Midland States Bancorp, Inc. Announces Branch and Facilities Plan as Part of Ongoing Efficiency Initiative

Rhea-AI Summary

Midland States Bancorp (NASDAQ: MSBI) announced significant reductions in its branch network and corporate office space, aiming to boost efficiency and financial performance. By closing or consolidating 13 branches (20% of its network) and vacating 23,000 sq. ft. of office space, Midland expects to achieve annual cost savings of about $5 million. The company will also invest $4 million in renovating five branches to better serve customers, yielding an additional $1 million in savings starting in 2022. However, one-time costs related to these changes may reach $15 million.

Positive

• Expected annual cost savings of $5 million from branch and corporate office reductions.
• Planned renovations will generate an additional $1 million in annual savings starting in 2022.

Negative

• One-time costs associated with the restructuring could reach $15 million.
• The actions may indicate underlying financial pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EFFINGHAM, Ill., Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midland States Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: MSBI) (“Midland” or the “Company”) today announced a series of planned branch and corporate office reductions as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance efficiencies and financial performance.

Midland will close or consolidate 13 branches, or 20% of its branch network, and vacate approximately 23,000 sq. ft. of corporate office space by the end of 2020. The Company estimates that the branch and corporate office reductions will result in annual cost savings of approximately $5 million.

Additionally, Midland plans to renovate and upgrade five other branches to reduce the size and better utilize those facilities to serve retail and commercial customers. These renovations and upgrades are expected to cost approximately $4.0 million. The Company estimates that these renovations and upgrades will result in annual cost savings of approximately $1.0 million beginning in 2022.

The overall branch and facilities plan is expected to result in approximately $13-$15 million in one-time costs, primarily related to asset impairment charges, lease write-downs and severance. These charges include an approximately $1.1 million valuation adjustment related to property and vacant bank branches from past acquisitions that are held for sale.

“The actions announced today reflect our ongoing efforts to evaluate all aspects of our operations for opportunities to enhance efficiencies,” said Jeffrey G. Ludwig, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital banking and reduced the need for several of our smaller branches. Given the proximity of other branches, we believe that these adjustments to our branch network will have a minimal impact on our ability to provide customers with a convenient location to do their in-person banking.”

Mr. Ludwig continued, “The cost savings from these branch reductions, taken together with the recent sale of our FHA origination platform, are intended to drive further improvement in our efficiency ratio and result in a more consistent and predictable earnings stream.”

About Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

Midland States Bancorp, Inc. is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, and is the sole shareholder of Midland States Bank. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had total assets of approximately $6.64 billion, and its Wealth Management Group had assets under administration of approximately $3.25 billion. Midland provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services, business equipment financing, merchant credit card services, trust and investment management, insurance and financial planning services. For additional information, visit https://www.midlandsb.com/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/midland-states-bank.

Forward-Looking Statements

Readers should note that in addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including but not limited to statements about the Company’s plans, objectives, future performance, goals and future earnings levels. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including changes in interest rates and other general economic, business and political conditions, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic including its potential effects on the economic environment, our customers and our operations, as well as any changes to federal, state and local government laws, regulations and orders in connection with the pandemic; changes in the financial markets; changes in business plans as circumstances warrant; risks relating to acquisitions; and other risks detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers should note that the forward-looking statements included in this press release are not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will," "propose," "may," "plan," "seek," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "continue," or similar terminology. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

CONTACTS:
Douglas J. Tucker, Sr. V.P., Corporate Counsel, at dtucker@midlandsb.com or (217) 342-7321

FAQ

What does Midland States Bancorp (MSBI) plan to do with its branch network?

Midland States Bancorp plans to close or consolidate 13 branches, representing 20% of its network.

How much is Midland States Bancorp expected to save annually from its branch reductions?

The company estimates annual cost savings of approximately $5 million from the branch reductions.

What are the expected one-time costs for Midland's restructuring plan?

The one-time costs related to the branch and corporate office restructuring are expected to be between $13-$15 million.

When will Midland's branch renovations start generating savings?

The renovations of five branches are expected to yield an additional $1 million in annual savings starting in 2022.

Why is Midland States Bancorp reducing its branch network?

The decision is driven by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the shift towards digital banking.