Section 58-1C-4 - Authority of state banks to establish interstate branches by mergerA. If it obtains the prior approval of the director, a New Mexico state bank may establish, maintain and operate one or more branches in a state other than New Mexico pursuant to an interstate merger transaction in which the New Mexico state bank is the resulting bank. B. Not later than the date on which the required application for the interstate merger transaction is filed with the responsible federal bank supervisory agency, the applicant New Mexico state bank shall file the documents and information required by Subsections A and B of Section 58-4-4 NMSA 1978 and pay a fee in an amount that shall be prescribed by the director by rule. C. The director shall approve the interstate merger transaction and the operation of branches outside of New Mexico by the New Mexico state bank if he finds that: (1) the proposed transaction will not be detrimental to the safety and soundness of the applicant or the resulting bank; (2) any new officers and directors of the resulting bank are qualified by character, experience and financial responsibility to direct and manage the resulting bank; and (3) the proposed merger is consistent with the convenience and needs of the communities to be served by the resulting bank in this state and is otherwise in the public interest. D. The interstate merger transaction may be effected only after the applicant has received the director's written approval.