Ohio

TFS Financial in Cleveland reported higher fourth-quarter profit, citing a $1 million negative loan-loss provision.

Huntington Bancshares in Columbus, Ohio, has agreed to buy FirstMerit in Akron, Ohio.

United Community Financial in Youngstown, Ohio, has agreed to buy James & Sons Insurance.

At least five regional banks on Thursday discarded concerns about the global economy, stocks, interest rates and credit quality, forecasting loan growth for the rest of this year.

Huntington Bancshares in Columbus, Ohio, reported higher fourth-quarter earnings, citing increases in commercial and auto lending and fees from deposit accounts and payment processing.

KeyCorp reported lower quarterly results that reflected higher expenses and lower fee income.

Fifth Third Bancorp in Cincinnati on Thursday reported a big spike in profits, after selling shares in the payment processor Vantiv.

Old Fort Banking in Tiffin, Ohio, has sold a controlling interest to its employees. The Old Fort Employees Stock Ownership and 401(k) plan bought a 45% stake in Gillmor Financial Services, the holding company for the $471 million-asset Old Fort.

Ohio Valley Banc Corp. in Gallipolis, Ohio, has agreed to buy Milton Bancorp in Wellston, Ohio. The $808 million-asset Ohio Valley said it will pay about $20 million in cash and stock for the parent of Milton Banking Co.

Banks have made changes to overdrafts, such as lowering fees offering clearer explanations. They better, as the CFPB will soon offer new rules for overdrafts. Plus, overdraft revenue has declined at many banks. Still unanswered is the question of how to offer short-term credit, if overdrafts disappear.

KeyCorp in Cleveland will retain two First Niagara Financial Group executives after its acquisition of the Buffalo, N.Y., company closes.

SB Financial Group in Defiance, Ohio, has bought a former Fifth Third Bank branch in Bowling Green, Ohio.

CNB Financial in Clearfield, Pa., has agreed to buy Lake National Bank in Mentor, Ohio.

Cortland Bancorp in Cortland, Ohio, is set to add a pair of former bankers to its board.

The $1.3 billion-asset company said in a press release that CEO Stephen Wilson will retire at the end of the year.

The Federal Reserve extended the public comment period for KeyCorp's proposed $4.1 billion takeover of First Niagara Financial Group until Jan. 31, after a lawmaker said communities affected by the deal need to weigh in.

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.

Rockhold, Brown & Co. Bank in Bainbridge, Ohio, has tapped its chief financial officer to succeed Bill Hubbard as chief executive.

Huntington Bancshares in Columbus, Ohio, has brought on industry veteran Tom Wirth to fill the newly created position of auto finance product and strategy director.

Peoples Bancorp in Marietta, Ohio, plans to increase reserves by $6.6 million to cover four commercial loans that it's moved to impaired status.