Community West and United Security Announce Merger Agreement Valued at Approximately $191.9M
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 17 2025
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Community West Bancshares (CWBC) and United Security Bancshares (UBFO) announced they have signed a definitive merger agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms, United Security Bancshares shareholders will receive 0.4520 shares of Community West Bancshares common stock for each share of United Security Bancshares common stock. Based on Community West's December 16 closing price, the transaction is valued at approximately $191.9M. The deal is expected to close in Q2 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
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Analyst Views on CWBC
Wall Street analysts forecast CWBC stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for CWBC is 25.50 USD with a low forecast of 25.00 USD and a high forecast of 26.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
3 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 23.740
Low
25.00
Averages
25.50
High
26.00
Current: 23.740
Low
25.00
Averages
25.50
High
26.00
About CWBC
Community West Bancshares is a financial services company. The Company is the holding company for Community West Bank (the Bank). The principal business activities of the Company are relationship banking, manufactured housing lending and government-guaranteed lending. Its personal banking services include checking, savings, personal loans, real estate loans, personal credit cards, online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, Zelle, eStatements, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) & money markets, Visa Debit Cards, and IRAs. Its business banking services include business loans, agriculture loans, SBA loans, real estate loans, business credit cards, cash management services, business online banking, merchant card services and others. The Bank operates 26 full-service Banking Centers throughout Central California, from Sacramento in the north, throughout the San Joaquin Valley and west to the Coast.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Community West Bancshares Board Member Retires
- Board Member Retirement: Community West Bancshares announced that Suzanne Chadwick will retire on March 31, 2026, concluding her service on the board since April 1, 2024, during which she played a crucial role in merger integration.
- Significant Merger Contributions: Chadwick provided invaluable guidance during the merger, aiding the company in expanding to seven banking centers across California's Central Coast, thereby enhancing the company's market position in the region.
- Extensive Industry Experience: With over 40 years in banking, she served as Senior Vice President at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, where she was responsible for the bank's expansion into Ventura County, showcasing her deep expertise in community banking.
- Leadership and Community Commitment: Chadwick's leadership style and client-centric decision-making were highly valued by the board, and her departure is expected to have a profound impact on the company's culture and community relations.
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Community West Bancshares Appoints New Lead Independent Director
- Board Transition: Community West Bancshares announced that Andriana D. Majarian will become the Lead Independent Director of the Company and the Bank effective January 21, 2026, succeeding Daniel N. Cunningham, reflecting the company's focus on leadership and strategic adjustments.
- Enhanced Leadership: Serving on the Board since December 2020, Majarian's expertise in mergers and acquisitions, operational management, and collaborative leadership is expected to strengthen the Board's governance capabilities and support the company's long-term growth strategy.
- Expertise in Technology and Governance: Her experience in technology, cybersecurity, and customer success, particularly through completing NYU's Cyber Scholar Program, indicates her ability to enhance board-level cybersecurity governance, aligning with the Bank's increasing strategic needs.
- Commitment to Community Banking: Majarian's background in agribusiness and technology-enabled solutions will provide a unique perspective to the Board, emphasizing the company's role as a community bank while ensuring a commitment to community responsibilities alongside business growth.
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