Mechanics Bank of Richmond (MCHB)

[Enterprising Investor]

California Republic Bank Acquired (4/29/16)

Michael de los Reyes

Irvine-based California Republic Bancorp has been sold to Mechanics Bank in Walnut Creek in a deal worth an estimated $330 million in cash.

Boards of both banks have approved the deal that pays California Republic shareholders $37.19 a share, a 50% premium over yesterday’s closing price of $24.77. The deal is expected to close by year-end.

“There’s very little overlap between the two institutions and many synergies,” said California Republic President John DeCero, in a news release.

The Business Journal in November ranked California Republic the fifth-largest OC-based commercial bank with $1.5 billion in assets as of June 30, 2015, up 56%. It’s assets as of March 31 were $1.8 billion.

California Republic employed 233 locally and 500 total across five Southern California locations. It also runs CRB Auto, which buys car loans from dealerships in 14 states and has some $3.6 billion in assets.

Mechanics Bank has $3.6 billion in assets and 30 branches in Northern California.

Shares prices of California Republic Bancorp soared 45% to $36 and a market cap of $281 million in morning trading.

http://www.ocbj.com/news/2016/apr/29/california-republic-bank-acquired/