Growth strategies

The Columbus, Ohio, company says it has delivered on M&A promises before, and many observers say its deal for rival TCF Financial is an opportunistic move in its bid to build a Midwestern powerhouse. But others questioned whether Huntington's cost-cutting and profit expectations are too optimistic.

The deal would create a $168 billion banking company in the Midwest and be the latest in a string of regional bank combinations.

First Kansas, part of the multibank holding company Ottawa Bancshares, expects to complete the acquisition early next year.

The company hired two Atlantic Union bankers to run its bank and begin recruiting customers in and around Washington.

Acquirers shelved plans to buy banks this year as the coronavirus became widespread, but a combination of factors could spur the confidence to restart those conversations in the months ahead.

The companies took a pause from merger discussions when the pandemic hit to evaluate their individual circumstances.

The Massachusetts company, which had a big second-quarter loss after writing down the goodwill tied to past acquisitions, will sell eight branches to Investors Bancorp and shutter 16.

The company agreed to acquire a Colorado plan provider that operates as RPS Plan Administration and 24HourFlex.

CEO James Schenck says the institution's military focus means it must provide services for a group of consumers who move every few years. That has helped it focus more on mobile services and less on brick and mortar.

The California company agreed to acquire WestRiver Group in a move that will expand its debt fund business.