Taylor Capital Group (TAYC) in Chicago plans to retire one-quarter of its Troubled Asset Relief Program stock that the Treasury Department auctioned to private investors last June.

Independent Bank (INDB) in Rockland, Mass., reported a jump in second-quarter profit as interest revenue and fee income rose.

Republic Bancorp (RBCAA) is increasing its stake in the tax refund services business by buying the banking operations of H&R Block (HRB).

The Federal Reserve Board has terminated a regulatory order with Waterstone Financial in Wauwatosa, Wis.

Rocky Wirtz's championship NHL team, the Chicago Blackhawks, gets more press than his community banks, but they make more money.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., is establishing a merchant-banking division led by two banking veterans.

Ask Roberto Herencia, the new chairman of Metropolitan Bank Group, about its well-placed ATM near one of the Windy City's most popular bars, and he'll probably smile.

F.N.B. Corp. (FNB) in Hermitage, Pa., is establishing a regional headquarters in downtown Cleveland.

The $857 million-asset company tapped Jerry Rexroad to succeed John Russ, a company spokeswoman said on Thursday. Rexroad has been chairman and CEO of affiliate Crescent Mortgage.

Technology is among the biggest expenses for small banks, so it is important for managers to read the fine print before finalizing a contract.

Commerce Bancshares in Kansas City, Mo., reported lower quarterly profit as interest income fell and credit costs spiked.

Chemung Financial in Elmira, N.Y., has agreed to buy six branches in upstate New York from Bank of America.

Ann Mehlum, the chief executive of Summit Bank of Eugene, Ore., will step down to lead the U.S. Small Business Administration's loan programs.

Big banks tightened credit for small businesses in June, a month after being their most generous in six years.

Crescent Financial Bancshares of Raleigh, N.C., is going to transfer its stock listing from the Nasdaq to the New York Stock Exchange. The company also announced it will change its name to VantageSouth Bancshares.

The number of bank deals and the average sale price fell in the first half, but M&A activity could increase the rest of the year if investors keep bidding up the stocks of bank buyers.

CoBiz Financial (COBZ) in Denver plans to enter two new markets — Fort Collins and Colorado Springs — and create a private-banking division.

American Banker asked readers and staff members to recommend books for bankers to take on their summer vacations. Share your own suggestions in the Comments section below.

United Community Financial (UCFC) in Youngstown, Ohio, has been freed from a cease-and-desist order.

A larger-than-usual number of small banks, rising valuations for would-be acquirers, and lingering industry challenges are increasing the odds of deals in the Pennsylvania.