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 March 2025—First Busey Corporation completed its acquisition by merger of CrossFirst Bankshares Inc. Busey will operate CrossFirst Bank as a separate banking subsidiary until it is merged with and into Busey Bank, which is expected to occur in June 2025. At the time of the bank merger, CrossFirst Bank’s banking centers will become branches of Busey Bank and operate under the Busey brand, creating a premier full-service commercial bank serving clients from 77 locations across 10 states with combined total assets of approximately $20 billion, $17 billion in total deposits, $15 billion in total loans and $14 billion in wealth 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.