WELLSTON, OH -- The Milton Banking Company, a privately owned community bank headquartered in Wellston, Ohio, recently announced the regulatory approval of their merger with The First National Bank of New Holland.

The closing of the merger is expected to occur at the end of business Monday, March 31, 2008. Upon consummation of the merger, The First National Bank of New Holland will merge into The Milton Bank and the deposit and loan accountholders of First National will become accountholders of The Milton Bank.

“We are excited about the combination of the two banks,” said The Milton Bank President John G. Jones. “And it’s my pleasure to welcome the First National customers to The Milton Bank family. We look forward to serving them for years to come and we promise to continue the tradition of quality customer service with a community bank emphasis, which has been the hallmark of The First National Bank of New Holland.”

“This is a great opportunity for The First National Bank of New Holland and our customers,” added First National President James G. Francis. “It’s a perfect partnership because we will be able to offer more services to our customers while maintaining the commitment to our communities.”

First National Bank customers will be able to enjoy new services such as online banking, bill pay and identity theft insurance while still being served by the familiar faces they have come to know and trust.

Established in 1922, The Milton Bank has been serving the financial needs of its customers for over 85 years and currently operates three offices in Wellston, Jackson and Oak Hill, Ohio. As of December 31, 2007, Milton had total assets of approximately $89 million while First National had approximately $23 million. First National currently operates out of its headquarters in New Holland and has one additional office in the town of Mt. Sterling. Additional information about The Milton Bank can be found at The Milton Bank.