“We look forward to what the future holds as LCNB National Bank. Both banks shared many similarities and the merger will only strengthen the position of LCNB as one of the premier community banks in Ohio,” said Brian Shera, former Eaton National president and chief executive officer, in a statement. “Our customers should enjoy the same level of personal service they have come to expect, but with additional benefits such as a full service Trust and Investment Department, a higher lending limit and mobile banking.”
Shera is now senior vice president with LNCB and commercial lender in Preble County.
This acquisition, first announced in October last year, expands LCNB into Preble County.
Lebanon-based LCNB now operates 36 offices in the following counties: Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Montgomery, Preble, Ross and Warren.
“We couldn’t be happier that we are now in Preble County and that we can now carry on the community bank tradition that has been Eaton National Bank’s role in that county for some time,” said Stephen Wilson, chairman and chief executive officer of LCNB.
LCNB is open to more acquisitions, Wilson said.
Regulatory burden and low interest rates are causing community banks to decline in number, “but we are open to opportunities to join with other community banks to carry on the community bank tradition,” he said.