Umpqua Holdings and Sterling Financial announced they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Sterling will merge with and into Umpqua. The transaction will have a total value of approximately $2.0 billion.

The merger will result in the West Coast’s largest community bank with expanded geographic reach. The combined organization will have approximately $22 billion in assets, $15 billion in loans and $16 billion in deposits, with 5,000 associates and 394 stores across five states – OR, WA, ID, CA and NV. Umpqua and Sterling have also agreed to establish and fund a $10 million community foundation, underscoring their mutual commitment to serving their communities.

Upon completion of the merger, the company will operate under the Umpqua Bank name and brand. It will continue to deliver the high-touch level of service that Umpqua and Sterling customers expect, with an expanded branch and ATM network and a broad range of products and expertise in retail, small business, private and corporate banking; asset and wealth management; and securities brokerage.

Umpqua Holdings will continue to be led by Ray Davis as president and CEO. Sterling president and CEO Greg Seibly will join Umpqua Bank as co-president, with Umpqua Bank co-president Cort O’Haver serving in the same capacity.

“Together, Umpqua and Sterling will create something unique in the financial services industry, an organization that offers the products and expertise of a large bank but delivers them with the personal service and commitment of a community bank,” said Ray Davis. “With our size, shared cultures and financial strength, our combined organization will be uniquely positioned to deliver value for our associates, customers, communities and shareholders. We look forward to starting the process of bringing our companies together.”