SFC8-KreCNBshareholderapproval


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

________________

FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report: July 19, 2013
(Date of earliest event reported)


Sterling Financial Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Washington 
001-34696
91-1572822
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization) 
(Commission File Number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

111 North Wall Street, Spokane, Washington 99201
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

(509) 358-8097
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))




    



Item 8.01     Other Events.

On May 2, 2013, Sterling Financial Corporation announced that it and its principal operating subsidiary, Sterling Savings Bank, had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Commerce National Bank (“CNB”) of Newport Beach, California (the “Transaction”). The Transaction was subject to approval by the shareholders of CNB along with certain other closing conditions. At a CNB meeting of shareholders held on July 19, 2013, a proposal regarding the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger for the Transaction was approved.

Subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, the Transaction is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2013.




    


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


 
 
 
STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 22, 2013
 
By:
/s/  Patrick J. Rusnak
 
Date
 
 
Patrick J. Rusnak
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer