Bank of the Ozarks (OZRK) in Little Rock, Ark., said that its first-quarter earnings climbed 26% from the same period last year, to $25.3 million, thanks largely to strong loan growth and an accounting gain stemming from its March acquisition of Texas of Bancshares.

Washington Federal (WAFD) in Seattle reported higher quarterly profit because of an improved deposit mix, increased fee income and loan growth.

Heritage Bancorp in Pearland, Texas, has agreed to buy Nixon State Bank in Nixon, Texas.

CB Financial Services (CBFV) in Carmichaels, Pa., has agreed to buy FedFirst Financial (FFCO) in Monessen, Pa.

Joseph Stilwell used a photo of the then-chairman of Harvard Illinois snoozing at last year's annual meeting as part of his fight for representation on the board. Harvard's board accused Stilwell of waging his battle "in the gutter."

A breakdown of M&A announcements in the financial services industry for the week ended April 12.

The company, which was an active acquirer before the financial crisis, has returned to its roots after a long hiatus brought on by the downturn and integration problems. Archie Brown, who became CEO in 2008, says the company is taking a more disciplined approach this time.

First Mariner's holding company, First Mariner Bancorp (FMAR), filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February as part of a $100 million recapitalization plan.

The financial services technology company FIS has expanded its loan software and services business by acquiring CMSI.

M&T Bank (MTB) in Buffalo reported lower earnings in the first quarter as customer activity dwindled in the first two months of 2014 and costs associated with regulatory requirements grew.

U.S. Bank has agreed to buy Ally Bank's document-custodian business.

Kenneth Lehman is getting ready to increase his stake in Liberty Bell Bank (LBBB) in Marlton, N.J.

The San Francisco bank is mainly counting on organic loan growth and improved asset quality to drive future profits, but it would also be open to acquisitions, especially in the credit card in wealth management businesses.

BofI Holding (BOFI) in San Diego has agreed to buy certain assets and all the deposits of H&R Block Bank.

A former executive at Solara National Bancorp (SLRK) could start working with an activist investor to alter the size and composition of the Lakewood Village, Colo., company's board.

H&R Block Inc., the biggest U.S. tax preparer, jumped 8 percent in New York after saying it will sell its banking unit to exit Federal Reserve oversight.

The Greenville, S.C., company hired John Poelker as interim CEO and ousted its top executives less than two weeks after allegations of financial mismanagement surfaced. Poelker, known for stabilizing struggling banks, could be tasked with cleaning Certus up for a buyer.

Insight, based in Ohio, wanted to raise capital to expand its operations. Instead, it ended up talking to suitors and agreeing to sell to First Financial in Cincinnati.

BancorpSouth (BXS) in Tupelo, Miss., has acquired Knox Insurance Group in Lafayette, La.

Wintrust Financial (WTFC) in Rosemont, Ill., has agreed to buy 11 branches in Wisconsin from Talmer Bancorp (TLMR) in Troy, Mich.