Southern Florida has more than just sunny weather and retirement condos. The area also has a robust banking sector, which has attracted the interest of some big names in the financial industry. Now that soon-to-be-bailed-out Spanish bank Bankia SA appears to be moving forward with its plan to sell off its Florida business as a consequence of that lifeline, I can think of several players who might be interested in picking up its City National Bank of Florida -- even for a cool $500 million.
Many big banks are looking to expand in the sunshine state
Not that long ago, I noted that suitors were hanging around BankUnited (BKU 2.38%), despite the fact that the bank wasn't even for sale. A true Cinderella story, the bank was nearly done-in by the financial crisis, but it was rescued and made a princess by a group of private equity firms. Now, the bank might be considering a proposal of its own -- to City National.
BankUnited's former beaus likely will have an interest in City National's sale, too. The bank is based in Miami, has over $4.3 billion in assets, and is currently the fourth-largest in southern Florida. City National has increased lending this year, and, with 26 locations, would be a nifty addition to any bank with a strong Florida presence.
The likely contenders -- in addition to BankUnited -- would likely be Wells Fargo (WFC 2.72%), a lending powerhouse with the lion's share of Florida bank branches; JPMorgan Chase (JPM 0.69%), which has been steadily adding branch locations to the Florida market since last year; and PNC Financial (PNC 1.04%), an institution that has been straightforward about wanting to expand its presence in the area, as well. Canada's Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD 0.34%) and BB&T (BBT 2.36%) were also said to be interested in BankUnited less than a year ago and likely will be sniffing around this offering, too.
One Fool's take
Branch banking is still a hot commodity, and I would venture to say that it is especially lucrative in the sunshine state, with its large population of older people who may eschew newfangled inventions such as online and mobile banking.
City National is a real gem, and the bank that wins its hand will have to pay dearly. The sale is expected to garner at least $500 million, and maybe more. A Florida banking analyst noted last month that the lucrative banking franchise might bring in over twice its book value.
Is City National that valuable? Time will tell, but there seems to be great interest in the Florida market, which I would think will only grow as the economy improves and more baby boomers head south after retirement. Sounds like a bank investor's paradise to me.
