Two well-known community banks are joining forces.

HBT Financial, the Bloomington-based parent company of Heartland Bank and Trust has announced a merger with Carlinville-based CNB Bank Shares.  CNB Bank Shares operates CNB Bank & Trust locations across Illinois, eastern Iowa, and Missouri, including right here in Taylorville.

The deal, valued at about $170 million, will create a combined company with nearly $7 billion in assets and 84 branches across the region.

Both banks say the merger will strengthen their community banking focus while expanding services and resources for customers.

The transaction still needs approval from shareholders and regulators but is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

When completed, CNB Bank & Trust locations, including the Taylorville branch, will become part of Heartland Bank & Trust under HBT Financial.