Business
Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. to Acquire Signature Bancorporation Inc., Expanding into the Chicago Banking Market
Strategic Acquisition of a Premier Chicago Commercial Banking Franchise to Enhance Growth, Diversification and Expand Litigation Vertical in Chicago JERICHO,
About this update from Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Strategic Acquisition of a Premier Chicago Commercial Banking Franchise to Enhance Growth, Diversification and Expand Litigation Vertical in Chicago JERICHO, N.Y. and ROSEMONT, Ill., March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESQ) (\"Esquire\"), the parent company of Esquire Bank, National Association and Signature Bancorporation, Inc. (\"Signature\"), the parent company of Signature Bank, jointly announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement, pursuant to which Esquire will acquire Signature in an all-stock transaction. The combined company will have approximately $4.8 billion in assets at closing, joining Esquire's established national verticals with Signature's established Chicago commercial banking franchise, enhancing our continued industry leading performance and growth metrics.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nAndrew C. Sagliocca, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Esquire, said, \"Signature's leadership in the attractive Chicago market, best-in-class management team, and exceptional core funding provide Esquire with a strong platform for continued growth and expansion in the country's third largest metropolitan area or MSA and one of the nation's largest legal markets. This merger is compelling on multiple levels. Financially, it enhances our operating profile, expands our resources, and diversifies our balance sheet while maintaining a robust capital position for continued expansion in our unique national litigation platform. Strategically, the combination brings together two institutions with highly complementary commercial banking operations and capabilities. Most importantly, it unites two highly talented management teams with deep client relationships and strong market expertise. We are thrilled to welcome Signature's team, clients, and shareholders to Esquire.\"Mick O'Rourke, Co-Founder, Director, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Signature, said, \"We are excited to announce a partnership that will benefit both institutions, our clients, and our shareholders, while also positioning us to work together towards the next chapter of our combined organization's legacy. By bringing together Signature's strong Midwest commercial banking franchise with Esquire's national capabilities, we will have greater resources and expanded reach to support our...