Guaranty Capital Corporation to Acquire Lafayette Bancorp, Inc.
BELZONI, MS, October 17, 2023 – Guaranty Capital Corporation (“Guaranty”), the holding company of Guaranty Bank & Trust Company (“Guaranty Bank”), and Lafayette Bancorp, Inc. (“Lafayette”), the holding company of Oxford University Bank (“Oxford University Bank”), announced today the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Guaranty will acquire Lafayette. The transaction has been approved by the board of directors of each company, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, and is subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approvals. Upon completion, Oxford University Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Guaranty. Guaranty expects to merge Oxford University Bank with and into Guaranty Bank, with Guaranty Bank surviving, in the second or third quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approval.
Founded in 2000, Oxford University Bank has established itself as a reputable full-service bank, with three well-positioned locations, two in Oxford and one in Pontotoc, and ranks 4th in Oxford deposit market share. As of June 30, 2023, Lafayette had total assets exceeding $245 million. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for Guaranty’s growth strategy and reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional financial services to our valued customers in the Oxford market. Post-acquisition, the combined companies will have approximately $2.6 billion in assets with 39 branches across Mississippi and Tennessee.
Hue Townsend, President and CEO of Guaranty Bank, commented, “We are pleased to partner with Oxford University Bank, a well-respected bank serving the Oxford and Pontotoc communities. Our shared values, centered on delivering a community bank experience, allows us to leverage our collective strengths and resources to provide even greater support and opportunities.”
“We are excited about this new journey with Guaranty Bank,” said David Guyton, CEO of Oxford University Bank. “Oxford University Bank is a community-focused financial institution with a Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designation, just like Guaranty Bank. This strategic partnership reinforces our dedication to serving that community. Together, we will continue prioritizing the well-being and success of our customers and the community we call home.”
Guaranty was advised by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods as financial advisor and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP as legal counsel. Lafayette was advised by Olsen Palmer LLC as financial advisor and Butler Snow LLP as legal counsel.
About Guaranty Bank & Trust Company
Founded in 1943, Guaranty Bank has remained independent and locally owned, delivering extraordinary service and products to clients in Mississippi and Tennessee. We commit to our vision daily, offering a cutting-edge community bank experience through dedicated high performance, people development, and open communication. When we execute these pillars of our vision, we deliver an experience like no other bank. Over the last few years, Guaranty Bank has shown exceptional growth by managing risk while increasing capital above market rates. Our consistent 5-Star rating by BauerFinancial for 24 consecutive quarters attests to our substantial capital, adequate liquidity, superior asset quality, and strong earnings. For more information about Guaranty Bank, visit www.gbtonline.com.
About Oxford University Bank Established in 2000 in Oxford, Mississippi, Oxford University Bank continues to operate from its headquarters in the same location. The bank was founded with the objective of making a difference by delivering exceptional service, providing a full suite of modern financial services, and offering a personal touch to all members of its communities. For additional information about Oxford University Bank, please visit www.oubol.com.