First American Bank, of Fort Dodge, is handing off three of its branch locations in central Iowa to Carroll County State Bank, of Carroll.

The companies made a joint announcement Thursday in a written statement.

Carroll County State Bank will be purchasing offices in Webster City, Jewell and Roland.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in March 2017, according to John A. Fisher, chief executive officer and president of First American Bank.

All existing employees of the acquired First American Bank branches will join the CCSB team, according to Fisher.

“This helps us improve our efficiency, helps us strengthen the balance sheet and improve the earnings,” Fisher said. “And, frankly, I think Carroll County State Bank was a really good fit. They are very good people. The culture is going to be the same. Nobody is going to lose a job as a result of it, which is a really good thing.”

Scott Bargfrede will continue to serve as market president in Webster City.

Bargfrede was named president of the Webster City bank in 1999.

“CCSB is a longstanding Iowa bank with roots dating back to 1870,” Jeff Scharfenkamp, CCSB president and CEO, said in a written statement. “We are excited for the opportunity to expand our footprint and serve the communities of Webster City, Jewell and Roland.”

David Flattery, CSBank president, said customers can expect the same level of quality service.

“It’s a positive move for our organization within the Fort Dodge, Webster City, Roland and Jewell community,” Flattery said. “We want to continue to focus on the needs of our community, as well as the smaller communities within our market place. We will continue to serve the needs of our community as we have in the past. Our customers can expect the same quality service that we have had in the past and can expect the same for the future.”

Fisher said the transition should be smooth for both employees and customers.

“People will deal with the same bankers they have had in the past,” Fisher said. “The team will continue to take care of customers in the way that they have with First American Bank. I think it’s a really good fit culturally and very important for our bank, First American Bank and Carroll County Bank and the Gronstal family, that everybody stays employed. I think it’s just a good fit culturally and works well.”

First American Bank has been conducting business in the Fort Dodge area since 1932.

The firm has offices throughout Iowa and southwest Florida.

The State Bank, as it was called, was established in Fort Dodge in 1934.

In 1976, The State Bank was the first bank in Fort Dodge to install its own computer system.

In July of 1982, a bank holding company, First American Bank Group Ltd., formed.

The State Bank’s name was changed that year to First American State Bank.

In 1994, First American Bank Group Ltd., merged with American State Bank locations in Ames and Roland, and Farmers State Bank, located in Jewell.

CCSB’s expansion should be beneficial to all parties, according to Fisher.

“Oftentimes in these types of transactions there is a winner and a loser and in this particular one, this is a win-win for everybody,” Fisher said. “It helps us with our efficiency and earnings and helps strengthen our balance sheet.”

“At the same time Carroll County wants to expand in Iowa and this is a good fit for them,” Fisher said. “I enjoyed working with them and will continue working with them into the closing and probably into the future. I think it’s a good partnership between the two institutions. I think it’s going to be a good fit. I have nothing other than good things to say about Carroll County Bank and the way they have conducted themselves and I think it’s just going to be a good fit for all parties including our employees and our clients.”