(1) If a bank is determined to be in financial difficulty by the appropriate regulatory officials, as defined in § 45-2-1402, it may be merged into any other bank in this state, notwithstanding §§ 45-2-614 and 45-2-1302(a).
(2) The merger procedure shall be the same as that procedure required for a regular merger pursuant to this part except that no notice by publication need be given.
(3) Prior to approving a merger pursuant to this section, the appropriate regulatory officials shall determine that alternative methods of protecting the depositors and stockholders of a bank in financial difficulty are not feasible.