Kutak Rock Represents First National of Nebraska
News | June 4, 2026Kutak Rock represented First National of Nebraska, Inc. (FNNI), the parent company of First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), in its recently announced agreement to acquire Blue Ridge Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co., headquartered in Independence, Missouri.
The transaction, announced on June 2, 2026, is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions and is expected to close before the end of the year.
Founded in 1958, Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co. operates eight branch locations in Jackson County, Missouri and has approximately $850 million in assets. Upon closing, the transaction will further expand FNBO’s presence in the Kansas City metropolitan area and build upon its continued growth in the region.
Lisa Sarver led the team at Kutak Rock with support from Caitlin Gustafson, Michael Alvano, Ana-Maria Bruneteau, Brett Bruneteau and Tanner Whited (corporate/M&A), Bryan Handlos and Jeff Makovicka (banking regulation), Deb Froling (broker-dealer regulation), Vicki Buter (broker-dealer regulation and litigation), Stephanie Pierce and Jennifer Kraham (insurance regulation), John Schembari, William McCartney and Emma Franklin (employee benefits), Kasey Cappellano (employment), Brian Eades, Sarah Wetzel and Julyssa Rocha (real estate), Patrick Stephenson and Scott Strohm (intellectual property), and Chase Waters and Tim Igo (tax).
Kutak Rock’s national Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) team guides clients through complex transactions with clarity and confidence, from initial strategy through closing. Drawing on extensive experience in both buy-side and sell-side representation, the M&A team anticipates challenges, keeps transactions on track, and builds lasting client relationships.