M&A

M&A editor Paul Davis explores the practical and political implications of the proposed merger between BB&T and SunTrust.

The stars aligned for the two longtime rivals to join forces, and some observers speculate that other regional banks will need to strike similar partnerships if they hope to remain competitive. But others say such deals are rare because they're hard to pull off.

The merged bank would set up an innovation and technology center in Charlotte as part of its bid to compete better against the largest institutions and fintech startups.

Why now? Will it work? How will their rivals respond? The megadeal between the two East Coast regionals offers up plenty of grist for speculation.

The deal would be the biggest bank merger in more than a decade; banks would need to show how many days they could last with just cash on hand.