#United States #First National Bank #Bank First #Centre 1 Bancorp #Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Bank First Corporation Expands Reach with Centre 1 Bancorp Acquisition

On January 2, 2026, Bank First Corporation (Nasdaq: BFC) announced a significant milestone in its growth strategy: the successful acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of The First National Bank and Trust Company. This strategic move is expected not only to enhance Bank First’s capacity but also extend its commitment to community-driven services in Wisconsin and the Stateline area of Illinois.

A Strategic Move in Community Banking

The completion of this acquisition signifies a merger of two institutions that prioritize strong relationships with their communities. Bank First is known for its responsive banking practices, and by integrating Centre, it enhances its diverse service offerings to include wealth management and trust services. This integration is set to take immediate effect, allowing Bank First to combine expertise from the talented team at First National Bank and Trust, securing high-quality service and a personalized touch for its customers.

Expanded Service Portfolio

With the acquisition, Bank First will offer an expanded array of services, including wealth planning, investment management, and trust administration. Customers will be able to leverage these additional resources to manage and grow their wealth more effectively. The experienced team from First National Bank and Trust will transition into these services, ensuring continuity and a seamless experience for existing and new customers alike.

Smooth Transition Ahead

For the foreseeable future, First National Bank and Trust will continue operating under its existing brand. However, a planned system conversion is set for May 2026, after which all locations will operate under the unified Bank First branding and digital platform. This timeline allows for a careful integration process, ensuring that customers maintain their relationships with familiar local teams throughout the transition.

Strength in Numbers

The merger significantly enhances the operational scale of the combined organization, which will now consist of 38 branch locations and a robust asset base of approximately $6 billion. This larger footprint enables Bank First to serve a broader range of financial needs for individuals, businesses, and communities.

Mike Molepske, the Chairman and CEO of Bank First, expressed that this partnership brings together two institutions that share a commitment to community-focused banking, stating, "Together, we strengthen our ability to serve customers across Wisconsin and the Stateline area of Illinois with greater capabilities and expanded services."

Leadership Integration

In terms of governance, Steve Eldred, the former Chairman and CEO of Centre, will join the Board of Directors of Bank First as part of this acquisition. His inclusion indicates a focus on continued leadership and community insights within the combined entity's strategy.

The Road Ahead

With the merger officially completed and news of this strategic acquisition now public, stakeholders and customers can expect enhanced services and a commitment to relationship-based banking. Bank First is poised to make significant strides in its respective markets, ensuring that their ethos of personal service remains at the forefront of their offerings.

This acquisition not only marks a new chapter for Bank First but also aligns with the growing trend in the banking industry, where smaller banks seek to enhance their competitive edge through strategic mergers.

As the combined entity looks towards the future, all eyes will be on how they execute their integration process while maintaining the high level of service customers have come to expect from both institutions. With plans already outlined, the future looks promising for Bank First and its clientele.