In Brief: N.J. Investor Discloses Big Bank, Thrift Stakes

A little-known New Jersey investment company has bought big chunks of a New Jersey thrift and a Florida bank as a passive investor, according to its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Palisade Capital Management, which is headed by Steven E. Berman, reported last week that it held a 9.4% ownership stake in BankAtlantic Bancorp, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and 6.9% of IBS Financial Corp., Cherry Hill, N.J.

"This is a big stake," said David Finkelman, a BankAtlantic spokesman. "I think it shows continued confidence in the company and its potential for continued growth."

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