The merger, governed by an agreement signed on April 20, 2026, previously cleared a critical hurdle when Citizens shareholders voted in favor of the transaction on August 6. Under the terms of the deal, Peoples will function as the surviving entity, integrating Citizens Bank of Kentucky into its existing banking operations.

Headquartered in Marietta since 1902, Peoples maintains a portfolio encompassing trust, investment, insurance, and equipment leasing services. As of June 30, the company reported $9.5 billion in total assets across 144 locations. This expansion into Kentucky further bolsters a network that currently spans Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.