04:56 PM EDT, 04/02/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Business First Bancshares ( BFST ) said Thursday it completed the private placement of $85 million of 6.5% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2036.

Proceeds will be used to redeem $66.93 million in subordinated notes, provide capital support to Business First unit b1BANK, support growth, and repay debt, among other purposes, the company said.