The First merges into Renasant

Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc.  People driving in downtown Monticello have likely noticed a small addendum to the sign for The First, issuing a “Welcome to Renasant.” This comes after a merger between the two Mississippi-based banks was completed on April 1, 2025. The Renasant Corporation had announced in July of 2024 its agreement to merge with The First Bancshares, Inc., with an expectation to close the deal by mid 2025. John Oxford, the chief marketing officer for Renasant, told ECB Publishing, Inc. that full regulatory approval for the merger was issued on March 17, 2025, and completion followed two weeks later. “The conversion of systems and accounts will take place in