New Jersey

OceanFirst Financial's acquisition of Capital Bank of New Jersey would strengthen its presence in the southern part of the state and Philadelphia.

The New Jersey-based credit union aims to increase its technological offerings as a result of the conversion.

It will also invest in mortgage and small-business lending and in neighborhood revitalization efforts there. The moves are part of a nationwide expansion by the largest U.S. bank.

Lakeland will expand its operations in three counties in its home state of New Jersey with the $57 million acquisition.

Once a hotbed of activity, the region has reported the fewest bank mergers since the financial crisis.

The company has created a municipal group that will focus on nonpublic financing services at a time when loans to bond issuers are declining.

The New Jersey company will pay $76 million for a bank with a low loan-to-deposit ratio and an SBA lending platform.

Provident Financial said it increased its allowance against a commercial loan after discovering that the borrower overstated the value of its collateral.

Peapack-Gladstone has agreed to buy Lassus Wherley & Associates, which has offices in New Jersey and Florida.

The company will pay $48 million for four branches and $230 million in loans.