HBT Financial (NASDAQ: HBT) grows with CNB Bank Shares acquisition
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
HBT Financial, Inc. has completed its merger with CNB Bank Shares, Inc., paying approximately
CNB Bank & Trust has been merged into Heartland Bank & Trust, expanding HBT Financial’s presence in central Illinois, the Chicago metro area, and the St. Louis metro area. As of
Positive
- Transformative regional acquisition: HBT Financial completed the CNB Bank Shares merger for approximately
$34 million in cash plus about 5.5 million shares, adding a bank with$1.8 billion in assets to its existing$5.1 billion asset base and expanding presence in key Midwestern markets.
Negative
- None.
Insights
HBT Financial makes a sizable, market-expanding bank acquisition.
HBT Financial closed its acquisition of CNB Bank Shares for approximately
The deal folds CNB Bank & Trust into Heartland Bank & Trust and broadens HBT’s footprint in central Illinois, the Chicago MSA, and the St. Louis MSA. Leadership continuity is supported by adding former CNB directors James Ashworth and Nancy Ruyle to the boards.
Management highlights cultural and strategic fit and references a track record of successful integrations, but also lists typical merger and integration risks in its forward-looking statements. Future filings with full acquired financials and pro forma results, due within 71 days of the closing, will clarify earnings impact.
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): March 1, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification Number) | ||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||
(309 ) 662-4444
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| 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 | ||||||
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 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.
On March 1, 2026, HBT Financial, Inc. (“HBT Financial”) completed its previously announced acquisition of CNB Bank Shares, Inc., an Illinois corporation (“CNB”), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 20, 2025, between HBT Financial, CNB, and HB-CNB Merger, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MergerCo”) and wholly-owned subsidiary of HBT Financial (the “Merger Agreement”). At the effective time of the Merger, MergerCo merged with and into CNB, with CNB surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of HBT. Immediately thereafter, CNB merged (the “Merger”) with and into HBT Financial, with HBT Financial surviving the Merger. In addition, following the Merger, CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (“CNB Bank”), CNB's wholly-owned bank subsidiary, merged with and into Heartland Bank & Trust (“Heartland Bank”), with Heartland Bank continuing as the surviving bank.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, as of the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of CNB common stock was converted into the right to receive, subject to adjustment and to the election and proration procedures as provided in the Merger Agreement, one of the following: (i) 1.0434 duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of HBT Financial common stock, par value $0.01 per share, (ii) cash in the amount of $27.73, or (iii) a combination of cash and HBT Financial common stock. In lieu of fractional shares, holders of CNB common stock will receive cash. The aggregate transaction consideration is approximately $34 million in cash and approximately 5.5 million shares of HBT Financial common stock.
Following the closing of the Merger, the shares of CNB common stock, which were previously quoted on the OTC QX Market under the symbol “CNBN,” will no longer be quoted on the OTC QX.
The foregoing description of the transactions contemplated by the Merger and the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as Exhibit 2.1 to HBT Financial’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 20, 2025, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
In connection with the Merger and pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Boards of Directors of HBT Financial and Heartland Bank (collectively, the “Boards”) increased the size of their respective Board and appointed James T. Ashworth and Nancy L. Ruyle as directors to the Board, effective March 1, 2026. Mr. Ashworth's and Ms. Ruyle's initial term will expire at the HBT Financial 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Mr. Ashworth and Ms. Ruyle were not appointed to serve on any committees of the Boards at this time.
Mr. Ashworth previously served as the President of CNB and the Vice Chairman of CNB and CNB Bank. He also served on the Board of Directors of both CNB and CNB Bank. In addition to CNB and CNB Bank, Mr. Ashworth previously served on the Board of Directors of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois, the Independent Community Bankers of America, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. Mr. Ashworth graduated from the University of Miami (Florida) and completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Ms. Ruyle previously served on the Board of Directors of both CNB and CNB Bank. In addition to CNB and CNB Bank, Ms. Ruyle previously served on the Board of Directors of Palmer Bank in Taylorville, Illinois, and worked as an attorney in Carlinville, Illinois before retiring as a Senior Partner at Ruyle & Sims. Ms. Ruyle graduated from St. Ambrose College with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Accounting before attending St. Louis University School of Law.
Other than pursuant to the Merger Agreement, there are no other arrangements or understandings between Mr. Ashworth, Ms. Ruyle, or any other persons pursuant to which they were appointed as a director. There are also no family relationships between Mr. Ashworth, Ms. Ruyle, and any director or executive officer of HBT Financial, and, other than the Merger, they have no direct or material indirect interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Mr. Ashworth and Ms. Ruyle will be compensated for their service in accordance with HBT Financial's non-employee director compensation program on the same basis as other non-employee directors, as described in HBT Financial’s proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 9, 2025.
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On March 2, 2026, HBT Financial issued a press release announcing the completion of the Merger and the appointment of Mr. Ashworth and Ms. Ruyle to the Boards. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report, which is incorporated by reference herein.
The information contained in Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1 furnished herewith, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(a) Financial Statements of businesses or funds acquired.
The financial statements required by this item will be filed by amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K no later than 71 days after the date on which this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed.
(b) Pro forma financial information.
The unaudited pro forma financial information required by this item will be filed by amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K no later than 71 days after the date on which this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed.
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibit | ||||
2.1* | Agreement and Plan of Merger between HBT Financial, Inc., HB-CNB Merger, Inc., and CNB Bank Shares, Inc. dated October 20, 2025 (incorporated by referenced to Exhibit 2.1 to HBT Financial's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2026). | ||||
| 99.1 | Press Release dated March 2, 2026. | ||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). | ||||
* The Company has omitted schedules and similar attachments to the subject agreement pursuant to Item 601(b) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish a copy of any omitted schedule or similar attachment to the SEC upon request.
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 thereunto duly authorized.
| HBT FINANCIAL, INC. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Peter R. Chapman | |||||||
| Name: Peter R. Chapman | ||||||||
| Title: Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
Date: March 2, 2026 | ||||||||
HBT Financial, Inc. Completes Merger with CNB Bank Shares, Inc.
Bloomington, IL, March 2, 2026 – HBT Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBT) (the “Company” or “HBT Financial”), the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company (“Heartland Bank”), today announced that it has completed its merger with CNB Bank Shares, Inc. (“CNB”), the holding company for CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (“CNB Bank”). At the effective time of the Merger, CNB merged with a wholly-owned subsidiary of HBT, with CNB surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of HBT. Immediately thereafter, CNB merged (the “Merger”) with and into HBT Financial, with HBT Financial surviving the Merger. In addition, following the Merger, CNB Bank, CNB's wholly-owned bank subsidiary, merged with and into Heartland Bank, with Heartland Bank continuing as the surviving bank. As of December 31, 2025, CNB had $1.8 billion in total assets, $1.3 billion in total loans held for investment, and $1.5 billion in total deposits.
The completion of the merger expands HBT Financial’s footprint in the central Illinois, Chicago MSA, and St. Louis MSA markets.
J. Lance Carter, President and Chief Executive Officer of HBT Financial and Heartland Bank, said, “We are happy to announce the completion of the merger with CNB and are excited to welcome their customers, employees, and shareholders to HBT. We have a track record of successful bank integrations and are focused on a smooth transition. CNB is a strong cultural and strategic fit, and this merger enhances our ability to deliver an exceptional banking experience to our customers.”
In connection with the merger, the Board of Directors of each of HBT Financial and Heartland Bank (collectively, the “Boards”) increased the size of their respective Board and appointed James T. Ashworth and Nancy L. Ruyle as directors to the Boards, effective as of March 1, 2026. Mr. Ashworth and Ms. Ruyle's initial term will expire at the HBT Financial 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Fred L. Drake, Executive Chairman of the Boards, said, “We would also like to welcome Jim and Nancy to our Board of Directors. Both have been instrumental in CNB's commitment to community-based banking. Their guidance will be valuable as we grow the Heartland Bank franchise.”
Mr. Ashworth previously served as the President of CNB and the Vice Chairman of CNB and CNB Bank. He also served on the Board of Directors of both CNB and CNB Bank. In addition to CNB and CNB Bank, Mr. Ashworth previously served on the Board of Directors of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois, the Independent Community Bankers of America, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. Mr. Ashworth graduated from the University of Miami (Florida) and completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Ms. Ruyle previously served on the Board of Directors of both CNB and CNB Bank. In addition to CNB and CNB Bank, Ms. Ruyle previously served on the Board of Directors of Palmer Bank in Taylorville, Illinois, and worked as an attorney in Carlinville, Illinois before retiring as a Senior Partner at Ruyle & Sims. Ms. Ruyle graduated from St. Ambrose College with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Accounting before attending St. Louis University School of Law.
About HBT Financial, Inc.
HBT Financial, Inc., headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, is the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, and has banking roots that can be traced back to 1920. HBT Financial provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa through 66 full-service branches. As of December 31, 2025, HBT Financial had total assets of $5.1 billion, total loans of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.4 billion.
Forward-Looking Statements
Readers should note that in addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “will,” “propose,” “may,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” or “should,” or similar terminology. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the threat or implementation of, or changes to, existing policies and executive orders including tariffs, immigration policy, regulatory or other governmental agencies, foreign policy and tax regulations; (iii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or other threats thereof (including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and recent military activity in Venezuela), or other adverse events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iv) new and revised accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory banking agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (v) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business and any changes in response to bank failures; (vi) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by the Company's commercial borrowers; (vii) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company’s assets; (viii) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies, and the inability to attract new customers; (ix) technological changes implemented by us and other parties, including our third-party vendors, which may have unforeseen consequences to us and our customers, including the development and implementation of tools incorporating artificial intelligence; (x) unexpected results of acquisitions, which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (xi) the loss of key executives and employees, talent shortages and employee turnover; (xii) changes in consumer spending; (xiii) unexpected outcomes or costs of existing or new litigation or other legal proceedings and regulatory actions involving the Company; (xiv) the economic impact on the Company and its customers of climate change, natural disasters and of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xv) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (xvi) credit risks and risks from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral and industry) within our loan portfolio (including commercial real estate loans) and large loans to certain borrowers; (xvii) the overall health of the local and national real estate market; (xviii) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (xix) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and who may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xx) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-
core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact the Company’s cost of funds; (xxi) the level of nonperforming assets on our balance sheet; (xxii) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xxiii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (xxiv) the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management framework; (xxv) potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction with CNB; (xxvi) the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; (xxvii) the ultimate timing, outcome and results of integrating the operations of CNB into those of HBT; (xxviii) the effects of the merger with CNB in HBT’s future financial condition, results of operations, strategy and plans, and (xxix) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated.
CONTACT:
Peter Chapman
HBTIR@hbtbank.com
(309) 664-4556
FAQ
What transaction did HBT (HBT Financial, Inc.) just complete with CNB Bank Shares?
HBT Financial completed its merger with CNB Bank Shares, Inc., combining CNB with a wholly owned HBT subsidiary and then into HBT itself. CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. was merged into Heartland Bank & Trust Company, expanding HBT Financial’s banking footprint across Illinois and nearby markets.
How much did HBT Financial pay to acquire CNB Bank Shares, Inc.?
HBT Financial is paying approximately $34 million in cash and about 5.5 million shares of HBT Financial common stock in the CNB transaction. CNB shareholders could elect HBT stock, $27.73 in cash per share, or a combination, subject to adjustment and proration terms.
How large is CNB compared with HBT Financial based on disclosed assets?
As of December 31, 2025 , CNB had $1.8 billion in total assets, while HBT Financial reported $5.1 billion in total assets. The acquisition therefore represents a significant expansion of HBT’s balance sheet and lending and deposit base in its core Midwestern markets.
What markets does the CNB merger help HBT Financial expand into?
The CNB merger broadens HBT Financial’s footprint in central Illinois, the Chicago metropolitan statistical area, and the St. Louis metropolitan statistical area. CNB Bank & Trust’s branches and customer relationships are being combined into Heartland Bank & Trust, strengthening HBT’s regional community banking franchise.
Who joined HBT Financial’s board of directors as part of the CNB merger?
In connection with the merger, James T. Ashworth and Nancy L. Ruyle were appointed to the boards of HBT Financial and Heartland Bank, effective March 1, 2026 . Both previously served on CNB and CNB Bank boards and bring substantial community banking and governance experience.
Will HBT Financial provide pro forma financial information for the CNB acquisition?
HBT Financial states that required financial statements of the acquired CNB business and unaudited pro forma financial information will be filed by amendment within 71 days of the 8-K’s required filing date. Those disclosures will show combined results and balance sheet effects of the merger.
What forward-looking risks does HBT Financial highlight regarding the CNB merger?
HBT Financial notes typical risks, including realizing anticipated merger benefits, integration timing and costs, potential customer or employee reactions, and broader economic, credit, technology, and regulatory factors. These forward-looking statements emphasize that actual outcomes of the CNB transaction may differ materially from current expectations.
Filing Exhibits & Attachments
4 documents
Hbt Financial, Inc.