East Texas Financial Corp., the bank holding company for Kilgore-based Citizens Bank, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Texas National Bancorporation Inc., the bank holding company for Jacksonville-based Texas National Bank. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Upon closing, East Texas Financial Corp. will operate as a two-bank holding company with combined assets projected to total approximately $1.3 billion. Texas National Bank and Citizens Bank will operate independently until approximately the fourth quarter of 2026, at which time the two banks will merge and operate as Citizens Bank with 20 banking offices in East and Southeast Texas.
“This acquisition represents a strategic step forward for Citizens Bank, enabling us to expand our presence in new communities in East Texas while maintaining local, East Texas ownership,” notes John Mills, president and CEO of Citizens Bank. “Customers of Citizens Bank and Texas National Bank will benefit from a broader service area following the merger of our banks, making it easier to do business wherever they live or work. With combined assets exceeding $1 billion, we’ll be able to invest more significantly in the services and technology our customers expect from a modern, community-focused bank.”
“Joining forces with Citizens Bank is a natural fit as we share common values and a culture of old-fashioned customer care, supported by innovative services and convenience,” says Wes White, CEO of Texas National Bank. “This partnership allows us to continue thriving as a true local community bank, with a larger footprint and expanded access to banking services throughout the region.”
Established in 1949, Citizens Bank operates 11 banking offices in Bryan, Carthage, Center, Gladewater, Humble, Kilgore, Kountze, Sour Lake, Tyler, The Woodlands and Yorktown. Texas National Bank, established in 1985, has nine offices in Bullard, Jacksonville, Lindale, Longview, Lufkin, Marshall, Rusk and Tyler (two).
