Mergers & acquisitions are down in 2023 — but local experts say parties are finding ways to arrive at deals.

UMB Bank joined the ranks of banks in the midst of laying people off but declined to share any details. A reliable source puts the number around 100, but UMB officials say the figure is "not material to our business" so it won't discuss it publicly.

Leawood-based CrossFirst Bank laid off 22 of its 500 employees as part of an efficiency project in the wake of acquiring two banks in the past year. CEO Mike Maddox also points to margin concerns in an uncertain economy.

The Kansas City Pioneers are creating several new esports tournaments throughout the Midwest this year and will participate in the world's largest esports tournament in Saudi Arabia.

Cierra Williams, the majority owner of a paving and concrete business called Tycon Co. in Lee's Summit, claims her company's finances are a mess right now because Kansas City government ignored a court injunction and paid the wrong party.

The Retirement Planning Group is now part of Cetera Financial Group, a Los Angeles-based financial planning firm that has been an active acquirer this year. The Leawood firm has $1.4 billion in assets and 40 employees. Cetera reports $330 billion in assets under administration and $116 billion in assets under management.