DECATUR, Ill.—The $478-million Land of Lincoln Credit Union here announced it intends to acquire $97-million Williamsville State Bank and Trust, based in Springfield, Ill.
The all-cash deal, unanimously approved by both boards, is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, Tyfone reported.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“The acquisition is part of Land of Lincoln’s strategic growth plan, which includes adding branches to better assist our members in Illinois,” said Robert Ares, president and CEO of Land of Lincoln Credit Union.
“Like Williamsville, Land of Lincoln is a community-focused institution, and the combined resources of the combined institution will ensure that our customers, employees and communities have expanded financial services and membership benefits going forward,” said Catherine Gonzalez, president and CEO of Williamsville State.”
This marks Land of Lincoln’s second bank acquisition following its 2023 purchase of Nokomis Savings Bank, Tyfone said. It also represents the 11th credit union–bank deal announced in 2025, putting the pace slightly behind last year’s record-setting 22 transactions.
"While credit union acquisitions of banks are occurring at a slower pace than in 2024, we are seeing a robust level of activity with CUs having a strategic interest in acquiring banks to expand their geographic footprint and diversify their lines of business," said Jeff Cardone, partner at Luse Gorman, which is representing Land Of Lincoln in the deal.