Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A New Chapter for The Farmers Savings Bank: Joining the Civista Family
SPENCER, OH — July 11, 2025 — The Farmers Savings Bank, a trusted name in local banking since 1925, is proud to announce plans to join Civista Bank, a fellow community-focused financial institution based in Sandusky, Ohio.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to personal service, local roots, and the strength of community banking. The merger is expected to close in late 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
Founded by Jacob Firestone and his children, The Farmers Savings Bank has served Spencer, Wellington, and surrounding communities for generations as the “bank with the personal touch.” That legacy will remain at the heart of this transition.
“We are optimistic, confident, and look forward to Civista continuing service to you in this same way,” said Reid Firestone, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “All of us associated with The Farmers Savings Bank wish to express our deep and sincere gratitude for trusting us to be part of your family and community for 100 years.”
Civista Bank has been serving Ohio communities since 1884 and shares a similar history of local leadership, long-standing community ties, and relationship-driven banking. Today, Civista operates more than 40 branches across Ohio, Southeastern Indiana, and Northern Kentucky.
“We are excited to welcome Farmers Savings Bank into the Civista family. This acquisition not only strengthens our presence in northeast Ohio but also reflects our shared commitment to community banking. By combining our resources and expertise, we’re positioned to deliver greater value to our shareholders while continuing to support the individuals, families, and businesses that make Spencer, Wellington and the surrounding communities so special.” — Dennis G. Shaffer, President & CEO, Civista.
Customers can look forward to enhanced products, access to expanded services—including commercial lending, digital banking, and wealth management—and the continued personal service they expect.
Tom Lee, President and CEO of The Farmers Savings Bank, emphasized the cultural fit. “This partnership with Civista marks an exciting new chapter for Farmers Savings Bank and the communities we serve,” said Tom Lee, CEO & President of Farmers Savings Bank. “Civista shares our deep commitment to personalized service and community values. We are confident this transition will bring expanded opportunities and enhanced resources to our customers while preserving the trusted relationships we’ve built over the years.”
As always, any changes will be communicated clearly, with no immediate changes to customer accounts. The Farmers Savings Bank and Civista teams are working together to ensure a smooth and respectful transition for customers, employees, and the communities both banks proudly serve.
About The Farmers Savings Bank
The Farmers Savings Bank is a $285 million commercial bank headquartered in Spencer, Ohio. Farmers operates two locations in Medina and Lorain Counties in Northeast Ohio. More information on Farmers may be accessed at www.fsb-spencer.com.
About Civista Bank
Civista Bank, a subsidiary of Civista Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CIVB), is a $4.1 billion community bank headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Civista Bank, was founded in 1884 and provides full-service banking, commercial lending, mortgage, wealth management, and commercial equipment leasing services. Today, Civista Bank operates 42 locations across Ohio, Southeastern Indiana, and Northern Kentucky. Civista Bancshares’ common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “CIVB”.
