Bank First Corp., the holding company of Bank First N.A., announced that it has received all required regulatory approvals to complete its planned merger with Centre 1 Bancorp Inc., parent company of The First National Bank and Trust. The transaction will close on Jan. 1, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and approval by Centre's shareholders.

"Receiving regulatory approval allows us to begin the transition toward operating as Bank First, a move that reflects our shared commitment to long-term growth and community-focused banking," said Mike Molepske, Chairman and CEO of Bank First. "This merger brings together two institutions with aligned values and complementary strengths, positioning us to better serve our customers with expanded resources, broader capabilities and a continued focus on relationship banking."

Following the close of the transaction, First National Bank and Trust will become a division of Bank First until the system conversion, expected to take place in the second quarter of 2026. At that time, all First National Bank and Trust offices will fully transition to the Bank First name, and customers will be transitioned to the Bank First system and digital banking platform.