Spencer Savings Bank and Southbridge Savings Bank in Massachusetts have agreed to merge in a combination of mutual thrifts in the Worcester, Mass., area.

MB Financial in Chicago has agreed to buy an asset management firm.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., has promoted Jennifer Simmons to chief operating officer and appointed her to the executive committee.

Women who own small businesses are happier with their banking experiences than their male counterparts are, according to a study by J.D. Power released Thursday.

American Bank in Corpus Christi, Texas, will promote two executives next year, after longtime chairman and chief executive Al Jones retires.

Mercantile Bank in Grand Rapids, Mich., plans to close five branches to cut costs. The $2.9 billion-asset company said in a press release Wednesday that it plans to close the branches in the first quarter.

Valley National Bancorp in Wayne, N.J., reported a jump in third-quarter earnings on growth in lending and fee income.

Executives at small banks and credit unions told the Senate Banking Committee about horror stories of technical glitches, vendor delays and overworked appraisers, while expressing an interest in having more time to comply with new mortgage rules.

Trustmark in Jackson, Miss., said its profit declined in the third quarter because of lower loan yields and higher expenses.

One look at the industry's C-suite makes it obvious that banks need to mirror demographic shifts far better and faster.

UMB Financial in Kansas City, Mo., reported lower third-quarter profit, due to weaker revenue from its Scout Funds arm and merger costs.

CenterState Banks in Davenport, Fla., has agreed to buy Hometown of Homestead Banking Co. in Homestead, Fla.

United Community Banks in Blairsville, Ga., reported higher quarterly earnings despite costs tied to its purchase of Palmetto Bancshares in South Carolina.

First Capital was on Jim Cherry short list of recapitalization targets before the ex-Wachovia executive raised more than $150 million to rebuild Park Sterling in Charlotte. Park Sterling eventually agreed to buy First Capital earlier this month.

Flagstar Bancorp in Troy, Mich., reported a third-quarter profit, as it originated more residential mortgages and recorded higher fee income.

A move by the National Labor Relations Board could force more legal liability on franchisors for actions taken by their franchisees. Some observers believe banks could become more reluctant lending to smaller franchisors until the issue has more clarity.

Old National Bancorp in Evansville, Ind., reported improved third-quarter profit on growth in fees and consumer and commercial real estate lending.

Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., is building an online borrowing experience for its small-business clients.

First Northern Community Bancorp in Dixon, Calif., has exited the Small Business Lending Fund.

Northrim BanCorp in Anchorage, Alaska, will give its chief executive the additional title of chairman, as its current chairman to plans to retire at year end.