(a) A "de novo branch" means a branch of a bank which:

(1) Is originally established by the bank as a branch; and

(2) Does not become a branch of the bank as a result of the acquisition of another bank or of a branch of another bank or as the result of the merger, consolidation, or conversion of any such bank or branch.

(b) No out-of-state bank shall establish or maintain a de novo branch in this state unless such bank has lawfully established a branch in Georgia, and then only to the extent that any Georgia bank could establish such a de novo branch.

(c) By enacting this Code section and Code Section 7-1-628.9, the General Assembly intends to permit entry into Georgia only by acquisition of or merger with an entire bank, subject to the five-year rule contained in Code Sections 7-1-608, 7-1-622, and 7-1-628.3.