Academy Bank and Merit Bank to Merge

Paul Holewinski, CEO of Dickinson Financial Corporation announced today that Dickinson will acquire Community Bancshares of Kansas, owner of Merit Bank—a $104 million community bank with centers in Overland Park, Olathe and Goff, Kansas.

Upon completion of the of the acquisition Merit is expected to be fully merged into Dickinson’s Academy Bank

In a letter released today, Holewinski, said, “The Merit acquisition fits well with Academy Bank’s strategy of expanding our footprint in the Kansas City market in high growth areas.” He added that Academy is also, “growing our lending capacity by adding Merit Bank’s experienced community banking team and robust mortgage operations.”

The acquisition is expected to be completed during the first half of 2017.