FNBO announced it has signed a definitive merger agreement with CCB Financial Corporation, the parent company of Country Club Bank, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. The deal is pending regulatory approval, which is anticipated before year-end 2025.

The acquisition brings together two unique and highly respected financial institutions, both of which are privately owned with multi-generational family leadership, into one trusted financial institution serving the Midwest.

"At FNBO, we know that long-term relationships are the cornerstone of community growth, and we were inspired by Country Club Bank's shared commitment to that ideal," said Clark Lauritzen, Chairman and President of FNBO. "This is an exciting opportunity to bring together the best of both FNBO and Country Club Bank, combining our strengths, expertise and commitment to customer service to create a stronger, more innovative financial partner for not only the Kansas City area, but the entire FNBO footprint."

Country Club Bank's history dates back to 1953 and has grown from a single commercial bank to a multi-faceted financial institution with $1.8 billion in deposits, $2.2 billion in assets and a trust company with $2.8 billion in assets under management. With more than 400 employees, its business lines include personal banking, commercial banking, wealth management and trust services, capital markets, cash management and mergers and acquisitions services.

"Country Club Bank has a deep history of taking care of its clients, and it was paramount that any partner we considered have a similar dedication," said Paul Thompson, Chairman and CEO of Country Club Bank. "We are confident FNBO is the right partner to maintain this legacy and take it even further into the future."

The acquisition brings together two historic, family-led financial institutions with deep roots in the communities they serve. Following the completion of the merger, FNBO will have nearly $35 billion in assets and 4,800 employees. Additionally, Country Club Bank's 20 branch locations in Kansas and Missouri will be rebranded and join FNBO's current 100-branch network across Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Illinois, Texas and Iowa.

"FNBO has admired Country Club Bank and its way of doing business for years," said Lauritzen. "We are proud to welcome them as part of the FNBO family and grateful for the trust the Thompson family has in us to continue their great legacy of financial service and stewardship."