First Mid Bancshares, Inc. filed a Form 425 on October 29, 2026, disclosing a merger announcement between First Mid and Evergreen Bancshares, Inc., the parent of American Bank of Freedom, with the transaction anticipated to close in Q1 2027.

Key Highlights

  • Merger announced October 29, 2026: First Mid Bancshares and Evergreen Bancshares, Inc. announced that American Bank of Freedom will become part of First Mid, headquartered in Mattoon, IL.
  • Transaction timeline: The closing is anticipated in Q1 2027, with the bank merger and systems conversion expected to complete in Q2 2027.
  • Name change confirmed: American Bank of Freedom will be renamed First Mid Bank and Trust when the banks merge in Q2 2027.
  • First Mid described as a $9.4 billion organization: The company operates banking, insurance, wealth management, brokerage, and ag services across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin.
  • No branch closings anticipated: According to the filing, First Mid's branch network is described as complementary to American Bank of Freedom's, and no American Bank of Freedom branch closings are anticipated.
  • Employee benefits continue unchanged until closing: The filing states all employee benefits will be provided by American Bank of Freedom until at least the actual closing date of the transaction.
  • Seniority transfers: Prior years of service with American Bank of Freedom will transfer to First Mid, according to the filing.

First Mid and Evergreen Bancshares Merger: Key Details from the Employee Q&A Filing

The Form 425 filed by First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FMBH) is a questions-and-answers document addressed to employees of American Bank of Freedom, a subsidiary of Evergreen Bancshares, Inc. The filing describes the announcement made on October 29, 2026, that American Bank of Freedom will join First Mid. According to the filing, the transaction is expected to close in Q1 2027, with full bank merger and systems conversion scheduled for Q2 2027.

The filing describes First Mid as "the parent company of First Mid Bank and Trust, First Mid Insurance Group, Inc., and First Mid Wealth Management Co." and characterizes it as a "$9.4 billion community-focused organization." It notes that First Mid Bank and Trust "is the oldest national bank in Illinois," chartered in 1865, and that the company employs "over 1,300 employees." The filing states the combination is intended to expand products and services available to customers, "including insurance and wealth offerings," and that a higher lending limit from the combined organization will provide "significant growth and enhanced opportunities."

On staffing, the filing states that it is "simply too early in the process to speculate about individual roles and positions" and that "some reorganization" will occur as staffing levels are evaluated. The filing pledges that employment decisions will be communicated "privately as soon as reasonably possible." Branch hours are not anticipated to change immediately, and the filing confirms no American Bank of Freedom branch closings are expected. Media inquiries are directed to Tim Nash at American Bank of Freedom and Regina Nelson, Chief Marketing Officer, at First Mid. The filing contains forward-looking statements that the companies state are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that anticipated benefits may not be realized within the expected time period and that integration could be "materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected."

What Was Disclosed

First Mid Bancshares filed a Form 425 disclosing its merger announcement with Evergreen Bancshares and its subsidiary American Bank of Freedom. The document addresses anticipated timing, branding, employee benefits, staffing, and customer communication related to the proposed transaction.