Central Bancompany: Uplisting to NASDAQ and Public Offering Insights (CBC IPO)

Adam Mitchell
Nov 10, 2025
4 min read

Founded over a century ago, Central Bancompany is no stranger to long-term growth. Known for its deep Midwestern roots and consistent profitability, the company is now taking a major step: transitioning from the OTC Markets to the NASDAQ via an IPO. For investors tracking regional banks or seeking opportunities in the financial services sector, this move is worth watching.

So what's the story behind the offering, and why does it matter? Let's dive in.

Company Background: Who is Central Bancompany?

Central Bancompany is a super-community bank with approximately $19 billion in total assets. It operates primarily in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and more recently, Florida. With a consistent ~10 percent earnings CAGR since 1972 and recognition from Forbes as one of America's Best Banks every year since 2009, the company has carved out a niche in regional banking with national-level metrics.

The slogan says it all: "Strong Roots, Endless Possibilities."

What Does Central Bancompany Do?

Central Bancompany generates revenue through a diversified community banking model. This includes traditional lending services such as commercial loans, real estate loans, and personal consumer credit. The company also earns substantial income through its deposit base, leveraging competitive interest rates and a robust customer network that supports a strong net interest margin. Their focus on efficiency has helped them maintain strong profitability with a net interest margin over 4 percent.

Beyond interest-based income, the company benefits from a wide array of non-interest revenue streams. These include wealth management services, trust and investment management, credit and debit card services, insurance brokerage, and treasury management solutions for businesses. With fee-based income accounting for over 22 percent of total revenue (24 percent adjusted), Central Bancompany balances interest-sensitive income with more stable, recurring service-based revenues.

Key IPO and Uplisting Details

Here’s what we know from the official filings and prospectus:

Offering Size: 17,778,000 shares of Class A common stock
Estimated Price Range: $21.00 to $24.00 per share
Midpoint Valuation: $400 million (based on $22.50 per share)
Uplisting From: OTC Markets (Symbol: CBCY)
New Exchange: NASDAQ Global Select Market
New Ticker: CBC
Overallotment Option: 2,666,700 additional shares (15 percent)
Offering Type: 100 percent primary

The registration also includes 4,088,940 additional shares that may be issued if the offering is upsized.

Use of Proceeds:

According to the filing, funds will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include financing future acquisitions. However, there are no agreements or plans in place for any specific acquisition as of now.

Leadership and Governance Structure

The bank is led by a seasoned executive team:

Bryan Cook, Executive Chairman, is part of the founding family and has served as CEO and COO
John Ross, President and CEO, brings experience from JP Morgan Chase
Jim Ciroli, CFO, previously held the same role at Flagstar Bancorp
Daniel Westhues, Chief Customer Officer, has deep experience in retail and marketing
Eric Hallgren, Chief Credit Officer, has over 20 years of credit leadership

Together, they guide a bank that balances traditional community banking with modern fintech capabilities.

Controlled Company Status

Despite going public, Central Bancompany will remain a controlled company. Over 71 percent of the Class A shares are held in a Voting Trust controlled by Bryan Cook and two directors. After the IPO, that figure will still be around 66 percent.

This means the company qualifies for certain governance exemptions under NASDAQ rules. Investors should note that shareholder influence will be limited due to the concentration of voting power.

Financial Performance Snapshot

Here’s a quick view of key financial metrics as of Q3 2025:

Total Assets: $19.2 billion
Net Interest Margin: 4.36 percent
Efficiency Ratio: 49.6 percent
Fee Income Ratio: 24.3 percent (adjusted)
Return on Average Assets (ROAA): 2.13 percent (adjusted)

These numbers reflect a bank with both operational efficiency and growth potential.

Strategic Rationale Behind the IPO

So why is a century-old bank going public now?

Capital Flexibility: The capital raised will support future growth, whether organic or through acquisitions
Market Visibility: Uplisting to NASDAQ increases the company's exposure to institutional investors
Liquidity for Shareholders: The offering provides more flexibility for current stakeholders
Operational Scaling: Increased capital can also support technology upgrades and geographic expansion

The timing aligns with continued growth momentum and a strong reputation in the banking sector.

Lock-Up Period

There’s a 180-day lock-up period for the company, directors, executive officers, and all members of the voting trust. This adds a layer of price stability for early-stage public investors.

Who’s Underwriting the Deal?

Joint lead book-running managers:

Morgan Stanley
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (A Stifel Company)

Joint bookrunners include:

Bank of America
Piper Sandler
Stephens Inc.

This is a well-supported syndicate that reflects confidence in the offering.

Investor Considerations

If you're looking at this IPO as an investment opportunity, here are a few things to weigh:

Pros:

Long-term profitability and earnings consistency
Strong leadership team with banking pedigree
High net interest margin and low efficiency ratio
Loyal customer base and strategic regional presence

Cons:

Controlled company structure limits outside influence
Regional exposure may limit geographic diversification
IPO proceeds are not tied to specific, disclosed growth initiatives

Final Takeaway

Central Bancompany’s IPO and uplisting represent a strategic leap for a regional powerhouse. While it retains a closely held voting structure, the bank is stepping onto a larger stage with access to more capital, broader investor visibility, and increased momentum for future growth.

With over a century of consistent performance and a highly credentialed leadership team, Central Bancompany could be one of the more stable banking plays of 2025.

FAQs

When will the IPO go live on NASDAQ?

The exact date has not been disclosed but will occur once the registration statement becomes effective.

What is the new ticker symbol?

CBC

What was the previous trading symbol?

CBCY on the OTC Markets

How many shares are being offered?

17,778,000 shares, with a 15 percent overallotment option

Will the company remain under family or internal control?

Yes, the Voting Trust will retain over 65 percent of voting power post-IPO

Are the shares FDIC insured?

No, the shares are not insured by the FDIC or any government agency

What is the expected price range per share?

Between $21.00 and $24.00 per share

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Investing in securities involves risk, and you should consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This blog does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.