Executives will stay after bank merger

SARASOTA — Branches of Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida in Sarasota and Bradenton will remain open with the merger of Gateway Bank and CenterState Banks. The offices will operate as CenterState Bank banking centers.

Shareholders approved the merger and all regulatory approvals have been received. Winter Haven-based CenterState Banks acquired Gateway's parent company in a $142.5 million deal announced last November.

Several people will stay with the organization, including Senior Loan Officer Dennis Murphy, Director of Private Wealth Brian Hall and Retail Banking Team Leader Cindy Denison. Gateway Bank President and CEO Shaun Merriman will also remain with the bank.

“I am very pleased to continue as Market President with CenterState in this area for years to come,” says Gateway Bank President and CEO Shaun Merriman in a statement. “We are excited that key bank officers will remain in their positions and continue our culture of excellent customer service as we join the CenterState Bank family.”

CenterState has 76 bank offices in 23 counties in Florida.