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It's Not Over, Over There

"I do think it is a moment everywhere, including in America, to be worried about Europe."

— J. Christopher Flowers, founder of J.C. Flowers & Co. (Image: Bloomberg News

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Trying to Keep Perspective

"[Banks] are probably sitting with capital ratios twice those, when you look at Tier 1 common, than at the beginning of 2008. The U.S. banking system has revenue challenges … but as far as balance sheet solidity and liquidity I would say they're in much better shape."

— H. Rodgin Cohen, senior chairman, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

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The Economy Giveth …

"In terms of stress like this, there are opportunities everywhere. The number of assets we've seen come on the market has increased exponentially."

— P. Olivier Sarkozy, managing director and head of global financial services, Carlyle Group (Image: Bloomberg News)

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…And the Economy Taketh Away

"We don't see much activity based on the combination of uncertainty and low valuations."

— Jonathan Pruzan, managing director and co-head of global financial institutions, Morgan Stanley.

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Fire Sale

Some big banks "need to get smaller. … [I]n the end, the assets that are sold tend to be good businesses that are not so capital intensive."

— Gary Parr, vice chairman, Lazard LTD (Image: Bloomberg News)

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Disappointed Shopper

"We're disappointed to see the [bank M&A] opportunity evaporate."

— Stephen Ross, chief executive of Related Cos. (Image: ThinkStock)

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Inevitable Pipeline

"A lot of [small banks] are kind of throwing their hands up, saying, 'This is a losing game — I'm not going to be making any earnings any more.' "

— Wilbur Ross, chairman of WL Ross & Co. (Image: Bloomberg News)

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Seeking Smart Growth

"We're never going to measure success by our branches. But we are in growth mode."

— Irene Dorner, president and chief executive of HSBC's U.S. bank (Image: Bloomberg News)

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Thin on Buying Opportunities

"Would you sell your house today if you didn't have to? Business owners have been the same way."

— David Pruett, the vice chairman of BB&T Corp.'s insurance unit

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Ready, Willing and Able

"We're already building a pipeline of targets."

— A. Dwight Utz, ECB president and chief executive.

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