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Columbia Banking System Announces Closing of Acquisition of West Coast Bancorp
Posted: 04/01/2013 | Castle Creek

TACOMA, Wash.–(PRNewswire)–Columbia Banking System, Inc. (NASDAQ: COLB, “Columbia“) today announced the completion of its acquisition of West Coast Bancorp (“West Coast”), the parent company of West Coast Bank.  With the completion of the merger, Columbia‘s total assets exceed $7.0 billion, with 157 branches in 38 counties in Washington and Oregon.  Effective at the time of the merger, Columbia also appointed David A. Dietzler, a former director of West Coast, to serve on Columbia‘s Board and the Board of its wholly owned subsidiary, Columbia State Bank.

Melanie J. Dressel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia said, “We are delighted to welcome the customers, employees, and shareholders of West Coast to Columbia.  The merging of Columbia and West Coast moves us significantly toward our stated objective of being the leading Pacific Northwest regional community bank. The complementary aspects of the companies’ businesses, including customer focus, geographic coverage, business orientation and compatibility of management and operating styles, makes the merger a natural fit.”

Columbia also announced the final results of the elections made by the former shareholders of West Coast regarding the form of consideration to be received in connection with the merger.

Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, dated September 25, 2012, former West Coast shareholders were entitled to receive merger consideration consisting of shares of Columbia common stock (“Columbia Shares”) only, cash only, or a unit consisting of a mix of Columbia Shares and cash, in each case with a value equal to approximately $24.11, depending on, and after giving effect to, the proration and allocation procedures set forth in the merger agreement.

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