Two Century-Old Banks in Kansas to Merge

And then there was one.

Downs, Kan.,  has had two locally based banks for many years, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s website. One dates to 1892, and the other to 1919.

But many of the forces that are driving change — and M&A deals — across the U.S. banking scene appear to have reached this town of fewer than 1,000 people in north central Kansas.

The two banks, State Bank of Downs and Downs Bank, announced Monday that they have agreed to combine forces by the fall provided regulators give the OK.

The State Bank of Downs has assets of $86 million and operates a second branch in Englewood, Colo., just outside of Denver, known as Berkley Bank. The $19 million-asset Downs Bank's sole branch will remain open after the deal is completed but take the name of State Bank of Downs.

The financial terms of the deal, which the banks' press release described as a merger, were not disclosed.

"We're looking forward to joining our respective teams to better serve our community and know that Downs Bank customers will appreciate the additional services we'll be able to provide," Ron Henke, the president of State Bank of Downs, said in a press release.

Bill Cushing, the president of Downs Bank, will stay with the combined company.

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Community banking M&A Kansas
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