1. BHRB announced a merger with LINKBANCORP worth $354 million. 2. Merger expected to close in 2Q26, enhancing BHRB's asset scale significantly. 3. Pro forma assets will exceed $11 billion, expanding BHRB’s market presence. 4. BHRB's CET1 ratio will decrease, indicating a short-term capital challenge. 5. Solid funding base from LNKB will strengthen BHRB's deposit franchise.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
The merger will increase BHRB's asset base and market presence, which can drive stock valuation. Historical examples show that successful mergers can enhance financial stability and growth prospects for banking institutions.
How important is it?
This merger significantly alters BHRB's financial landscape and operational capacity, likely influencing investor sentiment and stock performance.
Why Long Term?
While there may be a perception of immediate capital pressure, the long-term benefits of increased scale and market outreach are expected to yield sustainable growth and profitability.
On December 18, 2025, Burke & Herbert Financial Services Corp. (NASDAQ:BHRB) (KBRA senior unsecured rating of BBB / Stable Outlook), the parent company of Burke and Herbert Bank and Trust Company, announced a definitive merger agreement with LINKBANCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNKB), the parent company of LINKBANK, pursuant to which BHRB will acquire LNKB in an all-stock transaction. The transaction, which had an estimated value of approximately $354 million, is expected to close in 2Q26.
The proposed transaction would provide BHRB with meaningful scale, pushing the company beyond the $10 billion in asset threshold, with pro forma assets of $11.0 billion, loans of $8.0 billion, and deposits of $9.1 billion. Additionally, LNKB would expand BHRB's market of operations into parts of central and eastern PA while also deepening its presence across parts of the Eastern Shore of MD and DE. The expansion into these markets along with LNKB's solid funding base would enhance BHRB's existing deposit franchise that is considered by KBRA to be a key driver of the company's ratings. Notably, BHRB reported a pro forma loan-to-deposit ratio of 88%, with deposit costs expected to continue to track below the rated peer average (pro forma cost of deposits is 1.96%). BHRB estimates a gross credit mark of $36 million, or 1.5% of LNKB's loan portfolio, as well as interest rate marks of approximately $38 million that is accretable over the next four years. LNKB's rather granular loan portfolio that includes an elevated CRE concentration (pro forma CRE concentration of ~350%) fits well within BHRB's relationship focused lending strategy. With regards to capital, BHRB's capital ratios would decrease materially, with the company reporting a pro forma CET1 ratio of 11.4% (BHRB's CET1 ratio was 12.8% at 3Q25). That said, BHRB has historically demonstrated rather prudent management of capital as reflected in its capital trends following its most recent merger with Summit Financial Group, Inc. completed in 2Q24 (BHRB's CET1 ratio has increased nearly 200 bps since 2Q24).
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Jason Szelc, Senior Director
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