Peoples Bancorp Inc. receives Federal Reserve approval for merger

Peoples Bancorp Inc.: Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Marietta, Ohio, that operates Peoples Bank and provides banking and financial services to customers across its region. The Federal Reserve Board has approved its application to merge with Citizens National Corporation and thereby acquire Citizens Bank of Kentucky, enabling expansion into Kentucky through the integration of the acquired bank's operations and branches. Citizens National Corporation: Citizens National Corporation is a bank holding company based in Paintsville, Kentucky, serving as the parent entity for Citizens Bank of Kentucky. It is the target of the approved merger with Peoples Bancorp Inc., which will result in its indirect acquisition and the combination of its subsidiary bank into the Peoples network. Citizens Bank of Kentucky, Inc.: Citizens Bank of Kentucky, Inc. is a community bank headquartered in Paintsville, Kentucky, focused on serving local customers. The Federal Reserve has approved its merger with Peoples Bank, allowing the institution to continue operations at its existing branch locations under the ownership of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Bank Mergers: Regional banking organizations pursue consolidations with institutions in adjacent states to broaden their geographic footprint and service capabilities. Regulatory Oversight: The Federal Reserve Board reviews and approves applications by bank holding companies for mergers and acquisitions to support a stable and competitive banking system.