UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

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		o  Definitive Proxy Statement
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		o  Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12

Synovus Financial Corp.

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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

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Preliminary Copy

 

 

Richard E. Anthony

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

 

November 6, 2008

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Shareholders at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center, Columbus Iron Works Ballroom, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31901. Enclosed with this Proxy Statement is your proxy card.

 

At the Special Meeting, we are asking you to approve (1) an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of preferred stock and (2) an amendment to our Bylaws to authorize the Board of Directors to fix the size of the Board of Directors. We, like other financial institutions, continue to experience extremely challenging economic and financial market conditions. While our capital ratios remain strong, the market outlook for continuing weak economic conditions requires that we take all necessary steps to achieve even higher capital levels that will position Synovus to remain strong throughout the remainder of this crisis. If these amendments are approved, Synovus will have broader options to seek additional capital in the current environment, including a possible investment by the U.S. Treasury under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced it was prepared to invest $125 billion dollars in preferred stock of certain U.S. financial institutions. We believe shareholder approval of the proposed amendments is necessary for us to be able to participate in this program.

 

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can listen to it live over the Internet. You can access the meeting by going to our website at www.synovus.com. Additionally, we will maintain copies of the audio presentation of the Special Meeting on the website for reference after the meeting.

 

The approval of these amendments requires the affirmative vote of shares representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of our issued and outstanding common stock, which is a very significant threshold. Therefore, no matter your level of ownership in our company, or whether or not you plan to attend this meeting in person, it is very important that your shares be voted at the Special Meeting. To make sure your shares are represented, we urge you to vote promptly.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Richard E. Anthony

 

 

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

 

 

Samuel F. Hatcher

Secretary

 

Columbus, Georgia

November 6, 2008

 

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES PROMPTLY.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROXY STATEMENT
VOTING INFORMATION

 

Purpose

 

This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are being mailed to Synovus shareholders beginning on or about November 6, 2008. The Synovus Board of Directors is soliciting proxies to be used at the Special Meeting of Synovus Shareholders which will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., at the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center, Columbus Iron Works Ballroom, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, Georgia. Proxies are solicited to give all shareholders of record an opportunity to vote on matters to be presented at the Special Meeting. In the following pages of this Proxy Statement, you will find information on matters to be voted upon at the Special Meeting or any adjournment of that meeting.

 

Who Can Vote

 

You are entitled to vote if you were a shareholder of record of Synovus stock as of the close of business on October 31, 2008, the record date. Your shares can be voted at the meeting only if you are present or represented by a valid proxy.

 

Quorum and Shares Outstanding

 

A majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the outstanding shares of Synovus stock must be present, either in person or represented by proxy, in order to conduct the Special Meeting. On October 31, 2008,           shares of Synovus stock were outstanding.

 

Proxies

 

The Board has designated two individuals to serve as proxies to vote the shares represented by proxies at the Special Meeting. If you properly execute and submit a proxy but do not specify how you want your shares to be voted, your shares will be voted by the designated proxies in accordance with the Board’s recommendation FOR the amendment to Article 4 of the Articles of Incorporation and FOR the amendment to Section 1 of Article III of the Bylaws. The designated proxies will vote in their discretion on any other matter that may properly come before the Special Meeting. At this time, we are unaware of any matters, other than as set forth above, that may properly come before the Special Meeting.

 

Voting of Shares

 

Holders of Synovus stock are entitled to ten votes on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders for each share of Synovus stock owned on October 31, 2008 which: (1) has had the same owner since October 31, 2004; (2) was acquired by reason of participation in a dividend reinvestment plan offered by Synovus and is held by the same owner who acquired it under such plan; (3) is held by the same owner to whom it was issued as a result of an acquisition of a company or business by Synovus where the resolutions adopted by Synovus’ Board of Directors approving the acquisition specifically grant ten votes per share; (4) was acquired under any employee, officer and/or director benefit plan maintained for one or more employees, officers and/or directors of Synovus and/or its subsidiaries, and is held by the same owner for whom it was acquired under any such plan; (5) is held by the same owner to whom it was issued by Synovus, or to whom it was transferred by Synovus from treasury shares, and the resolutions adopted by Synovus’ Board of Directors approving such issuance and/or transfer specifically grant ten votes per share; (6) was acquired as a direct result of a stock split, stock dividend or other type of share distribution if the share as to which it was distributed was acquired prior to, and has been held by the same owner since, October 31, 2004; (7) has been owned continuously by the same shareholder for a period of 48 consecutive months prior to the record date of any meeting of shareholders at which the share is eligible to be voted; or (8) is owned by a holder who, in addition to shares which are owned under the provisions of (1)-(7) above, is the owner of

less than              shares of Synovus stock (which amount has been appropriately adjusted to reflect stock splits and with such amount to be appropriately adjusted to properly reflect any other change in Synovus stock by means of a stock split, a stock dividend, a recapitalization or otherwise). Holders of Synovus stock not described above are entitled to one vote per share for each share. The actual voting power of each holder of shares of Synovus stock will be based on information possessed by Synovus at the time of the Special Meeting.

 

As Synovus stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), Synovus stock is subject to the provisions of a NYSE rule which, in general, prohibits a company’s common stock and equity securities from being authorized or remaining authorized for trading on the NYSE if the company issues securities or takes other corporate action that would have the effect of nullifying, restricting or disparately reducing the voting rights of existing shareholders of the company. However, the rule contains a “grandfather” provision, under which Synovus’ ten vote provision falls, which, in general, permits grandfathered disparate voting rights plans to continue to operate as adopted. The number of votes that each shareholder will be entitled to exercise at the Special Meeting will depend upon whether each share held by the shareholder meets the requirements which entitle one share of Synovus stock to ten votes on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders. Shareholders of Synovus stock must complete the Certification on the proxy in order for any of the shares represented by the proxy to be entitled to ten votes per share. All shares entitled to vote and represented in person or by properly completed proxies received before the polls are closed at the Special Meeting, and not revoked or superseded, will be voted in accordance with instructions indicated on those proxies.

 

SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT CERTIFY ON THEIR PROXIES SUBMITTED BY MAIL, INTERNET OR PHONE THAT THEY ARE ENTITLED TO TEN VOTES PER SHARE WILL BE ENTITLED TO ONLY ONE VOTE PER SHARE.

 

Synovus Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan:  If you participate in this Plan, your proxy card represents shares held in the Plan, as well as shares you hold directly in certificate form registered in the same name.

 

Required Vote

 

The affirmative vote of shares representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of the issued and outstanding Synovus common stock is required to approve the amendment to Article 4 of the Articles of Incorporation and the amendment to Section 1 of Article III of the Bylaws.

 

Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

 

Under certain circumstances, including the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to authorize preferred stock, brokers are prohibited from exercising discretionary authority for beneficial owners who have not provided voting instructions to the broker (a “broker non-vote”). In these cases, and in cases where the shareholder abstains from voting on a matter, those shares will be counted for the purpose of determining if a quorum is present, but will not be included as votes cast with respect to those matters. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal to amend the Articles of Incorporation. We expect brokers will be allowed to exercise discretionary authority for beneficial owners who have not provided voting instructions with respect to the proposal to amend the Bylaws, but abstentions will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” the proposal to amend the Bylaws.

How You Can Vote

 

If you hold shares in your own name, you may vote by proxy or in person at the meeting. To vote by proxy, you may select one of the following options:

 

Vote By Telephone:

 

You can vote your shares by telephone by calling the toll-free telephone number (at no cost to you) shown on your proxy card. Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Easy-to-follow voice prompts allow you to vote your shares and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. Our telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate the shareholder by using individual control numbers. If you vote by telephone, you do NOT need to return your proxy card.

 

Vote By Internet:

 

You can also choose to vote on the Internet. The website for Internet voting is shown on your proxy card. Internet voting is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will be given the opportunity to confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded, and you can consent to view future proxy statements and annual reports on the Internet instead of receiving them in the mail. If you vote on the Internet, you do NOT need to return your proxy card.

 

Vote By Mail:

 

If you choose to vote by mail, simply mark your proxy card, date and sign it, sign the Certification and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.

 

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you will receive instructions from the holder of record that you must follow for your shares to be voted. Please follow their instructions carefully. Also, please note that if the holder of record of your shares is a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote in person at the Special Meeting, you must request a legal proxy from your bank, broker or other nominee that holds your shares and present that proxy and proof of identification at the Special Meeting.

 

Revocation of Proxy

 

If you vote by proxy, you may revoke that proxy at any time before it is voted at the Special Meeting. You may do this by (1) signing another proxy card with a later date and returning it to us prior to the Special Meeting, (2) voting again by telephone or on the Internet prior to the Special Meeting, or (3) attending the Special Meeting in person and casting a ballot.

 

If your Synovus shares are held by a bank, broker or other nominee, you must follow the instructions provided by the bank, broker or other nominee if you wish to change your vote.

 

Attending the Special Meeting

 

The Special Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center, Columbus Iron Works Ballroom, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, Georgia. Directions to the Trade Center can be obtained from the Investor Relations page of Synovus’ website at www.synovus.com.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be held on December 10, 2008

 

The Proxy Statement is available on our website at                             .

INTRODUCTION TO PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON

 

Summary

 

The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders approve proposed amendments to Synovus’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws described in this Proxy Statement. These amendments would allow the Board of Directors to (1) issue preferred stock with such designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as determined by the Board of Directors and (2) fix the size of the Board of Directors. These amendments will, among other things, allow Synovus to participate in a recently-announced voluntary program for direct investment in financial institutions by the U.S. government. These proposed amendments will also give Synovus increased flexibility in structuring capital raising transactions, acquisitions and/or joint ventures. The amendments to Synovus’ Articles of Incorporation will have certain anti-takeover effects with respect to Synovus, as discussed below. However, the Board of Directors represents that it will not, without prior shareholder approval, issue any series of preferred stock for any defensive or anti-takeover purpose, for the purpose of implementing any shareholder rights plan or with features specifically intended to make any attempted acquisition of Synovus more difficult or costly.

 

Capital Purchase Program

 

On October 14, 2008 the U.S. Treasury (the “Treasury”) announced that, pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, it was implementing a voluntary program (the “Capital Purchase Program”) for certain financial institutions to raise capital by selling preferred stock directly to the U.S. Government. The purpose of the Capital Purchase Program is to encourage U.S. financial institutions to build capital to increase the flow of financing to U.S. businesses and consumers and to support the U.S. economy. The Capital Purchase Program is designed to provide capital to financial institutions on attractive terms. Financial institutions seeking to participate in the Capital Purchase Program must apply by November 14, 2008. The Treasury will determine the eligibility of financial institutions and the amount of capital to be allocated to each institution. Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, Synovus may be eligible to receive an investment by the U.S. Government in a range of approximately $300 million to $900 million based on Synovus’ risk-weighted assets as of September 30, 2008. We cannot assure you that the Treasury will determine to purchase preferred stock from us even if the amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are adopted. For more information on the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, see “Description of the Preferred Stock — Capital Purchase Program” beginning on page 10 of this Proxy Statement.

 

Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws presently contain certain restrictions that, based on currently available information concerning the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, would prevent us from participating in the Capital Purchase Program. Specifically:

 

 

To participate in the Capital Purchase Program, we must be authorized to issue preferred stock. In addition, to provide the voting rights required for the preferred stock to be purchased in the Capital Purchase Program, our Board of Directors must take steps to ensure that, if required by the terms of the preferred stock, the holders of the preferred stock are able to appoint directors to the Board of Directors. If either of the proposals described below is not approved by the shareholders, we may be unable to participate in the Capital Purchase Program. For more information on the proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, see “Proposal 1: Approve Amendment of Article 4 of the Articles of Incorporation to Authorize the Issuance of Preferred Stock” on page 6 of this Proxy Statement and “Proposal 2: Approve Amendment of Section 1 of Article III of the Bylaws to Authorize the Board of Directors to Fix the Size of the Board of Directors” on page 8 of this Proxy Statement.

Other Preferred Stock Financings

 

We anticipate that the amount of preferred stock proposed to be authorized will be sufficient for future capital raising transactions in addition to the Capital Purchase Program. Therefore, the Board of Directors believes that, in addition to meeting the requirements for participation in the Capital Purchase Program, the proposed amendments will provide Synovus with greater flexibility in structuring future capital raising transactions and allow Synovus to take advantage of changing market conditions with little or no delay.

 

Background

 

The Articles of Incorporation currently authorize 600,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, as the sole class of capital stock of Synovus. Synovus’ Articles of Incorporation currently do not authorize the issuance of preferred stock. This limits Synovus’ capital structure by preventing Synovus from issuing preferred stock to raise capital and may prevent it from taking advantage of certain recently developed financing techniques to raise capital. For example, various types of hybrid capital instruments that receive favorable treatment by regulatory agencies and credit rating agencies have been developed. However, Synovus can only take advantage of these instruments if it is able to issue preferred stock.

 

Proposed Amendment

 

The Articles of Incorporation, as proposed to be amended, would authorize 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock and 600,000,000 shares of common stock. The preferred stock may be issued by the Board of Directors in one or more series, from time to time, with each such series to consist of such number of shares and to have such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such series adopted by our Board of Directors. The proposed amendment will allow Synovus more flexibility in its capital structure generally and will potentially allow Synovus to participate in the Capital Purchase Program by issuing preferred stock with the terms described in “Description of the Preferred Stock — Capital Purchase Program” on page 10 of this Proxy Statement.

 

On October 23, 2008, the Board of Directors adopted the proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, subject to shareholder approval. The proposed amendment is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement, and this discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to Appendix A. The full text of paragraphs one and two of Article 4 of the Articles of Incorporation, as it is proposed to be amended, is set forth below:

 

The maximum number of shares of capital stock that the corporation shall be authorized to have outstanding at any time shall be 700,000,000 shares. The corporation shall have the authority to issue (i) 600,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $1.00 per share and (ii) 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share. The corporation may acquire its own shares and shares so acquired shall become treasury shares.

 

In accordance with the provisions of the Georgia Business Corporation Code, the Board of Directors may determine the preferences, limitations, and relative rights of (i) any preferred stock before the issuance of any shares of preferred stock and (ii) one or more series of preferred stock, and designate the number of shares within that series, before the issuance of any shares of that series.

 

If approved, the proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation will become effective upon the filing of the Articles of Amendment to the current Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Georgia, which Synovus expects to occur promptly after the Special Meeting.

Vote Required

 

The affirmative vote of shares representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of the issued and outstanding Synovus common stock is required to approve the proposed amendment.

 

Reasons for the Amendment

 

The Board of Directors believes, in light of the continuing weak economic conditions, that Synovus should take all necessary steps to achieve higher capital levels that will position Synovus to remain strong through this crisis, including participating in the Capital Purchase Program. We believe the ability to issue preferred stock is necessary for Synovus to receive capital pursuant to the Capital Purchase Program. In addition, the Board of Directors believes this change will provide Synovus with greater flexibility in structuring future capital raising transactions, acquisitions and/or joint ventures, including taking advantage of financing techniques that receive favorable treatment from regulatory agencies and credit rating agencies. Being able to issue preferred stock without shareholder approval will enable Synovus to engage in financing transactions and acquisitions which take full advantage of changing market conditions with little or no delay.

 

Representations on Anti-Takeover Effect

 

The Board of Directors represents that it will not, without prior shareholder approval, issue any series of preferred stock for any defensive or anti-takeover purpose, for the purpose of implementing any shareholder rights plan or with features specifically intended to make any attempted acquisition of Synovus more difficult or costly. Within the limits described above, the Board of Directors may issue preferred stock for capital raising transactions, acquisitions, joint ventures or other corporate purposes that has the effect of making an acquisition of the Company more difficult or costly, as could also be the case if the Board were to issue additional common stock for such purposes.

 

The Board of Directors believes that, as structured, the preferred stock is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders because it is consistent with sound corporate governance principles and enhances the Company’s ability to take advantage of the Capital Purchase Program and other capital raising transactions, acquisitions and/or joint ventures.

 

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE 4 OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK.

 

Background

 

The Bylaws currently provide that the shareholders have the sole authority to fix the size of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is not currently authorized to fix the size of the Board of Directors. The term sheet issued by the Treasury outlining the terms of the preferred stock to be issued in the Capital Purchase Program includes the right to elect two additional directors if Synovus fails to pay dividends on the preferred stock for six quarterly dividend periods. Additionally, the rules of the NYSE require that preferred stock issued by a listed company contain similar voting rights. For the Board of Directors to provide for the issuance of preferred stock containing these rights, the Board must be authorized to fix the size of the Board of Directors.

Proposed Amendment

 

The Bylaws, as proposed to be amended, would authorize the Board of Directors to fix the size of the Board of Directors. This amendment would not remove the existing right of the shareholders to fix the size of the Board of Directors upon a vote of 662/3% of the shareholders. If the proposed amendment is approved by the shareholders, the shareholders and the Board of Directors will each be able to fix the size of the Board of Directors within the specified range. In addition, the proposed amendment would reduce the maximum size of the Board of Directors from 60 to 25 directors. The proposed amendment will, among other things, potentially allow Synovus to issue preferred stock that complies with the requirements of the Capital Purchase Program and the NYSE without further action by the shareholders.

 

On October 23, 2008, the Board of Directors adopted the proposed amendment, subject to shareholder approval. The proposed amendment is attached as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement and this discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to Appendix B. The full text of Section 1 of Article III of the Bylaws, as it is proposed to be amended, is set forth below:

 

Section 1. Number.  The Board of Directors of the corporation shall consist of not less than 8 nor more than 25 Directors. The number of Directors may vary between said minimum and maximum, and within said limits, (i) the Board of Directors or (ii) the shareholders representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation, may, from time to time, by resolution fix the number of Directors to comprise said Board. This section, as it relates to, from time to time, fixing the number of Directors of the corporation by (i) the Board of Directors or (ii) the shareholders of the corporation representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation, shall not be altered, deleted or rescinded except upon the affirmative vote of the shareholders of the corporation representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation.

 

If approved, the proposed amendment to the Bylaws will become effective immediately.

 

Vote Required

 

The affirmative vote of shares representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of the issued and outstanding Synovus common stock is required to approve the proposed amendment.

 

Reasons for the Amendment

 

The proposed amendment will potentially allow Synovus to issue preferred stock meeting the voting rights requirements of the Capital Purchase Program and the NYSE. We believe the ability to issue preferred stock with such voting rights is necessary for Synovus to receive capital pursuant to the Capital Purchase Program and to engage in certain additional capital raising transactions that the Board of Directors may determine to pursue from time to time. The Board of Directors believes, in light of the continuing weak economic conditions, that Synovus should take all necessary steps to achieve higher capital levels, thereby positioning Synovus to remain strong through this crisis, including participating in the Capital Purchase Program.

 

In addition, the proposed amendment reduces the maximum size of the Board of Directors from 60 directors to 25 directors. The Board of Directors believes a maximum limit of 25 directors will ensure that the Board of Directors is of such a size that it is able to efficiently conduct its meetings and otherwise carry out its duties. As we currently have 18 directors, a maximum Board of Directors size of 25 directors allows sufficient ability for any future expansion of Board size that the Board of Directors or the shareholders deems necessary.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF SECTION 1 OF ARTICLE III OF THE BYLAWS TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO FIX THE SIZE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED STOCK

 

General

 

The proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation would grant the Board of Directors the authority to issue 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock with no par value per share without further shareholder approval. The preferred stock would be issuable in one or more series, from time to time, with each such series to consist of such number of shares and to have such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such series adopted by the Board of Directors.

 

Capital Purchase Program

 

The following is a brief description of the terms of the shares (the “Shares”) of preferred stock that we may issue to the Treasury through the Capital Purchase Program. This description is based upon information currently available to us concerning the terms of the Capital Purchase Program and does not purport to be complete in all respects. The final terms of the Shares will be specified by resolution of our Board of Directors in a subsequent amendment to our Articles of Incorporation.

 

General

 

Under our Articles of Incorporation, as proposed to be amended, we will have authority to issue up to 100 million shares of preferred stock with no par value per share. Pending approval of the amendments to our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws described in this Proxy Statements and the approval of the Treasury, we anticipate issuing between 300,000 and 900,000 Shares for an aggregate purchase price of between $300 million and $900 million pursuant to the Capital Purchase Program based on our risk-weighted assets as of September 30, 2008. Subject to limitations on use of proceeds that may be specified by the Treasury, we intend to use the proceeds of the issuance of the Shares for general corporate purposes, which may include deploying such proceeds to strengthen the capital positions of our subsidiary banks. When issued, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of Shares will be entitled to receive cash dividends when, as and if declared out of assets legally available for payment in respect of the Shares by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors in their sole discretion. Dividends will be cumulative.

 

Prior to the issuance of the Shares, we will have filed Articles of Amendment to our Articles of Incorporation with respect to the Shares with the Secretary of State of Georgia. When issued, the Shares will have a fixed liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs, holders of Shares will be entitled to receive, out of our assets that are available for distribution to shareholders, an amount per Share equal to the liquidation preference per Share plus any unpaid dividends for all prior Dividend Periods plus a pro rata portion of the dividend for the then-current Dividend Period to the date of liquidation. The Shares will not be convertible into our common stock or any other class or series of our securities and will not be subject to any sinking fund or any other obligation of us for their repurchase or retirement.

 

Ranking

 

With respect to the payment of dividends and the amounts to be paid upon liquidation, the Shares will rank:

 

 

 

For as long as any Shares remain outstanding, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all prior Dividend Periods are fully paid:

 

 

Subject to the foregoing, such dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise) as may be determined by our Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee of the board) may be declared and paid on our common stock and any other stock ranking equally with or junior to the Shares from time to time out of any funds legally available for such payment, and the Shares shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividend; provided, however, that the consent of the Treasury will be required for any increase in the dividends paid to the common stock until the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the date of issue of the Shares and (ii) the date on which the Shares have been redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all Shares to third parties.

 

Dividends

 

Holders of Shares, in preference to the holders of our common stock and of any other shares of our stock ranking junior to the Shares as to payment of dividends, will be entitled to receive, only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, out of assets legally available for payment, cash dividends. These dividends will be payable at a rate of 5.00% per annum until the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance, and thereafter at a rate of 9.00% per annum (the “Dividend Rate”), applied to the $1,000 liquidation preference per share and will be paid quarterly in arrears on the 15^th day of February, May, August and November of each year commencing on February 15, 2009 (each, a “Dividend Payment Date”), with respect to the Dividend Period, or portion thereof, ending on the day preceding the respective Dividend Payment Date. A “Dividend Period” means each period commencing on (and including) a Dividend Payment Date and continuing to (but not including) the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date, except that the first Dividend Period for the initial issuance of Shares will commence upon the date of original issuance of the Shares. Dividends will be paid to holders of record on the respective date fixed for that purpose by our Board of Directors or a committee thereof in advance of payment of each particular dividend.

 

The amount of dividends payable per Share on each Dividend Payment Date will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

We are subject to various general regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums. The Federal Reserve is authorized to determine, under certain circumstances relating to the financial condition of a bank holding company, such as us, that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice and to prohibit payment thereof. In addition, we are subject to Georgia state laws relating to the payment of dividends.

 

Conversion Rights

 

The Shares will not be convertible into shares of any other class or series of our stock.

Redemption

 

The Shares may not be redeemed prior to the third anniversary of the date of issuance, except with the proceeds of a Qualified Equity Offering (as defined below) that results in proceeds to us of not less than 25% of the issue price of the Shares. A “Qualified Equity Offering” is the sale by us for cash, following the date of issuance of the Shares, of common stock or perpetual preferred stock that qualifies as Tier 1 capital under the risk-based capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve. On any date after the third anniversary of the date of issuance the Shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option, from any source of funds. Any such redemption will be at a cash redemption price of $1,000 per Share, plus any unpaid dividends for all prior Dividend Periods for that Share, plus a pro rata portion of the dividend for the then-current Dividend Period to the redemption date. Holders of Shares will have no right to require the redemption or repurchase of the Shares.

 

Under the Federal Reserve’s risk-based capital guidelines applicable to bank holding companies, any redemption of the Shares is subject to prior approval of the Federal Reserve. Subject to this limitation or of any outstanding debt instruments, we or our affiliates may from time to time purchase any outstanding Shares by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

In the event that we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs, holders of Shares will be entitled to receive an amount per Share (the “Total Liquidation Amount”) equal to the fixed liquidation preference of $1,000 per Share, plus any unpaid dividends for all prior Dividend Periods plus a pro rata portion of the dividend for the then-current Dividend Period to the date of liquidation. Holders of the Shares will be entitled to receive the Total Liquidation Amount out of our assets that are available for distribution to shareholders, after payment or provision for payment of our debts and other liabilities but before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock or any other shares ranking, as to that distribution, junior to the Shares.

 

If our assets are not sufficient to pay the Total Liquidation Amount in full to all holders of Shares and all holders of any shares of our stock ranking as to any such distribution on a parity with the Shares, the amounts paid to the holders of Shares and to such other shares will be paid pro rata in accordance with the respective Total Liquidation Amount for those holders. If the Total Liquidation Amount per Share has been paid in full to all holders of Shares and the liquidation preference of any other shares ranking on parity with the Shares has been paid in full, the holders of our common stock or any other shares ranking, as to such distribution, junior to the Shares will be entitled to receive all of our remaining assets according to their respective rights and preferences.

 

For purposes of the liquidation rights, neither the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer of all or substantially all of our property and assets, nor the consolidation or merger by us with or into any other corporation or by another corporation with or into us will constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

 

Voting Rights

 

Except as indicated below or otherwise required by law, the holders of Shares will not have any voting rights.

 

If and whenever the dividends on the Shares and any other class or series of our stock that ranks on parity with Shares as to payment of dividends and that has voting rights equivalent to those described in this paragraph (“voting parity stock”) have not been declared and paid in an aggregate amount equal to, as to any such class or series, at least six Dividend Periods (whether or not consecutive), the number of directors then constituting our Board of Directors will be increased by two. Holders of Shares, together with the holders of all other affected classes and

series of voting parity stock, voting as a single class, will be entitled to elect the two additional members of our Board of Directors (the “Preferred Stock Directors”) at any annual meeting of shareholders or any special meeting of the holders of Shares and any voting parity stock for which dividends have not been paid.

 

Whenever all dividends on the Shares and any other cumulative voting parity stock have been paid in full and dividends on any non-cumulative voting parity stock have been paid for four consecutive quarters, then the right of the holders of Shares to elect the Preferred Stock Directors will cease (but subject always to the same provisions for the vesting of these voting rights in the case of any similar non-payment of dividends in respect of future Dividend Periods), the terms of office of all Preferred Stock Directors will immediately terminate and the number of directors constituting our Board of Directors will be reduced accordingly.

 

So long as any Shares remain outstanding, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Shares outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (voting separately as a class), will be required to:

 

 

provided, however, that with respect to the occurrence of any event set forth in the second bullet point above, so long as any Shares remain outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged or new shares of the surviving corporation or entity are issued with the same terms as the Shares, in each case taking into account that upon the occurrence of this event we may not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such event shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Shares or the holders thereof, and provided, further, that any increase in the amount of our authorized common stock or preferred stock or the creation or issuance of any other series of common stock or other equity securities ranking on a parity with or junior to the Shares with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up and any change to the number of directors or number of classes of directors shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.

 

Under Georgia law, the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares, voting as a separate voting group, is required for:

 

 

In addition, holders of the Shares will be able to vote together with the holders of all shares of common stock and other preferred stock entitled to vote, voting as a single group, on the approval of a plan of merger if the plan of merger contains a provision that, if contained in a proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, would require action on the proposed amendment. Further, in the case of any merger where we are the surviving corporation, the right of holders of the Shares to vote separately as a group on a plan of merger does not apply if:

 

 

 

Each holder of Shares will have one vote per Share on any matter on which holders of Shares are entitled to vote, including any action by written consent.

 

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which the vote would otherwise be required, all outstanding Shares shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been set aside by us for the benefit of the holders of Shares to effect the redemption.

 

Regulatory Capital Treatment

 

We expect the Shares to qualify as Tier I capital under the Federal Reserve’s risk-based capital guidelines applicable to bank holding companies.

 

Transferability

 

The Shares will not be subject to any contractual restrictions on transferability, and we will be obligated to file a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as promptly as practicable after issuing the Shares to the Treasury. The Treasury may transfer the Shares to third parties at any time.

 

ADDITIONAL TERMS OF
THE CAPITAL PURCHASE PROGRAM

 

The following is a brief description of provisions of the Capital Purchase Program in addition to the terms of the preferred stock that may be issued by Synovus pursuant to the program, as described under “Description of the Preferred Stock — Capital Purchase Program.” This description is based upon information currently available to us concerning the terms of the Capital Purchase Program and does not purport to be complete in all respects.

 

Warrants

 

In connection with the Capital Purchase Program and in addition to the Shares, the Treasury will receive warrants to purchase a number of shares of our common stock having an aggregate market price equal to 15% of the Shares on the date of issuance. The initial exercise price of the warrants, and the market price for determining the number of shares of common stock subject to the warrants will be the market price for the common stock on the date of issuance of the Shares (calculated on a twenty-day trailing average) and subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. The warrants will have a term of ten years and will be immediately exercisable upon issuance. The Treasury will agree not to exercise any voting power with respect to any shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the warrants; however, the warrants will, subject to certain restrictions, be transferable, and the transferee may not be subject to any restrictions on voting rights. The number of shares subject to the warrants will be reduced by 50% if, prior to December 31, 2009, we have received aggregate gross proceeds of not less than 100% of the issue price of the Shares in a Qualified Equity Offering. To the extent we redeem the Shares held by the Treasury, we will have a right to repurchase any warrants or any common stock issued upon exercise of the warrants and held by the Treasury at fair market value.

Limits on Executive Compensation

 

As a condition to the issuance of the Shares, we will agree to certain limits on executive compensation for our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and our next three most highly compensated officers. Specifically, we must

 

 

Limitations on Share Repurchases

 

Subject to limited exceptions, we will be prohibited from repurchasing shares of our capital stock (other than the Shares) until the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the date of issue of the Shares and (ii) the date on which the Shares have been redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all Shares to third parties.

 

CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

 

As described below, Synovus’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws presently contain several provisions that may make Synovus a less attractive target for an acquisition of control by an outsider who lacks the support of Synovus’ Board of Directors.

 

Supermajority Approvals

 

Under Synovus’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as currently in effect, the vote or action of shareholders possessing 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all the issued and outstanding shares of Synovus common stock is required to:

 

 

This allows directors to be removed only by 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast at a shareholders’ meeting called for that purpose. Vacancies or new directorships can only be filled by a majority vote of the directors then in office. A potential acquiror with shares recently acquired, and not entitled to 10 votes per share, may be discouraged or prevented from soliciting proxies for the purpose of electing directors other than those nominated by current management for the purpose of changing the policies or control of Synovus.

Shareholder Action

 

The Bylaws allow action by the shareholders without a meeting only by unanimous written consent.

 

Advance Notice for Shareholder Proposals or Nominations at Meetings

 

In accordance with Synovus’ Bylaws, shareholders may nominate persons for election to the Board of Directors or bring other business before a shareholders’ meeting only by delivering prior written notice to the Company and complying with certain other requirements. With respect to any annual meeting of shareholders, such notice must generally be received by the Synovus’ Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. With respect to any special meeting of shareholders, such notice must generally be received by Synovus’ Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to date of the special meeting (or if the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting is less than 100 days prior to the date of such special meeting, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such special meeting is made by Synovus). Any notice provided by a shareholder under these provisions must include the information specified in the Bylaws.

 

Evaluation of Business Combinations

 

Synovus’ Articles of Incorporation also provide that in evaluating any business combination or other action, Synovus’ Board of Directors may consider, in addition to the amount of consideration involved and the effects on Synovus and its shareholders, (i) the interests of the employees, depositors and customers of Synovus and its subsidiaries and the communities in which offices of the corporation or its subsidiaries are located (collectively, the “Constituencies”), (ii) the reputation and business practices of the offeror and its management and affiliates as it may affect the Constituencies and the future value of Synovus’ stock and (iii) any other factors the Board of Directors deems pertinent.

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS
AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following table sets forth ownership of shares of Synovus stock by (1) each director, (2) the persons identified as our “named executive officers” in our proxy statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and (3) all directors and executive officers as a group as of September 30, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

The following table sets forth the number of shares of Synovus stock held by the only known holders of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Synovus stock as of September 30, 2008.

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS

 

In order for a shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in Synovus’ Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the written proposal must be received by the Corporate Secretary of Synovus at the address below. The Corporate Secretary must receive the proposal no later than November 21, 2008. The proposal will also need to comply with the SEC’s regulations under Rule 14a-8 regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company sponsored proxy materials. Proposals should be addressed to:

 

Corporate Secretary

Synovus Financial Corp.

1111 Bay Avenue, Suite 500

Columbus, Georgia 31901

 

For a shareholder proposal that is not intended to be included in Synovus’ Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or if you want to nominate a person for election as a director, you must provide written notice to the Corporate Secretary at the address above. The Secretary must receive this notice not earlier than December 25, 2008 and not later than January 25, 2009. The notice of a proposed item of business must provide information as required in the Bylaws of Synovus which, in general, require that the notice include for each matter a brief description of the matter to be brought before the meeting; the reason for bringing the matter before the meeting; your name, address, and number of shares you own beneficially or of record; any hedging activities or certain derivative transactions you have entered into with respect to our shares; and any material interest you have in the proposal.

 

The notice of a proposed director nomination must provide information as required in the Bylaws of Synovus which, in general, require that the notice of a director nomination include your name, address and the number of shares you own beneficially or of record; any hedging activities or certain derivative transactions you have entered into with respect to our shares; evidence reasonably satisfactory to the corporation that the proposed nominee has no interests that would limit such nominee’s ability to fulfill his or her duties of office; and a statement that the proposed nominee, if elected, intends to tender promptly following such person’s failure to receive the required vote for election or re-election at the next meeting at which such person would face election or re-election, an irrevocable resignation effective upon acceptance of such resignation by the Board of Directors, in accordance with the corporation’s corporate governance guidelines. It must also include the information that would be required to be disclosed in the solicitation of proxies for the election of a director under federal securities laws. You must submit the nominee’s consent to be elected and to serve. A copy of the Bylaw requirements will be provided upon request to the Corporate Secretary at the address above.

 

 

A copy of Synovus’ 2007 Form 10-K will be furnished, without charge, by writing to the Corporate Secretary, Synovus Financial Corp., 1111 Bay Avenue, Suite 500, Columbus, Georgia 31901. The Form 10-K, as well as our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2008, and June 30, 2008, are also available on Synovus’ home page on the Internet at www.synovus.com. Click on “Investor Relations,” “Financial Reports” and “SEC Filings.”

 

Synovus will pay the cost of soliciting proxies. Proxies may be solicited on behalf of Synovus by directors, officers or employees by mail, in person or by telephone, facsimile or other electronic means. Synovus will reimburse brokerage firms, nominees, custodians, and fiduciaries for their

out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners. In addition, we have retained Innisfree M&A, Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies with respect to shares of our common stock held of record by brokers, nominees and institutions and, in certain cases, by other holders. Such solicitation may be made through the use of mails, by telephone or by personal calls. The anticipated cost of the services of Innisfree M&A, Inc. is $           plus expenses

 

The SEC’s proxy rules permit companies and intermediaries, such as brokers and banks, to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements with respect to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement to those shareholders. This method of delivery, often referred to as householding, should reduce the amount of duplicate information that shareholders receive and lower printing and mailing costs for companies. Synovus is not householding proxy materials for its shareholders of record in connection with the Special Meeting. However, we have been notified that certain intermediaries will household proxy materials. If you hold your shares of Synovus stock through a broker or bank that has determined to household proxy materials:

 

 

The above Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement are sent by order of the Synovus Board of Directors.

 

 

Richard E. Anthony

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

 

November 6, 2008

 

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED

 

The proposed amendments to Article 4 of the Synovus Articles of Incorporation have been marked by striking through the text to be deleted and underlining the text to be added:

 

4.

 

The maximum number of shares of capital stock that the corporation shall be authorized to have outstanding at any time shall be 700,000,000600,000,000 shares. The sole class of capital stock of the corporation shallbehave the authority to issue (i) 600,000,000 shares of common stock of the, par value of $1.00 per share. and (ii) 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share. The corporation may acquire its own shares and shares so acquired shall become treasury shares.

 

 In accordance with the provisions of the Georgia Business Corporation Code, the Board of Directors may determine the preferences, limitations, and relative rights of (i) any preferred stock before the issuance of any shares of preferred stock and (ii) one or more series of preferred stock, and designate the number of shares within that series, before the issuance of any shares of that series.

 

The common stock of the corporation shall have the following voting rights:

 

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) below, every holder of record of the common stock shall be entitled to one (1) vote in person or by proxy on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders for each share of the common stock held of record by such holder as of the record date of such meeting.

 

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above, every holder of record of a share of the common stock meeting any one of the following criteria, shall be entitled to ten (10) votes in person or by proxy on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders for each share of the common stock held of record by such holder as of the record date of such meeting which:

 

 

 

(c) For purposes of paragraphs (b) above and (e) below:

 

 

 

 

Any transfer of any share of the capital stock of a corporate transferee described in subparagraph c (2) above, other than by means described in subparagraph (c)(1) above shall disqualify all shares of the common stock held by such corporate transferee from the operation of this paragraph c.

 

(d) for purposes of paragraph (b) above, shares of the common stock acquired pursuant to a stock options shall be deemed to have been acquired on the date the option was granted, and any shares of common stock acquired by the beneficial owner as a direct result of a stock split, stock dividend or other type of distribution of shares with respect to existing shares (“Dividend Shares”) will be deemed to have been acquired and held continuously from the date on which the shares with regard to which the Dividend Shares were issued were acquired.

 

(e) For purposes of paragraph (b) above, any share of the common stock held in “street” or “nominee” name shall be presumed to have been acquired by the beneficial owner subsequent to April 24, 1986 and to have had the same beneficial owner for a continuous period of less than 48 months prior to the record date of the meeting in question. This presumption shall be rebuttable by presentation to the corporation’s Board of Directors by such beneficial owner of evidence satisfactory to the corporation’s Board of Directors that such share has had the same beneficial owner continuously since April 24, 1986 or such share has had the same beneficial owner for a period greater than 48 months prior to the record date of the meeting in question.

 

(f) For purposes of this section, a beneficial owner of a share of common stock is defined to include a person or group of persons who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, undertaking, relationship or otherwise has or shares (1) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of such share of common stock, (2) investment power, which includes the power to direct the sale or other disposition of such

common stock, (3) the right to receive, retain or direct the distribution of the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of such share of common stock, or (4) the right to receive or direct the disposition of any distributions, including cash dividends, in respect of such share of common stock. For purposes of paragraphs (a) through (e) above, all determinations concerning beneficial ownership, changes therein, or the absence of any such change, shall be made by the corporation’s Board of Directors. Written procedures designed to facilitate such determinations shall be established by the corporation’s board of Directors and refined from time to time. Such procedures shall provide, among other things, the manner of proof of facts that will be accepted and the frequency with which such proof may be required to be renewed. The corporation’s Board of Directors shall be entitled to rely on all information concerning beneficial ownership of the common stock coming to its attention from any source and in any manner reasonably deemed by it to be reliable, but the corporation shall not be charged with any other knowledge concerning the beneficial ownership of the common stock.

 

Any disputes arising concerning beneficial ownership, changes therein, or the absence of any such changes, pursuant to this paragraph (f), shall be definitively resolved by a determination of the corporation’s Board of Directors made in good faith.

 

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
BYLAWS, AS AMENDED

 

The proposed amendments to Section 1 of Article III of Synovus’ Bylaws have been marked by striking through the text to be deleted and underlining the text to be added:

 

ARTICLE III. DIRECTORS

 

Section 1. Number.  The Board of Directors of the corporation shall consist of not less than 8 nor more than6025 Directors. The number of Directors may vary between said minimum and maximum, and within said limits, (i) the Board of Directors or (ii) the shareholders representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation, may, from time to time, by resolution fix the number of Directors to comprise said Board. This section, as it relates to, from time to time, fixing the number of Directors of the corporation by (i) the Board of Directors or (ii) the shareholders of the corporation representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation, shall not be altered, deleted or rescinded except upon the affirmative vote of the shareholders of the corporation representing at least 662/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation.

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