Bennington State Bank Acquires Flint Hills Bank

January 20, 2026

Salina, Kan—

— Berco, Inc. (Berco), the bank holding company for The Bennington State Bank (BSB), a locally owned and operated community bank, announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Berco and BSB will acquire Eskridge, Kansas based Flint Hills Bank. This strategic acquisition will expand Bennington State Bank’s presence in key markets, reinforcing their commitment to serving Kansas communities of all sizes.

The Definitive Agreement has been approved by the boards of directors. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q2 of 2026.

Flint Hills Bank operates under its primary charter name while serving customers through four separately branded community bank locations, each with a strong local presence and identity:

Flint Hills Bank- Eskridge, Kansas
Bank of Osage City- Osage City, Kansas
Hartford State Bank- Hartford, Kansas
Bank of Burlingame- Burlingame, Kansas

These locations serve relationship-focused markets that closely align with Bennington State Bank’s community banking philosophy. The acquisition represents an opportunity to expand into a new market area while preserving local values, decision-making, and personalized service that customers of both banks value.

“Our shared commitment to relationship banking and personalized service makes this merger a strong cultural fit. This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity to expand in a market that shares our community bank mindset,” said BSB Chairman, President and CEO Darren Gragg. “We are excited to welcome the team members and customers of Flint Hills Bank and to continue building on the strong foundation of trust and relationships they have established in their markets.”

“By joining forces with Bennington State Bank, we can continue delivering the high level of personal service our customers value, while gaining access to additional resources that support long term growth and stability,” said Flint Hills Bank Chairman & CEO, Pat Wiederholt. “We are thrilled about this partnership and look forward to continuing to serve our employees, customers, and the community with the same dedication and care that both institutions are known for.”

BSB is deeply invested in the communities in which it does business. For over 138 years, BSB has served the financial needs of their customers, offering a full range of banking services to Kansas and beyond. BSB is a full-service financial provider, Wealth Management, AG and Commercial banking, extensive consumer lending and deposit services.

Northland Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Flint Hills Bank and Stinson LLP served as its legal advisor in the transaction. Gerrish Smith Tuck, PC served as both financial advisor and legal advisor to Berco and BSB.

About Bennington State Bank

Bennington State Bank was founded on the principles of integrity, trust, and fostering long-term customer relationships through the delivery of excellence in customer service and financial products including state-of-the-art online and mobile platforms. For over 138 years, BSB has served the financial needs of their customers, offering a full range of banking services to Central Kansas and beyond. BSB is a full-service financial provider, offering Consumer banking, Ag solutions, and Commercial banking, including Trust and Wealth Management, Portfolio Management and Employee Benefit Services. BSB is made up of employee owners with the Employee Stock Ownership Program owning more than 12% of the Bank. With over $1.25 billion in assets, BSB has locations in Bennington, Minneapolis, Salina, Lucas, Sylvan Grove, Wamego, Wichita, Abilene and Topeka. Always committed to local decision-making, excellent customer service and community investment, BSB is your trusted hometown bank. For more information, please visit bsbks.com. Member FDIC.

About Flint Hills Bank

Flint Hills Bank is a full-service bank proudly serving the communities of Eskridge, Osage City, Hartford and Burlingame. We offer traditional banking services with convenient hours, personal service and local lending decisions. We enjoy having you stop in and complete your banking needs. We realize, however, that you have busy schedules and need technology available that will allow you to have access to your banking remotely. Flint Hills Bank is dedicated to offering you the latest in technological innovations along with personalized home town banking service.