Olsen Palmer Advises Bank of Rantoul in Its Agreement to Be Acquired

Bancorp of Rantoul, Inc. (“Rantoul”), the parent company of Bank of Rantoul, and Peoples Bancorp, Inc. (“Peoples”), the parent company of The Peoples State Bank of Newton, Illinois, jointly announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Rantoul will merge with and into Peoples in a cash transaction.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Bancorp of Rantoul, Inc.

With an expected closing date in the fourth quarter of 2026, the pro forma institution is estimated to have approximately $950 million of assets, $800 million of deposits, and total loans of $630 million.

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 Conway Bank in Its Merger with The First Security Bank

Norcon Financial Corp., the holding company of Conway Bank, announced the completion of its merger with Overbrook Bankshares, Inc., the holding company of The First Security Bank. Pursuant to the transaction, Overbrook Bankshares, Inc. acquired Norcon Financial Corp. through the merger of Norcon Financial Corp. with and into Overbrook Bankshares, Inc., with Overbrook Bankshares, Inc. continuing as the surviving entity. Immediately following the merger, Conway Bank merged with and into The First Security Bank, with The First Security Bank continuing as the surviving bank.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Norcon Financial Corp. in connection with this transaction.

Olsen Palmer is the #1 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)

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 Acquisition by Bethany Bankshares

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 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)