Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ:HBAN) completed its merger with Cadence Bank on Monday, creating a $279 billion regional powerhouse and marking one of the most significant consolidations in the U.S. banking sector this year.
The $7.4 billion all-stock transaction—Huntington’s second major deal in Texas following its 2025 Veritex acquisition—propels the Columbus-based lender to the status of eighth-largest bank in Texas and the top deposit holder in Mississippi.
The deal adds 390 branches to Huntington’s footprint, extending its reach to nearly 1,400 locations across 21 states.
By absorbing Houston-based Cadence, Huntington gains immediate scale in high-growth Southern markets including Dallas, Fort Worth, Atlanta, and Nashville.
The combined entity held $221 billion in deposits and $187 billion in loans as of year-end 2025, providing a diversified balance sheet to navigate a shifting interest rate environment.
Management emphasized that the integration will prioritize stability, with no immediate branch closures planned.
Instead, Huntington intends to export its "consumer acquisition playbook" and digital tools to Cadence’s legacy Southern markets to drive organic growth.
In connection with the closing, Huntington expanded its board by appointing three former Cadence directors, including James D. "Dan" Rollins III, who will serve as non-executive vice chairman.