Huntington Bancshares Acquires Cadence Bank in $7.4 Billion Deal, Expanding Regional Footprint
## Regional Banking Consolidation Continues with Huntington Bancshares-Cadence Bank Merger
### The Event in Detail
**Huntington Bancshares** (HBAN) announced on October 27, 2025, a definitive agreement to acquire **Cadence Bank** (CADE) in an all-stock transaction valued at $7.4 billion. The deal entails Huntington issuing 2.475 shares of common stock for each outstanding share of Cadence common stock. Based on Huntington's closing price of $16.07 as of October 24, 2025, this implies a consideration of $39.77 per Cadence share. This strategic move is poised to create a significant entity within the U.S. banking sector.
### Analysis of Market Reaction and Strategic Rationale
The merger is set to form a top-ten U.S. bank, boasting **$276 billion in assets** and **$220 billion in deposits**. The combined entity will extend its operational footprint across 21 states, significantly enhancing its customer base and deposit network in key markets such as Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Specifically, Huntington anticipates achieving the fifth-largest deposit market share in Dallas, Houston, and eighth across Texas. The bank also projects becoming the top institution in Mississippi and a top-ten player in Alabama and Arkansas by deposits.
From a financial perspective, Huntington expects the transaction to be approximately **10% accretive to its earnings per share**. While the deal is projected to be mildly dilutive to regulatory capital at closing and 7% dilutive to tangible book value per share, the company anticipates an earn-back period of three years, inclusive of merger expenses. Management has identified **$365 million in pre-tax cost synergies** and expresses high confidence in realizing revenue synergies through streamlined back-office functions and enhanced digital infrastructure.
### Broader Context and Industry Implications
This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing consolidation trend within the regional banking sector. Driven by factors such as the pursuit of economies of scale, increasing regulatory compliance costs, and intense competition from financial technology firms, bank mergers have accelerated. Data indicates a 15% increase in bank mergers in 2023, with larger deals like Capital One's $35 billion acquisition of Discover setting a precedent for 2024.
The continued consolidation contributes to a more concentrated market landscape, with the top 10 U.S. banks now controlling over 60% of domestic deposits, an increase from 45% a decade ago. Mergers allow banks to share compliance infrastructure and expertise, potentially reducing per-account regulatory costs by 20-30%. However, this trend also raises considerations regarding potential impacts on customers, including branch closures, fee adjustments, and a shift from relationship-based to more standardized banking services.
### Looking Ahead
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, contingent upon shareholder approval from both companies and customary regulatory approvals. The merger will undergo review by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, given the transaction value exceeds $101 million. These agencies will assess the deal for any potential antitrust concerns that could substantially lessen competition.
Following regulatory clearance and shareholder consent, Cadence branches are slated to adopt the Huntington Bank brand name in the second quarter of 2026. The successful integration of operations and realization of projected synergies will be key factors for the combined entity in the coming years.