Feb 7 (Reuters) - Northpointe Bancshares is targeting a

valuation of up to $595 million in its initial public offering

in the United States, the private equity-backed community bank

said on Friday.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based community bank plans to

sell 7.4 million shares, while some existing shareholders are

offering 1.5 million shares priced between $16 and $18 each,

aiming to raise a total of up to $159 million.

The IPO comes as the banking sector is poised to benefit

in a more favorable operating environment with the new

Republican administration in the U.S, with analysts suggesting

that 2025 could be a new "Goldilocks" period for the industry.

Northpointe will list on the New York Stock Exchange

under the symbol "NPB".

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Piper Sandler, and Janney

Montgomery Scott are the underwriters for the offering.