Hovde Group and Husch Blackwell Served as Advisors in Park National Corporation and First Citizens National Bank Merger

Hovde Group, LLC and Husch Blackwell LLP served as advisors in the recently completed merger between Park National Corporation (NYSE American: PRK) and First Citizens Bancshares, Inc. (OTCEM: FIZN). Hovde Group served as financial advisor to Park National Corporation and Husch Blackwell served as legal advisor to First Citizens Bankshares, Inc. The merger closed on February 1, 2026, in an all-stock transaction. The merger combines Park National Bank and First Citizens National Bank, expanding Park’s footprint into Tennessee and creating a pro forma institution with $12.6 billion in assets, $10.5 billion in deposits, and $9.6 billion in loans as of December 31, 2025. The combined organization now operates more than 100 branches across Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, with former First Citizens CEO Jeffrey D. Agee joining Park’s board and leading its new Tennessee region, as the companies move forward with a shared focus on community banking and long-term growth.