In a move that is expected to shake up the banking industry in the Southeast, Synovus and Pinnacle Financial Partners have announced plans to merge in a deal worth $8.6 billion. The merger, which is subject to regulatory approval, will create one of the largest banks in the region, with over $70 billion in assets. Synovus, which is headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, and Pinnacle Financial Partners, which is based in Nashville, Tennessee, have been in talks for several months, and the deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The combined bank will have a significant presence in the Southeast, with operations in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and the Carolinas. The merger is expected to result in cost savings of over $100 million, which will be achieved through the elimination of redundant positions and the consolidation of operations. The deal is also expected to create new opportunities for growth and expansion, as the combined bank will have a larger and more diverse customer base. Synovus and Pinnacle Financial Partners have a long history of serving the financial needs of individuals, businesses, and communities in the Southeast, and the merger is expected to build on this legacy. The combined bank will have a strong commitment to community banking, and will continue to provide a range of financial services, including consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage lending. The merger is subject to approval by regulators, including the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The deal is also subject to the approval of shareholders, who will vote on the merger in the coming months. If approved, the merger is expected to be completed by the end of the year, and the combined bank will begin operating under a new name and brand. The merger is a significant development in the banking industry, and is expected to have a major impact on the financial landscape of the Southeast. The deal is also a testament to the strength and resilience of the banking industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. Despite these challenges, Synovus and Pinnacle Financial Partners have continued to thrive, and the merger is a reflection of their commitment to growth and expansion. The combined bank will be well-positioned to compete in the rapidly changing banking industry, and will have the scale and resources to invest in new technologies and innovations. The merger is also expected to create new opportunities for employees, who will have access to a wider range of career development opportunities and training programs. Overall, the merger of Synovus and Pinnacle Financial Partners is a significant development in the banking industry, and is expected to have a major impact on the financial landscape of the Southeast.