| In a reverse in which the big usually buys out the small, WesBanco is selling its four branch offices in Ritchie County to the Union Bank of Middlebourne, Tyler County.
The offices in Harrisville, Cairo, Pennsboro, and Ellenboro are being sold, and staff is being reduced.
Union Bank will assume the deposits and purchase of the loans, real estate, and certain furniture and fixtures.
The transaction is expected to be completed on or before March 31, 2006, subject to regulatory approval.
The sale is part of a restructuring effort that will result in the loss of 76 jobs.
About 37 positions have been eliminated through layoffs and the closing of a loan production office.
Wesbanco President and CEO Paul Limbert says the rest will be reduced through attrition.
WesBanco has operations in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
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