California

Stephen Gordon has long been known as an entrepreneurial banker, which helped him expand his California bank aggressively over a five-year period. A spike in chargeoffs that led to a third-quarter loss spurred Gordon to beef up credit oversight. The question is whether that effort will stymie loan growth.

Castle Creek Capital has sold its entire stake in Heritage Commerce in San Jose, Calif.

CVB Financial in Ontario, Calif., and Valley Commerce Bancorp in Visalia, Calif., have amended the terms of their planned merger.

Banc of California in Irvine and PL Capital have reached an apparent truce, as the bank agreed to consider letting the activist investor group submit two nominees to next year's board election.

Pinnacle Bank in Gilroy, Calif., has appointed a new CEO and its current leaders will move into a newly created role.

Capital Business Credit, a New York-based business finance company, has been acquired by a San Francisco-based lender.

Bay Commercial Bank in Walnut Creek, Calif., has agreed to buy First ULB in Oakland, Calif.

Pacific Premier Bancorp in Irvine, Calif., has agreed to buy Heritage Oaks Bancorp in Paso Robles, Calif.

First Republic Bank in San Francisco has bought Gradifi, a two-year old firm that works with small and large companies to help their employees pay down student debt.

A California bank is planning to add mortgages and home equity lines to its product set.