Educational
Peoples Savings Bank Announces Acquisition of Bank Star
November 11, 2025
Rhineland, Missouri and Pacific, Missouri, November 11, 2025 – Rhineland Bancshares, Inc, the holding company of Peoples Savings Bank, and BancStar, Inc., the holding company of Bank Star, have jointly announced today the signing of a definitive agreement whereby Rhineland Bancshares, Inc will acquire BancStar, Inc. Following the closing of the transaction, BancStar, Inc. will be merged with and into Rhineland Bancshares, Inc with Rhineland Bancshares, Inc continuing as the surviving entity. The transaction has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions including shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Based on the most recent reported financials, the combined institution is expected to have approximately $992 million in total assets and 18 banking offices across Missouri.
With the announcement, Peoples Savings Bank’s President & CEO, Mark Laune, commented, “We are excited to expand our commitment to the St. Louis metro market through the merger of our two organizations. The team at Bank Star has done an excellent job building relationships with their clients and communities, and it is our plan to deepen those existing ties. Supporting our local communities remains at the heart of our mission, and this partnership with Bank Star is a significant milestone in our journey to serve them better.”
“We look forward to teaming up with Peoples Savings Bank,” said Joe Stewart III, President & CEO of Bank Star. “This transaction positions us for the future of banking. We’re combining the strengths of two well-respected organizations to create new opportunities for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve. Partnering with Peoples Savings Bank allows us to continue the legacy of local decision making, relationship banking and commitment to community while providing greater access to products and services.”
Sandberg Phoenix served as legal counsel to Rhineland Bancshares, Inc. Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to BancStar, Inc., and Armstrong Teasdale LLP served as its legal counsel.
About Peoples Savings Bank
Peoples Savings Bank, the wholly-owned banking subsidiary of Rhineland Bancshares, Inc, was founded in Rhineland, Missouri in 1935. With fifteen locations, Peoples Savings Bank’s commitment of and long history of providing solid, reliable products and services secure its future as a leader of independent banks. Based in Rhineland, Missouri, Peoples Savings Bank has $801 million in total assets when including their recently-closed acquisition of FarmBank. For more information, please visit www.ourpsb.com.
About Bank Star
Bank Star, the subsidiary bank of BancStar, Inc., was founded in 1975. Bank Star offers a variety of financial products and services for individuals and businesses across their network of branches spanning three counties. Headquartered in Pacific, Missouri, Bank Star now holds $191 million in total assets. For more information, please visit www.bank-star.com.