Bank Mutual was still in talks to buy a bank roughly its own size when it began exploring a sale. The move allowed Bank Mutual to quickly find a buyer after its planned acquisition fell through.
Bank of the Ozarks, Home BancShares and Simmons First have used acquisitions and a business-friendly environment in their home state to become regional powers.
Post-election euphoria tamped down M&A talk as bankers were hopeful that reform would justify staying independent. But there are signs bankers are getting restless.
