WashingtonFirst had a sudden window of opportunity to sell itself in the latter half of 2016, but it had been preparing for a possible sale for more than two years before that, and perhaps as a result it received one of the most valuable buyout offers this year.

Encouraging young readers, offering financial literacy training, helping graduates pursue higher education and other ways credit unions are helping educate the next generation.

Associated Banc-Corp is the latest industry welterweight to get back into M&A. That should benefit larger sellers that have watched the bigger regionals sit idle in the last couple of years.

From grants for nonprofits to partnerships benefiting local children's hospitals, here's another look at how credit unions are giving back to the communities they serve.

A double-digit increase in the size of the Connecticut company's commercial book factored heavily into its improved second-quarter results.

The size of the Louisiana company's loan portfolio increased by 6% from a year earlier, helping offset weaker noninterest income.

The $482 million deal would be Associated's first bank acquisition since June 2007.

The Pittsburgh company, pleased with employee and client retention from its March purchase of Yadkin Financial, is looking to hire lenders from other institutions.

The company will add two branches between Denver and Colorado Springs by buying the deposit-rich Castle Rock Bank.

The company's results benefited from its increased dealings in correspondent lending, while net chargeoffs tied to energy loans decreased during the second quarter.

KS Bancorp initially chided First Citizens for its aggressive moves before deciding to mull the offer over.

Though they might have less money to spend on digital than their larger counterparts, community banks can still provide a top-notch mobile experience.

First Home Bank raised nearly 20% more than it sought from investors, providing proof that Florida — especially the Tampa Bay area — is a hotbed of activity.

Planting trees, cleaning highways, rewarding young scholars and other ways credit unions are giving back to their communities

The Illinois company has bought two banks and a small mortgage firm in the past year, which helped improve its second-quarter results.

The Tennessee company reported higher profit that reflected its June purchase of BNC Bancorp and nearly $670 million of organic loan growth during the second quarter.

The Mississippi company reported higher quarterly earnings despite ongoing energy challenges. Hancock also benefited from its April purchase of the failed First NBC Bank.

The FDIC is watching banks that use wholesale funds to support CRE lending. The warning comes as brokered deposit levels at community banks are at their highest level in nearly six years.

The CEO of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a top matchmaker for bank mergers, explains why large banks will soon return to dealmaking after a long absence, the case for starting new banks and the enduring value of branches.

Doing the right thing to benefit the communities they serve is an integral part of the credit union difference.