First Busey and CrossFirst Bankshares Merger Gets Shareholder Nod

Merger Approval Marks a New Chapter for First Busey and CrossFirst

In a landmark joint announcement, First Busey Corporation (NASDAQ: BUSE) and CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFB) have confirmed that their shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the merger proposal. This positive milestone marks a significant moment in the journey toward combining these two well-respected financial institutions. According to the details shared, the special shareholder meetings took place recently, where the merger was a prominent topic of discussion.

Shareholder Confidence and Strategic Rationale

First Busey Chairman and CEO, Van Dukeman, expressed the importance of this approval, citing it as a strong vote of confidence from their shareholders in this strategic merger. He mentioned, "This reflects our shareholders' confidence in a deal that aims to bring substantial advantages to our stakeholders, associates, and communities alike. The next logical phase involves obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, paving the way for the merger's completion and successful integration of these two leading financial companies."

Timeline for Merger Completion

Now that shareholders have given their green light, both companies are optimistic that the merger will finalize in the first or second quarter of the upcoming year, contingent upon receiving regulatory clearances and fulfilling customary closing conditions. The leadership at CrossFirst Bankshares, including CEO Mike Maddox, acknowledged the high degree of shareholder certainty surrounding the merger's anticipated benefits and strategic vision.

Expanding Service Reach and Infrastructure

The combined entity will boast a substantial operational footprint, offering services from 77 locations across 10 states. The merger will result in total assets reaching approximately $20 billion and will enhance their service offerings by increasing their total deposits to about $17 billion and loans to nearly $15 billion. Additionally, the merged institutions will manage around $14 billion in wealth assets.

Diverse Business Opportunities

With their diverse client bases and complementary business models, both banks are poised to leverage their combined strength to tap into new customer segments and broaden their product offerings. This scale is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency and profitability, leading to improved returns for shareholders. The two organizations are dedicated to maintaining their strong community bank values while offering advanced financial products tailored to client needs.

About First Busey Corporation

Founded as a financial holding company, First Busey Corporation has established itself as a key player in the banking industry. With a total asset base of nearly $12 billion, as of the end of the third quarter in the preceding year, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Busey Bank, operates 62 banking centers across diverse markets. Through its comprehensive service lines, Busey Bank delivers exceptional financial solutions, ranging from personal banking to wealth management services.

Wealth Management Services

Busey's Wealth Management division is dedicated to serving various client needs via asset management, brokerage services, and more. As of late September 2024, they managed $13.69 billion in assets, signifying their commitment to supporting individuals, businesses, and foundations in achieving their financial objectives.

About CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.

CrossFirst Bankshares operates with a clear mission to provide high-quality banking services to businesses and individuals. With an emphasis on relationship-driven service, CrossFirst Bank prides itself on a culture and banking philosophy that prioritizes trust and personalized attention.

Commitment to Exceptional Service

Having originated from a team of adept financial professionals, CrossFirst Bank aims to harness technology for optimal service delivery. This dedication to fostering client relationships and supporting local communities positions CrossFirst as a formidable partner in the financial landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the merger between First Busey and CrossFirst?

The merger aims to combine strengths, provide enhanced services, and create a larger entity that can better serve customers and communities.

When is the merger expected to close?

The merger is anticipated to close in the first or second quarter of the next year, subject to regulatory approvals.

What are the expected benefits of the merger?

The merger is expected to create efficiencies, broaden service offerings, and enhance profitability by leveraging the combined assets and operations.

How many locations will the merged entity have?

The combined company will operate 77 full-service banking locations across 10 states.

Who should I contact for more information about First Busey or CrossFirst?

For inquiries, Jeffrey D. Jones can be reached for financial information, while media inquiries can be addressed to Amy L. Randolph.

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