FNBO Acquisition

[ita]

First National Bank of Omaha to acquire Western States Bank

First National Bank of Omaha is getting bigger. It announced Monday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Western States BanCorporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary Western States Bank which is headquartered in Laramie, Wyoming.

Western States operates 10 branches in northeastern Colorado, western Nebraska, and southeastern Wyoming. It reported having $542 million in total assets, $486 million in deposits, and nearly 100 employees.

First National Bank of Omaha expects to close the deal during the first quarter of 2022 pending regulatory approvals and approval of Western States shareholders among other things.

Western States says once the conversion is complete, all Western States locations will operate as FNBO.

[bigredmed1]

Nice! Is this a simple business deal or is the Fed pushing this for solvency issues?

[ita]

Nice! Is this a simple business deal or is the Fed pushing this for solvency issues?

I have been reading into the deal. It seems like a business deal for FNBO to expand more into Colorado and Nebraska.

[Original]

Not mentioned here, and can't find anything that looks like any regulatory action. Seems likely not a Federally suggested acquisition.

[swinquest]

I think it is just a growth opportunity for FNBO. My contacts had indicated that FNBO was looking to get back in to acquiring some local banks to expand their footprint in the region. They have been looking at doing this for the past few years and COVID only delayed any growth.

[ita]

Another acquisition in the works. Good to see a local company growing.

First National of Nebraska to acquire Northland Securities

Dan Crisler
First National of Nebraska announced Thursday that it will acquire capital markets firm Northland Capital Holdings.

First National’s acquisition, which is pending regulatory approval and the completion of various closing conditions, will include Northland’s subsidiary Northland Securities.

Based in Minneapolis, Northland Securities has offices in seven states and employs about 170 people, according to a First National press release.

Northland Securities is an underwriter of tax-exempt bonds in the Midwest. The release said it has been recognized for its equity markets research and specialization in finance and capital market access for corporate, government and nonprofit clients.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Sidebar to this thread..

I was at a bar here in St. Louis and when I went to close my tab, the bartender grabbed my card and the following converstaion occurred:

Bartender: "Did you used to live in Colorado?"
Me: "No, why?"
Bartender: "I used to live there, the bank on your card is a Colorado bank."
[My card has FNBO on it]
Me: "...that stands for First National Bank of Omaha"
Bartender: "yeah but they're based in Colorado" [swiftly walks away to another customer before I could say anything else]

I'm assuming one of FNBO's acquisitions has confused her.

[Louie]

They have quite a few branches there, but that bartender is kind of dense to not think that through.

[ChadJK]

Through a series of charter mergers these banks all ended up being First National Bank of Omaha:

First National Bank of Colorado
First Interstate Bank of Fort Collins (aka First National Bank of Fort Collins)
Union Colony Bank
First National Bank of Kansas
Castle Bank

They do seem to deemphasize the O in FNBO these days.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nat ... to_present

[ita]

Through a series of charter mergers these banks all ended up being First National Bank of Omaha:

First National Bank of Colorado
First Interstate Bank of Fort Collins (aka First National Bank of Fort Collins)
Union Colony Bank
First National Bank of Kansas
Castle Bank

They do seem to deemphasize the O in FNBO these days.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nat ... to_present

It's similar to what Nebraska Furniture Mart does with their branding, focusing more on the acronym NFM, particularly out-of-state. I know it might confuse people otherwise, but I like that Mutual of Omaha hasn't shied away from it's association with Omaha.

[OmahaRedWing]

Acquiring another privately held bank. In KC. Country Club Bank:

A Message from Clark Lauritzen, Chairman & President
FNBO is excited to announce that we have entered into a definitive merger agreement with CCB Financial Corp, the parent company of Country Club Bank, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.

This acquisition brings together two unique and highly respected financial institutions, both of which are privately owned with multi-generational family leadership, into one trusted financial institution serving the Midwest. At FNBO, we know that long-term relationships are the cornerstone of community growth, and we were inspired by Country Club Bank's shared commitment to that ideal. This is an exciting opportunity to bring together the best of both FNBO and Country Club Bank, combining our strengths, expertise and commitment to customer service to create a stronger, more innovative financial partner for not only the Kansas City area, but the entire FNBO footprint.

Our merger is pending regulatory approval, which is anticipated in later 2025, and we look to combine our organizations into the FNBO brand in 2026. Please join me in celebrating this momentous news. We are excited for our future together as FNBO.

https://www.fnbo.com/insights/newsroom/ ... -club-bank

[HskrFanMike]

Through a series of charter mergers these banks all ended up being First National Bank of Omaha:

First National Bank of Colorado
First Interstate Bank of Fort Collins (aka First National Bank of Fort Collins)
Union Colony Bank
First National Bank of Kansas
Castle Bank

They do seem to deemphasize the O in FNBO these days.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nat ... to_present

It's similar to what Nebraska Furniture Mart does with their branding, focusing more on the acronym NFM, particularly out-of-state. I know it might confuse people otherwise, but I like that Mutual of Omaha hasn't shied away from it's association with Omaha.

Apples, oranges and kumquats.

FNBO operates in other markets where there may be another "First National" that they don't own. So they either had to use the name the bank used before...or come up with something unique. i.e. FNBO.

While Nebraska Furniture Mart was well known in KC, it's pretty much unknown in Dallas. And with so many people price-shopping online, making people type in NebraskaFurnitureMart.com was asking to lose sales. So NFM.com it became.

Mutual is something completely different. For starters, MOO.com brings up cow jokes. Plus, the legacy of Marlin Perkins and Wild Kingdom made Mutual a household name. So the name stays.

[OmahaRedWing]

Through a series of charter mergers these banks all ended up being First National Bank of Omaha:

First National Bank of Colorado
First Interstate Bank of Fort Collins (aka First National Bank of Fort Collins)
Union Colony Bank
First National Bank of Kansas
Castle Bank

They do seem to deemphasize the O in FNBO these days.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nat ... to_present

It's similar to what Nebraska Furniture Mart does with their branding, focusing more on the acronym NFM, particularly out-of-state. I know it might confuse people otherwise, but I like that Mutual of Omaha hasn't shied away from it's association with Omaha.

Apples, oranges and kumquats.

FNBO operates in other markets where there may be another "First National" that they don't own. So they either had to use the name the bank used before...or come up with something unique. i.e. FNBO.

While Nebraska Furniture Mart was well known in KC, it's pretty much unknown in Dallas. And with so many people price-shopping online, making people type in NebraskaFurnitureMart.com was asking to lose sales. So NFM.com it became.

Mutual is something completely different. For starters, MOO.com brings up cow jokes. Plus, the legacy of Marlin Perkins and Wild Kingdom made Mutual a household name. So the name stays.

I do think they it's smart of them to not have Omaha spelled out in their other markets.

[Cermak]

Through a series of charter mergers these banks all ended up being First National Bank of Omaha:

First National Bank of Colorado
First Interstate Bank of Fort Collins (aka First National Bank of Fort Collins)
Union Colony Bank
First National Bank of Kansas
Castle Bank

They do seem to deemphasize the O in FNBO these days.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nat ... to_present

It's similar to what Nebraska Furniture Mart does with their branding, focusing more on the acronym NFM, particularly out-of-state. I know it might confuse people otherwise, but I like that Mutual of Omaha hasn't shied away from it's association with Omaha.

Apples, oranges and kumquats.

FNBO operates in other markets where there may be another "First National" that they don't own. So they either had to use the name the bank used before...or come up with something unique. i.e. FNBO.

While Nebraska Furniture Mart was well known in KC, it's pretty much unknown in Dallas. And with so many people price-shopping online, making people type in NebraskaFurnitureMart.com was asking to lose sales. So NFM.com it became.

Mutual is something completely different. For starters, MOO.com brings up cow jokes. Plus, the legacy of Marlin Perkins and Wild Kingdom made Mutual a household name. So the name stays.

I do think they it's smart of them to not have Omaha spelled out in their other markets.

I don’t mind the FNBO name. Back in the 80’s while in Florida I banked at a bank called NCNB which was North Carolina National Bank. I Think they eventually merged with some other banks. And the NCNB name was no longer used. This was the first time I recall a bank using just letters as its name.

[nebugeater]

Looks like FNBO is acquiring Blue Ridge Bank & Trust, based out of the KC area. Nine locations FNBO already has around 30 locations in the KC area, per the article



https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/ ... ufVsxZxSSQ

[Greg S]

Looks like FNBO is acquiring Blue Ridge Bank & Trust, based out of the KC area. Nine locations FNBO already has around 30 locations in the KC area, per the article



https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/ ... ufVsxZxSSQ

Wow. Decades ago (60's) my parents banked there in Raytown. Even after the move to Omaha they kept some of their accounts there.

Interesting that FNBO is making such a move in the last year on the Missouri side. They've been big for years on the Kansas side of the metro only. Makes sense, just surprised they operated only on the Kansas side for decades only.

[jessep28]

I'm sort of surprised considering FNBO's regional banking portfolio that a big bank (e.g., USBank, Chase, Bank of America) hasn't acquired them yet.

[almighty_tuna]

I'm sort of surprised considering FNBO's regional banking portfolio that a big bank (e.g., USBank, Chase, Bank of America) hasn't acquired them yet.

Don't jinx it!! It's nice having an sizeable, independent bank headquartered here instead of a satellite location of an international conglomerate.

[Brad]

I'm sort of surprised considering FNBO's regional banking portfolio that a big bank (e.g., USBank, Chase, Bank of America) hasn't acquired them yet.

Don't jinx it!! It's nice having an sizeable, independent bank headquartered here instead of a satellite location of an international conglomerate.

Exactly, if they ever get acquired, I would close my accounts immediately.

[Greg S]

I'm sort of surprised considering FNBO's regional banking portfolio that a big bank (e.g., USBank, Chase, Bank of America) hasn't acquired them yet.

Don't jinx it!! It's nice having an sizeable, independent bank headquartered here instead of a satellite location of an international conglomerate.

Exactly, if they ever get acquired, I would close my accounts immediately.

Me too. The good thing is they are family owned so they would only be acquired by their choice. Hopefully the Lauritzen Family never decides to sell.

[CrankyOldDude]

Relatively speaking FNBO is still small potatoes. It's footprint is somewhat limited. They'd have to offer the Lauritzen's a ton.

[ChadJK]

I'm sort of surprised considering FNBO's regional banking portfolio that a big bank (e.g., USBank, Chase, Bank of America) hasn't acquired them yet.

Don't jinx it!! It's nice having an sizeable, independent bank headquartered here instead of a satellite location of an international conglomerate.

I guess I am more of a cynic on these things. I mean, make no mistake, privately-held or publicly-held, FNBO is a for-profit institution and every decision made by the Lauritzen family is made to increase their wealth. Their philanthropy is for tax purposes and/or to get their name slapped on as many things around town as they can.. I guess because they live here that makes it better than if it was a collection of shareholders from all over?

[almighty_tuna]

I'm sort of surprised considering FNBO's regional banking portfolio that a big bank (e.g., USBank, Chase, Bank of America) hasn't acquired them yet.

Don't jinx it!! It's nice having an sizeable, independent bank headquartered here instead of a satellite location of an international conglomerate.

I guess I am more of a cynic on these things. I mean, make no mistake, privately-held or publicly-held, FNBO is a for-profit institution and every decision made by the Lauritzen family is made to increase their wealth. Their philanthropy is for tax purposes and/or to get their name slapped on as many things around town as they can.. I guess because they live here that makes it better than if it was a collection of shareholders from all over?

Banking is for profit any way you slice it. I'd rather have the tax write-off/philanthropy benefit Omaha instead of elsewhere. I sure don't see JP Morgan, BNY, Schwab, etc lining up to bolster Omaha in a meaningful fashion.

[Greg S]

I'm sort of surprised considering FNBO's regional banking portfolio that a big bank (e.g., USBank, Chase, Bank of America) hasn't acquired them yet.

Don't jinx it!! It's nice having an sizeable, independent bank headquartered here instead of a satellite location of an international conglomerate.

I guess I am more of a cynic on these things. I mean, make no mistake, privately-held or publicly-held, FNBO is a for-profit institution and every decision made by the Lauritzen family is made to increase their wealth. Their philanthropy is for tax purposes and/or to get their name slapped on as many things around town as they can.. I guess because they live here that makes it better than if it was a collection of shareholders from all over?

Banking is for profit any way you slice it. I'd rather have the tax write-off/philanthropy benefit Omaha instead of elsewhere. I sure don't see JP Morgan, BNY, Schwab, etc lining up to bolster Omaha in a meaningful fashion.

Yeah the benefits far outweigh anything else having them here.

[nebugeater]

From a report at WOWT, FNBO has made another acquisition of branches from Bancshares Corp, with nine branches in Colorado and four in New Mexico

https://www.wowt.com/2026/09/02/omaha-b ... VPB7qdtq1g

[swinquest]

From a report at WOWT, FNBO has made another acquisition of branches from Bancshares Corp, with nine branches in Colorado and four in New Mexico

https://www.wowt.com/2026/09/02/omaha-b ... VPB7qdtq1g

Seems like they have been pretty aggressive lately to grow.

[nebugeater]

From a report at WOWT, FNBO has made another acquisition of branches from Bancshares Corp, with nine branches in Colorado and four in New Mexico

https://www.wowt.com/2026/09/02/omaha-b ... VPB7qdtq1g

Seems like they have been pretty aggressive lately to grow.

Agree for sure,

I would assume that if they are going after growth like this, it reduces the chance that they allow themselves to become an acquisition themselves....... but I was wrong at least one time before!

[Greg S]

From a report at WOWT, FNBO has made another acquisition of branches from Bancshares Corp, with nine branches in Colorado and four in New Mexico

https://www.wowt.com/2026/09/02/omaha-b ... VPB7qdtq1g

Seems like they have been pretty aggressive lately to grow.

Agree for sure,

I would assume that if they are going after growth like this, it reduces the chance that they allow themselves to become an acquisition themselves....... but I was wrong at least one time before!

I agree with you. These acquisition's seem to be a good sign.