CANFIELD The pending merger between Farmers National Banc Corp. and Middlefield Banc Corp. is set to offer customers across Ohio and western Pennsylvania a larger branch network and a wider range of financial services.

The two financial institutions, both based in Northeast Ohio, announced their merger agreement on Tuesday. The transaction involves Farmers National Banc Corp., the parent company of The Farmers National Bank of Canfield, acquiring Middlefield Banc Corp., the parent company of The Middlefield Banking Company. Once the deal is complete, the combined operations will operate under the Farmers National Bank name.

The all-stock transaction is valued at approximately $299 million. It is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2026, pending approval from shareholders of both companies and regulatory agencies.

When the merger is finalized, all customers will be served by a larger institution. Farmers estimates the combined bank will have approximately $7.4 billion in total assets and a network of 83 branches across its operating territory.

Customers of The Middlefield Banking Company will experience the most direct changes. The bank’s 21 full-service branches will be converted into branches of Farmers National Bank, meaning the name and banking materials will change.

Middlefield President and CEO Ronald L. Zimmerly Jr. noted that clients will benefit from a “broader suite of financial products and advanced digital capabilities.” Farmers National Bank is a diversified company that, through its subsidiaries, offers wealth management services via Farmers Trust Company and various insurance products through Farmers National Insurance, LLC. Middlefield clients may gain access to these services, making it possible to handle more of their financial needs at a single institution.

The promised “advanced digital capabilities” suggest that Middlefield’s clients can expect upgrades or improvements to their mobile and online banking services as the systems are integrated. Furthermore, Middlefield customers will gain access to the 62 existing Farmers National Bank locations across Ohio and Pennsylvania, expanding the number of branches and fee-free ATMs available for their use.

Zimmerly stated the bank intends to preserve the “personalized service and local decision-making that define our culture,” aiming to maintain a community focus even as the institution grows.

For those who already bank with Farmers National Bank, the primary benefits stem from the expansion and strengthening of the bank’s market presence.

Farmers’ President and CEO Kevin J. Helmick said the partnership “meaningfully expands our footprint across Central and Western Ohio markets.” By adding Middlefield’s 21 branches, Farmers customers will have access to a larger network, particularly in areas like the Columbus region, where Farmers is looking to increase its presence. The merger also deepens the bank’s existing network in Northeast Ohio.

Bank officials believe that combining the assets of both banks will create a stronger financial base. While this primarily impacts the company’s ability to generate value for shareholders, increased resources can lead to continued investment in services and technology that benefit customers.

The merged bank will operate a network of 83 branches that covers a wide geographic area. Farmers National Bank currently operates in multiple counties across Northeast and Central Ohio, as well as in several counties in Western Pennsylvania. Middlefield Bank branches are concentrated in a variety of Ohio communities, including Ada, Dublin, Marysville, and Solon.

Farmers described the two companies' markets as “complementary.” The combined entity is designed to be a larger community bank that can better compete with bigger, national institutions in the region. Helmick pointed to Middlefield’s established presence in the Columbus region as a key factor in the merger, allowing Farmers to expand into what he called Ohio’s fast-growing market.

The official closing of the transaction, which involves Middlefield Banc Corp. shareholders receiving Farmers common stock, is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. Until then, bank customers do not need to take any immediate action.

Once the final closing occurs, Middlefield Bank will merge with Farmers National Bank. Customers of Middlefield Bank will receive detailed communications as the closing date approaches. These updates will outline the precise timeline for when their accounts will transition, when branch signs will change, and how they will gain access to the expanded array of services and digital tools offered by the combined Farmers National Bank.

The intent is for the change to be a smooth one, providing Middlefield customers with “a broader suite of financial products” while retaining “personalized service.”