Core Viewpoint - First Community Bankshares, Inc. has successfully completed the acquisition of Hometown Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary Union Bank, effective January 23, 2026, enhancing its market presence in West Virginia [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The merger includes the integration of Union Bank into First Community Bank, with Hometown's eight branch locations rebranded as First Community Bank branches starting January 26, 2026 [2] - Hometown's shareholders will receive 11.706 shares of First Community common stock for each share of Hometown common stock as part of the merger agreement [2] Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aligns with First Community's strategy to grow low-cost core deposits and expand its footprint in the Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna MSA, leveraging its 150-year history in community banking [3] - The partnership is expected to strengthen First Community's banking franchise in West Virginia, providing benefits such as a stronger deposit base and enhanced product offerings for Union's customers [4] Group 3: Financial Overview - As of December 2025, Hometown had approximately $415 million in total assets, $172 million in total loans, and $376 million in total deposits, indicating a solid financial foundation for the merger [5] - First Community Bankshares reported consolidated assets of $3.26 billion as of December 31, 2025, with its wealth management division managing $1.79 billion in combined assets [6]

Core Insights - The transition of customers from Laurentian Bank to an acquiring bank is expected to be communicated through email or mail notifications, with the goal of minimizing disruptions and maintaining customer satisfaction [1][2] - Customers may experience changes in products, including fee structures, interest rates, and account features during the transition [2][4] - This transition presents an opportunity for customers to evaluate their banking needs and consider whether their current accounts and products still meet those needs [4] Company and Industry Summary - National Bank is set to expand its customer base by acquiring Laurentian's $10.9 billion in retail loans and deposits, along with $1.4 billion in small- and medium-enterprise loans and deposits, which will add to its existing total assets of approximately $594 billion [4] - The acquisition follows National Bank's recent purchase of Canadian Western Bank, which closed in February [4] - Customers are advised to keep their banking profiles updated to ensure they receive important communications and to remain vigilant against potential fraud during the transition [5]