[quote author="USCTrojanCPA" date=1247911308]I'm waiting for my former employer...California National Bank...to be taken over by the Feds and when they do I'll have a little smile on my face.</blockquote>
Looks like it's now the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs.
<a href="http://www.labusinessjournal.com/article.asp?aID=54103663.8926615.1832415.1432246.4866892.608&aID2=140946">LA Business Journal, 9/28/09 - Crunch Time for Two L.A. Banks</a>
<blockquote>Two of L.A.?s largest financial institutions, each operating under an enforcement order from regulators, could face severe consequences as early as this week if they cannot find a way to raise capital.
California National Bank, the fourth largest bank in Los Angeles by assets, and First Federal Bank of California, the county?s No. 2 savings and loan, have been ordered to shore up their capital levels by Sept. 30.
Executives at both banks strongly assert they will be able to meet their deadlines, but the ailing institutions are contending with an unfriendly capital market that has made it difficult for other troubled banks and thrifts to raise money.
...
In late May it got a consent order from regulators, which directed the bank to raise capital ? essentially to get an infusion of cash ?and develop a plan to maintain the necessary ratios by Sept. 30. If Cal National is unable to do so, then the order requires ?a disposition plan, which shall detail the board?s proposal to sell or merge the bank, or liquidate? the bank?s assets.
?Time is running out,? said James Barth, a senior fellow who studies financial markets at the Milken Institute in Santa Monica. ?It?s a difficult environment and it becomes ever more difficult as time runs out to raise capital.?
Cal National, owned by Oak Park, Ill.-based FBOP Corp., has contended for the past year that its core earnings are strong and it would be holding steady if not for its one-time, roughly $500 million loss due to its investments in the government mortgage giants. Still, its problem loans are increasing.
Gregory Mitchell, chief executive of Cal National, insists no plans are being made to sell the bank and that capital-raising efforts are progressing.
...
FBOP, which owns seven banks across the country in addition to Cal National, also has reportedly tried unsuccessfully to raise capital over the past year, including applying to the TARP program.
Besides Cal National, three of the company?s other banks are undercapitalized and the Federal Reserve ordered FBOP this month to submit a plan by Sept. 30 to raise its own capital levels.</blockquote>