Why are you doing this merger?
News About Blackhawk's Relationship With First Mid
On March 21, 2023, First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (“First Mid”) and Blackhawk Bancorp, Inc. (“Blackhawk Bank”) were pleased to announce that Blackhawk Bank will become a part of First Mid later in 2023.
In today’s economic environment, it is a necessity for community banks to join together, building a stronger and more diverse institution. It allows us to be better equipped to handle the pressures that come with regulatory guidelines, risk management demands, and technology advancements. It also gives us the geographic diversity we need to provide higher lending limits and a wider range of products and services that best fit your financial needs. With such strong ties and responsibility to the communities we serve, Blackhawk hand selected First Mid to expand its services and network in order to best serve you with greater opportunities.
The transaction is expected to close by the second half of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions and required approvals. As we draw closer to the completion of this transaction, you will receive additional information about any changes to your current accounts that may affect you.
Until the transaction is complete, it is business as usual here at Blackhawk Bank. Rest assured you will continue to receive the highest level of service in our banking centers, now and in the future.
We know you may have questions about this change. We are committed to keeping you informed about this process and how it may affect you. As always, you can call Blackhawk Bank at 800.209.2616 with any questions or concerns. You may also follow the most up-to-date information about the transition process here.
Merger FAQs
With each organization having legacies extending greater than a century, there are parallel histories of rich tradition, growth, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Placing customers first is at the core of the value system for both community banks. This merger will strengthen our ability to serve our customers and the ability to bring new products and services to our current customers including insurance, trust, ag lending, and farm management. With our shared values and by pooling resources, we hope to build upon this core foundation and expand the services and offerings for those same customers who are most deserving of the community banking experience for years to come.
First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., is the oldest national bank in Illinois, having been chartered in 1865. It is recognized as a top-performing community bank, having earned a five-star Bauer Financial rating, as well as being named Small Business Administration Central/Southern Illinois Community Lender of the Year by the Illinois District Office for many consecutive years.
What will happen to the Bank Branch/ATM/Online Banking I currently use?
Absolutely nothing is changing right now. You should continue to use your existing checks, debit/ATM cards, etc. as you normally do. Prior to the systems integration, any changes will be communicated to you. You will continue to receive the same high-quality service before and after the merger.
How does this merger benefit me?
First Mid has a like-minded focus on commitment to the communities it serves and is a perfect fit both culturally and strategically for our customers, employees, and shareholders. The merger will create a larger organization that will strengthen the products and services available to our customers. In the future, you will enjoy a broader range of financial solutions and expanded brokerage and retirement services. The merger will increase your access to banking services through an expanded network of branch and ATM locations. First Mid currently operates over 70 banking centers in Illinois and Missouri.
Will banking centers be closing?
First Mid’s branch network is complementary with Blackhawk Bank’s branch network, and we do not currently anticipate any banking center closings.
Will my branch hours be changing?
Prior to the merger, Blackhawk Bank and First Mid will continue to operate as separate businesses. We do not anticipate any change in our hours. If there are changes of any kind in the future, we will share that information with our customers well in advance.
Will this change your commitment to the community?
First Mid shares our commitment to community investment and mirrors our community service values. First Mid employees are encouraged and empowered to volunteer their time in their communities. Last year, First Mid employees donated over 15,800 hours to their communities.
Will the name of the bank change?
The name and signage will change when the banks merge at year-end.
How can I find out more about First Mid services?
As we get closer to the merger date, more information will be available to you. Until that time, you can learn more about First Mid by visiting www.firstmid.com or by following First Mid Bank & Trust on Facebook.
Was Blackhawk having financial difficulties?
Absolutely not. This transaction has been in the works for several months. To the contrary, we are moving forward with this merger despite the recent bank failures hitting the headlines. Those institutions were not community banks and have entirely different business models than Blackhawk Bank or First Mid. They relied on extremely large deposits from very niche markets with limited balances covered under the FDIC insurance limits. Blackhawk Bank’s deposit base is much more diversified with 98% of our customers having their deposits fully insured. Blackhawk Bank has just completed it's 5th consecutive year of record earnings and is moving forward with this opportunity to partner with a like-minded bank to gain efficiencies of scale, access to a broader array of products, higher lending limits and more ability to leverage investments in technology.