Central Bancompany in Jefferson City, Mo., could raise up to $430.8 million through its planned initial public offering. The $19.1 billion-asset company disclosed in a regulatory filing that it plans to sell nearly 17.8 million shares of its common stock. The pricing is expected to range from $21 to $24 a share. The underwriters can sell more shares if there is enough demand. Net proceeds could be used to support

Tompkins Financial in Ithaca, N.Y., has sold its insurance agency. The company said in a press release that it sold Tompkins Insurance Agencies to Arthur J. Gallagher for $223 million in cash, recording a pretax gain of $183 million. “It was in the long-term interests of the TIA employees and customers to find a partner that best positioned them for continued success well into the future," Stephen Romaine, Tompkins' president

Two Georgia banks are merging. The $192.8 million-asset Mount Vernon Bank is combining with the $23.8 million-asset Bank of Lumber City under the holding company Heart of Georgia Bancshares. “We are excited [about] the possibility of getting into another hometown market," Alan Thigpen, Mount Vernon Bank's president and CEO, said in a press release. "We feel these markets are what is best suited for our banking strengths. This rural market

Popular Inc. in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is exiting residential mortgage lending. The company made the announcement during its conference call to discuss third-quarter earnings. "We did make a decision to terminate our mortgage origination business in the U.S.," Jorge Jose García, the company's chief financial officer, said during the call. "We do not believe, given our funding profile and the positive pension in the U.S., that it is a

Tri-County Financial Group in Mendota, Ill., has a new leader. The company disclosed in a regulatory filing that Timothy McConville resigned as its president and CEO and left the board. His decision "was not a result of any disagreement with the company," the filing said. Kirk Ross, president and CEO of the bank, succeeded McConville to lead the company. Ross joined the bank in 1994.

First Guaranty Bancshares in Hammond, La., reported a large quarterly loss due to exposure to a large auto parts manufacturer and goodwill impairment. The $3.8 billion-asset company said in a press release that it lost $45 million in the third quarter, which included a $47.9 million loan-loss provision. The company also recorded a $12.9 million goodwill impairment charge. First Guaranty said it has a $52.0 million credit exposure tied to

Pioneer Bancorp in Albany, N.Y., bought a wealth management business. The $2.2 billion-asset company said in a press release that it acquired Brown Financial Management Group on Oct. 28. The acquisition added $73 million of assets under management. The price wasn't disclosed.

First Federal Lakewood in Ohio has agreed to acquire First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Centerburg in Ohio. The merger between the $3 billion-asset First Federal Lakewood and the $22.5 million-asset First Federal S&LA is expected to close in the first quarter. The terms were not disclosed. The combined organization aims to preserve the customer-owned structure while expanding products, technology, and reach for Centerburg-area customers. “We are thrilled to