Illinois

Members of Maryland-based GEICO Federal Credit Union are set to vote on whether to merge into Illinois-based Baxter Credit Union.

Members of Andigo Credit Union in Schaumburg, Ill., have approved a proposed merger into Consumers Credit Union in Gurnee, Ill.

Recent proposals considered or passed by legislatures around the country grant banks certain exemptions, but they differ from state to state and may pose new compliance headaches.

The company agreed to acquire Alliance Benefit Group of Illinois, which has more than 600 clients and 40,000 plan participants.

Timothy Crane is set to succeed Ed Wehmer as president, though Wehmer will remain the Illinois company's CEO.

Organizers of First Women's Bank have also filled two key executive posts.

Even in the face of soft loan demand, banks in the region have held firm on terms. That should position them well for the next economic downturn.

Though there were several high-profile mergers of equals among bigger banks, deal activity rose only slightly, and the vast majority of transactions involved the smallest of institutions. Here's an overview of those trends and others that stood out in bank dealmaking last year.

Collins Community Credit Union has agreed to buy First Savanna Savings Bank.

Tri County Financial will pay an undisclosed amount for H.F. Gehant Bancorp.