EVBS Eastern Virginia Bankshares, Inc.

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information from this joint proxy statement/prospectus. We urge you to read carefully the joint proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents to which this joint proxy statement/prospectus refers to understand fully the merger and the other matters to be considered at the special meetings. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 128. Each item in this summary includes a page reference directing you to a more complete description of that item.

The Merger (page 47)

SONA and EVBS are proposing a combination of our companies through a merger of EVBS with and into SONA, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement. The parties expect to complete the merger during the second quarter of 2017. The merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix A. We encourage you to read the merger agreement because it is the legal document that governs the merger.

If the merger is completed, it is expected that EVB, the wholly-owned subsidiary of EVBS, will merge with and into Sonabank, the wholly-owned bank subsidiary of SONA, following the merger with Sonabank being the surviving bank. The parties expect to complete the bank merger during the second quarter of 2017.

Consideration to be Received in the Merger by EVBS Shareholders (page 87)

In the proposed merger, holders of EVBS common stock will have the right to receive 0.6313 shares of common stock of the Continuing Corporation for each share of EVBS common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger and cash in lieu of any fractional shares. In addition, the holders of shares of EVBS preferred stock will have the right to receive 0.6313 shares of common stock of the Continuing Corporation for each share of EVBS preferred stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger and cash in lieu of any fractional shares.

The number of shares of common stock of the Continuing Corporation delivered for each share of EVBS common stock and EVBS preferred stock in the merger is referred to as the “exchange ratio.” This exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted to reflect stock price changes prior to the closing of the merger. Based on the average closing price of SONA’s common stock for the ten trading days ended December 12, 2016 ($15.39), the 0.6313 exchange ratio represented approximately $9.72 in value for each share of EVBS common and EVBS preferred stock or $178.3 million in the aggregate. Based on the average closing price of SONA’s common stock for the ten trading days ended May 10, 2017, the last trading day before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the 0.6313 exchange ratio represented approximately $11.29 in value for each share of EVBS common and EVBS preferred stock or $207.2 million in the aggregate. It is expected that existing holders of EVBS common stock and EVBS preferred stock will own approximately 48.6% of SONA’s common stock, on a fully diluted basis, after the merger.

Shares of SONA common stock held by SONA shareholders will remain unchanged in the merger. It is expected that existing holders of SONA common stock will own approximately 51.4% of SONA’s outstanding common stock, on a fully diluted basis, after the merger.

Treatment of EVBS Stock Options and Other Equity-Based Awards (page 88)

Stock Options.    In the merger, each outstanding EVBS stock option will vest and be converted into and become an option to purchase shares of common stock of the Continuing Corporation, which will be adjusted (i) by multiplying the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased under the option by the exchange ratio and rounding down to the nearest share, and (ii) by dividing the per share exercise price of the option by the exchange ratio and rounding up to the nearest cent.

Restricted Stock Awards.    In the merger, each outstanding share of EVBS common stock subject to time-based or performance-based vesting restrictions granted under a EVBS stock plan will, pursuant to the terms of such grant, vest in full immediately prior to the merger and be converted into the right to receive unrestricted shares of common stock of the Continuing Corporation based on the exchange ratio.

Dividend Information (page 105)

SONA is currently paying a quarterly cash dividend on shares of its common stock at a rate of  $0.08 per share. SONA has no current intention to change its dividend strategy of paying a quarterly cash dividend, but has and will continue to evaluate that decision based on a quarterly review of earnings, growth, capital and such other factors that the SONA board of directors considers relevant to the dividend decision process. EVBS currently pays a quarterly cash dividend on shares of its common stock at a rate of $0.03 per share.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences (page 102)

The merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In connection with the filing of the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part, Alston & Bird LLP has delivered to SONA, and Troutman Sanders LLP has delivered to EVBS, their respective opinions (Exhibits 8.1 and 8.2, respectively) that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, subject to the limitations and qualifications described in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” (page 102), the merger will qualify as a reorganization. Additionally, it is a condition to SONA’s and EVBS’s obligations to complete the merger that they each receive a tax opinion, dated the closing date of the merger, that the merger will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Accordingly, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the merger generally will be tax-free to EVBS shareholders as to the shares of SONA common stock they receive in the merger. However, EVBS shareholders may recognize gain or loss in connection with cash received instead of any fractional shares of SONA common stock they would otherwise be entitled to receive. We note that the opinions referenced herein will not bind the IRS or the courts, which could take a contrary view.

The tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on your own situation and the consequences described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus may not apply to you. EVBS shareholders will also be required to file certain information with their U.S. federal income tax returns and to retain certain records with regard to the merger. In addition, you may be subject to state, local or foreign tax laws and consequences that are not addressed in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the merger to you.

For greater detail, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” beginning on page 102.

SONA’s Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends that SONA Shareholders Vote “FOR” the SONA Merger Proposal, “FOR” the SONA Compensation Proposal and “FOR” the SONA Adjournment Proposal (page 39)

SONA’s board of directors has determined that the merger, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of SONA and its shareholders and has approved the merger agreement. The SONA board of directors unanimously recommends that SONA shareholders vote “FOR” the SONA merger proposal, “FOR” the SONA compensation proposal and “FOR” the SONA adjournment proposal. In making its recommendations, a number of substantive reasons were considered by the SONA board, including, among others: (i) the expectation that the merger will create a $2.4 billion-asset bank that will be the seventh largest Virginia-based community bank with assets under $10 billion; (ii) the belief that the merger will allow the combined company to more effectively and efficiently navigate the challenges and costs associated with becoming a larger financial institution; (iii) the expectation that the combined company will have increased resources to invest in future growth opportunities in comparison to SONA on a stand-alone basis; (iv) the complementary nature of EVBS’s business, operations and proficiencies with those of SONA; and (v) the opportunities for greater efficiencies from conducting SONA’s and EVBS’s operations as part of a single enterprise. For additional discussion of the factors considered by SONA’s board of directors in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, see “The Merger — SONA’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of SONA’s Board of Directors.”

EVBS’s Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends that EVBS Shareholders Vote “FOR” the EVBS Merger Proposal, “FOR” the EVBS Compensation Proposal and “FOR” the EVBS Adjournment Proposal (page 45)

EVBS’s board of directors has determined that the merger, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of EVBS and its shareholders and has unanimously approved the merger agreement. The EVBS board of directors unanimously recommends that EVBS shareholders vote “FOR” the EVBS merger proposal, “FOR” the EVBS compensation proposal and “FOR” the EVBS adjournment proposal. In making its recommendations, a number of substantive reasons were considered by the EVBS board, including, among others: (i) the expectation that the merger will create a $2.4 billion-asset bank that will be the seventh largest Virginia-based community bank under $10 billion in assets; (ii) EVBS’s historical financial performance, prospects for the future, projected financial results and alternatives for loan growth on a stand-alone basis, and the belief that the combined company will have increased resources and ability to accelerate growth in comparison to EVBS on a stand-alone basis; (iii) the potential for EVBS’s shareholders to benefit from the combined company’s expected profitability and potential for growth and stock appreciation; (iv) the ability to leverage the combination of EVBS’s strong core deposit base and retail franchise with SONA’s robust loan growth, and the expectation of enhanced geographic, industry and client diversity of the combined company; and (v) the expected increase in cash dividend payments to be received by EVBS’s shareholders as shareholders of the Continuing Corporation following the merger. For additional discussion of the factors considered by EVBS’s board of directors in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, see “The Merger — EVBS’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of EVBS’s Board of Directors.”

Opinion of SONA’s Financial Advisor (page 53)

In considering whether to approve the merger, SONA’s board of directors considered the opinion of its financial advisor, FIG Partners LLC (“FIG Partners”), which delivered to SONA’s board of directors its opinion on December 13, 2016 that based upon and subject to the various considerations set forth in its written opinion, the exchange ratio was fair to the shareholders of SONA from a financial point of view. A copy of FIG Partners’ written fairness opinion, dated December 13, 2016, is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Appendix B. You should read this opinion completely to understand the assumptions made, matters considered and limitations of the review undertaken by FIG Partners in providing its opinion. The opinion of FIG Partners has not been updated prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and does not reflect any change in circumstances after December 13, 2016.

FIG Partners’ opinion is directed to SONA’s board of directors, addresses only the fairness of the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement from a financial point of view to SONA, and does not address any other aspect of the merger. FIG Partners’ opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any SONA shareholder as to how to vote or act with respect to the merger or any matter considered at the SONA special meeting.

Opinion of EVBS’s Financial Advisor (page 62)

In connection with the merger, EVBS’s board of directors received the opinion of EVBS’s financial advisor, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill”), which delivered to EVBS’s board of directors its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing on December 13, 2016, to the effect that, as of such date, the exchange ratio was fair to the holders of EVBS common stock from a financial point of view. A copy of the written opinion, dated December 13, 2016, is attached to this joint proxy statement/​prospectus as Appendix C. You should read this opinion completely to understand the assumptions made, matters considered and limitations of the review undertaken by Sandler O’Neill in providing its opinion. The opinion of Sandler O’Neill has not been updated prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/​prospectus and does not reflect any change in circumstances after December 13, 2016.

Sandler O’Neill’s opinion is directed to EVBS’s board of directors, addresses only the fairness of the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement from a financial point of view to the holders of EVBS common stock, and does not address any other aspect of the merger. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any EVBS shareholder as to how to vote or act with respect to the merger or any matter considered at the EVBS special meeting.

The Parties to the Merger (pages 107 and 108)

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc.

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, Inc. is the bank holding company for Sonabank, a Virginia state chartered bank which commenced operations on April 14, 2005. Sonabank provides a range of financial services to individuals and small and medium sized businesses. Sonabank has fifteen branches in Virginia, located in Fairfax County (Reston, McLean and Fairfax), in Charlottesville, Warrenton (2), Middleburg, Leesburg (2), South Riding, Front Royal, New Market, Haymarket, Richmond and Clifton Forge, and nine branches in Maryland, in Rockville, Shady Grove, Germantown, Frederick, Bethesda, Upper Marlboro, Brandywine, Owings and Huntingtown.

While SONA offers a wide range of commercial banking services, it focuses on making loans secured primarily by commercial real estate and other types of secured and unsecured commercial loans to small and medium-sized businesses in a number of industries, as well as loans to individuals for a variety of purposes. SONA is a leading Small Business Administration (SBA) lender among Virginia community banks and also invests in real estate-related securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations and agency mortgage backed securities. SONA’s principal sources of funds for loans and investing in securities are deposits and, to a lesser extent, borrowings. SONA offers a broad range of deposit products, including checking (NOW), savings, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. SONA actively pursues business relationships by utilizing the business contacts of its senior management, other bank officers and its directors, thereby capitalizing on its knowledge of our local market areas.

SONA had, on a consolidated basis, total assets of  $1.2 billion, total loans, net of deferred fees, of $974.2 million, total deposits of  $857.5 million and stockholders’ equity of  $128.3 million at March 31, 2017.

The principal executive offices of SONA are located at 6830 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia 22101, and its telephone number is (703) 893-7400.

Eastern Virginia Bankshares, Inc.

Eastern Virginia Bankshares, Inc. is the bank holding company for EVB, a Virginia state chartered bank. EVB is a community bank targeting small to medium-sized businesses and consumers in its traditional coastal plain markets and the emerging suburbs outside of the Richmond, Tidewater, and southern Virginia areas. EVB operates twenty-four full service branches, two drive-in facilities and one loan production office located in the following cities and counties in eastern Virginia: Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Essex, Gloucester, Hampton, Hanover, Henrico, King William, Lancaster, Middlesex, Newport News, New Kent, Northumberland, Southampton, Surry, Sussex and Williamsburg.

EVBS provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking services including commercial, consumer and real estate loans. EVBS complements its lending operations with an array of retail and commercial deposit products and fee-based services. EVBS’s services are delivered locally by well-trained and experienced bankers, empowered to make decisions at the local level, so they can provide timely lending decisions and respond promptly to customer inquiries. Having been in many of its markets for over 100 years, EVBS has established relationships with and an understanding of its customers.

EVBS had total assets of approximately $1.4 billion, total loans of approximately $1.1 billion, total deposits of approximately $1.1 billion and shareholders’ equity of approximately $132.9 million at March 31, 2017.

The principal executive offices of EVBS are located at 10900 Nuckols Road, Suite 325, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060, and its telephone number is (804) 443-8400.

Regulatory Approvals (page 85)

SONA and EVBS cannot complete the merger without prior approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) and the Virginia State Corporation Commission (the “Virginia SCC”). As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, we have received the approval of both the Federal Reserve and the Virginia SCC.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger (page 93)

SONA’s and EVBS’s respective obligations to complete the merger are subject to the fulfillment or waiver of certain conditions, including the following:

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approval of the SONA merger proposal by SONA shareholders and the approval of the EVBS merger proposal by EVBS shareholders;

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approval of the merger by the necessary federal and state regulatory authorities (which we have received as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus);

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the effectiveness of SONA’s registration statement on Form S-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part;

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authorization from the NASDAQ Stock Market for the listing on the NASDAQ Global Market of the shares of common stock of SONA to be issued in the merger;

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the absence of any order, decree or injunction of any court or governmental authority that enjoins or prohibits the completion of the merger;

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the effectiveness of employment agreements with respect to the employment following the merger of Ms. Derrico and Messrs. Shearin, Sothen, Porter and Baker;

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the accuracy of the other party’s representations and warranties in the merger agreement, subject to the material adverse effect standard in the merger agreement (subject to certain limited exceptions);

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the other party’s performance in all material respects of its obligations under the merger agreement, and EVBS’s performance in all respects of its obligations related to employee benefit plans under the merger agreement;

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the receipt by SONA of certain general releases of claims from Messrs. Porter and Baker and Ms. Derrico; and

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the receipt by each party from its outside legal counsel of a written tax opinion to the effect that the merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

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Where the merger agreement and/or law permits, SONA and EVBS could choose to waive a condition to its obligation to complete the merger even if that condition has not been satisfied. We cannot be certain when, or if, the conditions to the merger will be satisfied or waived or that the merger will be completed.

Timing of the Merger (page 87)

SONA and EVBS expect to complete the merger after all conditions to the merger in the merger agreement are satisfied or waived, including after shareholder approvals are received at the respective special meetings of SONA and EVBS. We currently expect to complete the merger during the second quarter of 2017. However, it is possible that factors outside of either party’s control could require us to complete the merger at a later time or not to complete it at all.

Interests of Certain SONA Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (page 73)

Some of the directors and executive officers of SONA may have interests in the merger that differ from, or are in addition to, their interests as shareholders of SONA. These interests exist because of, among other things, change in control agreements that provide certain officers with lump sum cash payments following a change in control (defined to include the completion of the merger), certain supplemental executive retirement plans and arrangements to continue as employees and directors of SONA and Sonabank following the merger. These interests include the following:

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Cash payments payable to each of Ms. Derrico, Mr. Porter and Mr. Baker upon completion of the merger equal to a multiple (three times for Ms. Derrico, two times for Mr. Porter and 1.5 times for Mr. Baker) of the sum of his or her annual base salary and the bonus paid by SONA for the year

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prior to the year in which termination occurs, with an approximate value to each of Ms. Derrico, Mr. Porter and Mr. Baker of  $2,213,720, $1,001,550 and $335,040, respectively, assuming in each case that the the merger was completed on April 1, 2017.

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Accelerated vesting (but not accelerated payment) of the normal retirement benefit under each of Ms. Derrico’s and Mr. Porter’s supplemental executive retirement agreement with SONA, with such accelerated vesting having an approximate value to each of Ms. Derrico and Mr. Porter of $673,420 and $478,875 respectively, assuming in both cases the merger was completed on April 1, 2017.

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A new employment agreement between SONA, Sonabank and Ms. Derrico pursuant to which Ms. Derrico will serve as Executive Chairman of SONA’s and Sonabank’s board of directors and as Executive Chairman of SONA and Sonabank upon completion of the merger and will receive, among other benefits, an annual base salary to be determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the Continuing Corporation.

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A new employment agreement between SONA, Sonabank and Mr. Porter pursuant to which Mr. Porter will serve as Executive Vice Chairman of SONA’s and Sonabank’s boards of directors and as Executive Vice Chairman of SONA and Sonabank upon completion of the merger and will receive, among other benefits, an annual base salary to be determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the Continuing Corporation.

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A new employment agreement between SONA, Sonabank and Mr. Baker pursuant to which Mr. Baker will serve as co-chief credit officer of SONA and Sonabank upon completion of the merger and will receive, among other benefits, an annual base salary to be determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the Continuing Corporation.

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The members of the SONA board of directors knew about these additional interests and considered them when they approved the merger agreement and the merger. See “The Merger — Interests of Certain SONA Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”, on page 73.

Interests of Certain EVBS Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (page 75)

Some of the directors and executive officers of EVBS have interests in the merger that differ from, or are in addition to, their interests as shareholders of EVBS. These interests exist because of, among other things, employment agreements that the officers entered into with EVBS, rights that these officers and directors have under EVBS’s benefit plans including equity plans (i.e., the acceleration of vesting of restricted stock awards), the supplemental executive retirement plan and the executive severance plan, arrangements to continue as employees and directors of SONA and Sonabank following the merger (including potential arrangements), and rights to indemnification and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance following the merger. These interests include the following, which have been calculated where applicable using assumptions set forth in “The Merger — Interests of Certain EVBS Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”, on page 75.

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A new employment agreement between SONA, Sonabank and Joe A. Shearin, pursuant to which Mr. Shearin will serve as president and chief executive officer of SONA and Sonabank upon completion of the merger and will receive, among other benefits, an annual base salary to be determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the Continuing Corporation. In addition, under Mr. Shearin’s new employment agreement with SONA and Sonabank, Mr. Shearin would be entitled to certain change in control benefits if his employment terminates in certain circumstances within one year following the merger, subject to potential reduction under a modified Section 280G cutback provision. Mr. Shearin will not receive any change in control benefits under his existing EVBS employment agreement in connection with the merger, but he will receive accelerated vesting of his restricted stock awards with an approximate value of  $556,094 and accelerated vesting (but not accelerated payment) of the normal retirement benefit under the EVBS supplemental executive retirement plan with an approximate value of $874,005, discounted to present value, assuming in both cases the merger was completed on April 1, 2017.

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A new employment agreement between SONA, Sonabank and J. Adam Sothen, pursuant to which Mr. Sothen will serve as chief financial officer of SONA and Sonabank upon completion of the merger and will receive, among other benefits, an annual base salary to be determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the Continuing Corporation. Mr. Sothen will not receive any change in control benefits under the EVBS executive severance plan, but he will receive accelerated vesting of his restricted stock awards with an approximate value of $149,776, assuming the merger was completed on April 1, 2017.

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The assumption by SONA of the employment agreement between EVBS and James S. Thomas, which provides for certain change in control benefits if his employment terminates in certain circumstances within one year following the merger. The total value of change in control benefits to which Mr. Thomas would be entitled under his employment agreement with EVBS is approximately $473,126, assuming the merger was completed and a qualifying termination of employment occurred on April 1, 2017. In addition, Mr. Thomas will receive accelerated vesting of his restricted stock awards with an approximate value of  $149,776, assuming the merger was completed on April 1, 2017. Such payments and benefits would be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid imposition of an excise tax under Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code.

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The assumption by SONA of the employment agreement between EVBS and Mark C. Hanna, which provides for certain change in control benefits if his employment terminates in certain circumstances within one year following the merger. The total value of change in control benefits to which Mr. Hanna would be entitled under his employment agreement with EVBS is approximately $459,000, assuming the merger was completed and a qualifying termination of employment occurred on April 1, 2017. In addition, Mr. Hanna will receive accelerated vesting of his restricted stock awards with an approximate value of  $45,540 and accelerated vesting (but not accelerated payment) of the normal retirement benefit under the EVBS supplemental executive retirement plan with an approximate value of  $367,015, discounted to present value, assuming in both cases the merger was completed on April 1, 2017.

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The assumption by SONA of the EVBS executive severance plan, which provides for certain change in control benefits if a participating executive’s employment terminates in certain circumstances within one year following the merger. The total value of change in control benefits to which Douglas R. Taylor would be entitled under the EVBS executive severance plan is approximately $163,091, assuming the merger was completed and a qualifying termination of employment occurred on April 1, 2017. The total value of change in control benefits to which the three other participating EVBS executive officers would be entitled under the executive severance plan is approximately $498,793 in the aggregate, assuming the merger was completed and a qualifying termination of employment occurred with regard to each of these executive officers on April 1, 2017.

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Accelerated vesting of shares of EVBS common stock held by Douglas R. Taylor with an approximate value of  $149,776 and accelerated vesting of shares of EVBS common stock held by three other EVBS executive officers who are not named executive officers, with an approximate value of  $320,804 in the aggregate, assuming in both cases the merger was completed on April 1, 2017.

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The appointment, as provided under the terms of the merger agreement, of five current directors of EVBS (Joe A. Shearin, John F. Biagas, W. Rand Cook, F.L. Garrett, III and Eric A. Johnson) to become directors of SONA and Sonabank following the merger and one observer (J. Mikesell Thomas) to SONA’s and Sonabank’s board of directors following the merger. Non-employee members of the board of directors of SONA currently receive an annual retainer of  $25,000 each and the chairman of each board committee currently receives an annual retainer of  $27,000, in each case payable quarterly, and also participate in a stock matching program pursuant to which SONA funds the purchase of additional shares of SONA common stock on behalf of a director in an amount equal to 66% of the shares of SONA common stock otherwise purchased by the director, up to an annual value of  $10,000 per director.

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SONA has agreed to indemnify any officer or director of EVBS who has rights to indemnification from EVBS or any of its subsidiaries to the same extent and on the same conditions as such person was entitled to indemnification pursuant to applicable law and EVBS’s or its subsidiaries’ organizational documents after the effective date of the merger. SONA has also agreed to purchase a six year “tail” prepaid policy, on the same terms as EVBS’s existing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, for the current officers and directors of EVBS, subject to a cap on the cost of such policy equal to 300% of EVBS’s last annual premium paid.

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The members of the EVBS board of directors knew about these additional interests and considered them when they approved the merger agreement and the merger. See “The Merger — Interests of Certain EVBS Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”, on page 75.

No Solicitation (page 96)

SONA and EVBS have agreed that each party will not directly or indirectly:

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initiate, solicit, endorse or encourage or facilitate any inquiries, proposals or offers with respect to or any inquiry, proposal or offer that is reasonably likely to lead to any “acquisition proposal” (as defined in the merger agreement); or

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furnish any confidential or nonpublic information relating to an acquisition proposal; or

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engage or participate in any negotiations or discussions concerning an acquisition proposal.

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The merger agreement does not, however, prohibit SONA or EVBS from considering an unsolicited bona fide acquisition proposal from a third party if certain specified conditions are met.

Termination of the Merger Agreement (page 97)

The merger agreement may be terminated, and the merger abandoned, by SONA and EVBS at any time before the merger is completed by the mutual consent in writing of SONA and EVBS. In addition, the merger agreement may be terminated, and the merger abandoned, under the following circumstances:

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by either SONA or EVBS, evidenced by written notice, if the merger has not been completed by November 30, 2017, unless the failure to complete the merger by such time was caused by a failure to perform an obligation under the merger agreement by the terminating party and such failure to perform constitutes a breach of the merger agreement;

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by either SONA or EVBS if any required regulatory approval has been denied by the relevant governmental authority and such denial has become final and nonappealable or any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction has issued an injunction permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement;

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by either SONA or EVBS if there is any breach or inaccuracy by the other party of any representation or warranty contained in the merger agreement which breach is not cured within 30 days following written notice to the breaching party or by its nature cannot be cured within such time period and which breach or inaccuracy would provide the terminating party the ability to refuse to consummate the merger as a result of such breach or inaccuracy, provided that the terminating party is not then in breach of any representation or warranty or covenant or agreement in the merger agreement;

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by either SONA or EVBS if there is a material breach by the other party of any covenant or agreement contained in the merger agreement which material breach is not cured within 30 days following written notice to the breaching party or by its nature cannot be cured within such time period, provided that the terminating party is not then in breach of any representation or warranty or covenant or agreement in the merger agreement;

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by SONA at any time before the holders of EVBS common stock approve the merger agreement and the merger if  (i) EVBS fails to recommend to the EVBS shareholders that they approve the EVBS merger proposal; (ii) EVBS’s board of directors withholds, withdraws or modifies in any manner adverse to SONA, or proposes publicly to withhold, withdraw or modify in any manner

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adverse to SONA, the approval, recommendation or declaration of advisability with respect to the EVBS merger proposal or any the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; or (iii) EVBS fails to comply in all material respects with its obligations in the merger agreement requiring the calling and holding of a meeting of shareholders to consider the EVBS merger proposal or its obligations regarding the non-solicitation of other competing offers;

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by either SONA or EVBS if EVBS common shareholders do not approve the EVBS merger proposal at the EVBS special meeting;

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by EVBS at any time before the holders of SONA common stock approve the SONA merger proposal if  (i) SONA fails to recommend to the SONA shareholders that they approve the SONA merger proposal; (ii) SONA’s board of directors withholds, withdraws or modifies in any manner adverse to EVBS, or proposes publicly to withhold, withdraw or modify in any manner adverse to EVBS, the approval, recommendation or declaration of advisability with respect to the SONA merger proposal or any the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; or (iii) SONA fails to comply in all material respects with its obligations in the merger agreement requiring the calling and holding of a meeting of shareholders to consider the SONA merger proposal or its obligations regarding the non-solicitation of other competing offers;

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by either EVBS or SONA if SONA shareholders do not approve the SONA merger proposal at the SONA special meeting;

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by SONA if the board of directors of SONA determines to enter into of a definitive agreement to accept a “superior proposal” (as defined in the merger agreement), provided that SONA pays to EVBS the termination fee described below; or

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by EVBS if the board of directors of EVBS determines to enter into of a definitive agreement to accept a superior proposal, provided EVBS pays to SONA the termination fee described below.

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Termination Fee and Expenses (page 98)

SONA or EVBS must pay the other a termination fee of  $7.5 million if the merger agreement is terminated by either party under certain specified circumstances. The termination and payment circumstances are more fully described elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “The Merger Agreement — Termination Fee” on page 98 and in Article 7 of the merger agreement.

In general, whether or not the merger is completed, SONA and EVBS will each pay its respective costs and expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The parties will share the costs of printing this joint proxy statement/prospectus and all filing fees paid to the SEC and other governmental authorities.

The SONA Special Meeting (page 35)

The SONA special meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. local time, at International Country Club, located at 13200 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax, Virginia 22033.

At the special meeting, the shareholders of SONA will be asked to vote on the following matters:

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the SONA merger proposal;

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the SONA compensation proposal; and

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the SONA adjournment proposal.

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The EVBS Special Meeting (page 41)

The EVBS special meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. local time, at International Country Club, located at 13200 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax, Virginia 22033.

At the special meeting, the common shareholders of EVBS will be asked to vote on the following matters:

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the EVBS merger proposal;

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the EVBS compensation proposal; and

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the EVBS adjournment proposal.

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Record Date and Votes Required — SONA Special Meeting (page 35)

You can vote at the SONA special meeting of shareholders if you owned SONA common stock at the close of business on April 24, 2017. On that date, SONA had 12,330,043 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. For each proposal presented at the SONA special meeting, a shareholder can cast one vote for each share of SONA common stock owned on the record date.

The votes required to approve the proposals at the SONA special meeting are as follows:

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The SONA merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of more than two thirds of the outstanding shares of SONA common stock present and entitled to vote on the proposal.

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Approval of the SONA compensation proposal, to be obtained on an advisory basis only, requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares of SONA common stock voted on the proposal.

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The SONA adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of SONA common stock voted on the proposal, whether or not a quorum is present.

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Record Date and Votes Required — EVBS Special Meeting (page 41)

You can vote at the EVBS special meeting of common shareholders if you owned EVBS common stock at the close of business on April 24, 2017. On that date, EVBS had 13,117,393 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. For each proposal presented at the EVBS special meeting, a shareholder can cast one vote for each share of EVBS common stock owned on the record date.

The votes required to approve the proposals at the EVBS special meeting are as follows:

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The EVBS merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of EVBS common stock present and entitled to vote on the proposal.

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Approval of the EVBS compensation proposal, to be obtained on an advisory basis only, requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares of EVBS common stock voted on the proposal.

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The EVBS adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of EVBS common stock voted on the proposal, whether or not a quorum is present.

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Affiliate Agreements and Voting by SONA and EVBS Directors and Executive Officers (page 100)

Each of SONA’s directors and executive officers has agreed, subject to several conditions and exceptions, to vote all shares of SONA common stock over which he or she has sole voting and investment power (except, with respect to Ms. Derrico and Mr. Porter only, shares jointly owned by them and over which they have shared voting and investment power) in favor of the SONA merger proposal. As of April 24, 2017, the record date for the SONA special meeting, directors and executive officers of SONA and their affiliates owned and are entitled to vote 1,252,304 shares of SONA common stock, or approximately 10.2% of the total voting power of the shares of SONA common stock outstanding on that date, of which 1,149,738 shares or 9.3% of the total voting power of the shares of SONA common stock outstanding on that date are subject to an affiliate agreement.

Each of EVBS’s directors and executive officers has agreed, subject to several conditions and exceptions, to vote all of his or her shares of EVBS common stock over which he or she has sole voting and investment power in favor of the EVBS merger proposal. As of April 24, 2017, the record date for the

EVBS special meeting, directors and executive officers of EVBS and their affiliates owned and are entitled to vote 580,659 shares of EVBS common stock, or approximately 4.43% of the total voting power of the shares of EVBS common stock outstanding on that date, of which 538,935 shares or 4.11% of the total voting power of the shares of EVBS common stock outstanding on that date are subject to an affiliate agreement.

Voting Agreement and Election of Consideration by Certain Shareholders of EVBS (page 100)

Castle Creek Capital Partners IV LP (“Castle Creek”) and GCP III EVB LLC (“GCP”) entered into a voting agreement and election of consideration (the “Voting Agreements”) with SONA and EVBS pursuant to which such shareholders agreed to vote all shares of EVBS common stock and EVBS preferred stock beneficially owned by them in favor of the EVBS merger proposal. Also pursuant to the Voting Agreements, the shareholders have agreed to elect to receive shares of SONA common stock for the shares of EVBS preferred stock held by the shareholders. As of April 24, 2017, the record date for the EVBS special meeting, Castle Creek and GCP are collectively entitled to vote 2,183,981 shares of EVBS common stock and 5,240,192 shares of EVBS preferred stock, or approximately 16.6% and 100.0% of the total voting power of the shares of EVBS common stock and EVBS preferred stock outstanding on that date, respectively, and all such shares of EVBS common stock and EVBS preferred stock are subject to the Voting Agreements.

Castle Creek and GCP, in their capacities as holders of EVBS preferred stock, have consented to the merger and are thereby precluded from asserting any appraisal or dissenters’ rights under Virginia law in connection with the merger.

For additional discussion of the voting and election agreement, see “The Merger Agreement — The Voting Agreement and Election of Consideration” on page 100.

No Appraisal or Dissenters’ Rights (page 85)

Under Virginia law, the common shareholders of SONA and EVBS are not entitled to appraisal or dissenters’ rights in connection with the merger.

Shareholders of SONA and EVBS Have Different Rights (page 85)

SONA and EVBS are Virginia corporations governed by the Virginia Stock Corporation Act (the “Virginia SCA”). In addition, the rights of SONA and EVBS shareholders are governed by their respective articles of incorporation and bylaws. Upon completion of the merger, EVBS shareholders will become shareholders of SONA, and as such their shareholder rights will then be governed by SONA’s articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which we refer to as SONA’s bylaws, and by the Virginia SCA. The rights of shareholders of SONA differ in certain respects from the rights of shareholders of EVBS.

The Merger Will Be Accounted for Under the Acquisition Method of Accounting (page 86)

SONA will use the acquisition method of accounting to account for the merger.

Listing of SONA Common Stock (page 93)

SONA will list the shares of common stock to be issued in the merger on the NASDAQ Global Market.

Market Prices and Share Information (page 105)

SONA’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SONA” and EVBS’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “EVBS.” The following table sets forth the closing sale prices per share of SONA common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market and of EVBS common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on December 12, 2016, the last trading day before we announced the signing of the merger agreement, and on May 10, 2017, the last trading day before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

SONA cannot assure EVBS shareholders that its stock price will continue to trade at or above, as applicable, the prices shown in the table above. You should obtain current stock price quotations for SONA common stock and EVBS common stock from a newspaper, via the Internet or by calling your broker.

Risk Factors (page 26)

You should consider all the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus in deciding how to vote for the proposals presented in the joint proxy statement/​prospectus. In particular, you should consider the factors under “Risk Factors.”

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