Kroll Bond Rating Agency on May 3 affirmed Moultrie, Ga.-basedAmeris Bancorp's BBB seniorunsecured debt rating and its BBB- subordinated debt rating.

The outlook on the company's long-term ratings is stable.

The rating agency said in a news release that the company's strategicacquisitions,along with its experienced management team and strong brand in Georgia support theratings. However, Kroll also noted that Ameris has a large concentration of realestate loans and a relatively elevated level of nonperforming assets.