Hawthorn Bancshares completes merger with FSC Bancshares

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Sept. 04, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. has completed its merger with FSC Bancshares, Inc., integrating Farmers State Bank into its operations. The merger, effective September 3, 2026, brings together the assets and customer bases of both institutions, significantly expanding Hawthorn’s reach.

Brent Giles, CEO of Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, "We welcome the Farmers State Bank team, customers, and communities to Hawthorn. This partnership allows us to offer greater resources, expanded financial solutions, and enhanced capabilities to our customers while preserving the relationship-based service and community focus that define both organizations."

The combined entity now has total assets of approximately $2.2 billion. Hawthorn Bank plans to initiate the integration of Farmers State Bank into its platform during the first quarter of 2027. In the interim, Farmers State Bank customers will continue to receive service through their existing banking centers, website, and mobile app. Hawthorn Bank will provide detailed information to customers prior to the conversion.

Hawthorn Bank, headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri, now operates twenty-seven banking locations across northern, central, western, and mid-Missouri, with one location in Kansas. The merger has expanded Hawthorn’s presence, bolstering its ability to serve a broader customer base.

Financial advisors Raymond James & Associates, Inc., and Northland Capital Markets provided counsel to Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. and FSC Bancshares, Inc., respectively, with legal counsel from Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP and Stinson LLP.

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. is a financial holding company with a focus on delivering relationship-based community banking and supporting the financial needs of its communities. The company offers a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services, including deposit accounts, loans, treasury management services, and wealth services, to individuals and businesses across Missouri.

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. advises readers that this communication contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements reflect the company’s current expectations with respect to future events and its financial performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated include the successful integration of the acquired entities, cost savings, and potential disruptions. The company cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to change based on various factors beyond its control.