First Community Bancshares, Inc. (Bluefield) and Peoples Bank of Virginia jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement under which First Community will acquire Peoples for a total valuation of approximately $40.6 million. Following the merger Jim Atkinson and Quentin L. Corbett will remain involved in the operation supporting the continued growth of the combined franchise in the market. William H. 'Bill' Pruitt will also join the board of directors for First Community Bank and Marshall E. 'Eddie' McCall Jr. will assume the position of Vice President and Richmond City Executive joining Richard D. Ocheltree, Regional President for Eastern Virginia.