Unassociated Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  December 20, 2011

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Maryland
000-19065
52-1532952
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
17801 Georgia Avenue, Olney, Maryland  20832
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (301) 774-6400

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[x]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 
 
 

Item 8.01      Other Events.
 
On December 20, 2011, Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. (“Sandy Spring”) and CommerceFirst Bancorp, Inc. (“CommerceFirst”) issued a joint press release announcing the execution of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 20, 2011, by and between Sandy Spring and CommerceFirst (the “Merger Agreement”). The transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval from the stockholders of CommerceFirst.
 
A copy of the joint press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01      Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
Exhibits

Number               Description

99.1                      Press Release dated December 20, 2011

 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
   
     
Date: December 20, 2011 By:
/s/ Daniel J. Schrider
   
Daniel J. Schrider
President and CEO
     
 
 
 
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