Paul Davis

WashingtonFirst had a sudden window of opportunity to sell itself in the latter half of 2016, but it had been preparing for a possible sale for more than two years before that, and perhaps as a result it received one of the most valuable buyout offers this year.

The $482 million deal would be Associated's first bank acquisition since June 2007.

Leaf Commercial Capital originates about $500 million in loans annually tied to equipment and software purchases.

The regional bank reported an 8% gain in fee income and trimmed costs amid 1% loan growth.

The company will add two branches between Denver and Colorado Springs by buying the deposit-rich Castle Rock Bank.

KS Bancorp initially chided First Citizens for its aggressive moves before deciding to mull the offer over.

The company will gain more than $500 million in assets after buying Eastman National and Cache Holdings.

First Citizens is pressuring KS Bancorp to sell even though the banks' operations overlap in many markets in eastern North Carolina.

Severn said it believes Mid Maryland Title Co. will complement its existing dealings in mortgages, commercial banking and commercial real estate.

The North Carolina company's purchase of Chattahoochee Bank will add a branch and loan production office to its existing operations in northern Georgia.