Mergers & Acquisitions

Over the last decade, First Busey Corporation has tripled in asset size by executing on a sequence of strategic acquisitions resulting in successful, intentional growth for Busey’s banking and wealth management services.

Remaining focused on Busey’s vitality and longevity, these strategic partnerships are developed with those organizations best positioned to build upon Busey’s strong heritage. As we grow through M&A, we remain committed to the priorities of balance sheet strength, profitability and growth, in that order—and a commitment to providing our customers with a superior service experience in every interaction.

Most recently—in August 2024—First Busey Corporation and CrossFirst Bankshares Inc. jointly announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger, pursuant to, subject to customary closing conditions, which CrossFirst would merge with and into Busey. The combined company, which would operate under the Busey brand, is projected to have approximately $20 billion in total assets, $17 billion in total deposits, $15 billion in total loans, and $13 billion in wealth management assets under care.

Prior to the CrossFirst announcement, Busey broadened its presence in the greater Chicagoland area with the acquisition of Merchants & Manufacturers Bank in April 2024, and the Glenview State Bank merger in May 2021. In January 2019, Busey entered the metro east area of St. Louis with TheBANK of Edwardsville merger and also added Investors’ Security Trust, a prominent wealth management firm in Southwest Florida, in August 2019. In 2017, Busey completed two other partnerships—expanding into west central Illinois with South Side Bank in October 2017 and First Community Bank in the greater Chicagoland area in July 2017. Busey acquired Pulaski Bank of Greater St. Louis in April 2016, after expanding its footprint initially into the Peoria, IL, area with Herget Bank in January 2015.