COLUMBUS — The First State Bank of Columbus has been acquired by Bastrop Bancshares, a holding company for the First National Bank of Bastrop.
On April 28, the groups entered into an agreement, which was unanimously approved by both Boards of Directors to move forward on the merger.
The agreement is expected to go into effect in the third quarter of 2026. According to its press release, the merger is expected to generate, for both institutions, enhanced scale and market penetration, a complementary customer base and loan portfolio with limited overlap, improved opera- tional efficiency and technologi cal investment capacity, enhanced loan and deposit products and locations, and strengthened ability to serve commercial, agricultural and consumer customers.
The First State Bank, founded in 1913, has been a family-owned business for over 100 years in Columbus.
“After careful consideration, our board unanimously concluded that partnering with Bastrop Banckshares represents the best path forward for our shareholders, customers, and employees,” says Pat Moeller, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Co lumbus Bancorp, Inc., “We are excited to partner with Bastrop Bancshares as we share a common commitment to community banking. We look forward to the opportunities this combination will create.”
