The parent company of Salina, Kansas-based Bennington State Bank (BSB) acquired Flint Hills Bank, based in Eskridge, Kansas.
This strategic acquisition will expand Bennington State Bank’s presence in key markets and reinforce its commitment to serving Kansas communities of all sizes.
BSB offers a full range of banking services to Kansas and beyond. It is a full-service financial provider, offering wealth management and commercial banking. Flint Hills Bank serves customers through four separately branded community bank locations, each with a strong local presence. They include:
- Flint Hills Bank — Eskridge, Kansas
- Bank of Osage City — Osage City, Kansas
- Hartford State Bank — Hartford, Kansas
- Bank of Burlingame — Burlingame, Kansas
“Our shared commitment to relationship banking and personalized service makes this merger a strong cultural fit. This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity to expand in a market that shares our community bank mindset,” BSB Chairman, President and CEO Darren Gragg said. “We are excited to welcome the team members and customers of Flint Hills Bank and to continue building on the strong foundation of trust and relationships they have established in their markets.”
Berco Inc, is the holding company for BSB, which has served the region for 138 years.
“By joining forces with Bennington State Bank, we can continue delivering the high level of personal service our customers value, while gaining access to additional resources that support long term growth and stability,” Flint Hills Bank Chairman and CEO, Pat Wiederholt said. “We are thrilled about this partnership and look forward to continuing to serve our employees, customers, and the community with the same dedication and care that both institutions are known for.”
Northland Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Flint Hills Bank and Stinson LLP served as its legal advisor. Gerrish Smith Tuck served as both financial advisor and legal advisor to Berco and BSB.
The acquisition has been approved by the boards of directors. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. It is expected to close in Q2 of 2026.