SFC8-KreBPFHregapproval


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: March 11, 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 March 11, 2013, Sterling Financial Corporation’s principal operating subsidiary, Sterling Savings Bank, received the final regulatory approval required to complete the previously announced acquisition of the Puget Sound area operations of Boston Private Bank & Trust Company (the “Transaction”).

The Transaction is expected to be completed on May 10, 2013, subject to satisfaction of the closing conditions set forth in the related Purchase and Assumption Agreement.    



    



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)

March 13, 2013
By: /s/ Patrick J. Rusnak
Date
Patrick J. Rusnak
Chief Financial Officer