Olsen Palmer Advises High Plains Bank in Its Merger with First National Bank of Hugo

High Plains Banking Group, Inc., parent of High Plains Bank, has completed its merger with The First National Bank of Hugo. The institutions will now operate as one bank under the High Plains Bank name.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to High Plains Banking Group, Inc.

First National Bank of Hugo’s CEO plans to retire shortly after the merger and will serve on the High Plains Bank board of directors.

Olsen Palmer is the #1 sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide and one of the top 3 overall (sell-side + buy-side) based on transaction count since 2025, according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises Latham Bancshares in Its Agreement to Be Acquired by Bethany Bancshares

Latham Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of The Tipton Latham Bank, N.A., and Bethany Bankshares, Inc., the holding company of BTC Bank, have jointly announced that Bethany Bankshares, Inc. has acquired Latham Bancshares, Inc. through a series of mergers. Bethany Bankshares, Inc. will continue on as the surviving corporation. Immediately after the acquisition of Latham Bancshares, Inc., The Tipton Latham Bank, N.A. merged with and into BTC Bank, with BTC Bank continuing as the surviving bank

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Latham Banchares, Inc.

Based on the most recently reported financials, the combined institution holds approximately $1.7 billion in assets across 26 banking offices.

Olsen Palmer is the #1 sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide and one of the top 3 overall (sell- side + buy-side) based on transaction count since 2025, according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises First National Bank in Its Agreement to Be Acquired by Coastal Bend Bancshares

First National Bank has entered into a definitive agreement with Coastal Bend Bancshares, Inc., the bank holding company for First Community Bank, under which First National Bank in Port Lavaca has agreed to be acquired by Coastal Bend Bancshares, Inc.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to First National Bank in Port Lavaca.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Terms of the agreement were not released.

First National Bank in Port Lavaca CEO, Terry Cullen, will retain his leadership role in the market as Regional President.

Olsen Palmer is the #1 sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide and one of the top 3 overall (sell- side + buy-side) based on transaction count since 2025, according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises BancStar, Inc. in Its Acquisition by Rhineland Bancshares, Inc.

BancStar, Inc., the holding company of Bank Star, has been acquired by Rhineland Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Peoples Savings Bank. With the closing of this transaction, BancStar, Inc. has merged with and into Rhineland Bancshares, Inc. with Rhineland Bancshares, Inc. continuing as the surviving entity. The merger of Bank Star and Peoples Savings Bank is expected to take place early in the third quarter.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to BancStar, Inc.

The transaction was approved by the board of directors of each company and was subject to customary closing conditions including shareholder and regulatory approvals. The combined institution has 18 banking offices.

Olsen Palmer is the #1 sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide and one of the top 3 overall (sell-side + buy-side) based on transaction count since 2025, according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises Senath State Bank in Its Agreement to Be Acquired by First State Bank and Trust Company, Inc.

Senath Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Senath State Bank, have agreed to be acquired by First State Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of First State Bank and Trust Company, Inc.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Senath Bancshares Inc.

Based on most recently reported metrics, the combined organization will hold nearly $650 million in assets across 10 locations in southeastern Missouri. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Olsen Palmer is the #1 sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide and one of the top 3 overall (sell-
side + buy-side) based on transaction count since 2025, according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)