Ameris Bancorp, today reported certain branch closure and consolidation plans which are expected to reduce annual operating expense by approximately $5.0 million.  "This plan is the result of the ongoing analysis of our branch network.  Most of these branches are in close proximity to other branches and with our customers' increasing use of online and mobile banking services, we are confident that we can consolidate these ten branches and have little to no adverse customer service impact," said Edwin W. Hortman, Jr., President and CEO. The branches identified should all be closed or consolidated by the end of 2015 or shortly thereafter.