This week's most read content includes a piecediscussing the slowdown in bank M&A activity, and a look at FirstCommonwealth Financial Corp.'s proposed acquisition of DCB Financial Corp.
Analystsand investors are wondering aloud if Wells Fargo & Co. CEO John Stumpf can hold onto thejob and, if he cannot, whether the scandal-stricken bank could feasibly promotethe executive waiting in the wings to take over.
BankM&A activity has slowed fairly considerably year, and while the rationalefor deals still exists, few expect a material pickup anytime soon.
Indiana,Pa.-based First CommonwealthFinancial Corp. will acquire Lewis Center, Ohio-based in acash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $14.50 per share, or approximately$106 million.
The papercomes at an interesting time for banks and regulators as they consider how tomanage concentration risk in another popular lending area: commercial realestate.
Slowingcommercial loan growth and continued downward pressure on net interest marginsare themes likely to permeate community bank earnings season, analysts say.