THE VILLAGES, FL (352today.com) – If you bank with Citizens First Bank in The Villages, you will soon see changes behind the scenes. Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida announced it will acquire Villages Bancorporation, Inc., the parent company of Citizens First Bank.

Citizens First has long been the go-to financial institution for Villagers, with deep roots in the community since 1992. It currently holds more than half the local deposit market and operates 19 branches with over $3.5 billion in deposits.

Despite the change in ownership, both banks say customers should expect the same personal service they’ve come to rely on with more banking tools available in the future.

“VBI serves a thriving and rapidly growing customer base… This is a rare partnership opportunity to continue the legacy of high-quality service to the Villages community,” said Charles M. Shaffer, Seacoast’s Chairman and CEO.

Jay Bartholomew, CEO of VBI, added, “We are delighted to join with Seacoast Bank, which shares our values… creating a best-in-class banking experience.”

Seacoast, based in Stuart, FL, has been in business for nearly 100 years. The company says it plans to build on Citizens First Bank’s strengths while introducing innovative financial products and services tailored to the needs of Villagers.

The deal is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory and shareholder approval. Until then, Citizens First customers can continue banking as usual.

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