropriate for all executive officers of OceanFirst Bank, and expense reimbursement benefits (including club membership fees).

Pursuant to such agreement, subject to Mr. Breda signing (and not revoking) a release on or after the closing date, and consistent with the benefits provided by his current employment agreement with Partners and Delmarva Bank, in connection with the closing of the integrated mergers, Mr. Breda will receive a change in control benefit payable in 36 monthly installments in the aggregate amount equal to the sum of (i) three times his base salary as of the closing date, (ii) one times the average annual cash bonus compensation awarded to him during the preceding 24-month period, and (iii) the cost for 36 months of health, disability and term life insurance coverage equivalent to the premiums for health, disability and term life insurance coverage provided to him as of the closing date. In connection with the closing, OceanFirst Bank will transfer to Mr. Breda the Partners-owned automobile currently provided by Partners to Mr. Breda for nominal consideration.

If, following the effective time, Mr. Breda terminates his employment with OceanFirst Bank for “good reason,” or OceanFirst Bank terminates Mr. Breda’s employment without “cause,” in each case as such term is defined in the employment agreement and during the term of the agreement, subject to Mr. Breda signing (and not revoking) a release, Mr. Breda would be entitled to receive, for 12 months, (x) continued salary as in effect as of the termination date, and (y) health insurance equivalent to the health insurance existing as of the termination date (or a $519,744comparable cash reimbursement). In addition, over the course of the same 12-month period, Mr. Breda would receive a payment equal to one times the average annual cash bonus compensation awarded to him over the preceding 24-month period. Such payments are consistent with severance benefits provided by Mr. Breda’s current employment agreement with Partners and Delmarva Bank.

The employment agreement provides that the above payments, that are parachute payments under Code Section 280G(b)(2), will be reduced to the extent necessary such that the payments do not exceed an amount equal to one dollar less than the maximum amount OceanFirst Bank may pay without loss of the deduction under Code Section 280G(a); provided that, if Mr. Breda is terminated without cause during the term of the agreement, then a modified cutback provision applies, and such payments will be cutback only if Mr. Breda is not better off on an non-competeafter-tax payment within five daysbasis by paying the excise tax under Code Section 4999.

The employment agreement contains customary restrictive covenants, including perpetual confidentiality and nondisclosure requirements, as well as prohibitions against competition with Partners and solicitation of the bank entities’ customers and employees, both during the employment term and through the later of six months after the Mr. Breda’s termination date or one year after the closing date of the integrated mergers.

Pursuant to that certain employment agreement, dated November 4, 2021, that will be effective time.at the effective time, Mr. MossSothen will be employed as Divisional Controller of OceanFirst Bank as of the effective time through the earlier of the four month anniversary of the closing date, or 30 days following the date of conversion or consolidation of the systems and business operations of the Partners and OceanFirst Bank (the “conversion date”). Mr. Sothen will receive as compensation for such employment (i) an annualized base salary of $206,000, paid in equal installments, subject to increase (but not decrease) in the discretion of the OceanFirst Bank board of directors, and (ii) a lump sum retention bonus of $50,000 (his “retention bonus”) if he remains employed by OceanFirst Bank through the conversion date. Mr. Sothen is also entitled to (a) participate in in any employee benefit plan maintained by OceanFirst Bank, (b) personal time off and (c) reimbursement for reasonable and customary business expenses.

Pursuant to such agreement, subject to Mr. Sothen signing (and not revoking) a release on or after the closing date, and consistent with the benefits provided by his current employment agreement with Partners, in connection with the closing of the integrated mergers, Mr. Sothen will receive a change in control benefit, payable in a lump sum within 60 days following the closing date of the integrated mergers, in an amount equal to the sum of (x) two times his annual base salary as in effect immediately preceding the closing date, (y) 18 months of the employer portion of premiums for all health care plans in which he or his spouse or any of his dependents were entitled to participate immediately prior to the closing date, and (z) his highest annual bonus earned for the three complete fiscal years immediately preceding the integrated mergers.

If, following the effective time but prior to the expiration of the term of his agreement, Mr. Sothen terminates his employment with OceanFirst Bank for “good reason,” or OceanFirst Bank terminates Mr. Sothen’s employment without “cause,” in each case as such term is defined in the employment agreement, subject to Mr. Sothen signing (and not revoking) a release, Mr. Sothen would be entitled to receive, for 12 months, (i) continued salary as in effect as of the termination date, and (ii) coverage under all health care plans in which he and his spouse and any dependents were participating immediately prior to termination, with OceanFirst Bank paying the employer portion of the premium (or a $519,744 severancecomparable cash reimbursement). In addition, Mr. Sothen would be entitled to receive accelerated vesting (if applicable, at maximum performance for any awards subject to an open performance period) of any outstanding OceanFirst equity-based awards held by him.

If Mr. Sothen is terminated by OceanFirst Bank without cause or resigns for good reason prior to the conversion date, OceanFirst Bank will pay his retention bonus in the next payroll period after his last day of employment.

In the event that payments and benefits under Mr. Sothen’s employment agreement, together with other payments and benefits he has received or may have the right to receive, on account of a change in control would subject him to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, then the payments and benefits will be reduced by OceanFirst Bank to the minimum extent necessary so that

none of the payments or benefits are subject to the excise tax, but in each case only if Mr. Sothen is not better off on an non-competeafter-tax basis by paying such excise tax.

The employment agreement contains customary restrictive covenants, including confidentiality for a five-year period, as well as prohibitions against competition with the bank entities and solicitation of the bank entities’ customers and employees, during the employment term and through the later of six months after Mr. Sothen’s termination date or one year after the closing date of the integrated mergers.

Pursuant to that certain employment agreement, dated November 4, 2021, that will be effective at the effective time, Ms. Eicher will be employed as Divisional Controller of OceanFirst Bank as of the effective time through the earlier of the four month anniversary of the closing date, or 30 days following the conversion date. Ms. Eicher will receive as compensation for such employment an annualized base salary of $187,600, subject to increase (but not decrease) in the discretion of the OceanFirst Bank board of directors, and a lump sum retention bonus of $40,000 (her “retention bonus”) if she remains employed by OceanFirst Bank through the earlier of the four month anniversary of the closing date or the conversion date. Ms. Eicher is also entitled to (a) participate in in any employee benefit plan maintained by OceanFirst Bank, (b) personal time off and (c) receive reimbursement for reasonable and customary business expenses.

Pursuant to such agreement, subject to Ms. Eicher signing (and not revoking) a release on or after the closing date, and consistent with the benefits provided by her current employment agreement with Delmarva Bank, in connection with the closing of the integrated mergers, Ms. Eicher will receive a change in control benefit, payable in a lump sum within 60 days following the closing date of the integrated mergers, equal to the sum of (x) 1.5 times her base salary as in effect immediately preceding the closing date, (y) 18 months of the employer portion of premiums for all health care plans in which she or her spouse or any of her dependents were entitled to participate immediately prior to the closing date, and (z) her highest annual bonus for the three complete fiscal years immediately preceding the integrated mergers.

If, following the effective time but prior to the expiration of the term of her agreement, Ms. Eicher terminates her employment with OceanFirst Bank for “good reason” or OceanFirst Bank terminates Ms. Eicher’s employment without “cause,” in each case as such term is defined in the employment agreement, subject to Ms. Eicher signing (and not revoking) a release, Ms. Eicher would be entitled to receive, for 12 months, (i) continued salary as in effect as of the termination date, and (ii) coverage under all health care plans in which she and her spouse and dependents were participating immediately prior to termination, with OceanFirst Bank paying the employer portion of the premium (or a comparable cash reimbursement). In addition, Ms. Eicher would receive a lump sum cash payment, on the 60th day following her termination of employment, equal to her highest annual bonus for the three complete fiscal years immediately preceding the integrated mergers. Ms. Eicher would be entitled to receive accelerated vesting (if applicable, at maximum performance for any such awards subject to an open performance period) of any outstanding OceanFirst equity-based awards held by her.

If Ms. Eicher is terminated by OceanFirst Bank without cause or resigns for good reason prior to the four month anniversary of the closing date or the conversion date, OceanFirst Bank will pay her retention bonus in the next payroll period after his last day of employment.

In the event that payments and benefits under Ms. Eicher’s employment agreement, together with other payments and benefits she has received or may have the right to receive, on account of a change in control would subject her to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, then the payments and benefits will be reduced by OceanFirst Bank to the minimum extent necessary so that none of the payments or benefits are subject to the excise tax, but in each case only if Ms. Eicher is not better off on an after-tax basis by paying such excise tax.

The employment agreement contains customary restrictive covenants, including confidentiality for a five-year period, as well as prohibitions against competition with the bank entities and solicitation of the bank entities’ customers and employees during the employment term and through the later of (i) thesix months after Ms. Eicher’s termination date five daysor one year after the effective time or (ii) January 20, 2020.closing date of the integrated mergers.

These

The payments described in this section will be subject to applicable tax withholdings. If the merger agreement is terminated prior to the effective time, the amendment toconsulting agreement between OceanFirst and Mr. Moss’sHarrison and the employment agreementagreements between OceanFirst Bank and each of Mr. Breda, Mr. Sothen and Ms. Eicher will expire and be ofhave no further effect, and the terms of Mr. Moss’s existingeach executive’s current employment agreementagreements with Partners or its affiliates shall remain in full force and effect.

OceanFirst and Partners have agreed that Partners will be reinstated.

reimburse legal expenses of up to $100,000 in the aggregate incurred by certain employees of Partners, including the executive officers of Partners, in connection with the preparation and negotiation of agreements regarding employment or consulting services following the mergers.

Potential Payments underand Benefits to Partners Named Executive Officers in Connection with a Change in Control Agreement Amendments with Two River

Two River previously entered into change in control agreements with A. Richard Abrahamian, Executive Vice President of each of Two River and Two River Bank, Alan B. Turner, Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer of Two River Bank, and Anthony A. Mero, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Two River Bank, and certain other officers. In connection with the execution of the merger agreement, each of Mr. Abrahamian, Mr. Turner and Mr. Mero entered into an amendment to his existing change in control agreement with Two River. OceanFirst Bank executed a joinder to each amendment agreeing to be bound by its terms effective as of the effective time. Pursuant to their respective change in control agreements, as amended:

Subject to Mr. Abrahamian’s signing (and not revoking) a release on or after the closing date, Mr. Abrahamian will be entitled to receive a $298,371 severance andnon-compete payment within five days after the effective time. Mr. Abrahamian will also be entitled to receive a $298,371 severance andnon-compete payment on the later of (i) the date five days after the effective time or (ii) January 20, 2020;

Subject to Mr. Turner’s signing (and not revoking) a release on or after the closing date, Mr. Turner will be entitled to receive a $297,969 severance andnon-compete payment within five days after the effective time. Mr. Turner will also be entitled to receive a $297,969 severance andnon-compete payment on the later of (i) the date five days after the effective time or (ii) January 20, 2020; and

Subject to Mr. Mero’s signing (and not revoking) a release on or after the closing date, Mr. Mero will be entitled to receive a $280,080 severance andnon-compete payment within five days after the effective time. Mr. Mero will also be entitled to receive a $280,080 severance andnon-compete payment on the later of (i) the date five days after the effective time or (ii) January 20, 2020.

These payments will be subject to applicable tax withholdings. If the merger agreement is terminated prior to the effective time, the amendments to the change in control agreements will expire and be of no further effect and the terms of the executives’ existing change in control agreements will be reinstated.

Other Benefits

Supplemental Executive Retirement and Deferred Compensation Arrangements for Executive Officers

Two River previously entered into various agreements with its executive officers, including supplemental executive retirement benefit agreements with Messrs. Moss, Abrahamian, Turner and Mero and a deferred compensation agreement with Mr. Moss. Two River also maintains supplemental executive life insurance plans in which Messrs. Moss, Abrahamian, Turner and Mero participate. In connection with the execution of the merger agreement, each of these agreements were amended by Two River to provide that after a change in control, the executive will not forfeit his benefits under such agreement as a result of a termination of employment for cause.

Pursuant to the deferred compensation agreement with Mr. Moss, upon a change in control, Mr. Moss’s benefit will be equal to his deferral account balance plus the present value, calculated using a 4% discount rate, of $70,000 for each full or partial plan year between the date of the change in control and December 31, 2021.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Prior to the effective time, Two River will terminate the ESPP, pursuant to which eligible employees, including executive officers of Two River could purchase Two River common stock through payroll deductions.

Quantification of Payments to Two River’s Named Executive Officers

The information set forth in the following table below is intended to comply with SEC rules that requireItem 402(t) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K, which requires disclosure of information about certain compensation for each named executive officer of Two River that is based on, or

otherwise relates to, the integrated mergers (which we refer to as “merger-related compensation”). This compensation is subject to an advisory vote of Two River’s shareholders, as described above under “Proposal 2: The Compensation Proposal” beginning on page [●].

As described above in “Payments under Employment Agreement Amendment between William D. Moss and Two River” and “Payments under Change in Control Agreement Amendments with Two River,” each of Two River’s named executive officers has entered into either an amended employment agreement or amended change in control agreement with Two River that will become effective upon the effective time of the integrated mergers. For additional details regarding the terms of the payments that named executive officers may be entitled to receive under the amended employment or amended change in control agreements, as well as terms of the payments and benefits described below, see the discussion above.

The table below sets forth the amount of payments and benefits that each of Two River’sPartners’ named executive officers (Messrs. Moss, Abrahamian and Turner) and one additional executive officer (Mr. Mero) wouldwill or may receive in connection with the Transactions,mergers, assuming: (i) that the effective time of the mergers is December 10, 2021, which is the latest practicable assumed date of the closing solely for purposes of the disclosure in this section; and (ii) that each of Mr. Harrison, Mr. Breda and Mr. Sothen are terminated either by OceanFirst Bank without “cause” or by the executive for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in the named executive officer’s new employment agreement) immediately following the assumed effective time on December 10, 2021. The amounts below do not include the value of benefits in which the named executive officers are vested without regard to the occurrence of a change in control, including the value of any compensation actions taken by Partners prior to December 10, 2021.

The amounts below are estimates based on multiple assumptions that may or may not actually occur orand, as a result of the foregoing assumptions, the actual amounts, if any, to be accurate on the relevant date, including the assumptions described below and in the footnotes to the table. The table below reflects the vesting of certain equity awards heldreceived by thea named executive officers asofficer of [●], 2019 that would vestPartners may differ materially from the amounts shown below. The amounts set forth in accordance with their terms prior to the anticipated effective time, but which are vesting earlier than their scheduled vesting date due to a change in control. For purposes of calculating such amounts, in addition to the assumptions described in the footnotes to the table below thedo not reflect certain compensation actions that may occur following assumptions were used:

the amounts below are determined using a price per share of OceanFirst common stock of $21.40, the average closing price per share over the first five business days following the announcement of the merger agreement; and

the effective time of the integrated mergers, is assumedincluding but not limited to occur on [●], 2019 solely for purposes of the disclosure in this section, and eachany payments made or benefits received under a named executive officer is assumed to experience a qualifying termination on such date.officer’s new employment agreement or consulting agreement with OceanFirst.

Golden Parachute Compensation

 

Name

  Cash
($)(1)
   Equity
($)(2)
   Pension/
NQDC
($)(3)
   Perquisites/
Benefits
($)(4)
   Total
($)
 

William D. Moss

   988,813    240,055    269,480    50,675    1,549,023 

A. Richard Abrahamian

   585,053    151,072    246,106    11,689    993,920 

Alan B. Turner

   556,593    150,484    239,305    39,345    985,727 

Anthony A. Mero

   548,471    138,939    161,865    84,796    934,071 

Named Executive Officer

  Cash ($)(1)   Equity ($)(2)   Perquisites /
Benefits ($)(3)
   Tax
Reimbursement($)
   Total ($)(4) 

Lloyd B. Harrison, III(5)

  $1,420,319    —     $18,056    —     $1,438,774 

John W. Breda(6)

  $1,541,015    —     $56,748    —     $1,597.763 

J. Adam Sothen(7)

  $712,441    —     $8,250    —     $720,691 

 

(1)

Cash. Column includes the aggregate dollar value of the cash payments with respect to severance and non-compete payments payable to each individual under his amended employment agreement or amended change in control agreement, as applicable. The amounts in this column are payablereflect cash change in twocontrol and severance payments (i) within five days afterto which the effective time and (ii) on the later of (A) the date five days after the effective time or (B) January 20, 2020, but the above table assumes the cash payments are paid at closing. All amounts shown in this column are treated as payable on a “single-trigger” basis based on the amendments entered intonamed executive officer would be entitled to receive in connection with the integrated mergers (subject to their execution and non-revocationof a release) under the mergernamed executive officer’s agreement (see the section entitleddescribed under “—Employment and Change in Control ArrangementsConsulting Agreements,beginningbased on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a description of these amendments).

(2)

Equity. As described above, all unvested equity-based awards held by Two River’sthe assumptions set forth above. The cash payable to the named executive officers will become vestedconsists of a combination of “single trigger” benefits in the case of the change in control payments, because these payments would be made upon the approvalclosing of a change in control transaction of OceanFirst Bank, and “double trigger” benefits in the case of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby at the special meeting (i.e., “single-trigger” vesting). Restricted stock awards willseverance benefits, because these payments would be settled for the merger consideration and stock options will be cashed out atmade upon a price equal to the option payment amount set forthqualifying termination following a change in the merger agreement multiplied by the number of options held.control transaction. The amounts in this column representthat are calculated by reference to average cash incentive bonuses do not include any cash incentive bonuses for 2021 performance, as such bonuses will not have been paid by the valuesassumed effective time of each typethe integrated mergers for purposes of equity-based award outstanding asthis disclosure of December 10, 2021.

(2)

Equity. As of the date hereof that would become vested upon the approvalof this proxy statement/prospectus, none of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated therebynamed executive officers of Partners have unvested stock options or restricted stock awards that will vest on an accelerated basis at the special meeting, based on a price per share of OceanFirst common stock of $21.40, the average closing price per share over the first five business days following the announcementeffective time of the merger agreement.integrated mergers.

(3)

Pension/NQDC.OtherOceanFirst and Partners have agreed that Partners will reimburse legal expenses of up to $100,000 in the aggregate incurred by certain employees of Partners, including the named executive officers of Partners, in connection with the preparation and negotiation of agreements regarding employment or consulting services following the mergers. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the amount of legal expenses of each named executive officer to be reimbursed by Partners cannot be reasonably estimated.

(4)

In the event that payments and benefits under a named executive officer’s employment agreement, together with other payments and benefits such officer has received or may have the right to receive, on account of a change in control would subject that officer to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, then the payments and benefits shall be reduced by OceanFirst Bank to the minimum extent necessary so that none of the payments or benefits are subject to the excise tax, but in each case only if the executive is not better off on an after-tax basis by paying such excise tax. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a cessation of Mr. Breda’s employment for any reason, other than for Mr. Moss, astermination by OceanFirst Bank without cause, then any such payments and benefits described in the nextpreceding sentence shall be reduced to the extent necessary such that the payments and benefits do not exceed an amount equal to one dollar less than the maximum amount OceanFirst Bank may pay without loss of the deduction under Code Section 280G(a). The amounts shown in this column represent thehave not been reduced due to any application of Code Section 280G.

(5)

The column titled “Cash” includes a change in control payment of $1,087,968 and severance benefits of $332,750. The column titled “Perquisites / Benefits” includes $18,056 which is the actuarial presentestimated value of the named executive officer’s accumulated benefit under his Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreementvehicle that Partners has provided to Mr. Harrison, which pursuant to Mr. Harrison’s consulting agreement with Two River caused byOceanFirst Bank will be transferred to him for nominal consideration following the effective time.

(6)

The column titled “Cash” includes a change in control. For Mr. Moss, $137,453 representscontrol payment of $1,149,983 and severance benefits of $391,033. The column titled “Perquisites / Benefits” includes (i) $32,252 which is the change in the actuarial presentestimated value of the vehicle that Partners has provided to Mr. Moss’s accumulated benefit under his Supplemental Executive Retirement AgreementBreda, which pursuant to Mr. Breda’s employment agreement with Two River caused by the change in control and $132,027 represents vested earnings under his deferred compensation agreement that are above 120% of the applicable federal rate and are a result of the change in control.

(4)

Perquisites/Benefits.Amounts represent,OceanFirst Bank will be transferred to him for Mr. Moss and Mr. Turner, the cash value of the company-owned automobile they are currently driving. For Mr. Abrahamian, the amount represents lease payments for the use of an automobile for the two years immediatelynominal consideration following the effective time, and for(ii) $24,496 which is the estimated cost to provide Mr. Mero, $11,689 represents lease payments for the use of an automobile for the two years immediately following the effective time and $73,107 represents the present value of accelerated vesting on his life insurance benefit caused by theBreda with equivalent health insurance.

(7)

The column titled “Cash” includes a change in control.control payment of $456,441, severance benefits of $206,000, and payment of Mr. Sothen’s retention bonus as described under “—Employment and Consulting Agreements.” The column titled “Perquisites / Benefits” includes $8,250 which is the estimated cost of the employer portion of the premium for health insurance coverage.

Bonus Payments related to Northern Virginia Expansion by Virginia Partners Bank

Beginning in late 2020, Partners and Virginia Partners Bank began investing significant resources to expanding Virginia Partners Bank’s operations in the Greater Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia markets. These investments included the hiring of a number of experienced commercial and retail bankers, including individuals who currently serve as President and Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of Virginia Partners Bank but who do not serve as executive officers of Partners. In early 2021, Partners and Virginia Partners Bank began negotiating with this team of employees regarding equity awards, and outlined a series of proposed awards, that would align the long-term interests of these employees with those of Partners and Virginia Partners Bank, as well as provide incremental capital upon exercise of certain equity awards to help fund Partners’ expansion in the Greater Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia markets. During the summer of 2021, efforts by certain of these employees also became focused on capitalizing on a potential strategic transaction, including an acquisition by a larger financial institution, to drive growth in these markets. This shift in focus, combined with delays associated with consideration and approval by Partners’ stockholders of a new equity compensation plan, impacted and delayed the final negotiations related to and resolution of the team’s equity awards.

During Partners’ negotiations with OceanFirst regarding a potential strategic transaction, Partners’ executive management, after consultation with the Partners board, determined to make awards, part in shares of restricted stock and part in cash, to this team of employees in connection with the Northern Virginia operations of Virginia Partners Bank, to incentivize and reward performance in connection therewith, and in recognition of the unique value of this team to the proposed mergers. Such awards comprised, in the aggregate, of 68,000 shares of restricted common stock of Partners and approximately $984,626 in cash, and were approved by the

compensation committee of the Partners board. For more information about these bonus awards, see “The Merger Agreement — Covenants and Agreements — Employee Benefits Matters.”

Also during Partners’ negotiations with OceanFirst, the compensation committee of the Partners board recommended, and the Partners board approved, an award comprised of shares of restricted stock of Partners and of cash to Michael W. Clarke, a director of Partners and Virginia Partners Bank, as a reward for extraordinary services provided by Mr. Clarke to Partners and Virginia Partners Bank with regard to the Northern Virginia operations of Virginia Partners Bank and Partners, to incentivize and reward performance in connection therewith, and in recognition of the unique value of this team to the proposed mergers. Such award was comprised of a grant of 27,000 shares of restricted Partners common stock, scheduled to vest over three years in equal annual installments, and a cash award of approximately $390,954. During December 2021, the Partners board determined to accelerate the vesting of Mr. Clarke’s restricted stock award into 2021, and as a condition of such vesting Mr. Clarke has agreed to submit a cash election with respect to these formerly restricted shares of Partners common stock.

Indemnification and Insurance of Directors and Officers

Pursuant to the merger agreement, following the closing, OceanFirst will indemnify and hold harmless each present and former officer, director or employee of Two RiverPartners and its subsidiaries 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 arising out of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of Two RiverPartners or any of its subsidiaries and pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the effective time, including the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, to the fullest extent which such persons are entitled to be indemnified as of the date of the merger agreement by Two RiverPartners pursuant to its certificatearticles of incorporation or bylaws or the governing or organizational documents of any subsidiary of Two RiverPartners applicable to such person.

OceanFirst has also agreed, following the closing, to advance expenses as incurred by such indemnified party to the fullest extent such persons are entitled to advancement of expenses as of the date of the merger agreement by Two RiverPartners pursuant to its certificatearticles of incorporation or bylaws or the governing or organizational documents of any subsidiary of Two RiverPartners applicable to such person; provided that, if requested by OceanFirst, the indemnified party to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is determined in a final determination or by a court of competent jurisdiction that such indemnified party is not entitled to indemnification.

In addition, OceanFirst has agreed, following the closing, to maintain the current directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy of Two River,Partners, subject to certain exceptions, for six years after the effective time with respect to claims against such directors, officers and employees arising from facts or events that occurred before the effective time; provided that, OceanFirst is not obligated to pay on an annual basis, an amount in excess of 250% of the current annual premium paid as of the date of the merger agreement by Two RiverPartners for such insurance. For additional information see the section entitled “The Merger Agreement — Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Share Ownership

As of [●], the record date, the directors and executive officers of Two River may be deemed to be the beneficial owners of [●] shares, representing [●]% of the outstanding shares of Two River common stock, including [●] shares subject to exercisable options to purchase shares of Two River common stock. Effective as of the effective time, as Two River shareholders, the directors and executive officers will be entitled to receive the merger consideration for their shares of Two River common stock. As option holders, they will be entitled to receive cash (without interest) equal to the product of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Two River common stock issuable upon exercise of the option and (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) $5.375 and (B) the product of the exchange ratio and the VWAP of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq for the five full trading days

ending on the last trading day preceding the closing date of the integrated mergers over (ii) theper-share exercise price of such Two River stock option, which will be payable as soon as practicable after the effective time.

Board Position and Compensation

OceanFirst has agreed in the merger agreement, as of the effective time, to (i) increase the size of the OceanFirst board by one member and cause OceanFirst Bank to take such actions as may be necessary to increase the size of the OceanFirst Bank board by one member, and (ii) appoint one member of the Two RiverPartners board, selected by OceanFirst’s leadership committee in consultation with the OceanFirst board, to the OceanFirst board and the OceanFirst Bank board for terms to expire at OceanFirst’s next annual meeting of shareholders. Undershareholders, and (iii) subject to compliance by the merger agreement, OceanFirst further agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause aboard with its fiduciary duties, nominate such new member of Two River board, other than the member appointedfor reelection to the OceanFirst board andat the first annual meeting of shareholders of OceanFirst Bank board, to be appointed to the OceanFirst Foundation Board promptly following the effective time.time and include in the proxy materials of OceanFirst for such meeting a recommendation of the OceanFirst board that such new member be reelected as a director of OceanFirst.

Each person who serves as a director of OceanFirst will be compensated in accordance with the policies of OceanFirst, which are anticipated to be substantially similar to the current policies of OceanFirst as described in its proxy statement, filed April 26, 2019,20, 2021, under the section entitled “Director Compensation.”

Trading Markets

OceanFirst common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol “OCFC.” 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,first-step merger, shares of OceanFirst common stock will continue to be listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “OCFC.”

Two RiverPartners common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “TRCB.“PTRS.” Upon completion of the Transactions, Two Riverfirst-step merger, Partners common stock will cease to be listed on the Nasdaq.

Dividend Policy

OceanFirst currently pays a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share, which is expected to continue, although the OceanFirst 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 OceanFirst’s banking regulators.

No Dissenters’ Rights

Dissenters’ rights are statutory rights that, if applicable under law, enable shareholdersstockholders to dissent from certain transactions,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 JerseyUnder Maryland law, provides that a shareholderstockholder is not entitled to demand the fair value of his her or itsher shares of stock in any transaction if, (i) a class or series of shares areamong other things, the stock is listed on a national securities exchange or are held by not less than 1,000 shareholders or (ii) the shareholder is to receive (x) cash, (y) shares as consideration that will be listed on a national securities exchange or be held by not less than 1,000 shareholders or (z) cash and such securities.exchange. Because the Two RiverOceanFirst’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq, the holders of Two RiverPartners common stock are not entitled to dissenters’ or appraisal rights in the first-step merger.

Regulatory Approvals Required for the TransactionsMergers

Completion of the Transactionsmergers is subject to the receipt of certain approvals, waivers and consents from applicable governmental and regulatory authorities, without certain conditions being imposed 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 Two RiverPartners have agreed to cooperate with each other and use their respective reasonable best efforts 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 FRB and the OCC. OceanFirst submitted the FRB application and the OCC application on September 27, 2019. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, action on both the FRB applicationregulatory applications are being prepared and the OCC application is pending.

FRB and OCC approval (if granted) for the Transactions: (i) would reflect only their view that the Transactions dohave not contravene applicable competitive standards imposed by law and are consistent with regulatory policies relating to safety and soundness; (ii) would not be an opinion that the Transactions are financially favorable to the shareholders or that the FRB or OCC has considered the adequacy of the terms of the Transactions; and (iii) would not be an endorsement of, or recommendation for, the Transactions. Although neither Two River nor OceanFirst knows of any reason why it cannot obtain these regulatory approvals or waivers in a timely manner, Two Riveryet been submitted. Partners and OceanFirst cannot be certain when, or if, theythe required regulatory approvals will be obtained.

Federal Reserve Boardobtained and whether, or what, conditions may be attached to those approvals.

OceanFirst is a bank holding company that is regulated and supervised by the FRB under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (which we refer to as the “BHC Act”). The Transactionsmergers contemplated by the merger agreement require either prior approval of the FRB or a waiver of that approval requirement by the FRB. OceanFirst Bank is a national bank regulated and supervised by the OCC. The mergers of the Bank of Delmarva and Virginia Partners Bank with and into OceanFirst Bank require prior approval of the OCC under the BHC Act. InNational Bank Act and Section 18(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (which we refer to as the “Bank Merger Act”). The parties will also provide submissions required to any applicable host state regulators as may be deemed necessary or appropriate.

When evaluating an applicationthe applications for such approval,approvals, the FRB takes into considerationand OCC will each consider a number of factors, includingincluding: (i) the competitive impacteffect of the proposal intransaction on competition; (ii) the relevant geographic markets, (ii) financial, managerial and other supervisory considerations, including financial condition and future prospects capital positions,of the parties and resulting institution; (iii) the managerial resources of the parties and resulting institution, which is a broad concept that includes the quality of board and management oversight, internal controls and governance, risk management, compliance, with applicable banking,and consumer protection, and anti-money laundering laws,protection; (iii) the convenience and needs of the communities to be served and the record of the insured depository institution subsidiaries of the companies under the Community Reinvestment Act (which we refer to as the “CRA”),; (iv) the effectiveness of the companies and the depository institutions concernedparties in combating money laundering activities,activities; (v) the availability of information needed to determine and enforce compliance with the BHC Act and other applicable federal banking laws,laws; and (vi) the extent to which the proposal would result in greater or more concentrated risksrisk to the stability of the United States banking or financial system. The FRB and OCC will provide an opportunity for public comment on the application and is authorized tomay hold aone or more public meetingmeetings or other proceedingproceedings if it determines such meeting or other proceeding would be appropriate.

OfficeNeither OceanFirst nor Partners is aware of any material governmental approvals or actions that are required for completion of the Comptroller of the Currency

OceanFirst Bankmergers other than those described above. It is an insured depository institution regulated and supervised by the OCC. The merger of Two River Bank with and into OceanFirst Bank requires prior approval of the OCC under the National Bank Act and Section 18(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (which we refer to as the “Bank Merger Act”). In evaluating

an application forpresently contemplated that, if any 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 merger 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 merger would result in greateradditional governmental approvals or more concentrated risks to the stability of the U.S. bankingactions are required, then those approvals 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.

Additional Regulatory Approvals and Notices

OceanFirst and Two River believe that the Transactions do not raise substantial antitrust or other significant regulatory concerns and that the parties to the Transactionsactions will be able to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals. However, neithersought.

Neither OceanFirst nor Two RiverPartners can assure you that all of the regulatory approvals described aboverequired to complete the mergers will be obtained and, if obtained, OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners 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 Two River is awareThe receipt of any material governmental approvals or actions that are required for completionregulatory approval of the Transactions other than those described above. Itmergers (i) would reflect only a view that the transaction is presently contemplatedconsistent with applicable legal and regulatory standards; (ii) would not be an opinion that if any such additional governmental approvals or actionsthe mergers 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 Relatedfinancially favorable to the Transactions

On October 4, 2019, a purported Two River shareholder filed a putative shareholder class action lawsuit against Two River, certain membersstockholders of either OceanFirst or Partners or that the regulator has considered the adequacy of the Two River board, OceanFirst and Merger Sub in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, Chancery Division, captioned Paul Parshall v. Two River Bancorp, et al., Docket No. C-124-19. The action generally alleges that the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by OceanFirst with the SEC on September 20, 2019, which included a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, omitted certain material information with respect to the Transactions and that membersterms of the Two River board breached their fiduciary duties by approvingmergers; and (iii) would not be an endorsement of, or recommendation for, the merger agreement because the Transactions are financially inadequate. Plaintiffs further allege that OceanFirst and Merger Sub aided and abetted such alleged breaches. The action seeks to enjoin the Transactions (or, if the Transactions are consummated, rescission or rescissory damages), as well as unspecified money damages, costs and attorneys’ fees and expense. OceanFirst and Two River believe the claims in the lawsuit are without merit and intend to defend such claims vigorously.mergers.

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 proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A and is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. We urge you to read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety, as it is the legal document governing the Transactions.mergers.

Structure of the TransactionsMergers

Each of the OceanFirst board and the Two RiverPartners board has unanimously approved the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides for (i) the merger of Merger Submerger sub with and into Two River,Partners, with Two RiverPartners 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, the merger of Two RiverPartners 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, the merger of Two RiverThe Bank of Delmarva with and into OceanFirst Bank with OceanFirst Bank continuing as the surviving bank in the Delmarva Bank merger, and (iv) immediately following the merger of The Bank of Delmarva with and into OceanFirst Bank, the merger of Virginia Partners Bank with and into OceanFirst Bank with OceanFirst Bank continuing as the surviving bank in the bankVirginia Partners Bank merger.

Merger Consideration

On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement, at the effective time, each share of Two RiverPartners common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time, except for any exception shares, which will be canceled and retired for no consideration in accordance with the merger agreement, will be converted into the right to receive, $5.375at the election of Partners stockholders, either $10.00 in cash, without interest, and 0.6663or 0.4512 shares of OceanFirst common stock.

If, prior to the effective time, the outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock or Two RiverPartners common stock are changed into a different number or kind of shares or securities as a result of a recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split or reverse stock split, or if there is any extraordinary dividend or distribution, an appropriate and proportionate adjustment will be made to the merger consideration to give the holders of Two RiverPartners 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 Two River shareholderPartners stockholder 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 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 by the VWAPvolume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) per share of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq (as reported by Bloomberg L.P.The Wall Street Journal) for the five full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the closing date of the integrated mergers.

Governing DocumentsDocuments; Directors and Officers

Upon the effective time, the certificatearticles of incorporation and bylaws of Merger Submerger sub in effect immediately prior to the effective time will be the certificatearticles of incorporation and bylaws of Two RiverPartners after completion of the first-step merger, except that the name of such surviving corporation set forth therein will be Two RiverPartners Bancorp until thereafter amended in accordance with applicable law and the terms of such documents. Upon the effective time of the second-step merger, 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 corporation in the second-step merger, until thereafter amended in accordance with applicable law and the terms of such documents.

Governance Matters

As of the effective time, OceanFirst has agreed to (i) increase the size of the OceanFirst board by one member and cause OceanFirst Bank to take such actions as may be necessary to increase the size of the OceanFirst Bank board by one member and (ii) appoint one member of the Two River board of directors of Partners (which we refer to as the “new member”), selected by OceanFirst’s leadership committee, to the OceanFirst board and the OceanFirst Bank board and, if the effective time of the first-step merger has occurred at least fifteen (15) business days prior to OceanFirst holding its 2022 annual meeting, the surviving corporation shall (i) nominate the new member for termsreelection to expirethe OceanFirst board at OceanFirst’s nextthe first annual meeting of stockholders. Under the merger agreement, OceanFirst further agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause a member of the Two River board, other than the new member, to be appointed to the OceanFirst Foundation Board promptlystockholders following the effective time.time and (ii) include in its proxy materials with respect to such annual meeting a recommendation of the OceanFirst board that its stockholders vote to reelect the new member; provided that OceanFirst shall not be required to take any such action until the closing of the integrated mergers.

Treatment of Two RiverPartners Equity-Based Awards

Stock Options

At the effective time, each stock option granted will be canceled, extinguished and exchanged into the right to receive an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the product of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock issuable upon exercise of such stock option and (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) the cash consideration and (B) the product of the exchange ratio and the VWAP of OceanFirst common stock on the Nasdaq for the five full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the closing of the integrated mergers,$10.00 over (ii) theper-share per share exercise price of such stock option.

Restricted Stock Awards

Upon approval ofAt the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by the Two River shareholders at the special meeting, pursuant to the terms of the Two River equity plan,effective time, each share of restricted stock of Partners granted under Partners’ equity plans or otherwise will become fully vestedbe canceled, extinguished and exchanged into the restrictions thereon will lapse. Atright to receive an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the effective time, each holderproduct of a vested share(a) the aggregate number of shares of Partners common stock subject to such restricted stock multiplied by (b) $10.00. In addition, with respect to shares of restricted stock will be entitledof Partners that vested on an accelerated basis during 2021 in connection with the merger agreement, the holders of such shares have agreed to receive the per share merger consideration in exchange for such share.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Effective as of October 15, 2019, Two River will terminate the ESPP.submit a cash election with respect to these shares.

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 proxy statement/prospectus) are either satisfied or waived. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The Merger Agreement — Conditions to Complete the Integrated Mergers.”

The first-step merger will become effective as of the date and time specified in the certificatearticles of merger for the first-step merger to be filed with the Department of Treasury, division of RevenueAssessments and Enterprise Services,Taxation, of the State of New JerseyMaryland (which we refer to as the “New Jersey Department of Treasury”“Maryland Department”). The second-step merger will become effective as of the date and time set forth in the certificatesarticles of merger and to be filed with the Maryland Department and the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and the New Jersey Department of Treasuryrespectively, for the second-step merger. Under the merger agreement, the closing of the integrated mergers will take place at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the last business day of the month in which the conditions set forth in the merger agreement have been satisfied or waived, unless another date or time is agreed to in writing by OceanFirst and Two River.Partners. OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners currently expect to complete the Transactionsmergers in the first quarterhalf of 2020,2022, subject to the receipt of the requisite approval of the Two River shareholders,Partners stockholders, the receipt of the required regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction (or, where legally permissible, waiver) of other customary closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement, but neither Two RiverPartners nor OceanFirst can guarantee when, or if, the Transactionsmergers will be completed.

Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates

The conversion of Two RiverPartners common stock into the right to receive the merger consideration will occur automatically at the effective time.

Election Procedures

Each Partners stockholder of record may specify the number of shares of Partners common stock owned by such holder with respect to which such Partners stockholder desires to (i) make a stock election and (ii) make a cash election. At any time during the election period (as described in more detail below), each Partners stockholder may change or revoke his, her or its 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 Partners stockholder 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.

OceanFirst has agreed to prepare an election form reasonably acceptable to Partners, including appropriate and customary transmittal materials, so as to permit Partners stockholders 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 (20) business days prior to the anticipated election deadline to Partners stockholders 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 Partners stockholder who requests such form of election prior to the election deadline.

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.

Partners 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 (15) business days before, and at least five (5) 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 herein, (ii) the method of issuance and delivery of new certificates representing the whole number of shares of OceanFirst common stock into which shares of Partners common stock are converted in the merger and (iii) the method of payment of cash for shares of Partners common stock converted into the right to receive the cash consideration and cash in lieu of fractional shares of OceanFirst common stock.

Letter of Transmittal

As promptly as practicable after the effective time, and in no event later than five (5) business days after the effective time, the exchange agent will mail to each holder of record of Two RiverPartners common stock immediately prior to the effective time a letter of transmittal and instructions on how to surrender shares of Two RiverPartners common stock in exchange for the merger consideration, including any applicable cash in lieu of fractional shares, the holder is entitled to receive under the merger agreement.

If a certificate for Two RiverPartners common stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent will issue the new certificates representing the stock portion of the merger consideration, including any applicable cash in lieu

of fractional shares, upon receipt of (i) an affidavit of that fact by the claimant and (ii) if required by the exchange agent, the posting of a bond in an amount as the exchange agent may require 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 Two RiverPartners of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time.

Withholding

OceanFirst and Merger Submerger sub will be entitled to deduct and withhold, including by requesting that the exchange agent 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. Any amounts that are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate governmental authority will be treated for all purposes of the merger agreement as having been paid to the person from whom they were withheld.

Dividends and Distributions

No dividends or other distributions declared with respect to OceanFirst common stock with a record date after the effective time will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificates of Two RiverPartners 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 dividends or other distributions having a record date after the effective time, without any interest thereon, which previously became payable with respect to the shares of OceanFirst common stock issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration to the holder of the shares of Two RiverPartners common stock represented by such certificate.

Representations and Warranties

The representations and warranties described below, and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus, and included in the merger agreement, were made by OceanFirst, Merger Submerger sub and Two RiverPartners for the benefit of the other party, only for purposes of the merger agreement and as of specific dates. In addition, the representations and warranties 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 Two RiverPartners 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 and warranties 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 Two River.Partners. Therefore, you should not rely on the representations and warranties or any description thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of OceanFirst, Merger Sub, Two Rivermerger sub, Partners 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 proxy statement/prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [●]. OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners will provide additional disclosure in their respective periodic reports to the extent they become aware of the existence of any material facts that are required to be disclosed in a periodic report 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 representations and warranties made by Two RiverPartners relating to a number of matters, including the following:

 

corporate matters, including due organization and qualification and subsidiaries;

 

capitalization;

its shareholders’ rights plan;

 

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 partythird-party consents, approvals and filings in connection with the integrated mergers;

 

reports to governmental entities;

 

financial statements, internal controls, books and records and the 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;

 

employee and employee benefits matters;

 

SEC reports;

 

compliance with applicable laws;

 

certain material contracts;

 

absence of agreements with governmental entities;

 

derivative instruments and transactions;

 

environmental matters;

 

investment securities and commodities;

 

real property;

 

intellectual property, cybersecurity and information technology systems;

 

related party transactions;

inapplicability of takeover statutes;

 

absence of action or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to prevent the integrated mergers from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

 

opinion from its financial advisor;

 

the accuracy of information supplied by or on behalf of Two RiverPartners for inclusion in this proxy statement/prospectus and other similar documents;

 

loan matters;

 

insurance matters; and

 

absence of dissenters’ rights.

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 partythird-party consents, approvals and filings in connection with the integrated mergers;

 

reports to governmental entities;

 

financial statements, internal controls, books and records, and the absence of undisclosed liabilities;

 

broker’s fees payable in connection with the integrated mergers;

 

the absence of certain changes or events;

 

legal proceedings;

 

SEC reports;

 

compliance with applicable laws;

 

absence of agreements with governmental entities;

 

absence of action or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to prevent the integrated mergers from being treated as an integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

 

the accuracy of information supplied by or on behalf of OceanFirst for inclusion in this proxy statement/prospectus and other similar documents;

 

information technology systems;

 

tax matters;

 

employee and employee benefits matters; and

 

derivative instruments and transactions.

Certain representations and warranties of OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners are qualified as to “materiality” or “material adverse effect.” For purposes of the merger agreement, a “material adverse effect,” when used in reference to either Two River,Partners, 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 (providedwhole; provided that infor the casepurposes of thissuch clause (i), a material adverse effect will not be deemed to include the impacts 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 governmental entities,authorities, (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)terrorism or other disasters, epidemics or pandemics (including COVID-19), including the material worsening of such conditions threatened or existing as of the date of the merger agreement, or in economic or market conditions affecting the financial services industry generally, including changes in prevailing interest rates, and not specifically relating to such party or its subsidiaries or any COVID-19 measures, (d) public disclosure of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or actions expressly required by the merger agreement, including its effects on customers, vendors, suppliers and other third parties doing business with such party or its subsidiaries, 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, or (e) a decline, in and of itself, in the reasonable, customarytrading price of a party’s common stock or the failure, in and documented expenses incurredof itself, to meet earnings projections or other internal financial forecasts, in each case, but not including the underlying causes or contributing factors thereof to the extent such causes or contributing factors are not otherwise excluded by either party in negotiating and complying with the provisions of the merger agreement and in documenting, effecting and consummating the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

subclauses (a) through (d); except, with respect to subclauses (a), (b) or (c), to the extent that the impacts of such change 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 Businesses Prior to the Effective Time

Two RiverPartners has agreed that, prior to the effective time (or earlier termination of the merger agreement in accordance with its terms), subject to specified exceptions, it will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to, (a) conduct its business in the ordinary course in all material respects, (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization, employees, independent contractors and advantageous customer and other business relationships, and (c) take no action that would reasonably be expected to prevent or adversely affect or delay (x) the parties’ ability to obtain any necessary approvals of any governmental entity for the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement on a timely basis or (y) performance by Two RiverPartners or its subsidiaries of its and their covenants and agreements contemplated by the merger agreement.

Additionally, until the effective time or earlier termination of the merger agreement in accordance with its terms, subject to specified exceptions, the merger agreement provides that Two RiverPartners will not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of OceanFirst, which, consent cannot be unreasonably withheld, undertake the following actions:

 

other than in the ordinary course of business, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than indebtedness of Two RiverPartners or any of its wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiaries to Two RiverPartners or any of its other subsidiaries)subsidiaries or certain federal funds and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings), assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any other individual, corporation or other entity;

 

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 Two RiverPartners at a rate not in excess of $0.07$0.025 per share of Two RiverPartners common stock, (ii) dividends paid by any wholly-owned subsidiary of Two RiverPartners to Two RiverPartners or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries or (iii) the acceptance of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock as payment for the exercise price of the Two RiverPartners stock options or for the withholding taxes incurred in connection with the exercise of the Partners stock options or the vesting or settlement of Partners equity awards, in each case, in accordance with past practice and the terms of the applicable award agreement;

with the exercise of the Two River stock options or the vesting or settlement of Two River equity awards, in each case, in accordance with past practice and the terms of the applicable award agreement;

 

grant any stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock units, deferred stock units, shares of restricted stock 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 Two RiverPartners 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 August 9, 2019November 4, 2021, 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 Two River,Partners, 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;

 

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 Two River;Partners;

 

purchase any bank owned life insurance;

 

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 in the ordinary course of business without material adverse changes of terms with respect to Two River,Partners, or enter into certain material contracts, subject to certain exceptions;

 

subject to certain exceptions, including as required under the terms of any Two RiverPartners benefit plan existing as of the date of the merger agreement, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and as set forth in the disclosure schedules of Two River,Partners, (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, independent contractor or consultant (or any spouse or dependent of such individual), (ii) materially amend (whether in writing or through the interpretation of)orally) any Two RiverPartners benefit plan, (iii) increase the compensation or benefits payable to any current or former employee, officer, director, independent contractor or consultant (or any spouse or dependent of such individual), except for annual base salary or wage increases for employees (other than directors or executive officers) in the ordinary course of business, that do not exceed, with respect to any individual, fivethree percent (5.0%(3%) of such individual’s base salary or wage rate in effect as of the date of the merger agreement, for any employee whose 2019 salary or wages will be less than $50,000, and three andone-half percent (3.5%) of such individual’s base salary or wage rate in effect as of the date of the merger agreement for all other employees, and do not exceed three percent (3.0%) in the aggregate for all employees as of August 9, 2019, (iv) pay or award, or commit to pay or award, any bonuses or incentive compensation, except for bonuses to be awarded with respect to Two River Bank’s 2019the Partners’ 2021 and 2022 fiscal year,years, (v) grant or accelerate the vesting of any equity or equity-based awards or other compensation, except for accelerated vesting that isas required by the terms of the award in effect as of the date of the merger agreement, (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, (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 is greater than $75,000,$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, independent contractor or consultant who has target total annual compensation greater than $100,000 or (x) waive, release or limit any restrictive covenant obligation of any current or former employee or contractor of Partners or any of its subsidiaries;

employee, independent contractor or consultant who has a target total annual compensation greater than $75,000, or (x) waive, release or limit any restrictive covenant obligation of any current or former employee or contractor of Two River or any of its subsidiaries;

 

settle any material claim, suit, action or proceeding, except in the ordinary course of business; providedbusiness in an amount and in an amount not in excess of $100,000, and that (x) the amount for which Two River or any of its subsidiaries is liable, net of any insurance recoveries received by Two River or any of its subsidiaries, for all such settlements mustwould not exceed $100,000 in the aggregate and (y) no such settlement imposesimpose any material restriction on the business of Two RiverPartners or its subsidiaries or the survivingcombined corporation;

 

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 the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Two RiverPartners or comparable governing or organizational document of any of its subsidiaries;

(i) amend or modify Two River’s Shareholder Rights Plan, dated as of July 20, 2011, by and between Two River and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights Agent (which we refer to as the “shareholder rights plan”) or (ii) take any action that could result in any Rights (as defined in the shareholder rights plan) becoming exercisable or any Rights Certificate (as defined in the shareholder rights plan) representing Rights to be issued or distributed;

 

merge or consolidate itself or any of its subsidiaries with any other person, or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate or dissolve itself or any of its subsidiaries;

materially restructure or materially change its investment securities or derivatives portfolio or its interest rate exposure, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported 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;

 

implement or adopt any change in its accounting principles, practices or methods, other than as may be required by GAAP;

 

enter into any new line of business;

 

make any loans or extensions of credit or grant additional credit to a current borrower, except in the ordinary course of business; provided that any individual unsecured loan or unsecured extension of credit or grant of additional unsecured credit, in each case, in excess of $100,000 that is not as of the date of the merger agreement approved and committed or any individual secured loan or secured extension of credit or grant of additional secured credit, in each case, in excess of $3,000,000$5,000,000 that is not as of the date of the merger agreement approved and committed will require the prior written approval of the Chief Credit Officer of OceanFirst or another officer of OceanFirst designated in writing by OceanFirst, which approval or rejection must be given in writing within two business days after the loan package is delivered by email or other written form of delivery to such individual or the applicable loan will be deemed approved;

 

make any material changes in its policies and practices with respect to (i) underwriting, pricing, originating, acquiring, selling, servicing, buying or selling rights to service loans, (ii) investment, deposit pricing, risk and asset liability management or other banking and operating matters (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) or (iii) hedging, in each case, except as required by law or requested by a governmental entity;

subject to certain exceptions, make, or commit to make, any capital expenditures, except for capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business in amounts not exceeding $75,000 individually or $300,000 in the aggregate;

 

make, change or revoke any tax election, adopt or change any tax accounting method, file any amended tax return, settle or compromise any 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 of 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 key employees, properties or assets of Two RiverPartners or any of its subsidiaries; or

 

agree to take, make any commitment to take or adopt any resolutions of the Two RiverPartners board or similar governing body in support of any of the foregoing.

OceanFirst has agreed that, until the effective time or earlier termination of the merger 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 Two River,Partners, which, consent cannot be unreasonably withheld, 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 Two River shareholders;Partners stockholders;

adjust, split, combine or reclassify any of OceanFirst’s capital stock;

 

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 at any time prior to the effective time, 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;

 

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;

 

make, declare or pay any extraordinary dividend on the capital stock of OceanFirst;OceanFirst (except (A) dividends on shares of OceanFirst 7.0% series A non-cumulative, perpetual preferred stock (which we refer to as OceanFirst series A preferred stock), or (B) regular quarterly cash dividends at a rate not in excess of $0.17 per share of Partners common stock);

 

take any action that is intended to, would or would be reasonably likely to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, except, in every case, as may be required by applicable law; or

 

agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any resolutions of OceanFirst’s board of directors or similar governing body in support of, any of the foregoing.

Regulatory Matters

OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners have agreed to use commercially reasonable best efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect all applications, notices, petitions and filings, to obtain all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and governmental entities that are necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. However, in no event will OceanFirst or Two RiverPartners 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 Two RiverPartners 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,mergers, 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 closing date and ending on the first anniversary of the closing date, OceanFirst will or will cause the surviving corporation to provide the employees of Two RiverPartners and its subsidiaries who continue to be employed by OceanFirst or its subsidiaries (including the surviving corporation and its subsidiaries) immediately following the effective time (which we refer to as “continuing employees”), while employed by OceanFirst or its subsidiaries after the effective time, with base salaries and wages that are substantially comparable to the base salaries and employee benefits (excluding equitywages provided to similarly situated employees of OceanFirst and equity based compensation)its subsidiaries; cash-based incentive bonus opportunities that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the base salaries, wagescash-based incentive bonus opportunities provided to similarly situated employees of OceanFirst and its subsidiaries; and employee benefits (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the employee benefits provided to similarly situated employees of OceanFirst and its subsidiaries, except that, with respect to each of the foregoing compensation elements, OceanFirst may satisfy this obligation by providing or causing the surviving corporation to provide such continuing employees with base salaries, wages, cash-based incentive bonus opportunities and employee benefits (excluding equity and equity based compensation)compensation and change in control

payments) that, in each case, are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the base salaries, wages, cash-based incentive bonus opportunities and employee benefits (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) provided by Two RiverPartners or its subsidiaries to such continuing employees immediately prior to the effective time.

Partners will be permitted to make transaction bonus awards not to exceed $1,375,580 in the aggregate. The transaction bonuses will generally be payable one-half at closing and one-half on the first anniversary of closing, subject in each case to the grantee’s continued employment on the payment date, provided that payment will be accelerated upon a termination without “cause” or for “good reason” (definitions to be mutually agreed upon by Partners and OceanFirst prior to the closing date).

In addition, Partners will be permitted to make retention bonus awards not to exceed $450,000 in the aggregate, for the purpose of retaining certain employees through and, in some circumstances, after the closing date. The CEO and President of Partners and the CEO of OceanFirst will mutually agree on the recipients, the retention bonus amounts and the vesting/payment terms of each retention bonus. With respect to any employee benefit plans of OceanFirst or its subsidiaries in which any continuing employees become eligible to participate on or after the effective time (which we refer to as the “new plans”), OceanFirst will or will cause the surviving corporation to use commercially reasonable efforts to:

 

waive all 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 suchpre-existing conditions, exclusions or waiting periods would apply under the analogous Two RiverPartners 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 Two RiverPartners benefit plan to the same extent that such credit was given under the analogous Two RiverPartners benefit plan prior to the effective time in satisfying any applicable deductible orout-of-pocket requirements under any new plans; and

 

recognize all service of such employees with Two RiverPartners and its subsidiaries, for all purposes in any new plans to the same extent that such service was taken into account under the analogous Two RiverPartners benefit plan prior to the effective time,time; provided that such service recognition will 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.

Effective as of the date immediately preceding the closing date, Two RiverPartners will terminate the Two River Community BankPartners Bancorp 401(k) Plan and the Johnson Mortgage Company 401(k) Plan (unless OceanFirst requests otherwiseboth parties agree in writing at least fiveten days prior to the closing) in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement. As soon as practicable following the effective time, OceanFirst will permit or cause its subsidiaries to permit the continuing employees to roll over their account balances and outstanding loan balances, if any, under the Two River Community BankPartners Bancorp 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.

Additionally, OceanFirst has further agreed that, for the period commencing on the closing date and ending on the first anniversary of the closing date, OceanFirst will or will cause the surviving corporation to assume and honor through December 31 of the year in which the closing occurs, under the vacation policies of Two River,Partners and its subsidiaries, the accrued but unused vacation time of employees of the surviving company or any of its subsidiaries who were employees of Two RiverPartners or any of its subsidiaries immediately prior to the effective time totime.

OceanFirst has agreed that, for the extent thatperiod commencing on the accruedclosing date and unused amount is fully reflected inending on the most recent Two River SEC reports asfirst anniversary of the closing date.date, OceanFirst will or will cause the surviving corporation to provide to each continuing employee whose employment is terminated on or following the effective time with severance benefits equal to the severance benefits provided under OceanFirst’s or its subsidiary’s then-existing severance plan.

OceanFirst has agreed that, any employeefor the period commencing on the closing date and ending on the first anniversary of Two River (excluding any employee who is party to an employment agreement that provides for severance payments) whose employment is terminated (other than for “cause” as defined in OceanFirst’s severance policy) at the written request ofclosing date, OceanFirst (but in the sole discretion of Two River) prior to the effective time,will or is terminated by OceanFirst or a subsidiary of OceanFirst within one year following the effective time in a manner entitling such individual to benefits under OceanFirst’s severance policy, will be entitled to receive certain severance payments.

OceanFirst and Two River have agreed to create a retention bonus pool on terms, in amounts and for employees of Two River as mutually agreed by OceanFirst and Two River, subject to an aggregate maximum retention pool of $250,000. After the effective time, retention payments under such pool will be paid to applicable individuals if they are still employed bycause the surviving corporation or anyto maintain the bank owned life insurance policies of Partners and its subsidiaries on their designated “work through” date as describedand the related split dollar life insurance plans for the continuing employees who are participating thereunder, in a written retention bonus pool agreement.effect at the effective time.

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, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all present and former directors, officers and employees of Two RiverPartners 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, arising out of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of Two RiverPartners or its subsidiaries and pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the effective time, including the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, to the fullest extent such persons are entitled to be indemnified as of the date of the merger agreement by Two RiverPartners pursuant to Two River’s certificatePartners’ articles of incorporation, Two River’sPartners’ bylaws or the governing or organizational documents of any subsidiary of Two RiverPartners applicable to such person. In addition, under the merger agreement, each of OceanFirst and the surviving corporation is also required to advance expenses to such persons to the fullest extent such persons are entitled to advancement of expenses by Two RiverPartners as of the date of the merger agreement pursuant to Two River’s certificatePartners’ articles of incorporation, Two River’sPartners’ bylaws or the governing or organizational documents of any subsidiary of Two River,Partners, as applicable, as of the date of the merger agreement; except that, if requested by OceanFirst, such person provides an undertaking (in reasonable and customary form) to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined in a final determination or by a court of competent jurisdiction that such person is not entitled to indemnification. Such indemnified person will be entitled to the reimbursement of reasonable legal expenses incurred in any successful claim to enforce its rights to indemnification and advancement.

The merger agreement requires the surviving corporation to maintain, for a period of six years after the effective time, Two River’sPartners’ 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 effective time. However, OceanFirst is not required to spend annually, in the aggregate, in excess of 250% of the current annual premium paid as of the date of the merger agreement by Two RiverPartners 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, then OceanFirst 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, Two River,Partners, in consultation with, but only upon the prior written consent of OceanFirst, may (and at the request of OceanFirst, Two RiverPartners will use its reasonable best efforts to) obtain at or prior to the effective time a six yearsix-year prepaid “tail” policy under Two River’sPartners’ 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 the premium cap.

Restructuring Efforts

If Two RiverPartners fails to obtain the approval of the merger proposal by the requisite vote of the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, then, unless the merger agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, each of Two RiverPartners and OceanFirst is required to in good faith to use its reasonable best efforts to negotiate a restructuring of the Transactionmergers (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 Two RiverPartners common stock as provided for in the merger agreement, in a manner adverse to such party or its shareholders or stockholders, as applicable)stockholders) and/or resubmit the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby (or as restructured pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement) to the shareholdersstockholders of Two RiverPartners for approval.

Assumption of Two RiverPartners Debt

Effective as ofPrior to the effective time, OceanFirst and Partners shall use commercially reasonable efforts enter into a supplemental indenture or other documents necessary or appropriate to provide for assumption of the second-step merger, OceanFirst will assume Two River’sPartners’ obligations with respect to the subordinated notes due December 31, 2025.2028 and 2030.

Dividends

Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, prior to the effective time, Two RiverPartners may declare and pay regular quarterly cash dividends at a rate not in excess of $0.07$0.025 per share consistent with past practice. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, prior to the effective time, OceanFirst may declare and pay regular quarterly cash dividends at a rate not in excess of $0.17 per share consistent with past practice. Additionally, OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners have agreed to coordinate with each other regarding the declaration of any dividends in respect of OceanFirst common stock or Two RiverPartners common stock and the record dates and payment dates relating thereto, such that the holders of Two RiverPartners common stock will not receive two dividends, or fail to receive one dividend, in respect of any quarter with respect to their shares of Two RiverPartners common stock and any shares of OceanFirst common stock any such holder receives in exchange therefor in the first-step merger.

Cybersecurity

As soonpromptly as reasonably practicable after the date of the merger agreement, Two RiverPartners is required to engage a third party who is reasonably acceptable to OceanFirst (who we refer to as the “systems consultant”), and at OceanFirst’s sole cost and expense, to (i) conduct an examination and review of Two River’sPartners’ computer, information technology and data processing systems for the purpose of identifying certain deficiencies, weaknesses or vulnerabilities and (ii) prepare a written report that assesses the matters described in clause (i) (which we refer to as the “systems report”). Two RiverPartners is required to request that the systems consultant deliver the systems report simultaneously to Two RiverPartners and OceanFirst as soonpromptly as practicable after the date of the merger agreement (and is required to deliver the systems report to OceanFirst no later than December 9, 2019January 15, 2022, or, if earlier, the closing date). Two RiverPartners is required to priorcooperate with OceanFirst to the closing, remediate any weaknesses, deficiencies or vulnerabilities identified in the systems report prior to the reasonable satisfactionclosing date, and OceanFirst must reimburse Partners for any out-of-pocket incremental costs or expenses incurred as a result of OceanFirst.such remediation. Partners and OceanFirst agree that the examination and review by the systems consultant, preparation of the systems report and any remediation shall be performed in a manner as to not impose an undue and material burden on the Partners’ business or operations.

Certain Additional Covenants

The merger agreement also contains additional covenants, including, among others, covenants relating to the filing of this 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 Two River, the redemption of the Rights under the shareholders’ rights plan,Partners, the attendance by representatives of OceanFirst and OceanFirst Bank’s at Two RiverPartners board meetings and certain committee meetings following the receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals, exemption from takeover laws, public announcements with respect to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and communication and cooperation between Two RiverPartners and OceanFirst to plan and prepare for the consolidation of the companies at the effective time.

Two River ShareholderPartners Stockholder Meeting and Recommendation of the Two RiverPartners Board

Two RiverPartners has agreed to hold a meeting of its shareholdersstockholders for the purpose of voting upon approval of the merger agreement as soon as reasonably practicable after the registration statement, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, is declared effective. Two RiverPartners has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain from its shareholdersstockholders the vote required to approve the merger agreement, including by communicating to its shareholdersstockholders its recommendation (and including such recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus) that

the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. Two RiverPartners has further agreed to, except as provided below, not withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify its recommendation or take any action, or make any public statement, filing or release inconsistent with its recommendation, or submit the merger agreement to its shareholdersstockholders for a vote without its recommendation.

If the Two RiverPartners board, after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor, determines in good faith that it would reasonably be expected 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) modify, withdraw or change its recommendation or submit the merger agreement to its shareholdersstockholders without the recommendation to approve the merger proposal (which we refer to as an “adverse recommendation change”) (although the resolutions approving the merger agreement as of the date of the merger agreement may not be rescinded or amended), and may communicate the basis of the adverse recommendation change to its shareholdersstockholders to the extent required by law; except that the Two RiverPartners board may not take any such actions unless (i) such action is taken in response to an acquisition proposal and such acquisition proposal (x) did not result from a breach by Two RiverPartners of its obligations relating to thenon-solicitation of acquisition proposals and (y) constitutes a “superior proposal” (as defined below); (ii) Two RiverPartners gives OceanFirst at least twothree 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 (including 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 partythird-party making, the acquisition proposal, or any amendment or modification thereof)); (iii) during such twothree business day period, Two RiverPartners has considered and negotiated (and has caused its representatives to consider and negotiate) with OceanFirst in good faith (to the extent OceanFirst desires to negotiate) regarding any adjustments or modifications to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement proposed by OceanFirst; and (iv) at the end of such notice period, the Two RiverPartners 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 advisor, again determines in good faith that it would nevertheless reasonably be expected to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend the merger agreement and that such acquisition proposal constitutes 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, Two RiverPartners has agreed to adjourn or postpone the Partners special meeting if, as of the time for which such meeting is originally scheduled, there are insufficient shares of Two RiverPartners common stock 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, Two RiverPartners has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares of Two RiverPartners common stock necessary to obtain the requisite Two River shareholderPartners stockholder approval for the merger proposal. However, if an acquisition proposal has been received by Two River,Partners, has been publicly disclosed, and Two RiverPartners makes an adverse recommendation change that is permitted in accordance with the merger agreement, then Two RiverPartners will not be required to adjourn or postpone the special meeting pursuant to the covenant described above more than two times following the receipt and public disclosure of such acquisition proposal.

Unless the merger agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, Two RiverPartners has an unqualified obligation to convene the Partners special meeting and to submit the merger agreement to the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders for the purpose of approving the Partners merger proposal.

Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers

Two RiverPartners 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 any acquisition proposal, (ii) engage or participate in any

negotiations with any person concerning any acquisition proposal, (iii) provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to any person (other than OceanFirst, OceanFirst Bank and their representatives in their capacity as such) concerning any acquisition proposal or (iv) have or participate in any discussions with any person (other than OceanFirst, OceanFirst Bank and their representatives in their capacity as such) relating to, any acquisition proposal except, to notify such person of the existence of thesenon-solicit provisions of the merger agreement. However, if Two RiverPartners receives an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal prior to the date of the Partners special meeting and such proposal did not result from a breach of Two River’sPartners’ non-solicitation obligations under the merger agreement, Two RiverPartners 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 to, and participate in discussions with such person with respect to such acquisition proposal but only to the extent that, prior to doing so, the Two RiverPartners board concludes in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor) that (A) such acquisition proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal and (B) failure to take such actions would reasonably be expected to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law, except that, prior to providing any such nonpublic information or data, or participating in discussions, in each case, Two RiverPartners provides such information or data to OceanFirst and enters into a confidentiality agreement with such person on terms no less stringent to such person than the confidentiality agreement between OceanFirst and Two River,Partners, and which confidentiality agreement does not provide such person with any exclusive right to negotiate with Two RiverPartners or its representatives.

Two RiverPartners 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 execution of the merger agreement with any person (other than OceanFirst, OceanFirst Bank and their representatives in their capacity as such) with respect to any acquisition proposal. In addition, Two RiverPartners has agreed to 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 tenfive business days after the date of the merger agreement, request and confirm the return date or destruction of any confidential information provided to any person (other than OceanFirst, OceanFirst Bank and their representatives in their capacity as such). Two RiverPartners has also agreed to promptly (and in any event within 24 hours) advise OceanFirst following receipt of any acquisition proposal or any inquiry that could reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal, 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 to 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, any (i) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of 25% or more of the consolidated assets of Two RiverPartners and its subsidiaries or 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Two RiverPartners or its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of Two River,Partners, (ii) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in any person (other than OceanFirst or OceanFirst Bank) beneficially owning 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Two RiverPartners or its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of Two River,Partners, or (iii) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving Two RiverPartners or its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of Two River.Partners. For purposes of the merger agreement, a “superior proposal” means any

unsolicited bona fide written offer or proposal made by a third party to consummate an acquisition proposal that the Two RiverPartners board determines in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor): (1) would, if consummated, result in the acquisition of all, but not less than all, of the issued and outstanding shares of Two RiverPartners common stock or all, or substantially all, of the assets of Two River;Partners; (2) would result

in a transaction that (A) involves consideration to the holders of the shares of Two RiverPartners common stock that, after accounting for payment of the termination fee that may be required under the merger agreement, is more favorable, from a financial point of view, than the consideration to be paid to the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders 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 by the merger agreement, and which proposal is not conditioned upon obtaining financing and (B) is, in light of the other terms of such proposal, more favorable to the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders than the integrated mergers and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; and (3) 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.

Conditions to Complete the Integrated Mergers

OceanFirst’s and Two River’sPartners’ respective obligations to complete the integrated mergers are subject to the satisfaction or, where legally permissible, waiver of the following customary closing conditions:

 

the approval of the merger agreement by the requisite vote of the Two River shareholders;Partners stockholders;

 

the authorization for listing on the Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance, of the shares of OceanFirst common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement;

 

the receipt of requisite regulatory approvals or waivers, including from the FRB and the OCC and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof;

 

the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part with respect to the shares of 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) suspending the effectiveness of theS-4 registration statement;

 

(i) the absence of any order, injunction, or decree or other legal restraint or prohibition by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction preventing the completion of the integrated mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) no statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any governmental entity that prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the integrated mergers and (iii) no order or injunction is being sought by any governmental entity that would, if entered or enforced, prohibit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

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 shall 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); and

 

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.

In addition, OceanFirst’s obligation to complete the integrated mergers is subject to the satisfaction or, where legally permissible, waiver of the following conditions:

 

the absence of a materially burdensome regulatory condition and no governmental entity indicating in writing (or informing both OceanFirst and Partners) that it will impose any materially burdensome regulatory condition; and

the performance in all respects by Two River of certain covenants and agreements related to the shareholder rights plan and the performance in all material respects by Two River of all other obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement at or prior to the closing (and the receipt by OceanFirst of an officers’ certificate from Two River to such effect).

In addition, Two River’sPartners’ obligation to complete the integrated mergers is subject to the satisfaction or, where legally permissible, waiver of the following condition:

 

the performance in all material respects by OceanFirst of all obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement at or prior to the closing (and the receipt by Two RiverPartners of an officers’ certificate from the OceanFirst to such effect).

Neither Two RiverPartners 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.

CYHC Transactions

Additionally, the completion of the Transactions is not conditioned upon the completion of the CYHC Transactions. As it relates to the merger agreement, OceanFirst did not make any representations, warranties, covenants or agreements relating to the CYHC merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. In addition, the merger agreement provides that none of the execution, delivery or performance by OceanFirst of the CYHC merger agreement nor the completion of the transactions contemplated thereby, nor the failure of the CYHC Transactions to be completed, will constitute a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of OceanFirst or Merger Sub under the merger agreement. Similarly, the CYHC merger agreement provides that none of the execution, delivery or performance by OceanFirst of the merger agreement nor the completion of the transactions contemplated thereby, nor the failure of the Transactions to be completed, will constitute a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of OceanFirst or CYHC Merger Sub under the CYHC merger agreement.

Termination of the Merger Agreement

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

 

by mutual written consent, if the OceanFirst board and the Two RiverPartners board so determine;

 

by the OceanFirst board or the Two RiverPartners board if any (i) any governmental entity that must grant a requisite regulatory approval denies any requisite regulatory approval in connection with the Transactionsmergers and such denial has become final and nonappealable,non-appealable, (ii) any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction has issued a final and nonappealablenon-appealable order permanently enjoining, prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, or (iii) an application for a requisite regulatory approval hasshall have been withdrawn at the request of the applicable governmental entity unless (A) the approval of such governmental entityand is no longer necessary under applicable lawnot permitted to consummate the Transactions or (B) the party whose application was withdrawn intends to file, and such filing is made no later than the thirtieth day following the date of withdrawal, a new application, filing, certificate or notice with a governmental entity to obtain the necessary requisite regulatory approval,be resubmitted for 120 days, unless, in any such case of clause (i), (ii) or (iii), the failure to obtain a requisite regulatory approval isor the issuance of such order shall be due to the failure of the terminating party seeking to terminate the merger agreement to perform or observe its obligations under the merger agreement;covenants and agreements of such party;

by the OceanFirst board or the Two RiverPartners board if the closing has not occurred on or before the termination date, which is May 31, 2020,November 4, 2022, unless the failure of the closing to occur 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 Two RiverPartners 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 breach or breaches (or failure or failures 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 closing condition of the terminating party and such breach or failure is not or cannot be cured within 45 days following written notice to thenon-terminating party, or such fewer days as remain prior to the termination date;

 

by the OceanFirst board, prior to the time that the merger proposal is approved by the requisite vote of the Two River shareholders,Partners stockholders, if the Two RiverPartners board (i) fails to recommend approval of the merger proposal or fails to include such recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus or withdraws, modifies or qualifies such recommendation in a manner adverse to OceanFirst or resolves to do so or fails to reaffirm such recommendation within two business days after OceanFirst requests in writing that such action be taken, (ii) fails to recommend against acceptance of a publicly disclosed tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding Two RiverPartners common stock (other than by OceanFirst or an affiliate of OceanFirst) within the ten business day period specified in Rule14e-2(a) undercommencing on the Exchange Act,date such tender offer or exchange offer is first publicly disclosed, (iii) recommends or endorses an acquisition proposal, or (iv) breaches certain obligations with respect to acquisition proposals or calling and holding a meeting of its shareholdersstockholders and recommending that the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders approve the merger agreement, in each case, in any material respect; and

by Two River,Partners, following the special meeting (including any adjournments or postponements thereof) if Two RiverPartners (i) receives an acquisition proposal prior to such meeting, (ii) does not breach any of its obligations with respect to acquisition proposals or calling and holding a meeting of its shareholdersstockholders and recommending that the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders approve the merger agreement and (iii) fails to obtain the required vote of its shareholdersstockholders at the special meeting.meeting; and

Additionally, Two River may terminate

by OceanFirst, if the required vote of the Partners stockholders at the special meeting shall not have been obtained at the special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a vote on the adoption of the merger agreement if (x) the Two River board so determines by a vote of a majority of the entire Two River board, at any time during thefive-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”) and (y) both of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) the average of the closing prices of a share of OceanFirst common stock as reported on the Nasdaq for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the determination date (which we refer to as the “OceanFirst market value”) is less than $19.36 and (ii) the number obtained by dividing the OceanFirst market value on the determination date by $24.20 (subject to certain adjustments), is less than (1) the number obtained by dividing (x) the average of the daily closing value of the Nasdaq Bank Index for the 10 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the determination date by (y) $3,536.56 (which was the closing value of the Nasdaq Bank Index on August 9, 2019) minus (2) 0.15.

If Two River elects to exercise its termination right as described above, it must notify OceanFirst in writing of such election no later than the last day 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 Two River electing to exercise Two River’s right to terminate the merger agreement as described above, OceanFirst will have the option to increase the exchange ratio to a level that would cause either of the requirements described in (i) or (ii) of the preceding paragraph not to be satisfied. If, within such five day period, OceanFirst delivers written notice to Two River that it intends to proceed with the integrated mergers by so increasing the exchange ratio, and notifies Two River of the revised exchange ratio, then no termination by Two River 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).taken.

Effect of Termination

If the merger agreement is terminated, it will become void and have no effect, except that (i) each of OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners will remain liable for any liabilities or damages arising out of its fraud or any knowing, intentional and material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in the merger agreement 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 execution of the merger agreement and prior to the termination of the merger agreement, (i) a bona fidean acquisition proposal (whether or not conditional) has been made known to senior management of Two RiverPartners or the Two RiverPartners board or has been made directly to the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders generally or any person has publicly announced an acquisition proposal or the intention to make an acquisition proposal (whether or not conditional) with respect to Two River,Partners, (ii) thereafter, the merger agreement is terminated by (A) either OceanFirst or Two RiverPartners, because the closing has not occurred prior to the termination date and without(and the requisite Two River shareholder vote havingPartners stockholder approval has not been obtained oras of such time), (B) OceanFirst, based on a willful or intentional breach of the merger agreement by Two RiverPartners that would constitute the failure of a closing condition in favor of OceanFirst and that has not been cured during the permitted time period or by its nature cannot be cured during such period, (C) OceanFirst, if the required vote of the Partners stockholders at the special meeting shall not have been obtained at the special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a vote on the adoption of the merger agreement was taken or (D) Partners, following the special meeting (including any adjournments or postponements thereof) if Partners fails to obtain the required vote of its stockholders at the special meeting and (iii) on or prior to the date that is 12 months after the date of such termination, Two RiverPartners enters into a definitive agreement (regardless of whether a transaction is consummated) or consummates a transaction with respect to an acquisition proposal (whether or not the same acquisition proposal as that referred to above in clause (i)), then Two RiverPartners will, 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, the $7,313,482$7,400,000 termination fee.

In the event that the merger agreement is terminated by OceanFirst based on the Two RiverPartners board having (i) failed to recommend in this proxy statement/prospectus that the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders approve the merger agreement, or withdrawn, modified or qualified 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 failed to recommend against acceptance of a publicly disclosed tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding Two RiverPartners common stock (other than by OceanFirst or an affiliate of OceanFirst) within the ten business day period specified in Rule 14e-2(a) underdays after the Exchange Act,commencement of such tender or exchange offer, (ii) recommended or endorsed an acquisition proposal or (iii) breached certain obligations, including with respect to acquisition proposals or calling and holding a meeting of its shareholdersstockholders and recommending that the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders approve the merger agreement, in any material respect, then Two RiverPartners will pay OceanFirst, by wire transfer of same day funds, a $7,313,482$7,400,000 termination fee on the date of termination.

If the merger agreement is terminated by Two RiverPartners under circumstances where Two RiverPartners (i) received an acquisition proposal prior to the special meeting, (ii) has not breached any of its obligations with respect to acquisition

proposals or the calling and holding of a meeting of its shareholdersstockholders and recommending that the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders approve the merger agreement and (iii) has failed to obtain the required vote of its shareholdersstockholders at such meeting, and if Two RiverPartners made an adverse recommendation change prior to suchthe date of termination, Two RiverPartners will be required to pay OceanFirst, by wire transfer of same day funds, a $7,313,482$7,400,000 termination fee on the date of such termination. In addition, if (x) Two RiverPartners terminates the merger agreement based on clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of preceding sentence, (y) Two RiverPartners did not make an adverse recommendation change prior to termination and (z) on or prior to the date that is 12 months after the date of termination, Two RiverPartners enters into a definitive agreement (regardless of whether a transaction is consummated) or consummates a transaction with respect to an acquisition proposal (regardless of whether it is the same or different acquisition proposal as that referenced in clause (i) of the preceding sentence), then Two RiverPartners will be required to pay OceanFirst, by wire transfer of same day funds, a $7,313,482$7,400,000 termination fee on the earlier of the date Two RiverPartners enters into such definitive agreement or the date of consummation of such transaction.

Expenses and Fees

Unless expressly provided otherwise in the merger agreement, 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 proxy statement/prospectus and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the integrated mergers will be shared equally by OceanFirst and Two River.Partners.

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 requisite vote of the Two River shareholders,Partners stockholders, except that after approval of the merger agreement by the Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders there may not be, without further approval of such shareholders,stockholders, any amendment of the merger agreement that requires further approval under applicable law.

At any time prior to the completion of the first-step merger, the parties 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, except that after approval of the merger agreement by the requisite vote of the Two River shareholders,Partners stockholders, there may not be, without further approval of such shareholders,stockholders, any extension or waiver of the merger agreement or any portion thereof that requires further approval under applicable law.

Two RiverPartners Voting and Support Agreements

Concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement, each of the directors and executive officers (in their capacity as shareholders)stockholders) of Two RiverPartners entered into separate support agreements with OceanFirst, pursuant to which, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable support agreement, each such shareholderstockholder has agreed to vote the shares of Two RiverPartners common stock that he or she owned beneficially and of record, and had the sole right to dispose of and to vote, in favor of the approval of the merger agreement and related matters. In addition, each such shareholderstockholder agreed to vote such shares against any proposal made in competition with the merger agreement and to abide by certain restrictions with respect to the transfer of such shares. As of the record date, shares of Two RiverPartners common stock subject to the voting and other obligations under the support agreements equaled in the aggregate approximately [●[•]% of the outstanding shares of Two RiverPartners common stock.

The foregoing description of the support agreements is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the support agreement, a form of which is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex B and is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

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.Combinations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets (including identifiable intangible assets) and liabilities (including executory contracts and other commitments) of Two RiverPartners 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 Two RiverPartners before the integrated mergers.

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to a “U.S. holder” (as defined below) of Two RiverPartners common stock that receive OceanFirst common stock pursuantwith respect to the first-step merger. This discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and judicial decisions in effect as of the date of this 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 U.S. state or local ornon-U.S. tax considerations or any U.S. federal estate, gift, alternative minimum tax, or Medicare contribution tax considerations.

The following discussion applies only to U.S. holders of Two RiverPartners common stock whothat 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, partnerships, S corporations or other pass-through entities or investors in partnerships, 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 whothat hold shares of Two RiverPartners common stock as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale or conversion transaction or other integrated investment, holders whothat acquired Two RiverPartners 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 Two RiverPartners common stock).

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of Two RiverPartners 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 political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the trust’s substantial decisions or (b) such trust has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Two RiverPartners common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will generally 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 Two RiverPartners common stock, and any partners in such partnership, should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the integrated mergers toin light of their specific circumstances.

The obligation of each of OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners to complete the integrated mergers is conditioned upon the receipt of an opinion of its 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. Neither OceanFirst nor Two RiverPartners currently intends to waive these respective opinion conditions. These opinions of counsel will be based on customary assumptions and representations, covenants, and undertakings of OceanFirst and Two River.Partners. If any of the assumptions, representations, covenants or undertakings is incorrect, incomplete, inaccurate, or is violated, the validity of the opinions may be affected and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the integrated mergers could differ materially from those described in this proxy statement/prospectus.

An opinion of counsel represents counsel’s legal judgment but is not binding on the IRS or any court and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions reflected in the opinions or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. Neither OceanFirst nor Two RiverPartners intends to obtain a ruling from the IRS with respect to the tax treatment of the integrated mergers. If the IRS were to successfully challenge the “reorganization” status of the integrated mergers, the tax consequences would be different from those set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus.

The following discussion assumes that the integrated mergers qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

The United States federal income tax considerations generally applicable to U.S. holders of Two RiverPartners common stock with respect to the first-step merger will depend 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 Partners common stock. At the time that a U.S. holder makes a cash or stock election pursuant to the terms of the 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 considerations applicable 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 Partners Common Stock Solely for Shares of OceanFirst Common Stock. U.S. holders who exchange all of their shares of Partners 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 Partners common stock surrendered, 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 Partners common stock were held.

Exchange of Shares of Partners Common Stock Solely for Cash. U.S. holders who exchange all of their shares of Partners 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 Partners common stock surrendered. Gain or loss must be calculated separately and the holding period must be determined separately for each identifiable block of shares surrendered in the exchange. Such gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for a particular block of Partners 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 U.S. 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 U.S. holder’s gain.

Exchange of Shares of Partners Common Stock for a Combination of Cash and Shares of OceanFirst Common Stock. U.S. holders that exchange all of their shares of Partners 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 U.S. holder’s gain realized (i.e., the excess, if any, of the sum of the amount of cash consideration and the fair market value (as of the effective time of the integrated mergers) of the OceanFirst common stock received, as applicable, over the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of Two RiverPartners common stock surrendered) and (ii) the amount of cash consideration received pursuant to the integrated mergers. Any gain or loss realized must 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. Except as discussed below under “Potential Treatment of Cash as a Dividend,” any recognized gain will be long-term capital gain if the U.S. holder’s holding period for its Two RiverPartners common stock exceeds one year at the effective time of the integrated mergers.

A U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in OceanFirst common stock received pursuant to the integrated mergers (including the basis allocable to any fractional shareshares deemed received and redeemed, as described below under “— Cash In Lieu of OceanFirst common stock for which cash is received)Fractional Shares”) will equal the U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the Two RiverPartners common stock exchanged therefor, 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 recognized, including any such gain treated as a dividend, as described below but(but excluding gain attributable to the deemed receipt and redemption of fractional shares).

A U.S. holder’s holding period in OceanFirst common stock received pursuant to the integrated mergers will include the holding period for its shares of Two RiverPartners common stock surrendered in exchange therefor. U.S. holders whothat hold shares of Two RiverPartners 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 by a U.S. holder may be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as having the effect of the distribution of a dividend, in which case any gain recognized on the integrated mergers will be treated not as capital gain as described above, but as a dividend to the extent of the U.S. holder’s ratable share of Two River’sPartners’ accumulated “earnings and profits.” In general, the determination of whether such gain will be treated as having the effect of the 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, a U.S. holder will generally be treated as if it first exchanged all of its shares of Two RiverPartners 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 proxy statement/prospectus as the “deemed redemption.” Gain recognized by a U.S. holder pursuant to the deemed redemption will be treated as having the effect of the distribution of a dividend unless 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 will generally 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 shareholderstockholder 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 shareholderstockholder has at least a relatively minor reduction in such shareholder’sstockholder’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.

Cash In Lieu of Fractional Shares. A U.S. holder that receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of OceanFirst common stock will generally be treated as having received such fractional share and then as having received such cash in redemption of the fractional share. Gain or loss will generally 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 Two RiverPartners common stock surrendered which is allocable to the fractional share. Such gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for its Two RiverPartners common stock exceeds one year at the effective time of the integrated mergers.

This discussion ofTHIS 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 ofFEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS 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 situation as well as any tax consequences arising under theFEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSIDERATIONS ARISING UNDER THE U.S. federal estate or gift tax rules or under the laws of any state, local,FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX RULES OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, non-U.S.NON-U.S. or other taxing jurisdiction.OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.

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, OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation, as amended, and OceanFirst’s bylaws, and, where applicable, federal banking law. 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 proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [].

Authorized Capital Stock

OceanFirst’s authorized capital stock consists of 150,000,000 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 150,000,000 shares of common stock. As of [●], 2019, the most recent practicable date before the printing of this proxy statement/prospectus, there were (i) [●] shares of OceanFirst common stock issued and outstanding, (ii) [●] shares of OceanFirst common stock held in treasury, (iii) [●] shares of OceanFirst common stock reserved for issuance in respect of awards of restricted OceanFirst common stock or upon the exercise of outstanding stock options to purchase shares of OceanFirst common stock granted under certain OceanFirst equity compensation plans and the equity compensation plans of acquired companies, (iv) [●] shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of warrants assumed in connection with the acquisition of Colonial American Bank, (v) [●] shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock issued and (v)outstanding and (vi) no other shares of capital stock or equity or voting securities of OceanFirst issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding.

OceanFirst common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “OCFC.

Depository shares representing a fractional interest of OceanFirst series A preferred stock are currently listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “OCFCP.

Preemptive Rights; Redemption Rights; Terms of Conversion; Sinking Fund and Redemption Provisions

OceanFirst common stock does not have preemptive rights, redemption rights, conversion rights, or any 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, holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share and do 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. OceanFirst stockholders are not permitted to act by written consent.

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 proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The TransactionsMergers 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 its 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

Banking laws impose notice, approval and ongoing regulatory requirements on any stockholder or other party that seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of an FDIC-insured depository institution. These laws include the BHC Act and the Change in Bank Control Act. Among other things, these laws require regulatory filings by a stockholder or other party that seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of an FDIC-insured depository institution. The determination whether an investor “controls” a depository institution is based on all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the investment. OceanFirst is a bank holding company and therefore the BHC Act would require any “bank holding company” (as defined in the BHC Act) to obtain prior approval of the FRB before acquiring more than 5% of OceanFirst common stock. Any person (other than a bank holding company) is required to provide prior notice to the FRB before acquiring 10% or more of OceanFirst common stock under the Change in Bank Control Act. Ownership by affiliated parties, or parties acting in concert, is typically aggregated for these purposes. 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 has the ability to exercise a “controlling influence” over OceanFirst, is subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the BHC Act.

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 [●], 2019, the most recent practicable date before the printing of this proxy statement/prospectus, there were no[●] shares issued of OceanFirst series A preferred stock outstanding.stock. 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 power of the holders of OceanFirst common stock and may assist management in impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control.

OceanFirst Series A Preferred Stock

Ranking

Shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock rank, with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up:

senior to common stock and to any class or series of capital stock OceanFirst may issue that is not expressly stated to be on parity with or senior to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock;

on parity with, or equally to, any class or series of capital stock expressly stated to be on parity with the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, including the OceanFirst series A preferred stock; and

junior to any class or series of capital stock expressly stated to be senior to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock (issued with the requisite consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding OceanFirst series A preferred stock).

Dividends

Dividends on shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock are discretionary and will not be cumulative. Holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock will be entitled to receive, if, when, and as declared by the board of directors or a duly authorized committee of board of directors, out of legally available assets, non-cumulative cash dividends quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on August 15, 2020 (each such date being referred to herein as a “dividend payment date”) based on a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share).

If declared by board of directors or a duly authorized committee of board of directors, dividends will accrue from and including the original issue date to, but excluding, May 15, 2025 or the date of earlier redemption (which we refer to as the “fixed rate period”), at a rate of 7.00% per annum. If declared by board of directors or a duly authorized committee of board of directors, dividends will accrue from and including May 15, 2025 to, but excluding, the date of earlier redemption (which we refer to as the “floating rate period”), at a floating rate per annum equal to the benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus a spread of 684.5 basis points. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the benchmark rate is less than zero, the benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero.

Dividends on shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock are not cumulative. Accordingly, if board of directors or a duly authorized committee of board of directors does not declare a full dividend on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock payable in respect of any dividend period before the related dividend payment date, such dividend will not accrue and OceanFirst will have no obligation to pay a dividend for that dividend period on the dividend payment date or at any future time, whether or not dividends on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock are declared for any future dividend period.

Priority of Dividends

The OceanFirst series A preferred stock will rank junior as to payment of dividends to any class or series of the preferred stock that OceanFirst may issue in the future that is expressly stated to be senior to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock. If at any time the OceanFirst does not pay, on the applicable dividend payment date, accrued dividends on any shares that rank in priority to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock with respect to dividends, OceanFirst may not pay any dividends on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock or repurchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock until OceanFirst has paid, or set aside for payment, the full amount of the unpaid dividends on the shares that rank in priority with respect to dividends that must, under the terms of such shares, be paid before OceanFirst may pay dividends on, repurchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire for consideration, the OceanFirst series A preferred stock. As of the date hereof, there are no other shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

So long as any share of OceanFirst series A preferred stock remains outstanding, unless the full dividends for the most recently completed dividend period have been declared and paid, or set aside for payment, on all outstanding shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock:

no dividend or distribution shall be declared, paid, or set aside for payment on any junior stock (other than (i) a dividend payable solely in junior stock or (ii) a dividend in connection with the implementation of a stockholders’ rights plan, or the issuance of rights, stock, or other property under any such plan, or the redemption or repurchase of any rights under any such plan);

no junior stock shall be repurchased, redeemed, or otherwise acquired for consideration by OceanFirst, directly or indirectly (other than (i) as a result of a reclassification of junior stock for or into other junior stock, (ii) the exchange or conversion of shares of junior stock for or into other shares of junior stock, (iii) through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of junior stock, (iv) purchases, redemptions, or other acquisitions of shares of the junior stock in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan, or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of employees, officers, directors, or consultants, (v) purchases of shares of junior stock pursuant to a contractually binding requirement to buy junior stock existing prior to the most recently completed dividend period, including under a contractually binding stock repurchase plan, or (vi) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of junior stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such stock or the security being converted or exchanged) nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities; and

no parity stock shall be repurchased, redeemed, or otherwise acquired for consideration by OceanFirst, directly or indirectly (other than (i) pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase all, or a pro rata portion, of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and any parity stock, (ii) as a result of a reclassification of any parity stock for or into other parity stock, (iii) the exchange or conversion of any parity stock for or into other parity stock or junior stock, (iv) through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of parity stock, (v) purchases of shares of parity stock pursuant to a contractually binding requirement to buy parity stock existing prior to the most recently completed dividend period, including under a contractually binding stock repurchase plan, or (vi) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of parity stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such stock or the security being converted or exchanged) nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if dividends are not paid in full, or set aside for payment in full, on any dividend payment date upon the shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and any shares of parity stock, all dividends declared upon the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and all such parity stock payable on such dividend payment date shall be declared pro rata in proportion to the respective amounts of undeclared and unpaid dividends on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and all parity stock payable on such dividend payment date. To the extent a dividend period with respect to any parity stock coincides with more than one dividend period with respect to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock for purposes of the immediately

preceding sentence, OceanFirst’s board of directors will treat such dividend period as two or more consecutive dividend periods, none of which coincides with more than one dividend period with respect to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, or shall treat such dividend period(s) with respect to any parity stock and dividend period(s) with respect to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock for purposes of the immediately preceding sentence in any other manner that it deems to be fair and equitable in order to achieve ratable payments on such dividend parity stock and the OceanFirst series A preferred stock. To the extent a dividend period with respect to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock coincides with more than one dividend period with respect to any parity stock, for purposes of the first sentence of this paragraph, the board of directors shall treat such dividend period as two or more consecutive dividend periods, none of which coincides with more than one dividend period with respect to such parity stock, or shall treat such dividend period(s) with respect to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and dividend period(s) with respect to any parity stock for purposes of the first sentence of this paragraph in any other manner that it deems to be fair and equitable in order to achieve ratable payments of dividends on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and such parity stock. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “dividend period” as used with respect to any parity stock means such dividend periods as are provided for in the terms of such parity stock.

Subject to the foregoing, dividends (payable in cash, stock, or otherwise) may be declared and paid on junior stock, which includes common stock, from time to time out of any assets legally available for such payment, and the holders of OceanFirst series A preferred stock or parity stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividend.

Redemption

The OceanFirst series A preferred stock is perpetual and has no maturity date and is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund, or other similar provisions. The holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock will not have any right to require the redemption or repurchase of their shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock.

OceanFirst may, at its option, redeem the OceanFirst series A preferred stock (i) in whole or in part, from time to time, on May 15, 2025, or on any dividend payment date on or after May 15, 2025, or (ii) in whole but not in part at any time within 90 days following a “regulatory capital treatment event,” in each case at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share), plus the per share amount of any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends, on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption (the “redemption date”). Any declared but unpaid dividends payable on a redemption date that occurs subsequent to the applicable dividend record date will not be paid to the holder entitled to receive the redemption price on the redemption date, but rather will be paid to the holder of record of the redeemed shares on such record date relating to the applicable dividend payment date. Investors should not expect OceanFirst to redeem the OceanFirst series A preferred stock on or after the date it becomes redeemable at OceanFirst’s option.

If shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock are to be redeemed, the notice of redemption shall be given to the holders of record of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock to be redeemed, by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the holders of record of such shares to be redeemed at their respective last addresses appearing on OceanFirst’s stock register not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof (provided that, if the shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock are held in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company (which we refer to as “DTC”) may give such notice in any manner permitted by DTC). Each notice of redemption will include a statement setting forth:

the redemption date;

the number of shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock to be redeemed and, if less than all of the shares held by such holder are to be redeemed, the number of such shares to be redeemed from such holder;

the redemption price; and

that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on the redemption date.

If notice of redemption of any shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock has been duly given and if the funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside by us for the benefit of the holders of any shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock so called for redemption, then, on and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on such shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock, such shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding, and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price, without interest.

In case of any redemption of only part of the shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock at the time outstanding, the shares to be redeemed shall be selected pro rata, by lot, or in such other manner as OceanFirst may determine to be equitable and permitted by DTC and the rules of any national securities exchange on which the OceanFirst series A preferred stock is listed.

Liquidation Rights

In the event that OceanFirst voluntarily or involuntarily liquidates, dissolves, or winds up its affairs, holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock are entitled to receive out of OceanFirst’s assets available for distribution to stockholders, after satisfaction of liabilities and obligations to creditors, if any, and subject to the rights of holders of any shares of capital stock then outstanding ranking senior to or on parity with the OceanFirst series A preferred stock with respect to distributions upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of OceanFirst’s business and affairs, including the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, and before OceanFirst makes any distribution or payment out of its assets to the holders of common stock or any other class or series of capital stock ranking junior to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up, an amount per share equal to the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share plus any declared and unpaid dividends prior to the payment of the liquidating distribution (but without any amount in respect of dividends that have not been declared prior to the date of payment of the liquidating distribution). After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution described above, the holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock shall not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of OceanFirst’s assets.

In any such distribution, if OceanFirst’s assets are not sufficient to pay the liquidation preference in full to all holders of OceanFirst series A preferred stock and all holders of any shares of capital stock ranking as to any such liquidating distribution on parity with the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, including the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, the amounts paid to the holders of OceanFirst series A preferred stock and to such other shares will be paid pro rata in accordance with the respective aggregate liquidation preferences of those holders. In any such distribution, the “liquidation preference” of any holder of preferred stock means the amount otherwise payable to such holder in such distribution (assuming no limitation on OceanFirst’s assets available for such distribution), including any declared but unpaid dividends (and, in the case of any holder of stock other than the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and on which dividends accrue on a cumulative basis, an amount equal to any unpaid, accrued, cumulative dividends, whether or not declared, as applicable). If the liquidation preference per share of OceanFirst series A preferred stock has been paid in full to all holders of OceanFirst series A preferred stock and the liquidation preference per share of any other capital stock ranking on parity with the OceanFirst series A preferred stock as to liquidation rights has been paid in full, the holders of common stock or any other capital stock ranking, as to liquidation rights, junior to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock will be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets according to their respective rights and preferences.

The OceanFirst series A preferred stock may be fully subordinate to interests held by the U.S. government in the event the Company’s enters into a receivership, insolvency, liquidation, or similar proceeding, including a proceeding under the “orderly liquidation authority” provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.

Neither the sale, conveyance, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of OceanFirst’s assets or business, nor the consolidation or merger by OceanFirst with or into any other entity or by another entity with or into OceanFirst, whether for cash, securities, or other property, individually or as part of a series of transactions, will constitute a liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of its affairs.

Because the OceanFirst is a holding company, the rights of OceanFirst’s creditors and stockholders, including the holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, to participate in any distribution of assets of any of OceanFirst’s subsidiaries upon that subsidiary’s liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or winding-up or otherwise would be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, except to the extent that OceanFirst is a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.

Holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock are subordinate to all of OceanFirst’s indebtedness and to other non-equity claims on OceanFirst and its assets, including in the event that OceanFirst enters into a receivership, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding. In addition, holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock (and of depositary shares representing the OceanFirst series A preferred stock) may be fully subordinated to interests held by the U.S. government in the event that OceanFirst enters into a receivership, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding.

Voting Rights

Except as provided below and as determined by OceanFirst’s board of directors or a duly authorized committee of board of directors or as otherwise expressly required by law, the holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock will have no voting rights.

Whenever dividends on any shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, or any parity stock upon which similar voting rights have been conferred (“special voting preferred stock”), shall have not been declared and paid in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of dividends payable on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock for the equivalent of six or more quarterly dividend periods, whether or not consecutive (which refer to as a “nonpayment”), the holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, voting together as a class with holders of any special voting preferred stock then outstanding, will be entitled to vote (based on respective liquidation preferences) for the election of a total of two additional members of board of directors (which referred to as the “preferred directors”); provided that board of directors shall at no time include more than two preferred directors; provided, further, that the election of any such preferred directors may not cause OceanFirst to violate any corporate governance requirement of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (or any other exchange on which OceanFirst’s securities may be listed). In that event, the number of directors on board of directors shall automatically increase by two and, at the request of any holder of OceanFirst series A preferred stock, a special meeting of the holders of OceanFirst series A preferred stock and such special voting preferred stock, including the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, for which dividends have not been paid shall be called for the election of the two directors (unless such request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of stockholders, in which event such election shall be held at such next annual or special meeting of stockholders), followed by such election at each subsequent annual meeting. These voting rights will continue until full dividends have been paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment of such dividends has been set aside for payment) on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and such special voting preferred stock for four dividend periods following the nonpayment.

If and when full dividends have been paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment of such dividends has been set aside for payment) for at least four dividend periods following a nonpayment on the Series A Preferred

Stock and such special voting preferred stock, the holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and such special voting preferred stock shall be divested of the foregoing voting rights (subject to revesting in the event of each subsequent nonpayment) and the term of office of each preferred director so elected shall terminate and the number of directors on OceanFirst’s board of directors shall automatically decrease by two.

Any preferred director may be removed at any time without cause by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and such special voting preferred stock, voting together as a class, when they have the voting rights described above. So long as a nonpayment shall continue, any vacancy in the office of a preferred director (other than prior to the initial election of the preferred directors) may be filled by the written consent of the preferred director remaining in office, or if none remains in office, by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock and such special voting preferred stock, voting together as a class, to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders; provided that the filling of any such vacancy may not cause OceanFirst to violate any corporate governance requirement of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (or any other exchange on which OceanFirst’s securities may be listed). The preferred directors shall each be entitled to one vote per director on any matter on which OceanFirst’s directors are entitled to vote.

Under regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve, if the holders of one or more series of preferred stock are or become entitled to vote for the election of directors, such series entitled to vote for the same director(s) will be deemed a class of voting securities and a company holding 25% or more of the series, or 10% or more if it otherwise exercises a “controlling influence” over OceanFirst, will be subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the BHC Act. In addition, if the series is/are deemed to be a class of voting securities, any other bank holding company will be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act to acquire or retain more than 5% of that series. Any other person (other than a bank holding company) will be required to obtain the non-objection of the Federal Reserve under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, to acquire or retain 10% or more of that series. While OceanFirst does not believe the shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock are considered “voting securities” currently, holders of such stock should consult their own counsel with regard to regulatory implications. A holder or group of holders may also be deemed to control OceanFirst if they own one-third or more of OceanFirst’s total equity.

So long as any shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock remain outstanding, in addition to any other vote or consent of stockholders required by law or OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation, as amended, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all of the then-outstanding shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock entitled to vote thereon, voting separately as a single class, shall be required to:

authorize, create, issue, or increase the authorized amount of any class or series of OceanFirst’s capital stock ranking senior to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock with respect to payment of dividends or as to distributions upon OceanFirst’s liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up, or issue any obligation or security convertible into or exchangeable for, or evidencing the right to purchase, any such class or series of OceanFirst’s capital stock;

amend, alter, or repeal the provisions of certificate of incorporation, as amended, including the certificate of designation, whether by merger, consolidation, or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect the special powers, preferences, privileges, or rights of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, taken as a whole; or

consummate a binding share exchange or reclassification involving the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, or complete the sale, conveyance, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of OceanFirst’s assets or business or consolidate with or merge into any other corporation, unless, in each case, the shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock (i) remain outstanding or (ii) are converted into or exchanged for preference securities of the surviving entity or any entity controlling such surviving entity and such new preference securities have powers, preferences, privileges, and rights that are not materially less favorable to the holders thereof than the powers, preferences, privileges, and rights of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, taken as a whole.

When determining the application of the voting rights described in this section, the authorization, creation, and issuance, or an increase in the authorized or issued amount, of junior stock or any class or series of capital stock that by its terms expressly provides that it ranks on parity with the OceanFirst series A preferred stock with

respect to the payment of dividends (whether such dividends are cumulative or non-cumulative) and as to distributions upon OceanFirst’s liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for junior stock or any class or series of capital stock, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect the special powers, preferences, privileges, or rights, and shall not require the affirmative vote or consent of, the holders of any outstanding shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock.

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of OceanFirst series A preferred stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been set aside by OceanFirst for the benefit of the holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock to effect such redemption.

Depositary Shares

General

Each depositary share represents a 1/40th interest in a share of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and will be evidenced by depositary receipts. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the depositary shares will be entitled to all of the powers, preferences, and special rights of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, as applicable, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of OceanFirst series A preferred stock those depositary shares represent. As of December 31, 2020, there were 2,294,811 depositary shares issued.

Dividends and Other Distributions

Each dividend payable on a depositary share will be in an amount equal to 1/40th of the dividend declared and payable on each share of OceanFirst series A preferred stock.

The depositary will distribute all dividends and other cash distributions received on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock to the holders of record of the depositary receipts in proportion to the number of depositary shares held by each holder. If OceanFirst makes a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the holders of record of the depositary receipts in proportion to the number of depositary shares held by each holder, unless the depositary determines that this distribution is not feasible, in which case the depositary may, with OceanFirst’s approval, adopt a method of distribution that it deems practicable, including the sale of the property and distribution of the net proceeds of that sale to the holders of the depositary receipts.

If the calculation of a dividend or other cash distribution results in an amount that is a fraction of a cent and that fraction is equal to or greater than $0.005, the depositary will round that amount up to the next highest whole cent and will request that OceanFirst pay the resulting additional amount to the depositary for the relevant dividend or other cash distribution. If the fractional amount is less than $0.005, the depositary will disregard that fractional amount and it will be added to and be treated as part of the next succeeding distribution.

Record dates for the payment of dividends and other matters relating to the depositary shares will be the same as the corresponding record dates for the OceanFirst series A preferred stock.

The amount paid as dividends or otherwise distributable by the depositary with respect to the depositary shares or the underlying OceanFirst series A preferred stock will be reduced by any amounts required to be withheld by OceanFirst or the depositary on account of taxes or other governmental charges. The depositary may refuse to make any payment or distribution, or any transfer, exchange, or withdrawal of any depositary shares or the shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, until such taxes or other governmental charges are paid.

Liquidation Preference

In the event of liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up, a holder of depositary shares will receive the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of underlying OceanFirst series A preferred stock represented by the depositary shares.

Neither the sale, conveyance, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of OceanFirst’s assets or business, nor the consolidation or merger by OceanFirst with or into any other entity or by another entity with or into the OceanFirst, whether for cash, securities, or other property, individually or as part of a series of transactions, will constitute a liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of OceanFirst’s affairs

Redemption of Depositary Shares

If OceanFirst redeems the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, in whole or in part, depositary shares also will be redeemed with the proceeds received by the depositary from the redemption of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock held by the depositary. The redemption price per depositary share will be 1/40th of the redemption price per share payable with respect to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock (or $25 per depositary share), plus 1/40th of the per share amount of any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends, on the OceanFirst series A preferred stock to, but excluding, the redemption date.

If OceanFirst redeems shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem, as of the same redemption date, the number of depositary shares representing those shares of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock so redeemed. If OceanFirst redeems less than all of the outstanding depositary shares, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected either pro rata or by lot or in such other manner as OceanFirst may determine to be fair and equitable. The depositary will provide notice of redemption to record holders of the depositary receipts not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock and the related depositary shares.

Voting

Because each depositary share represents a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of OceanFirst series A preferred stock, holders of depositary receipts will be entitled to vote 1/40th of a vote per depositary share under those limited circumstances in which holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock are entitled to vote.

When the depositary receives notice of any meeting at which the holders of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will, if requested in writing and provided with all necessary information, provide the information contained in the notice to the record holders of the depositary shares relating to the OceanFirst series A preferred stock. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date, which will be the same date as the record date for the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, may instruct the depositary to vote the amount of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock represented by the holder’s depositary shares. To the extent possible, the depositary will vote or cause to be voted the amount of the OceanFirst series A preferred stock represented by depositary shares in accordance with the instructions it receives. OceanFirst will agree to take all reasonable actions that the depositary determines are necessary to enable the depositary to vote as instructed. If the depositary does not receive specific instructions from the holders of any depositary shares representing the OceanFirst series A preferred stock, it will abstain from voting with respect to such shares (but may, at its discretion, appear at the meeting with respect to such shares unless directed to the contrary).

COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

If the first-step merger is completed, Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders 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 Two RiverPartners common stock. OceanFirst is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, and Two RiverPartners is organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey.Maryland. As a result of the integrated mergers, Two River shareholdersfirst-step merger, Partners stockholders who receive the stock consideration (either because they elect to receive the stock consideration or because of the allocation and proration provisions of the merger agreement) will become OceanFirst stockholders, to the extent they do not already separately own shares of OceanFirst.OceanFirst common stock. Thus, following the integrated mergers, the rights of Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders 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 Transactions.mergers.

The following is a summary of the material differences between (1) the current rights of Two River shareholders(1) Partners stockholders under the NJBCA, Two River’s certificateMGCL, Partners’ articles of incorporation and Two River’sPartners’ bylaws and (2) the current rights of OceanFirst stockholders under the DGCL, OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation and OceanFirst’s bylaws. OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners believe that this summary describes the material differences between the rights of OceanFirst stockholders as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the rights of Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus; however, it does not purport to be a complete description of those differences. Copies of OceanFirst’s and Two River’sPartners’ governing documents have been filed with the SEC. To find out where copies of these documents can be obtained, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [].

 

OCEANFIRST TWO RIVER BANCORP
PARTNERS
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation authorizes it to issue up to (i) 150,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of the most recent practicable date prior to the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus, there were (x) [●] shares of OceanFirst common stock issued and outstanding and no(y) [●] shares of OceanFirst Series A preferred stock outstanding.

Under Section 242(b)

Partners’ articles of incorporation authorizes it to issue up to (i) 39,990,549 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, (ii) 9,000 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, and (iii) 451 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B. As of the DGCL, OceanFirst may increase or decrease its authorized capitalrecord date, there were (x) [●] shares of Partners common stock by amending its certificateissued and outstanding, (y) [●] shares of incorporation, which requires the affirmative voteFixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A issued and outstanding and (z) [●] shares of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon. Additionally, Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B issued and outstanding.
OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides further 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.

 

Two River’s certificatePartners’ articles of incorporation authorizes itthe board of directors to issue up to 25,000,000classify or reclassify any unissued shares of commoncapital stock without par value, and 6,500,000 sharesinto a class or classes of preferred stock, without par value. As of the record date, there were [●]preference stock, special stock or other stock and that shares and to divide and classify shares of Two River common stock issued and outstanding and no sharesany class into one or more series of Two River preferred stock issued and outstanding.

UnderSection 14A:9-2 of the NJBCA, Two River may increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of Two River common stock by amending its certificate of incorporation, which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon.

such class.
GENERAL VOTING STANDARD
Generally, each holder of OceanFirst common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of OceanFirst Each holderPartners’ bylaws provide that each outstanding share of Two River common stock, regardless of class, is entitled to one vote for each share of Two River commonon

OCEANFIRST TWO RIVER BANCORPPARTNERS
common stock held by such stockholder. However, OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that stockholders who beneficially own more than 10% of the then-outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock are not entitled to any vote with respect to shares held in excess of that 10% (which we refer to as the “10% voting restriction”). Further, OceanFirst stockholders do not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. stock held by such shareholder. Two River’s certificateeach matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of incorporation does not include a 10% voting restriction.
MERGER VOTINGstockholders.
In the case of a merger or consolidation, Section 251(c) of the DGCL requires that a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote approve of the merger or consolidation. However, under Section 251(f) of the DGCL, no approval by the stockholders of the surviving corporation in a merger is required if: (i) the merger agreement does not amend the certificate of incorporation of the surviving corporation; (ii) each share of the surviving corporation’s stock outstanding prior to the merger remains outstanding in identical form after the merger; and (iii) either no shares of common stock of the surviving corporation are to be issued in the merger or, if common stock will be issued, it will not increase the number of shares of common stock outstanding prior to the merger by more than 20%. In the case of a merger or consolidation,Section 14A:10-3(2)3-105(e) of the NJBCAMGCL requires approval by the affirmative vote of a majoritythat at least two-thirds of the votes cast by the holders of sharesoutstanding stock entitled to vote thereon. However, underSection 14A:10-3(4)approve of the NJBCA, no approval by the shareholders of the surviving corporation is required if (i) the merger agreement does not amend the certificate of incorporation of the surviving corporation; (ii) each share of the surviving corporation’s stock outstanding prior to the merger remains outstanding in identical form after the merger; and (iii) the number of voting (or participating) shares outstanding immediately after the merger, plus the number of voting (or participating) shares issuable on conversion of other securities or on exercise of rights and warrants issued pursuant to the merger, will not exceed by more than 40% the total number of voting (or participating) shares of the surviving corporation outstanding immediately before the merger.consolidation.
SIZE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that the number of directors of OceanFirst will be the number of directors as designated by the OceanFirst board from time to time, pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the entire OceanFirst board, except, in the absence of such designation, the number will be nine.

Partners’ bylaws provide that generally, the number of directors of the Partners board will be no less than 3 and no greater than 15.
Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, the directors hold office until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.Partners’ directors are divided into three classes, each with a three-year term.
There are currently 14 directors on the OceanFirst board. Under the merger agreement, OceanFirst will increase the size of the OceanFirst board by one member and will appoint a member of the Two River board to the OceanFirst board.

 

Two River’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that the number of directors of the Two River board will be no less than one and no greater than 15, as determined by a resolution adopted by a majority of the Two River board.

There are currently 1011 directors on the Two RiverPartners board.

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP
CLASSES OF DIRECTORS
OceanFirst’s board of directors is not classified; all directors are elected annually.Two River’s certificate of incorporation provides that the Two River board is divided into three classes, with the term of office of one class expiring each year. Each class of directors serves a three year term.
DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, no person will be eligible for election or appointment to the OceanFirst board (i) if such person (i) has, within the previous 10 years, been the subject of a supervisory action by a financial regulatory agency that resulted in a cease and desist order or an agreement or other written statement subject to public disclosure under 12 U.S.C. § 1818(u), or any successor provision; (ii) if such person has been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust that is

Partners’ bylaws provide that each director must be the registered owner of at least 100 shares of common stock of Partners and that a director must retire on December 31 of the calendar year in which he or she becomes 75.

OCEANFIRSTPARTNERS
punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year under state or federal law; or (iii) if such person is currently charged in any information, indictment, or other complaint with the commission of or participation in such crime.

OceanFirst’s bylaws provide further that no person may serve on OceanFirst’s 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.

OceanFirst’s bylaws provide further that any person who is the representative or agent or acting in concert with a person who is ineligible for election to OceanFirst’s board will also be ineligible for election or appointment to the OceanFirst board.

 

Two River’s bylaws provide that each director on the Two River board must have his or her principal residence within the State of New Jersey. Any director must resign immediately if his or her principal residence is not within the State of New Jersey at any time.

Under NJBCASection 14A:6-1(1), all directors on the Two River board must be at least eighteen years of age.

REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
At the 2018 annual meeting of OceanFirst stockholders, the stockholders of OceanFirst approved a declassification of the OceanFirst board. Upon the effectiveness of such declassification, directorsDirectors of OceanFirst may be removed with or without cause, by a majority vote of the OceanFirst stockholders.Two River’s certificate of incorporation provides thatfrom office at any director may be removed from officetime, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of (i) the holders of a majorityat least 80% of the outstandingvoting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of Two RiverOceanFirst entitled to vote generally in the election of directorsdirectors.Partners’ bylaws provide that stockholders may remove any director, only with cause, by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of all votes entitled to be cast for the election of directors.
Partners’ stockholders may elect a successor to fill a vacancy from the removal of a director. A successor to fill a vacancy from the removal of a director may be elected by either (i) Partners’ stockholders or (ii) a majority of the members of the Two River board where, in the judgment of such majority, the continuation of the director would be harmful to Two River, and the Two River board may suspend

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP
the director for a reasonable period pending final determination that cause exists for such removal.
FILLING VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS / NEWLY CREATED DIRECTORSHIPS

The OceanFirst bylaws provide that newly created directorships or any vacancies in the OceanFirst board resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, and directors so chosen will hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until he or she sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified.

Under Section 223(c) of the DGCL, if, at the time of filling any vacancy or any newly created directorship, the directors then in office constitute less than a majority of the whole board (as constituted immediately prior to any such increase), the Court of Chancery may, upon application of any stockholders holding at least 10 percent of the voting stock at the time outstanding having the right to vote for such directors, summarily order an election to be held to fill any such vacancies or newly created directorships, or to replace the directors chosen by the directors then in office.

The Two River bylaws provide that vacancies in the Two River board (including vacancies resulting from an increase in the size of the number of directors) (unless the Two River board determines to reduce the size of board to eliminate the vacancy) will be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting of shareholders.directors.
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, and certificate of incorporation, 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 OceanFirst board pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of directors that OceanFirst would have if there were no vacancies on the OceanFirst board.

Partners’ bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called at any time by either by (i) the Chairman of the board of directors, the President or the majority of the board of directors or (ii) written request by stockholders entitled to cast at least 25% of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.
OceanFirst’s bylaws provide that at any special meeting of the stockholders, only such business may be conducted as has 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 Two River’s bylaws, special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the Two River board, the chairman of Two River board or president of Two River.

Two River’s bylaws provide that at any special meeting of the Two River shareholders, only such business may be conducted as specified in the notice of the meeting.

Under the NJBCA, upon application of the holders of not less than 10% of all the shares entitled to vote at a meeting, the Superior Court of New Jersey may, for good cause shown, order a special meeting of the shareholders.

OCEANFIRST TWO RIVER BANCORPPARTNERS
QUORUM

OceanFirst’s bylaws provide that at any meeting of OceanFirst’s stockholders, subject to the 10% voting restriction, the holders of a majority of all shares of the stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, constitute a quorum for all purposes except to the extent a larger number is required by law.

Under Partners’ bylaws and the MGCL, the presence (in person or by proxy) of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast constitutes a quorum.
If a quorum is not present at any meeting, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting to another place, date or time. If notice of any adjourned special meeting of OceanFirst stockholders is sent to all stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting and states that the meeting will be held with those present, in person or by proxy, constituting a quorum, then those present, in person or by proxy, at such adjourned meeting will constitute a quorum, and all matters will be determined by a majority of the votes cast at such meeting.

 

Under Two River’s bylaws,In the holdersabsence of shares entitled to cast a majority of the votes at a meeting constitutes a quorum. Under NJBCASection 14A:5-9, after a quorum, isthe stockholders present the shareholders may continue to conduct business despite the withdrawal of enough shares to leave lessin present or by proxy, by majority vote and without notice other than a quorum.

Under Two River’s bylaws, Two River shareholders representing less than a quorumby announcement, may adjourn the meeting.

meeting from time to time until a quorum shall attend.
STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
Under OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation,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 the stockholders of OceanFirst and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders. 

UnderSection 14A:5-6 the MGCL, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the NJBCA and Two River’s bylaws, shareholdersstockholders may act by written consentbe taken without a meeting (except forif a unanimous consent which sets forth the electionaction is (i) given in writing or by electronic transmission by each stockholder entitled to vote on the matter; and (ii) filed in paper or electronic form with the records of directors), subject to certain procedures. A Two River shareholder seeking such action by written consent must request that the Two River board fix a record date. The Two River board has sixty days to fix the record date. The Two River board must fix a tabulation date for the written consents no more than 60 days after the record date. An action by written consent need only be signed by a sufficient number of Two River shareholders as necessary to effect the corporate action.

The election of directors, including the filling of a vacancy, must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the shareholders and may not be effected by an action by written consent.

stockholders meetings.
NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS
OceanFirst’s bylaws provide that written notice of the place, date and time of all meetings of the stockholders must be given, not less than 10 and no more than 60 days before the date onUnder Two River’s bylaws, notice of annual and special meetings must be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the meeting, by mail or

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP

which the meeting is to be held to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. Such

Partners’ bylaws provide that written notice must set forthof the place, date and time of all meetings of the stockholders must be given, not less than 10 and no more than 90 days before the date on which the meeting is to be held to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.

Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, 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, except 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 willshall be given not less than 10 and not more than 60 days before the meeting date.

 

other method permitted by law, to each Two River shareholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting, directed to the shareholder at the shareholder’s address as it appears in Two River’s books. Such notice must set forth the date, time, place and purpose of the meeting.

Under Two River’sPartners’ bylaws, ifwhen a meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, written notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting is not necessary if (i) the Two River board does not fix a new recordplace, date (ii) theand time and place to which the meeting is adjournedthereof are announced at the original meeting and (iii) at which the adjournment is taken, except that if the date of any adjourned meeting only suchis more than 120 days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed. At any adjourned meeting, any business ismay be transacted aswhich might have been transacted at the original meeting.

OCEANFIRSTPARTNERS
meeting date. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.
Under Section 211 of the DGCL, an annual meeting for the election of directors must be held at a date and time designated by and in the manner provided by the bylaws. The OceanFirst bylaws require the OceanFirst board of directors to fix a date within 13 months of the date of incorporation.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

OceanFirst’s bylaws provide that, for business proposals or nominations for the election of directors 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 OceanFirst not less than 90 days prior to the date of the annual meeting except that in the event that less than 100 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, to be timely, notice by the stockholder must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public disclosure was made.

Partners’ bylaws provide that any business may be considered at an annual meeting without the purpose of the meeting having been specified in the notice.
Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, for each business matter a stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, that stockholder’s notice to the secretary must set forth: (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;meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on OceanFirst’s books, of the stockholder proposing such business;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.

Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, for stockholder nominations for the election of directors, a stockholder’s notice must set forth: (i) for each director nomination, all

Under Two River’s bylaws, for business proposals or nominations to be properly brought before a meeting of the shareholders, the shareholder must have delivered a request to Two River’s secretary not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days before the first anniversary date of the annual meeting of the shareholders. However, if the annual meeting is not scheduled to be held within 30 days before or after the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting, the proposing shareholder must provide notice by the later of the 90th day prior to the annual meeting date or the tenth date following the first public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting.

Under Two River’s bylaws, notice of a shareholder business proposal must set forth: (i) a request for inclusion of the proposal in the notice of the meeting; (ii) the text of the proposal(s) the shareholder intends to present at the meeting; (iii) the shareholder’s name and address; (iv) the number and class of all shares owned beneficially and of record by the proposing shareholder; and (v) any material interest of the shareholder in the proposal. However, the notice does not need to include this information if it is being submitted pursuant to Rule14a-8.

Under Two River’s bylaws, notice of a board nomination must set forth: (i) the name of each proposed nominee; (ii) number of shares of each class of Two River stock owned beneficially and of record by each proposed nominee; (iii) certain information required by Item 401 of RegulationS-K;

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP

information relating to that person that would indicate such person’s qualification under the bylaws, including an affidavit that such person would not be disqualified under the bylaws, and information that is required to be disclosed in proxy solicitations for the election of directors, or is otherwise required pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, and (ii) as to the stockholder giving notice;notice, (x) the

OCEANFIRSTPARTNERS
stockholder’s name and address, as they appear on the OceanFirst’s books, and (y) the class and number of shares of OceanFirst’s capital stock that such stockholder beneficially owns. No person nominated by a stockholder is eligible for election as an OceanFirst director unless nominated in accordance with these provisions.

Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, stockholders may not make proposals at a special meeting of OceanFirst stockholders as only OceanFirst directors are allowed to bring a proposal before a special meeting.

 (iv) each nominee’s signed consentUnder Partners’ bylaws, stockholders’ requests for a special meeting requires that the stockholder state the purpose of and the matters proposed to servebe acted upon at such meeting. However, unless the special meeting is requested by stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting, Partners is not obliged to call a special meeting to consider any matter which is substantially the same as a director; (v)matter voted on at any special meeting of the proposing shareholder’s namestockholders held during the preceding 12 months.
Alternatively, OceanFirst is subject to regulation under Rule 14a-8 adopted under the Exchange Act, which provides that certain qualifying stockholders may seek to include a proposal in OceanFirst’s proxy statement and address and (vi)have the number of shares of each class of Two River stock owned beneficially and of record by the shareholder. In addition, the proposing shareholder must furnish Two Rivercompany solicit proxies with all other information it reasonably requestsrespect to determine whether the nomineesuch proposal that would be considered “independent.”presented at a special or annual meeting. Under Rule 14a-8 a company must include a stockholder proposal in its proxy materials unless the proponent fails to comply with the rule’s eligibility and procedural requirements or the proposal falls within certain substantive bases for exclusion.Alternatively, Partners is subject to regulation under Rule 14a-8 adopted under the Exchange Act, which provides that certain qualifying stockholders may seek to include a proposal in Partners’ proxy statement and have the company solicit proxies with respect to such proposal that would be presented at a special or annual meeting. Under Rule 14a-8 a company must include a stockholder proposal in its proxy materials unless the proponent fails to comply with the rule’s eligibility and procedural requirements or the proposal falls within certain substantive bases for exclusion.
DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS
Section 262 of the DGCL permits stockholders to dissent from a merger, consolidation or a sale of all or substantially all the assets of the corporation and obtain payment of the fair value of their shares, if they follow certain statutorily defined procedures. However, appraisal rights do not apply if the corporation’s stock is either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. Dissenters’ rights may be restored if, in the transaction, stockholders are to receive, in exchangeholders or (ii) being exchanged for shares of their stock, anything other than: (i) stock of thea surviving corporation; (ii) stock of any corporation, that is or will bewhich shares are listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 holders; (iii) cash in lieu of fractional shares; or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii) or (iii).holders. The DGCL further provides that no appraisal rights are available for any shares of stock of the constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger did not require for the approval of the stockholders of the surviving corporation as provided under Section 251(f) of the DGCL. Section 14A:11-1 ofUnder the NJBCA permits shareholders to dissent fromMGCL, a merger, consolidation, sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all assetsstockholder of a Maryland corporation not inhas the usual or regular course of businessright to demand and obtainreceive payment of the fair value of their sharesthe stockholder’s stock from the surviving corporation if they follow certain statutorily defined procedures. However,(i) the corporation consolidates or merges with another corporation; (ii) the stockholder’s stock is to be acquired in a share exchange; (iii) the corporation transfers its assets in a manner requiring stockholder approval; (iv) the corporation amends its charter in a way which alters the contract rights, as expressly set forth in the charter, of any outstanding stock and substantially adversely affects the stockholder’s rights, unless the corporation’s certificateright to do so is reserved by the charter of incorporation otherwise provides, dissenters’the corporation; or (v) the transaction is subject to the business combination with interested stockholder provisions of the MGCL, or is exempt from such voting requirements in certain circumstances.

OCEANFIRSTPARTNERS
However, no appraisal rights are not available with respect to certain transactions, including a merger or consolidation in whichholders of shares of any class of stock if, among other things, (i) a class or series of the corporation’s shares arestock is listed on a national securities exchange; (ii) the stock is that of the successor in a share exchange, unless: (a) the share exchange alters the contract rights of the stock as expressly set forth in the charter, and the charter does not reserve the right to do so; or (b) the stock is to be changed or converted in whole or in part in the share exchange into something other than either stock in the successor or cash, scrip, or other rights or interests arising out of provisions for the treatment of fractional shares of stock in the successor; (iii) the stock is generally not entitled to be voted on the transaction or the stockholder did not own the shares of stock on the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on the transaction; (iv) the charter provides that the holders of the stock are held by not entitled to exercise appraisal rights; or (v) the stock is that of an open-end investment company.
DIVIDENDS
Under Section 170 of the DGCL and the OceanFirst bylaws, the OceanFirst board may declare and pay dividends upon shares of its capital stock either (i) out of its surplus or (ii) in the case that there is no such surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.Under Section 2-311 of the MGCL and Partners’ bylaws, Partners may pay dividends or make other distributions from: (i) the net earnings for the fiscal year in which the distribution is made; (ii) the net earnings from the preceding fiscal year; or (iii) the sum of the net earnings for the preceding eight quarters. Partners may not pay dividends or make other distribution if it would be unable to pay its debts as they come due, or its assets would be less than 1,000 shareholders or (ii) the shareholder issum of its liabilities plus the amount necessary to receive (x) cash, (y)satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of any class of shares as consideration that will be listed on a national securities exchange or be held by not less than 1,000 shareholders or (z) cash and such securities.senior to the common stock.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS AND RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
OceanFirst has not opted out of the requirements of Section 203 of the DGCL prohibiting OceanFirst from engaging in a business combination with an interestedSection 14A:10a of the NJBCA provides that Two River may not engage in any “business combination” (as defined therein) with any interested shareholder

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP

stockholder (defined as a person or group of affiliates owning at least 15% of the voting power of OceanFirst) for a period of three years after that interested stockholder became an interested stockholder unless (a)(i) before that person became an interested stockholder, the OceanFirst board approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, (b)(ii) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming

Partners has not opted out of the anti-takeover provisions of the MGCL. Section 3-602 of the MGCL prohibits Partners from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder (defined as a person or an affiliate of such person that is the beneficial owner of 10% of more of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation) for a period of 5 years following the most recent date on which such interested stockholder became an interested stockholder unless (i) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation (including two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock

OCEANFIRSTPARTNERS

an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of 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)(a) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii)(b) 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)(iii) 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 OceanFirst stockholders.

 

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 voting stock of OceanFirst subject to the 10% voting restriction. 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 (1)(i) any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of OceanFirst’s voting stock; (2)(ii) 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 (3)(iii) 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.

 

of Two River for a period of five years followingother than voting stock held by such interested shareholder’s stock acquisition date, unless (a) thatstockholder and its affiliates and associates) approves the business combination, is(ii) such business combination was approved or exempted by the Two Rivera corporation’s board of directors prior to the time that the interested shareholder’s stock acquisition date or (b) the transaction or series of related transactions which caused the person to becomestockholder became an interested shareholder was approved bystockholder or (iii) the Two River board prior toconsideration offered in the business combination meets certain valuation thresholds.

Furthermore, the MGCL provides that interested shareholder’s stock acquisition date and any subsequent business combinations with that interested shareholder are approved by (1) the Two River board, or a committee of the Two River board consisting solely of persons who are not employees, officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates or associates of that interested shareholder, and (2) the affirmative vote of the holders“control shares” of a majority of theMaryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting stock not beneficially owned by such interested shareholderrights unless approved at a special meeting called for such purpose.

In addition to the foregoing, Two River may not engage, at any time, in any business combination with any interested shareholder of Two River other than (i) a business combination approved by the Two River board 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 andvotes entitled to be cast on the interested stockholder has not become the beneficial owner of any additionalmatter, excluding shares of Two River common stock after the interested stockholder’s stock acquisition date and prior to the consummation date within a corporation in respect to the business combination, subject to certain exceptions; or (iv) a business combination approved by (x) the Two River 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 consummationwhich any of the business combination and (y)following persons is entitled to exercise or direct 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 series of related transactions with the interested stockholder which caused the person to become an interested stockholder was approved by the Two River board prior to the consummation of such transaction or series of related transactions.

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP

The NJBCA provisions relating to business combinations do not apply to business combinations: (i) between a resident domestic corporation and an interested stockholder if the resident domestic corporation did not have a class of voting stock traded on a national securities exchange or registered with the SEC, unless the certificate of incorporation states otherwise; and (ii) between a resident domestic corporation and an interested stockholder of that corporation who became an interested stockholder inadvertently, if such stockholder (1) divests themselves as soon as practicable to no longer beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock of that corporation, or a subsidiary of that corporation, and (2) would not at any time within the five-year period preceding the announcement date with respect to the business combination have been an interested stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisitions.

The NJBCA defines “interested stockholder” as any person who: (i) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or moreexercise of the voting power of shares of stock of the corporation in the election of directors: (i) a person who makes or proposes to make a control share acquisition, (ii) an officer of the corporation or (iii) an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation. If voting rights are not approved, then the control shares are subject to redemption by the corporation. “Control shares” are outstanding voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other such shares of Two River;stock previously acquired by the acquiror or (ii)in respect of which the acquiror is an affiliateable to exercise or associatedirect the exercise of Two River and at any time within the five-year period immediately prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power (except solely by virtue of the then outstanding stock of Two River.a revocable proxy) greater than 10%.

LIMITATION OF PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that OceanFirst’s directors are not liable to OceanFirst or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability: (a)(i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty; (b)(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (c)(iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, which concerns unlawful payment of a dividend or unlawful stock

The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to limit the liability of directors and executive officers to Partners for monetary damages except for certain excluded liabilities. Partners’ articles do not have such a provision.

OCEANFIRSTPARTNERS

purchase or redemption; or (d)(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation does not provide limitation of personal liability for officers.

 Two River’s certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted under New Jersey law, directors and officers are not personally liable to Two River or its shareholders for damages for any breach of duty, except for breach of a duty based upon an act or omission (a) in breach of such person’s duty of loyalty to Two River or its shareholders; (b) not in good faith or involving a knowing violation of the law or (c) resulting in receipt by such persons of an improper personal benefit.

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS AND INSURANCE

OceanFirst’s certificate of incorporation provides that OceanFirst will 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 (i) a director or officer of OceanFirst or (b) is or was(ii) 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, except that OceanFirst will 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.

 

Two River’s bylaws providePartners’ articles of incorporation provides that Two River willPartners shall indemnify and hold harmless against all liabilities any person who is or was a director or an officer who is or was made party or threatenedits (i) directors to be made party to any actionthe full extent provided by reasonthe General Laws of the fact thatState of Maryland now or hereafter in force, including the advance of expenses under the procedures provided by such person (a) is or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of Two River or is or was serving at the request of Two River as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of any other enterprise. However, Two River will not indemnify such person if a judgment or other final adjudication adverselaws; (ii) officers to the same extent it shall indemnify its directors; and (iii) officers who are not directors to such person establishes that such person’s actions or omissions (i) were known or believedfurther extent as shall be authorized by such person toPartners’ board and be contrary toconsistent with law. However, the best interestsforegoing does not limit the authority of Two River or its shareholders in connection with a matter to which such person had a material conflict of interest, (ii) were not in good faith or involved a knowing violation of law, or (iii) resulted in receipt by such person of an improper personal benefit.

If the director or officer provides an undertaking to repay any expenses if there is a judgment that the director or officer is not entitled to receive reimbursement, then within 20 days following the later of the receipt of (a) such undertaking and (b) a demand from the director or officer for payment of expenses that have actually been incurred, then Two River will pay or reimburse the director or officer for such expenses. However, Two River is not requiredPartners to indemnify any director or officer following any plea or formal written admission by the director or officer establishing that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.

To the extent authorized by the Two River board,other employees and subject to any terms and conditions of such authorization, Two River may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, advance expenses and indemnify and hold harmless against liabilities any person (and including such person’s estate) not covered by the above director and officer indemnification provision, who was an employee or agent of Two River, or who is or was serving at the request of Two River as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of any other enterprise, or the legal representative of any such person, and who is or was a party to, or threatened to be made a party to, any action by

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP
reason of the fact that such person is or was serving in any of the foregoing capacities.agents consistent with law.
INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS
Under SectionSections 219 and 220 of the DGCL, any OceanFirst stockholder upon written demand under oath statingof a Delaware corporation may examine the purpose thereof, has the right during the usual business hours to inspect for any proper purpose, and to make copies and extracts of: (i) OceanFirst’s stock ledgers, a list of stockholders and itsany stockholder making a written demand may inspect any other books and records; and (ii) thecorporate books and records of a subsidiary of OceanFirst,for any purpose reasonably related to the extent that OceanFirst has actual possession and control of such records of such subsidiary or could obtain such records through the exercise of control over such subsidiary, subject to certain restrictions.stockholder’s interest as a stockholder. 

Under NJBCASection 14A:5-28,2-512 upon the written request of any shareholder, Two River must mail such shareholder its balance sheet as of the endMGCL, any stockholder, or holder of a voting trust certificate, of a Maryland corporation making a written demand may inspect the bylaws, minutes of stockholder’s proceedings, annual statements of affairs, or voting trust agreements.

Under Section 2-513 of the preceding fiscal year, and its profit and loss surplus statement for such fiscal year.

Further, any person who (i) has been a shareholder of record of Two River forMGCL, one or more than six months immediately preceding demand or (ii) holds or is authorized in writing by the holders ofpersons that collectively hold at least 5% of anyoutstanding shares of a class or series of Two River stock hasfor at least six months may make a written request to: (i) inspect and copy, in person or through an agent, the right upon five days’ written notice to demand to inspect,corporation’s books of account and its stock ledger; and (ii) obtain within 20 days after the request, a statement of the corporation’s affairs verified under oath by the president, treasurer, a vice president, or to have theirassistant treasurer; or a list of the corporation’s stockholders verified under oath by an officer, the stock transfer agent, or attorney inspect, the minutes and proceedings ofregistrar, if the shareholders, and to make extracts from such minutes and records, for

OCEANFIRSTPARTNERS
corporation does not maintain the original or a proper purpose and during normal business hours.

duplicate stock ledger at its principal office.
AMENDMENTS TO CERTIFICATEARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

OceanFirst may amend or repeal any provision in the OceanFirst certificate of incorporation in the manner set forth in the DGCL, except 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 80% of the voting power of all the outstanding shares of OceanFirst’s capital stock, subject to the 10% voting restriction, to amend or repeal certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation, regarding: (i)including, but not limited to, provisions relating to the 10% limitation on voting restriction; (ii)rights, the prohibition on stockholder action by written consent; (iii)consent, the calling of special meetings; (iv)meetings, amendment of the bylaws, board vacancies, removal of directors, director vacancies and the advance notice required ofrequirements for stockholder nominations; (v) amendment of the bylaws; (vi)nominations, stockholder voting requirements for business combinations involving affiliates or interested stockholders; (vii)stockholders, indemnification of officers and directors; and (viii)directors, and the provision requiring at least 80% of outstanding voting stock approval to amend the aforementioned provisions.

Partners’ articles of incorporation may be amended by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the aggregate number of the votes entitled to be cast meeting of stockholders. Any amendment to, repeal of, or adoption of any provision inconsistent with the provisions of the articles of incorporation addressing the number of directors must be authorized by the affirmative vote of not less than 80% of the aggregate votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders.
Under OceanFirst’s bylaws, the OceanFirst board may amend, alter or repeal the bylaws at any meeting of the OceanFirst board, provided notice to the directors or stockholders of the proposed change was given not less

UnderSection 14A:9-2 of the NJBCA, Two River’s certificate of incorporation may be amended by first being approved by the Two River board and then adopted by the Two River shareholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon, except only approval by the Two River board is required for amendments to Two River’s certificate of incorporation relating to: (i) the change of the registered agent; (ii) adjustments to the number of shares, or changes in designations of the relative rights and preferences, of any class or series; (iii) increasing the authorized shares of any class or series of Two River common stock, provided the requisite shareholder approval was obtained for the issuance; (iv) share dividends, divisions or combinations; (v) the cancellation of reacquired shares and (vi) the reduction of authorized shares in connection with the conversion of convertible securities.

Pursuant toSection 14A:2-9 of the NJBCA and Two River’s bylaws, the Two River board may make, amend, alter or repeal, in whole or in part, the Two River bylaws by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office. Pursuant to

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP
than two days prior to the meeting. The OceanFirst stockholders also have the power to amend, alter or repeal the bylaws at any meeting of OceanFirst stockholders provided notice of the proposed change was given in the notice of the meeting except 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 80% of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of OceanFirst capital stock, voting together as a single class, willshall be required to alter, amend or repeal any provisions of the bylaws. Section 14A:2-9Under Partners’ bylaws, the Partners board may alter, repeal or adopt new bylaws at any meeting of the NJBCA, Two River’sPartners board. Partners’ bylaws made by the Two River board may also be altered or repealed and new bylaws made, bymay be adopted at any annual meeting of the Two River shareholders.stockholders, or at any special meeting called for that purpose. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all classes of shares entitled to vote in the election of directors shall be required to amend, repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with certain provisions of the bylaws applicable to the function, number and qualification, election and tenure, removal, and vacancy of a director.

OCEANFIRSTPARTNERS
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 willshall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the sole and exclusive forum for any (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 OceanFirst 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 DGCL 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; provided, however,Delaware.Partners’ bylaws provide that, unless Partners expressly consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, or in the event that court lacks jurisdiction to hear such action, the Circuit Court of Chancerythe County of the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction over any such action or proceeding,Wicomico, Maryland, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for suchany (i) derivative action or proceeding will be another court of the State of Delaware, or if no court of the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware, in each such case, unless the Court of Chancery (or such other state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, as applicable) has dismissed a prior action by the same plaintiff asserting the same claims because such court lacked personal jurisdiction over an indispensable party named as a defendant therein.Two River’s organizational documents do not contain a forum selection clause.

OCEANFIRSTTWO RIVER BANCORP

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the forum selection bylaw discussed above will apply to derivative actions or proceedings brought on behalf of OceanFirst and arising under the Securities ActPartners, (ii) action asserting a claim of breach of a legal duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee or agent of the Partners to the Partners or the Exchange Act, although OceanFirstPartners’ stockholders, cannot waive compliance with(iii) action asserting a claim against the federal securities laws andPartners or any director or officer or other employee of the rules and regulations thereunder. There is uncertainty asPartners arising pursuant to whetherany provision of the Code of Maryland or Partners’ organizational documents or (iv) action asserting a court would enforce such provision in connection withclaim against the Partners or any such derivative actioncurrent or proceeding arising underformer director or officer or other employee or agent of the Securities Act orcorporation governed by the Exchange Act, and it is possible that a court could find the forum selection bylaw to be inapplicable or unenforceable in such a case.

internal affairs doctrine.

OceanFirst’s bylaws also provide that OceanFirst is entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, to enforce such forum selection bylaw.

provisions regarding forum.
 

COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS

OceanFirst common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “OCFC”.“OCFC.” As of [●], 2019,2022 the last date prior to printing this proxy statement/prospectus for which it was practicable to obtain this information for OceanFirst, there were approximately [●] registered holders of OceanFirst common stock.

Two River commonDepository shares representing a fractional interest of OceanFirst series A preferred stock isare currently listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “TRCB”.“OCFCP.” As of [●], 2019,2022 the last date prior to printing this proxy statement/prospectus for which it was practicable to obtain this information for Two River,OceanFirst, there were approximately [●] registered holders of Two RiverOceanFirst series A preferred stock.

Partners common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “PTRS”. As of [●], 2022 the last date prior to printing this proxy statement/prospectus for which it was practicable to obtain this information for Partners, there were approximately [●] registered holders of Partners common stock.

Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders are advised to obtain current market quotations for OceanFirst common stock and Two RiverPartners common stock. The market priceprices of OceanFirst common stock and Two RiverPartners common stock will fluctuate between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the date of the special meeting and the date of completion of the Transactions.mergers. No assurance can be given concerning the market price of (i) OceanFirst common stock or Two River common stock before or after the closingcompletion of the Transactions.mergers or (ii) Partners common stock before the effective time of the first-step merger or, if the mergers are not consummated, the abandonment of the mergers. Changes in the market price of OceanFirst common stock prior to the completion of the Transactionsmergers will affect the market value of the mergerstock consideration that Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders will be entitled to elect to receive upon completion of the Transactions.mergers.

Dividends

OceanFirst currently pays a quarterly cash dividend of (i) $0.17 per share which is expected to continue, althoughon each share of OceanFirst common and (ii) $0.4375 per depositary share, representing a 1/40th interest in the OceanFirst series A preferred stock. The OceanFirst 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.

Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, prior to the effective time, Two RiverPartners may declare and pay regular quarterly cash dividends at a rate not in excess of $0.07$0.025 per share consistent with past practice. Additionally, OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners will coordinate with each other regarding the declaration of any dividends in respect of OceanFirst common stock or Two RiverPartners common stock and the record dates and payment dates relating thereto, such that the holders of Two River common stockPartners stockholders will not receive two dividends, or fail to receive one dividend, in respect of any quarter with respect to their shares of Two RiverPartners common stock and any shares of OceanFirst common stock any such holder receives in exchange therefor in the first-step merger.

For more information regarding OceanFirst’s and Two River’sPartners’ dividend policies, see the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “The TransactionsMergers — Dividend Policy” beginning on page [●].

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND

MANAGEMENT OF TWO RIVERPARTNERS

The following table sets forth, information concerning the beneficial ownership of Two River’s common stock as of the record date, certain information as to the shares of common stock of Partners beneficially owned by each director of Two River’sPartners, by each executive officer of Partners, and by all directors and executive officers includingof Partners as a group. A person may be considered to beneficially own any options exercisable by such party within 60 days aftershares over which the record date.person has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investment power. Unless otherwise specified, all personsindicated, none of the shares listed below have sole voting and investment power with respectare pledged as collateral for a loan. Other than as set forth in the following table, Partners is not aware of any other person who owns or may be deemed to theirbeneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Two River common stock.stock of Partners.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
  Percentage of
Shares of Two

River common
stock Outstanding
on Record Date (1)
 

James M. Bollerman

   41,031(2)   * 

Charles F. Butrico, Jr.

   22,030(3)   * 

Robert E. Gregory

   187,041(4)   2.15

Robert B. Grossman, MD

   157,551(5)   1.81

William F. LaMorte

   110,771(6)   1.27

Joseph F.X. O’Sullivan

   110,064(7)   1.27

John J. Perri, Jr., CPA

   111,802(8)   1.29

Andrew A. Vitale, CPA

   29,641(9)   * 

Robin Zager

   119,550(10)   1.37

William D. Moss

   161,735(11)   1.86

Alan B. Turner

   80,846(12)   * 

A. Richard Abrahamian

   54,778(13)   * 

Anthony A. Mero

   24,326(14)   * 

All Directors and Executive Officers (13 persons)

   1,211,980(15)   13.87

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Number
of Shares
of Common
Stock
  Shares
Subject to
Exercisable
Options
   Total
Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
   Percent
of
Class(1)
 

Directors

       

Mona D. Albertine

   52,140(2)   4,638    56,778    *

John W. Breda

   29,946   —      29,946    *

Michael W. Clarke

   203,112   —      203,112    1.13

Mark L. Granger

   30,797(3)   —      30,797    *

Lloyd B. Harrison, III

   199,170(4)   —      199,170    1.11

Kenneth R. Lehman

   7,386,431(5)   —      7,386,431    41.19

Steven R. Mote

   29,936   —      29,936    *

George P. Snead

   19,523   4,638    24,161    *

James A. Tamburro

   20,616(6)   1,028    21,644    *

Jeffrey F. Turner

   59,682(7)   —      59,682    *

Robert C. Wheatley

   15,122   —      15,122    *

Executive Officers Who are Not Directors

       

J. Adam Sothen

   —     25,768    25,768    *

Betsy J. Eicher

   —     —      —      —  

All Directors and Current Executive Officers as a Group (13 persons)

   8,046,475   36,072    8,082,547    45.07

 

*

RepresentsPercentage of ownership is less than 1%one percent of the outstanding Two River common stock.shares.

(1)

Percentages with respect to each person or group of persons have been calculatedEach percentage is based on the basis of [●] outstanding shares of Two River common stock the number of shares of Two River common stockissued and outstanding and entitled to vote as ofon [●], 2019, plus the number of shares of Two River common stock which such person or group of persons has the right to acquire within 60 days of [●], 2019 by the exercise of stock options.2022.

(2)

Includes: 27,163Amount includes 46,383 shares of Two River common stock held by a retirement plan ofover which Mr. Bollerman is the primary beneficiary; 2,001Ms. Albertine shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan;voting and 5,408 options to purchase shares of Two River common stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan.investment power with her spouse.

(3)

Includes: 2,001Amount includes 12,047 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan;over which Mr. Granger holds direct voting and 14,200investment power and 18,750 shares of Two River common stock held by a retirement plan ofhis mother over which Mr. Butrico is the primary beneficiary.Granger shares voting and investment power.

(4)

Includes: 750Amount includes 80,117 shares of Two River common stockover which Mr. Harrison shares voting and investment power with his spouse and 34,358 shares held solely byin Mr. Gregory’s spouse, 2,001 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan; and options to purchase 5,408 shares of Two River common stock granted under the Two River equity plan.Harrison’s spouse’s IRA account, for which account Mr. Harrison disclaims beneficial ownership.

(5)

Includes: 6,165All of these shares of Two River common stock that are pledged as collateral for a loan.

(6)

Amount includes 700 shares held by Mr. Tamburro’s spouse over which Mr. Tamburro shares voting and investment power with his spouse, 2,683 shares held jointly over which Mr. Tamburro shares voting and investment power with Dr. Grossman’shis spouse, 18,712566 shares of Two River common stockheld in Mr. Tamburro’s spouse’s IRA account over which account Mr. Tamburro shares voting and investment power with his spouse, 488 shares held by a retirement plan ofMr. Tamburro’s spouse as custodian for their children over which Dr. Grossman is the primary beneficiary, 37,248Mr. Tamburro shares of Two River common stock owned solelyvoting and investment power with his spouse, 70 shares held by Dr. Grossman’sMr. Tamburro’s spouse 1,202 shares of Two River common stock held in trust for minorstheir children over which Mr. Tamburro shares voting and investment power with his spouse, and 72 shares held by Mr. Tamburro as custodian for their child over which Dr. Grossman hasMr. Tamburro shares voting control; 2,001 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan; and options to purchase 3,244 shares of Two River common stock granted under the Two River equity plan.investment power with his spouse.

(6)(7)

Includes: 1,936Amount includes 29,002 shares of Two River common stock held solely by Mr. LaMorte’s spouse, 75,577 shares of Two River common stock owned by Ridge Investments, ofover which Mr. LaMorte is a principal, 1,000Turner shares of Two River common stock owned by Ronstan Profit Sharing, of which Mr. LaMorte is a principal; 2,001voting and investment power with his spouse and 6,012 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan; and options to purchase 5,408 shares of Two River common stock granted under the Two River equity plan.

(7)

Includes: 1,764 shares of Two River common stock held in the names of Mr. O’Sullivan’s children, for which Mr. O’Sullivan is deemed to have beneficial ownership; 12,754 shares of Two River common stock held by a retirement plan of which Mr. O’Sullivan is the primary beneficiary; and 2,001 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan.

(8)

Includes: 2,001 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan; and options to purchase 5,408 shares of Two River common stock granted under the Two River equity plan.

(9)

Includes: 6,250 shares of Two River common stock held by a retirement plan of which Mr. Vitale is the primary beneficiary; and 2,001 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan.

(10)

Includes: 6,518 shares of Two River common stock held solely by Ms. Zager’s spouse; 2,001 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan; and options to purchase 5,408 shares of Two River common stock granted under the Two River equity plan.

(11)

Includes: 5,882 shares of Two River common stock held solely by Mr. Moss’s spouse; 9,940 shares of Two River common stock held by a retirement plan of which Mr. Moss is the primary beneficiary; and 12,229 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan.

(12)

Includes: 1,735 shares of Two River common stock held by a retirement planJFT LLC, of which Mr. Turner is the primary beneficiary;sole member and 7,666 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan.owner.

(13)

Includes: 7,696 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan; and 3,255 options to purchase shares of Two River common stock granted under the Two River equity plan.

(14)

Includes: 5,812 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan; and 7,350 options to purchase shares of Two River common stock granted under the Two River equity plan.

(15)

Includes: 51,412 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Two River equity plan; and 40,889 options to purchase shares of Two River common stock granted under the Two River equity plan.

Principal Shareholders

As of the record date, no person owns of record, or is known by the Two River board to be the beneficial owner of, more than five percent of the outstanding shares of Two River common stock.

OceanFirst’s Directors and Officers

For information regarding the (a) directors and executive officers of OceanFirst and (b) beneficial ownership of OceanFirst common stock by OceanFirst directors and executive officers and by persons known by OceanFirst to beneficially own more than five percent of the outstanding shares of OceanFirst common stock, please refer to OceanFirst’s proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 26, 2019, the relevant portions of which are incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference through OceanFirst’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

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 Two RiverPartners by Stevens & Lee, P.C. (Reading, Pennsylvania)Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP (Richmond, Virginia).

EXPERTS

OceanFirst

The consolidated financial statements of OceanFirst Financial Corp. and subsidiaries (which we refer to in this section as the Company) as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018,2020, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20182020 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statementthis proxy statement/prospectus 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.

The audit report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, expresses an opinion that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 because of the effect of a material weakness on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria and contains an explanatory paragraph that states:

The Company did not have effective information technology general controls (ITGCs) related to user access over the core banking IT system used for financial reporting. As a result of improper risk assessment in deploying control activities around access policy, access to the core banking IT system was granted by IT personnel to retail and back office personnel that was not commensurate with assigned job responsibilities, and therefore created segregation of duties conflicts.

The Company also did not have effective monitoring controls that were designed to address the completeness and accuracy of daily reports generated by the core banking IT system that included data fields subject to these access deficiencies.

As a result, certain of the Company’s manual process level controls related to the loan and deposit account balances that are dependent upon the completeness and accuracy of data derived from the core banking IT systems were ineffective because they could have been adversely impacted by the ineffective ITGCs and monitoring controls.

The material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2018 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report on those consolidated financial statements.

Two RiverPartners

The consolidated financial statements of Partners and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2020, and for the year then ended, and for Virginia Partners Bank and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20182019, and 2017the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period endedfrom November 16, 2019 to December 31, 2018 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 incorporated2019, were audited by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of BDO USA, LLP,Yount Hyde & Barbour, P.C., an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference,and such consolidated financial statements have been included in this proxy statement/prospectus in reliance upon the reports of such firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditingaccounting and accounting.auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Delmar Bancorp and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and for the years then ended, were audited by TGM Group, LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, and such consolidated financial statements have been included in this proxy statement/prospectus in reliance upon the reports of such firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Two RiverPartners

Two River heldIf the integrated mergers are completed, Partners will merge into OceanFirst, and there will be no future meetings of Partners stockholders. If the integrated mergers are not completed or Partners is otherwise required to do so under applicable law, Partners will hold its 20192022 annual meeting of shareholders on May 16, 2019stockholders, and began mailing itsit will notify stockholders of the date, time and place of that meeting as soon as practicable. In order for a stockholder proposal to be considered for possible inclusion in the proxy statement for such meeting on or about April 5, 2019. Two River will not hold a 2020Partners 2022 annual meeting of Two River shareholders if the first-step merger is completed. However, if the first-step merger is not completed for any reason, Two River will hold an annual meeting of its shareholders in 2020.

stockholders, it must comply with SEC Rule 14a-8 and have been received by Partners on or before December 8, 2021. To be considered for inclusion inpresentation at the Two River sponsored proxy materials for Two River’s 20202022 annual meeting of shareholders, proposals by Two River shareholdersstockholders, although not included in Partners’ proxy statement, notice of such proposal (including nominations of directors) must comply with Rule14a-8 under the Exchange Act. In order to comply with Rule14a-8, among other requirements, any such proposalPartners’ bylaws and must be received in writing by Two River’s Corporate Secretary at 766 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07724 no later than December 7, 2019. If Two River changes the date of its 2020 annual meeting to a date more than 30 days from the anniversary of the date of its 2019 annual meeting, then the deadline for submission of Two River shareholder proposals will be changed to a reasonable time before Two River begins to print and mail its proxy materials, in which case, Two River will include such date under Part II, Item 5 of the first quarterly report on Form10-Q Two River files with the SEC after the date change, or will notify its shareholders by another reasonable method. Any Two River shareholder proposals will be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted by the SEC.

Under Two River’s bylaws, Two River shareholder proposals and shareholder nominations for directors that are not included in Two River’s proxy materials for the 2020 annual meeting of Two River shareholders, if any, will only be considered at such annual meeting if a Two River shareholder’s proposal or nomination is in writing and received by Two River at the above address not less than 90 nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of Two River’s 2019 annual meeting of Two River shareholders (i.e.,Partners no earlier than the close of business on January 17, 202019, 2022 and no later than the close of business on February 16, 2020). However, Two River’s bylaws further provide that in18, 2022. All stockholder proposals should be sent to the eventattention of Partners’ Corporate Secretary, Ms. Betsy J. Eicher, at 2245 Northwood Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21801. The proxy solicited by the datePartners board of directors for the 20202022 annual meeting of Two River shareholders is changedstockholders will confer discretionary authority to vote on any stockholder proposal presented at the meeting if Partners has not received notice of such proposal by more than 30 days from such anniversary date, written submissions may be given at any time priorthis deadline, in writing delivered to the later of: (i) the 19th day prior to the annual meeting date; or (ii) the 10th day following the date that the annual meeting date is first publicly disclosed. In addition, shareholder proposals and shareholder nominations for directors must meet other applicable criteria as set forth in Two River’s bylaws in order to be considered at next year’s annual meeting of Two River shareholders.Partners’ Corporate Secretary.

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 proxy statement/prospectus is a part of that registration statement and constitutes the prospectus of OceanFirst in addition to being a proxy statement for Two River shareholders.Partners stockholders. The registration statement, including this proxy statement/prospectus and the attached annexes and exhibits, contains additional relevant information about OceanFirst, including information about OceanFirst’s common stock.

OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners 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 Two River,Partners, 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.oceanfirst.com under the tab “Investor Relations,” and then under the heading “SEC Filings”.Filings.” The reports, proxy statements and other information filed by Two RiverPartners with the SEC are also available at Two River’sPartners’ website at http:https://investor.tworiverbank.com/www.partnersbancorp.com/investor-relations under the tab “SEC Filings”.Filings.” The web addresses of the SEC, OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners are included as inactive textual references only. Except as specifically incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, information on those web sites is not part of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The SEC allows OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners to incorporate by reference information in this proxy statement/prospectus. This means that OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners 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 proxy statement/prospectus, except for any information that is superseded by information that is included directly in this proxy statement/prospectus.

This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners have 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, 20182020 filed onMarch 18, 20191, 2021
Annual Report on Form11-K  FiledYear ended December 31, 2020 filed onJune 21, 20192021
Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q  Quarters endedMarch 31, 2019 and2021, June 30, 20192021 and September  30, 2021, filed on May  6, 2021, August  5, 2021 and November 4, 2021, respectively
Current Reports on Form8-K  Filed onJanuary  16, 201919, 2021,January  25, 201928, 2021,January 31, 2019February  3, 2021,February  26, 2021, April  26, 201920, 2021,April  29, 2021, May  31, 20195, 2021,May  24, 2021, June  7, 201925, 2021,June 27, 2019,July  26, 201920, 2021,July  29, 2021, August  9, 20194, 2021,August  13, 2019September  7, 2021, October  19, 2021, October  28, 2021, October  29, 2021, November  4, 2021 andSeptember 9, 2019November 8, 2021 (other than those portions of the documents deemed to be furnished and not filed)
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A  Filed on April 26, 201920, 2021

OceanFirst SEC Filings

(SEC FileNo. 001-11713)

  Period or Date Filed
The description of OceanFirst common stock set forth in its registration statement on Form8-A, as amended, filed onMay 8, 1996,, including any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating this description.  

 

Two RiverPartners SEC Filings

(SEC FileNo. 000-51889)001-39285)

  Period or Date Filed
Annual Report on Form10-K  Year ended December 31, 20182020 filed onMarch 15, 201930, 2021
Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q  Quarters ended March 31, 2019 and2021, June 30, 2019,2021 and September 30, 2021, filed onMay  9, 201914, 2021 (and amended on August  12, 2021), August  13, 2021 andAugust 7, 2019November 12, 2021, respectively
Current Reports on Form8-K  Filed onJanuary 18, 2019February  12, 2021,January  25, 2019March 2, 2021,April  18, 201930, 2021,May 17, 201920, 2021,June 3, 2019July  28, 2021,August  9, 20192, 2021, and August 13, 2019 andAugust  13, 2019November 4, 2021 (other than those portions of the documents deemed to be furnished and not filed)
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A  FiledMarch 22, 2019 on April 7, 2021

The description of Two RiverPartners common stock set

forth in its registration statementExhibit 4.2 to Partners’ Annual Report on FormS-4,10-K as amended, filed onNovember 10, 2005,for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020,

including any amendment or report filed with the

SEC for the purpose of updating this descriptiondescription.

  

In addition, OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners 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 proxy statement/prospectus and the date of the special meeting, provided that OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners 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 proxy statement/prospectus relating to OceanFirst, and Two RiverPartners has supplied all information contained herein or relating to Two River.Partners.

Documents incorporated by reference are available from OceanFirst and Two RiverPartners without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this proxy statement/prospectus. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from OceanFirst or Two RiverPartners at the following address and phone number:

 

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

110 West Front Street

Red Bank, New Jersey 07701

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (732)240-4500

  

Two RiverPartners Bancorp

766 Shrewsbury Avenue2245 Northwood Drive

Tinton Falls, NY 07724Salisbury, Maryland 21801

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (732)(410) 389-8722548-1100

Two River shareholdersPartners stockholders requesting documents must do so by [], 2019 to receive them before the special meeting. You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request. If you request any incorporated documents from OceanFirst or Two River,Partners, then OceanFirst or Two River,Partners, as applicable, 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 Two RiverPartners has authorized anyone to give any information or make any representation about the Transactionsmergers or the companies that is different from, or in addition to, that contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or in any of the materials that have been incorporated in this 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 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 proxy statement/prospectus does not extend to you. The information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus speaks only as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies.

ANNEXAnnex A

EXECUTION VERSION

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

by and among

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.,

HAMMERHEADCOASTAL MERGER SUB CORP.

and

TWO RIVERPARTNERS BANCORP

 

 

Dated as of August 9, 2019

November 4, 2021

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   Page 
Article I  
THE INTEGRATED MERGERS  

1.1

 

The Integrated Mergers; Effective Time

   A-2 

1.2

 

Closing

   A-2 

1.3

 

Effects of the Integrated Mergers

   A-2 

1.4

 

Effects of First-Step Merger on Merger Sub Common Stock

   A-2 

1.5

 

Conversion of Company Common Stock in First-Step Merger

   A-3A-2 

1.6

 

Effects of Second-Step Merger on Parent and Company Common Stock

A-3

1.7

Treatment of Company Equity Awards   A-4 

1.8

1.7
 Certificate

Treatment of Incorporation of the Surviving CorporationCompany Equity Awards

   A-4 
1.8

1.9Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation

  A-4
1.9

Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation

   A-5 

1.10

 

Directors; Officers

   A-5 

1.11

 

Tax Consequences

   A-5 

1.12

 

Bank MergerMergers

   A-5 
Article II  
EXCHANGE OF SHARES  

2.1

 Parent to Make Merger Consideration Available

Proration

   A-5 

2.2

 Exchange of Shares

Election Procedures

   A-6 

2.3

 Tax Withholdings

Parent to Make Merger Consideration Available

   A-7 
2.4

Exchange of Shares

A-7
2.5

Tax Withholdings

A-9
Article III  
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY  

3.1

 

Corporate Organization

A-8

3.2

CapitalizationA-9

3.3

Authority; No Violation   A-10 

3.4

3.2
 Consents and Approvals

Capitalization

   A-11 

3.5

3.3
 ReportsA-11

3.6Authority; No Violation

Financial Statements   A-12 

3.7

3.4
 Broker’s Fees

Consents and Approvals

   A-13 

3.8

3.5
 Absence of Certain Changes or EventsA-13

3.9Reports

Legal ProceedingsA-13

3.10

Taxes and Tax Returns   A-14 
3.6

3.11Financial Statements

  EmployeesA-14
3.7

Broker’s Fees

   A-15 

3.12

3.8
 SEC Reports

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

   A-18A-15 

3.13

3.9
 Compliance with Applicable Law

Legal Proceedings

   A-18A-16 

3.14

3.10
 Certain Contracts

Taxes and Tax Returns

   A-19A-16 
3.11

3.15Employees

  Agreements with Governmental EntitiesA-17
3.12

SEC Reports

   A-20 

3.16

3.13
 Risk Management Instruments

Compliance with Law

   A-20 

3.17

3.14
 Environmental Matters

Certain Contracts

   A-21 

3.18

3.15
 Investment Securities and CommoditiesA-21

3.19Agreements with Governmental Entities

Real PropertyA-21

3.20

Intellectual Property; Company Systems   A-22 
3.16

3.21Risk Management Instruments

  Related Party TransactionsA-22
3.17

Environmental Matters

   A-23 
3.18

Investment Securities and Commodities

A-23
3.19

Real Property

A-23
3.20

Intellectual Property

A-24
3.21

Related Party Transactions

A-25

 

A-ii


   Page 

3.22

 

Takeover Statute

   A-23A-26 

3.23

 

Reorganization

   A-24A-26 

3.24

 

Opinion

   A-24A-26 

3.25

 

Company Information

   A-24A-26 

3.26

 

Loan Portfolio

   A-24A-26 

3.27

 

Insurance

   A-25A-27 

3.28

 

No Dissenter’s or Appraisal Rights

   A-25A-27 

3.29

 

No Other Representations or Warranties

   A-25A-27 
Article IV

Article IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT
  
4.1 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIESCorporate Organization

A-28
4.2

Capitalization

A-29
4.3

Authority; No Violation

A-29
4.4

Consents and Approvals

A-30
4.5

Reports

A-31
4.6

Financial Statements

A-31
4.7

Broker’s Fees

A-32
4.8

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

A-32
4.9

Legal Proceedings

A-32
4.10

SEC Reports

A-32
4.11

Compliance with Law

A-33
4.12

Agreements with Governmental Entities

A-33
4.13

Reorganization

A-34
4.14

Parent Information

A-34
4.15

Parent Systems.

A-34
4.16

Taxes and Tax Returns

A-35
4.17

Employees

A-35
4.18

Risk Management Instruments

A-36
4.19

No Other Representations or Warranties

A-36
Article V
COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF PARENT

BUSINESS
  

4.1

5.1
 Corporate Organization

Conduct of Business of the Company Prior to the Effective Time

   A-26A-37 

4.2

5.2
 Capitalization

Company Forbearances

   A-27A-37 

4.3

5.3
 Authority; No Violation

Parent Forbearances

   A-27A-40 

4.4

5.4
 Consents and Approvals

Tax-free Reorganization

   A-28A-40 

4.5

Article VI  ReportsA-29

4.6

Financial StatementsA-29

4.7

Broker’s FeesA-30

4.8

Absence of Certain Changes or EventsA-30

4.9

Legal ProceedingsA-30

4.10

SEC ReportsA-30

4.11

Compliance with Applicable LawA-31

4.12

Agreements with Governmental EntitiesA-32

4.13

ReorganizationA-32

4.14

Parent InformationA-32

4.15

Parent SystemsA-32

4.16

Taxes and Tax ReturnsA-33

4.17

EmployeesA-33

4.18

Risk Management InstrumentsA-34

4.19

No Other Representations or WarrantiesA-34

Article V

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
  
6.1 

COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

5.1

Conduct of Business of the Company Prior to the Effective TimeA-35

5.2

Company ForbearancesA-35

5.3

Parent ForbearancesA-38

5.4

Tax-free ReorganizationA-39

Article VI

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

6.1

SEC Filings; Regulatory MattersA-39

6.2

Access to Information; Confidentiality   A-40 

6.3

6.2
 Company Shareholders’ Approval

Access to Information; Confidentiality

   A-41 

6.4

6.3
 Legal Conditions to Merger

Company Stockholders’ Approval

   A-42 

6.5

6.4
 Stock Exchange Listing

Legal Conditions to Merger

   A-42A-43
6.5

Stock Exchange Listing

A-44
6.6

Employee Matters

A-44
6.7

Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

A-46
6.8

Additional Agreements

A-47
6.9

Advice of Changes

A-47
6.10

Litigation and Claims

A-47 

 

A-iiii


   Page 

6.6

6.11
 Employee MattersA-42

6.7Dividends

Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ InsuranceA-44

6.8

Additional AgreementsA-45

6.9

Advice of ChangesA-45

6.10

Litigation and ClaimsA-45

6.11

DividendsA-45

6.12

Corporate GovernanceA-45

6.13

Acquisition ProposalsA-46

6.14

Board of Directors and Committee Meetings   A-47 

6.15

6.12
 Public Announcements

Corporate Governance

   A-47 

6.16

6.13
 Operating Functions

Acquisition Proposals

   A-48 

6.17

6.14
 Restructuring EffortsA-48

6.18

Takeover StatutesA-48

6.19

AssumptionBoard of Company DebtA-48

6.20Directors and Committee Meetings

CybersecurityA-48

6.21

Exemption from Liability Under Section 16(b)   A-49 

6.22

6.15
 Shareholder Rights Plan

Public Announcements

   A-49 
6.16

Operating Functions

A-50
6.17

Restructuring Efforts

A-50
6.18

Takeover Statutes

A-50
6.19

Company Debt

A-50
6.20

Cybersecurity

A-50
6.21

Exemption from Liability Under Section 16(b)

A-51
Article VII

Article VII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
  
7.1 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENTConditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Integrated Mergers

A-51
7.2

Conditions to Obligations of Parent

A-52
7.3

Conditions to Obligations of the Company

A-52
Article VIII
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT  

7.1

8.1
 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation To Effect the Integrated Mergers

Termination

   A-49A-53 

7.2

8.2
 Conditions to Obligations

Effect of ParentTermination

   A-50A-54 

7.3

Article IX  Conditions to Obligations of the CompanyA-50

Article VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS
  
9.1 

TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

8.1

TerminationA-51

8.2

EffectNonsurvival of TerminationA-53

8.3Representations, Warranties and Agreements

AmendmentA-54

8.4

Extension; Waiver   A-55 
9.2 

Article IXExpenses

GENERAL PROVISIONS

9.1

Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements   A-55 

9.2

9.3
 Expenses

Notices

   A-55 

9.3

9.4
 NoticesA-55

9.4Interpretation

Interpretation   A-56 

9.5

 

Counterparts

A-56

9.6

Entire Agreement   A-57 

9.7

9.6
 Governing Law; Jurisdiction

Entire Agreement

   A-57 

9.8

9.7
 

Amendment; Waiver of Jury Trial

   A-57 

9.9

9.8
 Assignment; Third Party BeneficiariesA-57

9.10Governing Law; Jurisdiction

Remedies; Specific Performance   A-58 

9.11

9.9
 Severability

Waiver of Jury Trial

   A-58 

9.12

9.10
 Delivery by Facsimile or Electronic Transmission

Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries

   A-58 
9.11

Remedies; Specific Performance

A-59
9.12

Severability

A-59

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A – TBOD Bank Merger Agreement
Exhibit B – VPB Bank Merger Agreement
Exhibit C – Form of Support Agreement
Exhibit D – First-Step Merger Surviving Corporation Certificate

 

A-iiiiii


EXHIBITS

Exhibit A – Bank Merger Agreement

Exhibit B – Form of Support Agreement

Exhibit C – Amendment Agreements

Exhibit D – First-Step Merger Surviving Corporation Certificate

A-iv


INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

 

   Page 

Acquisition Proposal

   A-46A-49 

affiliate

   A-56 

Agreement

   A-1 

Bank Merger Agreements

   A-1 

Bank Merger Agreement

A-1

Bank Merger CertificateCertificates

   A-5 

BCABank Mergers

   A-2A-1 

BHC Act

   A-8

Boenning

A-13A-10 

business day

   A-56 

CARES Act

A-10

Cash Consideration

A-3

Cash Conversion Number

A-5

Cash Election

A-3

Cash Election Number

A-6

Cash Election Shares

   A-3 

Chosen Courts

   A-57A-58 

Closing

   A-2 

Closing Date

   A-2 

Code

   A-1 

Company

   A-1 

Company Adverse Recommendation Change

   A-41

Company Bank

A-1A-43 

Company Benefit Plans

   A-15A-17 

Company Bylaws

   A-9A-11 

Company Certificate

   A-4 

Company Common Stock

   A-3A-2 

Company Contract

   A-20A-22 

Company Disclosure Schedule

   A-8A-9 

Company Equity PlanPlans

   A-4 

Company ERISA Affiliate

   A-15A-17 

Company Indemnified Parties

   A-44A-46 

Company Insiders

   A-49A-51 

Company Meeting

   A-41A-42

Company PTO Policies

A-45 

Company Qualified Plans

   A-16A-18 

Company Recommendation

   A-41A-42 

Company Regulatory Agreement

   A-20A-22 

Company Reports

   A-18A-20 

Company Restricted Stock Award

   A-4

Company Series A Preferred Stock

A-11

Company Series B Preferred Stock

A-11 

Company Stock Option

   A-4 

Company Subsidiary

   A-9A-11 

Company Systems

   A-23A-25 

Confidentiality Agreement

   A-40A-42 

Continuing Employees

   A-42A-44 

Country Bank AgreementCOVID-19 Measures

   A-56A-10

DE Bank Commissioner

A-13 

Delaware Secretary

   A-2 

Derivative Contract

   A-20A-22 

iv


Determination Date

   A-53Page 

DGCL

   A-2 

DIF

A-11

DOL

   A-15A-17 

Effective Time

   A-2 

Election

A-6

Election Deadline

A-7

Election Period

A-6

Enforceability Exceptions

   A-10A-12 

Environmental Laws

   A-21A-23 

ERISA

   A-15

A-v


PageA-17 

Exception Shares

   A-3 

Exchange Act

   A-11A-13 

Exchange Agent

   A-5A-7 

Exchange Fund

   A-6A-7 

Exchange Ratio

   A-3 

FDIC

   A-9A-11 

Federal Reserve Board

   A-8A-10 

FHLBFinancial Statements

   A-9

Final Index Price

A-53A-31 

First-Step Merger

   A-1 

First-Step Merger Certificate

   A-2 

First-Step Merger Surviving Corporation Certificate

   A-5 

Form of Election

A-6

GAAP

   A-8A-10 

Governmental Entity

   A-11A-13 

IndexHolder

   A-53

Index Ratio

A-53

Initial Index Price

A-53

Initial Parent Market Value

A-53A-6 

Integrated Mergers

   A-1 

Intellectual Property

   A-22A-24 

IRS

   A-15

Joint Proxy Statement

A-11A-17 

knowledge of Parent

   A-56 

knowledge of the Company

   A-56 

Laws

   A-18A-20 

Leased Real Property

   A-22A-24 

Liens

   A-10A-12 

Loan Participation

   A-24A-26 

Loans

   A-24A-26 

made available

   A-56A-57

Maryland Department

A-2 

Material Adverse Effect

   A-8A-10 

Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition

   A-39A-41

MD OCFR

A-13 

Merger Consideration

   A-3 

Merger Sub

   A-1 

Merger Sub Bylaws

   A-5 

Merger Sub Certificate

   A-5A-4

MGCL

A-2 

Multiemployer Plan

   A-16A-18 

Multiple Employer Plan

   A-16A-18 

NASDAQ

   A-4A-3 

New Certificates

   A-3 

New Jersey Department of Treasury

A-2

New Member

   A-45A-47 

New Plans

   A-42A-45

v


Page

Non-Election Shares

A-3 

OCC

   A-11A-13 

Old Certificate

   A-3 

ordinary course of business

   A-56 

Owned Real Property

   A-21A-23 

Parent

   A-1 

Parent Bank

   A-1 

Parent Benefit Plans

A-33

Parent Bylaws

   A-5

A-vi


Page 

Parent Certificate

   A-5 

Parent Common Stock

   A-3 

Parent Disclosure Schedule

   A-26A-28 

Parent Equity Awards

   A-27A-29 

Parent ERISA AffiliatePTO Policy

   A-34

Parent Market Value

A-53

Parent Qualified Plans

A-33A-45 

Parent Regulatory Agreement

   A-32A-34 

Parent Reports

   A-31A-32 

Parent Restricted Stock Awards

   A-27A-29

Parent Share Closing Price

A-3 

Parent Subsidiary

   A-26

Parent Systems

A-32A-28 

party

   A-56 

PBGC

   A-15A-17

Per Share Cash Consideration

A-3 

Permitted Encumbrances

   A-22A-24 

person

   A-56 

Piper Sandler

A-15

Premium Cap

   A-44A-46

Proxy Statement

A-13

PTO

A-45 

Real Estate Leases

   A-22A-24 

Representatives

   A-46A-48 

Requisite Company Vote

   A-10A-12 

Requisite Regulatory Approvals

   A-40A-41 

Restrictive Covenant

   A-17A-19

Riegle-Neal Act

A-13 

S-4

   A-11A-13 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

   A-12A-15 

SEC

   A-11A-13 

Second-Step Merger

   A-1 

Second-Step Merger Certificates

   A-2 

Securities Act

   A-18A-20 

Shareholder Rights PlanShortfall Number

   A-10A-6 

Skadden

   A-2 

Stock Consideration

   A-3 

Stock Election

A-3

Stock Election Shares

A-3

Subsidiary

   A-8A-11 

Superior Proposal

   A-47A-49 

Support Agreements

   A-1 

Surviving Corporation

   A-1 

Systems Consultant

   A-48A-50 

Systems Report

   A-48A-51 

Takeover Statutes

   A-23A-26

vi


Page 

Tax

   A-15A-17 

Tax Return

   A-15A-17 

Taxes

   A-15A-17

TBOD

A-1

TBOD Bank Merger

A-1

TBOD Bank Merger Agreement

A-1 

Terminated PlanPlans

   A-43A-45 

Termination Date

   A-52A-53 

Termination Fee

   A-54A-55 

the date hereof

   A-56 

VWAPVA BFI

   A-4A-13

VPB

A-1

VPB Bank Merger

A-1

VPB Bank Merger Agreement

A-1 

 

A-viivii


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of August 9, 2019November 4, 2021 (this “Agreement”), is by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), HammerheadCoastal Merger Sub Corp., a New JerseyMaryland corporation and a direct wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), and Two RiverPartners Bancorp, a New JerseyMaryland corporation (the “Company”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Parent and the Company have determined that it is in the best interests of their respective companies and their respective stockholders and shareholders, respectively, 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 becomes a wholly-owned direct 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, immediately following the consummation of the Integrated Mergers, Two River Community Bank of Delmarva, a New JerseyDelaware charterednon-member member bank and a wholly-owned direct Subsidiary of the Company (“Company BankTBOD”), will merge (the “TBOD Bank Merger”) with and into OceanFirst Bank National Association,N.A., a national banking association and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Parent Bank”), so that Parent Bank is the surviving entity in the TBOD Bank Merger and is a wholly-owned direct Subsidiary of Parent, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof, by and between CompanyParent Bank and Parent Bank,TBOD, and attached hereto asExhibit A (the “TBOD Bank Merger Agreement”);

WHEREAS, immediately following the consummation of the TBOD Bank Merger, Virginia Partners Bank, a Virginia chartered member bank and a wholly-owned direct Subsidiary of the Company (“VPB”), will merge (the “VPB Bank Merger”, and together with the TBOD Bank Merger, the “Bank Mergers”) with and into Parent Bank, so that Parent Bank is the surviving entity in the VPB Bank Merger and is a wholly-owned direct Subsidiary of Parent, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof, by and between Parent Bank and VPB, and attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “VPB Bank Merger Agreement” and together with the TBOD Bank Merger Agreement, the “Bank Merger Agreements”);

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 shareholdersall of the directors of the Company have simultaneously herewith entered into separate Voting and Support Agreements with Parent, substantially in the form attached hereto asExhibit BC (collectively, the “Support Agreements”) in connection with the First-Step Merger;

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, certain officers of the Company and Company Bank have entered into amendments to their employment and change in control agreements with the Company and Company Bank, in the forms attached hereto asExhibit C,Parent, which amendments will be assumed by Parent and the Parent Bankagreements shall become effective as of the Effective Time;Time of the First-Step Merger; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the Integrated Mergers and also to prescribe certain conditions precedent to the consummation of 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

1.1 The Integrated Mergers; Effective Time.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,herein, in accordance with the New Jersey BusinessMaryland General Corporation ActLaw (the “BCAMGCL”), 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.Maryland. 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 certificatearticles of merger regarding the First-Step Merger with the Department of Treasury, division of RevenueAssessments and Enterprise Services,Taxation of the State of New JerseyMaryland (the “New JerseyMaryland Department of Treasury”) in accordance with the BCAMGCL (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,herein, in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and the BCA,MGCL, 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 shall cause to be filed a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Secretary”) and a certificatearticles of merger with the New JerseyMaryland Department, of Treasury, respectively, regarding the Second-Step Merger (together, 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.

1.2 Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,herein, 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 & Flom LLP (“Skadden”), on the last business day of the first month in 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. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to in this Agreement as the “Closing Date.”

1.3 Effects of the Integrated Mergers. At and after the Effective Time, the First-Step Merger shall have the effects set forth in the applicable provisions of the BCA.MGCL. At and after the effective time of the Second-Step Merger, the Second-Step Merger shall have the effects set forth in the applicable provisions of the DGCL and the BCA.MGCL.

1.4 Effects of First-Step Merger on Merger Sub Common Stock. At and after the Effective Time, each share of common stock of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock of the Company.

1.5 Conversion of Company Common Stock in First-Step Merger.

(a) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the First-Step Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub, the Company or the holders of any of the following securities:

(i)(a) Subject toSection 2.2(e)2.4(e), each share of the common stock, no par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, (other

except for shares of Company Common Stock owned by the Company as treasury stock or otherwise owned by the Company or Parent or any Company Restricted Stock Awards (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 contracted) (collectively, the “Exception Shares (as defined below)), shall be converted, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Agreement, into the right to receive the following:following, without interest:

(1)    $5.375(i) For 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 to Section 2.4 (collectively, the “Cash Election Shares”), an amount in cash without interestequal to the Per Share Cash Consideration (the “Cash Consideration”), subject to Section 2.1; and

(2)    0.6663 (the(ii) For 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 to Section 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 shares of Parent Common Stock,) equal to the Exchange Ratio (theStock Consideration); and together with the Cash Consideration, the “Merger Consideration”).

(ii)    Each(iii) For each share of Company Common Stock issued(other than shares as to which a Cash Election or a Stock Election has been effectively made and outstanding immediately priornot revoked pursuant to Section 2.4) (collectively, the Effective Time thatNon-Election Shares”), the right to receive the Cash Consideration or Stock Consideration as is held bydetermined in accordance with Section 2.1(b)(ii)(C).

(b) For purposes hereof, the Company as treasury stock or held byfollowing terms shall have the Company, any Subsidiary offollowing meanings:

(i) The “Exchange Ratio” means 0.4512.

(ii) The “Parent Share Closing Price” means the Company, Parent or any Subsidiaryvolume-weighted average trading price of Parent (all such shares of Company Common Stock but excluding shares of Company Common Stock held in any employee benefit plans or related trust accounts, managed accounts, mutual funds and the like, or otherwise held in any fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted, theon The Nasdaq Global Select Market (theException SharesNASDAQ”) shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and no consideration shall be paid (as reported by The 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 $10.00.

(iv) The “Merger Consideration” means the Cash Consideration and/or provided with respect thereto.Stock Consideration described in Section 1.5(a), as applicable.

(b)(c) Each share 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 canceled and shall cease to exist as of the Effective Time, and each certificate previously representing any such shares of Company Common Stock (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) shall thereafter represent only the right to receive (x) the Merger Consideration in accordance with, and subject to, thisSection 1.5 and the other terms of thisArticle I, (y) cash in lieu of fractional shares that the shares of Company Common Stock represented by such Old Certificate have been converted into the right to receive pursuant to thisSection 1.5 and Section 1.5 andSection 2.2(e)2.4(e), without any interest thereon, and (z) any dividends or distributions that the holder thereof has the right to receive pursuant toSection 2.2(b)2.4(b), in the case of each of the foregoing, subject to all applicable withholding of Tax in accordance withSection 2.32.5.

(c)(d) 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) and the Cash Consideration, as applicable, upon the surrender of such Old Certificates in accordance withSection 2.22.4, without any interest thereon and subject to all applicable withholding of Tax in accordance withSection 2.32.5.

(d)(e) If, prior to the Effective Time, the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock or Company Common Stock shall have been changed into a different number or kind of shares or securities, in any such case

as a result of a recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split or reverse stock split, 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.

1.6 Effects 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) common 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 no consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.

1.7 Treatment of Company Equity Awards.

(a) At the Effective Time, each option granted by the Company to purchase shares of Company Common Stock under the Two Rivereach of Partners Bancorp 2007 Equity2021 Incentive Stock Plan, (theVirginia Partners Bank 2015 Incentive Stock Option Plan, Delmar Bancorp 2014 Stock Plan, Virginia Partners Bank 2008 Incentive Stock Option Plan, Liberty Bell Bank 2004 Incentive Stock Option Plan and Liberty Bell Bank 2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (collectively, theCompany Equity PlanPlans”), or otherwise, whether vested or unvested, that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time (a “Company Stock Option”) shall be canceled and extinguished at the Effective Time and automatically exchanged into the right to receive an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the product of (a)(i) the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such Company Stock Option and (b)multiplied by (ii) the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) the Per Share Cash Consideration andover (B) the product of (x) the Exchange Ratio and (y) volume weighted-average trading price (“VWAP”) of Parent Common Stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (the “NASDAQ”) (as reported byBloomberg L.P.(or, if such information is no longer reported by Bloomberg L.P., as reported by a comparable internationally recognized source mutually determined by Parent and the Company)) for the five (5) full trading days ending on the last trading day preceding the Closing Date over (ii) theper-share exercise price of such Company Stock Option, payable as promptly as practicable following the Effective Time through the payroll of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (in the case of each holder of Company Stock Options who is an employee or former employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) or pursuant toSection 2.1 (in the case of each holder of Company Stock Options who is a director of the Company). The Company or Parent will be entitled to deduct and withhold such amounts as may be required to be deducted and withheld under the Code and anyAffiliates (less applicable state or local Tax laws as allowed under the Company Equity Plan and the applicable grant agreement.

(b)    At the Effective Time, each restricted stock award in respect of shares of Company Common Stock granted under the Company Equity Plan that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (a “Company Restricted Stock Award”) 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 therefor in accordance withSection 1.5 payable through the payroll of Parent or any of its affiliateswithholdings) as promptly as practicable following the Effective Time. The Company or Parent will be entitled to deduct and withhold such amounts as may be required to be deducted and withheld under the Code and any applicable state or local Tax laws as allowed under the Company Equity Plan and the applicable grant agreement.

(c)    As soon(b) At the Effective Time, each share of restricted Company Common Stock granted under the Company Equity Plans or otherwise that is outstanding and unvested as of the date hereof (a “Company Restricted Stock Award”) and that either (i) subsequently became vested in 2021 on an accelerated basis in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, or (ii) is outstanding and unvested immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be canceled and extinguished at the Effective Time and automatically exchanged into the right to receive an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the product of (y) the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Restricted Stock Award multiplied by (z) the Per Share Cash Consideration, payable through the payroll of the Surviving Corporation or its Affiliates (less applicable Tax withholdings) as promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the CompanyEffective Time. The Surviving Corporation or its Affiliates shall adopt resolutions or take other actionsbe entitled to deduct and withhold such amounts as may be required to provide that, immediately prior tobe deducted and effectivewithheld under the Code and any applicable state or local Tax laws as of the Effective Time (but subject to the consummation of the First-Step Merger),allowed under the Company shall terminateEquity Plan and the Community Partners Bancorp Employeeapplicable grant agreement. Company Restricted Stock Purchase Plan (theAwards, together with Company Stock Options, are referred to collectively as theESPPCompany Equity Awards) and, in connection with the termination of the ESPP, provide that all amounts held in the salary deduction accounts of ESPP participants shall be promptly returned to such participants..

(d)(c) 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 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) for purposes of granting new Company Equity Awards, terminate the 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.

1.8 Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Company Certificate”), as in effect immediately

prior to the Effective Time, shall be amended to conform to the Certificate of Incorporation of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Merger Sub Certificate”), except the name of such surviving

corporation set forth therein shall be Two River Bancorp“Partners Bancorp” as set forth in the form attached hereto asExhibit D (the “First-Step Merger Surviving Corporation Certificate”), which shall thereafter be the certificate of incorporation of the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger until thereafter amended in accordance with its terms and applicable Law. At the effective time of the Second-Step Merger, the Certificate of Incorporation of Parent (the “Parent Certificate”), as in effect immediately prior to the effective time of the Second-Step Merger, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with its terms and applicable Law.

1.9 Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the Bylaws of Merger Sub (the “Merger Sub Bylaws”), as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the Bylaws of the Company until thereafter amended in accordance with their terms and applicable Law. At the effective time of the Second-Step Merger, 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.

1.10 Directors; Officers. At and immediately after the Effective Time, the directors and officers of the Company shall consist of the directors and officers of Merger Sub in office immediately prior to the Effective Time 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.

1.11 Tax 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).

1.12 Bank MergerMergers. Immediately following the consummation of the Integrated Mergers, CompanyParent Bank, TBOD and Parent BankVPB will consummate the Bank MergerMergers under which Company Bank(i) TBOD will merge with and into Parent Bank pursuant to the TBOD Bank Merger Agreement and (ii) immediately thereafter, VPB will merge with and into Parent Bank pursuant to the VPB Bank Merger Agreement. Parent Bank shall be the surviving bank in each of the Bank MergerMergers and, following the applicable Bank Merger, the separate corporate existence of Company Bankeach of TBOD and VPB shall cease. The parties agree that theTBOD Bank Merger shall become effective immediately after the effective time of the Second-Step Merger and the VPB Bank Merger shall become effective immediately after the effective time of the TBOD Bank Merger. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall cause Company Bank,each of TBOD and VPB, and Parent shall cause Parent Bank, to execute such certificates of merger and such other documents and certificates as are necessary, required or desirable to make the Bank MergerMergers effective (the “Bank Merger CertificateCertificates”) immediately followingat the effective time oftimes specified in the Second-Step Merger.foregoing sentence.

ARTICLE II

EXCHANGE OF SHARES

2.1Proration.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the maximum number of shares of Company Common Stock to be entitled to receive the Cash Consideration pursuant to Section 1.5(a) shall be equal to the product of (A) 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 in Section 1.5(d)) multiplied by (B) forty percent (40%) (rounded down to the nearest whole number) (the “Cash Conversion Number”).

(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 (A) all Stock Election Shares and Non-Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration and (B) all 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 of (x) the number of Cash Election Shares held by such holder multiplied by (y) a fraction, (I) the numerator of which is the Cash Conversion Number and (II) the denominator of which is the Cash Election Number (with the Exchange Agent to determine, consistent with Section 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 “Shortfall Number”), then (A) all Cash Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration, (B) all Stock Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration and (C) all Non-Election Shares shall be treated in the following manner:

(1) If the Shortfall Number is less than or equal to the number of Non-Election Shares, then all Non-Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration in respect of that number of Non-Election Shares equal to the product of (I) the number of Non-Election Shares held by such holder multiplied by (II) a fraction, (x) the numerator of which is the Shortfall Number and (y) the denominator of which is the total number of Non-Election Shares (with the Exchange Agent to determine, consistent with Section 2.1(a), whether fractions of Non-Election Shares shall be rounded up or down), with the remaining number of such holder’s Non-Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration; or

(2) If the Shortfall Number exceeds the number of Non-Election Shares, then all Non-Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration.

2.2 Election 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 this Section 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 this Section 2.2 (herein called an “Election”) the number of shares of Company Common Stock owned by such Holder with respect to which such Holder desires to make (i) a Stock Election and (ii) 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 shall (i) 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, 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 be Non-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 herein 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 herein, governing the (i) validity of the Forms of Election and compliance by any Holder with the Election procedures set forth herein, (ii) 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 First-Step Merger and (iii) 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.

2.3 Parent 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 (ii) the amount payable pursuant toSection 1.7 to holders of Company Stock Options who are directors of the Company

and (iii)(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 income or losses thereon shall affect the amount of Merger Consideration payable to the holders of Old Certificates. Any interest and other income resulting from such investments shall be solely for the benefit of and paid to Parent.

2.22.4 Exchange 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 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 that such

holder shall have become entitled to receive in accordance with, and subject to,Section 1.5, and any cash in lieu of fractional shares that the shares of Company Common Stock represented by such Old Certificate 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), in the case of each of the foregoing, subject to all applicable withholding of Tax in accordance withSection 2.32.5. From and after the Effective Time, upon proper surrender of an Old Certificate for exchange and cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with such properly completed letter of transmittal duly executed, the holder of such Old Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor, as applicable, (i) a New Certificate representing the Stock Consideration that such holder of Company Common Stock shall have become entitled to receive in accordance with, and subject to,Section 1.5, and (ii) a check representing the amount of any (1) the Cash Consideration that the holder thereof has the right to receive in respect of the surrendered Old Certificate in accordance with, and subject to,Section 1.5, (2) any cash in lieu of fractional shares which such holder has the right to receive in respect of the surrendered Old Certificate pursuant toSection 2.2(e)2.4(e) and (3) 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 so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. No interest will be paid or accrue 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 each Old Certificate is surrendered as contemplated by thisSection 2.22.4, such Old Certificate shall be deemed at all times after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive, upon surrender, the Merger Consideration (together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto and cash in lieu of fractional shares issued in consideration therefor), subject to all applicable withholding of Tax in accordance withSection 2.32.5.

(b) No dividends or other distributions declared with respect to Parent Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to any 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 having a record date after the Effective Time, without any interest thereon, which, following the Effective Time and prior to the time such Old Certificate is so surrendered, had become payable with respect to the Stock Consideration that 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). Any Old Certificate that is submitted to the Exchange Agent with a Form of Election, together with such properly completed letter of transmittal duly executed, that was accepted by the Exchange Agent shall be deemed to have been properly submitted to the Exchange Agent for purposes of this Section 2.4.

(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 surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it shall be a condition of the issuance thereof that the Old Certificate 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 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 canceled and exchanged for the Merger Consideration (together with any dividends or distributions payable with respect thereto in accordance withSection 2.2(b)2.4(b), subject to all applicable withholding of Tax in accordance withSection 2.32.5, and cash in lieu of fractional shares issued in consideration therefor in accordance withSection 2.2(e)2.4(e), 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 stockholder of Parent. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share, Parent shall, following the Effective Time, pay to each former shareholderstockholder 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 VWAP of Parent Common Stock on the NASDAQ (as reported byBloomberg L.P.(or, if such information is no longer reported by Bloomberg L.P., as reported by a comparable internationally recognized source mutually determined by Parent and the Company)) 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 that such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant toSection 1.5.

(f) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the shareholdersstockholders of the Company for one (1) year after the Effective Time shall be paid to Parent. Any former shareholdersstockholders of the Company who have not theretofore complied with thisArticle II shall thereafter look only to Parent for payment of the Merger Consideration (together with any dividends or distributions payable with respect thereto in accordance withSection 2.2(b)2.4(b) and cash in lieu of fractional shares issued in consideration therefor in accordance withSection 2.2(e)2.4(e)) in respect of each former share of Company Common Stock such shareholderstockholder 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) 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 required by the Exchange Agent, the posting by such person of a bond in such amount as the Exchange Agent may reasonably require, the Exchange Agent or Parent, as applicable, will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Old Certificate the Merger Consideration (together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto and any cash in lieu of fractional shares issued in consideration therefor) in respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.

2.32.5 Tax Withholdings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, 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 toSection 2.22.4 or any other amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any person such amounts as it determines 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 Entity, the withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the person in respect of which the deduction and withholding was made by Parent, Merger Sub or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except (a) as disclosed in the disclosure schedule delivered by the Company to Parent concurrently herewith (the “Company Disclosure Schedule”);provided that (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, (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 on the Company and (iii) any disclosures made in the Company Disclosure Schedule with respect to a section of thisArticle III shall be deemed to qualify any other section of thisArticle III (A) specifically referenced or cross-referenced in such disclosure or (B) 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 section of thisArticle III or (b) as disclosed in any Company Reports publicly

filed by the Company since December 31, 2018,2020, 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:

3.1 Corporate Organization.

(a) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey,Maryland, and is a bank holding company duly registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC 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,

(b) For purposes hereof, the termfollowing terms shall have the following meanings:

(i)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), Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include the impacts 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 Governmental Entities, (C) changes, after the date hereof, in global, national or regional political conditions (including the outbreak of war or acts of terrorism)terrorism or other disasters, epidemics or pandemics (including COVID-19), including the material worsening of such conditions threatened or existing as of the date of this Agreement, or in economic or market conditions affecting the financial services industry generally, including changes in prevailing interest rates, and not specifically relating to such party or its Subsidiaries or any COVID-19 Measures, (D) public disclosure of the transactions contemplated hereby or actions expressly required by this Agreement, including its effects on customers, vendors, suppliers and other third parties doing business with such party or its Subsidiaries (provided that the foregoing in this subclause (D) shall not apply to any representations or warranties that, by their terms, address the consequences arising out of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby), or actions or omissions that are taken with the prior written consent of the other party in contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (E) a decline, in and of itself, in the reasonable, customarytrading price of a party’s common stock or the failure, in and documented expenses incurredof itself, to meet earnings projections or other internal financial forecasts, in each case, but not including the underlying causes or contributing factors thereof to the extent such causes or contributing factors are not otherwise excluded by either party in negotiating and complying with the provisions of this Agreement and in documenting, effecting and consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;subclauses (A) through (D); except, with respect tosubclauses (A),(B) or(C), to the extent that the impacts of such change 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

(ii) “COVID-19 Measures” mean any quarantine, “shelter in this Agreement,place,” “stay at home,” workforce reduction, facility capacity limitation, social distancing, shut down, closure, sequester, safety or similar Law, directive, guidelines or recommendations promulgated by any Governmental Entity, including the termCenters for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, in each case, in connection with or in response to COVID-19, including the CARES Act.

(iii) “CARES Act” means the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Pub. L. 116-136) and any administrative or other guidance published with respect thereto by any Governmental

Entity, or any other Law or executive order or executive memo (including the Memorandum on Deferring Payroll Tax Obligations in Light of the Ongoing COVID-19 Disaster, dated August 8, 2020) intended to address the consequences of SARS-CoV-2.

(iv)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 (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 (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.

(b)(c) True, correct and complete copies of the Company Certificate and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Company Bylaws”), including all amendments thereto, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement,hereof, have previously been made available by the Company to Parent.

(c)    Company Bank(d) TBOD is anon-member Delaware state chartered member bank, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey.Delaware. The deposits of Company BankTBOD are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) through the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) 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

(e) VPB is a Virginia state charted member bank duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Federal Home Loan BankState of New York (the “FHLB”)Virginia. The deposits of VPB are insured by the FDIC through the DIF to the fullest extent permitted by Law, all premiums and ownsassessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due and no proceedings for the requisite amounttermination of stock therein.such insurance are pending or threatened.

(d)(f) 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 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, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and (iii) has all requisite company, partnership or corporate (as applicable) 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 Company Subsidiary to pay dividends or distributions except, in the case of a Company Subsidiary that is a regulated entity, for restrictions on dividends or distributions generally applicable to all such regulated entities. Other than Company BankTBOD, VPB and those Subsidiaries set forth inSection 3.1(d)3.1(f) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no Company Subsidiaries.

3.2 Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 25,000,00039,990,549 shares of Company Common Stock, and 6,500,0009,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value,Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A of which nothe Company (“Company Series A Preferred Stock”) and 451 shares of preferred stock are issued or outstanding.Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B of the Company (“Company Series B Preferred Stock”). As of the date of this Agreement,hereof, there are (i) 8,690,61017,883,472 shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding, which number includes (A) 75,077 shares of Company Common Stock outstanding in respect of Company Restricted Stock Awards and (B) all shares of Company Common Stock held in ESPP participant Common Stock accounts, (ii) 360,690no shares of Company Common Stock held in treasury, (iii) 150,610194,233 shares of Company Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the outstanding Company Stock Options, (iv) 156,824 shares of Company Common Stock outstanding in respect of Company Restricted Stock Awards and (iv)no shares of Company Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the settlement of outstanding restricted stock units, (v) no preferred shares of Company Series A Preferred Stock outstanding, (vi) no preferred shares of Company Series B Preferred Stock outstanding and (vii) 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 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 shareholdersstockholders of the Company may vote. Other than the Company Stock Options and the Company Restricted StockEquity Awards, 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. The Company is not a party to, and, to the Company’s knowledge, thereThere are no voting trusts, shareholder agreements, proxies or other agreements in effect with respect to the voting or transfer of Company Common Stock or other equity interests of the Company, other than the Support Agreements.Section 3.2(a)(i) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all the Company Equity Awards issued and outstanding under each Company Equity Plan specifying, on aholder-by-holder basis, the (A) the name of each

holder, (B) the number of shares subject to each such Company Equity Award, (C) the grant date of each such Company Equity Award, (D) the vesting schedule for each such Company Equity Award, (E) the exercise price for each such Company Equity Award that is a Company Stock Option, and (F) the expiration date for each such Company Equity Award that is a Company Stock Option. Other than the Company Equity Awards, 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)    The Company’s Board of Directors has approved the redemption, effective as of August 8, 2019, of all of the Rights (as defined in the Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated as of July 20, 2011, by and between the Company and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights Agent (the “Shareholder Rights Plan”)). No Distribution Date (as defined in the Shareholder Rights Plan) or Triggering Event (as defined in the Shareholder Rights Plan) has occurred.

(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 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.

3.3 Authority; 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 transactions contemplated hereby, including the Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger,Mergers, have, prior to the date hereof, been duly, validly and unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Board of Directors of the Company has (i) determined that the Integrated Mergers, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders,stockholders, (ii) approved this Agreement, (iii) directed that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby be submitted to the Company’s shareholdersstockholders for approval at a duly called and convened meeting of such shareholders,stockholders, (iv) recommended that the shareholdersstockholders of the Company approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and (v) approved a resolution to the foregoing effect. Except for the approval of this Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majoritytwo-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast at the Company Meeting by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon (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 affecting the enforcement of rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies (the “Enforceability Exceptions”)).

(b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger,Mergers, nor compliance by the Company with each of the terms and provisions hereof will (i) violate any provision of the Company Certificate or the Company Bylaws or any governing or organizational document of any Company Subsidiary or (ii) assuming that the consents and approvals referred to inSection 3.4 are duly obtained, (x) violate any Law applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets or (y) except as set forth inSection 3.3(b)(ii)(y) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, 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, arrangement 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 of thisclause (y)) for such violations, conflicts, breaches or defaults 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 BankTBOD has approved the TBOD Bank Merger Agreement. The Company, as the sole shareholderstockholder of Company Bank,TBOD, has approved the TBOD Bank Merger Agreement, and the TBOD Bank Merger Agreement has been duly executed by Company BankTBOD and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent Bank) constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Company Bank,TBOD, enforceable against Company BankTBOD in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions).

(d) The Board of Directors of VPB has approved the VPB Bank Merger Agreement. The Company, as the sole shareholder of VPB, has approved the VPB Bank Merger Agreement, and the VPB Bank Merger Agreement has been duly executed by VPB and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent Bank) constitutes a valid and binding obligation of VPB, enforceable against VPB in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions).

3.4 Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) the filing of applications, filings, certificates and notices, as applicable, with the NASDAQ and the approval of the listing on the NASDAQ of the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued as the Stock Consideration pursuant to this Agreement, (b) the filing of applications, filings, certificates and notices, as applicable, with the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act and approval or waiver of such applications, filings and notices, (c) the filing of applications, filings, certificates and notices, as applicable, with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) in connection with the Bank Merger,Mergers, including filing of the notice of consummation with the OCC pursuant to the National Bank Act, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (d) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with (i) the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner (the “DE Bank Commissioner”) under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act (the “Riegle-Neal Act”) and such other banking Laws as may be required in connection with the TBOD Bank Merger, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (ii) the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions (the “VA BFI”) under the Riegle-Neal Act and such other banking Laws as may be required in connection with the VPB Bank Merger, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, and (iii) the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation (the “MD OCFR”) under the Maryland Financial Institutions Code section 5-903(c) and such other banking Laws as may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (e) 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”), and (ii) the registration statement on FormS-4 in which both the proxy statement relating to the meeting of the Company’s shareholdersstockholders to be held in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment or supplement thereto, the “Proxy Statement”) and a prospectus relating to the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the First-Step Merger will be included, 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 applications, filings, certificates and notices, as applicable, with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (the “NJ Department”), (f) the filing of the First-Step Merger Certificate with the New JerseyMaryland Department of Treasury pursuant to the BCA,MGCL, (g) the filing of the Second-Step Merger Certificates with the Delaware Secretary and the New JerseyMaryland Department of Treasury in accordance with the DGCL and the BCA,MGCL, respectively, (h) the filing of the Bank Merger CertificateCertificates and (i) 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, regulatory agency or other federal, state or foreign governmental authority or instrumentality or any self-regulatory organization (each, a “Governmental Entity”) or any other third party are necessary in connection with (A) the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, (B) the consummation by the Company

of the Integrated Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (C) the execution and delivery by Company Bankeach of TBOD and VPB of the TBOD Bank Merger Agreement and VPB Bank Merger Agreement, respectively or (D) the consummation by Company Bankeach of the TBOD and VPB of the TBOD Bank Merger.Merger and VPB Bank Merger, respectively.

3.5 Reports. 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, 20162018 with any Governmental Entity, 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, (i) other than normal examinations and inspections in the ordinary course, no Governmental Entity 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, 2016,2018, 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 Governmental Entity of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to be, either individually or in the aggregate, material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and (iii) there has been no formal or informal inquiries by, or disagreements or disputes with, any Governmental Entity with respect to the business, operations, policies or procedures of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2016,2018, in each case, which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

3.6 Financial 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 and as of the respective dates therein set forth (subject in the case of the 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) were 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, 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. BDO USA, LLP,Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C., the Company’s independent auditor, 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 Form10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2019June 30, 2021 (including any notes thereto) and for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since March 31, 2019,June 30, 2021, 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 any

non-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 any (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses (each as defined in Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard 2) 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 the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information, and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves directors, 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 copy has previously been made available to Parent. As of the date of this Agreement,hereof, 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, 2016,2018, (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 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.

(e) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, the Company has complied with all requirements of the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the Small Business Administration, including applicable guidance, in connection with its participation in the Paycheck Protection Program.

3.7 Brokers Fees. With the exception of the engagement of BoenningPiper Sandler & Scattergood, Inc.Co. (“BoenningPiper Sandler”), neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiaryof its Subsidiaries 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 the other 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 BoenningPiper Sandler related to the Integrated Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

3.8 Absence of Certain Changes or Events.

(a) Since December 31, 2018, no2020:

(a) 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, 2018, exceptExcept 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 of business.

(c) Since December 31, 2018, exceptExcept with respect to matters set forth inSection 3.8(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries have taken any action or failed to take any action that would have

resulted in a breach ofSection 5.2 had such act or omission occurred during the period from the date hereof to the Effective Time or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

3.9 Legal Proceedings.

(a) Except as set forth inSection 3.9(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitralactions, arbitrations, audits, hearings, investigations, inquiries, litigations, suits, disputes, proceedings, subpoenas or other proceedings, claims, actionssummons issued, commenced, brought, conducted or governmentalheard by or

regulatory investigations before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Entity or arbitrator (collectively, “Actions”) (i) of any material nature against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or to the Company’s knowledge, 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 the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets, rights or properties 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.

3.10 Taxes 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 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 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, ornon- U.S. Tax law), (ii) installment sale or open transaction made on or prior to the Closing Date or (iii) 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 such an agreement or arrangement exclusively between or among the Company and its Subsidiaries). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has (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 liability for the Taxes of any person (other

(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,person, or has had its stock distributed by another Personperson 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 engaged in any “reportable transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.6011-4(b)(1).

(j)    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.

(k) 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.

(l)(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.

(l) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) deferred, extended or delayed the payment of the employer’s share of any “applicable employment taxes” under Section 2302 of the CARES Act or any “applicable taxes” under IRS Notice 2020-65, (ii) claimed any Tax credits under Sections 7001 through 7005 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116-127) and Section 2301 of the CARES Act, or (iii) sought, nor intends to seek, a covered loan under paragraph (36) of Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)), as added by Section 1102 of the CARES Act.

3.11 Employees.

(a) Section 3.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all Company Benefit Plans. For purposes of this Agreement,hereof,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 other material pension, benefit, retirement, bonus, stock option, stock purchase, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, 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 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 (or any spouse or dependent of such individual) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any Company ERISA Affiliate.

(b) The Company has 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, (iv) 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, (v) the most recently received IRS determination letter, if any, relating to any Company Benefit Plan, (vi) the most recently prepared actuarial report for each Company Benefit Plan (if applicable) for each of the last three (3) years and (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”).

(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,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 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 sets 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 or opinion 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 could adversely affect the qualified status of any Company Qualified Plan or the exempt status of the related trust or increase the costs relating thereto. NoExcept as set forth in Section 3.11(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, 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 cannot reasonably be expected to result in material liability to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

(f) With respect to each Company Benefit 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 for purposes of Section 430 of the Code, (ii) 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 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 the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (vi) the PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any such Company Benefit Plan.

(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 is subject to Section 413(c) of the Code or 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 “Multiple Employer 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.

(i) All contributions required to be made to any Company Benefit Plan by applicable lawLaw or by any plan document or other contractual undertaking, and all premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Company Benefit Plan, 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.

(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 may 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 that could 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) To the knowledge of the Company, 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 could 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 tax or penalty imposed under Section 4975 of the Code or Section 502 of ERISA.

(l) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(l) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or as a result of such transactions 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, independent contractor, consultant or other service provider 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, except as set forth in Section 3.11(l) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, 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 be an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries maintains or contributes to a rabbi trust or similar funding vehicle, 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.

(m) NoExcept as set forth in Section 3.11(m) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, 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 a true, complete and correct and complete copiespreliminary copy of its Section 280G calculations (whether or not final) with respect to all disqualified individuals in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.hereby who are eligible to receive parachute payments.

(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.

(o) To the knowledge of the Company, no current or former employee or independent contractor 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:obligation, to: (i) to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) to aany former employer or engager of any such individual relating to (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.

(p) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to any settlement agreement with a current or former director or officer, employee or independent contractor of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that involves allegations relating to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or discrimination by either a director or officer of Company or any of its Subsidiaries. To the knowledge of the Company, since December 31, 2016, no allegations of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct have been made against any director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries

(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.

3.12 SEC Reports. TheExcept to the extent available on the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval system, the Company has made available to Parent true, correct and complete copies of each communication mailed by the Company to its shareholdersstockholders since January 1, 2016.2018. No such communication or any final registration statement, prospectus, report, schedule and definitive proxy statement filed with or furnished to the SEC since January 1, 20162018 by the Company pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act (the “Company Reports”), 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)hereof) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date. Since January 1, 2016,2018, 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. 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. There are no outstanding comments from or unresolved issues raised by the SEC with respect to any of the Company Reports.

3.13 Compliance with Applicable Law. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries hold, and have at all times since January 1, 20162018 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 failure to hold nor the cost of obtaining and holding any such license, franchise, permit or authorization (nor the failure to pay any such 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 license, franchise, permit or authorization is threatened. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have 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, constitution, treaty, convention, ordinance, code, decree, rule, regulation, judgment, writ, injunction, policy, permit, authorization or common law or agency requirement (“Laws”) of any Governmental Entity relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including 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, New Jersey DepartmentTitle 5 of Banking and Insurance Actthe Delaware Code, Title 6.2 of 1948 (as amended)the Virginia Code and all agency requirements relating to the origination, funding, sale and servicing of mortgage, installment and consumer loans. The Company Bank hasTBOD and VPB each have 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,

representative or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, (i) 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, (ii) 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, (iii) violated any provision that would result in the violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any similar Law, (iv) established or maintained any unlawful fund of monies or other assets of the Company or any of its

Subsidiaries, (v) made any fraudulent entry on the books or records of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (vi) 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.

3.14 Certain Contracts.

(a) Except as set forth inSection 3.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, as of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral):

(i) with respect to the employment of any directors, officers, or employees;employees that requires the payment of more than $100,000 annually in total cash compensation which is not terminable on 60 or fewer days’ notice by the Company or a Subsidiary without the payment of severance;

(ii) that, upon the execution or delivery of this Agreement, stockholder or shareholder approval 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) that 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 affiliates or upon consummation of the Integrated Mergers will materially restrict the ability of the Surviving Corporation or any of its affiliates to engage in any line of business;

(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, shareholderstockholder approval 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 FHLBFederal Home Loan Banks 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 $250,000 or more including any sale and leaseback transactions, capitalized leases and other similar financing transactions;

(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 $80,000$75,000 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) that includes an indemnification obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with a maximum potential liability in excess of $80,000;$75,000; or

(xi) that involves aggregate payments or receipts by or to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $50,000 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 notice of, any material violation of any Company Contract by any of the parties thereto.

(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.Section 3.14(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete description of any oral Company Contract and any oral amendment to any 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. Each Company Contract is enforceable against the Company or the applicable Subsidiary and, to the knowledge of the Company, the counterparty thereto (except as may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions). 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 knowledge of the Company, 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. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company has received or delivered any notice of cancellation or termination of any Company Contract.

3.15 Agreements withGovernmental Entities. 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, 2016,2018, a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or, since January 1, 2016,2018, has adopted any policies, procedures or board resolutions at the request or suggestion of any 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, since January 1, 2016,2018, by any Governmental Entity that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering or requesting any such Company Regulatory Agreement. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with each Company Regulatory Agreement to which it is a party or is subject. 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.

3.16 Risk 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”), of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, 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 Governmental Entity 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 against the Company or its applicable Subsidiary and, to the knowledge of the Company, the counterparty thereto, 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 such Derivative Contract to the extent that such obligations to perform have accrued, and, to the knowledge of the Company, there are no material breaches, violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder. Each such Derivative Contract (i) has been reflected in the books and records of the Company and such Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. Each Derivative Contractapplied and (ii) is evidenced by customary and appropriate documentation (including an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) master agreement and long-form confirmation).

3.17 Environmental 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 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) indoor air, quality, 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,Actions, or, to the knowledge of the Company, any private environmental investigations, examination, inquiries or remediation activities or governmental investigations of any Governmental Entity 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, damage or obligation arising under any applicable Environmental Law, pending or to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company, which liability, damage 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, actionAction, investigations, examination, inquiries or governmental investigationremediation activities that would impose any liability or obligation under applicable Environmental Laws 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 Governmental Entity or other third party imposing any liability, damage 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 the Company.

3.18 Investment Securities and Commodities.

(a) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has good and valid title to all securities and commodities owned by it (except those sold under repurchase agreements as reflected in the Financial Statements), free and clear of any Lien, except 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 carried on the books of the Company at values determined in accordance with GAAP in all material respects.

(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 in good faith are prudent and reasonable in the context of such businesses. Prior to the date of this Agreement,hereof, the Company has made available to Parent the terms of such policies, practices and procedures.

3.19 Real Property.

(a) Section 3.19(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of the date hereof, a true, correct and complete list of all the real property owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries (collectively, “Owned Real Property”). The Company has good and marketable title to all Owned Real Property (except properties sold or otherwise disposed of in accordance withSections 5.1 and5.2), free and clear of all Liens (except statutory Liens securing payments not yet due, Liens for real property Taxes not yet due and payable, 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”).

(b) Section 3.19(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth as of the date hereof, a true, correct and complete list of all the real estate leases, subleases, licenses and occupancy agreements (together with any amendments, modifications, supplements, replacements, restatements and guarantees thereof or thereto, including any oral amendments) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with respect to all real property leased, subleased, licensed or otherwise used or occupied by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on the date hereof (collectively, the “Leased Real Property”), whether in the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ capacity as lessee, sublessee, licensee, lessor, sublessor or licensor, as the case may be (the “Real EstateLeases”). The Company or its Subsidiaries has valid leasehold interests in the Leased Real Property, free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Encumbrances. Each Real Estate Lease is (i) valid, binding and in full force and effect without material default thereunder by the lessee or, to the knowledge of the Company, the lessor, and (ii) enforceable against the Company or the applicable Subsidiary and, to the knowledge of the Company, the counterparty thereto (except as may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions). The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has in all material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it under each Real Estate Lease, and to the knowledge of the Company, each counterparty to each Real Estate Lease has in all material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it under such Real Estate Lease, 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 Real Estate Lease. The Company has made available to Parent a true, correct and complete copy of each written Real Estate Lease and each written amendment to any Real Estate Lease.

(c) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has leased, subleased, licensed or otherwise granted any person a right to use or occupy all or any portion of any Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened condemnation proceedings against the Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property.

3.20 Intellectual Property; Company Systems.

(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, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company: (i) (A) 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 (B) no person has asserted to the Company or its Subsidiaries that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated the Intellectual Property rights of such person, (ii) 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 (iii) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiaryof its Subsidiaries has received any notice of any claim (or, to the knowledge of the Company, any threatened claim) with respect to any Intellectual Property owned or licensed 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 Intellectual Property owned or licensed, respectively, by the Company and its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement,hereof,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.

(b) The computer, information technology and data processing systems, facilities and services used by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, including all software, hardware, networks, communications facilities, platforms and related systems and services (collectively, the “Company Systems”), are reasonably sufficient for the conduct of the respective businesses of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted and the Company Systems are in sufficiently good working condition to effectively perform all computing, information technology and data processing operations reasonably necessary for the operation of the respective businesses of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted, in each case, except for such failures to be reasonably sufficient or in sufficiently good working condition that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, to the knowledge of the Company, since January 1, 2016,2018, no third party has gained unauthorized access to any Company Systems owned or controlled by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries. The Company and the Company Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable steps and implemented commercially reasonable safeguards (i) to protect the Company Systems from unauthorized access and from disabling codes or instructions, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, viruses or other software routines that permit or cause unauthorized access to, or disruption, impairment, disablement, or destruction of, software, data or other materials and (ii) that are designed for the purpose of reasonably mitigating the risks of cybersecurity breaches and attacks. Each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has in all material respects implemented reasonably appropriate backup and disaster recovery policies, procedures and systems consistent with generally accepted industry standards and sufficient to reasonably mitigate the risk of a material disruption to the operation of the respective businesses of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.

(c) Each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has (i) complied in all material respects with all of its published privacy and data security policies and internal privacy and data security policies and guidelines, including with respect to the collection, storage, transmission, transfer, disclosure, destruction and use of personally identifiable information and (ii) taken commercially reasonable measures to ensure that all personally identifiable information in its possession or control is protected against loss, damage, and unauthorized access, use, modification, or other misuse. To the knowledge of

(d) Since January 1, 2018, neither the Company since January 1, 2016, there has been nonor any of its Subsidiaries have (i) suffered any material loss, damage,personal data breach or unauthorized access, use, modification,material cybersecurity incident, (ii) received any written notice, request or other misusecommunication from any supervisory authority or any regulatory authority relating to any material breach or alleged material breach of their obligations under Laws related to data protection and/or privacy, (iii) received any such information by the Companywritten claim, complaint or other communication from any data subject or other person claiming a right to compensation under (or alleging breach of ) any Laws related to data protection and/or privacy or (iv) experienced circumstances that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any of the Company Subsidiaries.consequences in the foregoing subclauses (i)-(iii) (inclusive).

3.21 Related 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, agreements, arrangements or understandings (other than (x) for payment of salaries and bonuses in the ordinary course of business for services rendered in the ordinary course of business, (y) reimbursement of customary and reasonable expenses incurred on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the bona fide expense reimbursement policies of the Company made available to Parent and (z) benefits due under any Company Benefit Plan), between or among (a) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and (b) (x) (i) any (x) current or former director, president, vice president in charge of a principal business unit, division

or function (such as sales, administration or finance), or other officer or person who performs a policy-making function, in each case, of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any(y) 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 (y)(ii) any affiliate or immediate family member of any person referenced in clause (x)(y), on the other hand.

3.22 TakeoverStatute. As a result of the approval by the Company’s Board of Directors of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Support Agreements, noNo “moratorium,” “fair price,” “business combination,” “control share acquisition,” “interested shareholder,” “affiliate transactions” or similar provision of any state anti-takeover Law, including the New Jersey Shareholders’ Protection Act (any such laws, “Takeover Statutes”) is applicable to this Agreement, the Support Agreements, the Integrated Mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the BCAMGCL or any other Law.

3.23 Reorganization. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, are there any facts, events, developments or circumstances that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Integrated Mergers from being treated as a single integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

3.24 Opinion. 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 BoenningPiper Sandler 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.hereof.

3.25 Company Information. The information relating to the Company, its Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors, officers and officerssignificant stockholders to be contained in the Proxy Statement and theS-4 and the information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries that is provided by the Company or its representatives for inclusion in any other document filed with any other Governmental Entity 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 Proxy Statement (except for such portions thereof that relate only to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries) will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

3.26 Loan Portfolio.

(a) As of the date hereof, except as set forth inSection 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 of its Subsidiaries is a creditor and that, as of June 30, 2019,2021, had an outstanding balance of $100,000 or more and under the terms of which the obligor was, as of June 30, 2019,2021, over 90 days or more delinquent in payment of principal or interest, or (ii) Loans with any director, executive officer or 5% or greater shareholderstockholder of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of the Company, any affiliate of any of the foregoing. Set forth inSection 3.26(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule is a true, correct and complete list of (iii)(A) all of the Loans of the Company and its Subsidiaries that, as of June 30, 2019,2021, 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, by category of Loan (e.g., commercial, consumer, etc.), together with the aggregate principal amount of such Loans by category and (iv)(B) each asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that, as of June 30, 2019,2021, is classified as “Other Real Estate Owned” and the book value thereof.

(b) Section 3.26(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list, as of June 30, 2019,2021, 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, individually or in the aggregate, 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 (except as may be limited by 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 and other credit and 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 Laws.

(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.

(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) NeitherSince January 1, 2018, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is now nor has it ever been since January 1, 2016, subject to any fine, suspension, settlement, contract or other contractunderstanding or other administrative agreement or sanction by, or any reduction in any loan purchase commitment from, any Governmental Entity relating to the origination, sale or servicing of mortgage or consumer Loans.

3.27 Insurance. The Company and its Subsidiaries are insured with reputable insurers against such risks and in such amounts that management of the Company reasonably determined to be prudent, sufficient 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 3.27 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and are not in default under any term 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.

3.28 No Dissenter’sDissenters or Appraisal Rights. With respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, no holder of the capital stock of the Company is entitled to exercise any appraisal rights under the BCAMGCL or any successor statute, or any similar dissenter’s or appraisal rights.

3.29 No 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 any (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 with respect to Parent, its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects, other than those contained inArticle IV.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT

Except (a) as disclosed in the disclosure schedule delivered by Parent to the Company concurrently herewith (the “Parent Disclosure Schedule”);provided that (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, (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 on Parent and (iii) any disclosures made in the Parent Disclosure Schedule with respect to a section of thisArticle IV shall be deemed to qualify any other section of thisArticle IV (A) specifically referenced or cross-referenced in such disclosure and (B) 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 section of thisArticle IV, or (b) as disclosed in any Parent Reports publicly filed by Parent since December 31, 2018,2020, 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:

4.1 Corporate 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 bank holding company duly registered with the Federal Reserve Board as a bank holding company 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 Parent Certificate, the Parent Bylaws, the Merger Sub Certificate and the Merger Sub Bylaws, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement,hereof, have previously been made available by Parent to the Company.

(b) Parent Bank is a national banking association 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 FundDIF 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. Parent Bank is a member in good standing of the FHLBFederal Home Loan Banks and owns the requisite amount of stock therein. 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 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, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not, either individually or in the aggregate,

reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, and (iii) has all requisite company, partnership or corporate (as applicable) 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 Parent Subsidiary to pay dividends or distributions except, in the case of a Parent Subsidiary that is a regulated entity, for restrictions on dividends or distributions generally applicable to all such regulated entities.

(c) Merger Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey.Maryland. 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 and complete copies of the Merger Sub Certificate and Merger Sub Bylaws, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement,hereof, have previously been made available by Parent to the Company.

4.2 Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of Parent consists of 150,000,000 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 date of this Agreement, therevalue. There are (i) 51,121,78961,532,686 shares of Parent Common Stock issued and outstanding,(as of November 1, 2021), (ii) 768,4182,108,860 shares of Parent Common Stock held in treasury (as of November 1, 2021), (iii) 2,480,9162,461,150 shares of Parent Common Stock reserved for issuance in respect of awards of restricted Parent Common Stock (“Parent Restricted Stock Awards”) or upon the exercise of stock options granted under Parent’s 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, Parent’s 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, the Sun Bancorp, Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, the Sun Bancorp, Inc. 2010 Stock Based-Incentive Plan, the Sun Bancorp, Inc. 2004 Stock Based-Incentive Plan, the Cape Bancorp, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, 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, as applicableequity compensation plans (such stock options, together with the Parent Restricted Stock Awards, the “Parent Equity Awards”) (as of October 31, 2021), (iv) 27,339no shares of Parent Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of warrants assumed in connection with the acquisition of Colonial American Bank (as of November 3, 2021), (v) 2,294,800 shares of Series A Non-Cumulative, perpetual preferred stock of Parent (“Parent Preferred Stock ”) issued and (v)outstanding (as of October 29, 2021) and (vi) no other shares of capital stock or equity or voting securities of Parent issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. outstanding (as of the date hereof).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 any 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 stockholders of Parent may vote. Other than the Parent Equity Awards issued prior to the date of this Agreement,hereof, as of the date of this Agreement,hereof, 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, stockholder agreements, proxies or other agreements in effect 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 Parent 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 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.

4.3 Authority; 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 and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Integrated Mergers and the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock in connection with the First-Step Merger, 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. 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 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 and, when issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no current or past stockholder of Parent will have any preemptive right or similar rights in respect thereof.

(b) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent or Merger Sub, the consummation by Parent or Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby, the consummation by Parent Bank of the Bank MergerMergers and compliance by Parent or Merger Sub with any of the terms or provisions hereof will (i) violate any provision of the Parent Certificate,Certificate. the Parent Bylaws, the Merger Sub Certificate or the Merger Sub Bylaws or any governing or organizational document of any Parent Subsidiary or (ii) assuming that the consents and approvals referred to inSection 4.4 are duly obtained, (x) violate any Law 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 of thisclause (y)) for such violations, conflicts, breaches or defaults 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 each of the Bank Merger Agreement.Agreements. Parent, as the sole shareholder of Parent Bank, has adopted and approved each of the Bank Merger Agreement,Agreements, and each of the Bank Merger AgreementAgreements has been duly executed by Parent Bank and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Company Bank)each of TBOD and VPB) constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Parent Bank, enforceable against Parent Bank in accordance with its terms (except in all cases on such enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exception).

4.4 Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) the filing of applications, filings, certificates and notices, as applicable, with the NASDAQ and the approval of the listing on the NASDAQ of the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued as the Stock Consideration pursuant to this Agreement, (b) the filing of applications, filings, certificates and notices, as applicable, with the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act and approval or waiver of such applications, filings and notices, (c) the filing of applications, filings, certificates and notices, as applicable, with the OCC in connection with each of the Bank Merger,Mergers, including filing of the notice of consummation with the OCC pursuant to the National Bank Act, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (d) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with (i) the DE Bank Commissioner under the Riegle-Neal Act and such other banking Laws as may be required in connection with the TBOD Bank Merger, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (ii) the VA BFI under the Riegle-Neal Act and such other banking Laws as may be required in connection with the VPB Bank Merger, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, and (iii) the MD OCFR under the Maryland Financial Institutions Code section 5-903(c) and such other banking Laws as may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (e) the filing with the SEC of (i) any filings that are necessary under applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and (ii) theS-4 and declaration of effectiveness of theS-4, (e) the filing of applications, filings, certificates and notices, as applicable, with the NJ Department, (f) the filing of the First-Step Merger Certificate with the New JerseyMaryland Department of Treasury pursuant to the BCA,MGCL, (g) the filing of the Second-Step Merger Certificates with the Delaware Secretary and the New JerseyMaryland Department of Treasury in accordance with the DGCL and the BCA,MGCL, respectively, (h) the filing of each of the Bank Merger Certificate

Certificates and (i) 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 other third party are necessary in connection with (A) the execution and delivery by Parent or Merger Sub of this Agreement, (B) the consummation by Parent or Merger

Sub of the Integrated Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (C) the execution and delivery by Parent Bank of each of the Bank Merger AgreementAgreements or (D) the consummation by Parent Bank of each of the Bank Merger.Mergers.

4.5 Reports. 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, 20162018 with any Governmental Entity, 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 or inspections conducted by a Governmental Entity in the ordinary course of business of Parent and its Subsidiaries, (a) no Governmental Entity 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, 2016,2018, 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, (b) there is no unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Governmental Entity of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to be, either individually or in the aggregate, material to Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and (c) there have been no formal or informal inquiries by, or disagreements or disputes with, any Governmental Entity with respect to the business, operations, policies or procedures of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2016,2018, in each case, which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.

4.6 Financial Statements.

(a) The consolidated financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries included in (x) Parent’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182020 and (y) Parent’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the three month period ended March 31, 2019June 30, 2021 (including, in each case, the related notes, where applicable) (the “Financial Statements”) (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 stockholders’ 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 the financial statements referenced in clause (y) above 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, 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. 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, 2019June 30, 2021 (including any notes thereto) and for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since March 31, 2019,June 30, 2021, 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 their accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom), except for any

non-exclusive ownership andnon-direct control that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Parent (x) has implemented and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule13a-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 any (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. As of the date of this Agreement,hereof, 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, 2016,2018, (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 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.

4.7 Brokers Fees. With the exception of the engagement of Piper JaffrayRaymond James & Co.Associates, Inc., 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 the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.8 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 2018,2020, 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.

4.9 Legal Proceedings.

(a) Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations (i) of any nature against Parent or any Parent Subsidiary or, to Parent’s knowledge, any of their current or former directors or executive officers that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent or (ii)Action 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, rights or properties 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.

4.10 SEC Reports. Parent has made available to the Company true, correct and complete copies of each communication mailed by Parent to its stockholders since January 1, 2016.2018. No such communication or any

final registration statement, prospectus, report, schedule or definitive proxy statement filed with or furnished to the SEC since January 1, 20162018 by Parent pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (the “Parent Reports”) 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 filed or furnished as of a later date (but before the date of this Agreement)hereof) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date. Since January 1, 2016,2018, 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. None of the Parent Subsidiaries is required to file periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. As of the date of this Agreement,hereof, (i) 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. As of the date of this Agreement,Act and (ii) there are no outstanding comments from or unresolved issues raised by the SEC with respect to any of the Parent Reports. No representation or warranty is made herein by Parent with respect to any information of or supplied by the Company and contained in theS-4.

4.11 Compliance with Applicable Law. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries hold, and have at all times since January 1, 20162018 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 failure to hold nor the cost of obtaining and holding any such license, franchise, permit or authorization (nor the failure to pay any such 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 license, franchise, permit or authorization is threatened. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with, and are not in material default or violation under, any Laws, including 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. Parent Bank 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, representative 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 or 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.

4.12 Agreements withGovernmental Entities. Except as set forth onSection 4.12 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, 2016,2018, a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or, since January 1, 2016,2018, has adopted any policies, procedures or board resolutions at the request or suggestion of any 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 Parent Regulatory Agreement”), nor has Parent or any of its Subsidiaries been advised, since January 1, 2016,2018, by any Governmental Entity that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering or requesting any such Parent Regulatory Agreement. Parent and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with each Parent Regulatory Agreement to which it is a party or is subject. Parent and its Subsidiaries have not received any notice from any Governmental Entity indicating that Parent or its Subsidiaries is not in compliance in any material respect with any Parent Regulatory Agreement.

4.13 Reorganization. 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 from being treated as a single integrated transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

4.14 Parent Information. The information relating to Parent, its Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors and officers to be contained in the Proxy Statement and theS-4, and the information relating to Parent and its Subsidiaries that is provided by Parent or its representatives for inclusion in any other document filed with any other Governmental Entity 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 S-4 (except for such portions thereof that relate only to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

4.15 Parent Systems.

(a) The computer, information technology and data processing systems, facilities and services used by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, including all software, hardware, networks, communications facilities, platforms and related systems and services (collectively, the “Parent Systems”), are reasonably sufficient for the conduct of the respective businesses of Parent and Parent’s Subsidiaries as currently conducted and the Parent Systems are in sufficiently good working condition to effectively perform all computing, information technology and data processing operations reasonably necessary for the operation of the respective businesses of Parent and Parent’s Subsidiaries as currently conducted, in each case, except for such failures to be reasonably sufficient or in sufficiently good working condition that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, to the knowledge of Parent, since January 1, 2016,2018, no third party has gained unauthorized access to any Parent Systems owned or controlled by Parent or any of Parent’s Subsidiaries. Parent and Parent’s Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable steps and implemented commercially reasonable safeguards (i) to protect the Parent Systems from unauthorized access and from disabling codes or instructions, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, viruses or other software routines that permit or cause unauthorized access to, or disruption, impairment, disablement, or destruction of, software, data or other materials and (ii) that are designed for the purpose of reasonably mitigating the risks of cybersecurity breaches and attacks. Each of Parent and any Parent Subsidiary has in all material respects implemented reasonably appropriate backup and disaster recovery policies, procedures and systems consistent with generally accepted industry standards and sufficient to reasonably mitigate the risk of a material disruption to the operation of the respective businesses of Parent and any Parent Subsidiary.

(b) Each of Parent and any Parent Subsidiary has (i) complied in all material respects with all of its published privacy and data security policies and internal privacy and data security policies and guidelines, including with respect to the collection, storage, transmission, transfer, disclosure, destruction and use of personally identifiable information and (ii) taken commercially reasonable measures to ensure that all personally identifiable information in its possession or control is protected against loss, damage, and unauthorized access, use, modification, or other misuse. To the knowledge of Parent, since January 1, 2016,2018, there has been no material

loss, damage, or unauthorized access, use, modification, or other misuse of any such information by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary.

4.16 Taxes and Tax Returns.

(a) Each of Parent 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 Parent and its Subsidiaries that are due have been fully and timely paid or adequate reserves therefor have been made in accordance with GAAP on the financial statements of the Parent and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the Parent Reports.Reports (including the related notes, where applicable). 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) There are no material Liens for Taxes on any of the assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.

(d) 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 threatened in writing or pending disputes, claims, audits, examinations, investigations, or other proceedings regarding any material TaxesTax 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 in accordance with GAAP in the most recent financial statements of Parent included in the Parent Reports.established.

4.17 Employees.

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, “Parent Benefit Plans” mean all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the ERISA), whether or not subject to ERISA, whether funded or unfunded, and all other material 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 Parent or any Subsidiary is a party or has or could reasonably be expected to have 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, consultant or independent contractor (or any spouse or dependent of such individual) of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.

(b) Each Parent Benefit Plan has been established, operated and administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms and the requirements of all Laws, including ERISA and the Code.

(c) With respect to each Parent Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code (the “Parent Qualified Plans”), the IRS has issued a favorable determination or opinion letter with respect to each Parent Qualified Plan and the related trust, which letter has not been revoked (nor has revocation

been threatened), and, to the knowledge of the Parent, there are no existing circumstances and no events have occurred that could adversely affect the qualified status of any Parent Qualified Plan or the exempt status of the related trust or increase the costs relating thereto. No trust funding any Parent Benefit Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Section 501(c)(9) of the Code.

(d) No Parent Benefit Plan is, and 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, subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or Sections 412, 430 or 4971 of the Code. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Parent ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with Parent would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA.

(e) None of Parent, its Subsidiaries nor any Parent 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 or a Multiple Employer Plan, and none of Parent and its Subsidiaries nor any Parent 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.

(f) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or as a result of such transactions 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, independent contractor, consultant or other service provider of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or result in any limitation on the right of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to amend, merge, terminate or receive a reversion of assets from any Parent Benefit Plan or related trust.

(g) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, 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.

4.18 Risk Management Instruments. All Derivative Contracts of Parent and/or its Subsidiaries, whether entered into for the account of Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or for the account of a customer of Parent 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 Governmental Entity and with counterparties believed to be financially responsible at the time and are legal, valid and binding obligations of Parent 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. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material respects all of their material obligations under each such Derivative Contract to the extent that such obligations to perform have accrued, and, to the knowledge of Parent, 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 Parent and such Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. Each such Derivative Contract is evidenced by customary and appropriate documentation (including an ISDA master agreement and long-form confirmation).

4.19 No 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 any (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 with respect to the Company, its Subsidiaries or their

respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects, other than those contained inArticle III.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

5.1 Conduct of Business of the Company Prior to the Effective Time. During the period from the date of this Agreementhereof 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 bywith the prior written consent of Parent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (a) conduct its business in the ordinary course in all material respects, (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization, employees, independent contractors and advantageous customer and other business relationships and (c) take no action that would reasonably be expected to prevent, impair or adversely affect or delay (x) the parties’ ability to obtain any necessary approvals, consents, licenses or authorizations of any Governmental Entity required for the transactions contemplated hereby or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on a timely basis or (y) performance by the Company or its Subsidiaries of its and their covenants, obligations and agreements hereunder.

5.2 Company Forbearances. During the period from the date of this Agreementhereof 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), as required by Law or as consented to in writing bywith the prior written consent of Parent which(which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:

(a) other than in the ordinary course of business (which shall include (i) federal funds borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, in each case with a maturity not in excess of six (6) months and (ii) deposits, in each case in the ordinary course of business), 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;

(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 at a rate not in excess of $0.07$0.025 per share of Company Common Stock, (B) dividends paid by any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company to the

Company or any of its other 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 taxes 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 practice and the terms of the applicable award agreements);

(iii) grant any stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock units, deferred stock units, shares of restricted stock 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)hereof) 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(except pursuant to the exercise of stock optionsthe Company Stock Options or the settlement of equity compensation awardsthe Company Equity Awards outstanding as of the date hereof in accordance with their terms;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 (x) in the ordinary course of business;business or (y) pursuant to contracts or agreements in force as of the date hereof and set forth on Section 5.2(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule;

(d) except for transactions in the ordinary course of business (including foreclosures or acquisitions of control in a fiduciary or similar capacity or in satisfaction of debts previously contracted in good faith, in each case, in the ordinary course of business), make any material investment eitherin or acquisition of (either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers or purchase of any property or assets ofassets) any other individual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company;

(e) purchase any bank owned life insurance;

(f) 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 in the ordinary course of business and 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;hereof;

(g) except as required under the terms of any Company Benefit Plan existing as of the date hereof, or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, (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, independent contractor or consultant (or any spouse or dependent of such individual), that would be a Company Benefit Plan if in effect on the date hereof, (ii) materially amend (whether in writing or through the interpretation of)orally) any Company Benefit Plan, (iii) increase the compensation or benefits payable to any current or former employee, officer, director, independent contractor or consultant (or any spouse or dependent of such individual), except for annual base salary or wage increases for employees (other than directors or executive officers) in the ordinary course of business (including in connection with a promotion or change in responsibilities and to a level consistent with similarly situated peer employees), that do not exceed, with respect to any individual, fivethree percent (5.0%(3%) of such individual’s base salary or wage rate in effect as of the date hereof for any employee whose 2019 salary or wages will be less than $50,000, and three andone-half percent (3.5%) of such individual’s base salary or wage rate in effect as of the date hereof for all other employees, and do not exceed three percent (3.0%) in the aggregate for all employees as of the date hereof, (iv) pay or award, or commit to pay or award, any bonuses or incentive compensation, except for bonuses to be awarded with respect to the Company Bank’s 2019Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ 2021 and 2022 fiscal year up toyears in accordance with the aggregate amount and on the time scheduleterms set forth in SectionSchedule 5.2(g) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (v) grant or accelerate the vesting of any equity or equity-based awards or other compensation, except for accelerated vesting that is required by the termsas provided in Section 5.2(g) of the award in effect as of the date hereof,Company Disclosure Schedule, (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, except as provided in Section 5.2(g) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (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 is greater than $75,000,$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, independent contractor or consultant who has target total annual compensation greater than $75,000,$100,000 or (x) waive, release or limit any Restrictive Covenant obligation of any current or former employee or contractor of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(h) settle any material claim, suit, action or proceeding, except in the ordinary course of business;provided that (x) thebusiness in an amount and for which the Companyconsideration not in excess of $100,000 individually or any of its Subsidiaries is liable, net of any insurance recoveries received by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, for all such settlements shall not exceed $100,000 in the aggregate, and (y) no such settlement shallthat would not impose any material restriction on the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Corporation;

(i) 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;

(j) amend the Company Certificate, Company Bylaws or comparable governing or organizational document of any of its Subsidiaries;

(k) (i) amend or modify the Shareholder Rights Plan or (ii) take any action that could result in any Rights (as defined in the Shareholder Rights Plan) becoming exercisable or any Rights Certificate (as defined in the Shareholder Rights Plan) representing Rights to be issued or distributed;

(l)    merge or consolidate itself or any of its Subsidiaries with any other person, or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate or dissolve itself or any of its Subsidiaries;

(m)(l) materially restructure or materially change its investment securities or derivatives portfolio or its interest rate exposure, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported or purchase any security rated below investment grade;grade, except in all cases as (x) provided in the Company’s existing investment policies that have been made available to Parent and (y) in accordance with good faith prudent investment practices;

(n)(m) 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;

(o)(n) implement or adopt any material change in its accounting principles, practices or methods, other than as may be required by GAAP;

(p)(o) (i) enter into any new line of business or (ii) make any loans or extensions of credit or grant additional credit to a current borrower, except in the ordinary course of business;provided that any individual unsecured loan or unsecured extension of credit, or grant of additional unsecured credit, in each case, in excess of $100,000 that is not as of the date of this Agreementhereof approved and committed (a schedule of which approved and committed loans has been made available to Parent) or any individual secured loan or secured extension of credit or grant of additional secured credit (without regard to type of collateral or method of security), in each case, in excess of $3,000,000$5,000,000 that is not as of the date of this Agreementhereof approved and committed (a schedule of which approved and committed loans has been made available to Parent) shall require the prior written approval of the Chief Credit Officer of Parent or another officer designated in writing by Parent, which approval or rejection shall be given in writing(e-mail to suffice) within two (2) business days after the loan package is delivered by email or other written form of delivery to such individual or it shall be deemed approved;

(q)(p) make any material changes in its policies and practices with respect to (i) underwriting, pricing, originating, acquiring, selling, servicing, buying or selling rights to service Loans, (ii) investment, deposit pricing, risk and asset liability management or other banking and operating matters (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) or (iii) hedging, in each case, except as required by Law or requested by a Governmental Entity;

(r)    except as set forth in Section 5.2(r) of the Company Disclosure Schedule,(q) make, or commit to make, any capital expenditures, except for capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business in amounts not exceeding $75,000 individually or $300,000 in the aggregate;

(s)(r) make, change or revoke any Tax election, adopt or change any Tax accounting method, file any amended Tax Return, settle or compromise any Tax Liability,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;

(t)(s) 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;

(u)(t) materially reduce the amount of insurance coverage or fail to renew any material existing insurance policy, in each case, with respect to the key employees, properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or

(v)

(u) 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.

5.3 ParentForbearances. During the period from the date of this Agreementhereof 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 Parent Disclosure Schedule), as required by Law or as consented to in writing bywith the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld)withheld, delayed or conditioned), Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:

(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;

(b) adjust, split, combine or reclassify any capital stock of Parent;

(c) 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 at any time prior to the Effective Time, 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;

(d) 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) make, declare or pay any extraordinary dividend on the capital stock of Parent;Parent (except (A) dividends on shares of Parent Preferred Stock, or (B) regular quarterly cash dividends at a rate not in excess of $0.17 per share of Company Common Stock);

(f) take any action that is intended to, would or would be reasonably likely to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except, in every case, as may be required by applicable Law;hereby; or

(g) 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.

5.4 Tax-free Reorganization. Each of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company shall cause the appropriate officers of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company to execute and deliver to Skadden and to Stevens & Lee,Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, 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 theS-4 and the Closing Date, in connection with such counsel’s deliveries of opinions with respect to the Tax treatment of the Integrated Mergers.Mergers pursuant to Sections 7.2(c) and 7.3(c).

ARTICLE VI

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

6.1 SEC Filings; Regulatory Matters.

(a) Parent and the Company shall cooperate with each other and use their respective reasonable best efforts to promptly prepare, and Parent shall use reasonable best efforts to promptly file with the SEC, theS-4 (in which the Proxy Statement of the Company and prospectus of Parent will be included), no later than the 30th30th business day after the date of this Agreement.hereof. The Company shall cooperate with Parent in respect of the form and content of any communication with shareholdersstockholders of the Company. Each of Parent and the Company shall use commerciallytheir reasonable best efforts to have theS-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing, and the Company shall thereafter mail or deliver the Proxy Statement to its shareholders.stockholders. 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. The Company shall furnish to Parent all information concerning the Company and the holders of Company Common Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any action contemplated by thisSection 6.1.

(b) The parties hereto shall cooperate with each other and use commerciallytheir respective reasonable best efforts to promptly (and, in the case of the regulatory applications to the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, the DE Bank Commissioner and the NJ DepartmentVA BFI within thirty (30) business days after the date of this Agreement)hereof) prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect all applications, notices, petitions and filings, to obtain as promptly as practicable all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Governmental Entities that are necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger)Mergers) and to comply with the terms and conditions of all such permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all such third parties and Governmental Entities. Parent and the Company shall have the right to review in advance and to the extent practicable, each will consult with the other on 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 (including the Integrated Mergers). In exercising the foregoing right, each of the parties hereto shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable. 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. Each party shall use its reasonable best efforts to resolve any objection that may be asserted by any Governmental Entity with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. The parties’ obligations under thisSection 6.1(b) are, in each case, subject to Laws relating to the exchange of information (including with respect to confidential supervisory information) and subject to necessary redactions relating to confidential or sensitive information. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, nothing contained herein shall be deemed to require Parent, or permit 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, individually or in the aggregate, would have, or would reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect (measured(i) on a scale relative to the Company) on any of Parent, the Company or the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries (measured as a whole, after giving effect to the Integrated MergersMergers) or (ii) in the case of any such actions, conditions, or restrictions caused by or arising solely out of the business or operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries or Parent’s acquisition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, on the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries (measured as though the Surviving Corporation were the size of the Company, on a pre-Closing basis) (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 stockholders and shareholders, as applicable, and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the Proxy Statement, theS-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 MergerMergers 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 Requisite Regulatory Approval will be materially delayed or conditioned. As used herein, “Requisite Regulatory Approvals” means any (i) all regulatory authorizations, consents, permits, orders or approvals from the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, the DE Bank Commissioner and the NJ DepartmentVA BFI and (ii) any other approvals set forth inSections 3.4 and4.4, in each case (x) that are necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger)Mergers) or (y) the failure of which to be obtained would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Surviving Corporation.

6.2 Access to Information; ConfidentialityInformation.; Confidentiality.

(a) Upon reasonable notice and subject to applicable Law, the Company, for the purposes of enabling Parent to verify the representations and warranties of the Company andand/or to prepare for the Integrated Mergers and the other matters contemplated by this Agreement shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, afford to the

officers, employees, accountants, counsel, advisors and other representatives of Parent, access, during normal business hours during the period from the date of this Agreementhereof to the Effective Time, to all of the Company’s properties, books, contracts, commitments, personnel, information technology systems, Tax Returns and related work papers and records reasonably requested by Parent. The Company shall cooperate with Parent in preparing to execute after the Effective Time conversion or consolidation of systems and business operations generally, and, during such period, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, promptly make available to Parent (i) a copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed or received by the Company during such period pursuant to the requirements of federal securities laws or federal or state banking laws (other than reports or documents which the Company is not permitted to disclose under Law) and (ii) all other information concerning the Company’s business, properties and personnel as Parent may reasonably request. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to provide access to or to disclose (x) board and committee minutes that discuss any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement andor (y) information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of the Company’s customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege or the right to assert the work product doctrine 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.hereof. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to make appropriate substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.

(b) The Company agrees that it shall be bound by the provisions of the confidentiality agreement, dated August 18, 2021, by and between Parent and the Company (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), as though the Confidentiality Agreement were a mutual and reciprocal confidentiality agreement (i.e., the Company shall be bound in respect of Parent in the same manner as Parent is bound by provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement in respect of the Company), including obligations of continentality and non-use of information . Each of Parent and the Company shall hold all information furnished by or on behalf of the Companyit or its Representatives pursuant toSection 6.2 in confidence to the extent required by, and in accordance with, the provisions of the confidentiality agreement, dated May 31, 2019, among Parent,Confidentiality Agreement (taking into account the Company and Boenning (the “Confidentiality Agreement”)foregoing sentence).

(c) No investigation (or discovery or receipt of information) by any party hereto or their respective Representatives shall affect or be deemed to modify or waive any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement of the other parties set forth herein or the conditions to any party’s obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give any party, hereto, 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.

6.3 Company ShareholdersStockholders Approval.

(a) The Company shall establish a record date for, call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholdersstockholders (the “Company Meeting”) to be held as soon as reasonably practicable after theS-4 is declared effective for the purpose of obtaining (i) the Requisite Company Vote required in connection with this Agreement and the First-Step Merger and (ii) if so desired and mutually agreed by the parties, the approval of other matters of the type customarily brought before a special meeting of shareholdersstockholders to approve a merger agreement or otherwise approve the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Subject toSection 6.3(c), the Board of Directors of the Company shall (i) recommend to its shareholdersstockholders the approval of this Agreement, the First-Step Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (the “Company Recommendation”), (ii) include the Company Recommendation in the Proxy Statement, (iii) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain from the shareholdersstockholders of the Company the Requisite Company Vote, including by communicating to its shareholdersstockholders the Company Recommendation, and (iv) not withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify, or propose publicly to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify, in a manner adverse to Parent, the Company Recommendation or take any action, or make any public statement, filing or release inconsistent with the Company Recommendation, or submit this Agreement to the Company’s shareholdersstockholders for a vote without the Company Recommendation.

(c) 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 advisor, determines in good faith that it would reasonably be expected to be a violation of its fiduciary duties under Law to continue to recommend this Agreement, then in submitting this Agreementprior to receipt of the Company’s shareholders,Requisite Company Vote, the Board of Directors of the Company may (but shall not be required to) modify, withdraw or change the Company Recommendation or submit this Agreement to the Company’s shareholdersstockholders without the Company Recommendation (each, a(aCompany Adverse Recommendation Change”) (although the resolutions approving this Agreement as of the date hereof may not be rescinded or amended), in which eventcase, the Board of Directors of the Company may communicate the basis for the Company Adverse Recommendation Change to its shareholdersstockholders in the 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 action under thisSection 6.3(c) unless (i) such action is taken in response to an Acquisition Proposal that is not withdrawn as of the time of taking such action and such Acquisition Proposal (x) did not result from a breach by the Company ofSection 6.13 and (y) constitutes a Superior Proposal; (ii) the Company gives Parent at least two (2)three (3) business days’ prior written notice of its intention to take such action and a reasonable description of the events, orfacts, developments and circumstances giving rise to its determination to take such action (including 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, the Acquisition Proposal, or any amendment or modification thereof)); (iii) during such two (2)three (3) business day period, the Company has considered and negotiated (and has caused its Representatives to consider and negotiate) with Parent in good faith (to the extent Parent desires to so negotiate) regarding any adjustments or modifications to the terms and conditions of this Agreement proposed by Parent; and (iv) at the end of such notice period, the Board of Directors of the Company (A) takes into account any adjustments, amendment, supplement or modification to this Agreement proposed by Parent (itbeingunderstood that Parent shall not have any obligation to propose any adjustments, modificationsamendments, supplements or amendmentsmodifications to the terms and conditions of this Agreement), and (B) after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor, again determines in good faith that (I) it would nevertheless reasonably be expected to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under Law to continue to recommend this Agreement and that(II) such Acquisition Proposal constitutes 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(c) and will require a new determination and notice period as referred to in thisSection 6.3(c).

(d) The Company shall adjourn or postpone the Company Meeting if, (i) as of the time for which such meeting is originally scheduled, there are insufficient shares of Company Common Stock represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of the Company Meeting or (ii) on the date of the Company Meeting, the Company has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares of Company Common Stock necessary to obtain the Requisite Company Vote;provided that, from and after such time, if any, that (in response to an Acquisition Proposal that has been received by the Company and that has been publicly disclosed or otherwise become public) the Company makes a Company Adverse Recommendation Change that is permitted bySection 6.3(c), the Company thereafter shall not be so required to adjourn or postpone the Company Meeting more than two (2) times following such time. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, the Company Meeting shall be convened and this Agreement shall be submitted to the shareholdersstockholders of the Company at the Company Meeting for the purpose of voting on the adoption of this Agreement and the other matters contemplated hereby, and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to relieve the Company of such obligation, including if the Company makes a Company Adverse Recommendation Change.

6.4 Legal Conditions to Merger. Subject in all respects toSection 6.1 (including the last sentence ofSection 6.1(b)), each of Parent and the Companyparty shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, use commerciallytheir reasonable best efforts to (a) to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to comply promptly with all legal requirements of Law that may be imposed on such party or its Subsidiaries with respect to the Integrated Mergers and the Bank MergerMergers and, subject to the conditions set forth inArticle VII, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Integrated Mergers and the Bank Merger)Mergers) and (b) to obtain (and to cooperate with the other party to obtain) any material consent, authorization, permit, order, license or approval of, or any exemption by, any Governmental Entity and any other third party that is required, necessary or advisable to be

obtained by the Company or Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the Integrated Mergers, the Bank MergerMergers or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

6.5 Stock Exchange Listing. Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to 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.

6.6 Employee Matters.

(a) During the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary thereof, Parent shall or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to provide the employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who continue to be employed by Parent or its Subsidiaries (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries) immediately following the Effective Time (the “Continuing Employees”), while employed by Parent or its Subsidiaries after the Effective Time, with base salaries wages and employee benefits (excluding equity and equity based compensation)wages that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the base salaries wages and employee benefitswages 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 (excluding equity and equity based compensation)wages that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the base salaries wages and employee benefitswages provided by the Company or its Subsidiaries to such Continuing Employees immediately prior to the Effective Time.

(b) During the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary thereof, Parent shall or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to provide the Continuing Employees, while employed by Parent or its Subsidiaries after the Effective Time, with cash-based incentive bonus opportunities (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the cash-based incentive bonus opportunities (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) provided to similarly situated employees of Parent and its Subsidiaries; provided that Parent may satisfy its obligation under this Section 6.6(b) by providing or causing the Surviving Corporation to provide such Continuing Employees with cash-based incentive bonus opportunities (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the cash-based incentive bonus opportunities (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) provided by the Company or its Subsidiaries to such Continuing Employees immediately prior to the Effective Time.

(c) During the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary thereof, Parent shall or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to provide the Continuing Employees, while employed by Parent or its Subsidiaries after the Effective Time, with employee benefits (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the employee benefits (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) provided to similarly situated employees of Parent and its Subsidiaries; provided that Parent may satisfy its obligation under this Section 6.6(c) by providing or causing the Surviving Corporation to provide such Continuing Employees with employee benefits (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) that are substantially comparable in the aggregate to the employee benefits (excluding equity and equity based compensation and change in control payments) provided by the Company or its Subsidiaries to such Continuing Employees immediately prior to the Effective Time.

(d) The Company shall be authorized to make transaction bonus awards to certain Continuing Employees listed on Section 6.6(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule up to the amounts set forth in Section 6.6(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.

(e) The Company shall be authorized to make retention bonus awards from the applicable retention bonus pools described in Section 6.6(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule up to the amounts set forth in Section 6.6(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. The retention bonus pools shall be dedicated to certain of the Company’s or its Subsidiary’s employees for purposes of retaining such employees through and, in some circumstances, after the Closing Date, with the participating employees and specific terms of such retention bonuses to be determined by mutual consent of (x) the Chief Executive Officer and the President of the Company and (y) Parent.

(f) Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall assume and honor all employment and change in control agreements that the Company and its Subsidiaries have with their current and former officers, directors and employees as listed in Section 3.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, except to the extent any such agreement has been terminated or superseded by agreement of any such officer, director or employee and Parent.

(g) 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 commercially reasonable efforts to: (i) waive all 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 suchpre-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 anyco-payments and deductibles paid during the year in which the Closing Date occurs 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 orout-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)(h) Unless Parent requests otherwiseboth parties agree in writing at least fiveten (10) days prior to the Closing, effective as of the date immediately preceding the Closing Date and contingent upon the consummation of the Integrated Mergers, the Company shall terminate the Two River Community BankPartners Bancorp 401(k) Plan and the Johnson Mortgage Company 401(k) Plan (the “Terminated PlanPlans”). Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall provide Parent with resolutions adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors terminating the Terminated Plan,Plans, the form and substance of which shall be subject to the prior written approval of Parent, which will not be unreasonably withheld. As soon as practicable following the Effective Time, with respect to the Terminated Plan,Plans, Parent shall permit or cause its Subsidiaries (including Parent Bank) to permit the Continuing Employees to roll over their account balances and outstanding loan balances, if any, thereunder into an “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)(i) During the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary thereof, Parent shall or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to (i) assume and honor under the paid time off policy of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (the “Parent PTO Policy”) any vacation or personal time off (other than sick leave) (“PTO”) that has accrued but is unused under the applicable policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries (the “Company PTO Policies”) for the calendar year that includes the Effective Time (including any PTO carried over from a prior year in accordance with the Company PTO Policies), (ii) provide additional accruals to Continuing Employees following the Effective Time under the Parent PTO Policy in the same manner as provided to similarly situated employees of Parent or its Subsidiaries (provided that Parent may satisfy its obligation under this Section 6.6(i)(ii) by providing, or causing the Surviving Corporation to provide, such Continuing Employees with additional accruals following the Effective Time in the same manner as provided by the Company or its Subsidiaries to such Continuing Employees immediately prior to the Effective Time under the Company PTO Policies) and (iii) recognize all service of any Continuing Employee with the Company and its Subsidiaries for purposes of determining PTO under the Parent PTO Policy.

(j) During the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary thereof, Parent shall or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to provide, to each Continuing Employee whose employment is terminated on or following the Effective Time, with severance benefits equal to the severance benefits provided under the Parent’s or its Subsidiary’s then-existing severance plan to similarly situated employees of Parent and its Subsidiaries.

(k) During the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary thereof, Parent shall or shall cause the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries to maintain the bank

owned life insurance policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the related split dollar life insurance plans for the Continuing Employees who are participating thereunder, in each case as set forth on Section 3.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule and as in effect at the Effective Time.

(l) Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon any employee, officer, director, 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 consultant 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 ofSection 9.99.10, 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, 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.

(e)    At the Effective Time, Parent shall assume and honor through December 31 of the year in which the Closing occurs, under the vacation policies of the Company, as disclosed on Section 6.6(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the accrued but unused vacation time of employees of the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries who were employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time, to the extent that the accrued and unused amount is fully reflected in the most recent financial statements included in the Company Reports as of the Closing Date.

(f)    Any employee of the Company (excluding any employee who is party to an employment agreement that provides for severance payments) whose employment is terminated (other than for cause, as defined in Parent’s severance policy) at the written request of Parent (but by and in the sole discretion of the Company) prior to the Effective Time, or is terminated by Parent or a Subsidiary of Parent within one year following the Effective Time in a manner entitling such individual to benefits under the Parent’s severance policy, shall be entitled to receive severance payments in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 6.6(f) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.

(g)    Parent and the Company shall create a retention pool on terms, in amounts and for employees of the Company as mutually agreed by Parent and the Company. Following the Effective Time,

retention payments under such pool shall be made to the applicable individuals if they are still employed by the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries on their designated “work through” date as set forth in a written retention bonus pool agreement. The form and terms of such agreement, the amount of the payment to each individual and the timing of such payments shall be agreed to in writing by Parent and the Company no later than 30 days following the date of this Agreement, and shall promptly thereafter be communicated to each such employee by the Company and Parent. The maximum aggregate amount of such retention bonuses and the general terms of such retention bonuses are set forth in Section 6.6(g) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.

6.7 Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance.

(a) From and after the Effective Time, each of Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, each present and former director, officer or employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries (in each case, for actions taken 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 out of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, to the fullest extent such persons are entitled to be 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 applicable to such person. Each of Parent and theThe Surviving Corporation shall also advance expenses as incurred by such Company Indemnified Party to the fullest extent 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 orand the governing or organizational documents of any Subsidiary of the Company;provided that, if requested by Parent, the Company Indemnified Party to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking (in reasonable and customary form) to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined in a final determination or by a court of competent jurisdiction 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 (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 that are no less advantageous to the insured) with respect to claims arising from facts or events that occurred at or before the Effective Time;provided,however, that Parent shall not be obligated to expend on an annual basis, an amount that, in the aggregate, exceeds 250% 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 Parent shall cause to be maintained policies of insurance that, in Parent’s good faith determination, provide the maximum coverage available for an aggregate cost equal to the Premium Cap. In lieu of the foregoing, the Company, in consultation with Parent, 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 asix-year prepaid “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 the Premium Cap and, in such case, Parent shall not have any further obligations under thisSection 6.7(b), other than to maintain such prepaid “tail” 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. The obligations of the Surviving Corporation, Parent and the Company under thisSection 6.7 shall not be terminated or modified in a manner so as to adversely affect the Company Indemnified Party or any other person entitled to the benefit of thisSection 6.7 without the prior written consent of the affected Company Indemnified Party or affected person.

6.8 Additional 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.

6.9 Advice of Changes. Parent and the Company shall each promptly (but in no event more than 24 hours) advise the other party of any change, effect, circumstance, condition, development or event (i) that (a) has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on it or (ii) which(b) it believes (i) would or would be reasonably likely to cause or constitute a material breach of any of its representations, warranties, agreements, obligations or covenants contained herein or that(ii) reasonably could be expected to give rise, individually or in the aggregate, to the failure of any condition 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 inSection 7.2 or7.3 to be satisfied, or otherwise constitute a breach of this Agreement by the party failing to give such notice, in each case, unless the underlying breach would independently result in a failure of the conditions set forth inSection 7.2 or7.3 to be satisfied.

6.10 Litigation and Claims. Each of the Company and Parentparty 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 arbitratorAction pending or, to the knowledge of either such party, threatened against the Company, Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries, in each case that (a) questions or would reasonably be expected to question the validity of this Agreement, the Integrated Mergers or the other transactions contemplated hereby or any actions taken or to be taken by Parent, the Company or their respective Subsidiaries with respect to this Agreement, the Integrated Mergers or the other transactions contemplated hereby or (b) seeks to enjoin, restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company shall (i) give Parent the opportunity to directconsult in (at Parent’s own expense) the defense or settlement of any shareholder litigationstockholder Action against the Company and/or its directors, officers or affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the Company shall(ii) not agree to any such settlement of any such litigationAction without Parent’s prior written consent which shall not unreasonably be withheld.withheld, conditioned or delayed.

6.11 Dividends. After the date of this Agreement, each of Parent and the Company shall coordinate with the other regarding 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, declared in respect of 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.

6.12 Corporate Governance. Effective as of the Effective Time, Parent shall (a) increase the size of the Board of Directors of Parent by one (1) member, and cause Parent Bank to take such actions as may be necessary to increase the size of the Board of Directors of Parent Bank by one (1) member, and (b) appoint one member of the Board of Directors of the Company to(the “New Member”) (to be selected by the Leadership Committee of

Parent in consultation with the Board of Directors of Parent (the “New Member”),Parent) to the BoardsBoard of Directors of Parent and Parent Bank, respectively,respectively. Subject to compliance by the Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation with its fiduciary duties (including compliance with the Surviving Corporation’s organizational documents and any corporate governance guidelines adopted by the Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation), if the Closing has occurred at least fifteen (15) business days prior to Parent holding its 2022 annual meeting, the Surviving Corporation shall (i) nominate the New Member for termsreelection to expirethe Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation at Parent’s nextthe first annual meeting of stockholders. Parent also agreesstockholders of the Surviving Corporation following the Effective Time, and (ii) include in its proxy materials with respect to use commercially reasonable efforts to causesuch annual meeting a memberrecommendation of the Board of Directors of the Company other thanSurviving Corporation that the stockholders of the Surviving Corporation vote to reelect the New MemberMember; provided that the Surviving Corporation shall not be required to be added totake any such action until the OceanFirst Foundation Board promptly after the Effective Time.

Closing.

6.13 Acquisition Proposals.

(a) The Company agrees that it will not, and will cause its Subsidiaries and its and their officers, directors, employees, agents, consultants, advisors and other representatives (collectively, “Representatives”) not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries or proposals with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) engage or participate in any negotiations with any person concerning any Acquisition Proposal, (iii) provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to any person (other than Parent, Parent Bank and their Representatives in their capacity as such) concerning any Acquisition Proposal or (iv) have or participate in any discussions with any person (other than Parent, Parent Bank and their Representatives in their capacity as such) relating to any Acquisition Proposal, except, for purposes of this clause (iv), solely to notify such person of the existence of the provisions of thisSection 6.13(a);provided that prior to the date of the Company Meeting, in the event the Company receives from any person other(other than Parent, Parent Bank or their respective Representatives in their capacity as such) an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal that did not result from a breach of thisSection 6.13, it may, and may permit its Subsidiaries and its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives to, furnish or cause to be furnished nonpublic information or data to, and participate in, discussions with such person with respect to such Acquisition Proposal but only to the extent that, prior to doing so, its Board of Directors concludes in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor) that (A) such Acquisition Proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a Superior Proposal and (B) failure to take such actions would reasonably be expected to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under 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 (x) provided such information or data to Parent and shall have(y) entered into a confidentiality agreement with such person on terms no less stringent to such person (and protective to the Company) than the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, which confidentiality agreement shall not provide such person with any exclusive right to negotiate with the Company, its Subsidiaries or its or their respective Representatives. Without limiting the foregoing, it is agreed that any violation of the restrictions set forth in thisSection 6.13 by any Subsidiary or Representative of the Company shall constitute a breach of thisSection 6.13 by the Company.

(b) The Company will, and will cause its Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the execution of this Agreement with any person (other than Parent, Parent Bank and their Representatives in their capacity as such) with respect to any Acquisition Proposal and will use its reasonable best efforts, subject to Law, to (x) enforce any confidentiality, standstill or similar agreement relating to an Acquisition Proposal and (y) within ten (10)five (5) business days after the date hereof, request and confirm the return or destruction of any confidential information provided to any person (other than Parent, Parent Bank and their Representatives in their capacity as such) pursuant to any such agreement.

(c) Promptly (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) following receipt of any Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry that 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.

(d) As used herein,

(i) “Acquisition Proposal” means, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any offer, proposal or inquiry relating to, or any third party indication of interest in, any (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; (B) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in any person (other than Parent or Parent Bank) 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; or (C) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving the Company and/or its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute more than 25% of the consolidated assets of the Company; and

(ii) “Superior Proposal” means any unsolicited bona fide written offer or proposal made by a third party to consummate 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 advisor) (A) would, if consummated, result in the acquisition of all, but not less than all, of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock or all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Company; (B) would result in a transaction that (1) involves consideration to the holders of the shares of Company Common Stock that is, after accounting for payment of the Termination Fee that may be required hereunder, more favorable, from a financial point of view, than the consideration to be paid to the shareholdersstockholders 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 (2) is, in light of the other terms of such proposal, more favorable to the shareholdersstockholders of the Company than the Integrated Mergers and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and (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.

(e) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Company or its Board of Directors from complying 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 this Agreement.

6.14 Board of Directors and Committee Meetings. Following the receipt of the Requisite Regulatory Approvals and the Requisite Company Vote, the Company shall permit representatives of Parent 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 that (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.

6.15 Public Announcements. The Company and Parent shall each use their reasonable best efforts to (a) develop a joint communications plan and ensure that all press releases and other public disclosure (including communications to employees, agents and contractors) with respect to this Agreement or the transactions

contemplated hereby are consistent with such joint communications plan and (b) consult with each other before issuing any press release or, to the extent practicable, otherwise making any public disclosure with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, in each case, except in respect of any press release or public disclosure (i) required by Law or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with or rules of any securities exchange or (ii) the content and messaging of which is substantially similar to public disclosure previously made by Parent or the Company either on the date of this Agreement or following the date of this Agreement and in accordance with thisSection 6.15.

6.16 Operating Functions. To the extent permitted by Law and upon Parent’s request, the Company shall (and shall cause the Company Subsidiaries to) regularly discuss and reasonably cooperate with Parent and Parent Bank in connection with (a) planning for the efficient and orderly combination of the Company and Parent (including the combination of Parent Bank and TBOD and VPB) and the operation of the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries and (b) preparing for the consolidation of appropriate operating functions to be effective at the Effective Time or such later date as Parent may decide. Each party shall cooperate with the other party in preparing to execute conversion or consolidation of systems and business operations generally (including by entering into customary confidentiality,non-disclosure and similar agreements with related service providers and other parties). Prior to the Effective Time, each party shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including thisArticle VI, complete control and supervision over its and its Subsidiaries’ respective operations.

6.17 Restructuring Efforts. If the Company shall have failed to obtain the Requisite Company Vote at the duly convened Company Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, then, unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, each of the parties shall in good faith use its reasonable best efforts to negotiate a restructuring of the transaction provided for herein (it being understood 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 Company Common Stock as provided for in this Agreement, in a manner adverse to such party or its stockholders or shareholders, as applicable)stockholders) and/or resubmit this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (or as restructured pursuant to thisSection 6.17) to the Company’s shareholdersstockholders for approval.

6.18 Takeover 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 Support Agreements, 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.

6.19 Assumption of Company Debt. Prior to the Effective as ofTime, Parent and the effective time of the Second-Step Merger,Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts for Parent shallto enter into an assumption of debt in accordance with the applicable terms of the Subordinated Note, dated as of December 14, 2015, providinga supplemental indenture or other documents necessary or appropriate to provide for assumption by Parent of the Company’s obligations thereunder, in accordance with Section 4 therein, with respect tounder the Company’s subordinated notes due December  31, 2025.2028 and 2030.

6.20 Cybersecurity. The Company shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, engage a third party who is reasonably acceptable to Parent (the “Systems Consultant”), at Parent’s sole cost and expense (for the Company’s out-of-pocket costs and expenses) to (i)(a) conduct an examination and review of the Company Systems for the purpose of identifying any deficiencies, weaknesses or vulnerabilities in such Company Systems (including any deficiencies, weaknesses or vulnerabilities relating to (A)(i) unauthorized access, disabling codes or instructions, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, viruses or other software routines that permit or cause unauthorized access to, or disruption, impairment, disablement, or destruction of, software, data or other materials or (B)(ii) prevention and mitigation of risks of cybersecurity breaches and attacks) and (ii)(b) prepare a

written report that assesses the matters described in clause (i)(a) (the “Systems Report”). The Company shall request that the Systems Consultant deliver the Systems Report simultaneously to the Company and Parent as soonpromptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement (and shall so deliver the Systems Report to Parent no later than December 9, 2019January 15, 2022 or, if earlier, the Closing Date). The Company shall priorcooperate with Parent to the Closing, remediate any weaknesses, deficiencies or vulnerabilities identified in the Systems Report prior to the reasonable satisfactionClosing Date, and Parent shall reimburse Company for any out-of-pocket incremental costs or expenses incurred as a result of Parent.

such remediation. Parent and the Company agree that the examination and review by the Systems Consultant, preparation of the Systems Report and any remediation shall be performed in a manner as to not impose an undue and material burden on the Company’s business or operations.

6.21 Exemption from Liability Under Section 16(b). The Company and Parent agree that, inIn 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 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 6.21. 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”), the Board of Directors of Parent and of the Company, or a committee ofnon-employee directors thereof (as such term is defined for purposes of Rule16b-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 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 to Rule16b-3 under the Exchange Act to the fullest extent permitted by Law.

6.22    Shareholder Rights Plan. The Company shall, as promptly as practicable after the date hereof (and in any event no later than the close of business on the tenth Business Day (as defined in the Shareholder Rights Plan) following the date hereof), redeem all of the Rights in accordance with Section 23 of the Shareholder Rights Plan.

ARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

7.1 Conditions to Each Partys Obligation Toto Effect the Integrated Mergers. The respective obligations of the parties to effect the Integrated Mergers shall be subject to the satisfaction or, where legally permissible, waiver by all parties hereto at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a) ShareholderCompany Stockholders’ Approval. 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.

(d) S-4. TheS-4 shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of theS-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, decree or other legal restraint or prohibition issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction preventing the consummation of the Integrated Mergers or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be in effect; (ii) no statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Entity that prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Integrated Mergers and (iii) no order or injunction is being sought by any Governmental Entity that would, if entered or enforced, prohibit the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Integrated Mergers.

7.2 Conditions to Obligations of Parent. The obligation of Parent and Merger Sub 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),3.2(b),3.7,3.8(a) and3.22 (in each case after(after giving effect to the lead in toArticle III) set forth in (i) Sections 3.2(a), 3.7, 3.8(a) and 3.22 shall be true and correct (other than, in the case of Section 3.2(a), such failures to be true and correct as are de minimis)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 in(ii)Sections 3.1,3.2(c)3.2(b),3.3(a) and3.3(b)(i) (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 (after giving effect to the lead in to Article III) shall be true and correct in all respects (without giving effect to any qualifications as to materiality, or Material Adverse Effect or similar qualifiers contained in such representations and warranties) 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, 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 complied in all respects with the covenants and agreements set forth inSection 5.2(k) andSection 6.22. The Company shall have performed in all material respects the obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement (other than those set forth inSection 5.2(k) andSection 6.22) at or prior to the Closing. 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.

(c) Tax Opinion. Parent shall have received the written opinion of Skadden, 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 at 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 may rely upon the certificates, representations and covenants referred to inSection 5.4.

(d) No Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition. No Requisite Regulatory Approval shall include or contain, nor shall any Governmental Entity have imposed or indicated in writing (or informed both Parent and the Company) that it will impose, any Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition.

7.3 Conditions 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(after giving effect to the lead in toArticle IV) set forth (i) in Sections 4.2(a), 4.7 and 4.8 shall be true and correct (other than, in the case ofSection 4.2(a), such failures to be true and correct as are de minimis)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(ii) inSections 4.1,4.2(b),4.3(a) and4.3(b)(i) (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 (after giving effect to the lead in to Article IV) set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects (without giving effect to any qualifications as to materiality, or Material Adverse Effect or similar qualifiers contained in such representations and warranties) 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, 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, 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 Stevens & Lee,Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, 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 at 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, Stevens & LeeTroutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP may rely upon the certificates, representations and covenants referred to inSection 5.4.

ARTICLE VIII

TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

8.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after the receipt of the Requisite Company 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 of Directors;

(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 Bank MergerMergers or the other transactions contemplated hereby and such denial has become final and nonappealable, (ii) any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued a final and nonappealable order permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (iii) an application for a Requisite Regulatory Approval shall have been withdrawn at the request of the applicable Governmental Entity unless, in the case of this clause (iii), (A) the approval of such Governmental Entityand is no longer necessary under applicable Lawnot permitted to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or (B) the party whose application was withdrawn intends to file, and such filing is made no later than the thirtieth (30th) day following the date of withdrawal, a new application, filing, certificate or notice with a Governmental Entity to obtain the necessary Requisite Regulatory Approval,be resubmitted for 120 days, unless, in any such case of clause (i),(ii) or (iii), the failure to obtain a Requisite Regulatory Approval or the issuance of such order shall be due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to thisSection 8.1(b) 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 Closing shall not have occurred on or before May 31, 2020the one (1) year anniversary of the date of this Agreement (the “Termination Date”), unless the failure of the Closing to occur by such date shall be due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to thisSection 8.1(c) 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 forty-five (45) days following written notice to the Company, in the case of a termination by Parent, or to 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 Parent, prior to the time the Requisite Company Vote is obtained, if the Board of Directors of the Company shall have (i) failed to make the Company Recommendation or failed to include the Company Recommendation in the Proxy Statement, or(ii) withdrawn, modified or qualified the Company 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, (ii)(iii) failed to recommend against acceptance of any publicly disclosedpublicly-disclosed tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding shares of Company Common Stock by any person (other than Parent or any affiliate of Parent), within the ten (10) business day period specified in Rule14e-2(a) undercommencing on the Exchange Act,date such tender offer or exchange offer is first publicly disclosed, in any such case whether or not permitted by the terms hereof, (iii)(iv) recommended or endorsed an Acquisition Proposal, or (iv)(v) breached any of its obligations underSection 6.3 orSection 6.13 in any material respect;

(f) by Parent, if the Requisite Company Vote shall not have been obtained at the Company Meeting duly convened therefor or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a vote on the adoption of this Agreement was taken; or

(g) by the Company, following the Company Meeting (including any adjournments or postponements thereof), if the Company (i) received an Acquisition Proposal prior to the Company Meeting, (ii) has not breached any of its obligations underSection 6.3 orSection 6.13 in any material respect, and (iii)(ii) failed to obtain the Requisite Company Vote at the duly convened Company Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof; or

(g)    by the Company, if its Board of Directors so determines bythereof at which a vote of a majority of the members of its entire Board of Directors 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 $19.36; 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;

subject,however, to the remainder of thisSection 8.1(g). 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. During the five (5) day period commencing with Parent’s receipt of the written notice referenced in the immediately preceding sentence, Parent shall have the option to increase the Exchange Ratio (calculated to the nearest oneone-thousandth) 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 Parent so elects, by delivering written notice of such election to the Company within such five (5) day period referenced in the immediately preceding sentence to increase the consideration to be received by the holders of Company Common Stock by so adjusting the Exchange Ratio, which notice shall set forth the revised Exchange Ratio, then no termination shall be permitted by, or shall have occurred pursuant to, thisSection 8.1(g), and this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms (except that the Exchange Ratio shall have been so modified). For purposesadoption of this Agreement the following terms shall have the following meanings:was taken.

(i)    The “Determination Date” means 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).

(ii)    The “Final Index Price” means the average of the closing price 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 Index 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 price of the Index on the date of this Agreement.

(vi)    The “Initial Parent Market Value” means, $24.20, adjusted as indicated in the last sentence of thisSection 8.1(g) as set forth below.

(vii)    The “Parent Market Value” means, as of any specified date, the average of the closing price of a share of Parent Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding such specified date.

If Parent or any company belonging to the Index declares or effects a stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization,split-up or combination between the date of this Agreement and the Determination Date, the prices for the common stock of such company shall be appropriately adjusted for the purposes of applying thisSection 8.1(g).

8.2 Effect 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 affiliates or any of their respective employees, officers, directors or representatives shall have any liability or obligation 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 any knowing, intentional and material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants, obligations or agreements set forth in this Agreement.herein.

(b) In the event that, after the execution of this Agreement, (i) prior to the termination of this Agreement, a bona fidean Acquisition Proposal (whether or not conditional) shall have been made (x) known to senior management or the Board of Directors of the Company or shall have been made(y) directly to its shareholdersthe Company’s stockholders generally, or any person shall have publicly announced an Acquisition Proposal or the intention to make an Acquisition Proposal (whether or not

conditional) with respect to the Company, (ii) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by (A) either Parent or the Company pursuant toSection 8.1(c) and(and the Requisite Company Vote has not been obtained), (B) either Parent or the Company pursuant to Section 8.1(c) (and the Requisite Company Vote has been obtained or (B)and this Agreement is terminable by Parent under Section 8.1(d)), (C) Parent pursuant toSection 8.1(d) solely(solely in the case of a willful or intentional breach of this Agreement,Agreement), (D) Parent pursuant to Section 8.1(f), or (E) the Company pursuant to Section 8.1(g), 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 (regardless of

whether a transaction is consummated) or consummates a transaction with respect to an Acquisition Proposal (whether or not the same Acquisition Proposal as that referred to inclause (b)(i) 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, an amount in cash equal to $7,313,482$7,400,000 (the “Termination Fee”).

(c) In the event that this Agreement is terminated by Parent pursuant toSection 8.1(e), then the Company shall pay Parent, by wire transfer of same day funds, an amount in cash equal to the Termination Fee on the date of such termination.

(d)

(i)    In the event that (A) this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant toSection 8.1(f) and (B) the Company made a Company Adverse Recommendation Change prior to such termination, then the Company shall, on the date of termination, pay Parent, by wire transfer of same day funds, an amount in cash equal to the Termination Fee; or

(ii)    In the event that (A) this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant toSection 8.1(f), (B) the Company did not make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change prior to such termination and (C) on or prior to the date that is twelve (12) months after the date of such termination, the Company enters into a definitive agreement (regardless of whether a transaction is consummated) or consummates a transaction with respect to an Acquisition Proposal (whether or not the same Acquisition Proposal as that referred to inSection 8.1(f) 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, an amount in cash equal to the Termination Fee.

(e)    Each of Parent and the Company acknowledges that (i) the agreements contained in thisSection 8.2 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) without these agreements, Parent would not enter into this Agreement and (iii) the Termination Fee constitutes liquidated damages and not a penalty. Accordingly, if the Company fails promptly to pay the amount due pursuant to thisSection 8.2, and, in order to obtain such payment, Parent commences a suit which results in a judgment against the Company for the Termination Fee, as applicable, the Company shall pay the costs, fees and expenses of Parent (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) in connection with such suit. In addition, if the Company fails to pay the amounts payable pursuant to thisSection 8.2 when due, then the Company 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.

(f)    Without limiting any amount that may be payable by the Company underSection 8.2(e), the Termination Fee constitutes liquated damages and not a penalty, and, except in the case of fraud or a knowing, intentional and material breach, shall be the sole monetary remedy of Parent in the event of a termination of this Agreement.

8.3    Amendment. Subject to compliance with 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 the Company;provided,however, that after adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of the Company, there may not be, without further approval of such shareholders, any amendment of this Agreement that requires further approval

of the Company shareholders under Law. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

8.4    Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties, 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, there may not be, without further approval of the Company shareholders, any extension or waiver of this Agreement or any portion thereof that requires further approval of the Company shareholders under 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

9.1 Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. None of the representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreementhereto shall survive the Effective Time (other than agreements or covenants contained herein or in any instrument delivered pursuant hereto that by their express terms are to be performed after the Effective Time, includingSections 2.22.4,6.6 and6.7).

9.2 Expenses. Except as expressly provided herein, all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such cost, fee or expense;provided,however, that the costs, fees and expenses of printing and mailing the Proxy Statement and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the Integrated Mergers shall be shared equally by Parent and the Company.

9.3 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if(a) when delivered personally telecopiedby hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) when sent by email (provided that no “error message” or emailed (with confirmation), mailed by United States registeredother notification of non-delivery is generated) or certified mail (return receipt requested) or delivered(c) one (1) business day following the day sent by an expressinternationally recognized overnight courier (with confirmation) to the partieswritten confirmation of receipt), in each case, at the following addresses and email addresses (or atto such other address, fornumber or email address as a party as shall be(or its legal counsel) may have specified by like notice)notice given to the other party):

if to the Company, to:

Two RiverPartners Bancorp

766 Shrewsbury Avenue2245 Northwood Drive

Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07724Salisbury, Maryland 21801

Attention:     William D. Moss, President and CEO

Facsimile:    732-345-0614Lloyd B. Harrison, III

Email:          wdmoss@tworiverbank.comlharrison@vapartnersbank.com

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Stevens & LeeTroutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP

Princeton Pike Corporate Center1001 Haxall Point

100 Lenox Drive, Suite 200

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648Richmond, Virginia 23219

Attention:     Edward C. Hogan

Facsimile:    (610)371-7387Jacob A. Lutz, III; Seth A. Winter

Email:          ech@stevenslee.comjake.lutz@troutman.com; seth.winter@troutman.com

and

if to Parent or Merger Sub, to:

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

110 West Front Street

Red Bank, New Jersey 07701

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 SquareOne Manhattan West

New York, New York 1003610001

Attention:     David C. Ingles

Facsimile:      (917)777-2697Sven Mickisch

Email:          David.Ingles@skadden.comSven.Mickisch@skadden.com

9.4 Interpretation.

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

(d) 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

(e) The words “hereof,” “herein,” and “hereunder” and similar terms, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

(f) Terms defined in the singular have a comparable meaning when used in the plural, and vice versa. Any gender includes other genders.

(g) As used herein, (i)business day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by lawLaw to close. References toclose; (ii)the date hereof” means the date of this Agreement. As used herein,November 4, 2021; (iii)knowledge of the Company” means the actual knowledge (after due inquiry) of any of the officers of the Company, and theCompany; (iv)knowledge of Parent” means the actual knowledge (after due inquiry) of any of the officers of Parent. References toParent; (v)ordinary course of business” means the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice of the applicable person. As used herein, (a)person; (vi)person” means any individual, corporation (includingnot-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) annature; (vii)affiliate means, in respect of a specified person, is any other person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person, (c)person; (viii) unless the context otherwise requires, “party” means a party to this Agreement irrespective of whether such term is followed by the wordwords “hereto” or the words “to this Agreement”; and (d)(ix)made

available” means any document or other information that was (i)(A) included in the virtual data room of a party at least two (2) business days prior to the date hereof or (ii)(B) filed by Parent or the Company with the SEC and publicly available on EDGAR, in either case, at least two (2) business days prior to the date hereof.

(h) Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days (unless business days are specified). If the last day of the time period for the giving of any notice or the taking of any action required under this Agreement falls on a day that is not a business day, the time period for giving such notice or taking such action shall be extended through the next business day following the original expiration date of such.

(i) No provision of this Agreement is to be construed to require, directly or indirectly, any person to take any action, or omit to take any action, to the extent that such action or omission would violate or conflict with Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, set forthnothing herein shall require any person to (or to cause or direct any other person to) disclose or share any confidential supervisory information (including confidential supervisory information as defined in this Agreement, references to “Subsidiaries”12 C.F.R. § 261.2 and as identified in 12 C.F.R. § 309.5(g)(8)) of Parent does not include any entity acquired,a Governmental Entity the disclosure or tosharing of which is prohibited by Law; provided that appropriate modified or substitute disclosures or actions shall be acquired, directlymade or indirectly, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (the “Country Bank Agreement”), by and among Parent, Midtown Merger Sub Corp. and Country Bank Holding Company, Inc. and Parent does not make any representations, warranties, covenants or agreements relatingtaken to the Country Bank Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. None of the execution, delivery or performanceextent permitted by Parent of the Country Bank Agreement nor the completion of the transactions contemplated thereby, nor the failure of such transaction to be completed shall constitute a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Parent or Merger Sub under this Agreement.Law.

9.5 Counterparts.

(a) This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments or waivers hereto or thereto, may be executed (including in any manner permitted bySection 9.129.5(b) 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.

(b) 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” or “.jpg” 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 shall (and each party shall cause its Subsidiaries and Representatives not to) raise the use of a facsimile machine or e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” or “.jpg” format data file to deliver a signature to this Agreement or any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, or any amendments or waivers hereto or thereto, 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” or “.jpg” format data file as a defense to the formation of a contract, and each party forever waives any such defense.

9.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents and the instruments referred to herein), together with the Confidentiality Agreement, and the confidentiality agreement, dated July 9, 2019, by and between Parent and Company, constitute the entire agreement among the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings both(whether written, and oral, electronic or otherwise) among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Company Disclosure Schedule and the Parent Disclosure Schedule, as well as all other schedules and the exhibits hereto, shall be deemed part of this Agreement and included in any reference to this Agreement.

9.7Amendment; Waiver.

(a) Subject to compliance with Law, this Agreement may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified by the parties, 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 stockholders of the Company; provided, however, that after adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of the Company, there may not be, without further approval of such stockholders, any amendment, supplement, restatement or modification of this Agreement that requires further approval of the Company’s stockholders under Law. This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified, except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.

(b) At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, may, to the extent permitted by Law, (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance with any of the agreements or satisfaction of any conditions contained herein; provided, however, that, after adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of the Company, there may not be, without further approval of the Company’s stockholders, any extension or waiver of this Agreement or any portion thereof that requires further approval of the Company’s stockholders under Law. Any agreement on the part of a party 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 or delay 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 or delay to comply with an obligation, covenant, agreement or condition.

9.8 Governing 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 matters under this Agreement (i) relating to the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors of the Company or (ii) concerning the internal corporate affairs of the Company that are required, pursuant to Law to be governed by the Laws of the State of Maryland, in each case, shall be governed and determined in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey)Maryland).

(b) Each party agrees that it will bring any action or proceedingAction in respect of any claim, counterclaim or cause of action arising out of, resulting from 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 such claims, arising under this Agreement or the transactions that are the subjectcounterclaims and causes of this Agreement,action, (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection (x) to laying venue in any such action or proceedingAction in the Chosen Courts (iii) waives any objectionand (y) that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any party and (iv)(iii) agrees that service of process upon such party in any such action or proceedingAction will be effective if notice is given in accordance withSection 9.3.

9.89.9 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CLAIM, DISPUTE, SUIT, ACTION, LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR CONTROVERSY WHICHTHAT MAY ARISE UNDEROUT OF, RESULT FROM OR RELATE TO THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY) 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 APPLICABLESUCH CLAIM, DISPUTE, SUIT, ACTION, LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR CONTROVERSY, 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.THERETO. 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 SUCH CLAIM, DISPUTE, SUIT, ACTION, LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR CONTROVERSY, 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 9.89.9.

9.99.10 Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries.

(a) Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, privileges, powers, interests or obligations hereunder shallmay 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.

(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided inSection 6.7, this Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein) is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any person other(other than

the parties heretoparties) any rights or remedies hereunder, including the right to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein. The representations and warranties in this Agreementherein are the product of negotiations among the parties hereto and are for the sole benefit of the parties. In some instances, the representations and warranties in this Agreementherein may represent an allocation among the parties hereto of risks associated with particular matters regardless of the knowledge of any of the parties hereto.parties. Consequently, persons other(other than the partiesparties) may not (and should not) rely upon theany representations and warranties in this Agreementherein as characterizations of actual facts, events, developments, occurrences or circumstances as of the date of this Agreementhereof or as of any other date.

9.109.11 Remedies; Specific Performance. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other remedy expressly conferred hereby, and the exercise by a party of any one such remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other such remedy. The parties hereto agree that (a) irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreementherein were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and (b) accordingly, that the parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreementor threatened breaches hereof or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereofherein (including the parties’ obligation to consummate the Integrated Mergers), in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law, in equity, contract tort or in equity.otherwise. Each of the parties hereby further waives (a) any (i) defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b)  any(ii) requirement under any lawLaw to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

9.119.12 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 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 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.

9.12    Delivery 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 bye-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 shall (and each party hereto shall cause its Subsidiaries and Representatives not to) raise the use of a facsimile machine ore-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file to deliver a signature to this Agreement or any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, or any amendments or waivers hereto or thereto, or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile machine ore-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 Pages Follow]

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

Name:

Title:
HAMMERHEADCOASTAL MERGER SUB CORP.
By: /s/ Christopher D. Maher

Name: Christopher D. Maher

 

Name:

Title:   Chairman and President

[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger]


TWO RIVERPARTNERS BANCORP
By: 

/s/ William D. Moss

 Name: William D. Moss
 Title:   Chairman, President & CEO

[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger]


EXHIBIT A

Bank Merger Agreement


EXHIBIT B

Form of Support Agreement


EXHIBIT C

Amendment Agreements


EXHIBIT D

First-Step Merger Surviving Corporation Certificate


ANNEXAnnex B

Form of

VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT

This VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT, dated as of August 9, 2019November 4, 2021 (this “Agreement”), is by and between OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and the undersigned shareholderstockholder (the “ShareholderStockholder”) of Two RiverPartners Bancorp, a New JerseyMaryland corporation (the “Company”). Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company, Parent and HammerheadCoastal Merger Sub Corp., a New JerseyMaryland 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, among other things, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, (i)(a) 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)(b) 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)(c) at the Effective Time, the shares of common stock, no$0.01 par value per share, of the Company (“Company Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than the Exception Shares) 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 and except as otherwise specifically set forth herein, the ShareholderStockholder is the record andor beneficial owner of, has the sole right to dispose of and has the sole right to vote, the number ofsharesofofshares of Company Common Stock set forth below the Shareholder’sStockholder’s signature on the signature page hereto (such shares of Company Common Stock, together with any other shares of capital stock of the Company acquired by the ShareholderStockholder after the execution of this Agreement, whether acquired directly or indirectly, upon the exercise of options, conversion of convertible securities, warrants or otherwise, and any other securities issued by the Company that are entitled to vote on the approval of the Merger Agreement held or acquired by the ShareholderStockholder (whether acquired heretofore or hereafter), being collectively referred to herein as the “Shares”;provided that, in respect of any such shares of capital stock of the termCompany acquired by the Stockholder after the execution of this Agreement, “Shares” shall not include any securitiessuch shares of capital stock of the Company beneficially owned by the ShareholderStockholder as a trustee or fiduciary);

WHEREAS, receiving the Requisite Company Vote is a condition to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and

WHEREAS, as a condition and an inducement for Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement and incur the obligations set forth therein, Parent has required that (i) the ShareholderStockholder enter into this Agreement and (ii) certain other directors and officers of the Company enter into separate, substantially identical voting and support agreements with Parent.

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 fromUntil the date hereof until the ExpirationTermination Time, (as defined below), at any meeting (whether annual or special and each adjourned or postponed meeting) of the Company’s shareholders,stockholders, however called, and on every

action or approval by written consent of the shareholdersstockholders of the Company with respect to any of the following matters, the ShareholderStockholder will:

(i) appear at such meeting or otherwise cause all of the Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of calculating and establishing a quorum; and

(ii) vote or cause to be voted all of such Shares, (A) in favor of (1)(I) the approval of the Merger Agreement, the First-Step Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (2)(II) the adjournment or postponement of the Company Meeting, if (x) as of the time for which the Company Meeting is originally scheduled, there are insufficient shares of Company Common Stock represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of the Company Meeting or (y) on the date of the Company Meeting, the Company has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares necessary to obtain the Requisite Company Vote, (B) against any Acquisition Proposal, without regard to (x) any recommendation to the shareholdersstockholders of the Company by the Board of Directors of the Company concerning such Acquisition Proposal and without regard to(y) 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 amendment of any 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, interfere with, delay, postpone or discourage any of 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 in any material respect or in any representation or warranty of the Company in the Merger Agreement becoming untrue or incorrect.incorrect in any material respect.

(b) Restrictions on Transfers. The Shareholder hereby agrees that, from the date hereof untilUntil the earlier of the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote or the ExpirationTermination Time, the ShareholderStockholder 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, enter into any swap or other arrangement that hedges or transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of, or enter into any agreement, arrangement, contract or understanding to take any of the foregoing actions with respect to (each, a “Transfer”), any Shares, other than a Transfer of Shares (x) by will or operation of law as a result of the death of the ShareholderStockholder, in which case, this Agreement shall bind the transferee, or (y) for bona fide estate planning purposes to the Shareholder’sStockholder’s (i) affiliates (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or (ii) immediate family members (each, a “Permitted Transferee”);, or (z) by or at the direction of the holder of a Lien (as defined below) as required by the terms of such Lien; provided that, in the case of clause the foregoing subclauses (x) and (y) only, as a condition to such Transfer, such Permitted Transferee shall be required to duly execute and deliver to Parent a joinder to this Agreement;Agreement (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent); provided,further, that, in the case of clausethe foregoing subclause (y) only, the ShareholderStockholder shall remain jointly and severally liable for any breaches or violations by any of such Permitted Transferee of the terms hereof. Any Transfer of Shares in violation of this Section 1(b) shall be null and void. The ShareholderStockholder 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 the ShareholderStockholder and that this Agreement places limits on the Transfer of the Shareholder’sStockholder’s Shares.

(c) Transfer of Voting Rights. The Shareholder hereby agrees thatUntil the Shareholderearlier of the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote or the Termination Time, the Stockholder shall not deposit any of the Shares in aany voting trust, grant any proxy or power of attorney or enter into any voting agreement or similar agreement, arrangement, contract or arrangementunderstanding in contravention of the obligations of the Shareholder under this AgreementStockholder hereunder with respect to any of the Shares.

(d) Acquired Shares. Any Shares or other voting securities of the Company with respect to which beneficial ownership is acquired by the ShareholderStockholder or any of the Shareholder’sStockholder’s controlled 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

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 of the ShareholderStockholder acquires Shares by way of a Share Acquisition, the ShareholderStockholder will cause such controlled affiliate to comply with the terms of this Agreement applicable to the Shareholder.Stockholder.

(e) No Inconsistent Agreements. The ShareholderUntil the Termination Time, the Stockholder shall not enter into any agreement, arrangement, contract or understanding with any person (as defined in the Merger Agreement) 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 whichthat is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement.

Section 2.Representations, Warranties and Support Covenants of the ShareholderStockholder.

(a) Representations and Warranties. The ShareholderStockholder represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

(i) Power and Authority; Consents. The ShareholderStockholder has thefull capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and fully understands the terms of this Agreement.herein. No filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity is necessary on the part of the ShareholderStockholder for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the ShareholderStockholder or the consummation by the ShareholderStockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(ii) Due Authorization. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the ShareholderStockholder and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the ShareholderStockholder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Shareholder.Stockholder.

(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,Stockholder, enforceable against the ShareholderStockholder in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions).

(iv) Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the ShareholderStockholder does not, and the performance by the ShareholderStockholder of the Shareholder’sStockholder’s agreements, covenants and obligations hereunder and the consummation by the ShareholderStockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under, any agreement, arrangement, contract, instrument, contractunderstanding or other obligation or any order, arbitration award, judgment or decree to which the ShareholderStockholder is a party or by which the ShareholderStockholder or the Shareholder’sStockholder’s properties or assets are bound, or any Law to which the Stockholder or the Stockholder’s property or assets is bound, or any statute, rule or regulation to which the Shareholder or the Shareholder’s property or assets isare subject. Except for this Agreement or any pledges, liens or other security interests disclosed to Parent in writing prior to the Shareholderdate hereof (such disclosed pledges, liens or other security interests, each, a “Lien”), the Stockholder is not, and no controlled affiliate of the ShareholderStockholder is, a party to any voting agreement votingor trust or any other agreement, arrangement, contract, instrument or understanding with respect to the voting, transfer or ownership of any Shares. The ShareholderStockholder 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 (x) restrictions in favor of Parent pursuant to this Agreement, (y) Liens, and (z) 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 ShareholderStockholder (A) owns, beneficially and of record, all of the Shares free and clear of any proxy, voting restriction, adverse claim, security interest or other encumbrance or lien, and (B) has sole voting power and sole power of disposition with respect to suchthe Shares with no restrictions, limitations or impairments on the Shareholder’sStockholder’s rights, powers and privileges of voting or disposition pertaining thereto, and no person other than the ShareholderStockholder has any right to direct or approve the voting or disposition of any of the Shares. As of the date hereof, the true, complete and correct number of the Sharesshares of Company Common Stock beneficially owned by the ShareholderStockholder is set forth below the Shareholder’s

Stockholder’s signature on the signature page hereto.hereto (it being understood and agreed that such number does not include any securities beneficially owned by the Stockholder as a trustee or fiduciary). The ShareholderStockholder or, with respect to any Shares subject to a Lien, the lender or collateral agent, has possession of an outstanding certificate or outstanding certificates representing all of the Shares (other than Shares held in book-entry form or in street name) 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 claim, action, suit, dispute, investigation, examination, complaint or other proceeding pending against the ShareholderStockholder or, to the knowledge of the Shareholder,Stockholder, any other person or, to the knowledge of the Shareholder,Stockholder, threatened against the ShareholderStockholder or any other person that restricts, limits, impairs or prohibits (or, if successful, would restrict, limit, impair or prohibit) the exercise by Parent of its rights, under this Agreementpowers and privileges hereunder or the performance by any party of its covenants, agreements and obligations under this Agreement.hereunder.

(vii) Reliance.Reliance. The ShareholderStockholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the Shareholder’sStockholder’s execution, delivery and deliveryperformance of this Agreement, andincluding the representations and warranties of the Shareholder containedStockholder set forth herein.

(b) Support Covenants.

(i) From the date hereof until the Expiration Time:

(i)    The Shareholder, solely in his or her capacity as a shareholder ofTermination Time, the Company, agreesStockholder shall not to take any action that would make any representation or warranty of the ShareholderStockholder 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 the ShareholderStockholder of his or her obligations under this Agreement.

(ii) The Shareholder hereby agrees toUntil the earlier of the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote or the Termination Time, the Stockholder shall promptly notify Parent of the number of Shares, if any, acquired in any Share Acquisition by the Shareholder after the execution hereof.Stockholder.

(iii) The Shareholder herebyStockholder authorizes Parent and the Company to publish and disclose in any (A) announcement, filing, press release or other disclosure required by applicable Law and any(B) periodic report, proxy statement or prospectus filed in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Shareholder’sStockholder’s identity, and ownership of the Shares and the natureobligations and agreements herein.

(iv) The Stockholder shall comply with Section 6.13(a) of the Shareholder’s obligationMerger Agreement. Section 6.13(a) of the Merger Agreement is incorporated by reference herein mutatis mutandis.

(v) If the Stockholder has any Shares that are subject to a Lien, the Stockholder shall not take action (or fail to take any action) in respect of the Lien and the Shares subject thereto (including a breach or default thereunder) the intention or primary purpose of which would be to prevent the Stockholder from performing any of its obligations under Section 1.

(c) Fiduciary Duties. The Stockholder is entering into this Agreement.Agreement solely in his or her capacity as the record or beneficial owner of the Shares (including any additional Shares acquired hereafter). Nothing herein is intended to or shall limit or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder serving in his or her capacity as a director of the Company (or a Subsidiary of the Company).

Section 3.Further Assurances. From time to time, atAt the request of Parent and without further consideration, the ShareholderStockholder shall execute and deliver suchany additional documents and take all suchany further actionaction(s) as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.hereby.

Section 4.Termination. This Agreement will terminate upon the earlierearliest of (a) the Effective Time, and (b) the date of termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms and (c) the mutual written agreement

of the parties (the “ExpirationTermination Time”);provided that this Section 4 and Section 5 shall survive the ExpirationTermination Time indefinitely;provided, further, that no such termination or expiration shall relieve any party hereto from any liability for any breach of this Agreement to the extent occurring prior to such termination.the Termination Time.

Section 5.Miscellaneous.

(a) Expenses. All costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs, fees or expenses.

(b) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if(i) when delivered personally telecopiedby hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (ii) when sent by email (provided that no “error message” or emailed (with confirmation), mailed by registeredother notification of non-delivery is generated) or certified mail (return receipt requested) or delivered(iii) one (1) Business Day following the day sent by an expressinternationally recognized overnight 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.

110 West Front Street

Red Bank, New Jersey 07701

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

(ii)    If to the Shareholder,written confirmation of receipt), in each case, to the address of the Shareholderapplicable party set forth below the Shareholder’ssuch party’s signature on the signature pages hereto.hereto (or to such other address, number or email address as a party may have specified by notice given to the other party).

(c) Amendments, Waivers. This Agreement may not be amended, changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except by an instrument in writing signed by, eachin the case of any (i) amendment, change, supplement, modification or termination, by all the parties, hereto.or (ii) waiver, by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective. No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

(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 party, hereto.except Parent may, without the consent of the Stockholder, assign any of its rights and delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement to any affiliate of Parent (provided that Parent shall remain liable for any failure of its obligations hereunder). 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(other than the parties heretoparties) any rights, powers, privileges 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, “group” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), joint venture or any like relationship between the parties hereto.parties.

(g) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, andarrangements, contracts or 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 (or portion thereof) 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 agreeEach party agrees that (A) Parent would incur irreparable harm if any provision of this Agreementherein were not performed by the ShareholderStockholder in accordance with the express terms hereof, that(B) there would be no adequate remedy at law for Parent with regard to any breach or violation of any provision herein and (C) accordingly, that Parent shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent any 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, in equity, contract or in equity.tort or otherwise, Parent shall be entitled to (x) an injunction or injunctions to prevent any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement and (y) enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions herein. The Shareholder hereby furtherStockholder waives (a) any (I) defense in any action, dispute, claim, proceeding, litigation or other controversy for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any(II) requirement under any applicable Law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief. The Shareholder agrees that the ShareholderStockholder will not, and will direct its Representatives not to, object to Parent seeking an injunction or the granting of any such remedies on the basis that Parent has an adequate remedy at law. If any legal action or other proceeding relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement is brought by any party against the other party, the prevailing party in such action or proceeding shall be entitled to recover all reasonable and documented costs, fees and expenses relating thereto (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and court costs) from the other party, in addition to any other relief to which such prevailing party may be entitled.

(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. Each party agrees that it will bring any claim, action, proceeding, dispute, litigation or proceedingcontroversy in respect of any claim or cause of action 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 such claims arising under this Agreement or the transactions that are the subjectcauses of this Agreement,action, (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection (x) to laying venue in any such action or proceeding in the Chosen Courts (iii) waives any objectionand (y) that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any party and (iv)(iii) agrees that service of process upon such party in any such action or proceeding will be effective if notice is given in accordance with Section 5(b).

(m) Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO INTENTIONALLY, KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CLAIM, DISPUTE, SUIT, ACTION, LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR CONTROVERSY WHICHTHAT MAY ARISE UNDEROUT OF, RESULT FROM OR RELATE TO THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY) 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 APPLICABLESUCH CLAIM, DISPUTE, SUIT, ACTION, LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR CONTROVERSY, 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.THERETO. 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 ANY SUCH CLAIM, DISPUTE, SUIT, ACTION, LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR CONTROVERSY, 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 THIS SECTION 5(m) 5(m).

(n)Waiver of Appraisal Rights. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, the Stockholder waives any and all rights of appraisal or rights to dissent from the First-Step Merger or demand fair value for the Shares in connection with the First-Step Merger, in each case, that Stockholder may have under applicable law.

(o) 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)(p) Name, Captions, GenderInterpretation. 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. Wherever the word “include,” “includes,” or “including” is used in this Agreement, it shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “herein,” and “hereunder” and similar terms, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “party” means a party to this Agreement irrespective of whether such term is followed by the words “hereto” or “to this Agreement.”

(p)(q) Counterparts. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments or waivers hereto or thereto, (i) 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.counterpart and (ii) to the extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” or “.jpg” 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 shall raise the use of a facsimile machine or e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” or “.jpg” format data file to deliver a signature to this Agreement or any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, or any amendments or waivers hereto or thereto, 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” or “.jpg” format data file as a defense to the formation of a contract, and each party forever waives any such defense.

[Signature Pages Follow]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.
By:

Name:
Title:
OceanFirst Financial Corp.
110 West Front Street
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701

Attention:    Christopher D. Maher

Email:          cmaher@oceanfirst.com

with a copy to:
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
One Manhattan West
New York, New York 10001
Attention:     Sven Mickisch
Email:          Sven.Mickisch@skadden.com

[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]

STOCKHOLDER
By: 

 

 Name:
 Title:

[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]


SHAREHOLDER

By:

Name:
Title:
Number of shares of Company Common
Stock: 

 

Address: 

 

 

 

Email:

with a copy to:
Troutman Sanders Hamilton Pepper LLP
401 9th Street, NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004
Attention: Seth A. Winter
Gregory F. Parisi
Email:seth.winter@troutman.com gregory.parisi@troutman.com

[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]


ANNEXAnnex C

 

LOGOLOGO

LOGONovember 3, 2021

August 8, 2019

Board of Directors

Two RiverPartners Bancorp

766 Shrewsbury Avenue2245 Northwood Drive

Tinton Falls, NJ 07724Salisbury, MD 21801

MembersLadies and Gentlemen:

Partners Bancorp (“Company”), OceanFirst Financial Corp. (“Parent”) and Coastal Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), are proposing to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which (i) Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “First-Step Merger”), so that the Company is the surviving corporation in the First-Step Merger and becomes a wholly-owned direct 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 “Merger”) with and into Parent, with Parent being the surviving corporation. As set forth in the Agreement, at the Effective Time, each share of the Board:

common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for certain shares of Company Common Stock as specified in the Agreement, shall be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder thereof and subject to adjustment and proration, either (i) $10.00 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”); or (ii) 0.4512 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Parent (such common stock, the “Parent Common Stock” and such consideration, the “Stock Consideration”). The Agreement provides, generally, that the maximum total number of shares of Company Common Stock to be converted into the right to receive Cash Consideration shall be equal to forty percent (40%) of the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time. The Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration are collectively referred to herein as the “Merger Consideration.” Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed thereto 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 sharesCompany Common Stock.

Piper Sandler & Co. (“Piper Sandler”, “we” or “our”), as part of issued and outstanding common stock, $0.01 par value (the “Company Common Shares”) of Two River Bancorp (“TRCB”), of the Merger Consideration (as defined below) to be received by such holdersits investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the proposed merger (the “Proposed Merger”) byvaluation of financial institutions and between TRCBtheir securities in connection with mergers and OceanFirst Financial Corp., a Delaware Corporation (“OCFC”), as set forth in the draft Agreementacquisitions and Plan of Merger dated August 5, 2019 (the “Merger Agreement”). As detailed in the Merger Agreement, as a first step TRCB will mergeother corporate transactions. In connection with and into a newly formed subsidiary of OCFC (“Newco”), with TRCB surviving, and thereafter, as a second step, TRCB will merge with and into OCFC, and each TRCB common share issued and outstanding shall be cancelled and converted into the right to receive $5.375 in cash and 0.6663 shares of common stock of OCFC (the “Merger Consideration”). In addition, the outstanding options to purchase Company Common Shares will be redeemed for cash as set forth in the Merger Agreement.

In arriving at ourthis opinion, we have reviewed and considered, among other things: (i) revieweda draft of the Agreement, dated October 29, 2021; (ii) certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial performances, currentinformation of the Company that we deemed relevant; (iii) certain publicly available financial positionsstatements and general prospectsother historical financial information of TRCB and OCFC and reviewedParent that we deemed relevant; (iv) certain internal financial analyses and forecasts preparedprojections for the Company for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the senior management of TRCBthe Company; (v) publicly available median analyst net income and OCFC, (ii) revieweddividends per share estimates for Parent for the Merger Agreement, (iii) reviewedquarter ending December 31, 2021 and analyzedpublicly available median analyst net income estimates for Parent for the stock market performanceyears ending December 31, 2022 and trading historyDecember 31, 2023, as well as estimated long-term annual earnings per share and balance sheet growth rates for the years ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 and estimated dividends per share for Parent for the years ending December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the senior management of TRCB and OCFC, (iv) studied and analyzed the consolidated financial and operating data of TRCB and OCFC, (v) reviewedParent; (vi) the pro forma financial impact of the Proposed Merger on TRCB,Parent based on certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, cost savings and purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and other synergies determinedas provided by the senior management of TRCBParent, as well as estimated net income for the Company for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the Company and OCFC, (vi) consideredapproved for use in Piper Sandler’s analysis by the senior management of Parent; (vii) the publicly reported historical price and trading activity for Company


Common Stock and Parent Common Stock, including a comparison of certain stock trading information for Company Common Stock and Parent Common Stock and certain stock indices, as well as similar publicly available information for certain other companies, the securities of which are publicly traded; (viii) a comparison of certain financial and market information for the Company and Parent with similar financial institutions for which information is publicly available; (ix) the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the Proposed Merger between TRCB and OCFC as compared with the financial terms of comparable bank and bank holding company mergersthrift industry (on nationwide basis), to the extent publicly available; (x) the current market environment generally and acquisitions, (vii) met and/or communicatedthe 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 TRCB’s and OCFC’sthe senior management to discuss their respective operations, historical financial statements and future prospects, and (viii) conducted such other financial analyses, studies and investigations as we deemed appropriate.

We have acted as TRCB’s financial advisor in connection with the Proposed Merger and will receive a fee for our service, a significant portion of which is contingent upon consummation of the Proposed Merger. We will also receive a fee for rendering this opinion. Our fee for rendering this opinion is not contingent upon any conclusion that we may reach. TRCB has also agreed to indemnify us againstCompany and its representatives the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of the Company and held similar discussions with certain liabilities arising outmembers of our engagement.the senior management of Parent and its representatives regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Parent.

Our opinion is given in reliance on information and representations made or given by TRCB and OCFC, and their respective officers, directors, auditors, counsel and other agents, and on filings, releases and other

4 Tower Bridge  •  200 Barr Harbor Drive  •  West Conshohocken  •  PA    19428-2979

phone (610) 832-1212  •  fax (610) 832-5301

www.boenninginc.com  •  Member FINRA/SIPC

LOGO

Two River Bancorp

August 8, 2019

information issued by TRCB and OCFC including financial statements, financial projections, and stock price data as well as certain information from recognized independent sources. We have not independently verified the information concerning TRCB and OCFC or other data which we have considered inIn performing our review, and, for purposes of the opinion set forth below, we have assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all such information and data. We have assumed that all forecasts and projections provided to us have been reasonably prepared and reflect the best currently available estimates and good faith judgments of the management of TRCB and OCFC as to their most likely future financial performance. We express no opinion as to any financial projections or the assumptions on which they are based. We have not conducted any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities of TRCB or OCFC, nor have any such valuations or appraisals been provided to us. We are aware of another possible acquisition (“Other Transaction”) involving OCFC. We were not engaged to review the Other Transaction, have conducted no due diligence on the Other Transaction or the company subject to the Other Transaction, and have not factored the impact of Other Transaction into this Opinion. We note that the Proposed Merger is not conditioned upon the occurrence of the Other Transaction. Additionally, we assume that the Proposed Merger is, in all respects, lawful under applicable law.

We also assumed that there were no material changes in the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, or prospects of either TRCB or OCFC since the date of the last financial statements of each such entity that were made available to us.

With respect to anticipated transaction costs, purchase accounting adjustments, expected cost savings and other synergies and financial and other information relatingthat was available to us from public sources, that was provided to us by the general prospects of TRCBCompany, Parent or their respective representatives, or that was otherwise reviewed by us and OCFC, we have assumed that such information, projectionsaccuracy and estimates have been reasonably prepared and reflect the best currently available estimates and judgmentcompleteness for purposes of the management of TRCB and OCFC as to their most likely future performance.rendering this opinion without any independent verification or investigation. We have further relied on the assurances of managementthe respective senior managements of TRCBthe Company and OCFCParent that they are not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make any of such information inaccurate incomplete or misleading.misleading in any respect material to our analyses. We have not been asked to undertake, 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 the Company or Parent, nor were we furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. We render no opinion on or evaluation of the collectability of any assets or the future performance of any loans of the Company or Parent. We did not make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses of the Company or Parent, or the combined entity after the Merger, and we have not reviewed any individual credit files relating to the Company or Parent. We have assumed, with your consent, that the respective allowances for loan losses indicated onfor both the balance sheets of TRCBCompany and OCFCParent are adequate to cover such losses;losses and will be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity.

In preparing its analyses, Piper Sandler used certain internal financial projections for the Company for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the senior management of the Company. In addition, Piper Sandler used publicly available median analyst net income and dividends per share estimates for Parent for the quarter ending December 31, 2021 and publicly available median analyst net income estimates for Parent for the years ending December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, as well as estimated long-term annual earnings per share and balance sheet growth rates for the years ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 and estimated dividends per share for Parent for the years ending December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the senior management of Parent. Piper Sandler also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, cost savings and purchase accounting adjustments, as provided by the senior management of Parent, as well as estimated net income for the Company for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2025, as provided by the Company and approved for use in Piper Sandler’s analysis by the senior management of Parent. With respect to the foregoing information, the respective senior managements of the Company and Parent confirmed to us that such information reflected (or, in the case of the publicly available analyst estimates referred to above, were consistent with) the best currently available projections, estimates and judgements of those respective senior managements as to the future financial performance of the Company and Parent, respectively, and we have not reviewed individual loansassumed that the financial results reflected in such information would be achieved. We express no opinion as to such projections, estimates or credit files of TRCBjudgements, or OCFC.the assumptions on which they are based. We have also assumed that there has been no material change in the 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 analyses that the Company and Parent will remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to our analyses.

Page 2


We have also 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 required to effect the Merger, that all of the representations and warranties of all parties contained in the Merger Agreement and all relatedsuch agreements and documents are true and correct in all material respects, that each party underof the parties to such agreements and documents will perform in all material respects all of the covenants and other obligations required to be performed by such party under thesuch agreements and documents, and that the conditions precedent in thesuch agreements and documents are not waived. We have assumed that the Merger Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties, that it hasand will not been modified or amended, and that its terms have not been superseded or supplemented by other agreements or documents. Also, in rendering our opinion, we have assumed thatbe waived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, forconsents and releases with respect to the consummation of the Proposed Merger, no conditionsdelay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have an adverse effect on the Company, Parent, the Merger or any related transactions, and (iii) the Merger and any related transactions will materially affect either TRCB or OCFC,be consummated in accordance with the combined entity or the contemplated benefitsterms of the Proposed Merger, including the cost savingsAgreement without any waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof and related expenses expected to result from the Proposed Merger. We have also assumed,in compliance with all applicable laws and other requirements. Finally, with your consent, we have relied upon the advice that the ProposedCompany has received from its legal, accounting and tax advisors as to all legal, accounting and tax matters relating to the Merger will be treatedand the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement. We express no opinion as atax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes.to any such matters.

Our opinion is necessarily based upon (i) information provided to us by TRCB and OCFC and their respective officers, directors, auditors, counsel and other agents; (ii) filings, releases and other information issued by TRCB and OCFC includingon financial, statements, financial projections, and stock price data as well as certain information from recognized independent sources; and (iii)regulatory, economic, market economic, financial and other conditions as they existin effect on, and can be evaluated onlythe information made available to us as of, the date hereof. Events occurring after the date hereof and, accordingly, it speaks to no other period.could materially affect this opinion. We have not undertaken to update, revise, reaffirm or revisewithdraw this opinion or otherwise comment onupon events occurring after the date hereof and

LOGO

Two River Bancorp

August 8, 2019

do not have an obligation to update, revise or reaffirm our opinion. Our opinion does not address the relative merits of the Proposed Merger and the other business strategies that TRCB’s Board of Directors has considered or may be considering, nor does it address the underlying business decision of TRCB’s Board of Directors to proceed with the Proposed Merger.hereof. We are expressingexpress no opinion as to the prices at which TRCB’s securitiestrading value of Company Common Stock or OCFC’s securities may tradeParent Common Stock at any time. Nothing in our opinion is totime or what the value of Parent Common Stock will be construedonce the shares are actually received by the holders of Company Common Stock.

We have acted as constituting tax advice or a recommendation to take any particular tax position, nor does our opinion address any legal, tax, regulatory or accounting matters, as to which we understand that TRCB has obtained such advice as it deemed necessary from qualified professionals. Our opinion is for the information of TRCB’s Board of Directors in connection with its evaluation of the Proposed Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to TRCB’s Board of DirectorsCompany’s financial advisor in connection with the ProposedMerger and will receive a fee for our services, which fee is contingent upon consummation of the Merger. This opinion should not be construed as creating any fiduciary duty on Boenning & Scattergood, Inc.’s part to any party or person. Our opinion is not to be quoted or referred to, in whole or in part, inWe will also receive a registration statement, prospectus, proxy statement or in any other document, nor shallfee for rendering this opinion, which opinion fee will be used for any other purpose, withoutcredited in full towards the advisory fee which will become payable to Piper Sandler upon consummation of the Merger. Company has also agreed to indemnify us against certain claims and liabilities arising out of our prior written consent, except that, if required by applicable law, this opinion may be referenced and included, in its entirety, in any filing made by TRCB with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Proposed Merger; provided, however, that any description of, or reference to, our opinion, or to Boehning & Scattergood, Inc., shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to usengagement and to reimburse us for certain of our counsel. We shall have no responsibility for the form or content of any such disclosure, other than the opinion itself.

Boenning & Scattergood, Inc., as part of its investment banking business, regularly is engaged in the valuation of assets, securities and companiesout-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with various types of asset and security transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, private placements, public offerings and valuations for variousour engagement. Piper Sandler has not provided any other purposes, andinvestment banking services to the Company in the determinationtwo years preceding the date hereof. As you are aware, Piper Sandler and its affiliate, Piper Sandler Loan Strategies, LLC (“PSLS”), have provided certain investment banking services to Parent in the two years preceding the date of adequate considerationthis opinion. In summary, (i) Piper Sandler acted as book manager in such transactions.connection with Parent’s offer and sale of equity and debt securities, which transactions occurred in May 2020 and for which Piper Sandler received approximately $2.3 million in fees and expense reimbursement, and (ii) PSLS acted as introducing broker to Parent’s banking subsidiary, OceanFirst Bank, N.A. (“OceanFirst Bank”), in connection with OceanFirst Bank’s sale of certain loans and/or assets, for which PSLS received approximately $490,000 in fees in December 2020. In the ordinary course of our business as a broker-dealer, we may from time to time, purchase securities from and sell securities to TRCBthe Company, Parent and OCFC or their respective affiliates. In the ordinary course of business, weWe may also actively trade the equity and debt securities of TRCBthe Company, Parent and OCFCtheir respective affiliates for our own account and for the accounts of customersour customers.

Our opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with its consideration of the Agreement and accordingly maythe Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of the Company as to how any such shareholder should vote at any time holdmeeting of shareholders called to consider and vote upon the approval of the Agreement and the Merger. Our opinion is directed only as to the fairness, from a longfinancial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to the holders of Company Common Stock and does not address the underlying business decision of the Company to engage in the Merger, the form or short positionstructure of the Merger or any other transactions contemplated in such securities.

Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. has not hadthe Agreement, the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any material investment banking relationship with OCFC duringother alternative transactions or business strategies that might exist for the past two yearsCompany or the effect of any other transaction in which compensation was received or was intended to be received as a result of the relationship between Boenning & Scattergood, Inc., on the one hand, and OCFC, on the other hand. Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. has advised TRCB on a potential acquisition which was not consummated but has not had any other material investment banking relationship with TRCB during the past two years in which compensation was received or was intended to be received as a result of the relationship between Boenning & Scattergood, Inc., on the one hand, and TRCB, on the other hand. Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. may provide investment banking services to OCFC in the future, although there is no agreement to do so.

This opinion has been approved by Boenning & Scattergood, Inc.’s fairness opinion committee in accordance with our written procedures for approval of fairness opinions.Company might engage. We also do not express any opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the Proposed Merger by the officers, directors,any Company officer, director or employees of any party to the Merger Agreement,employee, or any class of such persons, if any, relative to the amount of compensation to be received by the holders of Company Common Shares in the Proposed Merger.any other shareholder. This opinion has been approved by Piper Sandler’s fairness opinion committee. This opinion may

Page 3


LOGO

Two River Bancorp

August 8, 2019

not be reproduced without Piper Sandler’s prior written consent; provided, however, Piper Sandler will provide its consent for the opinion to be included in any regulatory filings, including the Proxy Statement and the S-4, to be filed with the SEC and mailed to shareholders in connection with the Merger.

Based onupon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration is fair to be received by the holders of Company Common Shares pursuant to the Merger Agreement, is fair,Stock from a financial point of view, to such holders.

Sincerely,view.

 

Very truly yours,
LOGO

LOGO

BOENNING & SCATTERGOOD, INC.Page 4


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 of 1933 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 of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Description

 

2.1  Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 9, 2019,November 4, 2021, by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp., HammerheadCoastal Merger Sub Corp. and Two RiverPartners Bancorp (attached as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in this 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) (P)
3.2  Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1A of OceanFirst’s Current Report on Form8-K, filed on June 4, 2018)
3.3  Amended and Restated Bylaws of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of OceanFirst’s Current Report on Form8-K, filed on April 26, 2019)
  3.4Certificate of Designation of 7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, of the Company, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and effective May 6, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on May 7, 2020)
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) (P)
  4.2Specimen of the Company’s 7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on May 7, 2020)
5.1  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP*
8.1  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP regarding certain tax matters*
8.2  Opinion of Stevens & Lee, P.C.Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP regarding certain tax matters*
10.1  Form of Voting and Support Agreement by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp. and directors and officers of Two RiverPartners Bancorp (attached as Annex B to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in this registration statement)

II-1


21  Subsidiaries of OceanFirst Financial Corp.** (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 21 of OceanFirst’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 1, 2021)
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 Stevens & Lee, P.C.Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2)*
23.4  Consent of KPMG LLP (with respect to OceanFirst Financial Corp.)*
23.5  Consent of BDO USA,Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C. (with respect to Partners Bancorp)
23.6Consent of TGM Group LLP (with respect to Two RiverPartners Bancorp)*
24.1  Power of Attorney (included on this signature page to this registration statement)**
99.1  Consent of BoenningPiper Sandler & Scattergood, Inc.*Co.
99.2  Form of proxy card of Two RiverPartners Bancorp*

 

*

Filed herewith.

**

Filed previously.To be filed by amendment.

Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of RegulationS-K. OceanFirst agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted attachment to the Securities and Exchange Commission on a confidential basis upon request.

(P)

Paper exhibits.

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 “CalculationCalculation of Registration Fee”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 initial bona 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) 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 initial bona 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

II-2


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 of 1933 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 initial bona 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 of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-3


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement on Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Red Bank, State of New Jersey, on December 23, 2021.

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.

By:

/s/ Christopher D. Maher

Name: Christopher D. Maher

Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned directors and officers 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, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director (Chairman of the Board)December 23, 2021

/s/ Michael J. Fitzpatrick

Michael J. Fitzpatrick

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Angela K. Ho

Angela K. Ho

Senior Vice President and Principal Accounting OfficerDecember 23, 2021

/s/ John E. Walsh

John E. Walsh

Lead DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Angelo Catania

Angelo Catania

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Anthony R. Coscia

Anthony R. Coscia

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Michael D. Devlin

Michael D. Devlin

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Jack M. Farris

Jack M. Farris

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Kimberly M. Guadagno

Kimberly M. Guadagno

DirectorDecember 23, 2021


Signatures

Title

Date

/s/ Nicos Katsoulis

Nicos Katsoulis

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ John K. Lloyd

John K. Lloyd

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ William D. Moss

William D. Moss

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Joseph M. Murphy Jr.

Joseph M. Murphy Jr.

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Steven M. Scopellite

Steven M. Scopellite

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Grace C. Torres

Grace C. Torres

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Patricia L. Turner

Patricia L. Turner

DirectorDecember 23, 2021

/s/ Grace M. Vallacchi

Grace M. Vallacchi

DirectorDecember 23, 2021


EXHIBITS INDEX

Description

 

2.1  Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August  9, 2019,November  4, 2021, by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp., HammerheadCoastal Merger Sub Corp. and Two RiverPartners Bancorp (attached as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in this 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) (P)
3.2  Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1A of OceanFirst’s Current Report on Form8-K, filed on June 4, 2018)
3.3  Amended and Restated Bylaws of OceanFirst Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of OceanFirst’s Current Report on Form8-K, filed on April 26, 2019)
3.4Certificate of Designation of 7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, of the Company, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and effective May  6, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on May 7, 2020)
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) (P)
4.2Specimen of the Company’s 7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on May 7, 2020)
5.1  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP*
8.1  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP regarding certain tax matters*
8.2  Opinion of Stevens & Lee, P.C.Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP regarding certain tax matters*
10.1  Form of Voting and Support Agreement by and among OceanFirst Financial Corp. and directors and officers of Two RiverPartners Bancorp (attached as Annex B to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in this registration statement)
21  Subsidiaries of OceanFirst Financial Corp.** (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 21 of OceanFirst’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 1, 2021)
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 Stevens & Lee, P.C.Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2)*
23.4  Consent of KPMG LLP (with respect to OceanFirst Financial Corp.)*
23.5  Consent of BDO USA,Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C. (with respect to Partners Bancorp)
23.6Consent of TGM Group LLP (with respect to Two RiverPartners Bancorp)*
24.1  Power of Attorney (included on this signature page to this registration statement)**
99.1  Consent of BoenningPiper Sandler & Scattergood, Inc.*Co.
99.2  Form of proxy card of Two RiverPartners Bancorp*

 

*

Filed herewith.To be filed by amendment.

**

Filed previously.

Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of RegulationS-K. OceanFirst agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted attachment to the Securities and Exchange Commission on a confidential basis upon request.

(P) Paper exhibits.


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 Red Bank, State of New Jersey, on October 18, 2019.

OCEANFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.
By:  

/s/ Christopher D. Maher

Name:

Title:

Christopher D. Maher

President and Chief Executive Officer

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

President, Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer) and Director

(Chairman of the Board)

October 18, 2019

/s/ *

Michael J. Fitzpatrick

Executive Vice President and Chief

Financial Officer

October 18, 2019

/s/ *

Angela K. Ho

Senior Vice President and Principal

Accounting Officer

October 18, 2019

/s/ *

John E. Walsh

Lead DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Steven E. Brady

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Angelo Catania

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Anthony R. Coscia

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Michael D. Devlin

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Jack M. Farris

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Kimberly M. Guadagno

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Nicos Katsoulis

DirectorOctober 18, 2019


Signatures

Title

Date

/s/ *

John K. Lloyd

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Steven M. Scopellite

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Grace C. Torres

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Grace M. Vallacchi

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

/s/ *

Samuel R. Young

DirectorOctober 18, 2019

* /s/ Christopher D. Maher

Christopher D. Maher

Attorney-in-FactOctober 18, 2019