FNBO Seeks to Acquire Blue Ridge Bank & Trust, Adding $850M in Assets

Posted June 4, 2026

FNBO entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Blue Ridge Bank & Trust, headquartered in Independence, Missouri.

The acquisition is pending regulatory approval, which is anticipated before the end of the year, according to a release. The agreement includes the acquisition of Blue Ridge Bancshares, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co.

“FNBO has been intentional about our growth in this region, and Blue Ridge Bank fits that vision in a meaningful way,” Joe Close, Regional Leader for FNBO in Kansas City, said in the release. “Blue Ridge Bank’s positive reputation and people make it an ideal addition to our organization.”

Founded in 1958 by the Reich family, Blue Ridge Bank has eight branches in Missouri, all located in Jackson County. The firm is one of the largest independently owned community banks in Missouri with approximately $850 million in assets.

“Partnering with FNBO allows us to carry that mission forward with more tools, more access and the same commitment our customers and community have come to trust us for,” Bill Esry, President and CEO at Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co., said in the release.

Last year, FNBO acquired Country Club Bank, which included 20 branches in the Kansas City metro area. The deal officially closed in October, with FNBO absorbing nearly $2.2 billion in assets. Following the Country Club Bank deal, FNBO began to operate 120 branches.

If the deal with Blue Ridge Bank & Trust is a success, FNBO will be fifth in deposit market share in Kansas City, according to the release. FNBO plans to rebrand Country Club Bank this fall and anticipates rebranding and converting Blue Ridge Bank to FNBO in early 2027.

FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, Inc. (FNNI). Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, FNNI and its affiliates operate with $35 billion in assets and more than 4,500 employees.