Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PINE BLUFF, Ark. (AP) — Simmons First National Corporation says it is buying Liberty Bancshares in an all-stock transaction valued at more than $206 million.
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter and is subject to approval by shareholders.
Through the end of March, Springfield, Missouri-based Liberty had assets of $1.1 billion, loans of $811 million and deposits of $885 million.
Simmons First Chairman and CEO George A. Makris says Liberty's expertise in small-business lending will enhance commercial offerings.
Liberty Chairman and CEO Gary Metzger called the merger a "win, win, win situation."
Simmons is based in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
