Prnewswireยท2025-09-25 23:00Core Viewpoint - Heritage Financial Corporation is acquiring Olympic Bancorp, the parent company of Kitsap Bank, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $176.6 million, which is expected to enhance Heritage's financial metrics and market presence in the Puget Sound region [1][4][6]. Company Overview - Heritage Financial Corporation operates Heritage Bank, which has a network of 50 branches across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol "HFWA" [9]. - Kitsap Bank, established in 1908, has 17 banking offices and total assets of $1.7 billion, with total loans of $941.6 million and total deposits of $1.4 billion as of June 30, 2025 [2][10]. Transaction Details - The merger agreement stipulates that Olympic shareholders will receive 45.0 shares of Heritage common stock for each share of Olympic common stock, based on a fixed exchange ratio [4][5]. - Upon completion, Heritage will have total assets of approximately $8.8 billion, total loans of approximately $5.7 billion, and total deposits of approximately $7.2 billion [2][6]. - The merger is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals [5]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition is anticipated to create a more robust banking platform for communities in the Puget Sound region, enhancing Heritage's market share to approximately 14% in combined deposits [6]. - The merger is expected to result in approximately 18% earnings per share accretion following the realization of operating efficiencies [6]. Leadership Commentary - Heritage's CEO, Bryan McDonald, expressed respect for Kitsap Bank's long-standing community banking approach and emphasized the benefits of combining the two organizations [4]. - Olympic's CEO, Steve Politakis, highlighted the community-first mindset of Kitsap Bank and the advantages of joining forces with Heritage [4].