Western Financial Corporation - Financial Institution Clients Trading Capital Raising Mergers Acquisitions Options Stock Buy-Back

Financial Institution Clients

WFC has been working closely with, and has provided various services to, community-based financial institutions since our beginning. We are proud to be one of the first broker/dealers to actively trade in those securities.

Today we specialize in trading, research, capital raising and mergers and acquisitions primarily for community banks with up to $1.0 billion in assets. WFC’s focus includes assisting “de novo” institutions with initial capital and our strong retail and institutional client base enables secondary offerings of common and preferred stock and the trading of those securities in the aftermarket. Our experience and knowledge of the banking industry is extensive and we are often called upon to comment in the press as well as speak at various conferences, board meetings and director retreats.

Throughout the years WFC has developed numerous techniques to assist community financial institutions in building shareholder value including effective shareholder communication, shareholder awareness programs, advisement as to stock splits and payment of stock and cash dividends, as well as stock buy-back programs.

Trading

In cooperation with our clearing firm, Wedbush Morgan Securities, WFC has been trading the shares of locally headquartered financial institutions for over 30 years. Significant emphasis is placed on providing liquidity in relatively inactive markets and minimizing price volatility.

Capital Raising

WFC is truly a specialist in the area of raising capital for small community banks and has been involved in a significant number of initial and secondary transactions over the years. Offerings have included the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, convertible debt, rights offerings and warrants.

Mergers & Acquisitions

WFC provides its expertise in identifying strategic transactions for both buyers and sellers and assisting them throughout the entire process including negotiation, evaluation of pricing, transaction financing and resolution of corporate and social issues.

Fairness Opinions

WFC offers fairness opinions to institutions wishing to issue additional securities or for those that are involved in a merger or acquisition. Our expertise and knowledge of the industry allows us to quickly and effectively evaluate a particular transaction.

Stock Buy-Back Programs

WFC works with companies to repurchase their shares in the open market under applicable regulatory rules often proving additional share liquidity and enhancing shareholder value.

Cashless Stock Option Exercise

WFC offers a unique program which allows the exercise of “in-the-money” stock options without the need to provide “cash” to purchase the options. An efficient and cost-effective method of option exercise is available to individuals who are ready to exercise and sell.

Dividend Reinvestment Program (DRIP)

By depositing shares with WFC, shareholders of financial institutions are able to reinvest their cash dividends into more shares (including fractional shares) of the company.