Journey Financial Group (a Texas corporation) and Lone Star Bank (a Texas banking association headquartered in Houston) jointly announced the signing of a definitive agreement for Journey Financial Group to acquire Lone Star Bank. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close in the late second quarter or early third quarter of 2026, pending customary closing conditions, including shareholder approval from Lone Star and regulatory approvals.
Journey Financial Group is led by Dean O. Bass and Kevin Bass. Dean Bass previously founded Spirit of Texas Bank in 2008, initially focusing on the Houston SMSA before expanding into major cities across Texas. As chairman and chief executive officer, he oversaw the bank’s growth from a $39 million institution into a multi-market Texas banking platform that ultimately went public under the ticker STXB before being sold to Simmons First National Corporation in 2022. At the time of the sale, the bank had more than $3 billion in total assets. Earlier in his career, Bass also founded Royal Oaks Bank in Houston, developing it into a profitable community bank before selling it to a Missouri-based banking company.
Lone Star Bank was established in 2006 and operates as an independent, privately owned community bank focused primarily on commercial banking. The bank offers a diversified range of financial products and services, including conventional business loans, real estate lending, and SBA loans. Lone Star currently operates four banking locations across Harris, Colorado, and Austin counties in Texas.
As of December 31, 2025, Lone Star Bank reported total assets of $191 million, total deposits of $167 million, and total loans of $166 million.
Under the agreement, Lone Star President and CEO Dennis L. Harrington will remain with the combined organization, serving as vice chairman and Houston president.
Journey Financial Group is being advised by Hovde Group as financial advisor and Hunton Andrews Kurth as legal counsel. Lone Star Bank is being advised by Piper Sandler as financial advisor and Bradley Arant Boult Cummings as legal counsel.
KEY QUOTES:
“We have admired the growth and reputation of the Lone Star franchise over the past many years and are excited about the potential of this new partnership to become a leading community bank for the Houston community.”
Dean O. Bass, Chairman And Chief Executive Officer, Journey Financial Group
“Under the veteran leadership of Dean Bass, Journey has the capital resources and relationships to expand the reach of Lone Star across the Houston area and into new and larger business opportunities.”
Dennis L. Harrington, President And Chief Executive Officer, Lone Star Bank
