AmericanWest to Acquire Viking Bank
Dear Current and Future Customers,
The Boards of Directors of Viking Financial Services Corporation and Starbuck Bancshares, Inc., have approved an agreement whereby Starbuck Bancshares will purchase Viking Financial Services Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Viking Bank, pending approval by shareholders and regulators. Following the completion of the transaction, Viking Bank will be merged with and into AmericanWest Bank. The management team and employees of AmericanWest Bank are excited to welcome the employees and customers of Viking Bank and look forward to a very bright future.
AmericanWest Bank and Viking Bank share the same corporate values regarding customer service, care for employees and commitment to the community. We are focused on being a high-performing, business-focused community bank that provides exceptional customer service. Our team of experienced banking executives has demonstrated the ability to create and build a strong community bank while maintaining the core values that distinguish AmericanWest in the banking community. We are focused on and committed to creating mutually beneficial relationships between the organization, our customers, community partners and employees.
Viking Bank is an exceptional bank with exceptional people who understand what it means to be a community bank—to consistently deliver outstanding customer service, to work as a team toward a common goal, and to give something back to the community through hands-on involvement. We share a common set of values that drive our business practices, and our partnership will provide benefits for customers, employees, and communities. AmericanWest Bank is committed to establishing a strong presence in the Puget Sound market, and merging Viking Bank will significantly further our growth goals.
AmericanWest is well-capitalized, which will benefit Viking Bank customers by providing more resources, expanded product and service offerings, and even greater commitment to community involvement. With any merger there are changes; however, you can count on working with the same professional staff as always at the seven Viking Bank locations. In the coming weeks and months, you will receive more information on the merger, including details on expanded products and services. On behalf of the Board and management team, I offer you my sincere thanks for your business and look forward to expanding our relationship with you.
Sincerely,
Scott A. Kisting
Chairman & CEO
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