Local community banks announce merger plans

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[PDR Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the State Bank of Prairie du Rocher, and Buena Vista Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of Buena Vista National Bank based in Chester, Illinois, jointly announced today that they have signed an agreement for the acquisition of PDR Bancshares and the State Bank of Prairie du Rocher by Buena Vista Bancorp, Inc. The acquisition is subject to several conditions, including the approval of the shareholders of PDR Bancshares, the receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the year.

The merger of these two very stable and well capitalized community banks will result in a stronger bank capable of serving the needs of the communities and surrounding areas that both banks have been a part of for over a century.

Customer and community service is the primary focus of both banks and that will not change. The merger will provide customers with additional products, services and locations to serve them. Employees, that customers have come to know and trust, will continue to give the same friendly service as they have in the past.

After completion of the merger, Buena Vista National Bank will have assets of approximately $210 million with 7 locations including Chester, Rozier's Country Mart Chester, Evansville, Red Bud, Prairie du Rocher, Decatur and Warrensburg, Illinois.

Bank Presidents Carl Braun and Allen Kaisor stated that State Bank of Prairie du Rocher has experienced an outstanding history of strong performance and great customer service and those qualities fit well with the Buena Vista culture.