Lawrence, Kan.-based Great American Bank is acquiring Cottonwood Valley Bank, Cedar Point, Kan., according to the Emporia (Kan.) Gazette..The deal, which is expected to close later this year, will result in a bank with $569 million in assets, $455 million in loans, $456 million in deposits and eight branches in central and northeast Kansas and the Kansas City area. As of June 30, Great American Bank had $513 million in assets, $421 million in deposits and five branches in Kansas and Missouri. Cottonwood Valley Bank has $38 million in assets, $32 million in deposits and four branches in Kansas. Les Dreiling will be president and CEO of the combined organization, with Kelly Linnens market president for Cottonwood Falls, Florence and Lincolnville, Kan. “By combining our strengths, we will be better positioned to invest in technology, expand our lending capabilities and continue delivering the personalized service our customers expect,” said Dreiling.
