How do mergers affect small businesses?

A: According to a recent study by Federal Reserve and Wharton Financial Institutions Center economists, not a great deal. Their analysis revealed that acquisitions don't appear to be associated with a significant reduction in small business lending by the participating banks. And in those cases in which there is some reduction, it appears to be offset by the positive reaction of other banks in the same local market. Most banks view the period immediately following a merger transaction as the most intensely competitive, as competing lenders try to win small business relationships away from the merging institution.