On October 17, Charles McGuire, chairman of First Liberty National Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Liberty-based First Liberty Bank, and Kelly Stretcher, president and CEO of First Liberty Bank, announced that a definitive agreement has been executed wherein First Liberty National Bancshares Inc., has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of both Pearland-based Pearland State Bank and Alvin-based First National Bank of Alvin, which are currently owned by Coastal Bancshares Inc. The transaction is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2025.
“This acquisition is the continuation of our strategic objective to expand into the Houston market and offer our broad array of products and services to the Alvin and Pearland communities,” McGuire says.
With post-acquisition assets of approximately $850 million, First Liberty Bank will position itself for further growth, larger loan capacity and continued commitment to the Houston-area communities it serves. First Liberty Bank has been a part of Liberty and the surrounding communities since 1913. It currently operates locations in Liberty, Dayton, Hardin, Huffman, China, Mont Belvieu and Plum Grove. The bank also has a loan production office in Livingston, an insurance agency, investment advisory services, a mortgage center and title company.
Both established in 1960, Alvin-based First National Bank of Alvin and Pearland State Bank are privately held banks serving the Southeast Houston market. First National Bank of Alvin has branches in Alvin and Manvel, and Pearland State Bank operates one branch in Pearland.
“For the past several years, we have experienced growth and change by expanding to new markets, consistently investing in innovation and providing ongoing development of our people,” Stretcher notes. “Joining forces with First National Bank of Alvin and Pearland State Bank is a natural progression of our commitment to the communities we serve in Southeast Texas.”
“As we contemplated an acquisition partner, First Liberty Bank best aligned with our shared commitment to community banking and customer service,” says Randall Ferguson, president and CEO of Coastal Bancshares. “They embrace the banking principles that our customers want and need, and will be a welcome addition to our area.”