Regional banks

The key to an unsolicited bid is to avoid looking like a bully. That requires clear communication with a target's investors, employees and clients — along with any other banks you might eventually want to buy.

Rising taxes, declining population and the political landscape in Illinois have led several bankers to put more money and resources into nearby states.

Valley National's latest acquisition would make it a much bigger player in Florida and provide a platform to write more auto loans. Both markets present attractive returns but high risks.

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.

The Birmingham, Ala., bank has been cutting exposure to indirect auto, multifamily and medical office lending, categories it deems high-risk.

The Ohio company also reported that credit quality metrics remain well within its targeted range.

Increased dealings in direct consumer lending and guaranteed student loans offset a decline in mortgage-related income. A lower loan-loss provision also helped the bottom line.

But the Connecticut company says the efficiencies of its recent acquisition of Suffolk Bancorp will begin to be realized soon.

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 Cleveland company, once criticized for an initial six-year forecast, now believes it will only take four years to rebuild its tangible book value.

Regional banks are hoping that recent comments by Fed Chair Janet Yellen can add fuel to their efforts to replace the $50 billion asset threshold for systemically important banks with a regulatory indicator test.

Leaf Commercial Capital originates about $500 million in loans annually tied to equipment and software purchases.

KeyCorp also recorded a gain after buying the remaining ownership interest in a merchant services joint venture.

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

Revenue growth in its merchant payments business is expected to be tepid in the foreseeable future. The Minneapolis company says it is looking to ramp up innovation to stay competitive in a business that has been upended by fintech firms and online shopping.

The Georgia company made more loans and controlled costs. As a result, it had a 1% return on assets and an efficiency ratio below 60%.

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.

Buying Capital Bank puts the company on a fast track for more regulatory scrutiny. Executives are identifying ways to boost revenue and taking other measures so it can handle the change.

Business lending rose 6% at the Pittsburgh bank, while consumer lending was largely flat.