has acquired
Sandy Spring Bancorp acquisition of WashingtonFirst Bankshares to create region’s largest, locally-headquartered community bank
May 16, 2017 / Olney, MD – Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:SASR) (“Sandy Spring”), the parent company of Sandy Spring Bank, and WashingtonFirst Bankshares, Inc. (Nasdaq:WFBI) (”WashingtonFirst”), the parent company of WashingtonFirst Bank, jointly announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement for Sandy Spring to acquire the Virginia-based WashingtonFirst to create one of the premier banks in the Greater Washington, D.C. region.
With combined assets of approximately $7.5 billion, the acquisition creates the largest, locally-headquartered community bank and brings together two well-known financial services brands that focus on providing remarkable client experiences, building lasting relationships and helping people and businesses reach their financial goals. While Sandy Spring Bank has served clients from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. since its inception nearly 150 years ago, the acquisition will significantly expand access for clients to the bank’s expertise and services, particularly in Northern Virginia.
“Following our record earnings announcement, this expansion and the combination of two strong local banks will create a premier bank that will better serve clients across the Greater Washington D.C. region and preserve the tradition of true community banking,” said Sandy Spring President and CEO, Daniel J. Schrider, who will continue to serve in this role. “Our mix of products and services are complementary, our cultures are aligned, and we share a commitment to providing the best possible service to our clients over a lifetime. Together, we look forward to serving more than 60,000 individuals and families, and nearly 30,000 local businesses, helping to create jobs and fuel the regional economy.”
In addition to serving clients through online and mobile banking, Sandy Spring operates 44 community banking offices and six financial centers in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. It has more than $5.2 billion in assets (as of 3/31/17). WashingtonFirst, headquartered in Reston, Va., has 19 community banking offices and more than $2.1 billion in assets (as of 3/31/17).