On January 2, Investar Holding Corp., the holding company of Investar Bank NA, announced the completion of its acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Wichita Falls-based First National Bank. An agreement relating to the acquisition was announced last July.
The acquisition became effective as of January 1. As of December 31, 2025, First National Bank had $1.2 billion in total assets, $1 billion in net loans and $1 billion in total deposits. As of September 30, 2025, the bank had 326 full-time employees and total assets of $2.8 billion.
David Flack and James Dunkerley, two former directors of Wichita Falls Bancshares and First National Bank, have been appointed to the boards of Investar Bank and Investar Holding Corp.
“Investar is excited to expand its footprint into the North Dallas and Wichita Falls markets,” says John D’Angelo, Investar’s president and CEO. “This transaction represents the continued execution of our multi-state expansion strategy, combining two community banks with a history of service, an alignment of culture and a common commitment to enhancing shareholder value.”
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acted as financial advisor and Fenimore Kay Harrison LLP served as legal counsel to Investar Holding Corp. on the merger transaction. Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP served as legal counsel and Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Wichita Falls Bancshares.
In other news, Investar Bank recently announced a few promotions that affect the bank’s Texas region. Renee Graff has been promoted from treasurer to chief accounting officer and Byron Breaux has been promoted to executive vice president and will serve as the Western regional president. Since joining Investar Bank in 2020, Breaux has strengthened the Texas market through his leadership and expansion efforts.
Established in 2006, Investar Bank currently operates 29 locations serving Louisiana, Texas and Alabama.
