ALM First Provides Expert Guidance Amid Industry’s Increasing Merger & Acquisition Activity

Emily Hollis

ALM First, a strategic partner for depositories offering commission-free, fee-based advice, is providing expert guidance amid the industry’s increasing merger and acquisition (M&A) activity. With significant mergers continuing to be announced in Q4 and planned to close in 2025, the firm’s strategic solutions group doesn’t expect the current consolidation trend to slow down anytime soon.

“From the strategy and preparation stages to closing, ALM First offers independent, holistic advice to guide financial institutions throughout the merger and acquisition process,” says Emily Hollis, CFA and CEO of ALM First. “Our core philosophy revolves around maximizing value for key stakeholders, including members, employees, communities and boards, while assisting our clients in managing risk and creating scale for long-term, sustainable growth.”

The firm has already played a role in nine mergers in 2024, including several recently announced transactions. ALM First’s full range of M&A solutions include Merger Advisory Services, Merger Valuations, and Strategic Communications.

ALM First has played a role in the following mergers so far this year:

• Ignite Credit Union and BlueOx Credit Union (Michigan)
• Louisiana Federal Credit Union and OnPath Credit Union (Louisiana) 
• MemberOne Federal Credit Union and Virginia Credit Union (Virginia)
• Astera Credit Union and Adventure Credit Union (Michigan)
• NextMark Credit Union and Apple Federal Credit Union (Virginia)
• NE PA Community Federal Credit Union and Utilities Employees Credit Union (Pennsylvania)
• Launch Credit Union and Community Credit Union of Florida (Florida)
• Meritrust Credit Union and Premier Members Credit Union (Kansas, Colorado)
• Digital Federal Credit Union and First Tech Federal Credit Union (Massachusetts, California)

More information regarding ALM First’s comprehensive M&A Advisory Services, Merger Valuations, and Strategic Communications may be found at www.almfirst.com.

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