BTC Bank, which operates branches in Fayette and Boonville, announced last week it has sold its Columbia branch, located at 4000 Rangeline Street, to Connections Bank, based in Platte City, Mo.

The Columbia location was purchased by BTC Bank in August 2021 amid a total acquisition of Salisbury-based Merchants & Farmers Bank, which operated branches in Fayette, Salisbury, Hardin, and Columbia.

The sale adds a second Columbia branch for Connections Bank, which already operates a location on Grindstone Parkway as well as in Ashland.

BTC bank is one of the state’s largest agricultural lenders, focusing on rural communities. The bank’s CEO, Doug Fish, said the sale allows BTC to continue its focus on its core markets.

The agreement and the related transaction have been approved by the boards of directors of both Connections Bank and BTC Bank but remain subject to the approval of the applicable regulatory agencies. The transaction is expected to close in late fourth quarter of this year or early in the first quarter of 2026, although delays may occur.

After the sale, BTC Bank will operate 23 locations, including a mobile branch, throughout Missouri and southern Iowa, with total assets exceeding $1 billion. Founded in 1919, BTC Bank has grown to be one of the largest agricultural lenders in the state.

Connections Bank was founded in 1887 by the William C. Wells family as what was originally the Wells Banking Company. It now operates around a dozen branches throughout Missouri, including Bunceton and Prairie Home, and manages approximately $520 million in assets.

“We’re excited for this opportunity to strengthen our commitment to Columbia and the Mid-Missouri market,” said Robert Barmann, Chairman of the Board of Connections Bank.