The boards of directors of the $848 million Goldenwest Credit Union in Ogden, Utah and the $143 million USUCharter Credit Union in Logan, Utah, said Tuesday they have agreedto merge.

Although USUCCU will merge into Goldenwest CU, USUCCU willmaintain its brand to stay “true to its roots” as an affiliate ofUtah State University, according to a joint statement released bythe credit unions. USUCCU will operate as a division of GoldenwestCU.

“It is important we retain our identity as a credit union thatserves the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Utah StateUniversity,” said Steve Carroll, board chair of USUCCU. “Ourmembers have tremendous loyalty to the Utah State brand.”

Established in 1957 on the Utah State University campus, USUCCUserves 17,224 members and operates five branches. Goldenwest CUopened its doors in 1936 and operates 21 branches and serves 88,319members.

“Goldenwest is the ideal strategic partner for us,” said DavidButterfield, president/CEO of USUCCU. “Both credit unions arefinancially sound, our fields of membership are complementary toone another, and we share similar values for members, employees andthe community.”

The merger is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter,the credit unions said.