Americas

Equity Bancshares in Wichita, Kan., has agreed to buy First Independence in Independence, Kan. The companies expect the deal to close in the fourth quarter, after approval from regulators and from First Independence's shareholders.

Southern States Bancshares in Anniston, Ala., has agreed to buy Columbus Community Bank in Georgia for $21.4 million.

TDECU said its successful merger with Dallas-based Texas Catholic Community Credit Union is the "most recent step" in its expansion plans.

FirstMerit in Akron, Ohio, reported lower second-quarter profit on shrinking interest and fee income, despite successful cost-cutting measures.

State Employees' Credit Union said it reached the two million-member milestone in June through "steady growth and a service-driven focus."

Independent Bank Group in McKinney, Texas, has agreed to buy Grand Bank in Dallas for $80.1 million.

Suncrest Bank in Visalia, Calif., has agreed to buy Sutter Community Bank in Yuba City, Calif., for $9.4 million in stock.

Eagle Bancorp in Bethesda, Md., has sold its indirect auto loan portfolio to MainStreet Bank in Fairfax, Va.

Participants at the 2015 Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) here will be besieged by credit union messaging from a variety of CU trade groups.

Old National Bancorp in Evansville, Ind., reported higher second-quarter profit as a result of recent acquisitions and on better fee income.