Paul Davis

An $378 million agreement to buy Farmers Capital will allow the West Virginia company to bridge a gap between Louisville, Ky., and Huntington, W.Va.

Investing in technology has been an important focus for banks. But big questions remain about these investments, including how best to pay for them.

The North Carolina company's efforts to contain expenses made up for a marginal increase in revenue.

The company will merge with Kentucky Federal Savings and Loan by the end of this year.

Premier Financial agreed to buy First Bank of Charleston for $33 million.

The Illinois company has agreed to buy Springfield Bancshares for $87 million.

The Alabama bank agreed to buy Peoples Bank for $23 million as part of a plan to target new Southeastern markets.

The Chicago company said its decision was largely based on intense competition, very low margins and economic changes.

KS Bancorp, which is trying to avoid a hostile takeover, may be facing a skirmish with an activist investor over one of its board seats.

First International Bank plans to rename the company Kotapay, while expanding services that include handling direct deposit and credit card processing for financial firms.