In Brief: N.J. Thrift Claims Victory in Proxy Fight

IBS Financial Corp. is projecting victory in its two-year battle with dissident shareholders.

The thrift this week said a preliminary count of votes from its Monday annual meeting showed a majority of shareholders supporting IBS management in its proxy fight against a group led by thrift investor Lawrence Seidman. The final tally won't be published until an independent proxy counter certifies the results. IBS officials said they expect the official results to be released in two weeks.

"These people have not won anything," said Joseph M. Ochman Sr., chairman and chief executive officer of $750 million-asset IBS. Mr. Seidman declined to comment.

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