Bethany Bankshares, Inc., the holding company of BTC Bank, and Latham Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of The Tipton Latham Bank, N.A., have jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Bethany Bankshares, Inc. will acquire Latham Bancshares, Inc. through a series of mergers, with Bethany Bankshares, Inc. continuing as the surviving corporation. Immediately after the acquisition of Latham Bancshares, Inc., The Tipton Latham Bank, N.A. will be merged with and into BTC Bank, with BTC Bank continuing as the surviving bank. The transaction has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder and regulatory approvals.
“This acquisition strengthens our presence in rural Missouri and reinforces our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Doug Fish, President and Chief Executive Officer of BTC Bank. “Tipton and Latham share the same values that have guided BTC Bank for more than a century and a commitment to community, youth, and agriculture.”
That commitment to community banking is shared by The Tipton Latham Bank, N.A., whose leadership sees the merger as an opportunity to strengthen service and expand resources for customers.
“Joining forces with BTC Bank is an exciting new chapter for our customers and employees,” said John Allee, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Tipton Latham Bank. “This merger is a natural partnership rooted in a shared philosophy of putting customers first and investing in the communities we serve. Together we will continue to deliver the exceptional service our customers expect while expanding the products, technologies, and resources available to them.”
Following the completion of the acquisition, BTC Bank will operate 27 locations across Missouri and southern Iowa, along with a mobile branch serving rural communities. Founded in 1919, BTC Bank has grown to be the number one agricultural bank in Missouri, recognized by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), with total assets exceeding $1.5 billion.
“We’re excited to welcome these customers and employees into the BTC Bank family and to provide them with expanded resources, innovative products, and the personalized service they expect,” says Fish.
About BTC Bank
BTC Bank, established in 1919, is a community bank with deep roots in serving rural communities and farm families. Recognized by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) as the number one Ag Bank in Missouri, BTC Bank is committed to supporting agriculture and providing trusted financial services to farmers and members of the community. With branches across Missouri and Iowa, BTC Bank continues to grow while maintaining its community-first values.
Contacts
The Tipton Latham Bank, N.A.
John Allee
President & CEO
(660) 433-2004