Credit unions eyeing branch prospects in Bank of America'smassive unloading of properties across the U.S. ought to be bothrealistic and wary of any quick fixes in hopes of landing specialdeals even though “there could be prime locations at discountedbook value,” New York investment banker Peter Duffy warnedMonday.

Given economic conditions, the opportunities will likely be inreal estate – branch brick and mortar – rather than acquisition ofaccount relationships, said Duffy, managing director of SandlerO'Neill.

The fact is, said Duffy, CUs are at a definite disadvantage ascompared to community banks making potential bids on what he called“dislocations.”