Fusion of the banks: Strong partnership for the region!

Fusion of the banks: Strong partnership for the region!

On February 3, 2025, the merger between the VR-Bankverein Bad Hersfeld-Rotenburg and the Volksbank Mittelhessen officially completed. The merger was carried out at the beginning of 2025 and takes place in joint cooperation, the two banks emphasize their position of strength. The board members, Dr. Peter Hanker and Dr. Lars Witteck from Volksbank Mittelhessen and Thomas Balk from the VR Bankverein, assured that this merger took place at eye level and should not be regarded as a takeover.

The Volksbank Mittelhessen proves with a total asset of around 10.8 billion euros that it is significantly larger than the VR banking club, which has a total asset of 1.1 billion euros. With around 345,000 managed customers and 197,230 members, the Volksbank Mittelhessen is well positioned in the market, while the VR banking club has around 46,000 customers and 21,893 members. Both banks together employ more than 1,300 employees.

growth opportunities and regional investments

The merger brings new growth opportunities for the VR banking club. An important aspect is that the larger bank can now react better to economic developments in the district. This change, according to the board members, will also strengthen the risk trivialism and expertise in medium -sized finance. In recent years, both banks have invested vigorously in new locations, which further consolidates regional identity and commitment in the region.

The board members, on the other hand, share that there will be no changes in the branch network. There is an existing guarantee for at least five years and a job guarantee for ten years. The existing contacts in the branches remain unchanged, which is also important for members and customers.

strategic goals and challenges

dr. Peter Hanker and Dr. Lars Witteck emphasize the long business cooperation and the common values ​​of the two banks. The merger is also seen in response to significant challenges such as regulations, digitization and demographic change. The board members of the VR Bankverein, including Hartmut Apel, Thomas Balk and Michael Herbst, are confident that the merger will increase the efficiency, innovative strength and profitability of the new cooperative bank.

With the decision on the merger, which was made in separate meetings in November 2024, a success story will be continued and the expansion in the market area in which both banks are active. Volksbank Mittelhessen also spent 1.3 million euros for regional projects last year, which underlines the importance of local investments and cooperation with local companies.