Arvest, Bear State nearing merger finale

Arvest Bank has garnered the needed regulatory approvals for a planned $391 million, all-cash acquisition of Bear State Bank (Nasdaq: BSF).

Arvest and Bear State Financial Inc., the publicly traded holding company of Bear State, recently announced receipt of “all required regulatory approvals,” expecting to close on the deal by late-April. The purchase has taken longer than initially expected, Arkansas Business reports.

One stipulation from the Federal Reserve, Bear State officials said the bank will sell its two branches in Mena, Arkansas, to First Financial Bank.

Read more from Arkansas Business.