Two Houston credit unions to merge

First Service Credit Union in Houston and People’s Trust Federal Credit Union in Houston have agreed to merge into an institution with more than $1.3 billion of assets and over 98,000 members.

Dave Bleazard, president and CEO of the $847 million-asset First Service, would become the head of the combined institution. Steve Branstetter, interim president and CEO of the $510 million-asset People’s Trust, would become executive vice president.

“This strategic partnership will result in the knowledge and resources needed to innovate and to deliver an outstanding member experience throughout all in-person and digital channels,” Bleazard said in a press release Friday. “Our directors and leadership teams strongly believe that we can be even better together.”

The newly formed credit union would operate under the First Service name and charter. Members of People’s Trust are expected to vote on the deal early next year.

“By uniting two strong and financially sound credit unions, we will be able to provide our members with more value and convenience and to offer our employees better benefits and career opportunities,” Branstetter said in a release. “The combination of our top-notch products and talented teams will give us a competitive advantage, and our membership and surrounding communities will flourish as a result of this partnership.”

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