Strategic buyers

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.