Peoples Bancorp to Acquire Baylor Bancshares/First Bank & Trust

Lubbock-based Peoples Bancorp Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Peoples Bank, announced the signing of a definitive agreement on December 30 to acquire Seymour-based Baylor Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiaries, First Bank & Trust and Baylor Mortgage Co. Inc. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. As of September 30, … Read more

FDIC Releases 2020 Community Banking Study

In mid-December, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) released the 2020 Community Banking Study, a new large-scale study on the state of the nation’s community banks. The study finds community banks played a critical role in providing access to credit in several key areas of the U.S. economy, particularly through lending to support commercial real … Read more

Lone Star Capital Bank Announces Agreement to Acquire Business Bank of Texas

San Antonio-based Lone Star Capital Bank NA has entered into a purchase-and-assumption agreement for substantially all of the assets, deposits and certain other liabilities of Austin-based Business Bank of Texas NA. The acquisition is expected to be completed early in the second quarter of 2021. Established in 2007, Business Bank of Texas has total assets of … Read more

VeraBank Announces Intent to Acquire Panola National Bank

Henderson-based VeraBank announced on December 18 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Carthage-based Panola National Bank. Established in 1983, Panola National Bank has two locations, Carthage and Marshall, and assets totaling $125 million. This transaction will expand VeraBank into Panola County for the first time and increase its presence in East Texas. Subject … Read more

Happy State Bank to Acquire First National Bank of Tahoka

On December 11, J. Pat Hickman, chairman of Amarillo-based Happy State Bank, and Frederick B. Hegi Jr., chairman of Tahoka-based First National Bank of Tahoka (FNB), announced that Happy State Bank is acquiring First National Bank of Tahoka through a merger. FNB Tahoka holds approximately $56 million in total assets and has one location in … Read more

Texas Bankers Foundation Presents 2020 Cornerstone and LiFE Awards

The Texas Bankers Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Texas Bankers Association, presented the annual Cornerstone and Leaders in Financial Education (LiFE) awards to banks at a special virtual video presentation on December 3. The Cornerstone Award recognizes excellence in community involvement by Texas banks. The following banks were honored with the 2020 Cornerstone Award. … Read more

FDIC Third Quarter Report: Improved Profitability

O n December 1, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) reported results from commercial banks and savings institutions that reflect improved profitability from the first and second quarters of this year, increased liquidity and strengthened capital levels. As a result, the banking industry remains well-positioned to accommodate loan demand and support the economy. For the … Read more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Awards $19.3 Million in Affordable Housing Program Funds

O n December 1, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) announced that, in partnership with its member financial institutions, it has awarded $19.3 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) subsidies to 38 projects in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. The subsidies will result in the creation or rehabilitation of 2,749 … Read more

Latest Beige Book Reveals ‘Generally Positive, but Uncertain’ Outlook in the 11th District

The economy expanded at a modest pace in the Federal Reserve System’s 11th District in recent months, but activity in most industries remained below normal levels. That’s one of the key findings reported in the Fed’s latest edition of the Beige Book, published eight times per year. Each Federal Reserve Bank gathers anecdotal information on current economic … Read more

Commericial State Bank’s Grist Acquires Controlling Interest in West Texas State Bank

On November 30, longtime West Texas banker John E. Grist acquired a controlling interest in Snyder-based West Texas State Bank, according to the Odessa American. Grist assumed the positions of chairman and chief executive officer. Mark Williamson will remain as president and continue to serve on the board, while Darryl Calley will continue to serve as executive vice … Read more