mergers and acquisitions

Alerus Financial, Grand Forks, N.D., agreed to acquire Alliance Benefit Group North Central States Inc. (ABGNCS) and its locations in Albert Lea and Eden Prairie, Minn. ABGNCS provides record-keeping and administration for 900 retirement plans, 75,000 participants, and $6 billion in plan assets. The acquisition will increase Alerus Financial's assets under management to $23 billion.