Bank M&A activity holds steady

Eight bank acquisitions have been announced through the first 10 months of 2011, according to a new report published by SNL Financial. The same number of deals were announced during the first 10 months of last year.

One such acquisition announcement -- Lakewood Ranch-based Community Bank & Co.'s planned merger with Clearwater-based Old Harbor Bank -- ended up not being completed. Old Harbor was shuttered by regulators Oct. 24.

Three Gulf Coast banks have announced acquisition agreements so far this year: In addition to its agreement with Old Harbor, Community Bank struck a deal with First Community Bank of America, based in Pinellas Park, in May; Tampa-based American Momentum Bank acquired Brazos Valley Bank of College Station, Texas, also in May; and in July, Largo-based USAmeriBank increased its holdings in Alabama-based Aliant Financial Corp.