Bank First Corporation Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc.
MWN-AI** Summary
Bank First Corporation announced a definitive agreement to acquire Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc., parent of The First National Bank and Trust Company, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $174.3 million. This strategic merger is expected to enhance both institutions, merging two community-focused banks with solid reputations for relationship-driven banking and community engagement. Both banks hold a noteworthy portion of their deposits in non-interest-bearing checking accounts, exceeding the industry average, which reflects their robust customer relationships.
The acquisition extends Bank First's geographic reach into southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, marking its first entry into out-of-state markets that complement its existing operations. This move is anticipated to strengthen their positions in high-potential areas, creating long-term value for stakeholders while broadening their service capabilities.
With this merger, the combined asset base is projected to approach $6 billion, significantly amplifying Bank First’s lending capacity and resources, which will benefit individuals and businesses in both regions. The transaction also enhances shareholder value through a disciplined growth strategy focused on relationship-oriented banking.
Mike Molepske, CEO of Bank First, described the merger as a union between two community-centric institutions that will improve service capabilities across their markets. Steve Eldred, CEO of Centre, expressed optimism about the merger, emphasizing a shared commitment to customer service and community support, ensuring continuity of care for their customer base.
Pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, the merger is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, with system integration anticipated in the second quarter. This merger is poised to enrich Bank First's value offerings, including wealth management services from Centre's First National Bank and Trust.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent announcement that Bank First Corporation will acquire Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc. in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $174.3 million brings forth a strategic opportunity for both institutions and their shareholders. This merger, set to create a combined asset base of nearly $6 billion, signals a strengthening of Bank First’s footprint in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, enhancing its position in growing, relationship-centric markets.
From a market perspective, investors should consider the long-term implications of this merger. The transaction’s structure—where Centre shareholders will receive approximately 0.92 shares of Bank First stock for each of their shares—indicates a favorable valuation that aligns with the companies' shared commitment to community banking. The combined institution’s emphasis on non-interest-bearing deposits (over 25%, exceeding the industry average) showcases their strong customer relationships, which typically translate into greater financial stability.
Additionally, the enhanced financial capacity post-merger will likely allow the newly-formed entity to leverage greater lending resources, essential for both commercial and consumer lending. This could foster accelerated growth in market share and revenue, potentially benefiting shareholders in the long run. Given Bank First's established reputation and commitment to community service, it stands to enhance its value proposition by integrating First National Bank and Trust's wealth management services—adding revenue streams in a competitive financial landscape.
As of now, investors should monitor regulatory approvals and stakeholder responses leading up to the expected completion in the first quarter of 2026. Both banks’ strategic alignment and historical commitment to community-focused banking present a compelling case for cautious optimism in their performance. Overall, this merger appears to be a strategic move that can create significant shareholder value while reinforcing the commitment to community engagement.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
Highlights of the Announced Transaction
- Combines Two Strong Community Banks. Merges two relationship-driven deposit franchises with deep community roots and a shared commitment to responsive, solutions-oriented service. Both institutions maintain over one-quarter of deposits in non-interest-bearing checking accounts (significantly above the industry average of under 20%), underscoring the strength and stability of their customer relationships.
- Strategic Geographic Alignment. This move expands Bank First's footprint into relationship-oriented communities in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois , marking its first out-of-state expansion into markets that complement Bank First's existing presence without overlap. This move aligns two strong organizations in high-potential, relationship-driven markets and supports long-term value creation for customers, employees, and their communities.
- Expanded Financial Capacity. Increases the combined asset base to nearly $6 billion , unlocking greater lending capacity, expanding service capabilities, and creating more opportunities to support the individuals, businesses, and communities Bank First serves.
- Enhanced Shareholder Value. Delivers long-term value through combined financial strength and a shared focus on disciplined growth and relationship-based banking.
MANITOWOC, Wis. and BELOIT, Wis. , July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank First Corporation (Nasdaq: BFC ) ("Bank First"), the holding company of Bank First, N.A., announced today the signing of an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc. ("Centre"), parent company of The First National Bank and Trust Company ("First National Bank and Trust"), a nationally chartered bank, under which Bank First has agreed to acquire 100% of the common stock of Centre in an all-stock transaction.
Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, each Centre shareholder will have the right to receive 0.9200 of a share of Bank First's common stock in exchange for each share of Centre common stock. The aggregate consideration is valued at approximately $174.3 million , based on the closing price of Bank First common stock as of July 17, 2025 of $125.78 per share.
Bank First customers will benefit from access to First National Bank and Trust's wealth management services, further enriching the value Bank First provides. Bank First remains dedicated to delivering the personalized service its customers trust while continuing First National Bank and Trust's proud tradition of giving back and strengthening the communities it serves. Centre shareholders and customers will benefit from Bank First's 40% ownership interest in Ansay & Associates, an independent insurance agency providing integrated insurance, risk management, and benefit solutions to businesses, families, and individuals.
Mike Molepske , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bank First, stated, "This partnership brings together two long-standing, community-focused institutions united by a shared commitment to responsive, relationship-based banking. The combination of our organizations enhances our ability to serve customers across Wisconsin and northern Illinois with greater capabilities and expanded resources."
"Joining forces with Bank First allows us to build on a legacy of trust and service while expanding opportunities to care for the communities we serve," stated Steve Eldred , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Centre. "This merger reflects a shared promise to remain dependable, approachable, and resilient, all values that have long defined our approach to banking."
Upon completion of the merger, Steve Eldred will join the Board of Directors of Bank First and Bank First, N.A.
The Boards of Directors of Bank First and Centre have approved the Agreement and Plan of Merger. Subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approval, and approval by Centre's shareholders, the transaction's closing is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2026. The system conversion is anticipated in the second quarter of 2026.
As of June 30, 2025 , First National Bank and Trust Company had approximately $1.55 billion in consolidated assets, $994.9 million in gross loans, $1.29 billion in deposits, and $112.6 million in consolidated stockholders' equity. Based on the financial results as of June 30, 2025 , the combined company will have total assets of approximately $5.91 billion , loans of approximately $4.58 billion and deposits of approximately $4.89 billion .
Piper Sandler & Co. served as financial advisor to Bank First, and Alston & Bird LLP served as legal counsel. Hovde Group, LLC served as financial advisor to Centre, and Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP served as legal counsel.
Bank First Corporation and Bank First, N.A.
Bank First Corporation is the holding company for Bank First, N.A., a relationship-focused financial institution headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin . With total assets of approximately $4.4 billion , the bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including commercial, mortgage, and consumer lending, as well as various deposit and savings options. It primarily serves customers throughout central and northeastern Wisconsin . Founded in 1894, the institution has a long-standing history of supporting the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.bankfirst.com .
About Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc. and The First National Bank and Trust Company
Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company of The First National Bank and Trust Company, a family-owned community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin . Chartered in 1882, First National Bank and Trust Company serves customers across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois with a strong commitment to full-service banking, investments, asset management, and exceptional service. Its dedication to delivering Sound Advice has helped position the bank as a trusted leader in the Stateline region. For additional information, visit www.bankatfirstnational.com .
For further information, contact:
Deb Weyker , SVP Marketing
Phone: (920) 652-3274; Email: dweyker@bankfirst.com
Company Release – 7/18/2025
SOURCE Bank First Corporation
FAQ**
How does the acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc. by Bank First Corporation BFC enhance the combined financial strength and expand the products and services offered to customers in the new geographic regions of Wisconsin and Illinois?
What specific benefits can Bank First Corporation BFC customers expect to receive from the integration of First National Bank and Trust's wealth management services following the merger?
Can you elaborate on how Bank First Corporation BFC plans to leverage the expanded asset base of nearly $6 billion to support local businesses and communities while maintaining its commitment to relationship-driven banking?
What are the expected timelines and key milestones for the regulatory approval process and system conversion post-acquisition for Bank First Corporation BFC and Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc.?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Bank First National Corporation (NASDAQ: BFC).
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