Paul Davis

The economy is showing signs of life. But executives at PNC, Huntington and BB&T remain cautious about investing in new businesses, products or markets that raise expenses or hurt efficiency ratios.

Great Southern Bancorp (GSBC) in Springfield, Mo., has agreed to buy two branches from Boulevard Bank in Neosho, Mo.

Washington Federal (WAFD) in Seattle reported substantial deposit runoff tied to its purchase of 51 Bank of America (BAC) branches.

Patriot National Bancorp (PNBK) in Stamford, Conn., is in the market for a new president and chief executive.

Iberiabank Corp. (IBKC) in Lafayette, La., has agreed to buy Teche Holding (TSH) in New Iberia, La.

First Niagara Financial (FNFG) in Buffalo, N.Y., said its chief banking officer is leaving.

BancorpSouth (BXS) in Tupelo, Miss., has agreed to buy Ouachita Bancshares in Monroe, La.

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia (SONA) in McLean has agreed to buy Prince George's Federal Savings Bank in Upper Marlboro, Md.

TriState Capital (TSC) in Pittsburgh has agreed to buy Chartwell Investment Partners, an investment management firm in Berwyn, Pa.

Delmarva Bancshares in Cambridge, Md., has raised $11 million through a private placement.

CEOs at credit unions get paid more than their bank counterparts, a study shows.

Bill Crawford seemed content to oversee slow and steady growth before agreeing to buy United Financial in a deal that will create a $5 billion-asset bank in the Northeast.

Commercial lending perked up after the government shutdown ended, though bankers are still having to cut deals on pricing to land business. Consumer lending continued to decelerate.

CMS Bancorp (CMSB) in White Plains, N.Y., plans to terminate its sale to Customers Bancorp (CUBI) in Wyomissing, Pa.

American National Bankshares (AMNB) in Danville, Va., has tapped one of its executives to become chief banking officer.

Most of the bankers highlighted a year ago made headlines, took bold steps or had successful years. As expected, some bought other banks, rebranded or repositioned their companies for the future.

Provident Financial Services (PFS) in Jersey City, N.J., has agreed to buy Team Capital Bank in Bethlehem, Pa.

Olney Bancshares of Texas in Olney has agreed to buy Park Cities Bank from North Texas Bancshares in Dallas.

First Niagara Financial (FNFG) in Buffalo, N.Y., didn't have to look far to find its next president and chief executive, even though the search process lasted nine months.

BNC Bancorp's deals to spend $48 million on two lenders with sizable levels of nonperforming assets show that strugglers can command stronger prices in markets where aggressive banks are under pressure to buy.