[8-K] EQUITY BANCSHARES INC Reports Material Event

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Equity Bancshares, Inc. (EQBK) announced it has received all regulatory approvals to complete its previously announced merger with Frontier Holdings, LLC. The company notes the merger is expected to close in December 2025 or, if necessary, in early January 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including the approval of the members of Frontier.

The transaction is proceeding under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated August 29, 2025, among Equity Bancshares, Winston Merger Sub, Inc., and Frontier. The approvals were effective October 31, 2025, positioning the deal for completion once remaining conditions are met.

Insights

Bank M&A analyst

Regulatory approvals secured; closing targeted for Dec/Jan pending member vote.

Equity Bancshares reported that all necessary regulatory approvals for its merger with Frontier Holdings are in hand. This typically represents a late-stage milestone in bank M&A, indicating that agency review has concluded without requested changes disclosed in this excerpt.

Completion remains contingent on customary closing conditions, notably approval of the members of Frontier. The company cites an expected closing in December 2025 or early January 2026, aligning with typical post-approval timelines in similar transactions.

Without disclosed financial terms here, the strategic and financial impact cannot be assessed in this excerpt. The next concrete checkpoint is the Frontier member approval and subsequent closing within the cited window.

0001227500false00012275002025-10-312025-10-31

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 31, 2025

EQUITY BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Kansas			001-37624	72-1532188
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)			(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
7701 East Kellogg Drive Suite 300
Wichita, Kansas				67207
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)				(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 316 612-6000

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☒Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A, Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share		EQBK		New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 8.01 Other Events.

Effective October 31, 2025, Equity Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") has received all regulatory approvals to complete its previously announced merger with Frontier Holdings, LLC ("Frontier") pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated August 29, 2025, by and among the Company, Winston Merger Sub, Inc., and Frontier. The transaction is expected to close in December 2025 or, if necessary, in early January 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including the approval of the members of Frontier.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

			Equity Bancshares, Inc.
Date:	November 5, 2025	By:	/s/ Chris M. Navratil
			Chris M. Navratil Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

FAQ

What did Equity Bancshares (EQBK) announce about the Frontier merger?

The company received all regulatory approvals to complete its merger with Frontier Holdings, LLC.

When does EQBK expect the Frontier merger to close?

It is expected to close in December 2025 or, if necessary, in early January 2026.

What conditions remain before the EQBK–Frontier merger can close?

Closing is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary conditions, including approval of the members of Frontier.

What agreement governs the EQBK and Frontier transaction?

The merger follows an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated August 29, 2025 among Equity Bancshares, Winston Merger Sub, Inc., and Frontier.

What was the effective date for the regulatory approvals?

Approvals were effective on October 31, 2025.

What is Equity Bancshares’ trading symbol and exchange?

Equity Bancshares trades as EQBK on the New York Stock Exchange.