Fifth Third's Latest Branch Casualty

Fifth Third in Cincinnati has closed a branch in downtown Columbus as it continues to streamline.

The $138 billion-asset company is closing its office at 155 Nationwide Blvd. in the Arena District of Columbus, according to the Columbus Business First.

To trim operating costs, the bank has shuttered about 105 branches of its total network over the past year, and with the money it saved it has been able to spend on tech investments. First Third has 1,279 branches across 11 states, with Ohio supporting the most at 355, followed by Michigan with 247 and Florida with 159, as of May 19.

Fifth Third said in April that it planned to end an eight-year drought of acquisitions as it pursues potential purchases in key markets such as Chicago, Tennessee, Florida and the Carolinas.

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