
First Niagara Financial Group was a major bank holding company based in Buffalo, New York.
The company was founded in 2007 and had over 400 branches across New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
KeyCorp acquired First Niagara in 2016 for $4.1 billion.
The acquisition expanded KeyCorp's presence in the Northeast region.
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KeyCorp News
KeyCorp acquired First Niagara in 2016, a deal that was finalized on December 20, 2016. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in KeyCorp's history, expanding its presence in the Northeast.
The combined company had $145 billion in assets and over 1,300 branches. This made it one of the largest bank holding companies in the United States.
The acquisition provided KeyCorp with a stronger presence in the commercial and industrial banking markets. It also gave the company a significant boost in its wealth management and mortgage banking businesses.
First Niagara's customers and employees were integrated into KeyBank's operations, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient banking experience.
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Background and Context
KeyCorp announced its planned acquisition of First Niagara on October 30, and the combined institution would become the 13th largest bank in the United States.
The total purchase consideration was roughly $4.4 billion, with about 80 percent of the deal payable in KeyCorp stock. KeyCorp's stock plunged by 7 percent after the announcement.
Analysts and many investors were miffed at the transaction, mainly for the dilution to tangible book value, which is considered excessive in today's market. KeyCorp estimated the payback period required to recoup the dilution would be as long as six to 10 years.
KeyCorp has achieved significant growth over the last three years, but loan growth in the red zone provides a better return than cash or securities and has a negative effect on the risk/reward profile of a bank's portfolio. This is particularly concerning in higher duration portfolios such as mortgages.
The projected HalfLife of First Niagara's key loan portfolios provides KeyCorp with a nice balance of longevity and freedom to change the mix of the portfolio.
Market Analysis
The KeyCorp First Niagara acquisition has had a significant impact on the market. KeyCorp paid $4.1 billion for the acquisition in 2016.
First Niagara's extensive network of 400 branches and 1,500 ATMs across upstate New York and Pennsylvania provided a strong foundation for KeyCorp's expansion in the region.
Why the Market is Wrong
The market can be a tricky place to navigate, but let's take a closer look at why it's often wrong.
The market's inefficiencies are a result of human behavior, which can lead to irrational decision-making.
One example is the tendency to follow the crowd, as seen in the article section "Herding Behavior in the Market", where investors often mimic the actions of others without fully understanding the underlying factors.
This can lead to asset bubbles and crashes, as investors buy and sell based on emotions rather than fundamentals.
A classic example of this is the dot-com bubble of the early 2000s, where investors poured money into tech stocks without considering their financial health.
The market's failure to accurately price assets is another reason why it's often wrong.
As discussed in the article section "Efficient Market Hypothesis", the market's price discovery mechanism can be slow and inaccurate, leading to overvaluation or undervaluation of assets.
This can be seen in the article section "Market Sentiment Analysis", where market sentiment can be influenced by emotions and biases, rather than objective analysis.
In the end, it's essential to approach the market with a critical and nuanced perspective, recognizing its limitations and inefficiencies.
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KeyCorp to Sell Branches
KeyCorp will sell 18 branches as part of its agreement with the Justice Department and the Federal Reserve Board to complete its purchase of First Niagara Financial Group.
The branches in question are located in the Buffalo, N.Y., market, where KeyCorp is buying First Niagara.
Northwest Bancshares will purchase the First Niagara branches in Buffalo, along with $1.7 billion of deposits and $500 million of loans.
Business Decisions

Keycorp's First Niagara acquisition was a significant business decision that had far-reaching consequences.
The acquisition was announced in 2013, and it was one of the largest bank deals in history at the time, with a total value of $4.1 billion.
First Niagara's CEO, Gary Crosby, played a crucial role in the acquisition, working closely with Keycorp's leadership to make it happen.
The acquisition gave Keycorp a significant presence in the northeastern United States, with over 400 branches and 1,500 ATMs.
Keycorp's CEO at the time, Beth Mooney, stated that the acquisition would help Keycorp expand its presence in the region and increase its market share.
The acquisition was completed in 2016, and it marked a major milestone in Keycorp's history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are KeyBank and First Niagara the same?
KeyBank and First Niagara are now the same bank, with First Niagara branches rebranded as KeyBank locations after a merger. All First Niagara services and operations have been integrated into KeyBank.
What happened to the first Niagara Bank?
First Niagara Bank was acquired by KeyCorp in 2015 and subsequently spun off 64 branches to other banks. The acquisition led to a significant change in the bank's operations and ownership.
Sources
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keycorp-closes-acquisition-of-first-niagara-financial-group-300306416.html
- https://www.cleveland.com/business/2016/07/keycorp_completes_first_niagar.html
- https://www.invictusgrp.com/anatomy-of-an-ma-deal-how-new-analytics-reveal-hidden-aspects-of-keycorps-first-niagara-acquisition-1/
- https://www.americanbanker.com/news/keycorp-wins-feds-ok-to-buy-first-niagara
- https://www.americanbanker.com/news/keycorp-to-sell-18-branches-as-part-of-first-niagara-deal
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