Submitted
Equity Bancshares, Inc., the Wichita-based holding company of Equity Bank, announced its entry into a definitive merger agreement with KansasLand Bancshares Inc., parent company of KansasLand Bank in Quinter and Americus, Kansas. The combination will add two locations to Equity Bank’s current network.
“We are proud to work with KansasLand Bank to add two new Equity locations in our home state of Kansas,” said Brad Elliott, Equity Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.
“These regions of Kansas are important to our state and offer excellent opportunities for Equity to continue to enact our mission," Mr. Elliott added. "This merger underscores our commitment to serving communities across the state, providing people with access to financial services and fostering economic growth. We intend to continue to build lasting relationships and support the aspirations of families and businesses in Americus and Gove County.”
Following completion, Equity Bank will operate 38 locations in Kansas and rank No. 1 in deposit market share in Gove County.
“We are pleased to join the Equity Bank family and network,” said Scott Bird, President, Chairman & CEO of KansasLand Bank. “This merger will provide our customers unparalleled customer service and access to state-of-the-art financial products and services, while ensuring the continuation of our mission of giving back to our communities.”
Since 2002, Equity Bank has completed 23 combined whole-bank, deposit, or branch acquisitions, including 12 whole-bank acquisitions since the Company’s IPO in 2015.
In February, the Company completed its merger with Rockhold Bancorp and its subsidiary, the Bank of Kirksville, which added eight North Central Missouri offices, in just 67 days.
“We welcome all KansasLand customers and team members,” said Levi Getz, Equity Bank Regional President, Western Kansas. “We’re honored to have this opportunity to bring these organizations together and serve our communities.”