Global Legal Chronicle | Vista Bancshares’ Acquisition of Charis Bank

Michael Kessler, David E. Brown, Patrick Hanchey, Anna Chong, Jordan Jensen, Brian Harvel, Brett Coburn, Blake MacKay, Kerry Wenzel, and David Teske are noted for representing Riverbend Lending in its acquisition by Redwood Trust.

Alston & Bird client BancorpSouth Bank has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Houston-based Icon Capital Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Icon Bank of Texas, National Association, for $176 million in cash and stock.

Alston & Bird represented Stratos Wealth Holdings and its Stratos business, a family of companies focused on supporting the success of financial advisors, in securing a $527 million strategic growth investment from SEI, a global provider of financial technology, operations, and asset management services. The business partnership will enable Ohio-based Stratos to strengthen its national network of over 360 financial advisors and planning practitioners working in more than 26 states.

Alston & Bird represented GMS, a leading North American specialty building products distributor, in its definitive agreement with The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, to be acquired by its specialty trade distribution subsidiary, SRS Distribution, for a total value of $5.5 billion. The transaction is expected to be completed by January 31, 2026, pending customary closing conditions.

Alston & Bird represented Texas-based Industry Bancshares and its six subsidiary banks in their acquisition by Cadence Bank, a Mississippi-based financial services company. Under the agreement, Cadence Bank will pay between $20 million and $60 million in cash for Industry Bancshares’ outstanding common stock.