Tennessee

These execs say they are finding ways to reduce fixed costs in areas such as branching and personnel, offer appealing tech, yet provide in-person services when customers have concerns.

Pinnacle Financial wanted to be in high-growth markets. BNC Bancorp saw more regulatory burden looming and limited opportunities to sell itself. Those factors spurred what is currently the year's second-biggest bank deal.

Commerce Union had been focused on expanding around Nashville, Tenn., until a lender based 120 miles away was available to hire.

The $1.9 billion deal – the largest announced in 2017 – will create a bank with nearly $20 billion in assets.

The company would prefer buying banks with $5 billion to $10 billion in assets unless it finds an appealing alternative in a strategic market such as Raleigh or Nashville.