New York

Another institution helped push New York Community Bancorp to add cash to its bid, a filing disclosed. While Astoria's board was concerned about NYCB's plans for an aggressive balance sheet restructuring and capital raise, management believed the other suitor's offer had more execution risk.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has asked for more time for public comment on KeyCorp's proposed takeover of First Niagara Financial Group, and said more study is needed on the deal's potential economic impact on western New York.

Carver Bancorp in New York, like many community banks, seems to be back on track after surviving the financial crisis. But the company, and CEO Michael Pugh, have an new objective - figuring out how to stay relevant with younger customers.

The $3.4 billion-asset holding company for Five Star Bank received a letter on Wednesday from Clover Partners' managing director, Johnny Guerry, saying management has made the wrong decision on two recent deals. Clover owns about 5.2% of Financial Institutions.

Citigroup has appointed Ellen Costello, former BMO Financial chief executive, and Intel President Renee James to its board.

The $5.6 billion-asset multibank holding company hired Fontaine to replace Ed Hooks, who has been its counsel since 1992 and who will retire at the end of the year.

Associates of Glen Falls Insurance said that it bought Loomis & LaPann, an insurance unit of Arrow Financial that focuses on amateur sports, for an undisclosed price.

Webster Financial has agreed to take over the leases of 14 Citigroup branches in the Boston area, which would more than triple its retail presence there.

CIT Group will pay about $60 million in severance to 14 executives who have been dismissed or left the company, as it continues to shuffle its executive lineup following its August acquisition of OneWest Bank.

First Niagara Financial Group in Buffalo, N.Y., considered offers from four potential acquirers before deciding in late October to sell itself to KeyCorp.