BancFirst Corporation, one of Oklahoma’s largest independent banks, has announced it will acquire Tulsa-based SpiritBank in a deal encompassing approximately $939.6m in total assets. The all-cash transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2025, will see SpiritBank’s branches rebranded under the BancFirst name.
The acquisition includes roughly $775m in deposits and $675m in loans, according to terms disclosed by the companies. BancFirst will pay a premium of about 1.2 times tangible book value for SpiritBank, a standard multiple for regional bank deals of this size. The combined entity will operate over 100 branches across Oklahoma.
The move comes as US regional banks face mounting pressure from higher compliance costs and tighter net interest margins. By absorbing SpiritBank, BancFirst gains a larger deposit base and a stronger foothold in the Tulsa metropolitan area, where SpiritBank has a notable presence. Analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods noted that such acquisitions allow mid-sized lenders to spread fixed costs over a broader revenue base.
For UK investors with exposure to US financials through exchange-traded funds or pension portfolios, the deal underscores a broader trend of consolidation in American community banking. While the transaction is small relative to global banking giants, it reflects the ongoing rationalisation of smaller lenders seeking economies of scale. The UK’s own banking sector saw similar consolidation after the 2008 financial crisis.
BancFirst said it expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to earnings per share, excluding one-time integration costs. SpiritBank’s shareholders will receive cash consideration, though specific per-share terms were not disclosed. Regulatory approvals from the Federal Reserve and the Oklahoma State Banking Department are still required.
Source: BancFirst Corporation press release