Roundup: 1st of America to Sell Fla. Unit to Barnett

In order to concentrate on its Midwest franchise, First of America Bank Corp. said Monday it has agreed to sell its Florida operation to Barnett Banks Inc. for $160 million in cash.

First of America said the deal, which is expected to close in the third quarter, would result in a gain of 14 cents per share.

First of America's Florida unit has $1.1 billion of assets, loans of $749 million, deposits of $931 million, 41 traditional branches, and 17 supermarket locations.

Assuming the deal gets the necessary regulatory approvals and closes as expected, First of America will be left with $20.5 billion of assets, $14 billion of loans, and $16.2 billion of deposits.

First of America, the 32d-largest banking company in the country, is based in Kalamazoo.

Barnett, based in Jacksonville, Fla., has $41 billion of assets.

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