Simmons First National Bank, a US commercial bank, completed the merger with Spirit of Texas Bank, a provider of bank services, in a $581m deal. “Strengthening our Texas franchise has been a strategic priority and to partner with Spirit not only enhances our current footprint, but also establishes a platform for growth in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and College Station. These markets have been among the fastest growing in the nation in terms of population and economic activity and projections call for this trend to continue. We believe this merger places us in an advantageous position to capture future growth in the Lone Star State,” George Makris, Simmons First National Bank Chairman and CEO.