Community West Bancshares Announces Key Developments Regarding Proposed Merger with United Security Bancshares

FRESNO, CA, March 16, 2026 – Community West Bancshares (NASDAQ: CWBC), a leading state commercial bank based in California, has filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) detailing significant updates regarding its proposed merger with United Security Bancshares (“USB”). This update is critical for shareholders and could be price-sensitive due to its implications for the strategic direction, potential synergies, and future financial performance of the combined entity.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Merger Update: Community West Bancshares (CWBC) and United Security Bancshares (USB) are advancing towards a proposed merger. The companies have filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which includes a joint proxy statement/prospectus sent to both companies’ shareholders.
• Regulatory and Shareholder Approval Required: The merger remains subject to approval by both CWBC and USB shareholders, as well as regulatory clearance. The finalization of the merger is not guaranteed until these steps are completed.
• Potential Synergies and Strategic Rationale: The companies anticipate that the merger will bring beneficial synergies, potential cost savings, and operational efficiencies. The transaction is expected to strengthen the combined company’s position within the California banking market.
• Forward-Looking Statements and Risks: The filing includes a comprehensive cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements. Management warns that actual results may differ materially from current expectations due to numerous risks, including delays in integration, unexpected costs, inability to achieve anticipated benefits, regulatory changes, and market conditions.
• Access to Important Documents: All relevant documents, including the joint proxy statement/prospectus, are available free of charge on the SEC’s website and each company’s investor relations webpage. Shareholders are strongly urged to read these documents before making any voting decisions.

Matters That May Impact Shareholder Value

• Merger Completion Risk: If the merger does not receive the necessary shareholder or regulatory approvals, or if integration challenges arise, the anticipated benefits may not be realized, potentially impacting the value of CWBC shares.
• Potential Dilution: The merger will involve the issuance of additional shares of CWBC common stock, which may dilute the holdings of existing shareholders.
• Integration Risks: The success of the merger depends on the timely and efficient integration of USB into CWBC. Delays or difficulties could result in increased costs or reduced expected synergies, which could affect operating results and, consequently, share price.
• Market and Economic Uncertainties: The companies acknowledge that general economic and financial market conditions could also affect the outcome of the merger and the performance of the combined entity.
• Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer: The management of both CWBC and USB explicitly states that forward-looking statements are based only on information currently available and are not guarantees of future performance. There is no obligation for the companies to update these statements in light of new information or future events.

What Shareholders Should Do

• Carefully review the joint proxy statement/prospectus and all related SEC filings available at www.sec.gov.
• Contact Investor Relations at CWBC (7100 N. Financial Dr., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93720, Phone: (916) 235-4617) or USB (2126 Inyo St., Fresno, CA 93721, Phone: (559) 490-6261) for additional information or to request copies of documents.
• Monitor future filings and press releases from both companies for further updates and any changes to the expected timetable or terms of the merger.

Contact Information

• Investor Contact (CWBC): Shannon Livingston
• Media Contact: Debbie Nalchajian-Cohen
• Investor Contact (USB): Dave Kinross, (559) 490-6261

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor is it a substitute for the official proxy statement/prospectus or other filings made with the SEC. Investors should review all official materials and consult with their financial advisors before making investment decisions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. Community West Bancshares, United Security Bancshares, and their representatives undertake no obligation to update this article based on future events or information.

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