Paul Davis

Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) in Moultrie, Ga., has received regulatory approval to buy back its remaining preferred stock tied to the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Central Pacific Financial (CPF) in Honolulu will repurchase a large block of stock from two investors.

Mercantile Bank (MBWM) in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Firstbank (FBMI) in Alma, Mich., are extending the termination date for their delayed merger.

Park Sterling (PSTB) in Charlotte, N.C., has added to its recently established team in Virginia.

Receiving Wide Coverage ...Is it Time to Tighten Up? That is the question that some Fed officials apparently raised during the central bank's policy meeting last month. Some members showed support for raising interest rates. The Journal notes that, "The fact that the subject came up at all … shows how the central bank's policy debate is slowly and subtly evolving." The New York Times discusses how the Fed's minutes portend a further reduction in stimulus efforts.

Banner Corp. (BANR) in Walla Walla, Wash., has agreed to buy six branches in Oregon from Sterling Financial (STSA) in Spokane, Wash.

South Street Financial had just given up on raising capital and had hired Raymond James to evaluate possible suitors when a BNC representative visited the CEO's office to request merger talks.

An investment firm in North Carolina has raised its stake in Republic First Bancorp (FRBK) in Philadelphia.

CVB Financial (CVBF) in Ontario, Calif., has agreed to buy America Bancshares in Newport Beach, Calif.

The former bank analyst is striking out on his own after shutting down an investment firm he co-founded with banker Vernon Hill.

United Bancorp in Martins Ferry, Ohio, said its chief executive is stepping aside and that his son will take over day-to-day management.

Iberiabank Corp. (IBKC) in Lafayette, La., has agreed to buy First Private Holdings in Dallas.

First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK) in Billings, Mont., has agreed to buy Mountain West Financial (MTWF) in Helena, Mont.

A little-known dissident investor wants the company to sell. Another shareholder is comfortable giving management them more time to become profitable. A key issue involves the company's deferred-tax asset.

Bankers had more optimism about market conditions in December, fueled by accelerated activity in commercial lending and improved loan pricing.

Anchor Bancorp (ANCB) in Lacey, Wash., is facing pressure from an activist investor to sell itself.

Thad Woodard is retiring as president and chief executive of the North Carolina Bankers Association.

CenterState Banks (CSFL) in Davenport, Fla., has agreed to buy First Southern Bancorp (FSOF) in Boca Raton, Fla.

Southern First Bancshares (SFST) in Greenville, S.C., used a private placement to convert preferred stock tied to the Troubled Asset Relief Program into common stock.

VantageSouth Bancshares (VSB) in Raleigh, N.C., and Yadkin Financial (YDKN) in Elkin, N.C., are merging.