First National Bank Has Agreed to be Acquired by Investar Holding Corporation

Wichita Falls Bancshares, Inc. (“Wichita Falls”), the holding company of First National Bank ($1.6 billion in assets), and Investar Holding Corporation (“Investar”) (NASDAQ: ISTR), the holding company of Investar Bank, N.A. ($2.7 billion in assets), jointly announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Investar will acquire Wichita Falls for cash and stock consideration valued at approximately $85.5 million.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor and issued a fairness opinion to Wichita Falls Bancshares, Inc.

The definitive agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Investar and Wichita Falls and the closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2025, is subject to customary conditions including shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Olsen Palmer remains the #2 sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide – and top 3 overall – based on the number of transactions advised upon since 2020, according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises Merit Bank in its Sale of 2 Branches to Family Savings Credit Union

Family Savings Credit Union (“Family Savings”) and Merit Bank (“Merit”) announced that Family Savings has acquired the Valley Head and Ider branches of Merit. Merit will continue to operate as an independent community bank through its headquarters location in Huntsville.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Merit Bank.

Family Savings has acquired the physical locations and most of the deposit and loan accounts associated with the branches; the deposits and loans to be conveyed by Merit to Family Savings are approximately $21 million and $3 million, respectively.

Olsen Palmer remains the #2 sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide – and top 3 overall – based on the number of transactions advised since 2020 according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Discusses Potential Surge in TN Bank M&A with S&P Global Market Intelligence

Olsen Palmer Managing Partner Christopher Olsen discusses the potential for a surge in Tennessee bank M&A deals with S&P Global Market Intelligence here.

About Olsen Palmer LLC

Olsen Palmer is an independent investment banking firm that exclusively advises financial institutions across the spectrum of Mergers & Acquisitions out of our headquarters in Washington DC and regional offices in Birmgham, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Kansas City. By design, we combine the extensive M&A expertise of a traditional diversified firm with the agility, innovation, and independence of a specialized firm.

Olsen Palmer Advises Wyoming Bank & Trust in its Agreement to Be Acquired by First National Bank

Wyoming Bank & Trust Has Agreed to Be Acquired by First National Bank

Wyoming Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of Farmers State Bankshares, Inc., has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by First National Bank, a subsidiary of Capitol Bancorporation, Inc.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Farmers State Bankshares, Inc.

Wyoming Bank & Trust will operate under the name of First Wyoming Bank & Trust Branch of First National Bank. The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.

Wyoming Bank & Trust had $324 million in total assets as of March 31, 2025 and two full-service branches. Based on most recent reported financials, the combined institution is expected to have approximately $2.0 billion in total assets and 18 banking offices.

Olsen Palmer remains the #2 sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide – and top 3 overall – based on the number of transactions advised upon since 2020 according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)

Olsen Palmer Advises Republic Bank of Arizona in its Acquisition by Pima Federal Credit Union

Republic Bank of Arizona Has Been
Acquired by Pima Federal Credit Union

RBAZ Bancorp, Inc. (OTCPK: RBAZ, “RBAZ”), the holding company of Republic Bank of Arizona (“Republic Bank”), announced it completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Republic Bank to Pima Federal Credit Union effective May 2, 2025.

Olsen Palmer served as financial advisor to RBAZ Bancorp, Inc.

RBAZ also announced that its Board of Directors effected a plan of dissolution for the winding up and liquidation of RBAZ. As part of the dissolution process, the Board of Directors authorized a cash distribution of $22.00 per share on a fully-diluted basis. RBAZ may make a second distribution in connection with the completion of the dissolution process.

Republic Bank of Arizona had $284 million in total assets as of March 31, 2025 and three full-service branches in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Olsen Palmer remains the #2 sell-side bank M&A advisor nationwide - and one of the top 3 bank M&A advisors overall - based on the number of transactions advised upon over the last twelve months according to S&P Global.

Transaction Announcement (PDF)