Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. Acquisition of Lakeside Bancshares, Inc.

Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (Catalyst) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lakeside Bancshares, Inc. (Lakeside) in an all-cash transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, Catalyst will acquire all outstanding shares of Lakeside common stock for $19.58 per share, totaling approximately $41.1 million. This acquisition will be structured as a share exchange followed by a merger, where Lakeside Bancshares will merge into Catalyst Bancorp, and Lakeside Bank will merge into Catalyst Bank. The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share and tangible book value per share within three years. The combined entity anticipates significant cost savings and enhanced growth potential. Regulatory and shareholder approvals are required, with an expected closing in the third quarter of 2026. Catalyst Bancorp is a Louisiana-based financial institution, and Lakeside Bancshares operates primarily in Southwest Louisiana. The merger aims to strengthen Catalyst's presence in the region and improve its competitive position.