Americas

KeyCorp (KEY) in Cleveland has agreed to buy Pacific Crest Securities, a technology-focused investment bank and capital markets firm.

First National Bank of Green Forest in Arkansas has chosen a new name but kept it in the family, so to speak. The $347 million-asset bank will rebrand itself as Anstaff Bank, a blend of the names of its two founding families, Anderson and Stafford.

Cardinal Financial (CFNL) in Tysons Corner, Va., blamed a 14% drop in profits on acquisition-related expenses.

Guaranty Bancorp (GBNK) in Denver has bought Cherry Hills Investment Advisors in Greenwood Village, Colo.

Bank of the Carolinas in Mocksville, N.C., has raised $46 million through a private placement. The $428 million-asset company said that it sold about 458 million shares of newly issued common stock at 10 cents each to unnamed institutional and accredited investors.

Farmers Bank & Trust in Magnolia, Ark., has agreed to acquire the 1st Bank of Texarkana, a $309 million-asset bank located just over the state line in Texas.

Community Trust Bancorp (CTBI) in Pikeville, Ky., said Wednesday that its second-quarter earnings climbed 2% from the same period last year, to $12.2 million, due to improved loan quality and lower overhead.

Vantage Bancorp in San Antonio has agreed to buy Medina Bankshares in D'Hanis, Texas.

A community group opposes Banc of California's plans to buy 20 branches, saying management isn't being open about plans to serve low-income and minority customers. The bank says it’s all a misunderstanding. Still, the issue shows why banks must foster good relations with powerful advocacy groups.

Community Bancshares in McArthur, Ohio, has agreed to buy Citizens Bank of Asheville in Ohio.