Source: Shutterstock.
The $132 million Embark Federal Credit Union in Great Falls, Mont., said last week it plans to merge with the $1.7 billion Horizon Credit Union in Spokane Valley, Wash., next year, pending regulatory and member approvals.
The deal would expand Horizon's market presence in Montana, where Embark operates two branches in Great Falls, the state's third largest city with a population of 60,000. Horizon operates two branches in Missoula and one branch in Butte, according to its NCUA profile report.
Recommended For You
Horizon will also open a new branch in Bozeman during the first quarter of next year and it has a large 14-county charter in Montana, according to a prepared statement on Embark's website explaining some of its reasons for consolidating with Horizon.
"With our Great Falls locations, our members will gain five additional branches in Western Montana as well as top-of-the-line technology for digital services," Embark said in its prepared statement. "Horizon Credit Union recognizes the value of our market, understands our combined strength of culture, values, financial strengths and maintains a strong commitment to members. This was critical for our board of directors."
Horizon also manages 28 branches in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Embark President/CEO Deb Evans will continue to lead the Montana market if the consolidation is approved by members, and Jeff Adams will continue to serve as president/CEO of the combined organization.
Additionally, Embark's 31 employees will continue to operate the credit union's two branches that serve more than 10,000 employees. Horizon's 370 employees serve a membership of 104,570.
A special meeting for Embark's members to vote on whether to approve the consolidation will be scheduled after the credit union's merger application is approved by the NCUA.
"Years ago, the board of directors chose (the name) 'Embark' to signal a financial journey, not an event, and joining with Horizon Credit Union continues that financial journey," Evans said.
Chartered in 1936, Embark was originally founded as Great Falls Teachers Federal Credit Union.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
Peter Strozniak
Credit Union Times reporter covering credit union operations, fraud, M&As, leagues, business continuity, and breaking news.
