Q. Why did MVB decide to merge with IFH?
A. MVB continues to focus on key growth initiatives as part of our MVB-F1: Success Loves Speed Strategic Plan. We continue to be opportunistic and look for M&A deals that make sense to our business model. This acquisition accelerates our SBA growth vehicle and expands MVB’s guaranteed government lending platform (USDA, SBA).
Specifically, Windsor will provide the following for MVB:
| • | | Operational support – MVB recognized the need for increased operational support for our SBA Lending Team in the areas of underwriting, processing, closing, portfolio management and secondary market sales. |
| • | | Existing vendor relationship – Over the past 90 days Windsor has been MVB’s backup underwriting support. We have already begun to experience the benefits of having Windsor as a partner. We expect to see that impact grow exponentially as we work to implement Windsor’s full suite of service offerings. |
Q. Is this merger a good cultural alignment?
MVB leadership views shared culture and values as very important in the evaluation of M&A opportunities. IFH CEO Eric Bergevin and MVB President Don Robinson have spent a lot of time together over the past few months, getting to know the companies and their cultures. Both companies are focused on relationships, “blue ocean” opportunities and entrepreneurial mindset. There is good alignment, particularly with ability to help transform the asset side of our balance sheet through government guaranteed loan originations.
Q. What is the timing for this change?
A. IFH and MVB signed the Purchase Agreement on Aug. 12, 2022, and we have announced the change publicly and internally today, August 12, 2022. We expect the deal to close by early 2023.
Q. How are IFH Team Members impacted?
A. Through the acquisition, IFH will merge completely with MVB. West Town Bank & Trust will merge into MVB Bank. Windsor Advantage will become a wholly owned subsidiary of MVB Financial Corp. Upon closing of the transaction, IFH President and CEO Eric Bergevin will join MVB’s Executive Leadership Team as a direct report to CEO Larry F. Mazza. Riddick Skinner, EVP, Government Lending for IFH, and Michael Breckheimer, EVP, Corporate Strategy for IFH, will report to Bergevin.
During the next 60 days, MVB and IFH will be working as a team to evaluate the appropriate organizational structure and synergy opportunities for the combined companies.
At MVB, we always try to do the right thing for our business and Team Members. This includes being transparent with Team Members on both sides of the merger about what is happening. Historically in M&A deals, MVB takes care to make thoughtful decisions and focuses on ensuring there’s as good a landing as possible for everyone involved. MVB will be supportive and welcoming to all Team Members and will live our value of Respect, Love & Caring.