Equity Bancshares Completes Merger with Frontier Holdings
Wichita, Kansas – Equity Bancshares, Inc. has successfully completed its merger with Frontier Holdings LLC, the parent company of Frontier Bank, based in Omaha, Nebraska. This merger took effect on January 1, 2026, marking Equity’s entrance into Nebraska, and adding seven branches across the state.
Brad Elliott, Chairman and Founder of Equity Bancshares, remarked that this day is a significant moment for the company. He welcomed Frontier Bank, its employees, customers, and communities to the Equity family. He emphasized that their move into Nebraska represents strategic growth grounded in shared values of strong relationships, localized decision-making, and commitment to community service. There is a clear intent to honor Frontier’s legacy while providing broader resources and capabilities that Equity brings.
The Frontier location plans to reopen as Equity Bank on January 2, 2026. The intention is to integrate core and digital banking systems by February 2026.
This merger announcement was made on September 2, 2025. Presently, Equity Bancshares has consolidated assets of approximately $7.9 billion and maintains full-service locations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, along with a loan origination office in West Des Moines, Iowa. Their operations span six states.
Rick Semmes, CEO of Equity Bank, expressed enthusiasm for the future. He noted that the addition of Frontier’s team and customers brings significant strength to Equity, with an aim to enhance lending capabilities, modernize tools, and continue the commitment to community banking in Nebraska.
About Equity Bancshares
Equity Bancshares, Inc. serves as the holding company for Equity Bank, which offers a comprehensive array of financial services, including commercial loans, consumer banking, and treasury management services. They pride themselves on their community bank approach to customer service. The company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EQBK.”
There are some forward-looking statements made within this release that reflect the management’s current views on various factors, including future events and the company’s financial outlook. Phrases like “may,” “should,” and “anticipate” hint at expectations but not guarantees. Factors like competition, changes in policies, and economic conditions could lead to different outcomes than what is expected.
For more information regarding the risks that could impact actual outcomes, it’s recommended to review the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” sections available in annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
