Business First Bancshares Completes $85M Private Debt Placement

Louisiana-based bank holding company raises capital through subordinated notes offering.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:30pm

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An extreme close-up of the intricate, metallic mechanisms of a banking vault or safe deposit box, representing the secure, powerful infrastructure of the financial system.The successful $85 million private debt offering will bolster Business First Bank's financial infrastructure as it expands community banking services across Louisiana.Baton Rouge Today

Business First Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of Business First Bank, has completed an $85 million private placement of subordinated notes. The capital raise will support the bank's continued growth and expansion across Louisiana.

Why it matters

The successful private placement demonstrates Business First's ability to access capital markets and strengthen its financial position as it seeks to expand its community banking footprint in the state. Subordinated debt offerings are a common way for banks to raise additional Tier 2 regulatory capital.

The details

The $85 million in subordinated notes have a 10-year term and will pay a fixed annual interest rate. The notes were placed with institutional investors and will be used by Business First to support organic growth, potential acquisitions, and general corporate purposes.

  • The private placement was completed on April 2, 2026.

The players

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

A bank holding company and the parent of Business First Bank, a Louisiana-based community bank with over $3 billion in assets.

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What they’re saying

“This capital raise will provide us with additional financial flexibility as we continue to grow our franchise and serve the needs of our communities across Louisiana.”

— Jude Melville, President and CEO of Business First Bancshares

The takeaway

The successful $85 million private placement of subordinated debt demonstrates Business First Bancshares' ability to access capital markets and strengthen its balance sheet as it seeks to expand its community banking presence in Louisiana through organic growth and potential acquisitions.