Richmond Mutual Bancorp and The Farmers Bancorp Reveal Merger Agreement
Merger Announcement: Richmond Mutual Bancorporation and The Farmers Bancorp have agreed to merge in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $82 million, with Farmers Bancorp shareholders receiving 3.40 shares of Richmond Mutual stock for each share they own.
Ownership Structure: Post-merger, Richmond Mutual shareholders will own about 62% of the combined entity, while Farmers Bancorp shareholders will hold approximately 38%. The new company will continue trading under the ticker "RMBI."
Leadership and Operations: The combined company will be led by Garry Kleer as Chair and Garry D. Kleer as CEO, with a Board of Directors comprising six members from Richmond Mutual and five from Farmers Bancorp.
Timeline and Approvals: The merger is expected to close in early Q2 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, with both companies' directors committed to voting in favor of the merger.
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- Shareholder Approval: Richmond Mutual and Farmers Bancorp shareholders approved the merger agreements at special meetings on May 26 and 27, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the merger process that is expected to enhance market competitiveness.
- Transaction Details: Under the merger agreement, Farmers Bancorp shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 3.40 shares of Richmond Mutual common stock for each share they own, a tax-free exchange structure that is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Regulatory Approvals Secured: Richmond Mutual has obtained all necessary bank regulatory approvals, ensuring a smooth merger process, with the new bank to be named “First Bank Midwest,” further enhancing brand influence in the market.
- Future Outlook: The merger is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2026, with the new administrative headquarters located in Richmond, Indiana, and the combination of resources and networks is anticipated to drive business growth and market expansion.
- Merger Agreement Approved: Shareholders of Richmond Mutual and Farmers Bancorp approved the merger agreements at special meetings on May 26 and 27, 2026, respectively, marking a crucial step towards consolidation that is expected to enhance market competitiveness.
- Fixed Exchange Ratio: Farmers Bancorp shareholders will receive 3.40 shares of Richmond Mutual common stock for each share they own, a fixed exchange ratio that qualifies as a tax-free exchange, thereby increasing shareholder returns post-merger.
- Regulatory Approvals Secured: Richmond Mutual has received all necessary bank regulatory approvals, ensuring a smooth merger process, with the new bank to be named First Bank Midwest, further solidifying its market position in Indiana.
- New Headquarters Established: The combined company's headquarters will be located in Richmond, Indiana, while the new bank headquarters will be in Frankfort, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing operational efficiency to support future business expansion.
- Cash Dividend Announcement: Richmond Mutual Bancorporation's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per share, payable on June 17, 2026, reflecting the company's stability and commitment to shareholder returns in the current economic environment.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for this dividend is set for June 3, 2026, ensuring that shareholders holding stock before this date will receive the dividend, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the company's stock to investors.
- Community Bank Background: As the holding company for First Bank Richmond, Richmond Mutual Bancorporation focuses on providing traditional financial and trust services through its 14 locations across Indiana and Ohio, highlighting its significant role in the local economy.
- Strategic Development Focus: By maintaining a consistent cash dividend policy, Richmond Mutual Bancorporation not only boosts shareholder confidence but also has the potential to attract more investors interested in its long-term growth prospects within the community banking sector.
- Cash Dividend Announcement: Richmond Mutual Bancorporation's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per share, payable on June 17, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for this dividend is June 3, 2026, ensuring that shareholders holding stock before this date will receive the dividend, which enhances investor confidence.
- Company Background: Richmond Mutual Bancorporation, headquartered in Richmond, Indiana, is the holding company for First Bank Richmond, offering traditional financial and trust services across its community-oriented branches in Indiana and Ohio.
- Community Service Network: The bank operates 14 branches in Richmond, Centerville, Cambridge City, and Shelbyville in Indiana, as well as in Sidney, Piqua, Troy, and Columbus in Ohio, further solidifying its position in the local financial services market.
- Earnings Highlights: Richmond Mutual's Q1 GAAP EPS stands at $0.28 with revenues of $12.7 million, reflecting a 10.4% year-over-year increase, which underscores the company's resilience and stability in the market, boosting investor confidence.
- Merger Impact: The merger with Farmers Bancorp is expected to enhance Richmond Mutual's market position, driving future growth potential and creating higher returns for shareholders, reflecting the company's commitment to strategic expansion.
- Rating Upgrade: Analysts have assigned a 'Buy' rating to Richmond Mutual based on its strong operational performance and merger prospects, indicating optimistic expectations for its future performance, which may attract more investor interest.
- Dividend Performance: Richmond Mutual's robust dividend performance demonstrates the company's commitment to providing stable returns to shareholders while achieving profit growth, further solidifying its competitive edge in the industry.
- Q1 Performance Review: Richmond Mutual Bancorporation reported a net income of $2.8 million for Q1 2026, translating to $0.28 diluted earnings per share, which represents a 17.6% decline from $3.4 million in Q4 2025 and a 40% increase from $2.0 million in Q1 2025.
- Increased Credit Loss Provision: The rise in provisions for credit losses contributed to the decline in net income compared to Q4 2025, reflecting the company's cautious approach to credit risk management, although net income increased by 40% year-over-year.
- Merger Progress: The merger agreement with Farmers Bancorp has been approved by both boards and is expected to close in Q2 2026, with Farmers Bancorp shareholders anticipated to own approximately 38% of the combined company, enhancing market competitiveness.
- Decline in Noninterest Income: Noninterest income fell by 14.7% compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to a decrease in loan and lease servicing fees, highlighting market demand volatility and challenges in revenue diversification for the company.







