Core Viewpoint - Huntington Bancshares and Cadence Bank have received shareholder approval for their merger, which is a significant step towards finalizing the deal valued at $7.4 billion [1][2][4] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger agreement, announced in October 2025, involves Huntington Bancshares acquiring Cadence Bank, which has reported $53 billion in assets [1] - The deal is expected to be finalized on February 1, 2026, contingent upon the resolution or waiver of all outstanding closing conditions [2] - Cadence shareholders will receive 2.475 shares of Huntington's common stock for each share of Cadence [2] Group 2: Leadership Statements - Huntington Bancshares' CEO Steve Steinour emphasized the importance of shareholder approval as a milestone in the merger process, highlighting the potential for growth in shareholder value [2][3] - Cadence Bank's CEO Dan Rollins expressed satisfaction with the shareholder support, noting the expanded capabilities and expertise that the merger will bring to Cadence's customers [4] Group 3: Future Plans - Following the merger, Cadence's branches are set to adopt the Huntington name in the second quarter of 2026, indicating a planned integration of operations post-merger [3]

The proposed merger of Fifth Third Bancorp and Comerica moved a step closer to completion Tuesday (Jan. 6) as shareholders of the two banks voted to approve the combination.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins re ...

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Fifth Third Bancorp and Comerica has received shareholder approval and is expected to close in the first quarter, creating the ninth-largest U.S. bank with $290 billion in assets [1][2][3]. Group 1: Merger Approval and Details - Shareholders of Fifth Third Bancorp voted 99.7% in favor of the merger, while 97.0% of Comerica stockholders supported it [2]. - The proposed merger is valued at $10.9 billion and aims to enhance both banks' capabilities and market presence [5]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The merger will combine Fifth Third's retail and digital capabilities with Comerica's middle market banking franchise, creating a more resilient institution [4]. - The transaction is expected to drive innovation and strengthen customer relationships, benefiting the communities served by both banks [5]. Group 3: Market Position and Growth - Upon completion, the new entity will operate in 17 of the 20 fastest-growing large markets in the U.S., positioning it closer to the "Big Four" national banks [3][6]. - Fifth Third plans to expand its branch network significantly, adding 150 branches to Comerica's Texas footprint [7].

This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Activist investor HoldCo is doubling down on its call for shareholders to reject Fifth Third’s $10.9 billion acquisition of Comerica, asserting last week’s release of more details only highlights the hasty and problematic way the transaction developed. In a new presentation issued Monday, Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based HoldCo took aim at the speed wit ...

ALEXANDRIA, Va. and CAMP HILL, Pa., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Burke & Herbert Financial Services Corp. (the "Company" or "Burke & Herbert") (Nasdaq: BHRB) and LINKBANCORP, Inc. ("LINK") (Nasdaq: LNKB), the parent company of LINKBANK, today announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Burke & Herbert will acquire LINK in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $354.2 million or $9.38 per share of LINK common stock, based on a closing price for Burke & Herbert's common ...

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercantile Bank Corporation ("Mercantile") (NASDAQ: MBWM) and Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation ("Eastern") (OTCID: EFIN) today jointly announced that the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has approved the proposed merger of Mercantile and Eastern. As previously announced, Mercantile and Eastern entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended by the First Amendment dated October 5, 2025, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Eastern will me ...

Core Insights - Fifth Third Bancorp is confident that its nearly $11 billion acquisition of Comerica will close on schedule despite a lawsuit from activist investor HoldCo Asset Management challenging the deal [1][6][9] - The merger is expected to generate $850 million in savings primarily through personnel cuts, with 70% to 90% of Comerica's non-frontline employees facing layoffs [3][4][12] Regulatory and Approval Process - The banks anticipate receiving regulatory approval "around the new year" and plan to close the transaction in the first quarter of the following year, with a shareholder vote scheduled for January 6 [2][6] - The merger requires approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Texas Department of Banking [2] Financial Implications - The deal is projected to create a combined company with assets totaling $288 billion [9] - Fifth Third expects to realize expense synergies by 2027, with 70% to 80% of the $850 million savings coming from personnel reductions [4][12] Job Impact and Organizational Changes - Significant layoffs are expected, particularly in non-customer-facing roles, with the first round of layoffs scheduled for January [4][5] - Fifth Third has paused recruitment for open roles to retain positions for new employees post-merger [5] Strategic Benefits - The acquisition is expected to provide Fifth Third with $500 million in revenue opportunities over the next three to five years and enhance its presence in Texas [12] - The merger is seen as a way to improve Comerica's access to low-cost funding, which has been a longstanding issue for the bank [12] Legal Challenges - The lawsuit from HoldCo Asset Management alleges a flawed negotiation process, and the judge has ordered Comerica to provide additional information regarding the deal [6][7][11] - An anonymous group, the Comerica 175 Coalition, has requested the Federal Reserve to extend the public comment period and hold a public hearing on the merger [10][11] Future Plans - Fifth Third plans to convert Comerica's branches and systems in early Q4 of the following year [6] - The bank aims to handle the integration sensitively, drawing from its experience with previous acquisitions [13]

Core Viewpoint - Associated Banc-Corp and American National Corporation have entered into a definitive agreement for a merger, enhancing their market presence in the Midwest and expanding their client base [1][3][4]. Company Overview - Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is the largest bank in Wisconsin with total assets of $44 billion and nearly 200 branches across multiple states [2][9]. - American National Corporation, based in Omaha, Nebraska, has total assets of $5.3 billion and operates 33 branches primarily in Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa [2][10]. Merger Details - The merger will result in American National shareholders receiving 36.250 shares of Associated stock for each share of American National stock, valuing the transaction at approximately $604 million based on Associated's closing price of $26.29 as of November 28, 2025 [4]. - The merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions [4]. Market Impact - Post-merger, Associated will become the 2 bank in the Omaha Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the 10 bank in the Minneapolis / St. Paul MSA by deposit market share [3][4]. - This partnership is seen as a strategic move to deepen Associated's presence in key markets and enhance its growth strategy [4]. Leadership Statements - Leadership from both companies expressed excitement about the merger, highlighting a shared commitment to customer service and community support [4].

Core Insights - Synovus Financial Corp. and Pinnacle Financial Partners are progressing towards their merger after receiving Federal Reserve approval for the $8.6 billion all-stock transaction announced on July 24, 2025 [1][9] - The merger is expected to close on January 1, 2026, pending standard closing conditions, with Synovus branches continuing to operate under their brand until full integration [2][6] Merger Details - The merger structure remains consistent with initial plans, aiming to enhance the firms' presence in high-growth Southeastern markets [3] - Shareholders will receive shares of a new Pinnacle parent company based on a fixed exchange ratio of 0.5237 Synovus shares per Pinnacle share [3] - The combined entity will operate under the Pinnacle brand, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with Pinnacle Bank based in Nashville, TN [4] Strategic Rationale - The merger combines Pinnacle's relationship-driven model with Synovus' extensive branch network, creating a larger platform for organic growth [5] - The combined company is projected to hold approximately $116 billion in assets, positioning it among the largest regional banking franchises in the U.S. Southeast [8][9] - The merger is expected to drive significant financial benefits, including approximately 21% operating EPS accretion and a tangible book value earn-back period of 2.6 years [10] Integration Planning - Integration management teams are preparing for Day One operations, focusing on organizational structures, technology, and market continuity [6] - Full system and brand conversions are scheduled for the first half of 2027, with no material changes expected in daily banking activities until then [6] Market Context - Synovus aims to become part of the fastest-growing regional bank in the Southeast, with a deposit-weighted household growth forecast of 4.6% from 2025 to 2030, significantly above the national average [7] - Synovus shares have gained 1.3% over the past six months, contrasting with a 0.1% decline in the industry [11]

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial Corp has received regulatory approval and is expected to close on January 1, 2026, following shareholder approval on November 6, 2025 [1][15]. Company Overview - Pinnacle Financial Partners has approximately $56 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, and is recognized as the No. 1 bank in the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin MSA according to 2025 FDIC deposit data [5][6]. - Synovus Financial Corp has around $60 billion in assets and operates 244 branches across five states, providing a full suite of banking services [7]. Merger Details - The combined entity will have total assets of $116 billion, with headquarters in Atlanta, GA, and Pinnacle Bank based in Nashville, TN [4]. - Integration teams are actively working on plans for operational continuity and brand integration, with full system conversions expected in the first half of 2027 [3]. Leadership and Strategic Goals - Kevin Blair, CEO of Synovus, will serve as the president and CEO of the combined company, while Terry Turner, CEO of Pinnacle, will be the chairman of the board post-merger [2]. - The merger aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to accelerate growth and enhance service delivery to clients and communities [2][4].