VR Bank and Volksbank merge: Strong VR VerbundBank is created!

VR Bank and Volksbank merge: Strong VR VerbundBank is created!

In a significant step for the financial landscape in Hesse, the members of VR Bank HessenLand and Volksbank Lauterbach-Schlitz decided to merge their two institutions with an overwhelming majority vote on June 13, 2025. With an approval of 99.6% at VR Bank and a unanimous vote at Volksbank, the new bank is named VR VerbundBank company name. The aim of this merger is to provide even better support for the region and to strengthen its attractiveness as an employer.

Both banks have a solid balance sheet and reasonable profitability, which is the basis for this merger. While the internal restructuring is underway, customers will continue to have their usual contacts on site. A clear advantage of the new structure is the standardization of internal processes, which is intended to create synergies. It was also stated that there will be no layoffs or branch closures, which is an enjoyable relief for many employees.

Strong focus on regionality

Like its predecessors, VR VerbundBank will focus heavily on regionality. “We are life companions and partners of the regions,” says the company concept. This is reflected in the availability by telephone and the personal support on site. The new bank will serve over 105,000 customers and have total assets of 3.2 billion euros, demonstrating the extensive reach and stability of the merged banks.

Another goal of the merger is to actively adapt to the changing challenges in the banking market. According to a recent study by Deloitte The regional banking sector is facing massive changes. Mergers are seen as a winning strategy for improving customer service and recruiting qualified personnel. Over the last few years, many smaller institutions have already recognized and implemented the advantages of a merger.

The next steps

The technical merger of the two banks is scheduled for November 15, 2025, and it remains exciting to see how the new power in the banking market will develop. Dr. Constantin H. Schmitt from Schwalmstadt will take over the chairmanship of the new supervisory board, while Detlef Krau will act as deputy. Helmut Euler will take on the role of spokesman on the board, supported by Norbert Lautenschläger.

Overall, VR VerbundBank can look back on a successful 2024 financial year. The customer volume served rose by 103 million euros to 3.8 billion euros and customer deposits increased by around 50 million euros. The real estate portfolio, which generates around 5.9 million euros in rental income annually, is also particularly pleasing. Thanks to this positive development, over 40,000 members can expect a dividend of four percent.

The course has been set for a future-oriented and regionally rooted bank. VR Bank HessenLand and Volksbank Lauterbach-Schlitz have, with their merger, paved the way for the new VR VerbundBank and thus show that perseverance and a sense of community can also hold a high value in banking.