Two credit unions merging in Northwest

Horizon Credit Union in Spokane Valley, Washington, and Embark Credit Union in Great Falls, Montana, have agreed to a merger.

Jeff Adams, president and CEO of the $1.7 billion-asset Horizon, would become head of the combined institution. Deb Evans, president and CEO of the $133 million-asset Embark, would oversee the region currently served by Embark.

The deal, which has to be approved by state and federal regulators, would create an “alliance that will improve and expand products, services and access for our current and future members, as well as provide career opportunities for Embark staff,” Evans said in a news release announcing the agreement Wednesday.

Horizon already had a presence in Montana. It merged with Montana First Federal Credit Union in 2012. Horizon’s last M&A deal came in 2020, when it merged with Icon Credit Union in Boise, Idaho.

The combined company would have 31 branches in Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington.

“We are excited to partner with Embark Credit Union in the Great Falls community ... with Deb Evans as the regional leader,” Adams said in the release. “We look forward to collaborating to create additional value for the current membership and providing more options for consumers in the community."