Local Sterling Bank branches to become Umpqua branches Saturday

Winlock's branch of Sterling Bank (pictured) will become Umpqua Bank this week after the two companies execute a merger agreed to last year, for which Umpqua is expected to pay Sterling $2 billion.

Starting this Saturday, Sterling Bank will officially become Umpqua Bank, and services to former Sterling customers are expected to continue without interruption.

The Boards of Directors for Umpqua and Sterling had agreed to a merger last September in a move expected to double the branches and customer base of both banks. Former Sterling branches will now operate under Umpqua Bank's name and brand, making Umpqua the largest community bank on the West Coast, according to recent news releases.

Winlock's Sterling Bank branch will be among those making the transition, though Cindy Malarz, community manager for the branch, said signage outside the bank will not be changing immediately, as the branch is hoping to coordinate with City Hall and discuss a new location for a new Umpqua sign. A spokeswoman for Sterling said signage at all branches is expected to have changed by June, and Winlock expects to have their new sign in place b the end of May.

The merger is expected to have become official at the end of business Friday and, on Saturday, former Sterling branches and services will begin operating as Umpqua banks.

Such services include Sterling's website, www.bankwithsterling.com, which will then redirect desktop and mobile users to www.umpquabank.com, and sign-in information is expected to remain the same.

Former Sterling users will also gain access to all Umpqua branches and ATMs, which Umpqua said span from San Francisco to Seattle, and their former Sterling accounts and loans will remain fully accessible through these branches.

Upon completion of the merger, for which Umpqua is expected to pay Sterling $2 billion, a $10 million charitable foundation will be established "to advance our community investment," according to Umpqua's website.

And insurance of accounts is expected to continue for Sterling customers through Umpqua's FDIC insurance.

For more information about the merger, feel free to ask your personal banker or

inquire with Umpqua's Customer Care center at 1-800-650-7141 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on the weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.