CAMDEN — Camden National Corporation (“Camden National”) (NASDAQ: CAC), the bank holding company for Camden National Bank, and Northway Financial, Inc. (“Northway”) (OTCQB: NWYF), the parent company of Northway Bank, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Camden National will acquire Northway in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $86.6 million.
The transaction presents a unique opportunity to combine two high-quality and culturally aligned franchises with adjacent geographies, creating a premier publicly traded northern New England bank. The combined company will have 74 branches serving attractive markets throughout a contiguous footprint in New Hampshire and Maine, with approximately $7.0 billion in assets, $5.1 billion in loans, $5.5 billion in deposits, and $2.0 billion of Assets Under Administration. The combined company will operate under the Camden National Bank name.
“Camden National and Northway share a similar culture, consistent credit and risk profiles, and deep commitment to the communities we serve,” said Simon Griffiths, president and chief executive officer of Camden National. “This union will increase our size and scale, and bolster our presence in New Hampshire, which we believe will drive profitability and shareholder value. Our customers, employees, and communities will significantly benefit from broader product offerings, higher lending limits, and an enhanced customer experience.”
“We are excited to announce this strategic combination with Camden National. The ability to have two organizations with similar missions come together positions us well in a significantly competitive market; particularly with an improved ability to allocate capital in more ways than we could on our own. Combined, we strengthen our foundations of a forward-thinking approach to community banking while best serving clients with whom we have built strong relationships over the years.” said William Woodward, president, chief executive officer and chair of Northway Financial. “With shared histories and community commitment, this alliance doesn’t just extend our influence; it drives significant operational enhancements and strategically positions us for future growth for years to come.”
Subject to the terms of the definitive agreement, which both boards have unanimously approved, Northway shareholders will receive 0.83 shares of Camden National common stock for each outstanding share of Northway common stock. Based on Camden National’s closing stock price of $37.90 on Sept. 9, the transaction is valued at approximately $86.6 million or $31.46 per share of Northway common stock. Following the completion of the transaction, one Northway director will join the boards of directors of both Camden National and Camden National Bank upon the completion of the transaction.
Griffiths continued, “The merger will build upon our existing presence in New Hampshire and provide the opportunity to leverage our significant technology investments and advice capabilities across an expanded customer base. Together, we will be able to unlock meaningful growth opportunities and create additional capacity for further strategic technology investments to deliver an enhanced offering for customers. I am excited to work with Northway’s impressive team to build upon both of our successful community banking franchises.”
As of June 30, Northway had approximately $1.3 billion of total assets, $0.9 billion of total loans, and $1.0 billion of deposits.
On a combined basis, the merger is expected to be approximately 19.9 percent accretive to Camden National’s 2025 earnings per share and 32.7 percent accretive to Camden National’s 2026 earnings per share. Following the completion of the merger, Camden National’s capital ratios are expected to remain significantly above “well-capitalized” thresholds, with the pro forma company well-positioned for future growth.
The merger is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2025, subject to certain customary conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by Northway shareholders.
Upon completion of the transaction, Camden National shareholders will own approximately 86 percent of the combined company and Northway’s shareholders will own approximately 14 percent of the combined company, which will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the “CAC” stock ticker symbol.
Camden National Corporation is Northern New England’s largest publicly traded bank holding company, with $5.7 billion in assets. Founded in 1875, Camden National Bank has 57 branches in Maine and New Hampshire, is a full-service community bank offering the latest digital banking, complemented by award-winning, personalized service. Additional information is available at CamdenNational.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Comprehensive wealth management, investment, and financial planning services are delivered by Camden National Wealth Management.
Northway Financial, Inc., headquartered in North Conway, New Hampshire, is a bank holding company and parent company of Northway Bank. Through Northway Bank, Northway offers a broad range of financial products and services to individuals, businesses, and the public sector from its 17 branches and its loan production offices located in North Conway, Laconia, Bedford, Concord, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Additional information is available at Northwaybank.com.
