The number of FDIC-insured institutions in the United States was 5,670 as of March 31, 2018, down from 8,534 on Dec. 31, 2007. Over the past five years, 1,292 institutions have been absorbed by mergers, while the number of failed banks has declined significantly. The trend will continue through 2018 and 2019 based on multiple factors. [Continue]
Regulators are teeing up CRA for additional reform; I hope simplification, clarity and fairness are among the goals this time around. [Continue]
In the final installment of our M&A series, we cast an eye on employment agreements. In any transaction the treatment of people who work at the selling organization is as important as any other facet of the deal. [Continue]
A recent order from the SEC indicates concern that private companies must comply with the exact same rules as publicly-traded companies. [Continue]
Continuing the special contract provisions discussion, how should you treat third party vendor agreements, and the allocation of payments for any fees that may arise out of the disposition of those? [Continue]
For many community banks, deposits are a big issue. Statistics show that deposits are coming into the banking system, but most customers are stashing their cash with the bigs. [Continue]
Special covenants are always at the heart of the deal, but certain operating covenants set an expectation between buyer and seller on the operation of the organization from the date of the agreement through closing. [Continue]
Equity Bancshares, which operates the Equity Bank franchise from its base in Wichita, Kan., is a relatively young holding company, formed in 2002. Since then it has completed nearly 20 mergers and acquisitions, and sees little point in slowing down. [Continue]
There can be a push-pull between a buyer’s desire for the seller to stand behind the operations of the bank being sold, and the seller requiring a buyer to perform due diligence and take ownership of the acquired bank. [Continue]
A non-competition provision will help a buyer protect its investment, particularly when a seller is only selling a portion of their operations and will continue operating following the closing. [Continue]