The merger brings together two institutions with a stated focus on community-centric banking. According to Catalyst President and CEO Joe Zanco, the integration aims to preserve local relationships while leveraging a combined asset base to improve service capabilities. Following the acquisition, Catalyst Bank reports total assets reaching approximately $620 million, with a loan portfolio of $390 million and $478 million in deposits based on figures from March 31, 2026.

Operational shifts are scheduled for November 2026, when Catalyst plans to migrate Lakeside Bank’s branch and operating systems into its own infrastructure. Financial advisory services for the transaction were provided by Brean Capital for Catalyst and Sheshunoff & Co for Lakeside. Legal counsel was managed by Jones Walker LLP and Fenimore Kay Harrison LLP, respectively.