The Trust that controls Bremer Financial Corporation said Monday it may sell the company.

“This is not a decision we made lightly or without exploring every other approach,” said Daniel Reardon, co-CEO and trustee, “but we believe it is necessary to fulfill our legal obligations and is in the best interests of the individuals and communities that OBT serves. A successful transaction would enable an incredibly significant increase in OBT’s philanthropy and allow us to expand our work in Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Montana. We also believe a strategic combination with a larger financial institution will strengthen BFC’s ability to serve its customers and will provide good jobs and careers.”

Bremer is the fourth-largest bank in Minnesota with Marshall branch on College Drive.

“Because of the changes in the financial services industry, it can be daunting for a stand-alone regional bank to succeed. Through this initiative, BFC can be part of a stronger banking organization that better serves its customers and successfully competes for new ones,” said Brian Lipschultz, co-CEO and trustee.

“We have tried for months to work with BFC’s other board members on a collaborative path forward, but this has not proved possible. To resolve this impasse, we have sold approximately 7 percent of BFC’s common stock to a number of investors in separate, independent transactions. In addition, we have called for a special meeting of BFC’s shareholders to seat a new board to begin a meaningful exploration of BFC’s strategic options, including a potential sale or merger.”

Charlotte Johnson, co-CEO and trustee, added: Lipschultz also noted that BFC’s minority shareholders — including employees of BFC and Bremer Bank who own approximately 8% of BFC’s stock directly, through an ESOP or a 401(k) retirement program — will similarly benefit from a strategic transaction.

“We are confident,” Lipschultz said, “that this process best serves the customers, employees and shareholders of BFC and enables OBT to fulfill the commitment of our founder, Otto Bremer, to benefit our communities.”

Reardon said that the Trust will post updates on this topic to its website, ottobremer.org, consistent with its legal and contractual obligations. ”

We know this matter is of interest to many people and we will share as much information as the law and our responsibilities allow,” Reardon said.