Americas

Chesapeake Bancorp in Chestertown, Md., has hired Al Wilson as its president and chief executive. Wilson resigned from AmeriServ Financial last month as its chief executive.

Northwest Bancshares in Warren, Pa., has bought B.J. Petruso Agency in Meadville, Pa.

Numerous banks are expected to say they trimmed expenses yet again when they report fourth-quarter results in the coming weeks. But that trend may ebb soon as many executives are forced to spend on technology and to expand their businesses.

Avenue Financial Holdings in Nashville, Tenn., is looking to raise $30 million through an initial public offering.

City Holding in Charleston, W. Va., has sold its insurance division to The Hilb Group, a broker based in Richmond, Va.

Doral Financial continues to go back and forth with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. over the San Juan, Puerto Rico, company's capital restoration plan.

Malvern Bancorp in Paoli, Pa., has entered a partnership with Bell Rock Capital in Delaware to offer wealth management services.

Central Valley Community Bank in Fresno, Calif., plans to report a fourth-quarter loss because of a hefty chargeoff of commercial loans.

Nationwide the number of bank branches fell by about 1.7% last year. But some cities and states were hit harder than others, according to data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and research firm BankRegData.

National Commerce in Birmingham, Ala., is looking to raise $50 million through an initial public offering.