We are excited to announce that the holding companies of Peoples State Bank and Bank First have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger. This partnership unites two relationship-driven banks with deep community roots and a shared commitment to responsive, solutions-oriented service.
For full details, please refer to the official news release.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT
You will continue to receive the dependable, approachable service you have come to expect. There are no immediate changes to your accounts or the team you know and trust, and no action is needed from you at this time.
Pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, the merger is expected to close on December 4, 2026. As we move closer, you will receive additional details to keep you informed. We are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible while continuing to deliver the high-quality service you deserve.
WHY ARE WE MERGING?
This merger allows Peoples State Bank to deliver even greater value to our customers by partnering with one of the country’s top-performing banks. Customers will benefit from an expanded branch network, increased lending capacity, enhanced products and services, continued investment in technology, and a shared commitment to supporting the communities we serve. We believe this partnership is a natural fit because both organizations share a deep understanding of community banking and the markets we serve. Together, our complementary products, services, and delivery channels position us to better meet the evolving needs of our customers.
WHY BANK FIRST?
Bank First was chosen as our merger partner because of its scale, people-centered culture, commitment to community, and shared values. Together, this creates an opportunity to grow, better serve our customers, invest in and develop our team, and deliver value to shareholders. Most importantly, Bank First has built a culture that has remained nimble despite growth. They are committed to continuous improvement, actively seek feedback from both customers and employees, and use that input to shape strategic priorities and enhance the customer and employee experience. Just like us, Bank First places a strong emphasis on its people and creating a workplace where employees are supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. That cultural alignment was one of the most important factors in our decision to pursue this partnership.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will my accounts or services change right away?
If any updates are needed during the conversion in the fourth quarter of 2026, we will guide you through them step by step.
In most cases, no. Customer account numbers will remain the same through the system conversion. The only exception will be rare instances in which a customer at Peoples and a customer at Bank First happen to have the same account number. In those situations, both accounts will be closed and reissued with a new, unique account number to avoid duplication. We’ll begin identifying duplicate account numbers in the coming weeks and work closely with affected customers to ensure a smooth, well-communicated transition. We’ll also enlist the support of Peoples’ frontline employees to guide customers through the process and provide hands-on assistance as needed.
The routing number will eventually change, but not right away. Peoples’ current routing number will continue to function for an extended period of time following systems conversion. Customers will have plenty of time to make the switch, and we’ll send out several communications in advance to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition. We encourage customers to begin updating their automatic payments (ACH transactions) to use Bank First’s routing number (075901134) after the December 2026 conversion or when the timing is appropriate (such as ordering new checks).
Customers can continue using their existing Peoples’ checks after the conversion. Once those checks run out, new checks can be ordered under the Bank First name and routing number.
Yes, we do. Bank First will provide customers with free checks at or shortly after conversion to help ensure a smooth transition. Additional details on timing and ordering will be shared as we get closer to the conversion date.
I have a loan or application in progress. What should I expect?
All current applications and loans will continue to be processed as agreed upon, and your service will not be disrupted.
Will any branches close?
We will evaluate branch locations over time to efficiently meet customer needs. Any decisions will be made thoughtfully and communicated clearly.
Will I have access to more locations?
Yes. The merger expands our footprint with 38 additional offices across Wisconsin and the Stateline region of Illinois, giving you more options for in-person service following the conversion in December 2026.