Highlights

  • Regulatory approvals received to complete merger with Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc.
  • First National Bank and Trust to operate as a Bank First division until system conversion in Q2 2026.
  • Post-merger, all branches will transition to Bank First name and digital banking platform.

Bank First Corporation (NASDAQ:BFC), the holding company of Bank First, N.A., announced that it has obtained all necessary regulatory approvals to complete its planned merger with Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of The First National Bank and Trust. The transaction is scheduled to close on January 1, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and shareholder approval from Centre 1 Bancorp.

"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 Chief Executive Officer 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."

Transition and Integration Plans

Following the close of the transaction, First National Bank and Trust will operate as a division of Bank First until the system conversion, which is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2026. Once the conversion is complete, all First National Bank and Trust offices will transition fully to the Bank First brand, and customers will be migrated to Bank First’s systems and digital banking platform.

About Bank First Corporation and Bank First, N.A.

Bank First Corporation is the holding company for Bank First, N.A., a relationship-focused financial institution headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. With total assets of approximately $4.4 billion, the bank provides a broad range of financial services, including commercial, mortgage, and consumer lending, as well as deposit and savings solutions. The institution primarily serves customers in central and northeastern Wisconsin and has been supporting local communities since its founding in 1894.

About Centre 1 Bancorp and First National Bank and Trust

Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for The First National Bank and Trust Company, a family-owned community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chartered in 1882, the bank serves clients across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Its services include full-service banking, investments, asset management, and financial advice, and the institution has built a longstanding reputation for service and community engagement in the Stateline region.

Looking Ahead

The merger aligns two community-focused banks with complementary regional coverage. Customers can expect the full transition to Bank First operations and systems in mid-2026, supporting broader banking capabilities while maintaining a focus on local relationship banking.