Catalyst Bancorp to Expand Louisiana Footprint via Lakeside Bancshares Acquisition

Catalyst Bancorp Inc (CLST) has announced a strategic expansion into southwest Louisiana through the acquisition of Lakeside Bancshares Inc (LKSB). The all-cash transaction will result in Lakeside merging into Catalyst, with Catalyst bank remaining as the surviving entity. The deal is designed to broaden Catalyst's customer base and market reach while leveraging cost synergies to drive growth. Under the terms of the agreement, Lakeside shareholders are set to receive $19.58 per share in cash, totaling approximately $41.1 million, subject to final adjustments. Based on financial data from December 31, 2025, the combined organization will manage assets totaling approximately $627.3 million. This balance sheet includes a loan portfolio of $399.9 million and deposits amounting to $470.0 million. Catalyst management expects the acquisition to be highly accretive, projecting an increase in earnings per share of more than 180 percent within three years. The deal has already received unanimous approval from the boards of both institutions. The transaction is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2026, pending customary regulatory and shareholder approvals. Following the announcement, Catalyst shares traded up 2.69 percent in after-hours activity, trading at $17.56.