American Banker·2025-10-16 13:06Core Viewpoint - BMO Financial Group is restructuring its U.S. branch network by selling 138 branches to First Citizens Bank and opening 150 new branches in markets with better growth potential, aiming to enhance profitability in the U.S. [1][9] Group 1: Branch Sale and Acquisition - BMO has agreed to sell 138 branches, approximately 13.7% of its total U.S. footprint, primarily located in the Midwest and Great Plains, to First Citizens Bank [1][9] - The sale requires regulatory approval and is expected to close in mid-2026 [2] - First Citizens will assume about $5.7 billion in deposits and purchase approximately $1.1 billion in loans as part of the acquisition [7] Group 2: New Branch Openings - BMO plans to open 150 new branches over the next five years, focusing on California and other markets where it can achieve greater density [2][3] - The company aims to deepen client relationships and enhance service delivery through this reallocation of resources [3] Group 3: Financial Performance Goals - BMO's goal is to improve its return on equity to 12% within the next three to five years, up from 8% as of July [4] - The bank's underperformance has been attributed to slower-than-expected revenue synergies from the acquisition of Bank of the West and muted loan demand in the U.S. [5] Group 4: First Citizens Bank's Strategy - First Citizens views the acquisition as a means to accelerate growth in new markets and strengthen its deposit franchise, which will enhance liquidity and support strategic initiatives [10] - The acquisition is seen as a creative move to reduce First Citizens' elevated loan-to-deposit ratio following its acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank [11]