Strategic buyers

Cadence has upped the exchange ratio by 10%, a move made necessary by the 40% decline in its stock price since the deal was announced in May.

The combination of CCF Holding, Heritage Bancorp. and Providence Bank will create a $1 billion-asset institution. Veteran bank investor Kenneth Lehman will be its chairman.

Morris State will pay $24 million for the parent of Farmers & Merchants Bank.

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State Bank’s Evans started off his banking career by offering cold cans of soda to farmers in the field in the hopes of earning their business. Five decades on, he's widely known in banking circles for his prowess in building high-performing community banks and selling them for top dollar.

The past month was a busy one for community banks with expansion on the agenda and millions to spend.

The acquisition will increase Horizon’s core deposits and add branches around Indianapolis.

First Merchants in Indiana would pass $10 billion in assets by acquiring MBT Financial in Michigan.

In what would be its third acquisition in a year, the company formerly known as BofI Holding is buying a firm that clears trades for independent broker-dealers.

Hanmi alleges that SWNB's directors actively advised the Houston bank's investors to reject the merger.

Achieva Credit Union has purchased Preferred Community Bank in Fort Myers, Fla.

The company will pay $96 million to buy HomeTown Bankshares to gain scale in western Virginia.

The Kansas company has agreed to buy three offices from MidFirst Bank.

Bank7, which aims to raise $75 million, also has extensive dealings in the hospitality industry. The company has completed two acquisitions since 2011.

Larger community banks are favoring bigger targets — or relying more on organic growth — to expand.

Eagle Bancorp Montana is gaining four branches and $94 million in deposits with its $19 million purchase of Big Muddy Bancorp.

Hanmi Financial in Los Angeles will pay more of the deal price in cash, prompting SWNB Bancorp to postpone its shareholder vote.

Limited acquisition opportunities remain in the state's hottest markets, which will force buyers to pay bigger premiums or pursue deals elsewhere.

M&A activity has picked up in recent weeks as several regional banks have struck big deals. Is it a blip or a sign of what's to come?

Holding multiple face-to-face meetings with executives from MB Financial helped Fifth Third land the Chicago company for a lower price than another suitor offered.