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 April 2024—First Busey completed the acquisition of Merchants & Manufacturers Bank Corporation, the holding company for Merchants & Manufacturers Bank, to add M&M’s Life Equity Loan® products to Busey’s existing suite of services and expand Busey’s presence in the Chicago MSA.

Prior to the M&M Bank partnership, Busey broadened its presence in the North Shore and Northwest communities of the greater Chicagoland area with the Glenview State Bank merger in May 2021; added Investors’ Security Trust, a prominent wealth management firm in southwest Florida, in September 2019; entered the metro east area of St. Louis in January 2019 with TheBANK of Edwardsville merger; expanded into west central Illinois with South Side Bank in October 2017; first reached Chicagoland with First Community Bank in July 2017; entered Greater St. Louis with Pulaski Bank in April 2016; and expanded in the Peoria, IL area with Herget Bank in January 2015.