Fifth Third Bancorp Seals $10.9 Billion Deal to Acquire Comerica Bank, Creating a New Regional Banking Powerhouse
The American banking landscape is witnessing another major shake-up as Fifth Third Bancorp announced plans to acquire Comerica Bank in a $10.9 billion all-stock transaction. The merger is set to reshape the competitive map of U.S. regional lenders and signals the growing momentum of consolidation in the sector.
Details of the Comerica Bank and Fifth Third Bank Merger
Under the agreement announced on October 6, 2025, Comerica shareholders will receive 1.8663 shares of Fifth Third for each Comerica share they own. Based on Fifth Third’s closing price before the deal, that values Comerica stock at around $82.88 per share. Once completed, Fifth Third shareholders will hold approximately 73% of the combined company, while Comerica shareholders will own about 27%.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approval. The merged entity will become one of the largest U.S. regional banks, serving customers across a broader national footprint and offering a more diversified mix of retail, commercial, and digital banking services.
| Key Deal Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Deal Value | $10.9 billion (all-stock) |
| Exchange Ratio | 1.8663 Fifth Third shares per Comerica share |
| Combined Ownership | 73% Fifth Third, 27% Comerica |
| Expected Closing | Q1 2026 |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio (Fifth Third) |
Why This Merger Matters for U.S. Banking
The deal reflects a clear strategy to build scale and reach at a time when mid-sized banks are under increasing pressure from both regulatory requirements and digital disruption. By joining forces, Fifth Third Bancorp and Comerica Bank will compete more effectively with national players like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, particularly in fast-growing states such as Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
The merger will also strengthen the combined institution’s position in the Midwest, while expanding heavily into high-growth regions. In fact, the new bank will operate in 17 of the 20 fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States.
The expanded footprint is expected to look like this:
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Midwest (Ohio, Michigan, Illinois): Strong existing base
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Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina): Accelerated growth markets
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Southwest (Texas, Arizona, California): Comerica’s established presence adds strategic value
Leadership and Integration Plan
Once the merger is finalized, Comerica’s current CEO, Curt Farmer, will become vice chair of the combined bank, while Peter Sefzik, Comerica’s chief banking officer, will lead the wealth and asset management division. Three Comerica board members will also join Fifth Third’s board.
Although the bank will operate under the Fifth Third brand, both Comerica Bank and Fifth Third Bank will continue normal operations during the transition period, ensuring customers experience no immediate changes to their accounts or services.
How Customers Will Be Affected
For now, customers of both banks are advised to continue using their existing branches, cards, and online services. There will be no changes to fees, login details, or account numbers until the integration process is complete.
In the long run, the combined bank promises to deliver:
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Broader branch and ATM access nationwide
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Enhanced digital and mobile banking services
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Expanded financial products for retail and business clients
These benefits could help the new institution attract more customers who seek both physical branch access and innovative digital tools—a key factor in competing with fintechs and large national banks.
Stock Market and Industry Reaction
The announcement sparked a strong response on Wall Street. Comerica shares jumped by roughly 12% after the deal was confirmed, while Fifth Third’s stock saw a slight dip as investors weighed short-term dilution against long-term gains.
Industry analysts described the move as a “logical and timely” step, given the recent wave of mergers among regional banks. Rising compliance costs, slower loan growth, and a competitive funding environment have made scale and efficiency more important than ever.
| Company | Stock Movement After Announcement |
|---|---|
| Comerica Bank | +11% to +14% |
| Fifth Third Bancorp | -2% to -3% |
Comerica’s Legal Hurdles Cleared Before the Deal
Earlier this year, Comerica resolved a significant legal issue when the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) dismissed a lawsuit related to its management of the Direct Express prepaid debit card program. The dismissal came in April 2025, clearing the way for Comerica to proceed with strategic partnerships and mergers without legal distractions.
What’s Next for Comerica Park and Local Communities
The merger has also sparked curiosity about the future of Comerica Park in Detroit, the home stadium of the Tigers baseball team. While it is too early to predict any renaming, both Comerica and the team’s representatives have stated their commitment to preserving community ties and honoring the park’s legacy.
The new Fifth Third–Comerica combination aims not only to create a stronger financial institution but also to reinforce community engagement through charitable initiatives and regional investments.
With this $10.9 billion merger, the Comerica Bank and Fifth Third Bank union is poised to set a new standard for regional banking in America—one that blends legacy strength with digital ambition.
