Core Viewpoint - Fifth Third Bank is set to acquire Comerica, creating the ninth-largest bank in the US with approximately $288 billion in assets [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - Fifth Third will pay around $10.9 billion in an all-stock transaction, equating to about $82.88 per share based on Fifth Third's closing stock price on October 3 [1] - The acquisition is described as a pivotal moment for Fifth Third, aimed at expanding in high-growth markets and enhancing commercial capabilities [2] Group 2: Strategic Fit - The merger is seen as a natural fit due to Comerica's strong middle market franchise and complementary footprint, which will create a more diversified bank [3] - The combined entity is expected to deliver value for shareholders, customers, and communities, focusing on strengths in retail, payments, and digital services [3] Group 3: Industry Context - The merger occurs during a period when traditional banks are closing branches while investing in digital services, with Fifth Third and Comerica both having closed branches as part of cost management efforts [4] - Fifth Third has already closed dozens of branches in 2024, with more expected closures in Michigan, Florida, and Ohio in 2025 [4] Group 4: Advisory Roles - Goldman Sachs is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to Fifth Third, while Sullivan & Cromwell is acting as the legal advisor [4]

Core Insights - Fifth Third Bank is set to become the ninth-largest bank in the U.S. following its acquisition of Comerica, which is valued at $10.9 billion, resulting in a combined asset total of $288 billion [2][3] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, aligning with Fifth Third's expansion strategy [2] - The transaction will enable Fifth Third to increase its presence in high-growth markets, with plans for over half of its branches to be located in the Southeast, Texas, Arizona, and California by 2030 [2] Group 2: Strategic Implications - Fifth Third's Chairman and CEO, Tim Spence, emphasized that the merger will enhance the bank's commercial capabilities and market density [3] - Comerica's CEO, Curt Farmer, noted that Fifth Third's expertise in retail, payments, and digital services will strengthen Comerica's commercial franchise and customer service [3] Group 3: Industry Context - The merger reflects a trend in the regional banking sector, as U.S. regulators have relaxed their stance on bank combinations, with other notable mergers occurring this year [3] - Recent examples include PNC Bank's acquisition of FirstBank for $4.1 billion and FNBO's merger with Country Club Bank [3][4]

Core Viewpoint - Fifth Third Bancorp has agreed to acquire Comerica for $10.9 billion, pending regulatory approval, which will create one of the largest commercial banks in the U.S. with total assets of $288 billion [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition is an all-stock transaction aimed at enhancing Fifth Third's competitiveness against larger banks while expanding its presence in the Southeast and Southwest regions [2]. - Fifth Third's CEO, Tim Spence, emphasized that this merger is a significant step in their strategy to strengthen their market position in high-growth areas and enhance commercial capabilities [2][3]. - The deal represents the largest U.S. bank acquisition in nearly three years, highlighting a trend of increasing bank mergers in 2023 [3]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the announcement, Comerica's stock rose by 17% in early trading and has increased by 34% year-to-date, while Fifth Third's stock saw a slight increase of approximately 2% after initially falling [3]. - The acquisition comes amid a backdrop of regional banks seeking to consolidate following a mini banking crisis in 2023, which exposed competitive disadvantages compared to larger banks [4]. Group 3: Industry Context - The Trump administration's more lenient approach to bank merger policies has facilitated such transactions, allowing regional banks to pursue growth through acquisitions [4]. - Other notable bank deals in 2023 include PNC Bank's acquisition of FirstBank for $4.1 billion and Pinnacle Financial Partners' acquisition of Synovus for $8.6 billion [5][6]. - Capital One's recent completion of a $35.3 billion acquisition of Discover Financial further illustrates the trend of consolidation in the banking sector [7].

Core Insights - Fifth Third Bank has agreed to acquire Comerica for $10.9 billion, pending regulatory approval, which would create the 9th largest bank in the U.S. with $288 billion in assets [1] - The all-stock transaction aims to enhance Fifth Third's competitiveness against larger banks while expanding its presence in the Southeast and Southwest regions [1][2] - The merger is part of a trend of increasing bank consolidation following a mini banking crisis in 2023, highlighting the need for banks to achieve competitive scale [3][6] Company Performance - Comerica's stock rose 14% in early trading following the announcement, maintaining a similar increase for the year, while Fifth Third's stock fell approximately 1% but is up 5% year-to-date [2] - Fifth Third's CEO emphasized the strategic importance of this merger to build density in high-growth markets and enhance commercial capabilities [2][3] Industry Context - The merger is the largest among several notable bank deals in 2023, including PNC Bank's acquisition of FirstBank for $4.1 billion and Pinnacle Financial Partners' agreement to acquire Synovus for $8.6 billion [4][5] - The pressure on Comerica to sell its franchise was exacerbated by an activist investor's report urging the bank to consider acquisition opportunities [6] - Comerica's CEO acknowledged the challenges faced during the regional bank crisis, indicating a broader industry trend where scale is becoming increasingly important [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Fifth Third Bancorp has agreed to acquire Comerica for $10.9 billion, pending regulatory approval, which will create the ninth-largest commercial bank in the U.S. with total assets of $288 billion [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition is an all-stock transaction aimed at enhancing Fifth Third's competitiveness against larger banks while expanding its presence in the Southeast and Southwest regions [2]. - Fifth Third's CEO highlighted the strategic importance of this merger to build density in high-growth markets and enhance commercial capabilities [2]. - The deal represents the largest U.S. bank acquisition in nearly three years, reflecting a trend of increasing bank mergers following a mini banking crisis in 2023 [4]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Comerica's stock rose by 17% in early trading following the announcement, and it has increased by 34% year-to-date. Fifth Third's stock rose approximately 2% after initially falling, with a year-to-date increase of 7% [3]. Group 3: Industry Context - The acquisition is part of a broader trend of regional banks seeking to strengthen their positions in the market, influenced by a more permissive merger policy under the Trump administration [4]. - Other notable bank deals this year include PNC Bank's agreement to purchase FirstBank for $4.1 billion and Pinnacle Financial Partners' acquisition of Synovus for $8.6 billion [5][6]. - Capital One recently completed its $35.3 billion acquisition of Discover Financial, indicating a robust merger activity in the banking sector [7].

Core Viewpoint - Fifth Third Bancorp has agreed to acquire Comerica for $10.9 billion, pending regulatory approval, which will create the ninth-largest bank in the U.S. with $288 billion in assets [1]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition is an all-stock transaction aimed at enhancing Fifth Third's competitiveness against larger banks while expanding its presence in the Southeast and Southwest regions [1]. - This transaction is noted as the largest bank acquisition announced in a year marked by an increase in such transactions following a mini banking crisis in 2023 [3]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Comerica's stock rose by 14% in early trading on the announcement day, reflecting a year-to-date increase of the same percentage, while Fifth Third's stock fell approximately 1% but is up 5% for the year [2]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - Fifth Third's CEO Tim Spence emphasized that this acquisition is pivotal for accelerating the bank's strategy to build density in high-growth markets and enhance commercial capabilities [2]. - Comerica's strong middle market franchise and complementary footprint were highlighted as key factors making this acquisition a natural fit [3]. Group 4: Context of the Acquisition - The acquisition comes after Comerica faced pressure from analysts and investors to sell, with activist investor Holdco Asset Management urging the bank to market itself as an acquisition target [6]. - The regional banking sector has seen increased consolidation as banks seek competitive scale in response to recent challenges [3][8].

Comerica is selling itself to fellow regional bank Fifth Third Bank in a $10.9 billion deal following activist pressure to do so https://t.co/HvhtJl6eds ...

Fifth Third Bank announced on Monday that it will acquire Dallas-based financial services company Comerica in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $10.9 billion, creating the ninth-largest... ...

A Partnership for Now and the Future Fifth Third Investor Presentation October 6, 2025 ibdroot\projects\IBD-NY\burger2025\973442_1\Presentations\05. Investor Presentation\PPT\Express_2.0_v2 - From FITB_v01.pptx 1 Disclaimer FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This communication contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and ...

Group 1 - The deal highlights the trend of larger Midwest regional banks expanding into higher growth markets, as seen with PNC and Huntington [1] - Fifth Third Bank is continuing its expansion into California and Texas, indicating a strategic move towards growth areas [2] - Comerica has been under pressure from activist investors to consider a sale, reflecting challenges in its interest rate positioning [2] Group 2 - KeyCorp, based in Ohio, is being monitored for potential transactions as its rivals expand, raising questions about its future strategy [3] - The competitive landscape in the Midwest is shifting, with banks like KeyCorp needing to adapt to the expansion of their rivals [3]