It’s a deal: Lafayette-based IBERIABANK Corp. announced today an agreement to acquire Atlanta-based Georgia Commerce Bancshares Inc., holding company of Georgia Commerce Banks. The deal, which is valued at $195 million in stock exchanges and will mark IBERIABANK’s entrance into the Atlanta market, is expected to close in the first half of next year. It has already been approved by both companies’ boards of directors, but is still subject to regulatory and Georgia Commerce shareholder approvals. Georgia Commerce has nine offices in the greater Atlanta area, with total assets of $1 billion as of Sept. 30. Get more details on today’s announcement.
Down to one: Two clinics challenging Louisiana’s newest abortion law now want their suit dismissed. An earlier lawsuit would remain intact. Attorney Ellie Schilling tells The Associated Press that cost is the only reason for the request. It was filed Friday for Delta Clinic of Baton Rouge, Women’s Health Care Center in New Orleans and a doctor at each. The law requires doctors who perform abortions to be able to admit patients to a hospital within 30 miles. U.S. District Judge John deGravelles has scheduled a trial to begin March 30. Until then, his temporary order bars the state health department from penalizing doctors who are applying for admitting privileges.
Not making the grade: Louisiana educators are calling for changes in math instruction based on a report that shows students in the state are falling behind their peers in other parts of the country. The Advertiser reports the report was compiled by two statewide math educator groups, as well as the Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy at LSU. According to statistics provided in the report, about 42% of fourth-grade students and 34% of eighth-grade students in the United States, are considered proficient in math based on standardized tests. In Louisiana, the figures are even lower—27% of fourth-graders and 21% of eighth-graders were categorized as proficient. Read the full story.
