Bastrop Bancshares Acquires Columbus Bancorp, Expands into Falls County

Bastrop Bancshares, the holding company for the community bank First National Bank of Bastrop serving Bastrop and Falls Counties, has entered into an agreement to acquire Columbus Bancorp, the holding company for The First State Bank in Columbus, for cash consideration.

The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both Bastrop Bancshares and Columbus Bancorp, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. The combined institution will have total assets of approximately $1.25 billion, total loans of approximately $750 million and total deposits of $1.1 billion.

“After careful consideration, our Board unanimously concluded that partnering with Bastrop Bancshares represents the best path forward for our shareholders, customers, and employees,” Columbus Bancorp Inc. Chairman, President and CEO Pat Moeller said. “We are excited to partner with Bastrop Bancshares as we share a common commitment to community banking. We look forward to the opportunities this combination will create.”

The merger is expected to generate benefits including enhanced scale and market penetration in Bastrop, Colorado and Falls counties, a complementary customer base and loan portfolio with limited overlap, improved operational efficiency, increased technology investment capacity and strengthened ability to serve commercial, agricultural and consumer customers.

“This merger reflects our commitment to building a community bank that serves the evolving needs of our customers across Central Texas,” Bastrop Bancshares Inc. CEO Stephen Lee said. “From the beginning of our discussions, it was clear there was strong cultural alignment between our banks and a genuine commitment to both our customers and the communities we serve. Pat Moeller is an incredible community banker, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring him and his incredible team into our bank family. Columbus is a great community with accelerating growth, and for more than 113 years The First State Bank has built an incredible tradition of service and trust.”

Founded in 1889, Bastrop Bancshares has served individuals, businesses and agricultural customers throughout Bastrop and Falls counties. As of March 31, Bastrop Bancshares reported total assets of approximately $1.1 billion.

Columbus Bancorp, founded in 1913, offers commercial and consumer banking products and services to customers throughout Colorado County and Central Texas. As of Dec. 31, 2025, its reported total assets were approximately $154.8 million.

Learn more about Bastrop Bancshares at fnbbastrop.com and about Columbus Bancorp at fsbcolumbus. com.