The pace of bank mergers, which has slowed significantly from last year's record levels, may heat up again as other firms seek to emulate NationsBank's expansion into a major national force.

Norwest Corp and Banc One Corp have been cited as other "super-regional" firms that may be shopping for regional banks, said bank and merger experts. NationsBank Corp on Friday announced plans to buy Boatmen's Bancshares Inc. in a $9.5-billion transaction viewed as pricey and daring. ...  Read