This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Green Bay, Wisconsin-based Associated Bank has agreed to acquire Omaha, Nebraska-based American National Bank in an all-stock deal valued at $604 million, the companies said Monday. Privately held American National would give $44 billion-asset Associated 33 branches across Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa, and $5.3 billion in assets, $3.8 billion in loans ...

This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Fulton Financial Corp. will acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp in an all-stock transaction valued at $243 million, the companies announced Monday. The transaction, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pushes Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Fulton into northern New Jersey. The bank gained a presence in the southern part of the state last year with its acquisition ...

Core Insights - Comerica has decided to merge with Fifth Third Bancorp, marking a significant move in the banking sector with a deal valued at nearly $11 billion, the largest bank acquisition announcement of the year [1][9] - The merger was initiated by a phone call from Comerica CEO Curt Farmer to Fifth Third CEO Tim Spence on September 18, 2023, indicating Comerica's interest in selling [2][3] - The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of next year, pending regulatory approval and a review by the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust division [4] Company Details - Fifth Third Bancorp aims to expand its presence in high-growth markets like Texas through this acquisition, while Comerica seeks to address funding pressures and balance sheet challenges [5] - Comerica's CEO, Curt Farmer, will transition to the role of vice chair at Fifth Third, with an annual compensation of $8.75 million and deferred compensation of $10.63 million [6][7] - Fifth Third has agreed to retain Peter Sefzik, Comerica's chief banking officer, as its head of wealth and asset management, although no other compensation agreements have been established with Comerica executives [8]

Core Viewpoint - Park National Corp. is set to acquire First Citizens Bancshares in a deal valued at approximately $317.3 million, expected to close in Q1 2026, marking Park's entry into the Tennessee market [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The acquisition will create a combined entity with approximately $12.5 billion in assets, $10.5 billion in deposits, and $9.6 billion in loans [2]. - First Citizens shareholders will own about 11% of the new company post-transaction, and one director from First Citizens will join Park's board [4]. Group 2: Strategic Rationale - Park National views Tennessee as a compelling market and believes this acquisition aligns with its long-term growth strategy, allowing it to connect previously isolated territories in Ohio, Kentucky, and the Carolinas [3]. - First Citizens aims to enhance its lending capacity for commercial and small-business customers through this partnership, which is seen as a strategic step forward for both banks [5][6]. Group 3: Financial Implications - The transaction will push Park National past the $10 billion asset threshold permanently, adding $2.6 billion in assets from First Citizens [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net income increased 48% year over year to $45.2 million or $0.52 per share [5] - Organic deposits grew $212 million or 7% annualized, including $80 million in non-interest-bearing deposits [5][16] - Net interest income was $133.5 million, a 5% increase from the prior quarter, and net interest margin expanded 3 basis points to 3.32% [5][8] - Tangible book value per share increased 9% year over year to $17.61 [6][16] - Tier-one capital ratio is 14.5%, and tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is 9.8% [6][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth management achieved a record-breaking quarter with $258 million in new assets under management (AUM) [9] - Non-interest income, excluding securities activity, was $24.7 million, a 5% increase from the prior year quarter [9] - Non-interest expense increased to $102 million, including $10.8 million in merger-related expenses [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan outstandings, excluding the impact of the Heartland acquisition, increased at an annualized 8% [11] - The pipeline increased 30% to $1.2 billion, indicating strong demand across markets [11] - Customer transaction accounts represent 48% of total deposits, highlighting a relationship-focused approach [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and profitability goals while integrating recent acquisitions [17] - The Villages acquisition is expected to enhance liquidity and provide significant growth opportunities [3][17] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined credit culture while expanding its loan portfolio [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth outlook and ability to deliver improvements and returns into 2026 [4][17] - The company anticipates continued high single-digit organic loan growth in the coming quarters [11] - Management noted that credit spreads are tight, but they are navigating the competitive landscape carefully [77] Other Important Information - The technology conversion for the Heartland acquisition was completed in Q3, and the Villages conversion is planned for early Q3 2026 [7][38] - The company has limited exposure to shared national credits or non-depository financial institutions [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth outlook and pipeline momentum - Management highlighted impressive growth despite recent acquisitions and expressed confidence in maintaining high single-digit growth moving forward [22][24] Question: The Villages acquisition update - Management reported a smooth integration process and strong reception in the Villages market, with plans for extensive customer engagement [37][40] Question: Loan pricing and spreads - Management noted that credit spreads are tight and competitive, but they are being cautious in their approach [75][77] Question: Future investments and technology - Management confirmed ongoing investments in technology and infrastructure to support growth and enhance customer offerings [45][46]

This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. FirstSun Capital Bancorp has landed on its next West Coast target. The Denver-based financial services firm – and its Dallas-based subsidiary Sunflower Bank – will acquire First Foundation and its Irvine, California-headquartered bank in a roughly $785 million deal, the companies announced Monday. The transaction, set to close early in the second quarter of 2026, wil ...

Core Insights - Huntington Bank is targeting approximately $365 million in pre-tax cost synergies from its integration with Cadence Bank, aiming for a 30% reduction in non-interest expenses by 2027 [2][3] - The integration process is described as well-mapped and highly confident, with no branch closures planned, indicating a transformational opportunity for the combined entity [3][4] - The acquisition of Cadence, alongside the recent acquisition of Veritex, positions Huntington Bank strongly in Texas, where it aims to capture significant market share [5][8] Company Strategy - The integration of Cadence and Veritex is expected to enhance Huntington Bank's footprint in Texas, specifically in Dallas and Houston, where it will rank fifth in market share [8][9] - The company is focused on organic growth, having achieved record growth in the third quarter and maintaining optimism for continued growth into the next year [7][9] - Huntington Bank is already the number one SBA lender in Texas, with $5 billion in loans, and aims to leverage this position for further economic growth [13][14] Industry Outlook - The current administration is seen as constructive for business generation, suggesting a potential increase in mergers and acquisitions within the banking industry, though not expected to lead to a flood of activity [10][11] - The appeal of expanding in Texas is attributed to significant population migration and economic growth, positioning Huntington Bank favorably in a rapidly growing market [12][13]

Cornerstone Capital Bancorp, a one-time independent mortgage banker that acquired a depository, has agreed to purchase another bank, Peoples Bancorp of Lubbock, Texas.Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "With one of the strongest capital positions in our markets and a deep base of low-cost core funding, we are well positioned for meaningful organic growth," Scott Almy, president and CEO of Cornerstone, said in a press release.In a deal announced in June 2021 and closed in October of the following ...

This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Grupo Mexico, the mining and transportation conglomerate that once was considered a front-runner to buy Banamex from Citi, has made the bank a fresh offer, according to a securities filing Friday seen by Reuters and Bloomberg. The conglomerate, controlled by Mexican billionaire Germán Larrea, would buy 25% of Banamex at 85% of its book value, and the remaining 75% at ...

Core Viewpoint - Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. has announced a definitive merger agreement to acquire Southwest Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary Texas Partners Bank, aiming to expand its presence in Central Texas, particularly in the San Antonio area [1][6]. Company Overview - Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. is a regional financial holding company based in Houston, Texas, with total assets of approximately $38.417 billion as of June 30, 2025 [8]. - Southwest Bancshares, Inc. operates Texas Partners Bank, which has total assets of $2.4 billion, total loans of $1.9 billion, and total deposits of $2.1 billion as of June 30, 2025 [2][11]. Merger Details - Under the merger agreement, Prosperity will issue 4,062,520 shares of its common stock for all outstanding shares of Southwest common stock, valuing the total consideration at approximately $268.9 million based on Prosperity's closing price of $65.97 on September 29, 2025 [3]. - The merger has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals [6]. Management Integration - Key executives from Texas Partners Bank, including Brent Given and Tom Moreno, will join Prosperity Bank in senior management roles, ensuring continuity in leadership [4][5]. - Gene Dawson, Jr., Interim Chairman and CEO of Southwest, will join the Board of Directors of Prosperity Bank post-merger [5]. Strategic Rationale - The merger is aimed at enhancing Prosperity's footprint in the fast-growing San Antonio and Hill Country areas, with plans to operate ten banking centers in the San Antonio area and expand into additional Texas locations [6]. - Texas Partners Bank's customers will gain access to Prosperity's extensive network across Texas and Oklahoma after operational integration [6].