The BB&T logo conveys the image of an honest and decent financial institution. The emblem breathes reliability, monumentality, and a thorough approach to doing business. The sign promises investors substantial financial returns.
BB&T: Brand overview
BB&T was once a brand in its own right. This name stands for Branch Banking and Trust Company and refers to a bank that operated from 1872 to 2019. Then, the financial institution merged with SunTrust, forming a large structure Truist. After the merger, both organizations offered independent services until the line between them was finally erased.
The earliest predecessor to BB&T was Branch and Hadley. It was founded by two private bankers who decided to help residents of Wilson County rebuild businesses and farms after the Civil War. The bank gradually grew, changed owners, and expanded its capabilities. During the first quarter of the 20th century, he organized a trust department, opened several new branches, and a mortgage lending department.
In 1930, when many financial institutions went bankrupt due to the falling stock market, BB&T stayed afloat. Clients took money out of it en masse and took it to the post office for safekeeping, and the postmen returned the money to the bank.
During World War II, BB&T began its heyday as people rushed to save. The financial institution did not miss its profit and continued to take over other companies to become one of the largest banks in the country.
Meaning and History
After each merge, she left her name and logo, which looked burgundy, and “BB&T” in serif. Yet, the brand has failed to maintain its identity. In 2019, it was merged with SunTrust and served as the foundation for Truist Financial Corporation. The leaders of the new organization entrusted the naming to Interbrand consultants.
Some controversy arose over the chosen name. According to business owners, it underscores the legacy and solid reputation of SunTrust and BB&T. Conservative clients are of the opposite opinion. They think the bank’s name sounds arrogant and presumptuous. And the credit union Truliant considered the use of the word Truist copyright infringement and even sued.
What is BB&T?
BB&T is one of the oldest American banks. It was formed in 1872 and was based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 2019, this banking institution announced a merger with SunTrust Banks, which was based in Atlanta. As a result, they formed a new entity, Truist Financial Corporation. BB&T’s full transition to the new name is scheduled for 2022 and is associated with the documentation.
The BB&T brand used an elegant wordmark that reflected its trustworthy reputation. After a major restructuring and a name change, the old visual identity is a thing of the past. The legacy of the merged companies is partly preserved in the Truist emblem: a stylized monogram in a square contains the two “T” letters that were once part of the names BB&T and SunTrust.
The original logo of the bank, created in 1872, was the epitome of stylish minimalism. It contained only a short abbreviation without additional decoration, demonstrating the desire for order and systematization.
BB&T: Interesting Facts
BB&T, also known as Branch Banking and Trust Company, is a significant player in the U.S. financial services sector, dating back to 1872.
- Beginnings: Founded in Wilson, North Carolina, by Alpheus Branch and Thomas Jefferson Hadley, BB&T initially supported local farmers and businesses, growing into one of the largest financial services companies in the U.S.
- Great Depression: BB&T survived the Great Depression of the 1930s thanks to its careful lending and strong community connections.
- Growth: The company expanded by acquiring banks, insurance companies, and financial firms, broadening its services and reach.
- Technology: BB&T was an early adopter of online banking, enhancing customer convenience and operational efficiency.
- Ethics and Leadership: BB&T is recognized for its ethical business practices and leadership. It values corporate governance and has a culture built around these principles.
- Community Service: With a tradition of philanthropy, BB&T supports education, economic development, and community enrichment projects.
- Merger with SunTrust: In 2019, BB&T merged with SunTrust to form Truist Financial Corporation, making it one of the largest U.S. banking organizations and marking a significant industry milestone.
- Sponsorships: BB&T has sponsored arenas and stadiums, engaging in community support and promoting its brand.
- Financial Education: The company offers programs to improve individual and community financial literacy.
- Services: BB&T provides various financial services, including banking, insurance, investments, and finance, catering to diverse client needs.
BB&T’s journey from a small bank to a major financial institution showcases its dedication to innovation, community, and ethical service.
Font and Colors
For the BB&T word mark, one of the most popular typefaces of our time, Times New Roman Bold, was used. This family of typefaces was developed in 1931 based on serifs. Its authors are Victor Lardent (artist) and Stanley Morison (professional typographer).
The logo’s main color was burgundy, which could be used for the background and inscription. The designers chose a rich shade (# 8A0025) and always combined it with white to create a winning contrast. After the merger of BB&T and SunTrust, their signature colors (burgundy and blue, respectively) were blended to form the basis for the Truist purple emblem.
FAQ
Who owned BB&T?
BB&T was a large regional bank based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It had a strong presence in the southeastern United States, offering various financial services such as banking, lending, and insurance.
In February 2019, BB&T announced a merger with SunTrust Banks, a regional bank in Atlanta, Georgia. This merger was called a “merger of equals,” with BB&T being the official acquirer. The new entity was named Truist Financial Corporation, combining elements of both original brands.
Truist Financial Corporation is one of the largest financial services companies in the United States. It provides a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to individuals and businesses, continuing the legacy of both predecessor banks.
How big was BB&T?
BB&T was one of the largest financial services holding companies in the United States. Its assets were $227.7 billion, and its market capitalization was approximately $35.6 billion.
The brand had an extensive network of branches and ATMs, offering comprehensive banking services in many states. The company served millions of customers by providing various financial products like personal and business banking, loans, mortgages, and insurance. Its wide range of services and strong financial position made it one of the country’s largest and most influential financial institutions.
What happened to BB&T Bank?
On December 9, 2019, Truist Financial Corporation completed the merger of BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks, Inc. The merger created one of the largest financial institutions in the United States. Although it was called a “merger of equals,” BB&T was the official acquirer.
The merger aimed to create a more competitive and reliable financial institution with better technology and customer service. The transition involved integrating the operations, technologies, and corporate cultures of both companies, which was complex due to the size and scope of the merger. The goal was to ensure a smooth transition for customers and employees while providing improved financial services.
What does the BB&T logo mean?
The logo consists of two letters, “T,” on the sides, connected by a square. This design symbolizes high technology, trust, and security. The logo uses a single T from the original banks’ names, indicating their shared financial goals. The square represents their sphere of activity and protection. The logo is intended to convey unity and common goals, highlighting the cooperation between the two organizations.
What is BB&T’s new stock symbol?
After the merger, the companies formed Truist Financial Corporation. The new brand is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the TFC ticker. This symbol represents the combined strength and individuality of the merged companies. This marks the beginning of a new era for the brand, which aims to provide better financial services and stability to customers and investors.
What is the font of the BB&T logo?
The original BB&T logo used Times New Roman font, which gave it a classic and robust look and aligned with the brand’s long history in the financial sector.
The logo was changed after the merger with SunTrust to form Truist Financial Corporation. The new logo uses a flat, thin sans-serif font. This modern font choice reflects the brand’s new direction and commitment to progress. The updated typography symbolizes the purpose of the merger – to combine the strengths of both banks and create a new, unified identity. This change aims to create a modern image, showing that the brand is ready to meet the evolving needs of its customers.