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 Citizens Bank & Trust in Its Agreement to Sell 2 Branches

Citizens Bank & Trust and Family Savings Credit Union (“Family Savings”) have entered into an agreement whereby Family Savings will acquire two branches of Citizens Bank & Trust.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Citizens Bank & Trust.

The proposed branch sale is subject to customary closing conditions as well as approval by applicable regulatory authorities. It is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. Under the terms of the agreement, Citizens Bank & Trust will convey the physical locations and most of the deposit and loan accounts associated with the branches. Citizens Bank & Trust will continue to operate as an independent institution through its remaining locations.

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

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises First Citizens Bank of Butte in Its Sale to Frontier Credit Union

First Citizens Bank of Butte (“First Citizens Bank”), and Frontier Credit Union (“Frontier”) announced that Frontier has acquired First Citizens Bank.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Butte Bank Shares, Inc., parent of First Citizens Bank.

The legacy First Citizens Bank branch will become the 16th location in Frontier's growing regional footprint. The transaction marks the Idaho-based credit union's initial expansion into Montana.

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

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Wrightsville Bancshares, Inc. Has Been Acquired by Century Bancorp, Inc.

Wrightsville Bancshares, Inc. (“Wrightsville”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of Wrightsville, announced that they have been acquired by Century Bancorp, Inc. (“Century”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Century Bank & Trust.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Wrightsville Bancshares, Inc.

The transaction received the approval of the shareholders of Wrightsville and bank regulatory authorities. With the transaction finalized, Century has and 4 branches throughout Georgia.

Olsen Palmer is the #1 ranked sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide – and top 3 overall – based on the number of transactions advised upon in 2025, according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

High Plains Bank Has Agreed to Acquire First National Bank of Hugo

High Plains Banking Group, Inc., parent of High Plains Bank, announced the signing of a definitive agreement whereby High Plains Banking Group will acquire 100% of the shares of The First National Bank of Hugo. High Plains Bank and The First National Bank of Hugo will merge into one bank operating as High Plains Bank.

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

The Federal Reserve and Colorado Division of Banking must formally approve the acquisition and merger and the parties anticipate securing all necessary approvals to close the transaction in the first quarter or early second quarter of 2026.

Olsen Palmer is the #1 ranked sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide – and top 3 overall – based on the number of transactions advised upon in 2025, according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)