January 28, 2014 –
Banking M&A up; Gunster handles three of 2013’s biggest deals, as listed in American Banker

Bank merger and acquisition activity in Florida has been booming of late, reports American Banker, a national publication serving the banking and financial services community.

There were 13 bank M&A deals in Florida in 2013, and even more are expected in 2014, writes Jackie Stewart in the article “Florida likely to experience more M&A in 2014″ for American Banker’s January 3, 2014 issue.

Industry observers are quoted in the article as saying that the Florida marketplace and infrastructure is thriving and strong. Add to that foreign investment interest in the region and continued regulatory pressure on banks, and it’s no wonder buying/selling in the industry is on the rise.

Florida-based Gunster handled three of the eight largest bank deals (by deal value) in Florida in 2013, as listed in the American Banker article. Those acquisitions were on behalf of Gunster clients 1st United Bancorp, Harbor Community Bank and Stonegate Bank.

While bank merger and acquisition activity nationally is expected to be similar to what it was last year, Stewart writes in the piece, for Florida (especially South Florida), the story is a different one, with increased activity forecast.

Read the article online: Florida likely to experience more M&A in 2014 (American Banker, 1/2/14 – subscription required)

Gunster’s banking law practice receives national, Florida honors

In 2014, Gunster’s banking and finance practice was nationally and regionally recognized by Best Lawyers, in partnership with U.S.News & World Report, considered the leading rankings publication in the country.

In addition, individual Gunster attorneys were recognized by Chambers USA, a U.K.-based industry publication that ranks leading law firms and lawyers in an extensive range of practice areas. In 2014, practice leaders Andy Fernandez and Greg Bader were honored as “Leaders in their Field” for their bank regulatory and transactional work, and shareholder Michael Mitrione received “Leaders in their Field” recognition for his transactional banking and finance legal practice.

Andres A. Fernandez		Gregory K. Bader		Michael V. Mitrione

For a recap of additional honors received, see the January 14 press release on Gunster’s website: Local law firm touts top attorney awards: ‘Elite,’ ‘super,’ ‘best,’ ‘leaders in their field’ among honors

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