Huntington Bancshares aims to close its $1.9 billion deal for Veritex Financial in Dallas early in the fourth quarter, accelerating branch construction in North Carolina and South Carolina in 2026. The regional bank’s growth in Texas and the Carolinas is boosting lending and net interest margin.

The acquisition of Veritex Holdings is seen as a springboard for Huntington’s expansion in Texas, with plans to build 55 new branches in the Carolinas. The bank’s optimistic forecast has led to increased earnings estimates and recognition as a key organic growth success story in the industry.

Huntington’s history as a Midwestern bank expanded with acquisitions in Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Colorado. Plans to expand commercial lending in the Carolinas and Texas evolved into a significant branch-building campaign and the acquisition of Veritex in Texas.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Huntington targets early fourth-quarter close for Texas deal