Ken McCarthy

A company that operates mostly in rural markets is finally making a push into the thriving mid-Atlantic markets of Washington and Baltimore with its deal for Old Line Bancshares.

The Mississippi company has agreed to buy First Florida Bancorp in Destin, Fla., as part of its plan to build a community bank stretching across the Gulf region.

There have now been a record 10 credit union-bank merger deals in 2019.

Several megabanks dominate the market, but First Choice is seeking to expand there by catering to its ready supply of midsize businesses. It's not the only one.

Christopher Myers will retire as president and chief executive of CVB next spring, and the California bank says it will hire a search firm to begin seeking his replacement.

CrossFirst Bankshares intends to use its share of the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including support of future growth, according to a registration statement.

CEO William Demchak, encouraged by early returns from new branches in Dallas and Kansas City, Mo., plans to enter even more markets.

The Connecticut company, which will top that asset milestone when it buys United Financial, says it could acquire more banks in coming months.

Theresa LaPlaca, one of four new directors at the company, ran an office Wells formed to address issues tied to its sales and reporting practices.

The California company will pay $39.4 million for the parent of First State Bank of Colorado.