Gibsland Bancshares, Inc. to Acquire Marion State Bank
Gibsland, Louisiana, May 15, 2026 – Gibsland Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Gibsland, Louisiana based Gibsland Bank & Trust Company (“Gibsland Bank”), and Marion, Louisiana based Marion State Bank, jointly announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Gibsland Bancshares, Inc. will acquire Marion State Bank. Together with the acquisition, Marion State Bank will merge with and into Gibsland Bank, creating a combined Louisiana community bank with over $815 million in pro forma assets.
Marion State Bank, a community bank headquartered in Marion, Louisiana, had approximately $240 million in total assets as of March 31, 2026. The transaction will bring Marion State Bank’s five branches into the Gibsland Bank network, which will be entering the Ouachita/Union Parish market and expanding its footprint along the I-20 corridor. Once completed, Gibsland Bank will operate from 18 branches across the Northern Louisiana market area.
“We are excited to announce our partnership with Marion State Bank and look forward to bringing together two deeply rooted Louisiana community banking franchises. Marion State Bank has built an outstanding reputation through more than a century of service to its customers and communities, and its presence in Union and Ouachita parishes is a natural complement to our franchise across northern Louisiana,” reported Thomas L. Martin, Chairman and CEO of Gibsland Bancshares Inc. and of Gibsland Bank.
“Together, we believe our combined organization will be well positioned to deliver relationship-focused banking services while continuing to invest in and support the communities we are proud to serve,” explained W. Michael Hipp, President of Gibsland Bank.
“We are proud to partner with Gibsland Bank & Trust Company, an organization that shares our commitment to community banking, customer service, and local decision-making,” remarked Scott Jones, President and CEO of Marion State Bank. “Joining Gibsland will allow us to build our long-standing Louisiana legacy with greater scale and enhanced products and services. We believe this partnership is an excellent fit for our customers, employees, shareholders, and communities, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead”.
The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of Marion State Bank shareholders and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
National Capital, LLC served as the financial advisor to Gibsland Bancshares Inc. Fenimore Kay Harrison LLP served as the legal advisor to Gibsland Bancshares, Inc. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. served as the financial advisor to Marion State Bank and delivered a fairness opinion to the Marion State Bank Board of Directors. Jones Walker, LLP served as the legal advisor to Marion State Bank.
About Gibsland Bancshares, Inc.
Gibsland Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company for Gibsland Bank & Trust Company, a community development financial institution headquartered in Gibsland, Louisiana. Gibsland Bank operates 13 branches across Northern Louisiana and is focused on serving underserved and rural markets by providing financial services and broader economic support within the communities it serves. As of March 31, 2026, Gibsland Bank had total assets of $575 million, loans of $411 million and total deposits of $461 million.
About Marion State Bank
Marion State Bank is a Louisiana community bank headquartered in Marion, Louisiana. Founded in 1907, Marion State Bank operates five branches across Union and Ouachita parishes offering a full suite of personal, business and loan banking products, along with digital and mobile banking capabilities. As of March 31, 2026, Marion State Bank had total assets of $240 million, loans of $163 million and total deposits of $210 million.
No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell or exchange any securities, or a solicitation of any proxy, vote, or approval, and there shall not be any such offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not permitted.
Media Contact(s):
Thomas L. Martin, Chairman & CEO
Gibsland Bank & Trust Company/Gibsland Bancshares, Inc.
tmartin@gbt.bank
gbt.bank
Scott G. Jones, President & CEO
Marion State Bank
scott.jones@marionstate.bank
marionstate.bank
Source: Gibsland Bancshares, Inc.