Though signage for the bank has been on the building for weeks now, Hattiesburg-based The First has officially announced plans to open its first Baton Rouge branch in the Towne Center building at 7054 Jefferson Highway that formerly was home to IberiaBank. The branch will open on Monday.
“Our company is profitable and well-capitalized. We are positioned for future growth and for further acquisition opportunities that may arise,” says president and CEO Hoppy Cole in a press release. “Expansion into the Baton Rouge market is a major part of our company’s strategic plan. We are excited about the combination of Market President Jarrett Nicholson and our team of experienced local bankers and a highly visible, convenient, full-service location at Towne Center. We believe this is an excellent entry into the Baton Rouge market and look forward to expanding our business in the Baton Rouge area.”
With the addition of the Baton Rouge branch, The First will have 32 locations spread across Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. Founded in 1996, The First—A National Banking Association—has approximately $1 billion in assets. The company’s stock is traded on Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol FBMS.
