Core Viewpoint - Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Farmers-Merchants Bank & Trust Company in an all-cash transaction, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals [1][2]. Group 1: Merger Details - The merger will allow FM Bank to continue operating under its established brand as a division of Merchants & Marine Bank, with FM Bank's President and CEO, Fred Mills, remaining in his leadership role [2]. - The merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is subject to customary closing conditions [1]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - Clayton Legear, Chairman & CEO of MNMB, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, highlighting FM Bank's reputation for personalized service and the shared mission as Community Development Financial Institutions [3]. - Fred Mills emphasized that the partnership ensures FM Bank will continue to be a community-focused bank, dedicated to serving Acadiana with the same personal service [3]. Group 3: Company Backgrounds - Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc. operates as a community bank in the Gulf South region, offering various banking services and has a history dating back to 1899 [4]. - Farmers-Merchants Bank & Trust Company, headquartered in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, has nearly $450 million in assets and serves the Acadiana region with a commitment to personal and efficient banking services since its founding in 1932 [6].