Sales of loans lifted Third Federal Savings & Loan Association (TFSL) in the company's fiscal first quarter.

The valuation of United Bankshares' deal for Virginia Commerce — 1.8 times tangible book — is an encouraging sign for other sellers.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency unexpectedly announced Wednesday that Michael Brosnan, its point man for large banks, was leaving his post to become examiner-in-charge of Zions Bank. The move was unusual and effectively a demotion.

First Belleville Bancshares didn't buy First National Bank in Hays, Kan., because of the seller's accounts-receivable unit, though the business could prove to be a nice added value.

Earnings at State Bank Financial (STBZ) in Atlanta rose 2.2% in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, to $9.3 million.

Revenue from mortgage lending boosted Bank of Hawaii (BOH) in the fourth quarter. Earnings at the $13.7 billion-asset company rose 2.6% from a year earlier, to $40.3 million.

Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) in San Antonio posted higher quarterly earnings because of strong loan growth and a securities gain.

Earnings at United Bankshares rose 5% from a year earlier to $21.2 million. Earnings of 42 cents a share were 1 cent below analysts' average estimate, according to Bloomberg.

New York Community Bancorp (NYCB) in Westbury, N.Y., reported earnings that were short of analysts' expectations because a surge in refinancing cut its net interest margin.

BOK Financial (BOKF) in Oklahoma City reported higher quarterly earnings because of higher mortgage-banking income.

In announcing plans to buy the $2.8 billion-asset Virginia Commerce, United Bankshares has made a deal that will dramatically increase its market share around the nation's capital.

TCF Financial in Wayzata, Minn., posted higher quarterly results after reporting an uptick in lending for equipment purchases.

The Riverhead, N.Y., company is profitable again and playing offense after purging bad loans and raising capital in recent months

The Spokane, Wash., company has agreed to sell three branches to Pacific Financial (PFLC) in Aberdeen, Wash. The branches are in Astoria, Ore., Seaside, Ore., and Aberdeen.

FirstMerit (FMER) of Akron, Ohio, seeks to raise as much as $350 million in connection with its deal for Citizens Republic Bancorp (CRBC).

First Niagara Financial Group (FNFG) in Buffalo, N.Y., has filled its openings for general counsel and human resources manager from within.

Aided by its first whole-bank acquisition in seven years, City Holding Company (CHCO) in Charleston, W.Va., reported a $10.9 million profit in the fourth quarter of 2012, up 13% from the same quarter a year earlier.

Delinquency rates on student loans made in the past two years stand at 15% in the U.S. as recent graduates struggle to find jobs, Fair Isaac said.

Charles R. Crowley and Michael C. Voinovich will open an investment banking office in Cleveland for Boenning & Scattergood.

Grandpoint Capital's plan to acquire its ninth bank in less than three years has been terminated, or possibly just iced for now.