NEWARK, Ohio and DYERSBURG, Tenn., Oct. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Park National Corporation (“Park”) (NYSE AMERICAN: PRK) and First Citizens Bancshares, Inc. (“FIZN”) (OTCEM: FIZN) have signed a definitive merger agreement, pursuant to which FIZN will merge with and into Park (the “parent merger”). Following the parent merger, First Citizens National Bank (First Citizens), the bank subsidiary of FIZN, will merge with and into Park's bank subsidiary, The Park National Bank (the “bank merger”). After closing, First Citizens' CEO and President, Jeff Agee, will lead the new Tennessee Region of Park National Bank. One current FIZN director will join Park's Board of Directors, and Park will maintain First Citizens' current two local community advisory boards. Park will continue First Citizens' strong legacy of community support through local partnerships, investment and engagement, and will maintain First Citizens' philanthropic commitments to organizations across its footprint.