BATH, Maine — Five County Credit Union is expanding its linkup with Wal-Mart Stores by opening its fourth in-store branch and in the process replacing a bank that had been on the site in nearby Auburn.

“We're not sure why the bank is leaving but we're glad to take it over,” said Five County President/CEO Richard Dupuis, noting the new facility will open Dec. 1.

A year ago, Five County took over a former Wal-Mart branch in North Windham operated by Mechanics Savings Bank, the same institution that is shuttering its Auburn facility.

The Auburn bank said then it was closing its Wal-Mart operations in North Windham because it had enough business in the area to open a full-service standalone branch.

For its part, Five County has two other in-store locations in Waterville and Augusta.

“We've had a good relationship with Wal-Mart and we've done well at our existing branches,” said Dupuis, noting the CU has had a Wal-Mart presence for two years.

The operation, he said, does require extended hours until 8 p.m. six days a week, but that has not posed a problem.

Despite the furor over the retailer entering the financial services market through branches, Dupuis said Five County “feels protected” under a five-year lease with an extension up to 15 years, the common practice for CUs and banks elsewhere.