NexTier to Acquire Riverside Bank of Dublin, Creating $3.1 Billion Community Bank

BUTLER, Pa. — NexTier, Inc., the parent company of NexTier Bank, N.A., and Riverside Bank of Dublin announced on May 8, 2026, that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. The deal will see NexTier acquire Riverside, creating a combined community banking organization with total assets exceeding $3.1 billion across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, marks a significant consolidation in the regional banking sector. This type of merger among community banks is a notable event for the small and mid-sized businesses they serve, altering the landscape for commercial lending and banking relationships in the tri-state area. Under the terms of the agreement, Riverside Bank of Dublin will be merged into NexTier Bank upon completion of the transaction. All branch locations of the combined entity will operate under the NexTier Bank brand. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending customary closing conditions, including approvals from regulatory authorities and Riverside Bank of Dublin shareholders. NexTier, based in Butler, Pennsylvania, reported approximately $2.9 billion in assets as of March 31, 2026. It currently operates 32 branches in western Pennsylvania and parts of New York, along with a loan production office in Cleveland. Riverside, headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, held approximately $270 million in assets on the same date and has developed a strong reputation for commercial real estate, small business lending, and personalized deposit relationships. Leadership from both institutions framed the merger as a natural extension of an existing partnership. “NexTier has been invested in and partnered with Riverside since its inception,” said Clem Rosenberger, President and CEO of NexTier, in the announcement. “We are enthusiastic about what the future holds as we bring these two great community banks together.” For business owners, a merger like this presents both opportunities and challenges. The larger institution can offer a broader suite of products, more sophisticated treasury management, and a higher legal lending limit, which is crucial for growing companies. However, we've often seen clients experience disruption as lending priorities shift, familiar relationship managers are reassigned, and the personalized service that defined their original bank diminishes. Businesses must proactively manage this transition to ensure their financing and growth trajectory are not negatively impacted. This is precisely the kind of situation where expert guidance on capital raising and investor strategy becomes invaluable. C&S Finance Group LLC helps businesses assess their new banking relationship, renegotiate terms if necessary, and secure the capital they need to thrive through these changes. To understand how we can support your company's financial strategy, contact us at csfinancegroup.com. The acquisition significantly expands NexTier’s footprint in the growing Columbus, Ohio market, where it has already been an active lender for over a decade. Riverside is also set to open a new branch location in Bridge Park, Dublin, in June 2026, which will become part of the combined bank’s Ohio operations. Riverside’s leadership team is expected to play a key role in the combined entity, with Travis Sanders, Riverside’s President and Chief Lending Officer, slated to join NexTier Bank as Regional President for the Columbus region. “NexTier Bank has been lending within the Columbus marketplace for over a decade. The addition of Riverside's new branch location expands our combined ability to service customers from both organizations with two full-service retail locations, premier treasury management services, and unparalleled personalized care,” Sanders stated. Riverside CEO Charles O’rin Moore added that the merger will support continued growth while expanding the products and services available to customers. He noted the combination creates a community bank “focused on the ‘right things’ in one of the largest and fastest growing markets in the Midwest.” With the agreement now public, all eyes will turn to the regulatory review process and the forthcoming Riverside shareholder vote. For customers of both banks, the coming months will involve communications regarding the integration of systems and accounts ahead of the anticipated closing. The successful combination of the two institutions will depend on a smooth transition for both employees and the commercial and retail clients they serve.