On July 1, Investar Holding Corp., the holding company for Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA, and Wichita Falls Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Wichita Falls-based First National Bank, jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Investar will acquire Wichita Falls for cash and stock consideration. The merger is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Established in 1986, First National Bank operates seven branches and two mortgage offices in North Texas and had approximately $1.5 billion in assets at March 31, 2025. For Investar, the merger represents its continued expansion with its second acquisition in Texas and first in the North Dallas market. For First National Bank, the transaction is expected to provide the benefits of additional financial strength and the expanded resources of a larger banking enterprise. Although First National Bank will transition to the Investar Bank name, experienced bank staff are expected to remain substantially intact.
“This merger will allow us to bring new products and services to our customers while keeping the same banking locations and trusted local bankers,” says David Flack, president of Wichita Falls Bancshares. “We believe this merger creates more long-term value for our customers, communities and shareholders.”
“This merger provides a great opportunity to enhance strategic synergies through combined resources and to build greater shareholder value,” notes Stan Pinkham, First National Bank’s president and CEO. “Aligning with Investar creates a combined bank with more than $4 billion in assets, resulting in a larger lending capacity and enhanced services to our customers.”
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acted as financial advisor and Fenimore Kay Harrison LLP served as legal counsel to Investar Holding 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.
