Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. and Lakeside Bancshares, Inc. Announce Shareholder and Regulatory Approvals for Pending Mergers
Catalyst Bancorp (Nasdaq: CLST) and Lakeside Bancshares (OTC: LKSB) said Lakeside shareholders approved the pending merger and all required regulatory approvals are in place. The companies expect the deal to close on or about July 14, 2026, subject to closing conditions. Catalyst reported $288.5 million in assets as of March 31, 2026.
How this was made

The 30-second read
Why it matters
By confirming both shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, the article reduces deal-execution risk and increases the probability of closing around July 14, 2026, which is typically relevant for merger-arbitrage and spread traders.
Market read
Deal-risk is lower as both shareholder approval and regulatory approvals are stated as obtained, shifting focus to remaining closing conditions and timing.
What to watch
The release does not specify any remaining regulatory/closing conditions beyond generic “closing conditions,” so traders should verify the latest merger agreement filings for any outstanding hurdles.
Background
Catalyst Bancorp (CLST) and Lakeside Bancshares (LKSB) announced a pending merger; this PR reports shareholder approval and regulatory approvals.
Ticker impact
Catalyst Bancorp says Lakeside shareholders approved the merger and all required regulatory approvals are obtained for the pending deal.
Moderately positive drift versus deal-uncertainty peers as approval/clearance risk falls.
The article is a primary disclosure of shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, which typically narrows the probability-weighted spread for merger-arb.
Market effects
Provides a datapoint that small-bank M&A deal processes are progressing through shareholder and regulatory gates.
Relevant to Louisiana community banking consolidation expectations.
Low; transaction is small and geographically concentrated.
Counterpoint
Even with approvals obtained, closing still depends on remaining conditions and timing; spreads can remain wide if conditions are not fully satisfied.
Key entities
- US-listed acquirer/merger partyCatalyst Bancorp, Inc.
Parent company for Catalyst Bank; reports shareholder approval and regulatory approvals for the pending merger.
- OTC-listed target/merger partyLakeside Bancshares, Inc.
Parent company for Lakeside Bank; reports shareholder approval and regulatory approvals for the pending merger.
- operating subsidiaryCatalyst Bank
Wholly owned subsidiary of Catalyst Bancorp.
- operating subsidiaryLakeside Bank
Wholly owned subsidiary of Lakeside Bancshares.


