On December 12, Dallas-based Vista Bank announced a definitive agreement to sell seven rural locations—Abernathy, Hale Center, Haskell, Idalou, Petersburg, Plainview and Ralls—to Dimmitt-based First United Bank. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. Vista Bank will retain and expand its operational and retail presence in Lubbock.

Established in 1912, Vista Bank has served rural West Texas communities across the South Plains and Big Country for 112 years, and while it took the bank 108 years to eclipse $1 billion in assets, it has surpassed $2.4 billion in just the past three years. The decision to exit ag lending while continuing to serve rural communities precipitated the transaction. Vista Bank currently operates 18 banking centers—including one in Palm Beach, Florida—employs more than 230 team members and reports more than $2.4 billion in assets.

“The Bain family has shared Vista’s core values for over a century, making First United Bank the perfect partner for this transaction,” says John D. Steinmetz, Vista Bank president and CEO. “We couldn’t feel better about partnering with them to continue serving these communities, knowing that our team members and valued clients will remain in the best of hands.”

First United Bank has served families, area producers and small businesses in rural communities across West Texas for the past 117 years. A subsidiary of Plains Bancorp Inc., the bank reports more than $2.1 billion total assets and currently operates 16 banking center offices in 13 West Texas communities. The bank employs more than 250 associates.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vista Bank customers and team members to the First United Bank family with the expansion of our footprint into seven new West Texas communities,” says R. Mark Bain, First United Bank CEO. “Both First United Bank and Vista Bank share a commitment to upholding values that are uniquely West Texas. At First United Bank, we call this, the Spirit of West Texas.”