GIBSLAND, La. — Gibsland Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Gibsland Bank & Trust Co., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Marion State Bank in a deal that will expand its footprint across northern Louisiana.
Under the agreement, Marion State Bank will merge into Gibsland Bank following the acquisition. The combined institution is expected to have more than $815 million in pro forma assets and operate 18 branches across northern Louisiana.
Marion State Bank, headquartered in Marion, Louisiana, reported approximately $240 million in total assets as of March 31, 2026. Its five branches will extend Gibsland Bank’s presence into the Ouachita and Union parish markets and strengthen its coverage along the Interstate 20 corridor.
Thomas L. Martin, chairman and chief executive officer of Gibsland Bancshares and Gibsland Bank, said the transaction brings together two community banking organizations with longstanding ties to Louisiana communities.
“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,” Martin said.
W. Michael Hipp, president of Gibsland Bank, said the combined organization would continue focusing on relationship-based banking while supporting local communities.
Scott Jones, president and chief executive officer of Marion State Bank, said the merger would provide additional scale and expanded products and services while maintaining a community banking approach.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to approval by Marion State Bank shareholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
National Capital LLC served as financial advisor to Gibsland Bancshares, while Fenimore Kay Harrison LLP acted as legal advisor. Raymond James & Associates Inc. served as financial advisor to Marion State Bank and provided a fairness opinion to its board of directors. Jones Walker LLP served as legal advisor to Marion State Bank.
Gibsland Bancshares is the holding company for Gibsland Bank & Trust Co., a community development financial institution headquartered in Gibsland, Louisiana. As of March 31, 2026, Gibsland Bank reported total assets of $575 million, loans of $411 million and deposits of $461 million.
Marion State Bank, founded in 1907, operates five branches across Union and Ouachita parishes. As of March 31, 2026, the bank reported total assets of $240 million, loans of $163 million and deposits of $210 million.