Growth strategies

Hometown, which agreed to buy Millbury Savings Bank, has already completed one acquisition this year and has another pending.

The company will close a dozen branches, including eight in Colorado.

Central National Bank rebranded as Stride Bank to move away from a name with overused words.

John Asbury, president and CEO of Union Bancshares, wants to make Virginia something it hasn’t been in decades: home to a regional bank powerhouse. He discusses how striking the right balance between acquisitions and strategic hiring works toward that goal.

Nine banks agreed to be sold to credit unions last year. Some industry observers believe that number could double this year.