Paul Davis

Popular (BPOP) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has found buyers for its regional operations in Illinois, California and central Florida.

Republic First Bancorp (FRBK) in Philadelphia has raised $45 million through a private placement.

Regions Financial (RF) in Birmingham, Ala., reported lower first-quarter results as improved credit and lower expenses failed to completely offset a steep decline in mortgage revenue.

Heritage Financial (HBOS) in Albany, Ga., has agreed to buy Alarion Financial Services in Ocala, Fla.

NewBridge Bancorp (NBBC) in Greensboro, N.C., is planning to retool its retail banking operations in a move that will eliminate 5% of its work force.

Community Bank Shares of Indiana (CBIN) in New Albany has agreed to buy First Financial Service (FFKY) in Elizabethtown, Ky.

Peoples Bancorp (PEBO) in Marietta, Ohio, has agreed to buy North Akron Savings Bank in Ohio. Peoples said in a press release Monday that it will pay about $20.1 million in cash and stock for the $147 million-asset North Akron Savings.

First Defiance Financial (FDEF) in Defiance, Ohio, isn't going to buy First Community Bank in Columbus, Ohio, after all.

SunTrust Banks (STI) in Atlanta said its quarterly profit rose 16% as it made more commercial loans.

First Security in Owensboro, Ky., has raised $30 million through a private placement. The $500 million-asset company said it would use the funds for organic growth and "acquisitive opportunities."

Home BancShares in Conway, Ark., has agreed to buy Florida Traditions Bank in Dade City, Fla. The $6.8 billion-asset Home said it will pay $43 million stock for the $312 million-asset Florida Traditions.

Midsize banks remain concerned about their ability to meaningfully grow revenue at a time when yields on loans are narrowing and income from mortgage banking — a key revenue driver — continues to shrink.

BB&T (BBT) in Winston-Salem, N.C., narrowly missed Wall Street's first-quarter expectations because of sluggish loan growth.

Unity Bancorp (UNTY) in Clinton, N.J., plans to raise up to $6 million through a rights offering.

Poage Bankshares (PBSK) in Ashland, Ky., and an activist investor have sent competing letters to shareholders ahead of next month's annual meeting.

Live Oak Bancshares is planning an initial public offering that could yield as much as $86 million for the Wilmington, N.C., company and its shareholders.

CB Financial Services (CBFV) in Carmichaels, Pa., has agreed to buy FedFirst Financial (FFCO) in Monessen, Pa.

Joseph Stilwell used a photo of the then-chairman of Harvard Illinois snoozing at last year's annual meeting as part of his fight for representation on the board. Harvard's board accused Stilwell of waging his battle "in the gutter."

Kenneth Lehman is getting ready to increase his stake in Liberty Bell Bank (LBBB) in Marlton, N.J.

BofI Holding (BOFI) in San Diego has agreed to buy certain assets and all the deposits of H&R Block Bank.