BB&T Purchases Susquehanna Bancshares (SUSQ) For $2.5 Billion

The financial sector caught some acquisition news today, as it was announced that BB&T Corporation (NYSE:BBT) had struck a deal with Susquehanna Bancshares Inc (NASDAQ:SUSQ) to acquire the business in a $2.5 billion deal in stock and cash, effectively becoming one of the largest banking deals since the 2008 crisis. The offer values Susquehanna Bancshares at $13.75 a share, over 30% since yesterday’s close.  The purchase comes as BB&T Corporation looks to continue its east coast growth and increase in market share.  Susquehanna is a prominent financial establishment with operations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and West Virginia. As the announcement, Susquehanna…