Fort Smith, Ark.-based First Bank Corp is acquiring Russellville, Ark.-based First State Bank..The acquisition extends First Bank Corp’s presence in the Arkansas River Valley, which is in the western part of the state. First State Bank has five branches and more than $600 million in assets. First Bank Corp has 28 branches in Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. First Bank Corp subsidiaries include First National Bank of Smith, First National Bank of NWA, Citizens Bank and Trust, National Bank of Sallisaw and Central National Bank of Poteau. “This partnership allows us to grow our holding company in partnership with a strong community bank that shares our values,” said First Bank Corp CEO Sam Sicard. “We are excited to support First State Bank’s continued success while preserving the local focus and personalized service their customers know and trust.”
