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)

Signature Bank Has Been Acquired by First Community Bank

Signature Bank of Georgia (OTCPK: SGBG) (“Signature Bank”) and First Community Corporation   (NASDAQ: FCCO) (“First Community”), parent company of First Community Bank, today announced the closing of the transaction whereby Signature Bank was acquired by First Community in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $50.5 million. Signature Bank shareholders will receive 0.6410 shares of First Community’s common stock in exchange for each share of Signature Bank common stock. Following the completion of the transaction, Signature Bank was merged with and into First Community Bank.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Signature Bank of Georgia and issued a fairness opinion to its Board of Directors.

With the addition of Signature Bank, the First Community has more than $2.3 billion in assets, $2.1 billion in deposits, and $1.5 billion in loans.  The transaction creates a banking office network of 23 full-service offices and a loan production office across two states.

In connection with the transaction, two Signature Bank directors have been appointed to the boards of directors of First Community and First Community Bank.

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)

Managing Partner Christopher Olsen Discusses the Surge in Bank M&A with The Bank Slate

Read the full discussion here.

The Lemont National Bank Has Been Acquired

The Lemont National Bank (“Lemont”) and its parent company Lemont Bancorp, Inc., announced that Lemont has been acquired by NuMark Credit Union (“NuMark”). Pursuant to the definitive agreement, NuMark purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all of the liabilities of The Lemont National Bank.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Lemont Bancorp Inc. and The Lemont National Bank.

With the transaction finalized, the combined institution has a footprint of 14 branches. Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP acted as legal advisor to Lemont in connection with the transaction.

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)

First National Bank Has Been Acquired by Investar Bank

Wichita Falls Bancshares, Inc. (“Wichita Falls”), the holding company of First National Bank ($1.3 billion in assets), and Investar Holding Corporation (“Investar”) (NASDAQ: ISTR), the holding company of Investar Bank, N.A. ($2.8 billion in assets), jointly announced that Wichita Falls has been acquired by Investar for approximately $112.9 million in stock and cash.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Wichita Falls and issued a fairness opinion to its Board of Directors.

Pursuant to the terms of the transaction, all of the issued and outstanding shares of Wichita Falls common stock were converted into aggregate merger consideration consisting of 3,955,334 shares of Investar common stock and $7.2 million in cash for an aggregate transaction value of approximately $112.9 million. The closing price of Investar’s stock increased 32% between the date the transaction was entered into and the date of closing.

Additionally, two directors of Wichita Falls and First National Bank have been appointed to the Board of Directors of Investar and Investar Bank, N.A.

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)