FULDA - The First National Bank of Fulda has made application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to purchase the United Prairie Bank branches in Springfield and Slayton from the United Prairie Banks System.

The acquisition is dependent on the OCC's approval. The acquisition notice is currently being published and written comments are being accepted by the Director of District Licensing, Comptroller of the Currency, 1225 17th Street, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80202.

According to the public notice, First National Bank of Fulda intends to continue operating the two branches, and to fold its Fulda branch into the Slayton United Prairie Bank.

United Prairie Banks includes 14 other branches, including a branch in New Ulm, besides the two involved in the acquisition. They will not be affected by the acquisition.