Kutak Rock recently represented First National Bank of Omaha (“FNBO”), a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, in its acquisition of Western States Bank (“Western States”) headquartered in Laramie, Wyoming. It is expected that the deal will close during the first quarter of 2022 pending customary regulatory approvals and the approvals of Western States’ shareholders.

Founded more than 160 years ago, FNBO is a sixth-generation family owned bank with offices located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas. Western States, founded in 2006, operates 10 branches across Northeastern Colorado, Western Nebraska and Southeastern Wyoming.

Kutak Rock partner Lisa Sarver advised FNBO on the transaction. She was assisted by Mike Alvano, a partner in the corporate practice group, and partners Bryan Handlos and Jeff Makovicka in the firm’s banking practice group.

With more than 45 attorneys, Kutak Rock’s national M&A practice group has built a solid reputation as a leader in middle market M&A transactions. Kutak Rock’s experience includes representing buyers, sellers and private equity groups in domestic and cross-border transactions.