Replies to post #26 on Hilltop Holdings Inc (HTH)

[56Chevy]

I would expect that the focus would remain in California. I read an article in 2008 that verified it as Ford's target area (requires time to locate).

Found it - Although this article was put out in late 2008, I doubt the desired target area has changed.

Billionaire Ford Shops for Banks as Government Welcomes Buyers

By Ari Levy - December 17, 2008 00:00 EST

Ford declined to name the two banks he tried to buy in the past month. He did admit a fondness for California and said he bid for a bank with between $10 billion and $12 billion in assets. Downey had $12.8 billion, the only bank of that size to fail this year.

“We operated banks out there, we had a very positive experience out there,” Ford said. “We like California over the long run. Right now it has its challenges.” The state is home to the fourth-highest foreclosure rate in the country, according to November data from RealtyTrac Inc.

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http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&refer=home&sid=aEXLJ6RgPSKk