Aligning Executive Compensation With Member Interests In A Merger

When a change in control occurs in a credit union, the board of directors must consider the best interests of its members. This means not only ensuring the financial health of the organization is stabilized, but also putting… Read More
When Prospective Partners Come Knocking

New White Paper Explores Obstacles to CU Merger Proposals ‘When Prospective Partners Come Knocking’ Although credit union executives and boards have a duty to consider members’ interests in all matters, other factors may take precedence when it comes… Read More
The Anatomy of an Ideal Credit Union Merger Partner

Credit union mergers and acquisitions have been on the rise for several years. In fact, credit unions have been merging at the rate of 2.9 percent per year since the industry reached its peak in 1969 with nearly… Read More
Seven B.C. Credit Unions Explore Forming a “Regional Amalgamation”

In this atmosphere of hyper-competition in the financial services industry, credit unions throughout North America are exploring the potential of strengthening their positions through beneficial consolidations and mergers. In British Columbia, the potential benefits of a major consolidation… Read More
Bank Branch Acquisition Offers Credit Unions Another Option To Expand

As the recent acquisition of a community bank branch by Vocal Credit Union demonstrates, mergers aren’t the only avenue open to credit unions aiming to expand their reach and membership. Vocal CU, a $30 million financial cooperative based… Read More
Overcoming The Fear Of Merger

If your credit union has never been through a merger before, the entire idea can be frightening for everyone involved, from the C-suite to the newest employees. There are a lot of unknown aspects, and credit union leaders… Read More
Change-In-Control Agreements – Align Member And Executive Interests

New White Paper Explores Change-in-Control Agreements as a Tool in Credit Union Merger Discussions KENT, Wash. (May 31, 2018)—Change-in-control agreements may be an underutilized means of helping to ensure an objective assessment of merger proposals in the credit union… Read More
Worried About Your Role As CEO Post Merger?

As a CEO, you’ve likely spent many years procuring your credit union into what it is today. You’ve logged countless hours in board meetings, met with staff at all different levels, and dedicated your days to ensuring your… Read More
The Merged CEO’s Future After The Merger
CEOs have several great pathways in a credit union merger. Learn about the options and process for securing a great future through a merger, whether it be continued employment or retirement.
Not A Wall Street Merger – A Uniquely Credit Union Merger

Suddenly, the crowd erupted. Tears started flowing. Members and staff alike shouted aloud in celebration of victory. These weren’t tears of sadness, but tears of joy. Board members, staff and members embraced each other with warm hugs. In… Read More
Survive or Thrive? – The Question Credit Union Leadership Must Answer

In a perfect world, every business would be built to last forever, but that’s simply not the way things go. Competition ebbs and flows, some industries flourish, some companies flounder. In the credit union world, leaders are rapidly… Read More
5 Ways Employees Benefit From A Credit Union Merger

It seems that most of the time when employees hear whispers of a merger, they instantly become uncomfortable and begin to worry about their future. In fact, just the word merger can be terrifying to a credit union… Read More
Can The Network Credit Union Model Help You Compete?

The National Credit Union Association has suggested in more than one article that small credit unions should at least consider the idea of a network merger in the context of potentially creating partnerships with multiple small credit unions… Read More
Mergers Offer Opportunities for Credit Union Members, Employees

Banks are in business for profit, and their clientele are exactly that: customers fueling profits. The advantage of credit union banking has always been its customer service; “membership” is the advantage. Because of a credit union’s not-for-profit status,… Read More
The 3rd Best Day of My Life

We lifted our glasses of champagne in celebration; After months of evaluating merger proposals from several credit unions, selecting a finalist, and completing the final negotiations my client could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Leaning back in… Read More
How Small Credit Unions Benefit From Mergers

Today’s financial market is extremely competitive and most smaller banks and credit unions face a difficult uphill battle in trying to survive among their larger competitors. The larger a credit union is, the more resources it has at… Read More
Instant Gratification Through Mergers

Small credit union managers can be forgiven for feeling a little stressed. They regularly face one of the most challenging jobs in the financial industry: trying to operate a small, community credit union in the same field as… Read More
The Squeeze On Small Credit Unions

There was a time when a quaint, small credit union could compete with the bigger organizations in town. In simpler times, things were a lot different; however, today’s ultra-competitive credit union economy relies on economies of scale in… Read More
Should Credit Unions Grow For Growth’s Sake?

“We don’t want to grow just for growth’s sake.” It’s a comment I almost always hear during strategic planning sessions, and it reveals a potentially disastrous mindset. Growth isn’t an option to consider, but a necessity to start… Read More
Is Now the Right Time for Your Credit Union to Consider a Strategic Merger?

One of the leading reasons credit unions engage in mergers is declining membership, according to a study conducted by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). It found that 47 percent of merging credit unions had negative member growth… Read More