GIBSLAND, La. — Gibsland Bancshares Inc. completed its acquisition of Marion State Bank on Thursday, creating a combined community bank with about $859 million in assets.
The transaction, effective Oct. 1, combines Gibsland Bancshares’ wholly owned subsidiary, Gibsland Bank & Trust Co., with Marion State Bank. The combined institution has approximately $617 million in loans and $685 million in deposits.
The bank’s markets now span Bienville, Claiborne, Webster, Bossier, Caddo, Lincoln, Union and Ouachita parishes in northern Louisiana.
“We are excited to announce our partnership with Marion State Bank and look forward to bringing together two deeply rooted Louisiana community banking franchises,” Thomas L. Martin, chairman and CEO of Gibsland Bancshares and Gibsland Bank, said. “Marion State Bank has built an outstanding reputation over 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.”
Scott Jones, formerly CEO of Marion State Bank, has joined the boards of directors of Gibsland Bancshares and Gibsland Bank as part of the transaction.
Marion State Bank customers will continue using their existing branches, website and digital banking platforms until the institutions complete a conversion to a single core system. The conversion is expected during the first quarter of 2027, with customers set to receive information before changes take effect.
“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,” Gibsland Bank President W. Michael Hipp said.
Gibsland Bancshares is the holding company for Gibsland Bank & Trust, a community development financial institution headquartered in Gibsland. The bank operates 13 branches across northern Louisiana and focuses on rural and underserved markets.