Retail & Commercial

The Georgia company increased its target for annual expense cuts and new revenue to $175 million from $100 million. But executives warned that low interest rates and weaker mortgage volume, along with a need to invest in technology, will delay some of the bottom-line benefits.

The Stamford, Conn., company is acquiring Allegro, a California lender that finances the purchase of hearing aids and other health-related products or services. It’s aiming to capitalize on the rising popularity of point-of-sale lending and a need for more financing options in health care — especially as more Americans turn to high-deductible plans.

The companies are reacting to an ongoing shift in customer preferences to digital channels.

Amerant Mortgage includes several former bankers from City National Bank of Florida in Miami.

The ATM and payment terminal makers are facing more competition from software providers. Both have taken steps to head off this threat.

The Minnesota credit union's deal for Brainerd Savings & Loan comes about 11 months after it bought Neighborhood National Bank in Minnesota.

Flush with capital from issuing subordinated debt, Peapack-Gladstone is exploring acquisitions in Florida and New York in an effort to generate more fee revenue.

Cardtronics will accept a $1.7 billion sale to NCR after the ATM producer outbid Apollo Global Management and Hudson Executive Capital.

The Columbus, Ohio, company plans to close nearly 200 branches in the state — including more than 90 in Meijer grocery stores — after it acquires TCF Financial. It also intends to significantly boost its technology spending to improve its digital capabilities.

Deposits are soaring while loan demand lags and mortgage-backed securities offer weak returns. So the Alabama company has parked loads of cash at the Fed in hopes the economy will pick up steam before profit margins suffer.