Bank of the West 2009 Annual Report Download - page 16

COMMERCIAL BANKING
option initially funded at $121 million. We provide a
similar service for the City of Los Angeles. We are also an
official depository bank for the State of California, and
when the State found it necessary to issue ‘registered
warrants’ in lieu of checks in mid-2009, we accepted
them through the entire period of issuance.
Our extensive experience in equipment finance includes
manufacturer leasing programs in many industries; we
have expertise in commercial real estate, construction,
both commercial and residential, and in banking for
title, escrow and property management firms. We also
offer syndication solutions for larger loans.
DEPOSIT, CASH MANAGEMENT AND
INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS
While all banks can provide basic deposit and credit
products, our ability to provide customers with an
integrated solution – including value-added products –
sets us apart. Our product consultants can be the
first point of contact for new customers, providing
transaction and investment solutions prior to a credit
relationship. Capital markets, cash management,
foreign exchange or global trade are often a company’s
initial focus, followed by additional products and
services as needed. Our objective is to fully understand
each client company, its business and its strategic
objectives. This enables us to insightfully provide the
right solutions at the right time to meet each company’s
evolving needs.
Our capital markets capabilities ensure that commercial
customers have access to the best advice on derivatives,
fixed income investment and depository solutions that
fit their specific needs.
In today’s business environment, optimizing the use
of excess operating capital is critical to profitability.
From commercial paper and money market investments
to Treasury securities, CDs and municipal bonds, our
fixed income team is highly adept at putting corporate
capital to its highest use.
Currency risk is a common concern for companies that
operate internationally, and we provide custom foreign
exchange hedging solutions and strategies in all
currencies. For example, Schwan’s Global Food Service,
based in Marshall, Minnesota, markets and distributes
frozen foods in 50 countries. Schwan’s specific foreign
exchange need arose when it divested business lines
in Britain and Germany, and we were there to provide
strategic counsel and efficient execution. In addition
to foreign exchange, we also provide fixed income
investment services for Schwan’s.
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Successful relationships entail addressing all of
our customers’ financial needs