Regional banks

CIT Group over a year's time brushed off several offers from First Citizens BancShares, entertained rival bids and kept negotiating on price and board representation before striking a deal, according to a new regulatory filing.

Technology imperatives, weak loan demand and the need for increased efficiency could put pressure on dozens of regional banks to join forces with rivals.

The Pittsburgh company is using its BlackRock windfall to execute a familiar script: buy an underperforming bank, cut costs and strengthen ties with commercial clients.

The statement comes after multiple small and midsize institutions earlier this year warned the agencies that the secured overnight financing rate was ill-suited to them.

The Detroit company said David Provost, former CEO of Chemical Financial, will become its CEO.

Spence’s promotion to president could signal that the Cincinnati banking company is grooming him as a potential successor to Chairman and CEO Greg Carmichael.

Deposits have piled up, curtailing overdrafts and other fees. The trend could force lenders to find other ways to make money — or start cutting to the bone.

Many of the Buffalo, N.Y., bank’s commercial loans have exited forbearance granted in the early days of the pandemic — except hospitality and retail, which were given longer dispensation.

The Cincinnati company, one of just a handful of lenders to reduce its cushion against bad credits in the third quarter, was grilled by analysts who suggested it was being too optimistic about the long-term effects of the pandemic recession.

The Dallas bank has begun encouraging larger borrowers to seek forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program loans first as it holds out for the government to streamline the process for loans below $150,000.