First Western Financial, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Deposits, Loans and Other Assets of Four Simmons Bank Locations in Denver

DENVER, May 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Western Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYFW), a financial services holding company headquartered in Denver, Colorado (“First Western”), announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, First Western Trust Bank (the “Bank”), has successfully closed a branch purchase and assumption transaction with Simmons Bank (“Simmons”). Under the terms of the transaction’s definitive agreement, the Bank acquired three branches and one loan production office located in the Denver metro area, purchased loans of approximately $119.8 million and assumed deposits of approximately $67.4 million.

The three branch locations are in Englewood, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree, while the fourth location is a loan production office located in Denver. First Western will convert all three branch locations to First Western offices, and has closed the loan production office. The Bank further intends to retain the Loan Tree location while consolidating the Englewood and Highlands Ranch locations into First Western’s existing boutique private banking office locations in the coming months.

Simmons Bank customers associated with these locations are now a part of First Western, a 16-year-old Colorado company that is proud of its history within Colorado and the Denver community. First Western’s holistic approach to helping clients with their personal banking, commercial banking, wealth management, and investment management needs is truly unique.

First Western also announced that Matt Cassell, who formerly led Simmons Bank’s Colorado banking presence, and the members of Simmons’ current Colorado-based banking team have agreed to join First Western to help ensure a smooth transition for the Bank’s new clients. Mr. Cassell joins First Western’s leadership team as President of Commercial Banking, bringing with him over 20 years of experience working with Colorado-based businesses. Mr. Cassell will report to Scott Wylie, Chairman and CEO.

First Western is further pleased to announce the hiring of Nick Lepetsos as Market President of the Bank’s new Lone Tree office. Mr. Lepetsos adds nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry in the Denver area, making him an invaluable addition to First Western’s team of talented and experienced banking professionals. Most notably, he served as the president of First American State Bank, a $280 million community bank in the Denver Tech Center, until 2004. He’s also served on the board of the Colorado Venture Capital Authority for more than 15 years, including serving as its chairman from 2012 to 2014.

“I am so proud of our associates, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the successful closure of this important transaction for First Western Trust and our new clients. This transaction will add to the growth and diversification of our franchise and deepen our presence in our core Denver market. I am also equally happy to welcome Nick, Matt and all of our new associates to our First Western family,” said Mr. Wylie. “In the midst of one of the most significant health, safety and economic challenges we have faced with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, our team of experienced associates has remained focused on helping our clients, our community, and company continue moving forward. It is a truly remarkable accomplishment and demonstrates the continued growth and expertise of our organization and our team.”

A welcome kit has been provided to all impacted Simmons Bank customers with information about changes to their banking accounts, lending accounts, cards, checks, CDs, and other relevant details.

In addition, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, First Western has taken several actions to support its clients and the communities it serves. To ensure the safety of associates and clients, First Western has moved to a “by appointment only” approach for in-person banking within all offices. First Western is also actively participating in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) lending and financial assistance programs, and has made significant contributions to the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art’s Octopus Initiative (OI) and National Jewish Health’s (NJH) COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, among other pandemic related contributions.

About First Western Financial, Inc.