Central Bancompany raises $373M in Nasdaq debut

Jefferson City-based Central Bancompany Inc. is now trading on the Nasdaq following its initial public offering on the stock market index this week.

Central Bancompany's IPO was priced on Wednesday and began trading on Thursday, said Charlie Martin, the company's corporate development officer. With shares priced at $21 apiece, the IPO sold nearly 17.8 million shares for gross proceeds of $373.3 million, Martin said, noting underwriters additionally have a 30-day option to purchase an additional 2.7 million shares.

The sale values the company at roughly $5 billion.

S. Bryan Cook, executive chair of Central Bancompany, was among company officials that rang the Nasdaq opening bell yesterday morning. 

"Today, we celebrate more than a listing. We honor a legacy built on trust, innovation and community," Cook said in remarks prior to the ringing of the bell. "From my great-grandfather's vision in 1902 to now, Central Bancompany has thrived by staying true to its values and embracing change."

According to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing last month, Central Bancompany had 156 branches, $19.1 billion in assets and $14.8 billion in deposits as of June 30. The filing additionally lists net income of $186.2 million for the first six months of 2025, compared with $171.3 million in the same period of 2024.

The company that does business as The Central Trust Bank operates a dozen Springfield branches.

CBC shares were trading at $23.40 as of 11:23 a.m., compared with a 52-week range of $15 to $23.86 per share.