Nusenda Credit Union acquires Las Cruces-based Western Heritage Bank

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Nusenda Credit Union, New Mexico’s largest locally owned and operated credit union, is acquiring Western Heritage Bank, a state-chartered institution out of Las Cruces.

Bank officials state Western Heritage focuses on local customers, helping build Borderland businesses in a variety of different fields.

A spokesperson tells ABC-7 the combined banks will operate 29 branches, employ over 800 employees, and support more than 260,000. Most of those branches are in New Mexico, although Western Heritage has a branch in El Paso.

"Our cultures are strongly aligned, and we share a focus on putting people first. Providing local communities and businesses with best-in-class products and services, and supporting our employees, is a priority for both organizations,” Joe Christian, President and CEO of Nusenda Credit Union, told ABC-7.

The deal is expected to be finalized in late 2023 or early 2024, according to bank officials.