Franklin Financial CEO J. Myers Jones is trying to reduce his company's exposure to shared national credits and health care loans, which have enjoyed solid yields but come with a downside.
The Louisiana company's willingness to combine with First Horizon without a big initial payday is fueling talk that other banks could be keen on selling at relatively inexpensive prices.
First Horizon and Iberiabank solidified their resolve after BB&T and SunTrust announced their merger. Bryan Jordan, First Horizon's CEO, says he's convinced the earlier deal is having a similar influence at other regional banks.
