In Brief: Two Banking Groups Merging in Wisconsin

Two Wisconsin banking trade groups have agreed to merge.

On June 1 the 370 members of the Wisconsin Bankers Association and the 40 savings and loans in the Wisconsin League of Financial Institutions will all become members of a new group with the bigger one's name. The groups already share nine members.

"The combination of these two associations will enhance services to our members and provide an even more effective voice for banking," said Harry J. Argue, executive vice president of the bank group.

"This combination is a natural progression toward having one solid advocate for all Wisconsin taxpaying financial institutions."

Not party to the deal was Community Bankers of Wisconsin. Rick McGuigan, senior vice president of the 233-member group, said he does not foresee another merger anytime soon.

"We still believe that there is a need for a community bank voice independent of an organization representing large and small banks," he said.

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