Holding companies for Colorado bank branches to merge

First Express of Nebraska, the holding company for Western States Bank, which operates branches in Fort Collins and Loveland, and Valley Bank and Trust Co., plans to merge with First Wyoming Bancorp., the holding company for Wyoming State Bank. The merger, which still needs regulatory approval, is expected to be complete in the first half of 2016. The combined banks will have a total $57 million in equity and have $525 million in assets. “This partnership will allow us to provide more convenient,…