Tennessee

The acquisition will make the Tennessee company one of the biggest banks in the Southeast with more than $40 billion in assets.

The company has hired an investment bank to help it consider strategic alternatives, which could also include recapitalizing.

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.